EDGE KITESURF RACE SERIES

If you fancy having a go at some Kitesurf racing before the BKSA event here
in Exmouth in June we are holding an Edge Kitesurf Race series.

This is all about taking part and having a go. If you ride a twip tip, directional,
skim, whatever, the plan is to have fun. For more info on how to race and
some HOT top tips then check the recent kitesurf magazine for Steph's 2nd
Race article.

The Edge race series dates are:
Friday 2 May Friday 16 May , Saturday 31 May , Saturday 14 June, Friday 20 June with Registration from 5pm at Edge and Skippers meeting at 6pm.

We shall soon have a entry form that you can fill in online and it is FREE. Please make sure that you are a BKSA Member.

We hope that we will see many OLD and NEW to join in with this
new dimension to kitesurfing.

Phone - 01395 222551

www.edgewatersports.com - Kite, Windsurf, Wakeboard, Surf, Snow
www.spinnakers.co.uk - Sailing & Powerboating
http://shop.edgewatersports.com Online Shop, kites, boards, clothing

British Kite Surfing Wave Championships

ROUND 1

Date – 25 – 27th April 2008

Location  - Westward Ho!

Hosted by – Atmosphere Festival

Event Sponsors –  Greenish Clothing and Edge Watersports

                    
The British Kite Surfing Association came to Westward Ho! for Round 1 of the British Wave Championships. With good wind and waves forecasted, expectations were high and riders were hungry for the chance to prove what they could do after a winter of hard training.

Fresh from riding hard in the waves all winter were a big group of Cornish riders hoping to make their mark.

Friday the event saw a light cross-shore wind from the South West and a reasonably sized 4 ft swell. The seniors kicked off the event with some excellent riders in difficult conditions. Through to the final were Paul Stebbing from Lowestoft, Phil Clarkson from Blackpool and Richard Gowers from Dorset. Paul Stebbing – Stubby to his mates – ripped along the long walls unhooked in a great style to take 1st while Phil Clarkson secured 2nd and Gowers 3rd.

The Ladies were run with Cornish lady Jacinta Perry taking top honours ahead of Debbie Kennedy and Jemma Grobbelaar from South Africa.

Next up were the Men’s division and the Standard was high unfortunately the wind died before the last two heats of the day.

Saturday the wind kicked in with more South making it more Cross Off shore meaning the waves were even cleaner. The losers heat was started with a place up for grabs in the final. Taking that place was Mike Perry.
The final was an all-Cornish affair with all riders close friends.
Taking the heat was 2007 British Champ Will Bennett riding on a standard 6ft 2 unstrapped Surfboard ahead of Denzil Williams and Mike Perry on strapped boards.

Following on from this was 2 heats with the juniors with some excellent riding
1= Daniel Maurice and Sam Moore third was Martin Thatchell

A second round of Seniors was run in light conditions however there was some serious riding going on with Stubbie again taking 1st , Phil Clarkson 2nd and Welsh ripper Gareth Morgan taken 3rd.

Sunday dawned with the prospects of any wind looking pretty bad after heavy storms – however by midday the sun came out and the wind was dead onshore giving a chance to run an Expression Session for the Men and a Slopestyle Freestyle competition.

The event was an excellent way to start off the year for the Wave events series with results in all categories – next event is in Newgale in Pembrokeshire South West Wales on the 17th-18th May.

Wave

Men’s

1st Will Bennett (GK, Airjam, Santa Cruz)
2nd Denzil Williams (F-One, Balin)
3rd Mike Perry (Atlantic Riders)

Ladies

1st Jacinta Perry
2nd Debbie Kennedy
3rd Jemma Grobbelaar, (Flexifoil, Xelerator)

Seniors

1st Paul Stebbing
2nd Phil Clarkson
3rd= Richard Gowers + Gareth Morgan

Juniors

1= Daniel Maurice and Sam Moore
3rd Martin Thatchell

Mens Expression Session

1st Denzil Williams
2nd Neal Gent
3rd Will Bennett

Slopestyle

Men’s

1st Diarmud Higgins
2nd Denzil Williams
3rd Tom Butler

Ladies

1st Debbie Kennedy

Seniors
1st Gary Powell
2nd Fraser Dooley

Juniors
1st Sam Moore
2nd Robbie Shire Maidment
3rd Martin Thatchell

Greenish have come on board to sponsor this weekends First Wave event of the season at Westward HO.

Greenish a Brazilian Surf Brand (that also kit out kiters) has a new range to hit the European market this season.

They are supporting the BKSA event with some great prizes .

History of Greenish 

The Greenish surf company is based on the North East coast of Brazil on the edge of Fortaleza City. Here we have a design and production facility where our team of dedicated staff have produced the clothing since 1992.

Close by the Greenish HQ are the excellent waves spots of Icarai, Taiba, Pecem and Parracaru to name just a few – everyone at Greenish are first and foremost surfers and kitesurfers, we want our clothing to show you our passion for the ocean and waves.

Greenish Surf Company was born from the passion of two brothers, both surfers here in Ceara, North East of Brazil. From the beginning of their trajectories the brothers new how important surfing and the ocean was in their lives. First shaping surfboards for themselves and their friends they gained a reputation for producing excellent shapes with high quality.

In 1992 it was decided that they would make T-Shirts that showed Petrôni and Rubens Tavares spirit and passion for surfing and the ocean. Since then Greenish has grown and now produces four collections of clothing per year from its facilities in Fortaleza.

Greenish clothing is designed for surfers and the beach life with durability, performance and style. We are now very happy to be launching our clothing range in Europe to spread the Brazilian surf style and passion for relaxed life to all the surfers here on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Be sure to look out for our unique style and flavour in stores soon!

For more info check out the websites or if you want to stock it give Lee a ring!

