Round 2 of the BKSA Grand Prix took place in Barrow. A new location on the tour Expix were there to record the action and to help out with the media. Read on to see how things went!
Thursday
Round two began when local press and BBC made an appearance to record the action for local radio, websites and possibly TV. Joanne had been working hard to encourage TV, Radio, magazines and press to attend the event.
Working alongside Gary at North West Kitesurfing Joanne coordinated the visits of the BBC, local press Lancashire Life, Cheshire Life, who attended the event to see the best of British kitesurfing. All helped by the fact that 3x World Champion Aaron Hadlow was visiting a British event for the first time in 3 years.
Joannes duties for the weekend were liaising with the visiting media and organising interviews and photo opportunities for the riders, BKSA and North West Kitesurfing. A great response was received and the next job will be to collate the feed back and published media to show current and potential sponsors.
I got on with the photography in really naf conditions (for photography) choppy muddy water grey skies just don't do it for images but we managed to be filmed and interviewed by the BBC... check out this its me !
Ali Rob
Ali Barrett and Rob Snuggs went out on the water for the press and provided quite a show in the grey yet windy conditions. Rob stole the show by landing a double s bend 3 and showing of with some huge kiteloops Turbulence Team Rider Ali on the other hand played it “safe” by doing even bigger kiteloops and an array of handle passes.
In the meantime British Champion Lewis Crathern slept after a hectic few days that saw him drive from Austria, where he was competing in the PKRA, to Worthing then onto Barrow. 3x and current World Champ Aaron Hadlow ,making his first appearance at a British event for a few years, gave interviews for the radio, press and the BBC. After an hour of interviews and riding demo’s the guys packed up and headed over to another location at Rampside some 15 minutes away from the comp site.
Lewis Crathern 3X World Champ Aaron Hadlow
With the sun peeking through, about 6 riders played on the flat waters with a back drop of derelict boats and Morecombe Bay. A group of around 20 locals had followed to watch some of the Worlds best riders ride in “their backyard”
Friday
With a reasonable forecast expectations were high. Friday morning started as predicted but it soon became clear that the wind would not reach the expected strength. The Pro fleet went out to test the wind and provided a somewhat muted display of what they can achieve. The wind grew weaker and the comp was postponed until Saturday. Spectators, however, were already amazed at the display and were hoping for more action.
The arrival of two sumo suits prompted a mini wrestling competition, the highlight of which was provided by yours truly. Pitted against head beach marshal Glen, possibly the two biggest guys on the tour, the the sound of the clashes as we rammed each other from the mats could be heard for miles (not really but it sounds good). Glen, on our second bout managed to throw me from the mat……..as I spun through the air, I decided that on landing I would keep on rolling, (at least thats what he says!.....Jo) Three rotations later I came to a halt to be met by roars of laughter from the watching crowds….I cant wait to see the video.
Saturday
The forecast for Saturday was supposed to be worse than the Friday, but AT 5am I was awoken by the sound of flapping. Looking out of the van I could see the Turbulence Angels awning flattened to the ground and the gazebo’s for the catering van also demolished by the wind which was approx 15 – 25 knots, far more than was expected.
The Turbulence Angels van Caterers Gazebo's
The competition began around 10.30 with the pro fleet going straight into action. At the Semi final stage the wind decided to return to what was forecast and the race crew struggled to find ways to keep the competition running. Juniors and Ladies went onto the water, hoping their lighter weight would allow them to ride.
With a result from the Juniors and the ladies pro’s, the wind died completely and the competition was black flagged. More press started to appear and interviews and filming carried on throughout the day.
The evening party was held at the Vickers Town Institute with local band the Sevens performing, a slide show of images by ExPix and good local "Northern Fare" (pie and mushy peas) and everyone letting their hair down after two frustrating days waiting for wind……. Rumour has it that Persil are looking to sponsor Lance after the display of his brilliant whites!
Sunday
Dan Helen
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