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Daymer Bay
Gwithian
Marazion & Long Rock
Perranporth & Perran Sands
The Bluff, Hayle
We have seen all of our beaches busier this year and it seems this is set to continue…
winter weather is generally more extreme and less predictable so take a moment to review the BKSA winter kiting guidance.
The BKSA has said that since social distancing has been reduced to 1m it's a go for beginner kitesurf lessons from the 4th of July.
They are are recommending one to one or same household groups to begin with.
The BKSA teaching guidelines (issued 1st May 2020) can be seen here.
Fantastic news for all those missing going for a kitesurf.
The guidelines below were issued by the BKSA in early May 2012. Since then the BKSA has said that since social distancing has been reduced to 1m it's a go for beginner kitesurf lessons from the 4th of July. They are are recommending one to one or same household groups to begin with. The BKSA teaching guidelines (issued 1st May 2020) can be seen here.
Please read the BKSA guidelines (see below). A lot of this is about sensible extra precautions to keep you, your friends and family and others, safe. This is re Covid-19 and there is a related, vastly reduced, level of RNLI coverage at the moment.
https://www.britishkitesports.org/news/phase-one-return-to-kitesports/
As you'll see from the BKSA announcement, the return to kitesurfing is for those of an Intermediate standard (can ride upwind…) and above. Follow the government guidelines and make sure you are insured (for most this is by having up to date BKSA membership).
Don't travel to the beach and 'wait' for the wind on a daily basis. Check the forecast to ensure the weather is suitable for the day and the spot you intend to go to. If you can, please go to your local/ closest/ most familiar location.
When travelling to the beach/ land kite spot please minimise your stops/interactions and potential transmission routes for the virus to spread.
We do not want to contribute to transmitting the virus from areas of high infection, to rural and remote low infected areas. This could result in more stringent measures being reintroduced.
Please also consider when travelling to outdoor spaces, it is important that people respect the rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and do not travel to different parts of the UK where it would be inconsistent with guidance or regulations issued by the relevant devolved administrations.
Also keep in mind it's probably a while since you last kited, perhaps the first time this year. Check your kit, check yourself, be realistic about your own capabilities and the conditions. …The bigger person is the one who knows their own limitations.
Let us set an example of how to act sensibly and safely engage in our great sports without impacting negatively on the rest of our society.
This was sent out by Andy from the BKSA on the 5th of May 2020.
I wanted to share with everyone where we are as a sport and an NGB (National Governing Body), and to update and reassure all our members, that we are doing everything we can behind the scenes to ensure the quickest and most sensible route back onto the water for us all.
The current situation
We are all aware of the lockdown across the nation and wider world. Here in the UK all forms of sport and active recreation other than running, walking and cycling have been suspended. This is being driven by government and being supported by national sport bodies like Sport England down to specific NGBs like ourselves.
The risks of the COVID 19 virus are real and has incapacitated or killed many across all ages, race and genders. To date there is no consistently effective treatment or indeed vaccine, and cases can lead to fatalities. The services and especially the NHS are stretched in certain regions to say the least, hence the current lockdown continues, as does our strong advice to not go kiting issued on the 3rd April.
What are we doing to help everyone get back on the water
We have been and continue to be actively engaging with other sporting bodies, both nationally and internationally sharing information on how a safe and sensible return to our activities could be implemented.
We are contributing and working with an Outdoor recreation stakeholders Group led by Natural England. We are working hard to ensure that kitesports are included in the first phase. The government is unlikely to consider a sport by sport return to activity. By working with other activity bodies such as British Canoeing, British Mountaineering Council, Outdoor industries Association, National trust and many more, we can ensure we have a consistent and clear approach that delivers a swift and safe return to activity for respective communities.
We are also working on guidelines for participants, schools, clubs to help safe practices. These will be released in the near future.
When and where can you go kiting again
The truth is we do not know this yet. We can all see that time is passing and with that will come easing of the current restrictions.
We can tell you that we will change our advice on participation as soon as it is safe and suitable to do so.
Kitesurfing is a naturally compliant 'social distance' sport practiced exclusively individually. It is also a perfectly safe sport for competent and sensible practice titiosers .