Lee Harvey - Greenish UK Agent Tel - 07785965361
 www.greenish.eu www.greenish.com.br http://www.myspace.com/greenishuk

 Dates - Friday 25th -Sunday 27th April

Location - Westeward Ho - North Devon

Now in its 4th  year the BKSA Wavemasters comes to North Devon for 3 days of riding at one of the best locations for wind and waves for round 1 of this 3 series event.

 The competiton will be rider judged and a winner will be announced at the end of each day via a ballot or other suitable methods

Westward Ho boasts some great wind stats and great waves a lot of which are beach breaks .

It can accomadate a variety of wind directions  from SW through to N

Hosted by Atmosphere Kite Festival www.atmosphere08.co.uk

Sponsors- Edge Watersports and Greenish clothing

Registration 8.30-9am sharp Friday 25th  Venue - BKSA Trailer

Entrance fee £50 for riders includes Atmosphere 08 entry ( except for juniors £25 for comp only or £45 for all )

Offical Notice Board - Top of Beach

Entertainment-  Access for riders to the other events and the evening bands/DJ's etc at the caravan site over both the Friday and Saturday nights.

Partners tickets £30 available online in advance

Toilets - Yes on site

Showers - Surfed out - Burrows Car park

Classes

Men , Ladies , Senior ( over 35) and Juniors

BKSA FREESTYLE ROUND 1 WATERGATE BAY CORNWALL

 
Date – 18 – 20^th April 2008

Hosted by – Extreme Academy in conjunction with The BKSA

Event Sponsors – Extreme Academy

Tour Sponsors – Deadman Clothing, Red Bull, ExPix & Buff

The British Kite Surfing Association returned to Watergate Bay for Round 1 of the British Freestyle Championships. With good wind forecasted, expectations were high and riders were hungry for the chance to prove what they could do after a winter of hard training.

Fresh from competing in international events were twice Pro Men’s British Champion Lewis Crathern from Worthing, who is sponsored by Slingshot, Jimmy Lewis, Dakine, Xcel, Relentless, Surface2Air Sports & UK Blinds, Sam Light from Hayling Island, sponsored by Naish & O’Neill, Ali Barrett, from Blackpool, sponsored by Lost Cause & Turbulence and South African rider Taro Niehaus sponsored by Best, 911 Energy Drink Hugo & Hugo Toyota, Island Tribe, Loop Clothing, Dakine & Xelerator.

Following the success of the Youth Training Schemes, the BKSA were delighted to welcome a new bunch of junior riders to the competition including, Martin Tatchell from Hereford, Danny Marrice from Shoreham – by – Sea, Jack Brooks, sponsored by BTS, Alistair Fletcher and Luke Anyon sponsored by Hangtime Kitesports, all from Lancashire, Dan Sweeney from Rustington, sponsored by Airhead , Jack Daykin from Darlington, sponsored by Ozone, Sam Moore from Bideford and Robbie Shire-Maidment, from Dorset, sponsored by Flexifoil International, Fat Face, MBS, Dirty Dog, Lost Cause & Forcefield.

Richard Gowers, Chairman of the British Kite Surfing Association said “With an average age of just 13 these youngsters are proving that development in the sport is working. We are very keen to expand our Youth Training Schemes and make Kite Surfing as accessible as possible to young people. With this in mind, we have more training planned for 2008 with training camps being run throughout the UK.

Over 50 riders registered to compete including South African rider, Jemma Grobbelaar, sponsored by Flexifoil, Xelerator, Dakine, Arnette, Pereuko, Lizzy Surf, CTi Ossur & Island Tribe.

The Race Crew looking good after being kited out in their new gear thanks to tour sponsors Deadman Clothing and tour sponsors ExPix back onboard to provide media & photographic services, things were looking good for the 1st Round of the Freestyle Championships.

Ali Barrett, had spectators holding their breath on Friday when he took to the water to test the conditions. Renowned for his ‘Big Air Jumps’, Ali didn’t disappoint when he reached heights of over 50 feet. Unfortunately the gusty offshore winds proved too much, and the start of the competition was postponed until the Saturday.

Saturday & Sunday brought with it further disappointment as the wind conditions failed to improve. Riders chilled out in the tent provided by tour sponsors Red Bull as Ewan & Dave from the Red Bull team had the job of keeping frustrated competitors happy with their specially adapted Red Bull vehicle featuring video and sound systems. Riders also amused themselves by finding new and imaginative ways of wearing the Buff headgear courtesy of tour sponsors Buff!

The riders are now looking forward to the 2^nd round of the Freestyle event which will be held in Barrow – in – Furness in June. In the meantime some will compete in the BKSA Wave event being held at the Atmosphere festival in Westward Ho this coming weekend.

For further information about what kitesurfing is download the following pdf

guide to ride leaflet or go to the online flick book

Media Partners – ExPix www.expix.co.uk

This weekend 18th-20th April sees round 1 of the BKSA Freestyle championships come to Watergate Bay in Cornwall.

50 competitors are expected to compete in classes Pro Men , Pro Ladies , Amateur Men and Ladies , Juniors and Seniors

Watergate has a long history of holding kitesurf events and the BKSA are proud to come back here with the challenging conditions that happen here.

Come and see the action every day ( wind dependant ) from 10.30 - 3 pm

Check the website for latest details and check out the gallery section.

ExPix have just secured sponsorship from the adventure sports head gear manufacturers Buff just in time for the coming competition season.

The orignal multifunctional headwear can be worn in many different ways depending on your preference or the conditions. Buff has sent us over 20 different designs so theres plenty to choose from. This is the first time Buff have been involved with the BKSA and we're hoping we can show them that their support will be justified.

Taking delivery on Friday of 12 boxes of goodies from Buff we have been sorting out the headgear for the competitors goodie bags. Alongside the headgear there are mobile phone cleaners, stickers and transfers to brighten up your vehicles, laptops, arm or anything else you can think of!

