‘East Beach Open’ – end of year review

Essex Kitesurf Club (and British Kitesports) Chairman, Simon Mudd, offers his take at the end of their successful free comp series

With the hot summer winds now a distant memory, let’s take a moment to reflect on the Essex kitesurf clubs trio of competitions to find the best freestyle kitesurfers around. 

With an event in August, September and October, the club put together three exciting events that took place in perfect conditions, with over 50 riders battling it out to be crowned the Eastbeach champ. Freestyle events comprise of two riders in a five minute heat, going head to head executing their best moves to impress a panel of judges to advance to the next round, until just three remain to determine the overall winner and runners up for the competition. With an impressive collection of riders from the British Kitesports National tour the action was thick and fast with some amazing moves and crashes!

As the events grew in popularity so did the attention from the industry and the club were lucky enough to collect an event sponsor from Wet n Dry boardsports, one of the most successful  action sport shops in the country.

With points being awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each event it would be all to play for in the last event. Points were close and a number of scenario’s could affect the overall placing, in the running were Dave Freeman from Benfleet with a healthy 200 point lead, Richard Flindall and Ash Garwood  close behind with 100 and Joe Hockley with 75 points.

Conditions on the day were harsh and we rode through several rain squalls, after a long day the results were in and we had found a champion! The top honours went to Dave Freeman with a smooth style and a wide range of manoeuvres, in second was Richard flindall always exciting to watch with very technical moves and in joint third Joe Hockley and Ash Garwood both of who rode amazing during all three events, so after a BBQ and equipment demo’s the prize giving was attended by a huge crowd of local kiters and as Dave Freeman lifted the trophy he was showered in champagne.  What an end to a fantastic series of events.  Here’s to next year’s series!