National Kiteboarding League crowns inaugural champions

Six Australian and New Zealand kiteboarders have taken out titles in the inaugural edition of the 2015/2016 NKL. Riders from both countries competition in regional events before deciding the overall winners in the Gold Coast.

The halftime interval also crowned two new champions: James Carew in the Big Air Wave, and Marc Jacobs in the Big Air Freestyle divisions. The four-day finals had perfect wind conditions, and plenty of action in the water.

“There were some tough conditions out there but it was nice to ride with all the girls, and it was a really fun competition. It’s nice to have people that make the effort to make these events happen all around the country and to bring it together into a grand final at the end,” said Katie Potter, winner of the Freestyle category.

The National Kiteboarding League (NKL), sponsored by Classic Holidays, has been confirmed at least until the 2017/18 season. Hopefully, the Australian-New Zealand circuit will remain as a benchmark for international competitions.

“There’s not many events happening here in Sydney so having the NKL has been really great. It has been fun riding with friends; it’s nice to get together and compete with each other,” added Antoine Saborin, president of Kiteboarding NSW.

“It makes it more exciting than just going to the beach and riding – there’s more motivation and it is good to attract more people to the sport. We’ll be looking forward to next year.”


2015/2016 Classic Holidays National Kiteboarding League| Champions

Wave: Billy Hampton (WA) and Michel Blinkhorn (QLD)
Freestyle: Ewan Jaspan (VIC) and Katie Potter (VIC)
Big Air Freestyle: Marc Jacobs (NZ)
Big Air Wave: James Carew (VIC)