NAISH KITEBOARDER, ADAM KOCH, COMPLETES FIRST-EVER KITE CROSSING FROM CATALINA ISLAND TO CALIFORNIA MAINLAND ON STOCK NAISH MUTANT 4’8†and X2 KITE. FEAT TAKES ONE HOUR FIFTY-FIVE MINUTES IN 15-22 KNOT WIND, 8-10 FEET SWELLS
April 2, 2003 - Seal Beach, CA - The wind gods smiled on kiteboarder Adam Koch (Seattle, WA) and his support crew today as he completed the first-ever kite crossing from Catalina Island to the California mainland on a kiteboard. Leaving from Two Harbors on the leeward side of Catalina Island, Adam departed the discreet rocky beach at 1:30 pm and landed at his intended destination, the popular Kite Beach just north of Seal Beach pier, at approximately 3:20 pm.
Traveling over thirty nautical miles, Koch encountered 15-22 knot winds and 8-10 foot seas due to the strong northwest wind swell and a large south ground swell that originated in New Zealand. Before reaching his destination, Adam passed through one of Californias busiest shipping lanes leading into the Los Angeles Port at San Pedro.
I tried not to focus on any one thing before the crossing. I had to be ready for anything because you never know what youre going to get in Mother Nature. I got plenty of rest the night before so I felt solid. It was super choppy in the middle and that took out most of my energy. I got tired on some tacks and ended up falling a couple times, but that isnt uncommon. I ended more up-wind than I had expected so it was more like 32 miles instead of 26, said Koch (24), relaxing at the local Hennesseys a block from where he landed.
Koch, who learned to kiteboard on the Columbia River Gorge, has been kiteboarding professionally for the last three years. In 2002, Koch ranked sixth on the PKRA (Professional Kite Riders Association) world tour and has soaring aspirations for the upcoming season.
Catalina Island is a recognized part of southern Californias iconography and the channel between the island and the mainland has long represented a challenge for a variety of sports. This will be a first for the growing sport of kiteboarding.
Adam Kochs Catalina crossing will air later this year on Re: Evolution of Sports on Fox Sports Net.
