Kitelements

HI Everyone,

The 2011 Red Bull race Lighthouse to Leighton is just around the corner.  The race will take place here in Perth Wester Australia on the 3rd of December.

THe event is organised by Red bull and The WAKSA. For the second time and the longest race of Australia, 100 participants from all over the world will try to beat the record of french man Alex Caizergues. Alex ride the 19klms in just under 25 minutes.

Some of the kitelements crew will be participating and already training hard.

Entertainment will be provided at Leighton beach, by the life saving club by noon. Come and chill by the beach while listening to some great tunes.

For more informations visit the www.waksa.org.au

Good wind to all

G’day,

It is that time again where the best are getting together to throw their sickiest move ever to become  THE No 1 in the country. The event organiser are promising a full week end of entertainment in and out the water with full concert…..

On our side the crew is training really  really hard to get to the top. Damian Gough will enter the freestyle and racing event. Christina Gaudieri will defend her championship title of last year.

We are delighted and so excited for them. The event will be covered by our dedicated photographer Paul Smyth. As WA based we will support Simon Wichtermann , Daniel Anderson and Ewan Jaspan….

The 2011 Australian Kiteboarding National Titles will take place in North Queensland at Alva Beach (Ayr, 80km south of Townsville).

From the 22nd to the 25th of April 2011, kiteboarders from all around Australia will gather and compete at Alva Beach for the title of National Kiteboarding Champion (in freestyle and racing).

The event is supported by the Australian Kitesurfing Association (AKSA), and is sanctioned by the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA). Different competitions will be held:
-Freestyle (men, women, junior, masters)
-Racing (men, women)
-Big Air contest (men, women)
-Rails & Kickers Wakestyle contest (men, women)

If you want more info, go to :

http://www.kiteboardingnationals.com/2011-aknt#!__2011-aknt

KITELEMENTS are proud sponsors of the wind will gravity pro tour tha took place early this year in Augusta western Australia

Cheers to the video and photo Crew and special thanks to riders

Thank Gwen and PAul

<iframe src=”http://player.vimeo.com/video/20482590″ width=”400″ height=”220″ frameborder=”0″></iframe><p><a href=”http://vimeo.com/20482590″>Wind Will And Gravity pro tour 2011</a> from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/supersaturated”>SuperSaturated</a> on <a href=”http://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>

Airborne Kitesurfing is stocking KITELEMENTS clothing. The Managment and staff are very professional and friendly . They r dedicated to kitesurfing as well as SUP Stand Up Paddling.

Based in Osborn Park, few minutes from Perth City center, go pay them a visit, grab some gears, grab some Ts and go hit the water .

Contact them

www.airbornekitesurfing.com.au

(08) 9244 4474

About Airborne Kitesurfing

Interview with paul Smyth photographer……

I met Paul few years ago while kitesurfing and taking photo shots of my mate. He was here taking shots of kitesurfers doing their tricks and training to out do each other. As a passionate of photgraphy we chat about the sport and gears of course. Since then i see Paul nearly everyday out there shooting the best in buisness and seeing his work getting published in professional magazines.

Paul as come a long way with his work and now the reference in kitesurfing photography here in Perth Western Australia and everyone wants to be captured by his lenses.

Paul tell us , where are you from ???

I’m Fremantle born and bred but support the Eagles!

What took you on the path of photography?

I have always had a camera of some discription all my life, So when I came into some money in 2009 I decided to purchase  a real camera, a  digital slr camera and try and get seroius about it .

How long have you been a photographer???

Officially for 14 months now other than playing around with a compact  camera as a kid  and threw my adult years. My high school was the first in the state to have a purposly built media center where we were taught the basic’s of still photography, how to develop black and white film and print black and white photo’s. It had a tv studio with cameras as well, I guess thats what hooked me in, We were allowed to take cameras home  over night to practice and bring it back the next day to develop Your film.

Why kitesurfing ? Why did you get into shooting those crazy kiters?

It all happened by chance really, I live 2 minutes from Woodies and was wandering around down there with the new camera just practicing on beach 1 when I got talking to a Sweedish Tourist who suggested I go and have a look at beach 3. I was trying sunsets and birds and landscapes but everyone’s doing that and after watching and photographing the guys and gals on beach 3 I  was hooked, just amazing to watch! I showed a few people down there a few snaps , one of them was Simon Wichtermann who has been very supportive of Me ever since that day, I’m  glad some one takes me seriously hahaha. He suggested to posted a few on Seabreeze and  after receiving  some favourable coments,  and some postive feedback, Here I am!

