The Student Kitesurfing Magazine

1. KITELOOP
Th e S tu den t K itesurf ing Magaz ine Is s u e 3 : Se pt e mbe r 2 0 1 0
THE SKA - REBORN
3 Stop national tour
Events for all skills
Chicks only weekends
NATIONALS | ALI B INTERVIEWED | JOHARA’S GUIDE FOR GIRLS
Kiteloop.indd 1 27/09/2010 11:36

2. Ska_Ion_ad_HR.pdf 1 2010/08/20 3:10 PM
NEW
RASHVESTS
C
OUT NOW
M
Y
CM
MY
Proud sponsors of the
CY Virgin Active Kitesurf
Channel Crossing
Visit shop. exifoil.com
CMY
K
Kiteloop.indd 2 27/09/2010 11:36

3. CONTENTS
NEWS
6 Student Nationals
8 Beach Break Live
14 2010-2011 Calendar
HVESTS
NOW
Regulars
10
12
16
18 The Girl’s (brief) Guide
24 Trick Clinic
27
ON THE COVER
©
Kiteloop.indd 3 27/09/2010 11:36

4. “
S
o, we know it's been a dent nationals on the 5th and 6th
while, but we're back. of March. No excuses this time.
Like, really back. SKA Make sure you're there! 'What
legends, Alex Hill and comes before that' I hear you cry?
Well, the folks down at Plymouth
handed over and given myself and will be hosting a slider jam and Fe-
the rest of the brand spanking new buary will see a wave event come
SKA committee a massive task to to Wales. Hood optional. Boots
take on. Fear not however eager essential.
student kitesurfer, because holy
cow have we got a treat for you... But what if you don't care about
competing and just want to start
This year will see a three stage doing some sweet upwind cruis-
national tour take place with each ing? That's OK, because this
stop hosted by a different uni. The academic year will see multiple
tour will end up in Calshot where beginner events hitting beaches
Southampton will host the stu- all around the UK for those who
Kiteloop.indd 4 27/09/2010 11:36

5. also for those who want to nail that traditionally amazing SKA parties
boardstart and start shredding. where our media partners expix
Don't want to travel miles? Never will be there to record the ensuing
fear, because the SKA will be trav- mess for all to see.
elling around the country to make
sure that everyone get's a slice of Not content with all that? OK. We'll
the SKA pie. be running a holiday abroad too so
keep your eyes and ears peeled for
OK. So you're past boardstarts updates. This year is going to be
but you're not quite at competition big. Very big. Many of you will not
level? Don't worry trusty interme- have experienced the events which
diates,: there will be events for you the SKA used to put on for us but
too. We'll be hitting more beaches if this coming year can be half as
around the UK just for you guys successful as the last one which
so you can try out some spankers Alex and Ben ran, then I think we'll
new kit or even get trick tips from have done good. Our goal is to run
the pros. We'll have you stomping an association which will provide
hasslehoffs in no time. Don't know help to every student kitesurfer in
what they are? Google it. the UK, and have the longevity of
other Student Associations such
Advanced: Whether you're al- as the SWA.
most pro or just a wannabe, we'll
be having some weekends aimed We’d like to shout out a massive
at you guys where you can learn thanks to Flexifoil for the free t shirt
everything you need to know from campaign (if you don’t know what
the pros about how to get the best this is you should probably hop to
shots taken of you on the water to our website) and also a big thanks
keep your sponsors happy. Cam- to the SKA comittee who have
era whores required. been working hard over the sum-
mer to get everything sorted for
As well as our trusty new events you folks. If you fancy getting in-
secs, we also have people on the volved then just click your way to
committee who represent every
questions, then drop them a mail. See you soon.
They love it and get bored if you
don't. Parker
Kiteloop.indd 5 27/09/2010 11:36

