Kiting Monster Waves At Mavericks

[ricki]

Originally Posted by steve

just t/w Jeff Kafka...sd he has kited Mavericks a few time b-4 but never anything BIG..sd he has been waiting 4 yrs for something like SAT. 25-30' in the peak...was on his Cabrinha XB3 12m and later could have been on his 9m...didn't have time to come in and try his new Cabrinha Revolver 9m.
Below are a few photos Jeff sent me. They are frame shots from some video. I understand that there is video and more photos to come...He sd there were world class surfers out who were not only cheering him on, but had their eyes open to the possibilities of kiting.
Remember, Jeff is an experienced Big Wave Mavericks surfer..and a very experienced kitesurfer...Mavericks is NOT a place for the rest of us.

From:http://www.bayareakiteboarding.com/about4902.html

I understand he was riding a 14 lb. tow-in board. Would not want to drop that kite in some of that monster surf. It looks larger than a 12 m too, an optical illusion I guess.

I understand there is some video of this floating around somewhere. In the meantime here is some big wave surfing from Mavericks to put things into perspective.




Here's are some shots without a kite and into a big one.






Heading in

Excellent shots from www.tonycanadas.com



Jeff even kites water when its frozen. Looking good.
From: ikitesurf.com