Keahi de Aboitiz takes out first in the Coolum Kite Festival “off the lip classic” for the second year running.

Picture: Rahini Images
This event established by Adventure Sports Kitesurf Australia in 2005 has been growing each year with this year the full 60 competitors ready to race plus registered competitors on standby.
The wind conditions were not in our favour this year, but that didn’t stop the skilled and dedicated few from giving it a go. Nearly 20 competitors from division one attempted the start with only 5 successfully making their way out over the breakers in the very light conditions.
Adventure Sports Kitesurf Australia team rider Aden Back was the youngest to make it on to the water but unfortunately wasn’t able to finish the race. While Jess Embling the only female to take to the water after division two was cancelled due to safety concerns showed the onlookers how it should be done. Both Aden and Jess took out cash encouragement awards donated by SEQKA.

Major prizes donated by Slingshot Kiteboarding and M8 kiteboarding were taken home by Brisbane competitors Rodney Eggins & Brendon Mitchell.


1st and 2nd in division one received cash prizes donated by SEQKA while 3rd and 4th took home prizes donated by Pro Limit.
Winner - Keahi de Aboitiz
2nd - Scotty Johnson
3rd - Simon Mc Dermott
4th - Kevin Johnson
Many other competitors shared in great prizes draw out of the hat and donated by Cult Industries, KSA designs, Hive Swimwear, Ben Wilson Surfing, Adventure Sports Kitsurf Australia and competitors bags were full of prizes donated by KBM, Bli Bli Ski n Skurf, FCS and the Coolum Kitesurfing Committee. Special thanks to our major sponsor Kula Beach Shacks.
Events like this don’t happen with out the help of volunteers. Thanks go to Kylie, Mike from Noosa Kiteboarding school, Rah from Rahini Images, the jetski support team of David and Glen and the finish line team of Niva and Hayley.