tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87644633906189240482024-03-13T08:46:58.173-07:00Blast KiteboardingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-64863199286661838502014-03-24T08:33:00.000-07:002014-03-26T07:25:26.783-07:00PKRA WORLD TOUR - DAKHLA MOROCCO 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A few weeks ago I had a phone call asking if I'd like to visit the PKRA in Dakhla Morocco, we chatted for a while and it turned out I was being offered a all expenses trip to report on both the PKRA event but also in general about Morocco and in particular this kitesurfing heaven!<br />
I pondered for a while whether I had space in my hectic schedule, no I didn't - I immediately screamed YES PLEASE!<br />
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I have been lucky enough to have visited Dakhla twice before, running group trips way back when it was just tents, electric only for evening meal time (in the big tent) no wifi and no booze (it was Ramadan)!!</div>
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Things have changed!</div>
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I flew out with Air Moroc from Heathrow and had a stop over in Casablanca where I was met by Farouk..a softly spoken, and very pleasant Moroccan from Rabat (the Capital) Farouk took me on a whirlwind tour of Casablanca including the very impressive <span style="background-color: black;"><b style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hassan_II_Mosque">Hassan II Mosque</a></b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> </span></span></div>
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The Hassan ll Mosque is the largest in the country and the 7th largest in the world.</div>
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I was staying the week at the beautiful<span style="color: magenta;"> <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.oceanvagabond.com/index-en.html">Ocean Vagabond</a> </span></span>village situated at the extreme far north end of the vast lagoon. To say was shocked by how things had changed and advanced since my last visit 7 years ago would be an understatement. Both here and in <a href="http://www.dakhla-attitude.ma/EN/Dakhla-Attitude-Hotel-Dakhla.html"><span style="color: magenta;">Dakhla Attitude</span></a> the simple tents lit only by candle lights at night have been replaced with cute little eco bungalows set on the edge of the lagoon, most have very impressive sea view and all the mod cons.</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/1920048_10152257051226294_1548500728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/1920048_10152257051226294_1548500728_n.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/1622606_10152257051361294_316216607_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/1622606_10152257051361294_316216607_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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My little house by the sea!</div>
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My first day was also the official opening ceremony for the <span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.prokitetour.com/">PKRA World Tour</a>,</span></span> a chance for all the competitors who have travelled from across the globe to this isolated but windy piece of heaven to catch up with each other. The venue for this major world comp is set in the most spectacular landscapes you will ever see...baron maybe but spectacular none the less!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Competitors line up to greet the dignitaries from the nearby city of Dakhla</td></tr>
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I met up with the British competitors...<b>Wave riding</b> - Lee "pasty" Harvey, Danny Morrice and Kirsty Jones and the lone <b>Freestyle</b> Brit Aaron Hadlow<br />
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The first day of competition kicked off with the Moroccan trials for selection through to the main event, this was extremely competitive too with the "locals" throwing down all the big moves required at this top level in the sport.</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/1503440_10152257051921294_830454927_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/1503440_10152257051921294_830454927_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>The impressive judging tower in the lagoon!</div>
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I spent the rest of the day engrossed in the sights of such a huge event set in such an awesome spot, I wondered up on top of the nearby ridge which gives you a super panoramic view of the whole vast tidal lagoon.</div>
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No matter how many people are on the water here there is always plenty of space to be found!</div>
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The next day was scheduled to be the first day of the wave event, a meeting was held at 10am and it looked pretty shaky if anything was going to happen. Fortunately Lee "pasty" was gunning as usual for the comp to go NOW! So eventually after much deliberation it was agreed to head for the wave spot near too Dakhla city and at least try. </div>
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It was a good call!</div>
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The waves were maybe not the biggest but they were a nice clean smackable right hander peeling along down the point with a decent cross shore breeze helping maters.</div>
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Straight off it was pretty obvious that the standard was going to be so high...way higher than any previous events with so many people capable of going the whole way.</div>
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It was great to see both Lee and Danny doing the UK proud and progressing through there early heats, even against such strong competition. </div>
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These guys have had to sacrifice so much to travel to contests like this....sponsors are simply not throwing money at the regular guys on the circuit. Most have to work extra shifts at work and scrimp and save towards funding themselves to get here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lee "pasty" Harvey UK flying the Cornish Flag!</td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RVy0Zy3Qxno?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
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The official PKRA Wave Video from the Event</div>
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<a href="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1.0-9/10014930_10152258044881294_14486040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1.0-9/10014930_10152258044881294_14486040_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>Over the next few days and I was chaperoned around (with others from Portugal/Brazil/France etc) to various places of interest including a visit to a Oyster farm, luckily enough at lunch time! Talk about FRESH, these were direct from the sea in front of the restaurant. </div>
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<a href="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10006483_10152258044946294_1081027537_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10006483_10152258044946294_1081027537_n.jpg" width="200" /></a> The oysters here are reportedly the best in Morocco!</div>
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Next stop was the large green houses you pass when on the way to the lagoon from the airport, all 66 hectares of them. If you add the other greenhouses a few miles away they total some 600 hectares!! </div>
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Here they grow Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Melons of which 95% of the production from here is exported to Europe and USA </div>
