MAUI, HAWAII, September 17, 2012 (HPI): Patri McLaughlin of Maui unexpectedly won the KSP World Tour Kitesurf competition in Mauritius, which has a large Hindu population. According to his family (“source” above), “Prior to the finals, Patri was walking on the beach there when a small Deity of Lord Hanuman washed up right in front of him. Hanuman is considered the son of the Wind God, Vayu [auspicious for a kite surfer–a variation on wave surfing where the surfer is propelled by a large kite on a long rope tied to his waist]. It was a sweet blessing. Patri is known for his sportsmanship. We have seen him in competition help rescue an opponent’s kite.”
Born in 1989, Patri lived on Oahu from age 1 to 4 then moved to Maui where he has resided ever since. Patri is a lifelong vegetarian and both of his parents are Hare Krishna devotees. You can see him surf here and here.