What was your best moment or best shot according to you ?

Gee had a few since kicking around with all You guys, Ummm going to Augusta last year with Simon Wichtermann, Chrissy Gaudieri, Dan Anderson and Michael Bell, what a dream place it  is, I t was my first real effort at a shoot and was really happy with the results because KBM published my story and pictures, My first ones published.

Whats your aim with kistsurfing shots ?

Just to promote the sport of kiteboarding and  give some of the Western Australian rider’s some exposure and hopefully give the magazine reader’s quaility shots to view.

Where is  your dream place to be to push the trigger???

Gee hard question, never been out of Australia,  Augusta is probably the best place I’ve been so far, I’m Going to Alvah (Queensland)in April to try my hand with the National Titles,  any were there’s flat tourquoise  water with a great background and warm weather is fine with Me, thinking about seeing if anyone wants to do a shoot in Bali or or maybe the Philipines next year.

Who would you love to have a front of you lenses ????

I ‘ve been spoilt rotten since starting my photography, I’ve had Cesar Portas, Mario Rodwald, Reno Romeu, Sam Light, Tom Court, Ali Barret, Simon Wichtermann, Michael Bell, Chrissy Gaudieri, Florian Daubos, Ewan Jaspan, Luke Whiteside, Jalou Langeree, Holly Kennedy, Hannah Whiteley, Nicky Rudd, Ned Taylor, Damian Gough  and Jerome Bonieux all are world class rider’s and really cool people too. Theres a few more out there I would like to point the lens at, Kevin Langeree, Yori Zoon, Keahi De Aboitz, Arron Haddlow, Gueslia oh and the Kitelements crew so hopefully in the future they might pay Woodies and myself a visit!

What equipment do you use ? and explain to us please why do you like it ?

I use the Olympus e 30, 6 fps it is a great camera but unfortunatley not a wide range of lenses. If I knew I was going to be doin this I would have probably gone for a canon, there lens range is awesome so hopefully I can upgrade maybe later this year, Hopefully!

What are the plans for 2011?

Not really sure as yet, I think I need to go back to full time work to upgrade the equipment and might just go back to weekends and after work shooting. This season started out with promise with Redbull asking Me to do the Rottnest to Leighton event but I think there’s some rider’s and people out there that dont take Me serious as a photographer which crushes my confidence a little, so hopefully I’ll do a good job at Nationals and pull off some awesome shots to shove it up a few people. I have to try and be a little more creative next season and set a few things up I think. But I would also like to thank all the crowd at Woodies for their support, nice comments and friendly attitude.

Thank you Paul for your time

The Kitelements crew

see more of Paul works on :

www.paulskitesurfingpictures.com

G’day everyone,

Kitestock DOngara WA Australia

Yes Kitestock 2011 was again a massive success despite the lack of wind. I can hear you say how can it be so good if there was no wind ?  THe answer is the WAKSA again provided us with a massive week end of Entertainment, kiters from all over the world were nice and Ben Wilson  gave us great tips during his clinics  . The  Waksa crew and sponsors were amazing and so helpfull.

Let me tell you try to amuse 380 kiters ego to ride when no wind wants to show up … few took the chance to ride offshore but not for long ……….SO what do you do ??? well there was beach volley comepition, clinics for jumping , riding, wave riding .. the event was fully catered all day . SPonsors we proud to show and demonstrates or promotes their products. In fact a great moment to meet people , share technics and ideas … NETWORKING and have a laugh.

Personally i had a blast . got there friday night , the kitelements crew were already there, i arrived just on time for a drink after 4 hours driving north of Perth . We left to go to the buffet at the Priory hotel , the atmosphere chilled. The Dj was playing good tunes and people were having a laugh …i told myself mmm it feels good to be here..then here we go a mate , another mate , many mates and party is on and way too many beers to handle and the party was a blast as everyone was on the dance floor till 2am …..then blankkkkkkkkk

The following day went back to port Denison beach to see all those faces from the night before struggling a bit while  having a huge breaki . As the wind was shy people start to play soccer, sand castles competition for the kids, more clinics and more networking till people pull up surfboards and parctice stand up paddling….Who said kitsurfers were boring ??? never a dull moment

before we realise the sun was setting it was time to rush and get ready to Partyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy , again , ahahah . Saturday night at kitestock is the big night. why ??? hold on … more than 300 people , 8 kites give away by sponsors, 4 boards, 2 trips to cocos islands , clothing … you dreamt it you have it there … every ingredients to a succes recipe. On top of that the theme was Carnival with a competition for the best dress . it was a bal, happy faces everywhere and i will pass on the details of my night .. one word HUGE

To resume the week end it was a blast and a sucees due to the people, the support of the Waksa and volonteers, the sponsors and mainly all the addicts and their family to the sports.

