Coastal Classic Video- Kite surfer competes in Coastal Classic - TV3

by TV3 on 25 Oct 2009 Louis Tapper checks the conditions and walks away down the beach shoulders shrugged.

He faces his first hurdle already - there's not enough wind.

But Louis doesn't have time to waste and two hours later he decides to brave Auckland's changeable conditions.

“Wind seems to be kicking in now so I'm happier, we'll just have to make it around North Head and make sure there's not a big wind shadow there,” says Tapper.

He's going where no kitesurfer has gone before but Louis has always been adamant he'll be tough competition for the fleet of sailors and their yachts.

“Yeah I'm having a hard job convincing people at the moment that I'm not crazy but I can assure you that I'm pretty sane, says Tapper.

The Coastal Classic started at the Devonport Wharf and ends at Russell Wharf over 230 kilometres away.

How long it will take is “Really super dependant on the wind. If I'm super quick then maybe 12 hours but anywhere up to 24 hours,” says Tapper.

His lifejacket really will be a lifesaver where he stores food and three litres of water for the non-stop journey.

His mission is not for the faint hearted but Tapper isn't exactly a novice. Last October he and Alistair Quinn were the first to successfully kite surf the Cook Strait although he says this is a very different kettle of fish.

“Definitely a lot harder, a lot longer, more technical than what the Cook Strait crossing was for me. For me it's about adventure and the physical and mental challenge.

Louis is raising money for the Samoan tsunami appeal as Samoa was a base for much of his training over the past ten months.

He's been focussing on leg strength, not arms.

“That's the misconception most people have. You don't need a lot of strength through your arms it's only just for steering it's really the legs that go first over long distance.

If his legs do give way at least Louis will always have his day job at Westpac bank.

SW: Louis Tapper made it all the way to Cape Brett and turned to sailed to windward to reach Russell, however lightening winds forced him out of the course, eight miles from the finish.

To see the video http://www.3news.co.nz/Kite-surfer-competes-in-Coastal-Classic/tabid/367/articleID/126711/cat/221/Default.aspx!click_here