Freeride Festival at Karioitahi beach
WINDCRAFT OWNERS’ RALLY
NEW ZEALAND’S PREMIERE surf freestyle event, the Yamaha NZ Festival of Freeride, is back at Karioitahi Beach this February.
Now in its fifth year, the Festival brings together the country’s best ‘free riders’. The iconic west coast Karioitahi Beach, 10mins west of Waiuku, will host daredevil riders from February Friday 18 to Saturday 19. Activities run from 9am to 4pm each day.
Described as a cross between surfing and freestyle motocross, ‘free riding’ sees riders of stand-up pole skis and blasters perform manoeuvres and tricks in the surf, including launches off waves, big air backflips and barrel rolls.
Over the course of the event, competitors are in for a chance to be crowned with the sport’s most sought-after titles, including the nomination for ‘Biggest Air’, ‘Sickest Trick’, ‘Havin’ a Crack’ and ‘Cherry Popper’ awards.
The ‘Cherry Popper’ competition is for those who’ve never completed a back flip, to go out and have a go in front of the crowds. First to do one, wins!
“Yamaha has been involved with the Festival since its inception,” says Matt Walton-smith, National Manager NZ for Yamaha Marine Products. “It’s the perfect platform for riders to come together and showcase their unique talents in a fun, safe and controlled environment.”
The event is free of charge. For more information, www.nzfestivaloffreeride.com or email Richard Webb, President of the Auckland Jet Sport Association E: rtwebb@gmail.com.
WINDCRAFT NEW ZEALAND, agent for Hanse, Moody and Dehler yachts, will be hosting its annual owners’ gathering and sail away on Saturday, February 18.
The venue hosting this year’s event is the Lidgard house and surrounds on Kawau Island. As always the sail away comprises a ‘fun-for-all’ race with yachts starting on the Waitemata harbour – according to size – and heading to Kawau.
On the Island the prize-giving, food, drinks and good company is part of the program. With more than 100 owners participating in the 2016 rally, this year’s event will see even greater numbers thanks to all the new yachts that have arrived over the last 12 months. For more information contact Dominic Lowe at Windcraft New Zealand Ltd – 09 413 9465, 021 390 045 or visit www.windcraft.co.nz.