From John Abraham of Kitesurfing Vanuatu:

Some may remember an article in KBM August 2007 where KBM and a group of young riders were invited to Vanuatu for the country's first kite surfing event. There were a couple of local riders, a fella off a passing yacht and an international level rider from New Caledonia who Andy Yates battled with to take first place.talk about the full mix with yours truly taking the wooden spoon. There were a few days of glassy surfing to start, followed by a carnival atmosphere comp and a number of days cruising around Efate Island exploring kiting locations, staying in villages, etc.

WELL IT'S ON AGAIN !!!!

Tentative dates are 17 - 27th October

This year will see a slightly different format. Once again we will have a competition weekend the day after arriving which is all about getting as many kites cranked us as possible and putting on a good show for all the locals (we had several hundred spectators turn out for the inaugural event). With the first year a successful experiment, we really want to open it up this year and get as many riders as possible. The main event again will be located adjacent to Hideaway Island which was a fantastic sponsor last year and are set to go again.

Check out www.hideaway.com.vu A great place with exclusive bungalows through to budget dorms. If your seriously interested, make your bookings here and if they run out let me know and I'll provide other locations nearby. Dates are yet to be fully confirmed, so don't rush and make bookings yet. Certainly make enquiries and tell them you are there for the kiting comp and that I sent you and I know the owner Mark will look after you.

A tour of main island Efate will happen again with some new twists including the final weekend which will include a downwinder to the new Kakula Island Resort, a place built for high flyers to drop $20,000 a night. Wonder if they'll have Moet on the beach for us as we land?

Between the two weekends will simply be for everyone to continue enjoying themselves at their own pace, kiting, partying, visiting local communities etc.

Please also send me an email so that I can track numbers of those seriously interested and I will put you on a group list that will be updated directly.

If you want to hear from one of the boys what it was like last time, contact Bill, Andy, Keahi, Happy, Josh or Lewis.

Cheers
John Abraham
johntabraham@gmail.com