6. Student Nat
Back in March, when Britain was still & James Boulding and Slingshot’s
in the icy grip of winter, there were James Longmuir. They were also
rumours down south of something kept dancing to the fantastic beats
exciting stirring in the Solent. A gath- provided by Red Bull from 8.30am
ering, a battle of epic proportions, to 5pm. Quite a day!
the likes of which had never been With the wind forecast predict-
seen before... Ah, sod it, enough of ing no wind on Sunday, the comp
the dramatic story telling.... organisers went full steam ahead
The Nationals were SICK! to complete all heats for both cat-
The fact that the weather over the
weekend was exceptionally grim
and the water temperature was
barely above freezing didn’t seem to
deter the competitors. The two cat-
egories, intermediate and advanced
were closely contended. There were
tricks ranging from the old school
classics such as the ‘hand drag’ and
the ‘wave hello’ to the rather more
complex ‘roll to revert’, ‘s-bend’ and egories and the riders managed to
hold out against the elements just
long enough to crown the kings (and
queens) for the day with Richard
Burton (Edinburgh) taking 1st place
in the advanced category and Ma-
nuel Paiva of Solent University win-
ning the intermediates.
Then there was the party.
And in true SKA fashion, it was a
good un’. The evening’s events
even the odd ‘low mobe’ thrown into started off with the prize giving with
the mix. Spectators on the beach goods supplied by sponsors King
were kept laughing by the witty com- of Watersports, Dakine, Naish, Pro-
ments from the panel of judges, pro limit, Aquapac, Beach Break Live,
Hooked on and Kamikaze. There
Kiteloop.indd 6 27/09/2010 11:36

7. ationals 2010
were awards for all sorts including
the biggest bail (which was spec-
tacular!) and best trick. Photos of the
day’s events (courtesy of our media
partners ExPix) were projected onto
the big screen and local band Indigo
Sun played an awesome set to kick
of the evening’s frivolities and then it
got... wild. DJ’s from Red Bull kept
the atmosphere hot, while the bar
kept things cool... or drool? I can’t
atmosphere. The guys at SUKS
remember which.
And that was that. Sunday came
Society) did an epic job this year and
rather earlier than most would have
we look forward to what they can
liked. Fortunately the competition
was out of the way and the breeze
one to miss so we’ll see you there
kicked in just enough for a few riders
on the 5th and 6th of March 2011!
to get out and have an expression
For a full round-up see the ExPix
session. Most however lay around in
website: http://www.expix.co.uk/
exzine/events/233-student-kitesurf-
ing-nationals
the sun on huge bean bags or slept
under the Red Bull tent dreaming of
the awesome events of the previous
Words: Al Shepherd, SKA Vice
24 hours.
President- Events
It was a fantastic event with a great
Images: Expix
Kiteloop.indd 7 27/09/2010 11:36

8. A FEW
words
on
We came. We drank. We conquered.
Beach Break Live 2010 saw 17,500 stu-
hopes and dreams of getting lashed up
and seeing some good music. Amongst
-
of equipment ranging from the small-
tents to a mass enclosure, surround-
-
as taking a hit for the team and look-
hours who needed help. Good lads.
Ian from Expix made sure that the
-
-
tos on the beach. Well done Ian.
some wind would be nice too...
www.expix.co.uk
www.beachbreaklive.com
Kiteloop.indd 8 27/09/2010 11:36

9. Kiteloop.indd 9 27/09/2010 11:36

10. Bristol University K
Society Members: 40
Regular Spots: SW Wales – Coney Bay, Ab
Pembrey, Devon –Brean, Wes
Words by Harry Gregory: BUKS Secretary/SKA Beginner Rep/Instructing God/
Here at Bristol, we have big plans for expansion with the help of
-
surfers, with of course the usual smattering of hang-on gradu-
Last march we made our
grimage to the ‘wind capita
bers of mixed abilities took
-
members making massive improvements. Whether it was wa-
bongs and the worlds hottest chili sauce. A dangerous combi-
Kiteloop.indd 10 27/09/2010 11:37

11. yK
ney Bay, Aberavon, Rest Bay, Llangenith,
–Brean, Weston
ructing God/Super fast pint downer
going at least once a month, with of course lots of spontane-
themselves before beginner trips start up again in a build up
e made our third annual pil-
‘wind capital of the world’ for
-
abilities took their skills to the
-
Kiteloop.indd 11 27/09/2010 11:37