So a big thank you goes out to Buff for their support for the 2008 season 

Cabrinha Kiteboarding have sponsored the BKSA youth Training camps for the season with the loan of a full quiver of kites and boards.

The first one happened on the weekend of 29th-30th March at the Hangtime Demo weekend

5 Youngsters were put through various training and competition scenarios - there was wind on both the Saturday and Sunday

On hand were top BKSA Coaches Christian Harris and Karine Natival  helped by Andy Gratwick BKSA Head of Training .

In the words of one of the coaches " There is a lot of talent up North - must be all the wind"

Up for grabs for the best youth is a Cabrinha Sponsorship package

There are a further two camps scheduled in Exmouth and Wittering over the coming months with more dates hopefully to be announced for the Autumn as well.

If you wish to register for future camps - This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

After an impressive first season finishing 8th on the PKRA speed tour,  the UK’s top ranked kite speed sailor Dave Williams is just putting the final preparations for the coming season. 

With support from Best kites for another season Dave will be riding the latest Nemesis HP kites and is once again well equipped to take on the fastest in the world.

The first round of this year’s competition is at Port Saint Louis in the south of France 30th march. Dave said “ its been a long winter and been difficult to get much training but in the last session at Hunstanton I set my best top speed on GPS with a peek of 48.3knots and a 500m of 45.6 knots which puts me right up there with the fastest in the world “

2008 Snowkite World Championships

Maggie Cleeve from the UK and based in Aberdeen has been ranked as the best performing woman at the Snowkite World Championships 2008.  As well as the men’s events the new winter tour saw 9 women competing in 3 competitions across Europe, a great start which the organisers are hoping to build on for next season.
Maggie also achieved 2nd place at the Ozone snowkite masters event at the Bernina Pass in Switzerland, great results for her first winter of snowkite competitons.

Report from Sälen
The final round of the Snowkite World Championships was held over the 13-16th March at Sälen, Sweden.
The organisers spent days up on Högfjället building kickers, bringing up rails from the snowboard parks and digging out benches and igloos for the Nordic Masters competition. 
The first day of the event became a free ride kite session with good wind but very low visibility, with kiters and kites appearing and disappearing in the mist, and no idea how high you had jumped or sometimes if you were even moving.
The mist stayed in and the wind died for the second day, so the morning was spent relaxing on reindeer hides in the igloo, and the afternoon racing sledges on the course at Lindvallen.
The final day of competition was sunny but still windless, with just a few teasing gusts to keep everyone hopeful of a light wind session.  To keep riders and spectators busy a skidoo and a towrope were brought up, and the Nordic Masters battles were fought in a tow-in boarding and skiing competition in the kite rail park.

Results were:
Master of Tricks – Andreas Toverud
Master of Style – Claes Lundin
Winner of the Battle of the Babes – Malin Rapp
Overall Nordic Master – Kevin Steen

As riders headed home over the next couple of days we finally had some fresh powder and great snowkiting conditions on the plateau.

TURBULENCE ANGEL’S BIG PINK TRIP

Date: 27th May – 03rd June 2008
Location: Ras Sudr, Egypt
Mission: All Girl Kitesurf Trip

The second Turbulence Angel’s kitesurfing trip for girls is ready for booking!  During last year’s trip to Ras Sudr the Angels visited Lagoon Beach, home of Airspace Holidays, for one day to check them out.  Transfixed by the conditions, the Angels decided that Lagoon Beach and The Green Sudr Hotel was definitely the location for the 2008 trip.  It is one of the most popular training grounds for many Pros and once there you can easily see why!

The trip is open to women over the age of 18 and is suitable for all levels.  Last year’s Big Pink trip showed just how much fun girl’s can have all kitesurfing together and how much they can motivate each other in the sport.  It is recommended that you are up and riding to enable you to make the most progression during the trip. 

The trip price includes:

- Return flights from Manchester to Sharm El Sheik
- Airport transfers whilst there
- Half board accommodation at The Green Sudr Hotel
- Kit storage

£625 per person

Lessons are not part of this package and MUST be booked by beginners at an additional cost.

The Conditions
You will find mile upon mile of breathtaking lagoons, beach and Red Sea with kick ass kitesurfing.  Lagoon Beach offers an amazing kitesurfing experience.  From the centre’s prime peninsular location on Lagoon Beach you can launch and kitesurf into the Red Sea or drop straight into the lagoon arena – over 4 square miles of buttery smooth deep man made lagoons alongside shallow natural lagoons.  Lagoon Beach is a paradise for all levels that will leave you totally stoked.  The thermal blows all day, building up from around 10 or 11am and dropping down around 4 to 6pm (longest in the summer), giving you an excellent range of wind conditions.  It is cross-shore on the Red Sea, and ‘any shore’ on the lagoons!  There are no buildings in the way so the wind is clean and consistent to let you just get on with your kiting.

The Accommodation
Accommodation is at the Green Sudr Hotel which is a two year old 4* hotel right beside the lagoon.  It boasts a fantastic pool area and a traditionally built Nubian reed pergola as their beach restaurant with all rooms having AC, fridge, satellite TV, balcony and shower en suite.

The Set Up
The Airspace Launch Pad is on Lagoon Beach, right beside the lagoons and is the best spot for launching into all the areas with beach shade for your kitesurfing holiday toys in the day. There is overnight storage right on the beach and during the day our small army of friendly assistants will help you launch and land you kites and generally run around on your behalf. There is rescue service including boat support on the open sea. All in all...they will look after you, including a very comfy hammock! (Angel tested last year)!!

Sounds like heaven doesn’t it!  If you have any questions or would like to book contact the Angels on This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or at the Turbulence HQ on 08456 589656. 

Bookings to be in by the 30th April 2008.

