WCKA students will take on the challenge in Australia to see if they can reach Everest.

What are we fundraising for? Donations go towards our scholarship fund. Through the generosity of people who understand the value of a World Class Education, we can provide students who couldn't otherwise afford to attend our school with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Who? Twenty WCKA students and seven WCKA teachers.

What? WCKA students will be taking on the challenge to see if they can jump in eight relay teams to reach the height of Everest (8,849m) in 2 hours. The vertical meters traveled by each team will be tracked by eight WOO Sports devices attached to their kiteboards. The total heights will be combined to calculate the overall height jumped by all fifteen students. The goal is for the team to jump a combined 8,849m in vertical meters.

Where? Augusta, Australia.

When? The weather window for the challenge is 24th January to 14th February 2026.

How to support? Donors can give amounts to specific teams. It is also a great help if supporters share our fundraising with others in the kite world that you believe would be interested in supporting.

Scholarship recipient testimonials

Kimo Mahmoud, Egypt (2017-2020)

"I spent three incredible years with WCKA, filled with unforgettable moments and experiences while completing my high school diploma and developing my kiting skills. A highlight was spending a day with the 9mile project in South Africa, connecting with kids from diverse backgrounds.

WCKA helped me turn my childhood dream of becoming a professional kiter into reality, allowing me to explore amazing kite spots, network with pro riders and sharpen my competitive skills.

This journey taught me the importance of openness and respect for different cultures, as traveling sometimes pushed me slightly beyond my comfort zone and built my confidence and maturity. I am forever grateful for the support of the scholarship program that made it all possible."

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Elias Ochner, Italy (attended 2018-2020)

"At WCKA, I had so many amazing experiences that I don't even know where to start. WCKA gave me the incredible opportunity to study while also pursuing my dream of one day becoming a professional kiteboarder. Through WCKA, I was able to secure sponsorships for kiting, but even more importantly, it helped me discover a new passion: filmmaking. Today, at 23 years old, I work as a freelance filmmaker and drone pilot. I'm certain that I wouldn't have found this path if I hadn’t attended WCKA. Now, I get to wake up every day and do what I love — and for that, I’m truly grateful.

During my time at WCKA, I learned not only how to improve my kiting skills but also how to adapt to a completely new school system. In the beginning, it was very challenging for me because everything was in English, but WCKA was always there to support me whenever I needed help. I also learned how to embrace different cultures, stay open-minded, and work hard for my dreams. WCKA truly shaped who I am today, both on and off the water."

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Anna Hashem, Egypt (attended 2018-2020)

"Attending WCKA was a transformative experience that shaped both my personal and professional life. Thanks to the scholarship I received, I was able to immerse myself in new cultures, build lasting international friendships, and learn the importance of balance between academics, sports, and personal growth.

WCKA instilled in me a deep appreciation for every opportunity and connection, and it gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams fearlessly. Today, I work as a full-time model and makeup artist, traveling the world, participating in Fashion Week, and collaborating with some of the industry’s leading photographers and directors.

The foundation WCKA provided was instrumental in helping me build the life I live today, and I will always remain deeply grateful for the opportunity that scholarship gave me."

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Anthony Brown, Australia (attended 2018-2019)

"Attending WCKA for my final two years of high school was hands down the best experience of my youth. It felt surreal, like living in a dream. Compared to my high school back in Australia, WCKA was a revelation. The classes were interactive, fun, and engaging, with teachers who radiated enthusiasm. It made learning something I looked forward to every day. I didn’t just learn academic lessons, I learned about the world, about myself, and about chasing my passions.

WCKA opened incredible doors for me, both personally and professionally. The friendships I formed span the globe, making travel a joy as I always have a place to stay and a familiar face to catch up with, like family. The media classes were a game-changer, helping me build a portfolio of images that landed me a full-time job with a media production company right after graduation.

The idea of studying and kiteboarding across the world was beyond my wildest imagination. I thank the scholarship fund, without that it would have never been possible to have attended. WCKA wasn’t just school, it was a life changing adventure that shaped who I am today. I’ll always be grateful for it."

Send It to the Stratosphere: Everest edition

By World Class Academy

Send It to the Stratosphere: Everest edition

Team Leaderboard

Team Members