MAROOCHYDORE kitesurfer Scott Johnson has taken out the Emerging Talent Award after an entertaining display at the Merimbula Kitesurfing Classic recently.

As a result of his performance in southern New South Wales, Johnson was rewarded with an opportunity to be represented by sports management agency Project Pro Extreme.

The 20-year-old said a lot of preparation had gone into the event, and his recognition as a future talent was a great incentive to return next year.

"It will just make me want to push harder for next year," Johnson said.

He said the Classic was "one of the more laid-back events" of the kitesurfing calendar and had been a great experience.

"It's different to any other competition," Johnson said.

"You have to go out every day - for six hours every day - and show what you can do.

"With 200 people in the water, it's pretty hectic."

Johnson said Merimbula provided the perfect location for kitesurfing, which had been part of the reason he attended the event for the fourth consecutive year.

"We got a few days with not much swell," he said.

"But we had wind all week, so it was worth it."

Johnson said kitesurfing was truly a family affair, with his father Kevin taking out the Grand Master division title. Johnson originally followed in his father's footsteps by taking part in windsurfing, but both have since moved on to kitesurfing.

He said he hoped to push on with his kitesurfing career, with the possibility of attending some international events on the horizon.

"It's a bit more extreme and a bit more out there," he said. Johnson said that when at home on the Coast, his favourite spot for kitesurfing was either the Maroochy River or Caloundra.

Two other Coast kitesurfers attended the Classic: Coolum's Ben Wilson fell just short of defending his 2008 title, while Noosa's Keahi De Aboitez came fourth in the open division.

By Jacob Grahems, used with permission of SunshineCoastDaily

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