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><span style="text-align: left;">There is another farm nearby where they grow errm Ostrich for the market of North Morocco and Mauritania.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Whilst we were in Dakhla we were lucky enough to attend the opening of a new Golf Club, with an eco friendly desert style course. It has long way to go but it shows the areas commitment to attracting new markets of tourism.</span></div>
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<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1981896_10152263778896294_967633425_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1981896_10152263778896294_967633425_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1184822_10152263787161294_1758746068_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1184822_10152263787161294_1758746068_n.jpg" width="126" /></a><b> Bab Bal Bahar Golf Club</b> - Dakhla<br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">So after this it was back to the comp and it was really hotting up and getting pretty exciting to watch, there were the usual guys you'd expect to see ripping but quite a few other not so familiar faces were fighting there way through the rounds too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">It was always looking likely to be Mitu, Keahi, Airton etc but also Pedro Enrique from Brazil was killing it with his back side onslaught. Pedro was once World Junior Surf Champion and I know his dream is to become World Kitesurf Champ aslo...it's looking pretty promising so far for Pedro.</span></div>
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Keahi took out Mitu in the semi's possibly one of the best heats of the whole comp with probably the best waves too, Mitu had one wave with two cover ups and it still wasn't enough, which left Pedro and Keahi to battle it out in the final and boy was it a battle. Wave for wave they exchanged move for move. Keahi with his super smooth effortless collection of ways to smash a wave and Pedro with his quite unique vertical back hadhand attacks. In the end Keahi was to finish top of the podium but it really was close for all the top guys from the quarters onwards.</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/1010127_10152258042201294_445522228_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/1010127_10152258042201294_445522228_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> <span class="fbPhotoTagListTag tagItem" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><a aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_30" class="taggee" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=753721201&type=mediatag&media_info=6.697976000245788" data-tag="753721201" href="https://www.facebook.com/keahid" id="js_29" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Keahi De Aboitiz</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">.</span></div>
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1st Keahi 2nd Pedro 3rd Mitu</div>
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In the ladies there were a few stand outs early on and Moona Whyte from Hawaii was very much the one to beat, other notable performers were <a aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_41" class="taggee" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=630620732&type=mediatag&media_info=6.698438760199512" data-tag="630620732" href="https://www.facebook.com/milla.knesse" id="js_42" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">Milla Knesse</span></a> and Jalou Langaree and our very own Kirsty Jones who is now based in Dakhla. </div>
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In the end it was still to be Moona's smooth carving moves that would win the day with Kirsty in a very close second place and Jalou third.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kirtsy Jones UK</td></tr>
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1st Moona 2nd Kisrty 3rd Jalou</div>
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Sadly immediately after the presentation of the wave event I had to head off to the airport to fly home this meant I would miss the entire Freestyle event, however with the modern world I was able to watch plenty of the heats once home on the tinterweb!</div>
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">The video of the Mens Freestye Finals<br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Mens - 1st Jacobs 2nd Tack 3rd Neto</span></div>
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Ladies - 1st Gisela 2nd Karolina 3rd Bruna</div>
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Ladies Final</div>
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<b>So</b>, I was there just under a week and I didn't even get the chance to kite....that's a first!! </div>
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<b>Would I recommend Dakhla to others.. of course I would!! </b></div>
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Dakhla is moving with the times, it has all the luxuries we now demand...well most of them. Each "camp" around the lagoon offers everything the modern kitesurfer could wish for. Comfortable clean accommodation, good food, wifi, downwind trips to spots like White Dune and of course the wave spots. Or alternatively you could stay in one of the 4 star hotels in Dakhla such as <a href="http://www.bab-al-bahar.com/"><span style="color: magenta;">Bab Al Bahar</span></a></div>
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We will be looking into running trips back to Dakhla in the near future.....watch this space!</div>
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If you require any further information please do not hesitate to email us at: info@blastkiteboarding.co.uk</div>
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Links </div>
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<a href="http://www.dakhla-attitude.ma/"><span style="color: magenta;">http://www.dakhla-attitude.ma/</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.oceanvagabond.com/"><span style="color: magenta;">http://www.oceanvagabond.com/</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bab-al-bahar.com/"><span style="color: magenta;">http://www.bab-al-bahar.com/</span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-89113840780605043092014-01-06T11:39:00.000-08:002014-01-06T11:58:09.839-08:002013 What a Year!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Not got around to doing a summing up of the year 2013....till now and quite simply I do not know where to start.<br />
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It perhaps wasn't the best start, both Sarah and I started 2013 on crutches...but hey it could only get better hey?<br />
It did give me the chance to take a heap of photo's of the boys out kitesurfing last winter and also visiting pro Lee Pasty Harvey when he ripped the arse of some of our local spots.<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/405995_10151357557631294_412381033_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/405995_10151357557631294_412381033_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> Thankfully my ankle got fixed up pretty quick, I'm so lucky I do seem to heal quickly.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S.Wales Powder Day</td></tr>
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It was just as well as the season never really stopped for winter, the snow dumped big time in the Brecon Beacons, I still had my leg in a cast but that wasn't going to stop me, it's not every day we get powder!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Kiting in S.Wales</td></tr>
