Tag Archives: TS kite

Jul19

THE BIG AIR OPEN KITESURFING SPECTACULAR, WORTHING, UK

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Rebloged from The BIG Air open

THE BIG AIR OPEN KITESURFING SPECTACULAR, WORTHING, UK

Last Saturday (14 July) saw 28 kitesurfers take on the wind and waves in Worthing, battling it out in The Big Air Open Kitesurfing Classic which was held for the first time in the town.The Big Air Open, based on a ‘how high can you jump format’, was organised by Worthing based kitesurfer Lewis Crathern and Breathe Unity, and supported by Worthing Borough Council.The day started with riders’ registration and briefings followed by set up on the beach, with a 15mph Westerly breeze accompanied by small to mid size kickers on the water. The inaugural Big Air Open kicked off with the start of the first heat at 9.30 am, which straight away attracted spectators and supporters keen to watch the spectacle on the water.

In the men’s ladder local brothers Dan and Ollie Sweeney (RRD/Hadlow) impressed and stormed through to the quarter finals as did other local Kev Maguire (Best Kiteboarding / 5X British Tour Senior Champion). Experienced British Tour Pro rider Martyn Hogg (Flexifoil) also made it through and was joined by an array of local and not so local kitesurfers who fought there way up the scoreboard ladder.

The female riders coped with the changing conditions very well changing down kites as the wind strengthened. By lunchtime the Worthing Effect had fully established itself at the event site. Spectators were basking in the sunshine whilst riders took on the 22mph South Westerly winds. The ladies side of the ladder was extremely exciting and did conclude with a full set of results.

The running order for the men was halted nearing the quarter final stage after 17 heats. A large back front had tracked through which became a concern for the riders and effectively ended heats for the day. The event was however hailed a success by everyone involved, and the day concluded with the ladies’ podium and prizes for ‘Mens Best Wipe Out Avoidance’ and ‘Most Stylish’ awarded.

As there was no official one winner of The Big Air Open the prize money, sponsored by Kingsley Eco Solutions, was put behind the bar by a unanimous decision supported by the sponsor at the celebratory after party.

Ladies’ Results

1st Place: Natasha Stipp / Andrina Kelly (Best Kiteboarding)

2nd Place: Henrietta Durbin

3rd Place: Karolina Kurek

Other Results

Mens Best Wipe Out Avoidance: James Inkpen (Best)

Most Stylish: Martyn Hogg (Flexifoil)

The organisers expressed a huge thank to the judges Ali Barrett, Luke Dennis and Jim Gaunt as well as to all the marshals, volunteers and everyone who showed support for the event.

The main sponsors of The Big Air Open 2012 were Worthing Borough Council, Kingsley Eco Solutions, Breathe Unity and Windmachine with Kiteworld, The Kite Show, Splash FM, Essentially Worthing and Brighton Active being the media partners.

Further supporters of The Big Air Open 2012 included Garmin, Slingshot, Dakine, Xcel, BEST, ION, RRD, K66, Clif Bar, Lagoon Watersports, Kitesurfkings, KB4Girls, Tangerine Bar, The Burlington Hotel, Toast by the Coast, 74 Fish & Chips, Kaffe GoGo, Smiths, Huets, Klick Chick Photography, Hybred Events, United Magic Film Studios and Visit Worthing.

Like the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/thebigairopenkitesurfing for further details and to get all the latest updates about The Big Air Open.

Stay Tuned for Event Video and further pics…

Photos by Klick Chick Photography and Kiteworld

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Nov28

Guestblog by Amy Kitson

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Well the wind is back and everyone  is happy, lovely to see everyone smiling again, great session was had today! Strong winds and lots of waves, got to use my new 7m BEST TS finally for the first time, what a great kite, the wind was blowing around 26 knots gusting up to 37 knots.

Have to say that even though I was quite powered at times I still had full confidence in my new kite, the 7m TS was amazing at absorbing the gusts with no twitching about,only moving when redirected. Today was all about big air and seeing how high you could get,  great fun was had by all, we just seemed to be hanging in the air forever watching the world go by. Lets hope these winds stay with us now.

But until then, to keep you entertained till your next session have a read about Amy Kitson who is a local rider at Westward Ho, I have unfortunately not had the privilege of meeting her yet as we keep missing each other :-) But I have only heard nice things about her and love what she has to say about herself, I hope we get to meet soon!

