Girls from all over the world are signing up early for an adventure of a lifetime aboard the Cindy Mosey Island Odyssey in tropical New Caledonia this November.

Kiteboarders of all backgrounds and abilities will spend eight days on comfortable catamarans for the duration of the odyssey – a women’s adventure expedition that is all about helping women learn in a supportive and fun environment.“This is not the usual kiteboarding event, it’s really about us all sharing our knowledge whether a professional rider or only quite new to the sport,” says three times world champ Cindy. “I know women feel a little bit daunted turning up at a beach in a male dominated sport, so I wanted an event that was just for them.”
A social division has been created for non-professional kiters, allowing girls to race shorter distances between islands in teams of two. Great prizes of gear from sponsors North and others are on offer to those choosing to take part.
Another motivator for recreational riders is the chance to join in afternoon coaching sessions held by the 12 invited professional kiteboarders taking part.
These 12 “kite goddesses” will race in teams of three from island to island in a test of skill, speed and teamwork. They will be racing for US$15,000 prizemoney – the most ever offered to women in the sport.
“I’m so excited about this trip, even as a holiday it’s going to be amazing. Each boat has its own chef cooking beautiful meals that they’ll serve up on the islands, the snorkelling is incredible and we’ll definitely see dolphins.”
So who is the trip for? “Basically if you feel comfortable launching and landing your kite and can ride upwind you will get the most out of the trip with help from the professional girls,” says Cindy. “It’s quite easy riding over beautiful reefs from island to island.”
Among those onboard will be charismatic US freerider Laurel Eastman “This is going to be a great event for women recreational riders because no where else can you have the opportunity to live with, learn with, and ride with all the best female kiteboarders in the world.”
“This event highlights women athletes, encouraging all levels of kiteboarder to reach new levels of excellence. With the highest prize money ever offered for a women’s event it should be a very exciting race!
“I want to join the CMIO because its the chance of a lifetime to explore a new place (one of the most beautiful in the world) in a new way (island to island by kite and sailboat) and with my old friends from the days of competition.”
Information on the event is online at www.cindymoseyislandodyssey.com and discounts are on offer before June 30. Check out the site and drop Cindy a mail with any questions about how to get onboard.
For more information or a selection of professional press quality images please contact Alison Smith at alisonsmith@xtra.co.nz