Well we never do things by halves here at ExPix. We’ve covered events and shoots all over the world but this weekend certainly put us to the test. We think it’s safe to say that a helicopter or private jet should be our next toy; but for now it was down to Ian and the trusty ExPix van to get the ExPix team from Ugborough in South Devon at 11.00pm, where we’d been for legendary kitesurfer, Jo Wilson’s wedding to Chris Rabone, to Stansted Airport for 4.00 am for our flight to Noordwijk, The Netherlands, to cover the Kite Board Open 2012 (KBO).

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When we landed we hit the ground running. Thanks to Fiat who sponsored the KBO this year we were able to get a lift from the airport to Noordwijk in one of their courtesy cars, then, after a quick stop off at The Belvedere Hotel, our hosts for the next few days, we headed to ‘Notorious Beach’ in Noordwijk.
The opening day for the KBO had been a busy one, finishing off in traditional style with a 'movie night'. Headline the evening was 'Hidden Lines', the latest video from kitesurfing champions Kevin Langaree and Youri Zoon, and craze stuntman, Nick Jacobsen.

But despite a long first day, the beach was as ever a hive of activity for Day Two of the KBO. In the glorious sunshine sponsors Protest, Peter Lynn & Grolsch had set up stall, whilst traders from across Europe such as, KiteOutlet, Mutiny, Mystic, Airush, Billabong, O’Neil, Slingshot, Ocean Rodeo, F-One, Brunotti, Wainman, and Ozone displayed their latest kit, whilst the team from Island Tribe made sure everyone stayed sun safe.

On the water the action soon got underway. Growing in popularity is Stand Up Paddle or SUP. It's perfect for no wind days but as some of the ExPix team have previously found out, it's not as easy as it looks. Trying it on lakes is one thing but you really need some skill and balance coordination to cope with waves.

Skimboarding also seems to be popular here in Noordwijk, especially amongst the younger element. Whilst it's still not the cheapest of sports, a decent board over could cost you 300 euros, the kids really seem to be making a niche for themselves and are pulling off some pretty sweet moves.

As the wind picked up it was time for the kitesurfers to get in on the action and an expression session was announced. Within no time the sky was full of kites and again it was the younger kiters who took up the challenge proving just what talent there is here in Noordwijk.

And with so much going on, Red Bull were on hand to top up any fading energy levels!

The KBO never fails to deliver; thanks in no small part to the dedication and hard work of the crew at KSN, (Kite Surfing Noordwijk). All volunteers, these guys really know how to put on an event, and, come rain or shine they pull out all the stops to make sure that there’s always loads to do for everyone.

As the bands played on the tower stage to the back drop of the North Sea and kitesurfers took advantage of the last winds of the day; the sun set, lighting up the sky as it dropped into the horizon.

Back in the marquee and the beats were pumping as Ruben Len10 took to the stage for his LEN10.COM launch party. The tent was packed as Ruben showed off his new website and latest videos, giving him the perfect opportunity to imprint the LEN10 brand in everyone's mind!

And the beats continued to drop well into the night as revellers took to the podiums or crammed into whatever space they could find as they partied the night away.

The following morning and it seemed as if the sun itself was hung over. Mist covered the KBO site and it was virtually impossible to see the kiter in the white wetsuit, on the white board and the white kite!!!