The sky over Elliott Heads will be filled with brightly coloured kites this weekend as wind surfers take to the ocean to catch the perfect breeze.
Organiser Peter Higgins said the 2020 Bundaberg Mahindra Windslasher Festival was now in its second year and would feature more than 40 boarders vying for the top position when they take flight from the beach this Saturday.
“This is the second year we have held the state titles in kite surfing and we are expecting about 40 or more competitors from across Australia to participate,” he said.
“If the wind conditions are good, we could get 100 kite boarders here.”
Peter said he started the event last year to say thank you to his customers and supporters of his cafe at Elliott Heads.
“Our family runs Driftwood Cafe and this was one idea we had to give something back to those who have supported us,” he said.
“Last year’s event was a big success, we were blown away by the support, and this year we brought on the Apex Club of Bundaberg to help us out.”
How kite surfing competition works
Peter said the competition was a freestyle event with four kite surfers active at any one time in a 10-minute space.
“It’s quite a technical sport, there is a degree of difficulty in the manoeuvres that are judged,” said.
“Four kite surfers will compete at the same time, be judged and those who have the most points will go on to the next round.
“If we get some really great wind we might even be able to do a King of the Air out the front which is a spectacular event featuring kite boarders jumping as high as they can.”
Peter said as an added bonus this year, the event would include live music and volleyball championships throughout the weekend.
“We have six local musicians lined up for entertainment and some rounds of Queensland Beach Volleyball happening as well,” he said.
“It will be a great event for the whole family with plenty of enjoyment for the kids.”
Peter said Elliott Heads made the perfect backdrop to the event, not only because of the stunning location, but also because of the area’s great conditions.
“Elliott Heads is perfect because of the cleanliness of the water, the wind conditions and also because of the safety of the area,” he said.
“I would say it is in the top half-dozen spots in the country, if not the world for kiteboarding.”
To find out more about the 2020 Bundaberg Mahindra Windslasher Festival click here.
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