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...we then had a photo shoot for the <b>AA </b><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cUAnTAd8jZo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/531587_10151445149091294_561943716_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/531587_10151445149091294_561943716_n.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/253614_10151534675586294_1571449981_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/253614_10151534675586294_1571449981_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Click here for the video they used: </div>
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<a href="http://clubmagazine.rac.co.uk/GB/spring-2013/my-incredible-commute">http://clubmagazine.rac.co.uk/GB/spring-2013/my-incredible-commute</a></div>
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I had my first trip to Cape Verde Islands when me and Wayne did a last minute trip to Boa Vista, unfortunately we didnt score <br />
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any classic conditions but we did get our warm water/sunshine fix!</div>
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February also saw us score some awesome conditions for the <u><b>BLAST FROZEN JAM</b></u> here in Porthcawl, we had a huge turn out of uber keen kitesurfers..you'd have to be just to think of driving across the country in the depths of February huh?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Blast Frozen Jam</td></tr>
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We got our new van earlier in the year also and set about transforming her into a right proper Blast Bus<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/970872_10151662241696294_2023477105_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/970872_10151662241696294_2023477105_n.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/970568_10151670447101294_2013425106_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/970568_10151670447101294_2013425106_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In May we ran our first group holiday to Hatteras in the USA.....what a place for a kitesurf holiday!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3aUIRDUeGQI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> The Hatteras Trip!<br />
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<a href="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/306836_10151612192361294_1210797482_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/306836_10151612192361294_1210797482_n.jpg" width="200" /></a> Not everyday you get to jump over Dimitri Maremanandes </div>
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When we got back from Hatteras the summer season of lessons was in full flow and once again we had some amazing students..many of which have become great friends.</div>
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It wasn't long till our next trip to our old favourite PORTUGAL, this was possibly the best trip we have ever had there, great group, great villa in a great spot and fantastic conditions...wind every day!</div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/AW8_KtCgCSY/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/AW8_KtCgCSY&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/AW8_KtCgCSY&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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We did our first presentation with a school, quite possibly the best thing we did all year with an amazing response from the children!<a href="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1236836_10151839319096294_977400606_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1236836_10151839319096294_977400606_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids simply could not believe the size of the kites!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/150402_10151723543456294_641740677_n.jpg?lvh=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/150402_10151723543456294_641740677_n.jpg?lvh=1" width="200" /></a>The winds during the summer were a bit pants to be honest but it did give us the chance to get out on the SUP's and also we spent a few days on the Cable..a first for us but I'm sure we will be doing a lot more of this in the future</div>
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During the summer we did manage a few weekends away in the Blast Bus...one up in N.Wales which we had excellent winds and surf! <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jCNwNZH5kx8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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The other weekend we had away was at the National Watersports Festival. A great chance for us to catch up with so many good friends in this crazy industry.</div>
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Soon enough the autumn was approaching which also meant that the BKSA National Wavemasters championships up in Tiree were fast approaching, we only decided to go at the last minute, when we saw the conditions they were expecting...quite simply it was EPIC!</div>
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I was lucky enough to defend the Senior Title I'd won the year before so becoming 2 x British Champion...pretty stoked!! </div>
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<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1425793_10151974504661294_17258575_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1425793_10151974504661294_17258575_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>The autumn really kicked in then with the beaches becoming quieter and the lessons dying off it aloud us to kite more sessions on our own once again!<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1441412_10151975924611294_788110227_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1441412_10151975924611294_788110227_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately during the SKA Beginners weekend which we were teaching at, I pulled a muscle in my calf. No big deal I thought until my next session when it pulled some more, this time with excruciating pain, this happened one more time and then I couldn't even walk. I'd torn the muscle off my calf...badly apparently! Oh and only two weeks before the biggest trip of 2013....Brazil</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1469859_10152063235853689_425464706_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1469859_10152063235853689_425464706_n.jpg" width="146" /></a> Two weeks of intensive physio followed. </div>
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We also had the Lee Pasty Wave Clinic...which was brilliant for two reasons ............</div>
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A/. Lee did a brilliant job and every one learnt so much</div>
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B/. The storm that hit S.Wales was amazing!!</div>
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This was just the start of many crazy storms to hit the west coast of the UK</div>
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Brazil...I wasn't sure how my leg would hold up as I'd been told it would normally be two months before I should be exercising the muscle, I need not have worried.</div>
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The trip to Brazil was amazing as ever...Hot, Windy, Warm water and great company!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RVMdzOhVVJE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> The video gives just a small taster of what it was like (kind of)</div>
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The end of the year saw more of the storms like we had during Pasty's Wave clinic</div>
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So....how are we going to better 2013?</div>
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Just watch this space!! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-26534513059773569022013-12-12T09:21:00.000-08:002013-12-12T10:40:26.623-08:00Brazil - One Big Brazilian Adventure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Blast Crew - Downwinder to Taiba</td></tr>
