Kiteboarding From Perth to the North West Cape, Ian Young.

Heading for the North West Cape. Ian Young is raising money for Soldier On, a charity assisting wounded Soldiers. 

To raise money for Soldier On, a charity who assists wounded Soldiers, Ian Young is kiteboarding from Perth to the North West Cape in WA, a distance of more than 1300km.

He set off on what will probably be his biggest downwinder ever, on the 6th November, with only a little publicity and a forum thread full of enthusiasm to egg him on. On a large Flysurfer he left a closed beach at Brighton (due to sharks) and headed North. Past Dongara (of Kite Stock fame), past Geraldton with barely a wave surfed, Ian’s on a mission and according to his ground crew doing in excess of 60km an hour at times!

Using a set of foil kites, he’s swapping sizes based on the wind, downing a coffee every now and again, and stopping in for a snooze when he can. 6 days in and at the time of writing he’s inside the reef at a place called Gregory, South of Kalbarri where the enormous cliffs drop straight down to the ocean, and swells are huge. This next stretch is going to be tough, but for this great cause, Ian’s going to push hard and make it round.

Ian says on his fundraising page: “Many of us suffer from “donor fatigue” these days with so many “good” causes that need to be tackled, however can I please ask you to consider donating to help those veterans who put their lives on the line to serve their country and now need your help.”

Serving himself for 22 years, Ian Young was one of the first in Australia on a kite back in the late 90’s. Since then he’s stayed in the industry, starting his own kite school in WA in 1998, and continuing to push the Flysurfer brand today in Australia.

Over in the kiteboarding forums, there’s a fantastic thread full of updates, support messages and well wishers. Best summed up by user ‘Juddy’, who joked:

“Ian Young walks into a bar full of kiteboarders.... and NEVER buys a beer, never, ever again......”

Check the messages and photos out for yourself in the kiteboarding forums.

Follow Ian’s 1300km kiteboarding downwinder progress.

Donate to the charity, Soldier On.