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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!

Earnse Bay, Walney Island Barrow, was a new location for the BKSA. With a massive tidal bay area which is particularly shallow it makes for a great beach to teach kitesurfing on. With a big tidal range as well, the beach would be good for buggying and landboarding. Walney Island also has areas that can accommodate any wind direction as well as fantastic spots for speed kiting.

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 !

 

robali

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

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.

 

lewisboat

 

aaronbarrow

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.barrow 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.

angelsawnfoodvan

 

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

barroweveryoneAgain light wind dampened the competition and at 2pm the presentation was held for the categories with results. With the mayor for Barrow presenting the prizes Helen Thompson received the winners trophy for the Ladies and Dan James collected top spot for the Juniors.

danjameshelenthompson

Dan                                                                 Helen

 

 

We would Like to thank Gary & Gill from North West Kitesurfing for their hospitality, West lake Reneisance, Flexifoil, BKSA & Barrow Council for the sponsorship and permission to hold the event at such a good location ......hopefully we will return next year for better weather on Windy Walney

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