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by Jessica Valenzuela; Travel Vignette by David Ke

It is a blessing when the challenge is not finding stories to share with you — the challenge is keeping up with editing, researching and actually writing them. Soon we’re adding video to the mix! The most fulfilling part for me is that we’re helping create a story form of dialogue shared by kiters from all over the world. Soon when we expand the platform and offer more for the community.

Admittedly, this one is a little bit overdue. It was submitted as a post Kitestock story by David Ke, kiter and owner of Kite Elements. He probably has more titles and responsibility in Western Australia’s kiting community attached to him being that he has over 4,000 friends on Facebook. Either that or he is this really cool kiter dude that many men admire and women find irresistible, again a personal assumption based on the wall posts that adorn his, yes Facebook page. But this is not about David — this is about this awesome event called Kitestock that happens in February (19th – 21st this year) and what to expect when kiting Western Australia.

Kites in Perth, Australia ranked #8 in The Economist Most Livable Cities (2010; also made the list in 2009) photo courtesy: David Ke

Plan to kite Western Australia in February (and if you can January!)

Why? One word, one event KITESTOCK. Now on its 5th year, Kitestock is held in the South Hemisphere, the mid-coast of Western Australia in Dongara (Port Denison), approximately 380 kilometers North of Perth. The wind god Elios, usually graces the three-day festivities with 20/25 knot winds beginning at 10AM. A throng of approximately 350 kiters from all over the world joined in on the fun.

Leading the organization of the event is WAKSA (Western Australian Kitesurfing Association). While a number of community members volunteer to help ensure its success. There is a little something for everyone including pro-riders national and international competitions, 25-km epic downwinders, big air contests, kite loop contests, surfer competitions, body dragging races (ha! i didn’t know body dragging could be a contest) and the parties — yes of course, where there are kiters, the beach, the water we can assure you that there is a party. In fact, many parties in the case of Kitestock. Truly these competitions is an excuse for the kiting community to enjoy a big party.

Besides the big people parties, kids were not left out. The little ones were entertained by small kite flying demos, treasure hunts and a sand castle competition. Definitely an event for a kiting family.

The fun also comes with a number of noteworthy prizes. David shares that eight kites were given away , seven boards, trips to Bali and tons of outfits! Yes OUTFITS! “It was insane!” On top of the kids were not getting bored, with small kite flying demo, treasure hunt and a sand castle competition. It was the place to be for the entire family.

David’s advice “Definitely a kite event to add to your list. Kitestock Western Australia ROCKS. You’ll surely leave with a big smile and a bag full of epic memories from Oz.”

Interesting Facts About Perth, Australia

Perth, Australia's Kitestock and Core Slider Jam Does Not Disappoint

Where is Perth? It is the capital and the largest city of the state of West Australia. It also made The Economist most livable cities in 2009 and 2010. Not only is it a great place to live, it boasts of 18 great kite spots, including Brighton Beach, Casuarina Beach, City Beach, Contacios, Coronation Beach, Cottesloe, Geraldton, Lancelin, Leighton Beach, Melville Beach, Pelican Point, Pinaroo Point, Port Denison South Beach, Port Gregory, Safety Bay – Penguin Island, Safety Bay Yacht Club, Woodies East Beach 1, 2 and 3.

The waves, the wind, the sun, the fun and the people will not disappoint.

If you’re planning to visit Perth, Australia for Kitestock you should also consider hitting the Core Slider Jam.

More photos in our Western Oz Flickr set!

Thank you very much David Ke for sharing this story! Look forward to hearing more about Perth! Kiters, we’d love to hear from you. Share your favorite kiting adventures write to [email protected].

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