Kitesurfing by Campervan Western Australia (by Monty)

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This trip has been a crazy whirlwind with a mind of its own. Plan as we try, it ultimately takes its own course. We have come full circle and now find ourselves back in Perth and reunited with the western world. Order has replaced chaos, two lane roads are no longer deceiving and gas has tripled while gas mileage is half what it used to be. Ironically, our beautiful hotel villas of Bali have been replaced by a giant campervan and our showers no longer come from stainless steel rain shower heads but from a plastic hose connected to an all purpose sink.
Australia is expensive. Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world but I’m pretty sure that “any town” in Australia is a close second. Everything seems to break our budget. Your campervan spot for the night will be $32 and your McDonald’s meal will come just shy of $12. You want to go to the movies…. forget it, you’re better off producing your own flick to watch.
Stopping at will while chasing the wind, Trisha and I traveled the coast of West Oz looking for that elusive and perfect kite spot. Our first stop was my last stop 5 years ago, Lancelin, Australia. This is where I learned how to really kitesurf and I can think of no better place to start. The owners of the local YHA Hostel, Trev and Trish, are the same gracious hosts I waved goodbye to all those years ago and the U-shaped beach that served me so well in the past, delivered again. We had two glorious days kiting here. Our plan was simple, head north until you find wind and stop. A great non-plan plan.
We have battled the most aggressive horse flies on the planet these past two weeks. They are simply everywhere, in the sun, in the shade, in the wind, on the beach and always waiting for you where ever you park. These horse flies are agile and lightning fast and seem to always go for your eyes, nose and ears. Everyone else seems immune to their persistent buzzing and this has left us extremely envious.
Working our way up to Shark Bay we discovered that Australia is like driving through a giant version of Nevada with a bit of ocean on the side. Desert, sand & brush for miles and miles. Emus, bunnies, lizards and kangaroos for road kill instead of possums or deer like we get at home. Those little critters make the night driving pretty interesting.
Kiting in “Shark” Bay was nerve racking to say the least but we survived and each night retired to the comforts of our sweet beachside camping oasis, complete with ocean view, kitchen, power hookup and the greatest showers on earth. With a couple of down days without wind, we retreated back down to the city of Geraldton for great kiting, poached camping and free wifi at McDonalds. McDonalds…who would have thought that we would be loving that? We’ve spent more time there during this trip than probably the last 5 years at home. Ronald has been good to us.
We have kited in the flattest water known to man at Woodies and rode the nicest waves at Coronation Beach. Kiting in West Australia is where its at! This part of the country was sculpted for this sport. I have watched Trisha’s riding progress at super sonic speeds. She is like a baby who has gone from her first steps straight into a full gallop. I hardly recognize the women kiting by my side. I no longer have to watch after her; I now have the privilege of just watching her kill it with everyone else. She is a gifted athlete and has earned the respect of any kiter, anywhere.
We’re looking forward to the timeshare this coming week... a real bed, a real shower & what?! a pool & hottub... 😊

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Photos

Kite Spot #1 = Scarborough
kites forever...

Comments

[Monty]

Killing it!
Back roll Trisha is your new name or should I call you Skipper Kiteloop? Miss you baby.