Top New Zealand Kite Surfer Returns From Maui

Dave Edwards, ranked number two in Australasia, has just returned from Maui, Hawaii, practising with some of the best kite surfers in the world. Ask him about his trip and he’ll tell you, "New Zealanders don’t know how good we’ve got it here."

After spending two months training with some of the world’s best, he was forced to return early due to injuries received jumping the notorious Rocks on Kite Beach.

On arrival in Maui, Edwards learned only the best kite surfers could jump The Rocks. Within two days he’d successfully jumped The Rocks some 30 times and then discovered only four of the five to attempt the jump previously had succeeded, and out of those four, no one had made the jump more than twice.

Edwards will be heading back to Maui in September for the Red Bull King Of The Year competition. After that he plans to visit Noumea for the International Competition, then it’s eight months of touring the globe competing against the very best in the World Tournament starting next April.

Taking up kite surfing in the same way he approaches life, the former nationally-ranked gymnast and windsurfer sold all his windsurfing equipment and bought a kite and board after seeing the sport just over two years ago.

Determined to be one of the world’s best, Edwards gave up his job and has spent eighteen months practising almost everyday.

"Whenever there’s wind, I’m out on my board. Living in New Zealand has given me experience in some of the roughest waters, and weather conditions. Huge gusts of wind and big swells make for all the more excitement."

Described as a pure adrenalin sport, kite surfing is taking off in a big way in New Zealand and producing some excellent competitors. New Zealand’s gusty winds and rugged coasts make kite surfing in Maui a "piece of cake" according to Edwards.

"Steady winds and predictable waves make Maui an excellent location for the sport. You gain the skills easily, but here in New Zealand it’s more extreme and hardcore."

Edwards has a strong following in his home town of Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, but wants to educate the rest of New Zealand about this new sport.

"It’s only been around in New Zealand for a couple of years, but it’s the fastest growing sport in the world," he says.

His advice for anyone wanting to get started: "Get lessons. It’s a steep learning curve, but a fast one, and the best way to learn is through someone else’s experiences."

Edwards enthusiasm and passion for the sport has not diminished with his injury. "I just take it as it comes. I’m having the time of my life; living my dream. How many people can say they’ve done that?"