Ultra Sport Europe have been appointed as the new distributors for the Takoon Kiteboarding Company with immediate effect.  This move has been made to further consolidate Takoon’s position as one of the leading kite brands on the market today

Takoon was founded in 2002 by the legendary designer of the original inflatable kitesurf kite, Bruno Legaignoux. After Bruno’s early success with Wipika he decided to fully expand his ideas and branch out further – Takoon was born. Since then Takoon kites have always been at the forefront of the industry, and have always pushed design to the next level.
 
Not only did the Legaignoux Brothers invent the leading edge inflatable kite, but they also developed the whole bow kite concept back in 2002. After years of product testing Takoon unveiled the first production bow kite at the Paris Boat Show back in 2004 the infamous Takoon Nova.
 
Since then Takoon have constantly been refining their bow kites to keep ahead of the game. Many kite companies still do not completely understand how to achieve the full potential of the bow kite and, due to this lack of knowledge, and a desire to circumvent the patent, have only produced Supported Leading Edge (SLE) kites. Because SLE kites do not have a concave trailing edge they are never really able to share the full potential that Takoon’s bow kites offer.
 
Kiain Bird, the new UK Brand Manager for Takoon was obviously more than pleased with the news. “With Ultra Sport behind the brand in the UK, and Bic Sport behind the brand internationally Takoon is in a stable position and able to continue to bring the highest quality products to the market. Also, thanks to some serious product testing from Takoons’ inspiring international team riders, it is clear to say that the latest offerings from the Takoon design team ensure all those looking for performance as well as safety will not be disappointed”

“Takoon have always made safety there number one priority, and it is nice to know that their quick release is AFNOR certified, and therefore tested under strict conditions to meet this new certification.  I am confident that Takoon will go from strength to strength by continuing to offer honest, reliable, quality products at realistic prices”
 
Gordon Way, MD of Ultra Sport Europe, was obviously pleased with the new signing. “We have a high regard for Takoon and have watched the brands progress over the past few years.  To be given an opportunity to work with one of the worlds leading kite brands is fantastic.  We have Kiain Bird on board who knows the range well and will be helping us put Takoon where it deserves to be”

Kiain Bird has been working with Ultra Sport Europe on other kite products and is set to get his teeth firmly into Takoon – a brand that he has often ridden and still uses in his school.

Ultra Sport are keen to hear from riders, consumers and retailers who are interested in Takoon – so get in touch.

www.takoon.com
www.ultrasporteu.com

ENDS: 18/03/08

Enquiries to:-
Kiain Bird:   This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  07869 118262
Gordon Way:    This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  01332 813 150

BKSA join the fun at Atmosphere 08!  

A new generation of kite festivals is being born, and the BKSA are delighted to be involved! Atmosphere 08 is a truly inclusive event which will encourage participation from all those who enjoy harnessing the power of the wind with the power of a kite, whether on land or water. Genuinely the first event of its kind, Atmosphere 08 will ‘open skies and open minds’.

Catering for every kiter, whether they are experienced or a novice, whatever their discipline, there will be plenty of opportunities to get flying, and enjoy a unique festival vibe both on and off the beach. From chilled out free ride zones to competitions galore; from checking out the latest kit to learning new tricks from the pro’s Atmosphere 08 will offer all this, alongside live bands, top dj’s and plenty of other entertainment every evening.

Atmosphere 08 is being held at Westward Ho!, one of the top kiting locations, both land and water, in the UK. The beach is spectacular – surrounded on two sides by gentle, rolling, wooded hills and backing on to a nature reserve and site of special scientific interest. Golden sands and a gently shelving beach make for fantastic land and water kiting conditions.

The BKSA will be running the first round of their National Wave Rider Competition during Atmosphere 08, as well as offering taster sessions and fun competitions for the less experienced kitesurfer.

The Atmosphere 08 organising team is lead by Alistair McHardy, a long standing member of the kiting community. Alistair comments “I am dedicated to ensuring this event is fun, inclusive and innovative. This will be the best kite festival you have ever attended! We will be offering fun competitions, free ride areas, evening entertainment, and so much more. We hope to create a very special vibe where kites are the shared experience and everyone enjoys the fantastic party atmosphere!” Alistair continues “We are really please to work with all parts of the kite community – combining water and land based activities in the same place at the same time is long overdue.. The idea that you can come to the event and have beginner tuition, take part in your first competition, top out the freestyle world or even enter the National Wave Riders competition means we should have something for all”

To find out more about the event, or to register, please visit www.atmosphere08.co.uk

To Register for BKSA Wave Masters - This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Round 1 Mexico PKRA World Cup 

5th-9th March 08

It was a double celebration for the UK riders takeing 1st in Freestyle and Course racing

4 times World PKRA champion Aaron Hadlow started the season well with a win in the Freestyle beating Kevin Langree from the Netherlands in to 2nd.

Steph Bridge meanwhile defended her 2007 title to achieve a distinctive set of results in the new discipline of course racing to take 1st overall.

Well done to all the UK Team - Aaron , Steph , Tom Court , Johara Sykes Davies, Denzil Williams and Lewis Crathern.

Pics above and below Roberto Foresti / PKRA

The Great Outdoors – the perfect place to escape to, tackle the pulsating river currents, hang precariously off the side of a cliff face or launch yourself down terrifying terrain on your bike…all under one roof!

Adrenalin junkies, white-water rafters and lovers of the outdoors take note!  The Outdoors Show is back this year and is set to tip the adventure barometer for water babies with what is set to be their best ever watersports extravaganza!

Taking place from Friday 14th March to Sunday 16th March 2008 at the NEC Arena, Birmingham, This year’s show will offer a whole host of different activities available at the lakeside adjacent to the NEC. 

Area sponsors, top outdoors online retail and social community, www.majorsporty.com are offering so many activities adventurers may even need to bring themselves a change of clothes!

