Kiteboarder Raises $20,000 for Charity by riding 1300km!
Ian Young set off on what will probably be his biggest ‘downwinder’ ever, on the 6th November, with only a little publicity and a forum thread full of enthusiasm and encouragement. On a large Flysurfer kite, he left Brighton Beach in Perth and headed North.
The goal, was to kiteboard 1300km north to the North West Cape of WA, to Exmouth.
The reason, was to raise money for a Solider On, a charity assisting wounded Soldiers.
The result, was an astounding $20,000 raised, a journey of epic proportions, and a ‘legend’ status among kiteboarders for many years to come.
Along the way, Ian experienced winds from 0 to 40 knots, seas over 6m and crossed some of the most treacherous passages on the Australian Coast. He met fellow kiteboarders in the most unlikely of places, was left floating 20km from landfall when he was separated from his equipment, and on one day, covered over 220km in one hit!
Serving himself for 22 years, Ian Young was one of the first in Australia on a kite back in the late 90’s. Since then he’s stayed in the industry, starting his own kite school in WA in 1998, and continuing to push the Flysurfer brand today in Australia.
If kiteboarders didn’t know him before, they do now! Just read through the amazing forum thread about Ian’s trip to see the messages of support and admiration from Australian Kitesurfers.
Check the messages and photos out for yourself in the kiteboarding forums.
Donate to the charity, Soldier On.
Craigburn Farm, SA