Name :  Amy Kitson

Age : 32

Nationality : British

Years Riding : 3

Tell me a bit about yourself/your story:

The great outdoors plays a huge part in my life, I have worked as an Outdoor Instructor for many years, I now freelance as a Surf Instructor for Walking On Waves, which is run and owned by Sarah Whitley based at Saunton Sands in N.Devon. I am a watersports enthusiast and always looking to try new sports. I have surfed for many years and once I learnt kitesurfing I have never looked back, it has taken over and is now my main passion. I love to43e travel and experience new places, I have kitesurfed in Dakhla, Morocco as part as a “BEST” demo holiday. I am now searching for a winter holiday destination.

Where are you from and where do you live now?

I was born in Derby and lived on the outskirts of Nottingham. I went to university in Pembrokeshire and discovered the sea and surf. I have worked in many outdoor centres as an instructor and this led me to the Southwest, I now live in Bideford, North Devon.

How often do you kite?

As often as I can, when I am not working I am kiting. I live only 10 minutes from my kiting beach which Is Westward Ho! in N.Devon. I work as a Posty so as soon as I have finished work and the wind is blowing I am at the beach.

Are you sponsored? What kit do you ride and why ?

No I’m not sponsored. Myself and my partner share a set of 2011 BEST Waroos 5m,7m,9m,11m and 13m. I learnt on “BEST” kites and really like them for their safety and stability, so we invested in these kites for our use. I also ride KB signature BEST 2011 130X40 kiteboard. I wear Dakine harness shorts and wear Excl and Tiki wetsuits.

Apart from kiting what else do you like to get up to?

Watersports are my main past time, I am always checking the surf and wind forecast, I have surfed for many years in Cornwall and Devon and this summer I have taken up the latest craze of stand up paddle boarding. I have always loved the outdoors and my main other past time is climbing and exploring the North Devon coast line.

Do you compete ?  What has been your best and not so best experience?

I don’t compete as haven’t had the opportunity, but when I go kitesurfing I am always pushing myself to learn and improve. Competing I feel may come with a lot of pressure, where as free riding enables you to enjoy and appreciate it more. I find myself to be a competitive person and me and my partner always thrive to push ourselves to the limits. I also enjoy travelling to different kite spots such as Marazian in Cornwall and Blackpool in Lancashire.

How did you learn to kitesurf?

I was taught by my partner Craig Shaw, and close friend Steve Rodliff at North Devon Kiteschool on BEST Kahoonas. I took a 3 day course and was taught at Westward Ho!. I never have really flown a kite before and was hooked from day one, as soon as I had my first stand up time of being pulled by the kite it gave me the biggest buzz ever and have been addicted ever since. They have taught me everything I need to know so a huge thankyou to them. I’m always looking to promote the sport and getting more people in involved. I highly recommend this school for their superb tuition to anyone who is thinking of taking up the sport. Lessons are a must for any beginner.

Who inspires you the most?

My partner Craig Shaw inspired me as he learnt before me, Craig made it look so easy and watching him flying along made me think…”I so want to do that…!!! “ I am constantly watching videos and enjoy watching Krisitn Boese, she has a great riding style. Mitu Monterio is also another inspiration of mine, I enjoy watching his videos of his amazing surfboard tricks and watching his stylish wave riding.

Favourite trick?

Whatever I can land..!!!

What are you working on?

My new learning phase is strapless kitesurfing, I am riding a 6.6 surfboard. I love to learn new riding styles. I am enjoying learning to jibe and riding the waves. It so beats the amount of stand up time compared to surfing….I have seen the light…!!!

Favourite kite food?

Not a fussy eater so anything that I can get my hands on…!!! Maybe accompanied by a beer or too also..!!!

What is your preferred riding style

Don’t really have one but like to swop and change between my twin tip and surfboard.

Most traumatic experience?

Sprinting after my 5M Waroo as it tumbled down the beach in 30+mph gusty winds after a self land that went badly wrong…..oops….

Top 2 beaches and why?