12. Mum
g.
u’re doin
what yo
Dear
d
ou know n a boar
s tyle if y to get up o time
e trying bit of
If you’r spend a
t c heck k ely to at makes
ome, bu you’re li water th ’s
one at h he white he shore, but it
Miss ing every dodging t t ir
spot! never get loser to out a fa
out t his sick they it s way c u c an walk s!
waves go a good safe, yo f crowd
A s far as ll it 4-5ft on nice and no risk o rider this
most ca catches
SW there’s t free
too big, istently way and hilled ou n to the
it cons arne rs as If yo u’re a c dow
day, but eal for le suit you onditions
s wells and is id be ach will ore e xciting c o scare
wind’s n
ot with m ing likely
t
ground, and noth way, lots of
g to d o if the ood it ’s al,
somethin wind’s g than usu e water. Any n...
all . If the sh allow you of f th you soo
playing b k , and the rt hopef ully see
ach brea or the most pa love and
a fun be hat f
eans t spie xx
beach m Ben Gille ison
ou’re Lia
hough y SKA VP
ho re, so alt reen room it’s
to the s e g
get in th your strap-
u nlikely to ne
ce to ho able for free-
an ideal pla suit
ls and is
less skil
Llangenith,
Rhosili Bay
Works in:
d if you don’t mind
NNW, NW, W, SW, an
as it comes over the
The Journey! it getting a bit gusty
y then S and SSE t
southern tip of the ba
Tide:
e of high. Around
until an hour either sid
get uncomfortably c
tide you may have to
h and land.
to the dunes to launc
Local Rules:
o swim, surf and k
The beach is split int
stay north of the
zones, and kiters must
out onto the beach
small river that runs
rkiters on the beac
same applies to powe
well as kitesurfers.
Kiteloop.indd 12 27/09/2010 11:37

13. e doing.
a board
f time
makes
but it’s
ir
out a fa
crowds!
rider this
o the
ns
conditio
ely to scare Zac Andrews, nailing a
f
y, lots o
.
u soon.. wind day
James B
ow
Airush a ker on his trus
bout to ty 2005
his stra session 14m
pless st the ‘gen
ick ith on
the massive Rhosili bay, which runs from North to South
and forms the tip of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales
don’t mind .
If you’ve accidentally parked at the South end of the bay...
mes over the
unlucky, you’ll have to suck it up and drive the 45 mins back
S and SSE too.
inland and round to the North of the bay. Be careful you don’t
get lost – even the Welsh can get trapped in the labyrinth
of
country lanes (for more info speak to our Chick Rep, Char-
lotte Davies). It’s either that or walk a couple of clicks
igh. Around high the beach with all your gear.
up
mfortably close
nd. Drive through Llangenith to Hill End campsite and your only
clue that this spot provides some of the most consistent
surf and kite next to the only pub for about 10 miles, the Kings Head Inn
north of the – both of which are worth remembering. 5 minutes down the
o the beach. The road you’ll reach Hill End campsite. For a few quid you can
on the beach as park just behind the dunes, and then it’s a short walk to the
Kiteloop.indd 13 27/09/2010 11:37

14. 2010/2011 SKA
We know it’s not quite the centrefold you’re used to, but you
2010
Beginner Event Llangenith
2 Beginner Event Redcar
Rhosneiger
Intermediate Event
BE in tHe KNOW
Don’t know which of these eve
Hop onto our brand new webs
are hosting a a slider jam with
and freebies up for grabs (we
Kiteloop.indd 14 27/09/2010 11:37

15. KA CALENDAR
o, but you can still stick this up on your wall and get excited...
2011
Intermediate Event
Rhosneiger
KNOW
these events or meets is for you?
ew website and get more info for yourself...
jam with Flexifoil sponsored obstacles. There are prizes
rabs (we know how much students hate free stuff) at each
Kiteloop.indd 15 27/09/2010 11:37

