Aussies raise funds by kitesurfing

 THEY may have had to lose the boobsled but it was replaced with a stalking croc and four-metre shark when a group of ambitious kite surfers crossed the ocean to Papua New Guinea to raise A$70,000 (K146,000) for charity recently. 

Fears of Papua New Guinean pirates did halt the world-first crossing of the Torres Strait by kite last week to raise money for the McGrath Foundation.

According to a report in the Cairns Post, Sydney kiteboarder Alex Unsworth said the five-day 399km journey was his toughest challenge yet. 

“Physically, it was bearable, just like a series of marathons five in a row,” he said. 

“What was tougher was the stress of 16 kitesurfers spread across the ocean in rapidly changing currents, up against a timetable and undertaking what was a world-first.”

While 11 boarders now have bragging rights after completing the arduous adventure, five were forced out because of a strict timetable and one boarder being followed by a tiger shark. 

“We saw lots of sharks. One of the kitesurfers was followed by a 4m shark for about half an hour. 

“The support boat was following … and eventually the shark was getting closer so the crew pulled the kitesurfer into the boat.”

Unsworth said the support crew of Torres Strait Islanders were also concerned about pirates taking their boats near the PNG border. 

“There were lots of twists and turns but we got there. Most of these crossings have been done around the world … but this one hadn’t been attempted. 

“The toughest day was 6.5 hours on the water with no breaks, kitesurfing directly downwind towards the murkier crocodile waters closer to Sabai Island.”

The team were planning to tow a sled crafted in the shape of breasts – aptly nicknamed a boobsled – to raise awareness of breast cancer. But Unsworth said authorities told the group they had to leave it behind.  

“We’ve now raised an incredible $70,000 (K146,000) for the McGrath Foundation and the dollars are still pouring in,”Unsworth said.

“We couldn’t have done it without the expert advice we got from the locals along the way – the boat crew and whole community of Masig Island especially.”