Westward Ho! N.Devon Reason: This is my local beach….oodles of room on the beach and in the sea…..great water quality and great waves.
Saunton Sands, N.Devon Reason: If its blowing more southerly I head to Saunton, another great local beach with oodles of space and great waves.
These two beaches has everything you can ask for from flat spots at times, kickers for those airs and freestyle tricks and great waves for taking out my surfboard.

If you could have any super power what would it be?

To make the wind blow whenever I want, and to have constant warm air and sea temperatures where ever I go..

Where do you see yourself in a couple of years?

Still kiting….Maybe an Instructor..!!!

Motto:

Live life to the max..!!!

Who is your local kite club?

After all the years of squabbling ………. They still haven’t got anything sorted at Westward Ho!…..If you think girls squabble….you ain’t seen anything yet..!!!

Oct25

KB4 Girls/BEST team riders get together in WESTWARD HO!!

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Pfffff, well what a weekend was that!!!!

Think I have just about recovered from it, it was none stop. None stop kiteing, eating, chatting and partying. And I would expect nothing less from the UK lot, so much fun was had. It started on the friday, where some lucky few had made their way down to have a kite before we all met up.

The waves were already pumping at about 6 ft with wind at 20-25 knots, there were a lot of happy faces in the pub that night!! I was very jealous of them, but had a great road trip down instead with Jeff. The drive down felt real quick, no traffic jams. So a few coffees and a cheese sandwich later (5.30hrs) We pulled up in Westward Ho!

Our base for the weekend was The Surfbay Caravan park.  http://www.surfbayholidays.co.uk/surfbay.asp . These caravans were awesome, spacious living area, kitchen with all the amenity’s, gas heating which warmed quite quick, and the all important TV. Which was used frequently early in the morning as the Rugby world cup and the Grand Prix was on. Though the single beds were a little small, felt bad for anyone over 6ft tall :-)

So the first evening most of the girls got together in Caravan 46 to meet each other and have drinks and food, and talk kiteing!! We then went on to join the others in the local pub the Waterfront, this was the more civilised evening. Spent chatting even more and discussing the days events.  All were not to late to bed as we were all excited about getting out the next day.

Jennie, Char, Jo, Emily, Christine, Louise, Andrina

So on the Saturday morning  it was decided we would go to Saunton Beach which was only a short drive from us. The weather was grey and rainy, and at first not much wind. But an hour on the water and it had picked up, and was again at its max around 20 to 25 knots.  It was such an awesome session, for most of the girls it was their fist time kiting in proper waves, but judging by their riding you would not have known any different.

Jo Malyon was also riding her new wave board for the first time ever!! And she was ripping, one to watch out for!! She made it look like she had been wave riding a long time, a born natural. There was also lots of shiny new BEST kites and boards for the girls and boy’s to try out thanks to Frazer our UK  BEST rep, who sadly was not kiteing with us due to recovery from a recent knee op. For me the best fun was had that day on the 10m TS with the new KB signature board, of which I am now the proud owner :-) (review to come soon) Most of the girls were and 6 to 8m. And there was a selection of the new GP C-Kites, TS and Kahoona V4′s to play with.

After spending as long as possible  on the water everyone went off for some brunch at various places, most of the girls went too “Wild Thyme”  where we had a selection of yummy food ranging from midday fry ups to cake washed down with fresh smoothies or lattes. Then a bit of shopping in town, were I purchased a new fluffy C Skin thermal lycra http://www.c-skins.com/europe/products/core_skins/769/ladies_long_sleeve and can already say that it was money well spent. It will be my saviour this winter, then after that back to the caravans for a quick nap before the evening shenanigans commenced.

Well to think we nearly missed out on a great night out. Most had already gone to the pub to have food, whilst the girls decided to get fish and chips and watch strictly come dancing instead. It was hard work pulling our selfs out of our warm slumbers. But when we arrived it was hard not to wake up and get involved, the BEST boys were already in full swing with a game of Killer on the pool table. The winner took all, Frazer won every game, hustler!!! There was lots of laughter and banter through out the night. Then towards the end of the evening the champagne came out to celebrate Jennys birthday, which was followed by a party back at the lodgings. I apologize now, if we kept you awake.

