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Kitesurfers to Compete for Three National Titles – Freestyle, Wave and Kite Foiling

Published Wed 18 Sep 2019

Kitesurfers to Compete for Three National Titles – Freestyle, Wave and Kite Foiling

Keahi de Aboitiz hitting the lip at the GKA at Pt Danger, Torquay!

 

  • Kite Foiling nationals set to test competitors as sights are set on Paris 2024
  • Wave Nationals to be held in the iconic surf of Torquay
  • Freestyle Nationals to be held in South Australia for the first time
  • North Kiteboarding partner with Kiteboarding Australia for the North Kiteboarding National Freestyle Series

 
Kiteboarding Australia (KA) is pleased to make 3 major announcements regarding our National Competition structure for the 2019 – 2020 season.

Kiteboarding is at an exciting point in its development with the recent inclusion in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Kite Foil racing is destined to become our showcase event in the Olympics, and we are excited to create an event that will test our potential Olympic competitors.

 As an organisation, Kiteboarding Australia continues to be heavily committed to the Freestyle and Waves disciplines of our sport. We expect the competition for the National titles to be fierce.

Freestyle Nationals
The Freestyle Nationals are moving from Safety Bay, WA to Semaphore, SA. It will be the first time the Freestyle Nationals have taken place in SA and we are excited to invite riders from across Australia to a fantastic flat-water location on the metro beaches of Adelaide. The event will take place over the Australia Day long weekend 24th – 27th of January 2020. Reigning champ Dan Sweeney said 'It's exciting to see the event moving to South Australia and I'm excited to be part of the growing number of talented riders in Australia'.

KA are pleased to announce support of North Kiteboarding who will become the naming rights partner of the North Kiteboarding National Freestyle Series. The partnership is based upon a mutual commitment to support freestyle kiteboarding across Australia through the North Kiteboarding National Freestyle Series which will involve the National Title and 5 State Title events. North Kiteboarding have an exciting new range of equipment that has come to market in August with highly innovative technology and a clear vision to connect riders to our natural water playground. We’re excited to be starting a new journey with North Kiteboarding.

Wave Nationals
After the success of the Wave Nationals in December, 2018, with the support of the Surf Coast Shire KA are thrilled to be returning to Torquay. The Torquay township proved to be a great venue to host the titles, with excellent proximity to the flagship town and fun conditions. Kiteboarding Australia’s General Manger Declan McCarthy said ‘moving the event to February 2020 should allow for the best possible wind conditions for this area of the Victorian coastline, the sea breeze should be in full swing. Building on the success of last years event is important and we are looking forward to working with Kiteboarding Victoria to bring together a great event for the riders and the Torquay township.' The event will take place between the 21st and 24th of February 2020.

Kite Foil Nationals
Although already publicly announced, the Kite Foil and Formula Kite Nationals will be taking place in conjunction with the Sail Melbourne event between the 17th and 21st of January. As the future Olympic discipline, the nationals will be of interest to aspiring racers in this aspect of kite racing. In recent years, foiling has evidently become an increasingly large part of our sport, opening the ability to compete in the largest range of conditions, whilst continuing to provide fast and exciting entertainment for spectators and racers.

Kiteboarding Australia encourages the community to get involved in their discipline(s) choice and have a fun and safe summer of kiteboarding. The event registrations are open to riders, with currently no qualification necessary. First time national competitors are encouraged to participate – competition is a healthy part of life, you’re guaranteed to learn something from the riders around you and have a lot of fun at the same time.

Ben Winding sending a slim chance at Safety Bay 2019

The fleet at the Townsville Kite Foil Nationals

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