16. interviewed
After competing in looks better than fannying around slowly.
the BKSA tour last Gotta admit I am abit obsessed with go-
year, Ali was named ing as big as poss though. Nothing beats
4th best kitesurfer in that feeling when its 40knts and you just
the UK. We caught trying to get as high as possible on loops
up with him for a and board offs. I love it all. You need vari-
quick chat before he ety in life though. If I keep doing the same
started Uni. stuff I get bored.
What and where are you studying Ali? Favourite conditions and kite?
Southampton Solent, Power Craft and How longs a piece of string? For freestyle
Yacht Design. ate if
water and 20knt so 8-10m weather like secon
in Western Oz. But then I love 40-45 knts some
Seven years now. and massive waves for boosting off which myse
is what you get in Cape Town. my he
How did you get into kiting? pinne
Originally I just saw all the kites down at Worst Injury? staple
the St Annes Kite festival and thought it Busting my MCL a couple of years ago. thing
looked pretty fun getting dragged around Couldn't walk for 2 months, and had 4
the beach and into the air. So I saved up months off the water. Freakin annoying What
the money from weeks of doing my paper as you don't really know when its back to Fire b
round, and then bought this little 3m kite. strength. You gotta go out on the water
and take it easy, but I hate doing that. I you a
and then borrowed a landboard from a also smashed my head open. That was next
mate and went from there. It all seems so pretty grim. A wave picked my board up At lea
while I was body dragging back to it and pened
session on the water as clear as today. dropped it on my head. Pretty inconsider-
What
Best comp result?
1st BKSA Balmedie event Pros DO IT
What are your sponsors? But it
Slinghot kites, Kiteitright, with
and j
Favourite Trick? impor
Low Mobe, But anything can look good perce
with your own style. Personally I like to go to wo
into stuff with a lot of speed because it simpl
Kiteloop.indd 16 27/09/2010 11:37

17. wed: Ali B Images: Expix
lowly. Boots or Straps?
h go- When conditions are right then boots are
beats the one. But not every day is for boots. I
u just hate people who say they are. So frustrat-
loops ing. When I want to go out maxed on my
d vari- 6 to do boosts and loops then straps is
same where it's at for that type of riding other-
wise you're just asking for a broken knee
or two.
estyle North or South?
ate if you ask me. Blacked out for a few Hmmmm. Well you're talkin to a north-
er like seconds and ended up on the beach erner who's moving south. I'll always be a
5 knts somehow. Packed my kit up and drove northerner at heart no matter how much I
which myself to hospital with blood pouring out try otherwise. I like gravy on chips. That's
my head and ended up having 10 stables northern right? And nothin' beats Black-
pinned into my skull. I think getting the pool on a night out. But. My opinions
staples put in was more painful than any- could changed over the next few months.
ago. thing else I've ever had.
had 4 Blonde or Brunette?
oying What is your party trick? Red. like that dark died red is f***in cool...
ack to Fire breathing, But the one time I did it I Although there was this one brunette who
water goes to Southampton Uni.......
hat. I you ask me. Turning up at college the
t was next day with half a face was interesting.
rd up At least I had the vid to show what hap- Barrett, bizzle, battered. Depends who
t and pened. I'm with.
sider-
What advice would you give to any stu-
DO IT. Don't hesitate. Although you will
But its such a good sport. Make friends
with someone with a small trainer kite,
and just rob that loads. That's the most
important bit I reckon. If you have 100
percent control of the kite and don't have
to worry about it, then the rest is pretty
simple.
Kiteloop.indd 17 27/09/2010 11:37

18. a girl’s (brief) guide to
I was at University in Southampton. I
bought an ancient old 4-line kite along
with some friends and we played
around with it on the grass at Calshot.
But it wasn’t until I lived in Canada
on the water. After my ski season I
ended up working for the summer as
Site Manager at Squamish Windsport
Society. It was a windsurf and kite-
surf club, and getting me into kiting © Patrice Moran
seemed part of their deal!
much easier when you come to think
about body dragging up wind and put-
back to where I started I was hooked!! ting a board on our feet, as you won’t
I went home, saved some money, and have to worry so much about what the
went to La Ventana in Mexico to just kite is up to.
kite all winter. The rest is history…!!
What are the best conditions to learn
Well number one is you must get les- The best conditions for you to learn
in are a light to moderate wind that is
is an extreme sport and if you don’t steady and not too gusty, with plenty
learn the correct safety procedures it of room around you to make a safe en-
really can be dangerous. So… lecture vironment. It is of course nice to have
over… the best way is to join your Uni warmer water, but a good wetsuit
club, get some advice and some les- and some jumping up and down will
sons, then lots of practice is the key. sort you out if it’s a bit nippy!! Please
on the land, you should keep practic-
ing until it is second nature before you that it is an easy sport to learn and
suddenly it will all click together and
Kiteloop.indd 18 27/09/2010 11:37

