On the Loose

After a really long trip all the way from Fortaleza, Brazil to Noumea, New Caledonia we finally made it…We had a 12hr stop-over in Auckland which made it a bit more comfortable, a shower and some lunch was needed. Traveling around the world for a few months to shoot and ride I had quite a bit of luggage.

After injuring my ankle in Brazil, I thought I wouldn’t need everything in New Cal. So I left like a 40kg weighing boardbag behind at the hotel in Auckland. That was a smart move as there was a big argument going down at the airport, they made us pay per kilo. I sooo hate that and can not believe they want us to pay 1000’s of dollars just to take out sporting equipment.

Anyways, Azza and I just slammed down the creditcard and dealt with it.

Our mate Tom Hebert who we’ve met at several kiteboarding competitions and trips around the world actually lives in Noumea. He was telling us for years to pass by and see the beautiful island. Now we are here, he picked us up from the airport with one of his mates. I like it when you know locals at the place, it just makes you get into the normal life easier and see cooler things. Just hanging out with his friends, drinking some beers…It’s nice.

But our first mission on the island was to meet Red Bull and set-up a meeting with the camera crew. This all went pretty smooth and Red Bull is throwing a party for Aaron and me. That’s gonna be sweet.
So we discussed what the plans were gonna be, first Aaron had to deal with the last PKRA competition. There had only been four comps this year and coming to the spot here seemed quite smooth at the beginning but taking a closer look. They had build all kinds of tents and containers straight upwind from the competition area which made the spot way more gusty than it should be. This was pretty disappointing as this was supposed to be the smoothest location yet.
Anyways, the comp didn’t run that nicely for Aaron. He ended up on a 4th place. I was chilling on the beach during the comp and have been entertained for sure. A beer in the hand, seeing either big moves or big wipe-outs. That’s pretty funny to watch.

So the comp has finished and the Red Bull party is about to kick off in two days.
Monday we’ll make a plan and start shooting at some more spots around the island. Living the life, going spearfishing, maybe catch a huuugggee lobster, we’ll see.

Peace n chat later.
Ruben