There are many other sports and activities in a similar boat (no pun) SUP, Surfing, Sailing, Kayaking, open water swimming to name a few.
Activities will not be itemised individually and clearly some are far more high risk than others. We are working hard to ensure we are right at the front of this curve in phase1 as a very compliant, safe and responsible activity.
There is likely to be a regional emphasis on the first phase, potentially allowing certain activities close to your home first, to reduce wider population mixing.
The fact remains currently however, that the government is not yet ready to make the move towards further relaxations at this time, as can be seen from the daily information issued when we watch or read the news.
THANKYOU for your continued sensible actions as the great majority of us uphold the current guidance. I see and feel your frustration, I am a kiter too and can't wait to be able to enjoy our sport again.
The end is in sight and as a very compliant social distance activity we are lobbying to lead not follow in terms of getting back on the water
Please continue to adhere to the guidelines. They are in place for a reason, and breaking them will only serve to prolong the restrictions and strain on society as a whole…..we are in this together, not as individuals.
Andy Gratwick
BKSA MD
British Kitesports Association
BH14 4FF
info@britishkitesports.org
I've been hearing and seeing lots of debate and discussion about going kitesurfing during the Covid 19 "lock down".
So I wrote up my thoughts and shared it with the BKSA Chair, the Chair's of other BKSA clubs and got consistent strong agreement.
I also asked Rou Charter, who manages the IKSURFMAG, that a lot of us read. He agreed and put this on his social media feeds:
Rory Jenkins has written this great article, with so much debate about whether you can or can't or should or shouldn't go kiting I think this slams the argument firmly shut and rightly so. It's brilliantly written and well worth a read regardless of where you sit on the fence.
Be the bigger person, be part of the solution…
The BKSA have now put a link to it on their site:
PLEASE STAY HOME, STAY SAFE AND DON'T BREAK GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES
Here's an article written by Rory Jenkins, the Chairman of our Cornish kitesurf club.
A highly proficient kiter who lives within walking distance of his local kitesurf beach.
An interesting read and we agree entirely.
My, fairly long write up on why I want to kitesurf, but won't while we are in this Covid 19 crisis is at here.
Kitesurfing in these Covid 19 times is higher risk (to the participant and others) than surfing.
There are safer alternative ways to stay physically and mentally healthy.
It will be windy when this is over.
Rory Jenkins (KKC Chair)
Several weeks of blistering sunshine and very flat conditions with little or no wind lead to quite a few flat water stand up paddle boarding, canoe, and other such visits to the sea and creeks of Cornwall by many who would probably prefer to be kitesurfing. But as Newquay based Dom from "The Surf Sanctuary" is bound to point out, it's all good water skills for when you do get out to kite. Or have a chat with Lee Pasty and plenty others to get out on even lighter days on a race board.
Cross train your body for kitesurfing – http://www.iksurfmag.com/issue40/?page=137
At last the wind drought has ended and we are now getting occasional windy days and some swell. Those on race boards are out a lot more than those on twin tips or wave boards, but everybody is getting some good summer sessions.
I've had 2 sessions out with boardshorts only. I think they might be my first ever UK zero wetsuit sessions in 10 + years of kitesurfing !
The Bluff, HayleSome of the links may take you to the old KKC Website.
Updated Hayle Kite Zone and Rules (PDF)
April 20th – 2012 Bluff passes now on sale at Lodeys and Down The Line, WestCountry Watersports will have them by Monday 23rd Royal Mail willing. KKC members £5, BKSA only members £10, other insurance £20. That includes your free parking permit for Harvey Towans and a limited edition KKC zip-tie. Please spread the word, and consider the purple 2011 passes expired.
Bluff passes from April 2012 – update
2012 AGM write up by club secretary Rory Jenkins
AGM agenda – Saturday 10th March 2012, 6pm @ The Pheonix, Watergate
Kite at Hayle ? Then watch out for the pipe exposed at low tide !
A fantastic Frostbite Event was had, Feb 14th. Pic's and other info is on the clubs Facebook page, with photos at http://splashography.com/2012Gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=3808
Click here to see the Kernow Kitesurf Club Christmas Newsletter 2011 (PDF) >>
Perranporth Ripe Tide Survey Equipment
We are planning / organising the next club meeting.