Thank you all and i can not wait for next year …

See you there and good wind

Organised by the www.waksa.org

Kitestock is the premier kitesurfing event in WA, bringing together kiters of all levels for three days of exclusive kiting and socialising at the stunning ocean location of Dongara/Port Denison, WA from the 11th to 13th of February 2011.

Throughout the weekend there will be various “events” with some stunning prizes up for grabs. You will be able to demo the latest gear from various manufacturers and get expert advice from some of the top riders in the country.

If you would like to attend this event you must purchase a ticket by registering your details and proceeding to the PayPal payment area before you can secure a spot. To do this please go to the ‘Register’ page now.

THERE ARE LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE THIS YEAR AND WE WILL SELL OUT so please be quick to avoid disappointment. After we have sold all tickets there will be no more issued due to catering restrictions.

The KITELEMENTS Crew and Team will be there to have fun , entertain the Audience and also Sale our products.

Come to see us to have special deals on our Ts and our Limited KItestock Edition T-Shirt

See you OUT THEREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE and Good wind

French speed ace Alex Caizergues won the inaugural Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton kitesurfing race in emphatic fashion at Fremantle, WA today. The 32-year-old pro kiter from Marseilles sped across the 19km Indian Ocean course from Rottnest Island’s Phillip Point to the beach just north of Fremantle in just 24 minutes and 34 seconds, around half the time of a typical voyage on the Rottnest Express ferry at an average speed of over 20 knots.

It was tricky, bumpy, choppy conditions and, with three choppers around you, it is really scary.

Despite being unaccustomed to the choppy local conditions of Gage Roads caused a by 20-knot-plus Fremantle Doctor and made more tricky by the attention of three helicopters, Caizergues led virtually all the way to win by one minute and 50 seconds. Local Said Salameh was second across the line, with fellow WA kiter Marty Farrow third.

There was drama after the finish, with Salameh disqualified for failing to go around a marker near the finish line and Farrow promoted to second and Philip Rowlands elevated to third. It was a close race early, but the Frenchman put aside jetlag after only arriving in Perth on Wednesday and pulled away as his rivals tired, and hit the beach at least a couple of kilometres ahead of his rival in front of around 500 spectators.

The WA Kitesurfing Association-sanctioned Lighthouse to Leighton was the longest kitesurfing race ever held in Australia and Caizergues said he was out of his comfort zone, being more accustomed to speed challenges on flat custom-built kitesurfing courses.

“Usually I am competing on my own, here I had 50 guys all excited and I didn’t know what to expect,” Caizergues said. “I had to get a really good start and not tangle with someone, and I did that and took the lead from the beginning. It’s really different compared to speed conditions, I was going fast, probably 25-30 knots, around 50 km/h.

“It was tricky, bumpy, choppy conditions and, I tell you, with three choppers around you it is really scary.”

Caizergues always shaped as the man to beat, being the second fastest man in the world on a kitesurfer. He is also a three-times world champion and was the first man to break the magical 100km/h on the water, setting the world record in Namibia in October before US kiter Rob Douglas snatched the record off him with a speed of 55.65 knots just days later.

Caizergues said he didn’t need to make too many dramatic changes to his gear to conquer the Perth conditions, but was using a specially designed board for distance kiting: “I am using the same kite as for speed challenge,” he said. “I know they are fast and they can handle strong winds, I had a special board for long distance.”

Caizergues said he was impressed with his first event in Western Australia. “I am really impressed, I didn’t expect so many people on the beach,” he said. “I am really proud to win the first edition of the Lighthouse to Leighton Beach.”

A display of freestyle kitesurfing warmed up the 500-strong crowd before the main event, which was limited to 50 competitors and attracted entrants aged from 18-60. The event was made possible with assistance from Fremantle Ports, Royal Life Saving WA and local kitesurfing body, Western Australia Kite Surfing Association (WAKSA).

