The Global Kitesports Association has launched a new Ocean Roots programme that aims to make kitesurfing more accessible to youngster people, while strengthening bonds between the community and the industry.
The first and second pilot camps in the rolling programme took place in the idyllic conditions of the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. It has a vibrant mix of kids from urban areas and expat families, who could become the next generation of kiteboarders.
The goal is to give children like these, whose families have the financial means to invest in equipment, but lack the connection to the watersports’ world, a chance to experience the thrill of kiteboarding while learning in a safe and controlled environment to grow the sport from the grassroots up.
The second pilot camp at Le Morne, Mauritius, was backed by the Ion Club and Son of Kite. It hosted 10 local girls in the 10 to 14 years’ age group. In future the aim the aim is to have a mix of boys and girls.
The programme for the five-day camps involved two hours of semi-private kitesurf instruction with teachers and equipment provided by the local schools at reduced rates. To keep the vibe fun, the two-hour afternoon sessions were given to games like beach volleyball, or snorkelling with turtles.
The next event on the calendar will be in Fehmarn, Germany, from 12-18 July, which will be organised by the Prime Surf School. The age group will be the in the 12 to 17 years range, with nine girls and one boy signed up.
A further scheduled camp is due to be staged at Lake Garda, in Italy, in late summer, from 30 August to 4 September. It will be held in partnership with the Avid Kiteboarding school.
The hope is to grow the initiative worldwide, with famous kitesurfing spots like Cape Verde, more European destinations, as well as Australia and the United States being targeted.
“We hope this initiative will encourage kitesurf schools to do more for the local community by giving them the resources and support to so,” said Eva Schmitter, GKA Special Project Manager. “We believe this programme will help create a web of schools worldwide, providing a link between the GKA and a new generation of kiteboarders.”