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We have been home almost a fortnight now from what is arguably our best trip so far!<br />
Brazil is probably the ultimate kitesurf destination because of it's consistant warm winds...no need for wetsuits here!<br />
This year we took a group of twelve like minded souls on a journey from the capital of Brazilian Kitesurfing....Cumbucu up the coast to Jericocoara via a stop off at Paracaru.<br />
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This enabled all to get their fix, be it waves, flat water or downwinders (often also with both)<br />
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The kiting at Cumbucu is a great first into to the kiting in general on offer in Brazil. There are two main lagoons offering flater water for the freestyle guys, they are also an awesome place to watch the pro's practicing the latest tricks.<br />
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The quieter of the two is Tabooba, a short bus trip upwind...it can still get busy so it's best to hit it early. You can downwind from here back to Cumbucu along the coast, be warned though it can get heavy pounding surf in front of the lagoon when the surf is up. It's then approx 7km back downwind in usually very little swell, or carry on for another 7-8km to Cauipi Lagoon. This downwinder can get much heavier swell....never that big - but it can be extremely heavy for it's size.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twelve kiters produce a lot of kit......</td></tr>
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After a few days getting into the Brazilian vibe we headed up the coast with just a one day stop at Paracaru...one of my favourite spots. Here you have a lagoon at low tide with waves on the reef out the back.<br />
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Twelve kitesurfers brings a hell of a lot of gear.....37 Kites/18Boards to be precise!</div>
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Next stop was Jeri another few hours drive up the coast, the further north you travel the windier it generally gets, so we were all getting excited to use our smallest kites.</div>
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Jeri also has no roads, just sand, a lot of sand..which tested the hire cars to the maximum!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off road-ing Jeri stylee</td></tr>
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We hired a local driver for each of the cars we had, this was an experience in itself!</div>
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<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/999635_10152007263616294_990863573_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/999635_10152007263616294_990863573_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Pete, with the hire cars waiting on the waters edge....they also followed us on downwinders in case we needed them.</div>
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<a href="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1424378_10152013647351294_1503629018_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1424378_10152013647351294_1503629018_n.jpg" width="200" /></a> The drivers!</div>
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Whilst in Jeri we did a mix of downwinders and flat water spots depending on your preference. The surf he is also smaller so it was great place for the less experienced to try there first downwinder, a new skill that's not as easy as it first sounds!</div>
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Next stop was Paracaru again, this time for a few days. </div>
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This spot was a favourite amongst many, not hard to see why with a cafe and palm tree tree beach umbrellas at the waters edge! Winds here were more like 9-12m with a nice small wave on the reef.<br />
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<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1464649_10152005177916294_1963206911_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1464649_10152005177916294_1963206911_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Then it was back down to Cumbucu for the final few days. Whilst in Cumbucu we met up with some of our long time friends who live there, one of which, Neil has his own Buggy which we he took us on plenty of excursions looking for surf.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the restaurant</td></tr>
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On the last day we also organised some buggy's for the whole group for a big downwinder to Taiba where we stopped for lunch in a beautiful restaurant set in lush trees on the seas edge. Poss the best day of the whole trip for many.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the buggy's</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Sadly it was time to say goodbye to Brazil for another year, we had quickly got used to 30 degrees air temp with the water temp not far off the same! Whilst we were away we had heard the UK had slipped into a spell of very cold weather and hear we were basking in the warm winds each day oblivious to it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">We would just like to say a huge big thanks to all that came on the trip....</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Harry</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">DaveF</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Victoria</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">DaveM</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Pete</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Sophie</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Abi</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Jeff</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Ian<br />SarahS</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Next years will I'm sure be even better with helpful feedback from the guys regarding locations etc. I'd also like to thank Sarah@Blast for doing so much of the hard work a trip like this needs....(for no profit to us)</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">She's a diamond!</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Thanks guys!</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-79730952185107495692013-11-04T05:01:00.001-08:002013-11-04T12:22:04.963-08:00Lee "Pasty" Wave Clinic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow, what a cracking weekend we have just had.<br />
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Lee Harvey is current British Wavemasters Open Champion and a national "surf coach" he's also one of the most enthusiastic kiters I have ever met....it's infectious too!<br />
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Whilst up in Tiree in September at the British Camps (see blog below) we discussed with Lee the possibility of running a coaching clinic geared solely to wave riding here in S.Wales. This was partly because we have seen more and more buying directionals over the past few years but these same people not quite mastering it and often giving up on it!<br />
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So a date was pencilled in the diary and we firmly crossed our fingers, a few weeks earlier the local club (SWWKSC) ran a Freestyle Clinic with Lewis Crathern...that day went amazingly well with ideal conditions and got some awesome feedback from all who attended it.<br />
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The pressure was on!<br />
It's difficult enough to plan any type of Kitesurf event in the UK let alone get ideal winds <i><b>and </b></i>swell.<br />
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The forecast was for a pretty wild Saturday but the decision was made to go ahead with the Clinic especially as there is plenty of theory to go through anyway.<br />