Prepared for the challenge? Some of Britain’s top kayakers, freestylers and the Great Britain white-water rafting team will be getting involved in once in a lifetime ‘have a go’ sessions where everyone can take part. The British Stand Up Paddle Association are also giving adventurers the chance to witness this fast growing surfing based sport and have a go on the day. Kayaking, canoeing and rafting experts will be on hand to help even the total beginners for free!*  What’s more, all the necessary equipment will be provided.

Sure to inspire even the most steadfast landlubber into to the water, some of Britain’s top sporting stars will race head to head and then be available to talk face to face with visitors. The public will also get the chance to race sit on top kayaks against a ‘Top Gear’ style leader board with some great prizes at stake.

Keen to ignite public interest in watersports, majorsporty have also organized some other great competition prizes including win a team entry and individual entries into the GB WhiteWater Rafting Festival on July 20th at the National Watersports centre. So why not enter a team on the day of up to 6 paddlers.  You can also win Stand Up Paddle Surf Lessons worth £100 and there are a whole host of other prizes and features due to be announced in the next few days.

And If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, Volkswagen is proud to sponsor the Beach Festival at the Show.  With a cocktail of music, real sandy beach and a smoothie in your hand, kick back in the deck chairs and enjoy the surf videos on the 7 x 10 ft screen or see your watersport heros talks about their lives as professional surf athletes .

Welcoming to the stage – British Kitesurfing Champion Johara Sykes-Davies on Sat, Rhys Jones, the youngest on Everest on Sunday and many others talking about their adventures!

With the organisers cramming more action into three days than should be deemed possible this is one show all outdoor, adventure enthusiasts should write in bold capitals into their diaries!

For more information about more to come at this year’s show visit www.theoutdoorsshow.co.uk.

Plymouth Pavilions 23rd 24th Feb 08

The BKSA attended the first ever Explore the Outdoors show in Plymouth

The BKSA’s aim was to support and help promote kitesurf schools in the region

Throughout the weekend the stand was manned by representatives from three BKSA schools Torquay Kitesurf school, Mobius and Edge watersports.

Phil Elborough BKSA secretary was on hand to answer any questions about the BKSA

Turnout was good and with the theme of the show being outdoor adventure there was a lot of interest in our stand.

All agreed the show was very worthwhile attending with plenty of interest and lots of brochures handed out

Lets hope plenty of new business will be generated for all the schools who attended

MEAK CHARITY KITESURF CUP 2008 NYALI BEACH KENYA
.. MEAK ARE STRONG AGAIN!!

The 2008 MEAK (Medical and Educational Aid to Kenya) Charity Kitesurf Cup at
Nyali beach kicked off in spite of all the troubles faced by Kenya in early
Jan. The event had a record attendance from the local kiting community and
included pros from the UK, and riders from Kenya, Cyprus, Italy, France,
Switzerland UK and Ireland.

Running over 4 days with the best ever, epic wind, the event ran a Race Day,
Kicker & Big Air session, and Freestyle event for all the pro's and for
those who could, but with cross dressing entry requirements for those who
could not! The fire jumping night once more brought in a huge crowd of
spectators coming to watch the riders lit by the moon and glow sticks, kite
in at full tilt and jump over a burning pyre at the waters edge.

The prize giving was held on the Tamarind Dhow, a Noah's ark style
traditional trading boat, which has been newly converted into a Disco Bar,
and everyone was dressed in Kikoys (local Kenyan sarong) and glow sticks.
The party was one to remember and lasted for 4 circuits of the Mombasa Creek
instead of the usual one! Total prize money raised this year for MEAK was
just under a thousand pounds (125,00 KES) which was handed over to the
founders of MEAK on the Dhow night, with the 2008 kitesurf cup overall
winner and up and coming UK rider Luke Whiteside donating his winning cheque
from Prosurf Extreme back to the charity. Good stuff Luke! 

Prosurf Extreme Co-owners Fleur Van den Driest and Natalie Bland thanked
everyone for their support in attending the event and promised even greater
things for 2009. "The charter flights to Mombasa are resuming soon and will
be in full force for next season and of course next year's event, so it will
be much easier for people to get here and take part." says Fleur, the new
Director for Prosurf Extreme Kenya. "We also have some brilliant ideas for
MEAK 2009 as well as our new centre starting in 2008!!"

The 2008 event was sponsored by: Prosurf Extreme, Capt Andy's, Tamarind
Restaurant, JD's Wine Bar, and Kikoy.com

Results (winners):

Kicker: Matt Colby - UK
Big Air: Luke Whiteside - UK
Freestyle: Luke Whiteside - UK
Race: Dave Ibbertson - UK
Women's: Linzi Kennaway - Kenya
Overall: Luke Whiteside - UK

Ends.

For further info or more pictures:

Natalie Bland
Prosurf Extreme UK Office
e. This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
m. + 44 (0) 7952 665595

MEAK - Medical and Educational Aid to Kenya  http://www.meak.org

PROSURF EXTREME - http://www.prosurfkenya.com

On the week of the 17th March 2008 Chirs Bull BKSA Coach and Examiner will be attempting to circumnavigate the Isle Of Wight by kite surfing anticlockwise around the island and by doing so raise money for the R.N.L.I.  (in particular the Hayling Island and Bembridge stations).

No one has achieved this before and Chris is hoping it will make it into the Guinness Book of Records.  

He first attempted this in 2004 and got 90% of the way round the island but was let down by the wind near the finish so he is hoping to complete it this time. 

It is well over 90km in distance and is very difficult to achieve due to lots of varying conditions with wind speed, wind quality, tide, currents and navigating around the island, plus the physical endurance of kite surfing for over six hours. 

The R.N.L.I.  do a fantastic job and provide an invaluable service on our coastlines and as a volunteer lifeboat crew member himself it is a charity very dear to his heart.   

