MALPEQUE BAY, P.E.I. — Kiteboarders flocked from across the country to perform high jumps and aerial maneuvers at the annual P.E.I. Throwdown on Malpeque Bay over the Labour Day weekend.
Even after the friendly competition wrapped-up, a handful of enthusiasts continued to harness the power of the wind and waves, attempting to jump over the sun before it disappeared under the mercury-coloured waters.
“Being under the warmth of the sunshine, with just the water and waves is a peaceful feeling,” said Daniel Lefebvre, 57, while wading back onto the red shoreline still harnessed to his nylon kite and holding his fiberglass board.
This is the third time the kiteboarding instructor from Trois-Rivières, Que., has competed in the event, which includes an expression session (freestyle), races that navigate buoys and the big air.
“We cater to local riders and those from across North America,” said James Manning, one of the organizers of the event and owner of the Paddle Shack in Summerside.
On Saturday, 39 men and 10 women competed in the racing heat. They ranged in age from 12 to 68.
Rachel Cardillo, 49, from Montreal, thrilled spectators on the banks with her high-flying jumps.
“This is my first time in the Maritimes and competing. I came third in the small race heat,” said Cardillo, while landing her kite safely on the shore after her water session.
“Once you break the barrier of fear you can truly push yourself and excel,” she continued, acknowledging Lefebvre got her hooked on the sport.
“I’m a writer by day and thought I was useless at sports until Daniel convinced me to try kiteboarding. He was my instructor eight years ago. Since then, I’ve travelled all over the world kiteboarding; from Cuba, Hawaii, the Dominican Republic,” said Cardillo.
“There’s the adrenaline you feel that makes you believe you can do anything."
Kiteboarding is a combination of surfing, wakeboarding and parasailing.
“The beautiful thing with kiteboarding is the camaraderie. It connects people from all walks of life, and it’s environmentally friendly. The sport also has that extreme side, where it can be dangerous, so the more people you have on the water, the better and safer the experience,” said Manning.
Malpeque Bay is a world-class destination for kiteboarders because of the shallow, enclosed waters, constant breeze and idyllic scenery.
“The water is waist-deep for at least two-kilometres with a steady wind, so for learners, it’s a great area to practice and improve. In comparison to other locations across the country, where overhead waters mean you have to swim,” Manning said.
The sport has grown rapidly in the province, said the organizer.
"I feel this is just the beginning."
