Ryan sets out to take on the world

KIEL Mountain could soon be known as the home of the world's body boarding champion.

Ryan Spears, 21, is bound for the world body boarding titles this month at the famous "Pipeline" in Hawaii.

The 1998 World Championships will be Ryan's second crack at the world title. In 1997 he competed in the championships, but was knocked out in the final qualifying round before the main event.

But those competing in the competition have not forgotten the time Ryan nearly ousted world champion Mike Stewart in 1996.

"They were out here on a world championship tour, and I lost my heat to Mike Stewart by one point," he said.

Ryan is currently taking part in the Australian body boarding tour, and won his first State titles at the Gold Coast in November.

Sponsors have recognised Ryan as one of surfing's elite, with major names such as Manta, Kuta Lines, Creatures of Leisure, Pipeline Surf and Surf Action throwing their support behind his quest for the world championship crown.

Ryan is a former Christian Outreach College student and has lived in Kiel Mountain for 10 years. But these days, he's hardly ever home.

His surfing skills have allowed him to travel the world over, including Indonesia, Hawaii, USA and around Australia.

Surfing for a living is not bad work if you can get it, and Ryan is the first to admit his good fortune.

"Getting paid to surf and do what you love is nothing to complain about," he said.

Surfer extraordinaire Ryan Spears is set for further surfing stardom