1000km from home, and your kite disappears downwind.
As if Ian’s story wasn’t incredible enough, he’s kiting 1300km downwind from Perth to the North-West Cape in WA to raise money for Solider On, a charity helping wounded veterans who put their lives on the line to serve their country. He’s raised almost $15,000 already, and blown his target of $10,000 out of the water.
But speaking of blowing things out of the water, after spending a few days riding his 6m Flysurfer in winds up to 40 knots, Ian changed up to the 19m at Gnarloo to cope with the unseasonal light winds. Setting off for Coral bay, he gets about 20km North before a huge gust of wind hits Ian, tearing the harness, leash and kite from him.
So he’s floating offshore, with only his board to float on, and his kite disappearing downwind. What’s a man to do? He swam, and after a considerable distance he finally got back to his bar and lines, to find the harness broken beyond repair. But Ian didn’t get that far without determination, and he relaunches the kite to fly 24km further downwind as the sun is setting.
Adding to the drama, Ian’s ground crew get two flat tires, so they’re not able to help him out. Darkness is looming, and Ian happens upon a bloke named Joey on the beach. Turns out he’s a kiter who’s camping nearby, and he offers a spare swag for the night, a bottle of wine and some bush repairs to Ian’s harness.
Next morning, back on the water with the repaired harness, Ian kites on to Coral bay to meet his support crew who were unable to reach him during the night. It’s here (in the pub) where they’re currently resting as we write this story.
Not long left now for Ian Young on his incredible journey. Watch the updates in the kitesurfing forums right here on Seabreeze.com.au, and follow his progress live via the tracker here.
Click here to donate to Solider On, the charity Ian’s raising money for by Kitesurfing 1300km up the WA coast.
Geraldton, WA