Want to attend / get involved, then please go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NZPZFK7where there are date options and the ability for you to say what you want the meeting to cover.
Great Bluff Update – Kiting Time Restrictions Lifted and Free Car Parking Passes Available
Spring 2011 Newsletter. Local beach updates, competitions, events and member offers !
AGM is scheduled – Location and Agenda
Pasty Cub Racing Event
Kitesurfing Time Restrictions Lifted for Trial Period at The Bluff
2010 Round Up
DON'T JUMP THE CABLE !!
Bluff Update
The ban on kitesurfing at Hayle (aka "the Bluff") has been lifted. There are restrictions with a permit system.
31st May 2010 Bluff Kitesurfing update (PDF).
1st June 2010 Kiting at The Bluff is Back, the signs come down and the first permit is issued.
KKC 1st & 3rd BKSA Wave Masters in Scotland
Summer Kitesurf Taster sessions
Kernow Kitesurf Club dominate BKSA Course Racing in Blackpool.
Will Bennet 4th KPWT Portugal
2010 AGM – Sunday 28th March 2010
Powerkiting in School
Morocco Wave Masters
The eagle-eyed amongst you will have spotted that the purple Bluff passes for 2011/12 expired at the end of March.
We will have the new passes for sale hopefully in the next week or so – we are just awaiting a redrafting of the Code of Conduct, and delivery of some new signs for The Bluff lifeguard hut and Harvey Towans.
The new improved passes are ready to go, as are the free parking permits for Harvey Towans, and as soon as we get the new Code of Conducts the package will be available from Down the Line, Lodeys and WestCountry Watersports.
Dont worry, the Code of Conduct updates simply are incorporating last summers changes (the removal of tidal restrictions), and making them easier to understand for folk who are not familiar with the area.
Prices remain the same – KKC member $5, BKSA member, $10, other valid insurance $20.
Please rest assured we have agreed with the harbour master that the purple tags and old parking permits remain valid until the new ones go on sale in the near future. So please keep that grubby fiver stashed somewhere safe as you will be able to spend it in the next week or two.
Thanks for your patience and watch this space.
The KKC 2012 AGM
Thankyou to all who attended the 2012 AGM at the Pheonix in Watergate. A great evening of progressive discussions, with the highlight of a new chairman to carry on the fantastic work by Lee 'Pasty' Harvey. Welcome and congratulations to Dom Moore.
The previous year has seen good national and international results from KKC members, continued progress with regards to ongoing kitesurfing access at The Bluff (but yes, we all need to be insured and have our Bluff passes, that come with free parking). Club funds are slowly growing, so we can use this to give back to our membership.
We have a newly appointed Club Social Secretary, Ash Maccord, who I'm sure will have some social plans to tie in with Dom's plans of 3 events a year. A racing, a surfing and a freestyle event. To combine with a "Groupon" plan to get us all hooked up with each other and other beach and water users in the area.
There is also talk of arranging club courses, such as a first aid course and trips to other areas or even the new cable park in Cornwall. Great cross training and great fun.
All positive stuff for the year ahead.
Rory Jenkins
Officer reports- including Bluff news and Treasurers report.
Election of officers for 2012, nominations:
Chairman- Dom Moore
Secretary- Rory Jenkins (who is happy to stand down or stay).
Treasurer- Lee Harvey
Social Secretary – Ash McCord
Child Protection Officer – Pete Stephens
Bluff – Steve Townsend
Area Reps-
To cover risk assessments for their beaches, liaise with land owners and work with the Chairman in regards to any issues.
Mid (Newquay area) – Simon Crabb
South (Par area) – Denzil Williams
West (Gwithian/Maza) – Loz Smith
East – no nominations
North (everything north of Watergate) – John Dolan
Beach Reps- Non committee positions, you will act as an ambassador for the KKC and work with the area rep to provide fun days, socials or even comps at your local beach.
– no nominations
Welcome from 2012 Committee
Every member who attends the AGM will receive 1 free drink at 6pm present your BKSA card to Loz at the bar!
