Today was one of those sessions that as a kiteboarder we dream about!

After about 3 weeks without any wind within driving range of Melbourne there was a huge build up to this perfect Sunday session. All week we were seeing 20-25 knots SE forecasted, perfect wind for a session at Altona Kite Beach and it definitely didn't dissapoint. Throughout the morning it was building, 15 knots by 11am, 20 knots by 12pm, 25 by 1pm, then it starting gusting to just above 30 knots around 2pm.

After some brilliant land based lessons in St Kilda I was getting updates from everyone at Altona that it was not only on, but it was firing well above what was expected. A quick KFC stop (royalties please Colonel) at the West Gate Bridge on the way over and it was time to hit the water.

Normally after nearly a month out of action you slowly find your feet and get the feel back. Not today! Knowing that there was no wind on the agenda for the coming week it was time to hit it hard and make the most of it. And so it began...

Fifty metres into the first tack out it was too tempting not too... I unhooked, loaded and released into a big tantrum, well overpowered on the 12m Torch I was riding. What an amazing feeling. Possibly a little too good. That perfect tantrum set the mood for an intense, no holding back afternoon and evening of going big.

As I write these words, fresh off the water I am definitely feeling a little worse for wear. The adrenaline is still pumping from an amazing day of trying to tame that great power that the kite possesses, while at the same time constantly trying to find that end point, that constant stretch of your ability while you strive to push it just a little further.

As much fun as I had out there today, and as many great stories as I have to tell from what was truly an amazing LIFESTYLE SESSION, I can't help but think how sore I will be when I wake up tomorrow. I had the time of my life out there and the beauty of it all is that the kite still won, there is always more to accomplish, more moves to master, and more fun to be had.

It's sessions like these that as a passionate kitesurfer I can't help but smile and wonder if those non-kiters out there know what they are missing out on!

Until next time, push your limits, enjoy your time on the water, and do it safely, set the example for those new to kiting!

WORDS: Chris Sal PHOTOS: Laurel McCarten


Great photo's taken by Laurel McCarten throughout the day include...


Chris making the most of every second out there...


even trying the latest challenge of a one handed superman board off to faceplant...


Kite Republic Team Rider Dalton Bruyn's putting on a show for his new equipment sponsor, Slingshot Kiteboarding...


Kite Republic Team Rider Ewan Jaspan putting one out there for his sponsors Naish & Ion...


'Mad Mick' O'Leary putting on a show for the cameras...


'Lightwind' Lenny Furlong with a serious hemorrhoids issue...


Chris saying cheese for the camera...


Altona beach full of excited kiters...

Hope you can join us for the next amazing LIFESTYLE SESSION!

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