Kitesurfers boost into Hyundai Nationals

14.02.05
immediate release

Kitesurfers boost into Hyundai Nationals

Boosting big, airborne 10 metres above the broiling surf … suspended impossibly upside down, speeding and spinning above the waves … the best kitesurf riders come to Christchurch this week for the Hyundai 2005 NZ Kitesurfing Nationals.

Hyundai sponsored Shayne Bright ripping it up.

Three-time PKRA world champion Cindy Mosey, Olympic golden girl Barbara Kendall and 70 others will contest five New Zealand titles plus best-trick classes from Friday to Sunday, 18th to 20th.

“If you’ve never experienced kitesurfing action, or you’ve only seen it on TV, this is your chance for a real adrenalin buzz,” said organiser Adrian Roper.

“It’s great to get all this talent to one place, thanks to the help of Hyundai … Christchurch, you’re in for some wild action this weekend!

“We’ll be riding the city’s kiteboarding hotspots; the final decision on the day’s racing location will be taken each morning when we see which way the wind’s blowing … it’ll be the Estuary, South Brighton or Lake Ellesmere, possibly Sumner Bar.”

Mr Roper says Christchurch is uniquely fortunate to witness Cindy Mosey, a legend in the sport. The Nelson-based star rides for North Kites and Underground Boards.

“And Cindy’s a great friend of Barbara Kendall who of course is much better known as a windsurfer,” he commented.

“But Barb’s a very competitive person and when the two of them are out there on the water, neither will want to be beaten.”

Kendall’s husband / manager Shane Bright will also be competing, both of them with Hyundai-sponsored kites and boards.

Defending Christchurch honour in the Open Men’s class will be Aaron Smith, riding for Naish Kites and Underground Boards, against Aucklander Gavin Broadbent (Slingshot Kites and Boards).

Juniors and Legends classes will be featured, as well as the all-in Open.

Information can be found at www.nznationals.pray4wind.com

ends

Racing locations will be decided at a meeting each day Friday to Sunday, 9am, Estuary at end of Linwood Avenue.