A snack will be provided at 8pm for the 20 members who have said they are coming. food can be ordered at the bar.
Exposed Pipe at Low Tide at Hayle
They Hayle Harbour Master has asked us to watch out for the pipe that is being exposed at low tide at Hayle:
Hazard to Navigation 1
Vessel entering or leaving the navigable channel are warned that a large Pipe possibly concrete has become exposed at low water.
The Hazard is situated approximately 200 metres to the South of the entrance on the Eastern side of the channel.
Mariners should proceed with caution and maintain a good visual lookout.
When tidal conditions are suitable the hazard will be marked and removed at the earliest opportunity.
There is another round of rip current research at Perranporth beach, Cornwall.
The research is being carried out by Plymouth University in partnership with the RNLI and has just started down on Perranporth.
Please spread the news to the general kitesurfing population in the Perranporth area. Essentially there is scientific equipment in the water, some of which is on scaffold rigs and contains sharp objects. The rigs are exposed at low tide and partly submerged at mid tide. The rigs lie in an area near flat rocks (mid beach) due to the excessive rip currents in this area and are marked by two yellow buoys on either side. Some rigs have flouro tape on the uprights, others have smaller buoys on them to identify them. This area therefore will be dangerous to kitesurfers in the area, particularly those performing airs then landing in the area, or for those people less experienced.
There will be lifeguard presence at the weekends and during school half term, and the survey team during other periods to inform any kiters in the area, but we would like a belt and braces approach so the more kiters who know, the better.
Succesfull 2011 AGM was held on Sunday the 20th March at 18:00, at the Seiners pub in Perranporth.
KKC AGM meeting minutes >>
The Kernow Kitesurf Club (KKC) AGM is going to be on Sunday the 20th March at 18:00, at the Seiners pubin Perranporth (TR6 0DP).
– The Seiners pub is to the left of the beach car park as you look out across the beach towards the sea.
Any Member of the KKC wishing to stand for office (the current committee and beach rep list is athttp://www.kernowkitesurfclub.co.uk/contact.htm), or who wishes to propose a resolution for consideration at the AGM, should give notice of the same to the Secretary (Rory Jenkins, rory@kernowkitesurfclub.co.uk), at least a week before the AGM (Sunday the 13th of March, 2011).
We hope that there will be wind on the day so that we can have a pre meeting kitesurf.
The meeting is scheduled to include a Bluff update as well competition and social update and plans.
Officer reports
Change of constitution in respect of number on the committee and number of committee members needed to vote to pass decisions. Change the committee positions to areas and have beach reps to work alongside the area reps.
Election of officers for 2011-
Chairman– Lee Harvey has put himself forward to stand for another year
Secretary– Rory Jenkins has put himself forward to stand for another year
Treasurer– Lee nominates Lawrence Smith and Rory seconds
Child Protection– Pete Stephens has put himself forward to stand for another year
Bluff – Steve Townsend has put himself forward to stand for another year
Mid (Newquay) – Simon Crab has put himself forward to stand for another year
South (Par) – Denzil Williams has put himself forward to stand for another year
West (Gwithian/Maza) – Loz Smith has put himself forward to stand for another year
East – Lee nominates Dave Sobey, Denzil seconds
North– Vacant position, please send your nominations
If you wish to stand for any of the above posts please send details, with names of proposer and seconder, to Lee at least 1 week before the AGM.
Beach Reps– We are looking for people to represent the club on all the main beaches in Cornwall as per the website. The role of the beach rep is to liaise with the area rep with concerns to any issues and to put forward any ideas members have. Beach reps can also have funds available to them to organise Club days, Fun comps etc.These positions come with some perks!If you are interested please contact Lee (chairman@kernowkitesurfclub.co.uk) with your ideas and any plans you have to improve the club atmosphere on your beach.
Events/Membership– Results from questionnaire and a vote on how we want the club to progress in the future.
Other business– If you have any other business you want to be included please email-chairman@kernowkitesurfclub.co.uk at least 1 week before the AGM.
