Kitesurfer flying high against best

AT THE age of four, his father fastened the harness and let the kite go.

Ever since, Jason van der Spuy, 13, has kitesurfed over oceans, lakes and dams, ending up at the Kitesurf Youth Cup World Championships in Costa Brava, Spain, earlier this month.

Van der Spuy, from Melkbosstrand, finished in sixth place – a position he “was insanely happy” about. He was the only South African to take part in the event.

He improved on his 13th place at last year’s world championships.

“The competition was fierce. I trained very hard and am insanely happy with where I placed,” Van der Spuy said.

Growing up only metres from the beach, Van der Spuy said his father, who is also an avid kitesurfer, was his inspiration for wanting to pursue the sport on a professional level.

“I got into training because of my dad and I would go out with him. My dad took me surfing when I was only four years old.

“It was difficult at

first. I first surfed in the ocean when I was seven.

“I would like to become a professional kitesurfer one day and compete against the best in the world.”

The competition, which ran from June 27 to July 2, comprised a series of “cut-off ” rounds, with Van der Spuy making the semi-finals.

In his under-15 category, there were 21 competitors.

In preparation for the event, Van der Spuy explained that he focused on muscle strengthening exercises.

He spent up to two hours a day in the water – such is his passion, it’s not time he would have spent doing anything else.

“I love the adrenalin rush. When the wind wisps you up out of the water, your heart races so fast.

“Then all of a sudden you are sent right back down into the water. You are tossed in and out of the water all the time, it’s great.”

His family accompanied him to Spain and they had a chance to spend some quality time touring Costa Brava.

Tom Bridge, from the UK, won the under-15 category, beating Christian Tio, from the Philippines, in the final.