The Aussie KanGURU'S team is now in Mauritius, about to embark on the week long windsurfing and kitesurfing Journey. The event is between the 4-11 of August. They will be competing around island in amazing blue lagoon waters that the island is blessed with. With some experienced heads in the team, the veterans will be making up the high level of results. With flat waters, lets hope the team can excel with expected winds of 14-25 knots. All the riders live in West Oz and will be representing the country gallantly and showing the southern Hemisphere that they are tough!

Here is a rider profile of the team about to be sailed off the water in the coming week:

1. Name: Claude Lecoq 2. Sponsors: 2nd Wind sailboards, Jez & Paul always give me great deals on equipment. I'm riding RRD boards & Severne sails.

3. How many years have you been windsurfing? 28 years

4. What was your to start windsurfing and why? Saw a few guys sailing at Lennox Head while on holidays, it looked like a challenge so gave it a go and have been sailing ever since. 5. What makes you so passionate about slalom/marathon windsurfing? I enjoy racing against faster sailors, it's the best way to improve your skills and technique. 6. What aspects of the Mauritius Freeride Challenge are the most appealing to you? Sailing in a different location as part of the Aussie team 7. A phrase or motto you live by? Never give up or give in

1. Name: Isaac de Vries 2. Sponsors: Patrik Boards, Severne Sails, Zulu fins, Tymeout Training and Assessing, COCKburn Joinery, Steve's Surf Shed, Flying Objects, Windforce, WWA 3. How many years have you been windsurfing? 18 years 4. What was your inspiration to start windsurfing and why? Must be the Dutchblood, I grew up in Australind and driving/riding past the estuary every day seeing windsurfers flying across the water. I decided that is what I wanted to do and I was lucky enough that my dad bought me a beginner kit for Christmas and then we had no idea how the wind and sail worked and finally were lucky enough to meet local George Tait. He was offering windsurfing lessons and had a trailer of perfect learning equipment and never looked back.

5. What makes you so passionate about slalom/marathon windsurfing? The Speed, the intensity of flying down to the first mark, the skill required to gybe around the buoy in any given conditions in close quarters. The ocean marathons can be more of a personal, physical and mental challenge over a long distance which is super satisfying very time I finish one. The social aspects and lining up against your mates practicing is the best part.

6. What aspects of the Mauritius Freeride Challenge are the most appealing to you? The complete island paradise that is

7. A phrase or motto you live by? The biggest fear in life, is looking back and regretting not facing your fears.

1. Name: Jonah Desforges

2. Sponsors: Fremantle Hospital!?! (Where I work as an Anaesthetist) I shop at Second Wind and Have found Paul to be incredibly helpful. I ride Starboard I sonic race boards, Severne reflex race sails, Goya wave boards and Severne S1 pro wave sails which are awesome!!

3. How many years have you been windsurfing? Since I was 9 years old...35 years! 4. What was your inspiration to start windsurfing and why? My Dad bought an original windsurfer one design and a kiddie rig and I was hooked from the word go. Mauritius, with its endless kilometres of Turquoise blue water and coral reefs to explore and race in. The awesome social aspect of many nations coming together and enjoying the chilled out relaxed and fun vibes that is this event with super good deals on travel (with equipment) and hotel accommodation. Wave sailing is my main passion. I only started racing when I turned 40 and did my first ledge to Lancelin Race which was really exciting. Racing has increased my time on the water as you don't need so much wind to have fun as you do with wave sailing equipment.

5. What makes you so passionate about slalom/marathon windsurfing? Have only recently got back into racing and am still improving, also r really enjoying the buzz of the start and gybe mark tussles .

6. What aspects of the Mauritius Freeride Challenge are the most appealing to you? I think it's great it's a team event. Windsurfing is generally a very solitary activity so being in the team is new and exciting. Obviously travelling to the beautiful island of Mauritius and racing in crystal clear lagoons is also going to be amazing!

7. A phrase or motto you live by? If it can go wrong it will....be prepared!

1. Name: John Norton Born 196

2. Sponsors: Nil

3. How many years have you been windsurfing? on and off since 1982

4. What was your inspiration to start windsurfing and why? Had to do something when the surf was no good!

5. What makes you so passionate about slalom/marathon windsurfing? Have only recently got back into racing and am still improving, also r really enjoying the buzz of the start and gybe mark tussles

6. What aspects of the Mauritius Freeride Challenge are the most appealing to you? Looked out the window recently? Warm weather, lagoon water and some hot competition 7. A phrase or motto you live by? Age is no excuse 1. Name: Ian Young, born 1960 2 Sponsors: Too old, but I use Flysurfer kites and ride Spleene boards. Kiteival kindly sponsored my airfare and accommodation 26 July - 4 Aug in Mauritius. 3. How many years have you been kitesurfing? Since 1996 ... first to kitesurf in Australia 4. What was your inspiration to start kitesurfing and why? Love the freedom of jumping, riding waves ... and the need for speed! 5. What makes you so passionate about slalom/marathon kitesurfing? I can still do it ;-) 6. What aspects of the Mauritius Freeride Challenge are the most appealing to you? Exploring new coastlines and racing as part of a combined Aussie windsurf-kitesurf team 7. A phrase or motto you live by? Who dares wins 1. Name: Colin Cromb - Cromb Issaac ;) 2. Sponsors: My employer 3. How many years have you been windsurfing? Started in the 90's but it got to expensive upgrading every year. Restarted in 2009 after dusting off the F2 Sputnik and the 90's sails. Haven't stop spending money since :) and still to this day got the Sputnik 4. What was your inspiration to start windsurfing and why? My brother brought home a Bomborra back in the day, he stopped and I carried on 5. What makes you so passionate about slalom/marathon windsurfing? Danger aside, its quite a buzz being in the pack heading for the first mark, but the social aspect is good. A great bunch of people and I have made some good friends 6. What aspects of the Mauritius Freeride Challenge are the most appealing to you? Gin clear waters, and the package seems good value 7. A phrase or motto you live by? Life's short make the most of it!