Every member who attends will receive 1 free drink
Pasty Adventures are organising a kitesurf racing event on the 18th & 19th of June at Penzance. Open to all members of the KKC for free, with loads of great product prizes. More info >>
Bluff Time Restrictions Lifted for Trial Period
Fantastic news for one of the best kiting spots in the country. Many hours of work by Kernow Kitesurfing Club members have resulted in an agreement with Hayle Harbour Authority of a six month trial to remove the time restrictions. The trial period begins on the 1 st February 2011, permitting those complying with the KKC code to kitesurf at all states of the tide . This has only been possible because the Harbour Master has been able to negotiate with the club, whose members have demonstrated, in a successful trial, that kitesurfing can take place responsibly by complying to an agreed code of conduct (the KKC Code).
It has been strongly agreed that the key element of the 2010 trial has been the 100m rule. This states allkite surfers MUST keep at least 100m away from AND turn away from all vessels using the channel, and this remains the key guideline for the 2011 trial. It's common sense, but ensuring that all kiters adhere to it is vital.
The other vital part of the 2011 Hayle Kitesurfing Code of Conduct is that all kiters display a valid colour coded tag on their harness. Wearing a tag is important as it signifies the kiter has a valid third party liability insurance of 5 million pounds, that the kiter has agreed to abide by the Code of Conduct, and by purchasing it has made a small contribution to the annual Water Users Licence for which Kernow Kitesurfing Club has to pay the Hayle Harbour Authority. Tags for 2011 begin on 1st April and will be availabe from West Country Watersports(Truro), Down The Line (Hayle) and Lodeys (Marazion). Tags will cost £5 for KKC members, £10 for BKSA (British Kitesurfing Association) members – proof of membership must be produced for these rates. And we have striven to ensure access for everyone and now non-BKSA members may purchase a tag for £20 provided they have valid liability insurance of 5 million pounds. Remember -all 2010 tags expire at the end of March. Tags only remain valid whilst appropriate liability insurance cover is current. If you still require a tag for the remaining 2010 season these are available for the reduced rate of £3 from West Country Watersports.
The full Hayle Code of Conduct is available here. This includes an Incident Report Form and all tag holders are encouraged to report incidents whether it be a near miss or an abuse of the code of conduct.
The KKC believe we have now arrived at a strong working relationship with the harbourmaster who wants to see kitesurfing thrive alongside other harbour users. Now it is over to all kitesurfers using the Bluff to ensure that the next 6 months are a success by promoting the code of Conduct and wearing a tag, and then we can look forward to years of blissful kiting.
2010 Round Up – It's been a good year for the KKC
Get the years round up and latest news from the KKC Chairman. (PDF set to open in a new window).
DON'T JUMP THE CABLE ! (18 Aug 2010)
As some of you may know the wave hub off Hayle means they are having "fun" bringing the cable to shore.
On Monday Peter Haddock (Assistant Harbour Master ) rang the KKC to inform us of persistent problems they had over the w/e with 3 or 4 "rogue kiters" who` despite the advice of safety boats and jet skis operating an exclusion zone around the cable, continued to treat the cable as a jumping obstacle. Peter will be doing his best to identify the individuals and photographing them at the next opportunity.
Please stop this, and make sure it doesn't happen again. These individuals are putting in jeopardy everyones restraint and patience so far.
Bluff Update (early Aug 2010)
Members of the KKC have had an update meeting with the Hayle Harbour Master.
The feedback from them is good with no significant issues.
The fishermen say the 100m rule is working well.
Please, lets keep up the good effort by all.
We have a review scheduled for the end of the year.
The harbour master knows that we would like a bigger window either side of high tide and that it's a great learner spot. He is currently open minded as to where usage will go after the first 6 months.
Lets make sure we keep a strong case for a shorter window either side of high tide and perhaps learners being allowed back. We all agree that the 100m rule should stay.
Kitesurfing at the Bluff is back
Kernow Kitesurf Club members Will Bennet (St Mawgan) and Lee Harvey (St Ives) recently drove to the other end of Britain to compete in the 2009 British Kitesurf Association Wave Masters Championship in Fraserburgh, Scotland from 30th September – 4th October. Three separate days of competition were held at different spots and in conditions ranging from light cross on shore wind with small waves, to a howling cross shore gale and big clean double overhead surf, with the results being added from each day to give the overall winner and 2009 UK Wave Champion.
