By ALISON SMITH
An isolated beach north of Auckland is providing perfect sunny conditions for 24 elite athletes in the new sport of kitesurfing - gathered from New Zealand and around the world for the Red Bull Skyride.
With a helicopter flying overhead to film today's "Freestyle" competition, reigning 'King of the Air' Marcus Austin has shown the select gathering of athletes, crew and media how he won his crown with big jumps on the one metre waves off Mangawhai Heads.
The Skyride kicked off this morning, with the first of two disciplines - the Freestyle competition - being held in 10-15 knots of wind.
"Flash" Austin is up against three New Zealand riders in the quarter finals, including the country's current Number 2 in the sport, Dave Edwards, who pleased crowds with a huge 360 degree spin.
Also in the heat is Aucklander Cindy Mosey, who is one of two females competing for the prizemoney of almost NZ$20,000.
Cindy admitted to some nerves at being placed up against the current world Number 1 but was intending to just get out and have some fun. "You're too busy concentrating on what you're doing and having fun when you're out there," she said.
The second discipline - the Hang Time contest - will be run before the competition ends on Sunday. The discipline needs stronger winds to allow athletes to jump higher and spend more time in the air.
Kitesurfing: 'Skyride' competition takes off at Mangawhai
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