National Kiteboarding League (NKL) Launches for AUS and NZ
An initiative of the State Kiteboarding Associations and KA, the Classic Holidays NKL will build the profile of the sport and its male and female kiters in both Wave and Freestyle disciplines in a 7-round series beginning on the Gold Coast from November 12-15, 2015.
President of Kiteboarding Queensland & Northern Territory Inc. (KBQNT) and NKL Event Director, David De Witt, said the national ranking series was a giant leap towards the international stage for Australian and New Zealand kiteboarders.
"Kiteboarding is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, but until now there has never really been an opportunity for local kiteboarders to reach a professional level like surfing," said Mr De Witt.
"Kiteboarding is fast becoming the most exciting sport for both competitors and spectators. This tour will not only showcase our best kiteboarders from around Australia and New Zealand, but importantly, it will significantly lift the profile of kiteboarding as an amazing spectator sport within the region."
Classic Holidays NKL competitors will be judged in a similar format to the Virgin Kitesurf World Championships, formerly the Professional Kiteboard Riders Association (PKRA), which is the major international touring event for kiteboarding pros and is now owned by Virgin founder and kiteboarding enthusiast Sir Richard Branson.
"We have got our sights firmly set on integrating our incredible Australian talent into that pool and launching them onto the international kiteboarding circuit," said Mr De Witt.
For its first year, the Classic Holidays NKL series will begin on the Gold Coast and then travel to New Zealand for a trans-Tasman leg in Christchurch, before touring to Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, with the Grand Final back on the Gold Coast in February 2016.
More details including the full tour schedule are available at www.nkltour.com
Ballina, NSW
