AITUTAKI: 25TH TO 29TH JUNE, 2012
'KITING TOWARDS HEAVEN'
Kite surfing is a rapidly growing sport and according to the experts, Aitutaki is one of the best places in the world for it. They call this competition "Kiting Towards Heaven", and with the crystal clear turqouise blue waters of the Aitutaki lagoon as the backdrop, that's a perfect description.
Kite surfing is a rapidly growing sport and according to the experts, Aitutaki is one of the best places in the world for it. They call this competition "Kiting Towards Heaven", and with the crystal clear turqouise blue waters of the Aitutaki lagoon as the backdrop, that's a perfect description.
It's easy when you know how.....
Introducing the world's best who'll be playing a part in the competition
Two top names return to Aitutaki as judges. Tahitian pro rider Moehau Goold (left) will be one of those scrutinising and scoring the contestants. He competed last year and called Aitutaki one of the best places in the world for the sport. Alongside him will be three times Queen of the Air, Susi Mai from the Dominican Republic
Twice world champion, Jesse Richman is ranked number one in the world and swept the board at the inaugural event last year. He'll be back to prove he's still the best. The 19-year-old from Maui is also famous for setting a new world record for the longest hang time at the Big Air Wind Jam, in San Francisco.
THROUGH THE EYES OF THE ORGANISER
"I've been all around the world and didn't realize that one of the best places to kitesurf is in my backyard. Kitesurfing is a great opportunity for Cook Islanders because it's a professional sport, there's money in it and there's a good chance it will be in the Olympics."
Teanaroa Paka Worthington, president of the Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association
(in an interview with surfertoday.com)
"I've been all around the world and didn't realize that one of the best places to kitesurf is in my backyard. Kitesurfing is a great opportunity for Cook Islanders because it's a professional sport, there's money in it and there's a good chance it will be in the Olympics."
Teanaroa Paka Worthington, president of the Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association
(in an interview with surfertoday.com)
Aitutaki and its lagoon is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and is listed in several leading guides as one of the locations everyone should visit before they die! Find out more about the island
If you're staying in Rarotonga around this time, you don't need to miss out. The organisers are holding an exhibition event in the beautiful Muri lagoon on Monday 30th June
If you're staying in Rarotonga around this time, you don't need to miss out. The organisers are holding an exhibition event in the beautiful Muri lagoon on Monday 30th June
BUILDING ON SUCCESS: THE 2011 INAUGURAL COMPETITION
Aitutaki's dreamy lagoon sparkled turqoise under a gray blue sky as competitors and supporters were welcomed to the event by a young warrior in traditonal dress. Then as the winds picked up and the sun crept from behind the early morning clouds, the inaugural competition got underway.
Islands' experts competed alongside the world's best.
Pauro Arnold was victorious in the locals' division of the competition.
Pauro Arnold was victorious in the locals' division of the competition.
As predicted, twice world champion Jesse Richman took the top honours, but Tahitian, Orava Terai put up a tough fight against him in the final. Richman said it was awesome to be back on the water, and raved about the Aitutaki lagoon. He told Cook Islands News: "Though it lacks the waves that some kiters chase, its flat and shallow and conducive to freestyle riding. The riding was incredible"
And for the kitesurfers among you reading this....Richman said his best trick in the competition was a kite loop front mobe and inverted forward spin with a backside handle pass. So now you know!
And for the kitesurfers among you reading this....Richman said his best trick in the competition was a kite loop front mobe and inverted forward spin with a backside handle pass. So now you know!
Pictures courtesy of Cook Islands News
THE LOCATION
If you fancy your own chances against the world's best....
Find out more on the Facebook page of the Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association
If you want to enter the event, download a registration form and waiver (pdf format)
If you want to enter the event, download a registration form and waiver (pdf format)
BOOKMARK THIS PAGE AND COME BACK SOON FOR MORE INFORMATION