Freedom caught up with Keahi De Aboitiz between him jagging pipe bombs, scoring best ever kite sessions in some of the worlds biggest and scariest surf spots and a rare break at home on the Sunshine Coast to find out about his plans to head to this year’s Lancelin Ocean Classic…
FKM: What made you decide to enter the 2016 Lancelin Ocean Classic?
KDA: Hudson, the Cabrinha Rep for Australia actually as well as the organiser actually put me onto it. I’ve never been to Lancelin before but I’ve always heard good things about the event so I figured I’d check it out. I enjoy the more serious competitions, but have always loved events like this that bring everyone together for a few days of fun. I’m really looking forward to checking it out.
FKM: I was there last year and it was really fun, did you pack a 5 meter?
KDA: Not yet, but it sounds like I might need it. I haven’t actually used a 5 for a few years so it might be a good place to test it out again.
West Oz can serve up some of the most intense condtions on the planet but when you’re a multi World Champ you can afford to
FKM: What are you looking to accomplish at the Lancelin Ocean Classic?
KDA: I’m just going there to have fun mostly. Obviously I’m going to put my name in the hat for the race and the wave event and it would be good to get some good results but I’m just looking forward to getting back to WA and seeing what Lancelin has to offer.
FKM: Have you been to Lancelin before?
KDA: This is going to be my first time but i’ve heard good things and I’m looking forward to it.
Whilst Lancelin may not promise barrels like this it’s one of the safest places for wind allowing almost the full range of kite disciplines to run at this years event (wave, marathon, freestyle).
FKM: How long will you be in Australia? what else you got planned while you are in the country?
KDA: Unfortunately this is just a relatively quick visit for me this time and I’m only in Australia for a few weeks, but its always good to spend time at home and be back in Australia. Apart from the event we scheduled a few demo events with some of the shops around Australia. I’m looking forward to heading over to Sydney and Melbourne after the event and hopefully scoring some good conditions.
Keahi De Aboitiz, World Kitesurf Champ will join some of Australia’s best and hundreds of other water athletes for this year’s Lancelin Classic.
FKM: Who are you hoping to catch up with at the Lancelin Ocean Classic?
KDA: Its going to be good to catch up with some of the WA guys who I haven’t seen in a while. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Ryland Blakeney and Dale Stanton so I’m looking forward to riding some waves with them again. I’m sure I’ll see a bunch of guys I know and I can’t wait to check out the event
Sign up for the event at the event site – www.lancelinoceanclassic.com.au
Issue 4 of Freedom is on it’s way to a good newsagency, kite shop or even letter box near you right this minute. It features 10 pages on Keahi’s dream run scoring sessions in the worlds headlining waves!