19. e to kitesurfing
.........with Johara Sykes-Davies
you will be having the time of your life! Kites… you will
want to look for
a hybrid or bow
kite. (A Flexifoil
Proton would © Jonathan Winberg
So as I said before, the more you be perfect.)
practice on the land before you hit the These kites are easier to relaunch,
have more depower, which means
it might be worth you having a cou- they are more likely to get you out of a
ple of lessons on the land and then
buying a land kite between you and in a bigger wind range, so you need
some friends so you can practice to to buy less kites. Perfect!! More beer
your hearts content. (Something like a money!! You will also have to decide
Flexifoil Sting or Quark will be perfect!) what size or sizes of kite you want to
buy. It mainly depends on your weight
When you’ve got that mastered, and what wind strengths you gener-
you’ve had some lessons on the wa- ally go out in. Somewhere between
ter and your looking to buy some kit, 7 meters and 10 meters for most girls
you will need a harness, one or two should be good, but have a word with
kites and board, along with the usual your instructor or your Uni club and
wetsuit, waterproof mascara etc! they should be able to help you.
Harness… when you are learning it is continued on next page...
easier to wear a seat harness. This
helps your body position and makes it
easier to learn to ride up wind. Once
you have mastered that and are pretty
-
ably want to swap to a waist harness.
and it’s easier when you start to learn
tricks… plus it looks less like a nappy
and allows you to show off your latest
boardies ;-) (I wear the Prolimit Pure
Girl Edge waist harness which I could
© Jenny Young
sleep in it is so comfortable!)
Kiteloop.indd 19 27/09/2010 11:37

20. cause they ride and learn in a different
way; look to other girls for inspiration!
Being sponsored is both a great hon-
our and hard work. It’s an honour
because the companies that support
you think you are worth giving time
and money to. But its also hard work
because you have to train hard, keep
© Patrice Moran your results up and make sure you get
enough coverage in the media to keep
Board… you can pick up some pretty them happy.
good, cheap second hand boards
I hope every girl out there that reads
years riding. Again, it depends on this goes straight out, joins her Uni
your weight and your ability. When club and gets herself some kite les-
it is much easier if your board is a bit the increase and we’re beginning
bigger. But as you progress to riding to show the guys just how it’s done!
upwind and then doing tricks, you will With role models such as PKRA Free-
style World Champion Bruna Kajiya
a bit cumbersome. If you can use a to look up to, there is no stopping us.
So if you get to the beach and there
riding, then look to buy something be- are a group of scary guys looking at
tween a 128 and a 134 that should do you, don’t turn around and skulk back
to the car, but strut your stuff right
for girls, the Team 130 and Team 133) through the middle and show them
how its done!! You go girls!!
Johara Xx
Girls are better than boys because
they learn in a totally different way.
Girls think about things before they go
for them, whereas boys just go for it
with muscle and not so much brain!
Girls therefore learn things slower but
with a lot more grace and style. That
is why girls should never compare their
level or technique to that of a guy be- -
site at www.joharafreedom.com
Kiteloop.indd 20 27/09/2010 11:37

21. Kiteloop.indd 21 27/09/2010 11:37

22. 10%
Kiteloop.indd 22 27/09/2010 11:38

23. 10% OFF FOR STUDENTS DISCOUNT CODE: ES2KAA10
Kiteloop.indd 23 27/09/2010 11:38

24. SKA Trick Clinic:
THE SETUP
» Approach the trick with some solid speed. You
should feel in control, not over powered but not hav-
ing to work the kite.
» Position your kite at about 45 degrees off the wa-
ter; it should remain in this position throughout the
trick. Your hands should be as close to the centre
of the bar as possible. With them here there is less
chance of you redirecting the kite whilst you are in the
air.
» Come off your edge, stand more upright, ride
slightly towards the kite. Unhook. Riding towards the
kite releases the tension on the lines so that you can
unhook easily.
» There is no need to rush the set up; if you try and
do everything super fast you will lose your composure.
outstanding self satisfaction and achievement and I
guarantee nothing will be able to wipe the childlike
Kiteloop.indd 24 27/09/2010 11:38