If you feel you would like to contribute please see the following link; http://www.justgiving.com/chrisbull2.

The BKSA Powered by Deadman

2008 sees new clothing company ‘Deadman Kitesurfing’ teaming up with the ‘British Kite Surfing Association’ to become the official sponsor of the BKSA Race Crew at the 2008 BKSA Grand Prix events.

After visiting last season’s events the boys were hooked on everything from the great venues & watching the UK’s finest pulling out their awesome moves, to the friendly party atmosphere the BKSA provide at all the events.

They wanted to be involved straight away, to raise their profile and help the BKSA boost the sport in this country.

It was at the events that they met their 1^st Sponsored rider, Dan James who went on to become Junior champion 2007, ending a great year all round.

As part of the deal there will be an official BKSA & Deadman 2008 tour T-shirt being released on both the websites.

At the moment ‘Deadman’ are working on their new men’s and women’s range and the 1^st ladies hoodies have gone down a storm so there’s loads more to come!

Deadman are also working with a kite surfing instructors around the UK to offer deals to anyone new to the sport. If anyone is interested get in touch through their website.

You can find information about all their products and services at www.deadmankitesurfing.co.uk

The BKSA is delighted to announce it will be amongst the beneficiaries of BingoLotto – a new TV game that will raise money for sport and the voluntary sector.

BingoLotto will be a weekly game broadcast on digital TV channels Virgin1 and Challenge. Tickets will be on sale from outlets around the country and will allow viewers to take part in the BingoLotto game from the comfort of their own homes, with a 1 in 9.5 chance of winning.

The BingoLotto game has run in Sweden since 1991 where it has raised just under £1bn for charities and sports organisations. At least 20% from each ticket sold in the UK will be distributed to sport and recreation projects up and down the country. Profits from the show will be distributed to the governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation.

The BKSA funding will receive will be spent on new and enhanced programmes of activity at the grassroots or on special projects, like infrastructure improvement and capacity building, for which funding is currently unavailable.

The game will also provide valuable profile to a wide range of sports and activities by featuring them on the weekly show and on the BingoLotto website. The BKSA will support the game by promoting it to our members; by providing examples and case studies of how the proceeds have been spent for the TV show; and by identifying current and future stars from Kitesurfing to appear on the show when required. The more tickets are sold each week, the more the BKSA benefits.

The game’s motto is ‘Real people. Real winners.’ and it will offer life enhancing, rather than life-changing prizes to winners. The prizes in the game are varied and range from tickets for the following week’s game, through to cars and holidays, to a maximum cash prize of £100,000. BingoLotto is regulated by the Gambling Commission.

Richard Gowers chairman of the BKSA , believes the investment the organisation will receive can make a big difference to our members:

”This is a unique opportunity for members of the public to make a difference to the sport if they support this scheme “

www.kitesurfing.org

For more details about the game, please visit www.bingolotto.tv

Aaron started kiteboarding when he was just 10 years old in Cornwall , after having watched his dad take on the sport.

From the early days he showed a certain talent, and his parents decided to take him out of school to give him a chance to develop his newfound skills.

 
As the legend goes, whilst out training in South Africa, at the tender age of 12, Aaron was spotted by Jason Furness, then Team Manager for Flexifoil, who saw huge potential in this kid and offered him a Flexifoil sponsorship deal on the spot.

Aaron then successfully competed on the British Tour for a couple of years, whilst developing his style and gearing up to take on the big boys on the PKRA International World Championship tour.

He entered his first competition at  the age of 12 at BKSA round 1 Portland Dorset in April 2001 . In his first year he won the Junior title. In 2002 he went on to compete in the Pro Men to come 2^nd.

2003 was the year that Aaron first entered the PKRA World Tour... This first year on the big tour was all about getting to know the events, getting used to this higher level of competing and getting better and stronger than ever before. Aaron ended 6th overall, an amazing result for his 1st year and at just 15 years old...

Then, 2004 was to become Aaron’s big year, the year of no turning back. 
 

 After a heavy season of competitions and at the tender age of 16, Aaron became the youngest ever Kiteboarding World Champion!!! 

 
This was a huge achievement for Aaron, after competing all year against the likes of Martin Vari and Mark Shinn. It was now becoming clear that Aaron was here to stay, and many people and companies started to take notice.
With the help of his manager Jason and the support from his main sponsor Flexifoil Aaron bagged himself some big sponsors, such as Redbull and Chiemsee and established himself as a Pro Kiteboarder.
Ever since then there has been no turning back.         Image courtesy Flexifoil

No body thought he could do it again, but he ended this year – 2007 - with an overall five 1st places and two 2nd’s ... Which made him World Champion for the 4th time in a row! 

 
Few have ever come close to taking the title away from him or to match his style and power as a freestyle rider. Aaron Hadlow is the Kelly Slater, the Tony Hawk, of Kitesurfing.

     Image courtesy Flexifoil

Aaron is currently in Cape Town, South Africa, to enjoy a well-deserved break and to train and get ready for the season ahead... Whatever the future may bring though, one thing is sure: Aaron and Flexifoil have achieved what no other rider or company has ever achieved before.

www.aaronhadlow.com

Images courtesy Ian Edmondson / ExPix unless otherwise stated 

BKSA Wave Masters 2007

Mens - WILL BENNET

Ladies – KIRSTY JONES

Juniors – TOM BUTLER

Seniors – TREVOR HALE

Location - Porthcawl

Dates - 25th -28th October

Hosted by – Rush Extreme in conjunction with The BKSA

Sponsors – AE Taylor Insurance, Cyclone kiteboarding, Encon Insulation, Victoria Builders, Flexifoil, Rush and Blade Kites

Media Partners – ExPix www.expix.co.uk

for images click here

 Now in its 3rd year, the British Kite Surf Association held it’s Wave Master Championships at Porthcawl, South Wales.

