Keahi returns, still number one in the kitesurfing VKWC.

Keahi's back, and still number one.
Our local legend is back! After several months out of the water Keahi De Aboitiz is showing no sign of previous injuries at the Virgin Kiteboarding World Cup (VKWC) in Dakhla this week.

Winning the event alongside female Naish rider Jalou Langeree, Keahi beat the event favourite Pedro Henrique from Brazil in an action packed final yesterday. Swell was around four foot, with peeling right handers providing the perfect conditions for Keahi, which he of course took full advantage of. Watching his riding, you’d never know he’s only very recently got his toes wet again after smashing his ankle in a stand up paddling wipeout last year. At the time he was at the top of the podium in both kiteboarding and stand up paddling world tours.

“Wow! What an epic day!” Said a clearly stoked Keahi after the final. “It was a long one but we managed to run the whole wave event in some amazing waves today. Very stoked to back it up again this year with another 1st. Ankle is feeling better every month and looking forward to what the rest of the season brings!”

Also doing us proud in Dakhla is fellow Sunny Coast freestyler Josh Stephens. Thanks to some clever crowd funding, and donations from Aussie sponsors Josh jumped on the first jet he could to begin training last week, and as we write this is through to round three in the mens freestyle rounds! With two days of competition left, anything could happen but no matter where he places, this first year of competitive riding will be a learning experience like no other.

Best of luck to Josh Stephens, and congratulations to Keahi De Aboitiz – back on top again after returning from injury.