WAKSA put on a fantastic comp this year...thanks to all those who contributed and of course to the riders, congratulations to you all.

What a fantastic Nationals...here are the results.

Ladies

Freestyle:
1. Theresa Mckirdy
2. Jess Van Der Berg
3. Sally Hogbin
4. Cora Bernardinatti

Waves:
1. Theresa Mckirdy
2. Sally Hogbin
3. Jess Van Der Berg
4. Fiona Miller

Overall:
1. Theresa Mckirdy
2. Jess Van Der Berg
3. Sally Hogbin
4. Cora Bernardinatti

masters

Freestyle:
1. Darren Marshall
2. Jamie Symons
3. Paul Comerford
4. Ian Young

Waves:
1. Mike Bergman
2. Jamie Symons
3. Darren Marshall
4. Paul Comerford

Overall:
1. Darren Marshall
2. Jamie Symons
3. Paul Comerford
4. Ian Young

juniors

Freestyle:
1. Cambell Barker
2. Shaun Craike
3. Simon Wichtermann
4. Tobi Penno

Waves:
1. Cambell Barker
2. Shaun Craike

Overall:
1. Cambell Barker
2. Shaun Craike
3. Simon Wichtermann
4. Tobi Penno

open

Freestyle:
1. Adam Ratajewski
2. Daniel Anderson
3. Rich Stenning
4. Ryland Blakeney

Waves:
1. Felix Pivec
2. Carl Bevilacqua
3. John Messenger
4. Nial Barret

Overall:
1. Adam Ratajewski
2. Daniel Anderson
3. Ryland Blakeney
4. Rich Stenning


Thanks to all that attended and made this "The best nationals ever"

Australian National Titles

Geraldton in Western Australia situated 410km north of Perth, was the 2005 host city for the Australian National Kite boarding Titles.  Beautiful Pt. More was chosen due to its reputation for good winds and variety of flat water vs. waves, which gave riders from all parts of the country a fair chance at their favourite style of riding.  The week long competition kicked off with strong 30+knot south west winds which gave the riders from the east coast an awakening about the wind in the west, and chance to fly 7m kites for the first time. With crisp new kites out of the bag the heats got under way with some hints of what was about to come.  

Smooth handle passes and transitions were the choice of moves for most riders with a few board offs thrown in, out the back on the waves the fun had just started with a 1.5m swell to get the wave riding heats underway.  With tourist's and photographers hiding behind cars from strong wind's the heats continued as a few stand out riders made them self's present.  Jess Van Den Berg showing what the gals were made of pulling off some wicked 1 foot moves, also Theresa Mckirdy was showing fine form in the waves with some clean carves and consistent riding. Cam Barker being an early stand out for the juniors with some impressive kung foos and wake move passes while the masters battled it out for king of the waves with some big spray being thrown out by Jamie Symons, Darren Marshall and Mike Bergman.

With uncertain weather ahead the finals were pushed forward to Friday, so with an intense day planned the night life on Thursday was some what non existent.  With a good night sleep riders awoke to a southerly 20-25kn with predictions of it hitting 30kn. Gathering at the beach competitors were eating away their nerves with the ultimate in kiting breakfasts, coco pops and a bacon n egg sandwiches with a couple of red bulls thrown in. 9am briefing and roll call gave a run down of the days events and details for the after party, so riders began rigging 7 to 10 meter kites ready for the days onslaught of competition. With the judges boat in position the quarter finals kicked of with the women's wave riding.  Theresa, Jess, Sally Hogbin and Fiona Miller were battling it out in 15 minute heats for top spot, with local knowledge Therese carved up the waves with a few cheers from the judges after some class smack the lip turns to take out the women's wave event.

Jaime Symons And Darren Marshall made a big impression on the waves but both were scored down due to Rider Priority errors in their heats, with all credit being given to Mike Bergman for an awesome performance and taking out the masters wave event. Tension in the air as the open men's wave riding kicked off between Felix Pivec and Carl Bevilacqua riding every wave solidly, but with Felix on a 7m throwing huge sprays of water of the lip he was tough to beat. On the beach the freestyle finals were getting underway with Theresa and Jess head to head for the women's title. Pulling of some great triple rotations and 1 Foot moves Jess was just not enough to keep up with Theresa's unhooked power moves.  The men's open semi final to decide 3rd and 4th place was a clash between Ryland Blakeney and last years nationals winner Rich Stenning, pulling off a double back roll kite loop from blind was a sweet move from rich, showing his natural style.  It was an intense semi with powerful kite loops, that would make mothers weep, being thrown in every direction with handle passes to set it all off.

Excitement building as the men's open final was put on hold to build tension with Dan Anderson and Adam Ratajewski Going for an all out rampage to take down the title. Dan producing a board off 360 spin board rotation behind the back while upside down, also some arm wrenching kite loops, just sick! Adam retaliating with  slim chances and powerful pull up moves. All efforts judged the nail biting round fell to Adam Winning the Australian National Title.  Just to Add that Dan Anderson was only 40% recovered from shoulder surgery and was pretty much doing everything one handed. That guy is going to be huge! My hat goes off to ya mate, awesome performance!

The after party kicked of at 7pm  with free booze and food at the local GB bar with all the riders and spectators gathering to chat and drink over  the days events.
Full credit should go to Gavin Hirschausen for running an awesome event that went smoothly and everyone enjoyed. Also thanks to the all sponsors for without you this event wouldnt have been so great.

Written By Steve Williams