Previously won by Jason Furness and Nigel Howell it was going to be an interesting competiton.

Hosted by Rush Extreme in conjunction with the BKSA, the Wave Master competition, held at Conney Beach, saw 25 riders turn out in force to compete for the titles in the 4 classes; Men’s, Ladies, Senior’s (over 35) and Junior’s.

In nail biting conditions riders were maxed with their 6– 9m kites in the 35 knot winds and 6ft waves. Riders from all over the country gave it their best shot the standard being extremely high. Riders were judged on their two best waves of each heat in a straight knockout competition. Storming into the final  was Will Bennett from Cornwall, sponsored GK Kites , Santa Cruz Surfboards, Airjam and Atlantic Riders  giving a fantastic display of ‘strapless riding’ to take the Pro Men’s Wave Master title with last years title holder Nigel Howell also riding GK Kites from, The Isle of Wight, sponsored by WhiteAir coming a close 2^nd  

  In the semifinal Denzil Williams from Cornwall, sponsored by; F-One, Balin, Snugg, Mystic, Airjam & West Pharmaceuticals took 3^rd place just pipped John Ellman Brown sponsored by Stormriders into 4^th place.

In the Pro Ladies category, Welsh proved best with the top 3 riders all coming from Wales. Kirsty Jones, from West Wales, sponsored by; Animal, Flexifoil, Surfers Against Sewage & Maui Magic proved why she is one of the top wave riders in the world when she won the title for the second time in 3 years to become the BKSA Pro Ladies Wave Master Champion . Current British Freestyle Champion, Johara Sykes Davies, from Llandudno, North Wales, sponsored by; Flexifoil, Jimmy Lewis, Protest, Turbulence & Mint Condition Gym at The Imperial Hotel, Llandudno, took 2^nd place, with local rider, Sarah Eager, from Porthcawl, sponsored by Rush coming 3^rd.

It was an all friends final ( as they all regularly ride together) in the senior category with Trevor Hale, from Wiltshire taking a well deserved 1^st place  and winning a Cyclone Kiteboard with John Harris from Somerset taking 2^nd and BKSA Chairman, Richard Gowers from Dorset in 3^rd place.

Tom Butler, from Oxford, sponsored by; F-One, Rush Extreme Sports, Chipping Norton School & Emma’s Trust, won his 1^st title to become BKSA Junior Wave Master Champion. Craig Smith  took 2^nd place.

Richard Gowers, Chairman of the BKSA said, I would like to thank Mark Rowley of Rush Extreme for organising the event, all the riders for making the effort to attend, all our sponsors, AE Taylor Insurance, Cyclone Kiteboarding, Encon Insulation, Victoria Builders, Flexifoil, Rush and Blade Kites, The Hi Tide Inn for their hospitality and Gemma "Honey" Jones for the fantastic entertainment on Saturday night!

We will be issuing the dates for Wave Master events next year in January 2008 on the BKSA website www.kitesurfing.org watch this space.

PRO MEN

1. Will Bennett – (GK, Altlantic Riders, Airjam , Santa Cruz)
2. Nigel Howell – (Whiteair)
3. Denzil Williams – (F-One, Balin, Snugg, Mystic, Airjam & West Pharmaceuticals)

PRO WOMEN

1. Kirsty Jones – (Animal, Flexifoil, Surfers Against Sewage & Maui Magic)
2. Johara Sykes Davies - (Flexifoil, Jimmy Lewis, Protest & Turbulence)
3. Sarah Eager – (Rush)

SENIORS

1. Trevor Hale -  Winning a Cyclone Board
2. John Harris –
3. Richard Gowers –

JUNIORS

1. Tom Butler – (F-One, Rush Extreme Sports, Chipping Norton School & Emma’s Trust.) 
2. Craig Smith –

Date – 5 – 7th October 2007

Location - Kite Beach West Beachlands Hayling Island Hampshire

Hosted by – Zero Gravity in conjunction with The BKSA

Sponsors – www.kitesurfholiday.co.uk, Hayling Kitesurfing Association & Kiteworld Magazine

Tour Sponsors – Encon Insulation & Victoria Builders

Media Partners – ExPix www.expix.co.uk

PRO MEN’S CHAMPION 2007 – LEWIS CRATHERN

PRO LADIES’ CHAMPION 2007 - JOHARA SYKES DAVIES

AMATEUR MEN’S CHAMPION 2007 – DAN GALLEMORE

AMATEUR LADIES’ CHAMPION 2007 – HANNAH WHITELEY

JUNIOR CHAMPION 2007 – DAN JAMES

SENIOR CHAMPION 2007 – PETE WHITELEY

The BKSA completed the British Championships with the final round of the tour at Hayling Island home of the British Kite Surfing Association on 5 – 7th October 2007.

Richard Gowers, Chairman of the BKSA said “On behalf of the BKSA, I would like to congratulate all our 2007 Champions and the 2nd & 3rd place winners. With over 50 competitors for each event it was a tough battle in some of the fleets, the standard of riding this year has been incredible, the best we have ever seen in the BKSA Championships in its 7 year history - you begin to understand how hard it has been for riders to secure these titles and podium places.

We’ve had a fantastic tour taking in the whole of the UK - 2 events on the East Coast, 2 events on the West, 1 in North Scotland and 2 on South Coast, all supported by local councils with great local support and fantastic hospitality.

I feel privileged to be part of such a young, dynamic and rapidly developing sport and am very excited for next year. We have so much that we want to do, some of which are still in the planning stages and being developed dependant on available funds we secure. We rely heavily on sponsorship to put on the tour and are in the process of seeking sponsorship for next year.

We work very closely with ExPix, our Media Partners, to ensure that we get maximum media coverage from all our events. We have had prime time T.V. & radio, coverage for every event this year, together with both national & international newspaper, magazine & website coverage for the tour as a whole and for the riders.

