By day, Leon Gordon is an accountant who has managed to convince his boss that he can only work aroundthe wind.
"You become inventive when you become addicted to kiteboarding," he said.
 

So from 7.30am to 3.30pm, Leon organises people's accounts in downtown Perth and winds up just in time for his daily visit to the Freemantle doctor (afternoon seabreeze).
 

The 32-year-old arrived in Perth three years ago and decided to settle there because it was the windiest spot on the continent.
He said he felt instantly at home in “kiting paradise” and is a keen competitor in the state’s kiting competitions.

Leon was born in South Africa, migrated to the UK when he was 18 and lived there for 10 years. He rode for two years in the British Kite Surfing Association and finished second in his first competition.
He can lay claim to walloping two of the current top three UK riders Sam Light and Ali Barrett in his first season, but concedes he would be on the receiving end of a spanking if he met them in competition now.

Leon says it is ironic the world’s best kiters Aaron Hadlow, Kevin Langeree, Ruben Lenten and Youri Zoon have overcome Europe’s climatic “misery” to dominate the sport.
``You would think Australia with its ideal conditions would have more riders competing at the top level but it’s not the case,’’ he said.

“The likes of Andy Yates are now making their mark on the world stage, which is great for Australia.
``Kiting in the UK and Netherlands is miserable, cold and you really need to be dedicated to the sport.
``I learnt on a two liner and got dragged up the beach in the middle of an English winter.”
On the water though, its serious business for Leon and he’s landing tricks like Slim Chances, Back to Blind and Raley Kite Loop to Blind.
 

His addiction to wind has rubbed off on his wife Mel and brother-in-law Hilly who he has taught to kite. Leon is a Kite Mag senior Kite Star nominee.