25. THE POP!
»
Keeping your arms bent at about 90 degrees re-engage
your edge.
» Cut away from the kite driving the nose of the board
upwind by digging in with your back heel. It is this cut-
ting motion which gives you the release off the water.
» The body position in the air is one that comes when
all elements of the trick come together. The pull of the
kite and the initial pop off the water cause the legs to be
thrown behind the head. Keeping you head up too much
during the trick will kill the momentum of you board and
stop you from achieving the true raley position.
» You head should go between your arms; this not only
allows you to see and spot your landing early but gives
» The arms should be kept slightly bent; straightening
the arms makes it harder to pull in on the bar when it
comes to landing.
LANDING
» You should be spotting you landing almost from the
» RIDER: Ben Gillespie moment you leave the water. As you reach the top of
the raley, start to bring your arms down towards your
front hip and your front knee towards your hands. This
brings your board underneath you and pointing down-
wind ready for the landing.
» With the board back underneath you, you will be
coming in hard and fast, bend your knees to absorb the
impact and keep your weight balanced on landing.
» Continue to ride down wind towards the kite and
hook back in; get back on to your edge, compose your-
Kiteloop.indd 25 27/09/2010 11:38

26. get some air... in fuerte
Fuerteventura (Fuerte) is the second largest of all the
Canary Islands and is famous for its enormous sand
dunes, all year round sun & legendry kite and windsurf-
ing conditions.
Located just 98kms from the African coast, Fuerte is
of winter it rarely drops below 20 degrees with around
7 hours a day of sun. As most people think of Fuerte
Up: Zac Andrews
look forward to uncrowded beaches. Although not the
-
vourable with around a 50 – 60% chance of 4bft or over.
The North and South of Fuerte offer something totally
in the North is Flag Beach, just outside the resort of
Corralejo. This white sandy beach offers great fre-
eride conditions for most of the year and wave riding
conditions in winter. The resort of Corralejo offers ex-
cellent nightlife with plenty of late night bars.
-
to beach which is also the location of the Kiteboarding
World Cup. Thanks to being located in a wind accel-
eration zone this is the most consistently windy spot in
Fuerte and the mile-long sandy beach never feels crowd-
place for beginners and newbie kitesurfers. The nearby
resort of Costa Calma is more low-key than Corralejo but
still has a good choice of bars and restaurants with the
Fuerte Action Cafe being the most popular meeting point
for kitesurfers and windsurfers in the evening.
-
ter can start from as little as £85. ZocoTravel.com (mailto:info@zocotravel.com)
offers packages for beginners, intermediates and experienced kitesurfers in Cor-
ralejo & Costa Calma. Beginner & intermediate packages start from around 600
Euros per week , rental packages start from 310 Euros per week and accommo-
dation for experienced kitesurfers from just 149 Euros per week.
Kiteloop.indd 26 27/09/2010 11:38

27. B IG HIT:
Above: Carl. Post-crash.
Rider: Carl Bowen-Price him the title of “best bail”. He suf-
Event: Student Nationals 2010 fered a broken wrist and had to be
Photo: Expix taken to hospital after, although you
know what they say; “pain is tempo-
Carl threw down this massive kiteloop rary...”.
at the recent nationals which earned Nice one Carl.
Kiteloop.indd 27 27/09/2010 11:38

28. Ska_webstore_ad_HR.pdf 1 2010/08/20 2:58 PM
Navy
Black
WOMEN’S
HOODIES
AVAILABLE IN
ASSORTED
COLOURS
£29.95
Black
MEN’S Grey
HOODIES
C
M AVAILABLE IN
ASSORTED
COLOURS
Y
£49.95
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Red Black Navy White Black Red
Navy
MEN’S
RASHVEST
AVAILABLE IN
ASSORTED
COLOURS
£24.95
BE SURE TO VISIT THE STORE
SHOP .FLEXIFOIL.COM
UK
FREEVERY
Specialising in spares and accessories for our full range of I HING
DEELERYT
ON V
kites as well as Flexifoil fashion, with brand new lines
coming soon, pop over and have a look today!
Kiteloop.indd 28 27/09/2010 11:38