I warned you that the time will come to share my thoughts on
this topic. I started this blog about a week ago and ever since I've been straining
my brain trying to think of something
I could write about. A week ago I had millions of ideas at the tip of my
fingers and all of a sudden they just, kinda, flew away with the wind (I'll get
to that in a minute). And today I actually missed my bus home from school
because I was too busy trying to think of my first blog post. V, (my exchange
student from Finland- I'll introduce him later) has a blog of his own, and he
told me to just write what comes naturally and not to force it. So what better
first post to write about, then the topic of kitesurfing!
I actually don't know where to start so I'll start by saying
this:
The first time I kited, I was literally in love. Like a Mum
loves their child or someone hungry loves to eat (me all the time), or a 15 year old girl loves to name her fish
'serious' names, aka "Malcolm & Norman" (btw I'm talking about my friend)… getting back to the point: that's how much I love to kitesurf. And
it's not just the presence of kitesurfing itself, it's the way I feel on the
water with the wind in my face, and how you can feel weightless getting
launched into the air (sometimes by accident), or just simply skimming along
the water at what sometimes feels like a million miles an hour. And with all the
options of experiencing kitesurfing in so many different ways, I find it hard
to believe that not everyone would at least like to a) try it or b) watch it.
 |
| Here's a photo from Vietnam because there's too much writing. lol |
But don't get me wrong- learning kitesurfing isn't a smooth
and easy process: some might say kitesurfing is like learning to ride a bike. Once
you get the hang of it, anyone can easily fall in love with it just like I did.
I was given my first kite on the Christmas of 2013, after countless times
nagging my Dad to let me try it. I have been watching my Dad kitesurf basically
my whole life, and even just watching him kite got me super stoked. The process
of learning to kite for me was a lengthily one- partially because of the inconsistent
wind conditions in Newcastle, where I'm from. Getting slammed on the sand and
getting dragged under water, even being dragged out to Nobby's Head once- I
knew it was going to be difficult. BUT, don't let this put you off! Because,
for me, there is something about trying over and over again to get it right, a
feeling of accomplishment. And let me tell you,
the first time I stood up on my
board and
let the wind take my kite, it was the
best feeling anyone could
experience and I know
I'll never forget it.
1 year of waiting, 3 months of practicing and a whole winter
season of no wind later (that means no kiting), My family and I travelled down
the South Coast to a town called Merimbula to compete in my first
competition. Merimbula has been a part
of my life since I can remember, always going down to watch my Dad compete, but
now it was my turn and now I know it as one of the best experiences of my life.
 |
| My Bro Sandon and I back in November 2004, experiencing our very first Merimbula Classic. - |
Now I'm not going to explain every single detail, but basically
I competed in a three-day wave competition run by Mambo, I was one of about
only 10 juniors (only female) and at the end of the comp I came out with 'Kiter
of the Future' and won a Kite from world champ Ben Wilson. I can honestly say
this trip changed my life- I gained a whole new perspective on Kitesurfing in
general, I learned so many new skills, and I met a great bunch of keen-ass
groms who will be life-long friends.
 |
| Winners are grinners! With world champ Ben Wilson after winning his award. - |
 |
| Most embarrassing moment of my life- kiter friend Chip asking for a photo with these guys who I'd never met before! Turned out to be the best embarrassing moment as these guys are now my good friends! - |
I actually explained all of this in a magazine called Kite Mag, where I was asked to write an
article in by Beau-one of my friends I made down at Mambo. My first ever mag
article and I'm still so stoked about it! This is still my favourite video of
me kitesurfing (I don't have many but still).
We were trying to get some shots for the mag... Jake wasn't
couldn't get a photo in time, but this turned out pretty okay.
Jake Evans Photography
-
So after all this, I'm hoping and wishing someone out there
reading this wants to give it a go! Whether it be freestyle, wave riding or just
for pure joy- PLEASE give it a go… it will give you so much pleasure and stoke,
I'm willing to guarantee it. If you live in the Newcastle area, these guys
taught me a lot of what I know, and I definitely recommend anyone to get a
lesson of them.
This isn't the end…
Peri x
NOTE: If you miss your bus home from don't stress because you're probably going to come up with some blog ideas??? Maybe.
No comments:
Post a Comment