NAME: Tony Whakaneke

NICKNAME: 'Waka'

DOB: 03/10/66

FAVOURITE DISCIPLINE: Love Freestyle, Live for Waves!

FAVOURITE KITE(S): North Evo range (9m - ultimate all round kite)

FAVOURITE BOARD(S): Unstrapped Surfboard

OTHER SPONSORS: Lifestyle Investments

FAVORITE KITEBOARDERS;
   NEW ZEALANDERS - Of course "our" boy Marc Jacobs
   INTERNATIONALS - Ben Wilson, Andre Phillip

WHEN DID YOU START KITEBOARDING, AND WHY?
In 2004, a mate sent me a mattress from Guam, "Flysurfer", taught ourselves. Needed something to do when the wind was too strong for Paragliding.

 

COMPETITIVE HIGHLIGHT(S)?
Competitive?? Had a blast at the 2008 NZ Nationals, 2nd along side legend Gav Broadbent.

 

GOALS AND AMBITIONS IN KITEBOARDING?
To still be riding when I need to be wheeled down to the water!!

 

WHATS ON YOUR IPOD?
Black Seeds, Tiki, Ludacris

 

INTERESTS OTHER THAN KITEBOARDING?
Paragliding, Snowboarding, Speed Gliding, Motorbikes

 

FAVOURITE PLACE'S TO RIDE?
"Goeland" - New Caledonia
"Sandbar" - Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Waves on Raglan bar N.Z. (represent)

 

DREAM SESSION (WHO'S THERE?)
Kina Road, Taranaki. 6 foot Right handers with 20 knots. Ben Wilson (for inspiration), Dave Edwards (no-one tells a better story)