WIND RIDERS Kite-Surf World Cup to celebrate sport’s 20th anniversary

SOME of the world’s best kitesurfers will be showing off their skills in Torquay next week, as an international competition helps mark the 20th anniversary of both kiting in Australia and a locally-based surfboard and kiting company.

Stonker will celebrate the milestone at the Global Kitesports Association (GKA) Kite-Surf World Tour final, which will be held at Point Danger from Wednesday December 12 to Sunday December 16.

The final will be the first time a Kite- Surf World Tour event has come to Australia.

Stonker is an innovative surfboard, kiting and paddle boarding company with a commitment to supply riders with the equipment they need for that perfect wave.

The Australian company is an industry partner of the GKA Kitesurf World Cup, with the final being held in their home town.

Stonker co-founder Alex Gillan launched Stonker after a trip to Hawaii in 1998 inspired him to start kiting.

When he found that he couldn’t buy a kiteboard in Australia, he decided to start making his own.

Stonker now makes and sells surfboards, kiteboards, paddleboards and kites, and is based in Baines Crescent.

Mr Gillan said he was excited that the Kite-Surf World Tour would visit Torquay for the first time.

“It is awesome that the World Cup is coming to Australia. It will be great promotion for Torquay – the area and conditions are perfect for kiting.

“No matter what the wind direction is from 13th to Point Danger, we’re going to see some world-class kiting.”

Several Australian kitesurfers will be competing in the World Tour final, including Torquay-raised James Carew.

Following the conclusion of the Torquay event, a men’s championship winner and a women’s championship winner will be crowned.

Airton Cozzolino is in first place on the men’s tour coming into the final, followed by Matchu Lopes and Keahi de Aboitiz. On the women’s tour, Jalou Langree is on top of the table, with Carla Herrera Oria in second place and Charlotte Carpentier
third.

For more information, head to kitesurftorquay.com.au.