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Barrow- Very Windy Walney
May 27th-29th
Location: Earnse Bay, Walney Island, Barrow, Cumbria
Location Sponsor: Adventure Capital and Palmera Local
Co-Event Sponsor: North West Kitesurfing
Tour Sponsors: Ion, King of Watersports, Palmera Local
Disciplines: Kitesurf Freestyle
The BKSA came back to Barrow for the 5th year in the row.
The forecast was fantastic – perhaps a bit too windy – we arrived on the Thursday to 35 knots!
Friday dawned with a strong westerly under sunny skies, the water looking tropical. The pros got on the water at 10.30 am with 9 meter kites however most were changing down to 7 meter as the wind was stronger than predicted , there were small kickers and some big moves going down with some spectacular wipe-outs.
There was some great riding from the Pro Men – Dan Sweeney doing some great combos to get a 4th , Jon Bleiker got a 3rd place with some big moves while UK 2010 Champ Ned Taylor scored his first win against local Luke Whiteside – in a close final.
BKSA Barrow 2011 – Images by Craig Sawyer
In the girls it was all to play for in the losers final with Nicky Rudd competing against Pip Grundy and Sukie Robertson – Nicky won her heat only to wipe-out seconds before the end to face a trip to hospital with an over extended arm injury .
Holly Kennedy from Troon and Hannah Whiteley from Stockport went out in the winds to show how they had improved over the past 6 months training abroad – Hannah got the win.
Friday night and Gary from North West Kitesurfing battled the winds to cook a fantastic BBQ for 50 people who huddled in amongst the cabins
Saturday and riders briefing was held at 9 am due to the fast online registration system that is now being used – with a first possible start at 10.30 am
The winds were peaking between 25-30 knots with the juniors on 5 m whilst everyone else was on 7m – very windy – there was plenty of crashing and broken kites.
There were some great riding in all fleets –
Pete Whiteley showed great skill in retaining his lead in the seniors against competitors 10 years younger busting old favourites like deadmen!
Robbie Shire Maidment did well in the juniors to take a great win with some new moves ahead of Ellys Bloore and Jordan Hurst all were riding extremely well
In the Youth section there was some great technical riding – with 2010 Youth Champ Jack Daykin wining
Younger sister Chloe Durrant won over her sibling Danille in a final which also saw Kierra Allwood in the Amateur Ladies – making an all Norfolk final!
Amateur Men was won by new face Chris Forshaw
Saturday night saw a great evening in The George with chilli, curry and karaoke – standout had to be Jack Ridel
Sunday dawned with more strong winds – it was decided to do a rider judged expression session – this was kindly sponsored by – Moore of Fresh Linen Limited
Riders were sent out for an hour to bust their moves
1st was a joint effort with a piggy back – Polly and Jemima Crathorne, 2nd Dan Sweeney and 3rd Ali Barrett
The King of Watersports for biggest move of the weekend went to Chloe Durrant for a powered railey!
Prize giving was done at 3pm in front of a huge crowd
Special thanks go out to Gary for all the efforts in hosting another fantastic event.
Pro Men
1
Ned Taylor
2
Luke Whiteside
3
Jon Bleiker
Pro Women
1
Hannah Whiteley
2
Holly Kennedy
3
Nicky Rudd
Am Men
Am Women
Seniors
Youth
Juniors
