BKSA GRAND PRIX ROUND 6

Date – 14 – 16^th September 2007

Location – Littlehampton

Hosted by – Littlehampton Town Council, Airhead Board Sports in conjunction with The BKSA

Sponsors – East Beach Café, Inspire Leisure, X-treme Youth Games, Westhampton Regeneration Partnership and the Sussex County Sport Partnership

Tour Sponsors – Encon Insulation & Victoria Builders

Media Partners – ExPix www.expix.co.uk

$http://www.britishkitesurfingassociation.co.uk/components/com_zoom/www/image.php?q={obfs:207219224263276286227215212265225227208219224263275273286227215212265217223203263268286227215212265208203212223263276}$ Brilliant sunshine and good winds produced excellent conditions for Round 6 of the British Kite Surfing Championships, at Littlehampton on 14-16^th September. The event was hosted by Airhead & Littlehampton Town Council in conjunction with the BKSA. Spectators crowded the beach over the weekend hoping to see some awesome riding and were not disappointed; competitors pulled out all the stops as the fight for podium places continued. The East Beach Café, local sponsors for the event proved to be the ideal vantage point from which to watch the action, whilst enjoying the excellent cuisine and hospitality. Mayor of Littlehampton, Dr James Walsh came to watch the competition on Friday and told the BKSA that as a doctor, he is eager to encourage sporting activities and that he was delighted that the event was being held at Littlehampton and that local riders were taking part. The event was also watched by Toby Rivers of Encon, sponsors of the BKSA Grand Prix tour.

The wind kicked in on Friday for the start of the Pro competitions and first up were the Pro Men’s. Local knowledge proved an advantage for current British Champion, Lewis Crathern from Worthing, who is sponsored by Slingshot, Jimmy Lewis, Dakine, Xcel & Relentless. With excellent riding in his heats, Lewis, who is also leading in this year’s championships, secured a place in the pro men’s finals.

$http://www.britishkitesurfingassociation.co.uk/components/com_zoom/www/image.php?q={obfs:207219224263276286227215212265225227208219224263275273286227215212265217223203263274268286227215212265208203212223263276}$ The competition moved onto the Pro Ladies and after 3 heats, Johara Sykes Davis, sponsored by Flexifoil, Jimmy Lewis, Protest & Turbulence took the lead to win the Pro Ladies section. Helen Thompson, sponsored by North, Xcel & Sombrio came in second place.

With 10 riders in the men’s categories, the competition finished for the day with the men’s semi finals and final held over to the following day.

Saturday was a beautiful day but sadly lacking in wind. Riders enjoyed a relaxing day on the beach in preparation for the evening’s entertainment. The party was held at the Putting Green Café, who also provided the food for the evening. Free beer was provided courtesy of Cobra Beers.

Sunday saw a return of the winds and the competitions began with the juniors. Once again local knowledge proved to be the key to success as Airhead team riders, Oli Sweeney, from Rushington, took 1^st place in the junior final and Toby Raw, from Littlehampton, sponsored by Naish & Onfire took 2^nd place, with both riders producing some magnificent riding. Dan James from Dorset, sponsored by North, H2O Sports & Deadman, took 3^rd place whilst still retaining his overall lead.

Local success continued when, Lewis Crathern, from Worthing, who is sponsored by Slingshot, Jimmy Lewis, Dakine, Xcel & Relentless took 1^st place in the Pro Men’s final. Lewis showed spectators why he is current British Champion and on course to become the 2007 Pro Men’s British Champion with his display of spectacular riding. Turbulence riders enjoyed double success with Ali Barrett, from Blackpool, sponsored by Lost Cause beating fellow team rider Martyn Hogg, sponsored by Fexifoil & Shin Boards to take 2^nd place with Martyn coming in at 3^rd after a welcome return from injury.

Hannah Whiteley, sponsored by Flexifoil & Hangtime, enjoyed her 2^nd successive win in the Ladies Amateur finals to put her 270 points overall ahead of Rebecca Morris. Hannah’s aggressive style and fearless approach to riding is proving to be a winning formula. Kierra Alwood, sponsored by RRD, Xcel & Ayrwaves, rode well to take 2^nd place with Rebecca Morris, sponsored by Upahill & Bracklesham Boardriders, finishing 3^rd.

$http://www.britishkitesurfingassociation.co.uk/components/com_zoom/www/image.php?q={obfs:207219224263276286227215212265225227208219224263275273286227215212265217223203263275275270286227215212265208203212223263276}$ Luke Whiteside, sponsored by Kite It Right, also enjoyed his 2^nd successive win in the Amateur Men’s finals. Luke, from Liverpool, surprised fellow competitors when he won in Aberdeen in Round 5 whilst riding in his first BKSA competition. Ned Taylor, sponsored by Naish & Edge Watersports finished in 2^nd place with Dan Gallemore, sponsored by North, Loop, Robin Hood & Pat Love taking 3^rd place whilst still retaining his overall lead.

The Senior Men’s competition saw Ian Gray, sponsored by Naish & Onfire take 1^st place with current Senior Champion, Kevin Maguire, sponsored by Best, Jimmy Lewis & Waveriders, coming in 2^nd place ahead of Pete Whiteley in 3^rd and Marizu Okereke, sponsored by Turbulence in 4^th place.

BKSA chairman Richard Gowers said, “We have had a fantastic weekend and seen some awesome riding. Whilst the titles in some of the categories have been virtually decided by the results this weekend, there are still podium places to fight for and categories that as yet have no outright winner. The final round at Hayling Island in 3 weeks time will be nail biting and definitely one to watch!”

RESULTS