ELEMENTAL

The adventure began with an early morning flight into Launceston, where the crew loaded up a bus for the two-hour drive to the legendary Bay of Fires. This stretch of coastline is famous for its striking, red-tinged granite boulders, blindingly white sand, and crystal clear waters.

The first session kicked off under an overcast sky, the cool air reminding everyone just how far down in the southern hemisphere Tasmania sits. But as if on cue, the sun burned through the clouds, illuminating the landscape. The crew caught a few waves, carving effortlessly over the waters before heading to Binalong Bay, where they’d be based for the first two nights.

Evenings were spent recounting the day’s rides over good food and even better company. A woodfire pizza spot delivered the goods, but it was the Nutella calzones for dessert that stole the show. Sitting outside, overlooking the bay, the group buzzed with anticipation for what was to come.

Day two was a game-changer: a 20-kilometer coastline run, weaving through secluded coves and untouched stretches of beach, with the crew’s minibus tracking their progress from the winding coastal roads. Conditions were perfect – light winds, small rolling swells, and that signature Tassie water clarity that makes you feel like you’re flying over an aquarium.

Beau, the trip’s designated lens legend, was capturing it all, both from above with the drone and from the water. At one point, he jumped in with a camera housing, calling out, “Run me over!” He wanted the closest passes possible, capturing the riders as they skimmed just inches away. The footage was bound to be something special.

As the day wrapped up, no one was ready to stop. Batteries were swapped, and within minutes, the crew was back out there, making the most of the conditions.

Day three saw the crew heading south, winding along the east coast toward Pirates Bay, a raw and rugged stretch known for its towering cliffs and deep blue waters. A quick coffee stop fueled the drive, with a lookout stop giving the first glimpse of the next day’s ride – a place that looked straight out of a movie.

That following day brought the most anticipated and challenging session: Fortescue Bay. This was not a place for the faint-hearted. The ride extended out to where two powerful swells converged, creating a dramatic seascape of towering cliffs, rolling ocean, and eerie depths below.

Fliteboarding here was an entirely different experience. The cliffs loomed overhead, seals basked on jagged rocks, and massive sea eagles patrolled the skies. The water was an inky abyss – that kind of deep, dark blue that makes you wonder what lurks beneath. One thing was certain… this was a spot where you did not want to fall.

The final leg of the journey was a 25-kilometer downwinder into Hobart, an exhilarating ride that blended breathtaking scenery with playful ocean bumps. It was the perfect way to wrap up the trip – riding the energy of the sea, taking in Tasmania’s coastline one last time.

Before heading home, there was one last stop: Mount Wellington at sunset. Standing atop the peak, looking over Hobart and the vast expanse of ocean they had just traveled through, the whole group felt a sense of accomplishment. This wasn’t just a foiling trip; it was a journey through some of the wildest, most beautiful terrain Australia has to offer.

The Tasmania trip wasn’t just a one-off adventure – it was proof of concept. There’s something special about exploring coastlines on a Fliteboard, accessing places few people ever see and experiencing nature in a way that feels almost meditative…