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Saturday morning we all met at Malc's cafe at Rest Bay in Porthcawl, Lee went through the very basics of wave riding/placement of the kite etc with diagrams on a wipe board to help get this across.<br />
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We then kitted up and got down on the beach, Lee did a few demo runs close in to the beach and then it was session one for the group. Unfortunately this was just as the winds decided to go ballistic!!<br />
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The winds went on to build and build so we left for the shelter of the Waterfront Pub on Porthcawl's Esplanade. Here Lee went through every detail you could imagine regarding techniques,equipment,safety,rips, tides, and a whole lot more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The harbour wall, Porthcawl</td></tr>
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By now the winds were hitting 75mph outside and I popped out and grabbed a few shots of the storm in full swing!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">63mph peaking at 75mph</td></tr>
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Fed and watered the students finished the day full of the theory and amped for there first chance to put it all into practice!</div>
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Early doors on Sunday Lee and Andy(9lives) hit the local point break at around 7.30am here in Porthcawl as the tides/conditions were good and we could still get down to Aberavon to meet the students for Day 2. Unfortunately I wasn't able to surf as I had torn my calf muscle only a few days earlier and am presently resting it and hoping it will be healed in time for our Brazil trip in just two weeks time.</div>
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The Point was firing!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pasty, killing it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7.30am on a Sunday, early bird and all that!</td></tr>
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We then rushed down to Aberavon to meet the students and found pretty impressive conditions for Aber..cross on and a decent 3-4feet swell, the winds were around the 6-7m so pretty ideal really!</div>
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Alun Jenkins, getting an early one in!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alun Jenkins getting an early one in.</td></tr>
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Lee got right on it and went through duck tacks and gybes and did a few demo runs and then got everyone to attempt these.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lee running through gybing on land.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1001253_10151960235551294_1585431264_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1001253_10151960235551294_1585431264_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>"Pasty" doing another demo for the group.</div>
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<a href="https://scontent-b-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1454960_10151960233156294_706310046_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://scontent-b-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1454960_10151960233156294_706310046_n.jpg" width="135" /></a>Ian Sav with his new Catalysts, I very much doubt he expected to be using the 6m as his first kite in his new quiver.</div>
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<a href="https://scontent-b-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1383894_10151960235736294_1275952019_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1383894_10151960235736294_1275952019_n.jpg" width="216" /></a>We even had a fair amount of sunshine too!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moody!</td></tr>
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Eventually we wrapped up and headed for the local pub and had a well earned drink and a de-brief.<br />
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I would just like to thank Lee for a truly inspiring weekend and can't wait to do another clinic next year!!</div>
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Some feedback we have had since the clinic</div>
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(only yesterday)</div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">A fantastic weekend.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">I've been kitesurfing for 8 years.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">And waveriding for I reckon 6 years.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The point is Lee has been doing it for twice as long and has been pushing the boundaries of waveriding in the UK since the start.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">To listen to Lee during the hurricane was pure gold dust. I learnt more in that 3 hours than in 3 years of getting yanked around at Llangennith.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Got some bad old habits that require some attention, but I know what to work on now.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Good to here that Lee will return and I'll look forward to that.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Book early to avoid disappointment. Think it might be oversubscribed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Thanks to Lee, Marc and Sarah. </span><img alt="Very Happy" longdesc="http://blast.forumotion.com/1" src="http://illiweb.com/fa/i/smiles/icon_biggrin.png" style="border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Awesome weekend with a great bunch. I've only been using a surf board for a few weeks and have learned so much. Theory was explained in simple terms and demonstrated by Lee so well, he made everything look so simple, if only it was. I realise now that using a surf board strapless or with, is something that will take time and perseverance so if you see me in the water rather than on it you know what I'm up to. I would definitely do another clinic with Lee and recommend it to anyone looking to improve their riding.. Also thanks to Blast for setting it up and for the beach commentary whilst Lee was doing his thing in the waves..</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Lee was great, he took us from the position of an absolute beginner at wave riding (me) through to the technical aspects of board shape and even fin selection - a side of wave riding I didn't even know existed!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">So sorry I couldn't attend both days, but just from yesterday I found lots of knowledge and inspiration to work on.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Thanks To Blast for organising a great event.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">I have to agree with everyone else!!! Great weekend, despite getting blown off the beach on Sat!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Learnt loads, in good company!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Thanks to all involved.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">If you missed this one, book early for the next one, whatever your level, I'm sure everyone found the weekend very beneficial, well worth it!!</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-73669882023971834902013-09-23T05:25:00.000-07:002013-09-23T05:29:54.454-07:00The British Wavemasters 2013 - Isle of Tiree <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>What an event!</b></div>
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We have just arrived home from an epic trip up to the Isle of Tiree in the inner hebrides.<br />
As long as we can remember we have intended to head to Tiree...just to see what all the fuss is about!<br />
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It did not disappoint!</div>
