Redcar Kitetastic 2012

BKSA Redcar Kitetastic sponsored by EDF Renewal Energy and Redcar and Cleveland Council

October 5^th-7^th

The BKSA race team made the long drive north on the Wednesday to set up the event site on Thursday

BBC Radio Tees presenter Ami came down to  do an interview on the Thursday with event director Richard Gowers and got to fly a kite in the light breeze , she also got to meet and interview judge and seasoned rider Robin Snuggs.

 

Friday started off cool however the sun came up and temperatures rose as the registered riders came to briefing – the forecast was for a building Westerly wind in the PM which with the small waves would give excellent conditions for the freestylers

 

A lot of the Kitelandboarders and Kitebuggiers turned up early to practice and had a great time as the tide dropped down on the hard pack sands of Redcar

All day there was a steady amount of school children bought down by teachers . They had talks by Peter Shaw on Kites and Kite power , built windmills and then finally had a go at Powerkiting – there were over 100 riders who attended during the day in total.

Most of the Freestyle riders were on 12 metre kites however the wind did pick up for a time allowing them to use their 9 and 10m kites.

 

Due to the time that the completion started there was enough time to run to complete rounds.

This was Dan Sweeney’s account of the day’s riding –

“It was cross offshore, choppy and really inconsistent. Pretty tough conditions. During the first round it took me a while to warm up but I worked my way into the final. During the first round it was just a case of getting the tricks in, low risk and getting some points, I was happy with my performance considering the conditions. I won the finals and I was pretty satisfied with my riding.

Seeing as we had an afternoon left of wind the BKSA decided to do a second round and combine the results. Both rounds were added together to give an overall place. This meant double points up for grabs and a chance for the riders who’s didn’t do their best in the first round to make up some points. That put a bit of pressure on me and I had to defend my win. John Blieker who is just behind me in 2nd was ripping and his first heat was killer, throwing every trick under the sun switch and regular.

After a bit of time to chill and listen to some music I felt pretty motivated. I won every heat and I probably had the best heat I’ve had to date in the semi-finals of the second round. Shifty 3, Blind judge 3, s-mobe, b2blind air pass, low mobe, s2blind, high mobe 5, front mobe, kite loop 3 and then a blind judge 5 which I didn’t pull through but was pretty close. This put me straight into the finals where I was again up against BJ and Tommy Gaunt. It was a tough heat on my 12 but I managed to throw in the essentials to get my 2nd win of the day.

Overall 1st place with a win in every heat gaining 2000 points. “

A slightly different story unfolded with the Pro Ladies with 3 time British Champ Hannah Whiteley competition , however it was Polly Crathorne who took a 1^st and then a 2^nd to take the win overall which puts her in a good lead at the end of the event .

Friday night saw us all go to the Irish Bar O’Gradys and have a nice hot buffet which was just what was needed after a day on the beach.

Saturday and the rest of the competitors turned up – the wind was light however forecast to stay till lunchtime – the tide dropped down and all competitors got ready to compete .

The Wind was very light and the Pro Men Land boarders got ready and started  a few rounds were run enough to get a result however as soon as the Amateur men took to the arena the wind died completely resulting in the Black flag coming out with proceedings coming to an end.

During the evening we were all treated by a great BBQ by ex-competitor back from her travels Sukie Robertson while the sun set over the beach .

 

All the competitors then headed out into Redcar for a night to remember !

Sunday dawned with huge Surf and Sun making it more like California . Unfortunately the wind teased us enough to get a few kites in the air however not enough to do any serious competitions.

Prize giving was done at 2.30pm with Prizes being handed out by Kendra from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council

 

 

 

Thanks to Sponsors, EDF Renewals and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council

Also thanks to the Brands who came along to support , Airush, Shinn, Best and Flexifoil

Tour Sponsors- Ion, King of Watersports, Palmera Local , Mutiny , Best , Ocean Rodeo

Final Standings

Men’s Kitesurfing Freestyle
1- Dan Sweeney
2- John Bleiker
3- Jack Dakin

Women’s Kitesurfing Freestyle
1- Polly Crathorne
2- Hannah Whiteley
3- Holly Kennedy

Men’s Kitelandboard Freestyle

1-Laurent Guyot
2-Ash Garwood
3-Abe Alzouma