Hello guys,

I wanted to share with you a few news all the way from Turkey. I left NZ end of May and after 3 days spent in France, went straight to Turkey, to meet up with my family.

I got the chance to ride with my dear older sister and pro kiter Julie Simsar...hehe, got a few tips for some new tricks! We got ready for the world cup in Istanbul. Frst 6 days: NO WND, the party was happening though, officially sponsored by Jim BEAM! Last day: 12 knots...which convinced the judges to run the best trick and then speed crossing(quite surprising start from the boats as it was blowing so little and straight onshore!) Anyway, all ended well for Julie and me as we both ended up on the podium: Her first in best trick and I first in Speed crossing( thanks to the 18m kite!) HURRAY!

Then after that, we went back south of Istanbul for a kiting photoshoot with 2 other riders: Miguel Willis and Antoine Auriol. The wind was cranking all week: 25+ knots We got some great shots and some fun stories that will be published in the NZ wind and kite.

Check out my sister's blog for more info: www.juliesimsar.com/turkey_kite_trip.htm

Now it has calmed down a bit. Still riding and enjoying time with my family before I get back on the plane for a long long flight to Auckland August 9th. I will hopefully see everyone on the water at that time. BRRRRRRR... VIVA the summer!

The flying frenchie

Even though it looks awesome there, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near that part of the world at the moment.