Here’s your spring round-up of UK kite happenings
Youth Champs crowned, new coaching courses planned and more
Steady winds are returning across the UK, the weather’s improving and (even in the north) the wetsuits booties and gloves are off. Here’s the latest news from the British kite scene.
BRITISH KITESURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS – New Race Officer
The BKC have recently welcomed Russell Farrington onboard as their new BKC Race Officer. Russ is no stranger to all aspects of the British Kitesurfing Championships – be it competing in the amateurs and masters, or ferrying and caddying for his son Adam at events! The entire BKC crew was very thankful for his rapid shooting skills last year for the event videos and this season he’s going to have his hands full co-ordinating everything.
G’luck Russ!
Feeling judgy?
The BKC are inviting people to throw their hat in the ring to have a go at judging at this summer’s events They will be running a judging course just before the first event, which is at the Kitesurfing Armada. Drop an email to info@britishkitesports.org if you’re interested and find the full 2019 season calendar here.
BKC Championship Dates
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- Hayling Island: 21 – 23rd June (Kitesurfing Armada)
- Skegness: 13 – 14th July (Skegness Kitesurfing Armada!)
- Ramsgate: 24 – 25th August
Youth Nationals
The RYA Youth Nationals ran from the 12th – 19th of April.
The southeasterly winds were strong early in the week at 28 – 30 knots, and it was the kiters who were impressing everyone as the only class to successfully complete their three races one particular day (the event also included Lasers, 490ers, Techno, windsurfers etc). Using five metre LEI kites and hydrofoils, once again the efficiency of kiting shone through. Day four then saw some great moderate wind racing and clear progression in both the girls and boys fleets.
The race course for the youths is a little shorter with half-mile upwind / downwind legs, rather than 0.8 for the adults, but all eyes are eagerly watching the Youth class for possible Olympic potential in years to come.
RESULTS
BOYS
1: Josh Carey
2: Adam Farrington
3: Angus Fellows
GIRLS
1: Francesca Maini
2: Izzy Adcock
3: Ella Saunders
COACHING COURSES
The BKSA has recently launched some new instructor / coaching courses – the race coach level two course and the brand new foiling instructor conversion course (designed with the help of the guys at Progression). The first foiling instructor conversion course, which is open to existing BKSA instructors who can already foil at a competent level, will run from 16th-17th of May in Poole Harbour. Find all upcoming BKSA training dates at www.britishkitesports.org/calendar.