With the best kite surfers in the country and entrants from France, Ireland and South Africa all making the long journey, competition was fierce and the North Sea produced some epic conditions, with even too much wind on Saturday when gusts hit 75mph! Will won the title for the 3rd year in a row, Richie Sills who is the 2009 UKPT Surf champ was 2nd and Lee was 3rd. Will thanked all the organisers and sponsors and especially the Scottish people for being so friendly and welcoming. With a visit to John o Groats and good surf at Thurso on the way, it was a long trip definitely worthy of the 2000 mile drive.
1st Will Bennet (St Mawgan) 6.7pts
2nd Richie Sills (South Africa) 8pts
3rd Lee Harvey (St Ives) 8.7pts
News: Summer Kitesurf Taster sessions
Over the summer holidays, Penwith School Sport Partnership have been running Kitesurf Taster sessions in conjunction with; Kernow Kitesurf Club and Ocean High Kite School.
With some strange weather for August causing some days to be cancelled, BKSA instructors Lee Harvey and Lawerance Smith managed to fit four days into their busy summer schedules, enabling 32 children from; Mounts Bay, Cape Cornwall, Hayle and St Ives schools to have a taste of what it feels like to be pulled through the water at Marazion by a massive, powerful kite!
Starting off on land with Trainer kites, allowing them to get the feel for the wind and learn about safety, the youngsters soon moved into the water fully kitted out in wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets and harness's. By the end of the 3 hour sessions all were left with big smiles after flying through the water and sometimes in the air! Maybe one of them will turn into a future world champion like 5x Champ Aaron Hadlow, who originates from Penwith and learnt at the now banned spot of Hayle Rivermouth.
Big thanks to Penzance Sailing club for the loan of the small BA's, Loz from Ocean High and Kernow Kitesurf Club. For more info check out- www.kernowkitesurfclub.co.uk www.oceanhigh.co.ukwww.leepasty.co.uk
News: KKC dominate BKSA Course Racing
The Kernow Kitesurf Club dominate the BKSA Course Racing in Blackpool.
Over the Saturday and Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend Lee Harvey (St Ives) and KKC St Austell rep Denzil Williams traveled to Blackpool for the British Kitesurfing Association Course Racing Championships, Round 2. The newest form of competitive kitesurfing sees riders competing on a triangular course with a start line much in the same way as sailing races only at much higher speeds.
With winds of around 30knts and a big swell Saturdays racing was full on with high speeds and some huge crashes meaning only 2 of the 3 planned races were run, while Sunday saw much nicer winds of around 15knts and a flatter sea allowing the riders to reach speeds up to 35mph on the downwind legs. In his first UK race event Lee was never far from the front and claimed 2 race wins and a 2nd to win the event on 3.4 points with 2008 UK Champion Denzil in 2nd on 6.7pts. With racing becoming more and more popular and looking hopeful to be in the Olympics in 2016, the club are looking to attract more interest to run an autumn race series in conjunction with local sailing clubs.
Lee is also looking for sponsors to enable him to compete on the remainder of the 2009 Kiteboard Pro World Tour in; Western Sahara, Brazil and Morocco. You can contact Lee through his websitewww.leepasty.co.uk
News: Will Bennet 4th KPWT Portugal
The end of July saw round 2 of the 2009 KPWT Wave Masters world tour in Santa Rita, Portugal at the Ocean Spirit Festival. Lee Harvey and Will Bennet drove down to catch some waves and hopefully fly the flag on the Podium. This year the event was host to the – Kayak Surf World champs, which had 160 participants, Skimboard world tour, Surf and Longboard nationals and was also a huge Reggae festival with some top bands such as Soldier of Jah Army and Pepper flying in to play to the crowds of up to 8000 people.
With pumping double overhead barrel ling waves, the guys were charged up to do well. Lee was cursed with light winds, as low as 8knts in one of his heats and crashed out an unlucky 13th while Will 'jammy' Bennet powered through to finish 3rd in the singles only to be knocked down to 4th in the double elimination on the last day of competition. Still, a big congrats on a wicked result in what was an event for the light weight riders! And be sure they flew the flag at the parties and showed them all how to ride strapless.