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I won the Senior Title last year so was keen to retain the title and Sarah was keen to improve on her second place, sadly it didn't work out for Sarah this time.<br />
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Before we left home the weather gurus were calling huge surf and big winds..the tail end of the seasons first Hurricane spinning across the Atlantic....Hurricane Humberto was going to deliver!<br />
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Initially we were worried that the ferry would not run due to the winds hitting in excess of 40mph, the previous days ferry was turned around as it tried to approach Tiree after four hours of sailing and only a mile or so away! However Monday morning arrived and we set sail from Oban with a few other competitors who had also committed to this mammoth trip.<br />
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We arrived on the Isle and after driving around the Island several times getting lost...the roads all look the same, we found our cottage and quickly set off for Balephuil Bay on the west coast.<br />
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It was flipping huge...think big buildings and on top of that the winds were as cross off and gusty as I've been in, probably between 5-35mph. There were times during the comp I wasn't sure what the hell size kite up...could have been 5m or 11m!<br />
In the end I stuck with my new 2014 Epic Renegade 6.5m for all but one heat where I could barely hang onto a 9m<br />
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Sean Facey heading out!<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1234066_10151866806336294_47841202_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1234066_10151866806336294_47841202_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lee "pasty" Harvey was killing it in these<br />
heavy conditions making it look so easy<br />
..it wasn't!<br />
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The next day was the first day of comp and we greeted with a smaller but still nice little wave and some sunshine too (between the showers)<br />
Ian Edmondson from Expix was up on Tiree following the forecast for week and got some pretty cool photo's<br />
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<a href="http://i75.servimg.com/u/f75/13/31/75/40/eg2d2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://i75.servimg.com/u/f75/13/31/75/40/eg2d2011.jpg" width="320" /></a> Marc@Blast</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/524050_10151855770016294_440168847_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/524050_10151855770016294_440168847_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> Our quiver of 4G Epic Renegades 5/6.5/9m</div>
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The atmosphere amongst the competitors was awesome, such a good chilled vibe. In all classes, Open, Seniors and Ladies there were so many capable of taking the title.</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1234923_10151866805586294_247667920_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1234923_10151866805586294_247667920_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>Early stand outs were Jon Ellman Brown totally ripping as always and winning the Highest scoring wave in the process. Jordon Scott also deserves a big shout, he missed the first day because of cancelled ferries etc He slowly built up during the next two rounds and eventually won the third round, beating George Noble (last years winner) and his mentor, he even beat Jon and the overall winner Lee....all this riding switch 'cos he prefers this to back side! Oh and I almost forgot, he's been kiting 18 months, yeh a whole 18 months! Someone to put your money on for a future title I reckon!</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/993716_10151857588726294_706401501_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/993716_10151857588726294_706401501_n.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1235445_10153250227195573_469272815_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1235445_10153250227195573_469272815_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The comp ran very smoothly especially considering the extremely harsh conditions at times, amazing place, awesome conditions and a super group of people made for a truly fantastic event. </div>
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I'd like to personally thank all those involved in making this such a great comp...The British Kitesports...Richard Gowers and his team Craig Smith, Robin Snuggs, Sukie Huntley Robertson local girl Helen Thompson</div>
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So the results for the week of comp were as follows:</div>
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Open - Lee "Pasty" Harvey (Cornwall)</div>
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Seniors - Marc "Blast" Rowley (Wales)</div>
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Ladies - Helen Thompson (Scotland)</div>
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More images here:<br />
http://www.expix.co.uk/exzine/news/95-expix-news/399-tiree-2013-following-a-forecast<br />
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151853593711294.1073741860.220023371293&type=3</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-84252234355952413212013-09-02T11:36:00.000-07:002013-09-02T11:36:04.294-07:00Quick update.........<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Blimey it's been a while since we did our last blogg!<br />
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So much to report....obviously it's been an amazing hot sunny summer but on the down side to this has been the distinct lack of wind here in S.Wales (and much of the UK)<br />
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Still there has been loads happening here in the world of Blast.<br />
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The Blast Bus is now pretty much complete and only a few minor things waiting to be done including a diesel heater for the winter months.<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/970568_10151670447101294_2013425106_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/970568_10151670447101294_2013425106_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1004694_10151796026536294_112229377_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1004694_10151796026536294_112229377_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> Pretty easy to see where we got the graphics from hey!</div>
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Epic!</div>
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We ran our first full group trip to Hatteras in Outer Banks USA back in May<br />Ten of us flew out to Epic Kites home for a full fourteen days of wind, it could not have gone better tbh</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308451_10151627829591294_1319147094_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308451_10151627829591294_1319147094_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The Hatteras Video!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3aUIRDUeGQI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/575728_10151622180986294_1835572716_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/575728_10151622180986294_1835572716_n.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/942843_10151632436431294_1866362901_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/942843_10151632436431294_1866362901_n.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/p206x206/941625_10151633489416294_2104041349_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/p206x206/941625_10151633489416294_2104041349_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1005280_10151684786021294_1798427438_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1005280_10151684786021294_1798427438_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>It wasn't long after returning from Hatteras that we were once again flying off on a group trip, this time to our regular spot in Portugal.</div>
