Last Sunday, in somewhat windy conditions, up to about 26 knots, 68 kiters participated in the inaugural WAKSA Charity Downwinder for Redkite.
The day started with kiters arriving before registrations had actually opened – a very encouraging sign, and by the time the bus arrived just after 1.30pm, we had at least 50 kiters registered & kitted out in some wonderful red rashies – a great idea given the event was for Redkite.
Kiters were on the water at Leighton by 2.30pm and the first kiter to clock in back at Brighton was at about 3.40pm. The overwhelming majority of the 68 registered kiters were keen enough to do the 14 kilometre downwinder from Leighton back to Brighton, with a smaller number starting later at either Swanbourne or City Beach.
With the exception of one enthusiast sporting a 12m kite in 25+ knot winds (must have been one of those kites with ‘exceptional’ de-power 
), everyone made it back safe and sound.
Kiters returned to the usual smorgasbord of sausages & onions, and tales of how windy it was out on the water. A few kiters had the requisite kitemares, with boards being rescued by clubbies, a few tangled line scenarios, and a smattering of bruised bodies and especially a few damaged knees.
There were two goals for this event: to have a bucket load of fun, and to raise a bucket load of money for Redkite. Participating kiters will be very happy to know that just over $13,500 was raised for Redkite, through the online system as well as from cash donations made on the day. This is a sensational amount for an absolutely worthwhile cause.
The following prizes have been awarded to participating kiters:
1st kiter back: Alty Frisby – did the whole 14k’s in about 70 minutes – picked up a trainer kite & Progression DVD from AKS
Most $$ raised: Miles Merckel – Miles takes home a voucher from Windforce in Nedlands
The guy who got used his international connections to also raise $$: Jim Charette –two tix to Kitestock 2010.
First woman kiter back: Sue Anderson – Sue picks up a new harness courtesy of SOS Surf.
Who said it never pays to clown around? Seb Joll picks up a voucher from Surf Sail Australia.
The “why do you want to know my age on the registration form” Youngest Kiter on the Day Award goes to William Gaylard (15) – a t-shirt & cap from Star Surf and some CD vouchers from Mills Records.
WAKSA would also like to thank all of our sponsors for this event:
Ian Grose @ Airborne/Windforce;
Darren Marshall @ AKS;
John Geyer @ SOS;
Mark Taylor @ Surf Sail Australia;
Andrew Bailey @ Mills Records;
Duncan Burrows @ Island 2 Island;
Neil Taylor@ Hold the Line;
the British Sausage Company, and
Anton & Drew from The Downwinder bus service.
Oops, almost forgot – a very big thank you to Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue Group, and our two private boat owners who provided back up, Michael Hansen & Mel Biggs. Without their combined assistance and involvement, the event wouldn’t have been possible.
Based on the level of support from local kiters and from Redkite, we hope that the inaugural event will become a launch pad for this event to become an annual event. More on that early next year.
Stay tuned for more events from WAKSA over the season.
PS: photos will be up on the WAKSA website asap.