I would like to thank all our sponsors and event organisers for making the events possible this year, our tour sponsors, Victoria Builders & Encon Insulation.

The Race crew- Colin, Phil, Glen Foley & Julian and the rest of the judging team & all our beach marshals. Thank you to Kiteworld for the end of tour party and The Inn on The Beach, Hayling Island for their hospitality. I would also like to thank all the competitors for making this a fantastic tour and for their families for all their support.

We are now busy finalising next year’s tour and will be announcing the dates on the BKSA website in January. Good luck to all the riders as they embark on winter training and looking forward to seeing you all back next year and welcoming old and new riders alike.”

RESULTS

PRO MEN

1. Lewis Crathern – (Slingshot, Jimmy Lewis, Dakine, XCel & Relentless,)
2. Sam Light – (Naish & O’Neill)
3. Robin Snuggs – (Flexifoil, Dakine & KSA)
4. Denzil Williams – (F-One, Balin, Snugg, Mystic, Airjam & West Pharmaceuticals)
5. Ali Barrett– (Lost Cause & Turbulence) 
6. Lance Nunn – (Slingshot, Jimmy Lewis & Dakine)
7. 
   

PRO WOMEN

1. Johara Sykes Davies - (Flexifoil, Jimmy Lewis, Protest & Turbulence) 
2. Helen Thompson – (North, Xcel & Sombrio)
3. Sjoukje Bredenkamp - (Naish, USN, Pro Limit, Oakley)
4. Annalisa Dovey
5. Andreya Bennett
6. Steph Bridge

AMATEUR MEN

1. Dan Gallemore - (North, Loop, Robin Hood & Pat Love)
2. Ned Taylor – (Naish, Edge Watersports)
3. Rhys Lloyd – (Airush, Brunotti, Realm Wetsuits, Santa Cruz & Rush Extreme Sports)
4. Luke Whiteside – (Kite It Right)
5. Stephen Mews – (Turbulence)
6. Murray Aldrich – (North & Kiteboardinguk)

AMATEUR LADIES

1. Hannah Whiteley – (Hang Time)
2. Rebecca Morris – (Upahill & Bracklesham Boardriders)
3. Keira Alwood – (RRD, Xcel & Ayrwaves)
4. Sheryl Confue – (Flexifoil, Jimmy Lewis, Protest & Turbulence)
5. Debbie Kennedy
6. Alison Hendy/Josie Robinson

SENIORS

1. Pete Whiteley 
2. Kev Maguire – (Best, Jimmy Lewis & Waveriders)
3. Marizu Okereki - (Turbulence)
4. Ian Gray – (Naish & Onfire)
5. John Matthews
6. Peter Shiplee

1. Dan James - (North, H2O Sports & Deadman)
2. Toby Raw -  (Naish, Onfire & Airhead)
3. Tom Butler – (F-One, Rush Extreme Sports, Chipping Norton School & Emma’s Trust.)
4. Deri Lloyd   
5. Oli Sweeney – (Airhead)
6. Dan Sweeney – (Airhead)

You can watch the Final BKSA Event in Hayling Island thanks to the permanent web cam at the Inn on the Beach, this also gives current wind and weather status too. Enjoy.

http://www.hayling.co.uk/surfcam/

Steph Bridge wins PKRA Course Racing

We have a new PKRA World champion – Steph Bridge from Exmouth

Steph secured the world title in Germany after 3 hard fought rounds over the summer.

Steph and son Ollie ( a budding future champ)  went to Portugal and gained a 1st place often lapping the men and securing a 3rd in one race overall.

It was then a mad rush to get flights to get to Fuerteventura for round 2 where after suffering a bad back and limping to the water on most days managed to achieve 2nd in really windy conditions.

Round 3 was at the end of August in Germany and so the whole family went along to cheer Steph on . She secured the title by securing 3rd and so beat her nearest rival to the title by only one place!

Well done Steph!

Poole Windfest kicked off on the Saturday with Christian and Karine doing intermediate workshops for registered riders.  Saturday night was party night!

The wind graced the event on the Sunday with it's presence and  the downwind slalom racing was even more competitive than we could have imagined. The ladies certainly surprised many with their foot to the floor attitude. All 3 finals were proper nail biting stuff, with positions swapping at each blink of an eye.

Results for the mens winners final:

1st Nick Grant
2nd Robbie Shire-Maidment
3rd Russ Hawford

Ladies final

1st Christine Young
2nd Lindsey Tier
3rd Emma York
4th Steff

Unfortunately the wind opted for a gusty afternoon offering. However the enthusiasm for the big air and best tricks comp remained. Encouraged by some fine riding from Animal Team riders Jo Ciastula and Tom Court, competitors managed to pull some glorious tricks out of the bag and find the odd gust to get right up there.

Results big air:

1st Robby (again)
2nd Simon (nice coat)
3rd Andrew Ward

Results best tricks:

1st Russell Farington
2nd Brad Symington
3rd Christine Young

A brilliant weekend, too many parties, loads of sun, a completed competition and smiles all round. Thanks to Christian , Karine , Andy , Gary and Animal.

www.animalwindfest.co.uk

All-pro big wave expedition this January 12-20 in Bocas Del Toro, Panama with some of the biggest names in the sport.  Pete Cabrinha, Robby Naish, Raphael Salles, Mauricio Abreu, Martin Vari, Josh Mulcoy, Chris Wyman, Jeff Tobias, Felix Pevic and others.  Outside magazine is covering the event; and we have two film crews and three photographers, including John Bilderback.  Kiteboarding Magazine and Stance Magazine will be running features and Stance will run it on Stance TV as well as their DVD.  We are in discussions with Warren Miller productions as well to air it on their network for action sports. 

More can be found on our website,