by Jeremy Mogi – EM TV, Port Moresby
Extreme sports aren’t usually associated with Papua New Guineans but 21-year-old Benny Kali could be an exception.
The young man from Hula, Central Province, is one of only a handful of kite surfing enthusiasts testing their skills against the elements.
Using a small fibre-glass board, Benny is still learning to master the craft.
Explaining the difference between long fins and twin tips, it was clear to see his love of the sport, having been introduced to it by visiting expatriates.
When asked about kite size, he said the surface area used in his sail has to be in inverse proportion to wind speed, with a smaller kite-size for choppy waves and high winds, and a larger one for a less-than-breezy day.
The young man is hoping for a growth in the sport and is already teaching other budding would-be surfers about it.
He plans to travel to Abau District on the edge of the central peninsula and travel to each village along the coast, teaching and recruiting to his cause.
His most ambitious target at present is to surf to Port Moresby; a three-hour journey across the surf.
