Ashley Brunette is the national junior girls kite surfing champion.
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Ashley, 15, contested a finals heat at the Kiteboarding Wave Nationals in heavy conditions at Point Danger in Torquay, edging out some very capable boys to be crowned the junior girls winner.
After finishing third in the opening heat, while “getting her head around the place,” says proud dad, Glenn Brunette, Ashley advanced through the ranks and went into the finals against two strong boys kiters.
It's a world-class spot and not for the faint-hearted.
- Glenn Brunette
“Lo an Behold she went out there and beat them to finish second, taking out the junior girls division,” Glenn said. “She was absolutely rapt to get up on the podium and receive a beautiful trophy and all the rest.”
The GKA Kite Surf World Tour made it’s first-ever Australian visit to the same beach just days after the competition.
“It's a world-class spot and not for the faint-hearted.”
“I was so impressed with her,” Glenn said. “She didn’t let the conditions intimidate her, she just took it on and performed brilliantly.”
Her opponents Aaron Kenny and Ben Savage had been the number one and two junior boys during the Merimbula Classic competition.
With the classic drawing both national and international competitors, Glenn said it was no joke for Ashley to match them on the board.
“The results speak for themselves beating one of the two top boys.”
The title is especially rewarding for the Broadwater teen, after only picking up the sport a couple of years ago.
“I taught her to kite two years ago and then she competed in the Classic and got an encouragement award,” he said.
“This year she has been practicing and she really committed to it.
“She's grabbed the bull by the horns and she's pushing herself, she's made incredibly quick progression.
“I’m incredibly proud of her - she's brought home the national title which is huge.”
Competition officials said Ashley had a bright future in the competition and should be an inspiration for other young women to try out the sport.
Glenn said Ashley was fairly humble and reserved
As president of the Merimbula Sailboard Club, Glenn said he was stoked to see his daughter embracing a more active lifestyle and celebrating the area’s coastline.
“It’s nice to get the kids off the couch and take them down the beach, we get pretty consistent winds and it’s brilliant here [for kiting].”
He said the Sailboard Club was an avid supporter of developing young surfers.
Jacob McMaster
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