On the Sunday morning there were many bleary eyes wandering around!! But the wind was blowing yet again, helping to blow away any cobwebs found the night before ;-) And considering how late it went on, most were up quite early. So after a hearty breakfast all made there way to the beach. This time we kite surfed directly at Westward Ho! What a beautiful beach, all sand apart from the shore line. At first I felt like a ant walking over the giant blue pebbles to get to the water, which was also not an easy task whilst carrying a kite and a board. There were some interesting balancing acts from the boys and girls.

It was howling today and the waves were big!! The wind was blowing 25-30 knots, and the waves out back up to head high. Again all the girls got back out there and had a blast. I was on a 7.5m Kahoona, totally powered, could probably have gone down a size, but was loving the hangtime I was getting, it was a great session with lots of air, grabs, kiteloops and old school from everyone, the hang overs were soon forgotten :-)

Sadly all thing come to and end though, and we all packed down in the afternoon to make our way back home. It was a great weekend and went far to quick, it was great to catch up with the girls, and all the boys. Cant wait for the next road trip.

A big thank you to all the girls for making the effort to come down! Jo, Jennie, Tara,  Anna, Tash, Christine, Jude, Emily, Char, Louise and Amy, another big thank you to Frazer Stuart, UK rep for BEST Kiteboarding for being the kite guru and providing us with the right tools for the weekend. Kevin Maguire BEST UK team manager for being the BEST safety there is as always, and all the boys from the BEST team and Lancing Kite Club for making us laugh none stop, and Jeff for driving me there and back in the best VW ever :-)

Oct22

BEST TS 12m 2012 Review

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The BEST TS 2012,


The TS comes in sizes 4 to 17, each size in this range is individually created for different types of riding conditions, allowing for riders from all levels of style to find the right TS for them. 

I was lucky enough to get my mitts on the 12 m TS, one of the mid sized kites,for one whole week to try in Turkey, Gockova Bay. To fly it I used a red line 50 cm size performance bar and 20 m lines, I did take line extensions with me, but did not need to use them once.
The conditions were mainly flat water on the left of the bay and at the bottom right you had small clean kickers, wind direction was onshore/slight cross on shore
                                                       
First of all, this kite stands out in the sky!! The colours are bright and intense, with the design of the graphics you soon stand out from the rest of the crowd, and quick to find if you get blown out to sea :-) There are a selection of colours to suite each taste, from blues to yellows, gold and purple!
                                                          
This turned out to be the only kite I would use this week!

This kite has a massive wind range, I weigh just over 11st, and am 5’6 ft, and was able to get going in ca 13knots, though I did have to work it a bit as it was quite on shore and it was hard to hold my ground when it was to light. But a couple of knots more and the TS really came into its own. I cant wait to try it in a cross on shore wind to see its true low end.

                                                             This TS compared to the Taboo felt a lot more responsive and had a light bar pressure, making it possible to kite for hours on end with out getting achy arms. This kite felt very nice to fly and sits quite stable in the sky, absorbing gusts with minimum jelly fishing, only moving when redirected.      
               
For a 12 m this kite was also fast turning, great fun was had when throwing kite loops, the kite felt light when rotating, but still kept its speed and power though was best to loop the kite at a higher point! The TS was also very forgiving when trying to learn new tricks, with great de-power the kite would either go to the top of the window or sit on the water waiting for you to relaunch it, the TS relaunch was effortless and quick. I kept thinking at times that I was on a 10. And when I was just cruising around, the kite felt a lot faster, allowing me to speed along when other guys were struggling to even get going on kites from 14 – 17.
                                                             
 When riding unhooked, I found I had more pop and airtime, and It did not feel grunty on my arms, if you make sure you tune it right before the session you wont have to do much to it when riding, the kite would sit nicely, not over sheeting. I rode with the red line loop around the chicken loop. When I lost it when unhooking, the kite would just go to the top of the window without a to big a pull, letting me pull it back to me with out much effort. On a couple of the days the wind picked up to c.a 20 knots and I would have been more than comfortable on a 10. But was having so much fun I did not want leave the water and switch kites.
                                                               
The 2012 TS has a lot more pop and hang time than the Taboo’s, I felt like I got a lot more vertical lift, and the floatiness of a Kahoona, without having to work the kite to aggressively. The TS midrange sizes are great for free ride, free and wake style, weather your unhooked or you want to go big, these kites give back a lot of performance and stability. This is a great all rounder kite, this is my choice for 2012