Undisputed World Champion
Mark Shinn

2002 PKRA World Champion
2002 KTWP World Champion


Mark Shinn ripping on the production 2003 Mutant 5’4” (left) and 5’0” (right)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 5, 2002

Maui, Hawaii . . . Kiteboarding history is made. For the 1st time ever, the sport of kiteboarding has a Two-Time Overall World Champion – Naish rider, Mark Shinn.

After an extraordinary season, Mark Shinn has achieved the unthinkable by winning both the Professional Kite Riders Association World Title (PKRA) and the Kiteboard Pro World Tour World Title (KPWT) -- making him the first Undisputed Dual World Champion since the sport’s inception.


The 2002 PKRA tour . . . consisted of four stops throughout which Mark demonstrated the consistency and persistence of a true World Champion, while competing on production Naish Mutant boards and X2 kites.
Shinn started the year solid with a podium finish in the light, gusty winds of Austria. However, he made his 2002 goals very clear in Margarita where he dominated the event and taking 1st without losing a single heat.

The PKRA tour then moved to the Dominican Republic where Shinn finished with a top five result, which placed him at the head of the PKRA tour rankings.

In the strong winds of Fuerteventura, Shinn battled back through the double elimination round to seize another 1st place victory. This win made Shinn the ”first ever” PKRA Overall World Champion, placing him the record books for his first time in the 2002 season.

The 2002 KPWT season . . . came to a close at the final event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which passed with only the 8 heats completed due to lack of wind.

Before going to Brazil, Shinn had already dominated and locked up the KPWT series by taking three 1st place finishes and one 2nd in Belgium, Turkey, France, and New Caledonia.

It was in Brazil, however, where Shinn was crowned KPWT Overall World Champion making him the record setting, history making, Undisputed Overall World Champion -- on production Naish equipment.


Shinn dominated the 2002 season on production Naish kites, bars, boards, and harnesses
in the disciplines of Freestyle, BestTrick, and Long Distance Racing.


Key Quotes:
“I never expected to be able to compete on both tours, let alone win both” stated Mark Shinn. “The level of the other riders has been incredibly high, but I had a clear equipment advantage all year. Naish proved throughout the year that its products really are world class, it is a pleasure to ride what is without a doubt the best equipment on the planet”

“The production X2 performed superbly in ALL conditions, light winds, strong winds, gusty, or whatever. Don Montague really gave us the kite of tomorrow…today!” continued Shinn. “For boards, I was riding production Naish Mutants (4’11”, 5’2”, 5’5”) all year. My production boards worked in every condition that I encountered. I am really looking forward to next season on the 2003 gear!’
“Mark is an amazing competitor and an invaluable member of our team” stated Greg Drexler, Naish Team Manager. “He has done a killer job with his involvement in the company’s product development. His dual tour domination is a significant milestone for the kiteboarding industry as it proves that the products on the sales room floor can make you a World Champion. You-da-man Mark. Congratulations!”


Mark has had an incredible year. Hes worked his butt off, and has pushed the technical side of riding to a new level, especially in terms of precision and consistency. He pulls off tricks that blow my mind, and makes them look easy. – Robby Naish


Mark Shinn 2002 Undisputed World Champion Poster

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