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Once again we scored 14 out of 14 days of wind especially the second week with consistant winds in the 30's plus!</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1010643_10151684778421294_469038356_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1010643_10151684778421294_469038356_n.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1005942_10151707937486294_917605956_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1005942_10151707937486294_917605956_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />A video of Sarah & I in Portugal<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yyGz9adIiE8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
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As well as all these trips we have managed to get quite a few lessons in when it has blowed. We also did a trip to North Wales for an awesome weekend lit on 5-7m kites.</div>
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When it hasn't been blowing we have managed a few cable sessions wakeboarding, great alternative for no wind days, and of course a few great sessions on the SUP's.</div>
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We have just returned from the <b>National Watersports Festival in Hayling Island </b>where there was very little wind but a great show of kite brands as well as all the usual windsurf ones.</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1170864_10151820746826294_1339069136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1170864_10151820746826294_1339069136_n.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1176145_10151820747141294_1316412231_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1176145_10151820747141294_1316412231_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We even managed to get a light wind session on the V3 Infinity...a testament to how well this kite works in light winds. For a good while it was the only kite flying upwind in the extreme low winds.</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1150337_10151820749686294_1596927975_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1150337_10151820749686294_1596927975_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm pretty damn sure we have missed loads more but thats enough for now and we will update with more info when we remember what else we have done!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-28955506532063952142013-05-02T09:19:00.000-07:002013-05-02T09:19:08.728-07:00New Blast Bus is coming!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So we have recently changed our van to a new VW Crafter LWB Race Van...i.e. it has a huge garage in the back (it can take two full size motorbikes or a hell of a lot of school/demo kite gear)<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/413635_10151587287486294_75757170_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/413635_10151587287486294_75757170_o.jpg" width="320" /></a> The Motor Home graphics will soon be replaced with the Blast Logo in Green/Black</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/936789_10151587287586294_1630157636_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/936789_10151587287586294_1630157636_n.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
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This has allowed us to carry even more demo kit than ever before and we are going to need the space with our ever expanding list of brands stocked!</div>
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The next step is to get the van wrapped in vynyl with the Blast Logo etc. This will keep the van free from salt etc but also look stunning...well that's the plan!</div>
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The new Blast School Room, complete with Tea making facilities!<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/374755_10151582876276294_693030101_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/374755_10151582876276294_693030101_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/71395_10151582876326294_906181040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/71395_10151582876326294_906181040_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> The extra large garage is now racked out and is deep enough to take 6'2 surfboards with ease!</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/936993_10151582862126294_2096146269_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/936993_10151582862126294_2096146269_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-86785696718546141202013-03-27T07:18:00.002-07:002013-03-27T07:21:22.765-07:00RAC News Feature<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Click the link here and scroll down for the video...... <a href="http://clubmagazine.rac.co.uk/GB/spring-2013/my-incredible-commute">HERE</a><br />
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We recently did a photo shoot with the RAC about our <b>"journey to work" </b>which was pretty cool to be fair.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzmPGthcJts/UVL9rj_HunI/AAAAAAAAARY/hrEFlMubiu8/s1600/Ogmore_Mark+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzmPGthcJts/UVL9rj_HunI/AAAAAAAAARY/hrEFlMubiu8/s320/Ogmore_Mark+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a>We spent the whole day driving small sections of road over and over again so they could get the right shot!<br />
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<a href="http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/69195_10151445096946294_1309134780_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/69195_10151445096946294_1309134780_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>We very rarely go to Ogmore to be honest however it was deemed to be a more interesting drive than our regular drive so off we went with approx 4-5 GoPro's attached to the van plus several digital SLR's</div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/563066_10151445096336294_669995641_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/563066_10151445096336294_669995641_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Digital SLR setup within the van and attached to the bull bars!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wBB8qlryMY/UVL9zTX7adI/AAAAAAAAARg/Ay7Pfuzz2F0/s1600/2_Ogmore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wBB8qlryMY/UVL9zTX7adI/AAAAAAAAARg/Ay7Pfuzz2F0/s400/2_Ogmore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMb6Ad54F3A/UVL96kSNx_I/AAAAAAAAARo/Jh0KwdL3LMk/s1600/5_Ogmore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMb6Ad54F3A/UVL96kSNx_I/AAAAAAAAARo/Jh0KwdL3LMk/s400/5_Ogmore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://clubmagazine.rac.co.uk/GB/spring-2013/my-incredible-commute">http://clubmagazine.rac.co.uk/GB/spring-2013/my-incredible-commute</a><br />
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This had Four thousand hits in the first three hours after it went live......and counting</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-79807135765429840902013-03-23T06:50:00.000-07:002013-03-23T08:54:25.740-07:00Mutiny Kites 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Woah, this could be the year Mutiny kills it!</div>
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Below are the new kite line up from Mutiny Kites based in the UK and mostly tested in the UK too!</div>
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From the top...</div>
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S.Series</div>