News: Powerkiting in School
Lee Harvey and Marazion Beach Rep, Lawrence (Loz) Smith have been piloting a school Powerkite programme with a view to the club running out sessions in secondary schools throughout Cornwall.
For these initial trials, they went into Mounts Bay School during their Applied Learning Week on 2 separate days, introducing the joys of powerkiting to 2 sets of 12, Year 8 & 9 pupils. With the aim being to eventually set up an after school kite club, the school fields were used and turned out to be perfect. Plenty of space and the perfect amount of wind allowed them to safely run the session with 6 kites in the air at one time.
Fitting in around the schools timings, the first session ran up until break, covering; setting up the kite, safety, wind direction, the wind window, launching & landing and each pupil got a quick go at flying the kite, releasing onto the leash and launching the kite for another person, all under the eyes of the instructors.
After break and fully briefed on the safety aspect the pupils were paired off, each with their own kite Ozone Trainer Kite (between 1.5 & 3.5m2 depending on their size) and coned out area keeping them safely away from any dangers and the next pairing. They were then given 5 minutes each on the kite before swapping pilot until all the pairs were competent enough to move onto the next level and be taught about the power zone and then onto figure of 8s and kite loops which gave them all a feel for the power and left them smiling away to lunch.
Post lunch was a competition with them being split into 2 teams and 2 opposite courses being set out. The aim of this session was to give them an idea on how you can control the kite whilst moving and also show that team work plays a major role in achieving great things and that you have to be friendly and work together to kite fly.
The sessions were a great success with all the pupils enjoying themselves, learning lots and being surprised at how much fun and power kites can have, as well as them all realising that you have to work together to win and be successful.
Lee and Loz are running Kitesurf Taster sessions during the school holidays for pupils from the Penwith Secondary Schools and are hoping to initiate a kite program within Cornwall's schools from September with the help of the School Sport Partnerships. For more info and to find out how you can help out or get this program in your area, check out these websites – www.kernowkitesurfclub.co.ukwww.activepenwith.co.uk www.oceanhigh.co.uk www.leepasty.co.uk
News: Spreading The Word
On the Thursday before half term, as part of Mounts Bay Schools, learning week, Lee 'Pasty' Harvey gave a talk on kites and Kitesurfing to 170 year 7 pupils. With gasps of excitement as the kite inflated, all the youngsters were really keen on trying the sport and were interested in both Kitesurfing and Powerkites. Lee gave a brief history of kites and the sport of Kitesurfing before showing the different types of kites, boards and harnesses you can use.
With a lot of questions being asked as well as most of them wanting to have a go (teachers as well), Lee in his new job role for Penwith Schools Sports Partnership as school/club links coordinator, is now formulating a plan to deliver power kiting within all Cornish schools as part of an after school club, with a view to the youngsters moving onto Kitesurfing through their local kite school.
News: Morocco Wave Masters
Cornish kitesurfers, Will Bennet and Lee Harvey pictured in Morocco where they were placed equal 5th after both reaching the quarters, in the final round of the 2008 Kiteboard Pro World Tour, Wave Masters.
With the final round attracting the best riders in the world and the gods delivering 2 days of near perfect double overhead conditions with side shore winds and even a few barrels, the boys did us proud by sticking to there guns and riding with no straps on standard surfboards, even with the cries of you guys are crazy, from the some of the top guys. With an awesome display Will went out to event winner and new world champ Mitu Monteiro (Cabo Verde) and Lee narrowly lost to 2007 World champ Abel Lago (Spain).
In the Women's, Kirsty Jones from Wales continued her dominance in the waves this year taking the event win and becoming the 2008 KPWT Wave Masters World Champion.
After four rounds throughout the year in; France, Portugal, Brasil and Morocco, Lee finished his first year on tour in 7th position, with Will ending up after his second year on tour equal 5th.
Lee says: 'I am very pleased after my first year on the world tour especially after the epic conditions we had in Morocco at a spot called Moulay. We are both looking forward to riding some big waves both at home and abroad this winter and aim to fly the flag high on the podium in next years tour!'
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