Red Bull Photofiles

Red Bull Photofiles

Winter getaway????           Mauritius & Rodrigues

When the wind starts dying and you suddenly notice the chill in the air, forcing you to dig through your drawers to find that jumper you forgot you even had, you know it’s coming to an end. As great as Perth is during its five months of blissful summer, one day it just suddenly ends. You know it’s coming when all the tourists have packed up and disappeared and you are once again alone on the water with a few local crew; all of us kiting into the moonless dark night until you no longer can see your kite, determined to get the last little bit of breeze we have left because you know this might be the last good session for the season. It is now I realize I need to get away, just to get a last taste of the warm, salty breeze.

So I booked us some last minute tickets to french speaking Mauritius and Rodrigues, based off the east coast of Madagascar. Inhabited by friendly, very laid back people, these are two islands with consistent winds throughout May – September and some amazing kite beaches.

The first thing we did as we sat foot on Mauritius was to rent a car and check out the main kite spot. We were lucky as it was a very windy day, hitting 30 – 35 knots, and we were itching to go out after weeks of no wind back home.  Kiting with a steep volcanic mountain as our backdrop (I nearly fell off my board when I realized), the famous wave spot One Eye only metres way and a shallow lagoon a few tacks upwind this spot is one of the most scenic and varied I have ever been to. Hundreds of kites were in the air but the beach is so big there is more than enough space for everyone. The wind likelihood is high, but we did experience a few windless days. It is definitely worth hiring a car and exploring the rest of the island, as the east coast also holds some beautiful flat water spots as well as some less known wave spots. Make sure you are a confident driver though, as the traffic is crazy and there seem to be absolutely no road rules!

Rodrigues is the better option if you want to be certain of consistent wind. The wind blows day and night and you can kite until you drop from sunrise to sunset – leaving you extremely soar and sunburned day after day and you can do nothing but go to bed straight after dinner! The island is surrounded by a huge lagoon, creating spots with crystal clear, warm water that are safe to kite for both beginners and experts. This is a hidden treasure and there are only a handful of kitesurfers on the water at any one time. The best part is that you can use the hotel facilities of the main kite spot at Anse Morouk, without actually having to stay there – toilets, the beach bar and the hiring of kite gear and surf boards. And if you get tired of the same beach and the green, hilly background, there are several small islands surrounding Rodrigues worth exploring by kite. We tried a few of these, the best one based on the west part of the island close to the famous Island of Cocos, with super flat shallow water.

We launched off a small island with dodgy turbulent winds, only a hundred or so metres off the international airport (!).  The safety boat would then take off to the end destination and leave us exploring the massive sandbank with shallow, flat water and mind-blowing views of small palm-streaked islands and white sandbanks. Only four of us as far as they eye can see, alone kilometres off the mainland with nothing but flat water, epic scenery and the sound of the waves smashing into the reef in the distance. Every now and again we would run into the random fisherman walking around the bottom looking for octopus, and you can’t help but wonder how on earth he got out here without a boat! This full day trip left us sunburned, very soar (especially Damo who found out, the hard way, that he could do a split) and completely exhausted. It was the best day in a very long time.

I had never been on a kitesurfing trip before, and I know I have now crossed a road from where there is no turning back; I am hooked. And isnt it strange that when you start thinking it is all over for this year, you have the best time of your life?

Some Useful tips:

-          Book your accommodation in advance as guesthouses are scarce and they get completely booked out even during the low season. When you arrive Immigration will check to make sure you have made arrangements with a hotel.

-          Mauritius and Rodrigues are not as expensive as we are lead to believe, you can easily find a guesthouse with a double bed, private toilet and shower for the same price as a bunk bed in a hostel in Australia.

-          Rent a car and explore the islands, there are secret spots all around worth checking out!

-          If you are going to Rodrigues make sure you get your bags transferred straight from Mauritius to Rodrigues as the baggage limit between the two islands is only 15 kg. It’s not a big deal if you can’t, as the charge for excess luggage is only around a dollar per kg.

-          Be patient as the people are extremely laid back and you might not be able to get them to sell you what you want to buy – they’ll only sell it to you if they feel like it!

Part II is coming soon Stay Tune

Good WInd to all

by Evelina Vasilas