Free as the wind blows

Windy conditions along our coastline may put a dampener on many a surfer’s day, but leaves kite-surfers licking their lips in anticipation.
None more so than Reese Hendrikz, who is the local go-to-guy when it comes to learning the sport and doing it right.
Reese and his wife Candice own Surfers Kite and Surf shop at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre and run kite-surfing classes at the La Mercy lagoon.
Originally from Benoni, Reese was a senior aviation technician before they decided to relocate to the wind and sand of the sunny Dolphin Coast.
“We both skied competitively for Transvaal for many years,” said Reese.
While in Johannesburg, they also ran scuba diving classes.
Reese is a fully qualified International Kiteboarding Association instructor and is able to train people to the assistant instructor level.
“My focus is to teach my students how to kite surf correctly. The sport can be dangerous, so people need to be safety conscious.”
“People get into trouble if they go out in really strong wind, especially if they have received incorrect instruction. It can be dangerous for them and those around them.”
The instructor also advocates practical learning once novices understand the basics.
“Kiting is practical, it is something you actually need to get out and do.”
The pair also believe kite-boarding offers a lot more than a fun day in the sun.
“It is a very addictive sport and it keeps you concentrating all the time, your brain is fully occupied which makes it great for stress relief.”
“After kiting, you just feel chilled, buggered, but chilled,” said Reese.
“It truly is a great way to unwind.”
While it is undoubtedly an adventure sport, kitesurfing can be practised by most shapes, sizes and ages. Reese has even trained six and seven-year-old kids and people get the hang of it relatively quickly.
“On average, it takes people six to eight hours to be able to kite by themselves but I have had a guy that took two hours to get it.
“It just depends on natural skill and how much you listen.”
Hendrikz is passionate about the sport and loves the exhilarating speed.
“Some guys compete in speed events around here which takes some guts. It is pretty much about how fast you are willing to go.”