The local kitesurfing scene has exploded over the past few years and The Sunshine coast’s recent results in the Australian National Freestyle Kitesurfing Championships held in Victoria reflect the skill level of our up and coming riders.

Local kitesurfers including World Ranked 5^th Andy Yates & defending Australian Champion Keahi De Aboitiz excelled at the Nationals.  Andy took out 1^st in the Open Men’s while Keahi took home 2^nd in the Open Men’s & 1^st in the Junior Division.   Although not even out of their teens, these guys are veterans of the competition circuit in Australia and did not disappoint the Sunshine Coast Kitesurfing Community with these results, but most surprising were the result of some of the coasts junior riders.  Tom Ryan took 4^th position in the juniors but of particular interest was 14 year old Adventure Sports Kitesurf Australia team rider Lucas Hearn who competed in his first National competition and came 8^th in the Open men’s Division & 7^th in the Junior Division.  These are great results considering his age and experience in Freestyle kitesurfing.   Lucas came home to compete at a local competition hosted by Kite Thrills in Currimundi and won multiple first positions in the under 16 division.  Coming 1st in the Freestyle, Big Air & overall under 16 years.  Tom Ryan almost mirrored these results in the Under 18 Division.

Kitesurfing competitions are only part of the local kitesurfing scene and it is fantastic to see these results but most of all it is great to see these guys out having fun, enjoying the great beaches and waters of the Sunshine Coast.   In reading this you might be thinking, great young person’s sports, but think again.  The local kitesurfing community includes kids as young as 9 and adults in their late 60’s to 70’s all enjoying this exciting sport.  Kitesurfing provides overall fitness and can be as adrenalin packed or as relaxed as you want to make it.  What more could you want from your recreation time and how many sports can the whole family enjoy together like Kitesurfing?