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<a href="http://www.maxwave.ee/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/therange_3.img_assist_custom-900x226.png" style="color: #00afd8; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3993" height="100" src="http://www.maxwave.ee/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/therange_3.img_assist_custom-900x226.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 1px 1px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 1px; border: 1px solid white; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 1px 1px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 1px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" title="therange_3.img_assist_custom-900x226" width="400" /></a></div>
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P.Series</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-29667373897943790002013-03-04T09:14:00.000-08:002013-03-04T09:14:22.799-08:00A bit of a video diary from the past winter!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been a pretty good winter for me to be honest, even though it did start a bit rough what with breaking my ankle and leg in early December but as it happens it didn't really make much difference as I only missed a handful of sessions and only one that really stands out.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5x-5sQWSR6g?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>The past few weeks have been a bit sh*te but then again it's aloud me time to update the Blast website plus get some of these video's finished and uploaded too! This is the latest video of some wave sessions during the past few months taken at a few spots along the S.Wales coastline.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cUAnTAd8jZo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
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The best snowkite conditions we have had here in S.Wales EVER!</div>
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Big thanks to andy9lives for suggesting meeting up at Storey Arms to check out the snow, we never dreamed it would be this good mind.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/nxOz63YQE0A?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
A cold session early December taken at Llangennith and Fresh Water West with just myself and two mates out! It's super cool to have mates that are super amped to get wet as much as these to, cheers Ads & Gareth<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/TcVuZU844Ys?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> Couldn't wait any longer to get back in action and then found the plaster cast fitted perfectly inside the snowboard boots with the liner removed!<br />
The leg now is healing pretty good and I hope it's not going to slow me down pushing myself especially with full on kiteloops.<br />
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As I'm writing this we've had yet another long February of cold easterlies, seems to happen every year. Hopefully it will change back to regular SW direction soon and the lessons season will get off to another awesome year like last year!<br />
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Bring it on!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-42547296184822167392013-02-18T07:19:00.003-08:002013-02-18T07:19:55.584-08:00The Blast Frozen Jam <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, that went well!<br />
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After an epic few weeks back in January, it all went a bit erm pete tong in February with only the odd good day popping up so as we approached the annual Frozen Jam weekend here in Porthcawl it didn't look that promising, in fact it looked positively sh*t!<br />
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However as the weekend got closer there was a glimmer of hope with a chance of a breeze and sunshine on Sunday at least.<br />
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Several people contacted us to cancel they're trip and it started to get a little gloomy, however on Saturday we arrived at Rest Bay Porthcawl to find a great group of keen and hardy reps from kite brands around the UK who'd made the effort to attend. Soon there were loads of both local(ish) kiters but also plenty who'd made big treks to attend!<br />
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The day was spent catching up with friends and checking over all the lovely "kiteporn" on offer form the likes of ..........<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Star Kites, Blade Kites, Epic Kites, JN Kites, Flexifoil, Axis Boards and Blankforce Boards</span></b></div>
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There was a huge BBQ running all day with the usual assortment of burgers, sausages and of course a few Tesco's special offers of horse meat.</div>
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After we'd packed up the huge amount of 30 plus kites on show we headed back to Blast HQ for a cuppa or two from where we walked the short distance to the Esplanade in Porthcawl for a meal and a few bevies ...a few to many for some!</div>
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There were over two dozen out that eve but only a few stupid/drunk enough to carry on to Streets Night Club....if you've seen "The Valleys" you'll have a good idea!</div>
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So, Saturday we met all bushy tailed, well most of us, at Coney Beach this time..and it looked promising The winds were cross off at first but as the tide dropped back it started to improve and also increase considerably.</div>
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Most people were on 9-12m's, I reckon I would have been better on a 7m personally ;-)</div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/64441_10151464426731294_841837430_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/64441_10151464426731294_841837430_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/535510_10151464425616294_99025580_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/535510_10151464425616294_99025580_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/599962_448633408541790_460403503_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/599962_448633408541790_460403503_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Photo by local photog: Kevin Thomas</div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/521375_448634571875007_748384605_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/521375_448634571875007_748384605_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> I even managed a good while on the water too!</div>
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Once we'd all filled our boots (some took a lot of filling as many hadn't been in for as long as 5 months) we warmed up in the Hi Tide bar right on the beach.</div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/488105_10151464408051294_8092634_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/488105_10151464408051294_8092634_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This gave us a chance to thank everyone for making the effort to come in person but also to dish out a few little prizes for some random stuff like.........</div>
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Youngest Rider...Owen - progression DVD and 1-2-1 tuition with Blast Kiteboarding</div>
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Most rescued...Andy from Coventry... fortunately his board not so much him! - T.Shirt..<i>windsurfing is a bit shit!</i></div>
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Best waveriding...Neil - Epic T'Shirt</div>
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Most hardcore - Gareth - Blade Flask</div>
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Biggest wipeout Tom busted ribs and a trip to A&E but all fine, set of "L" plates</div>
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Oldest kiter, our very own Terry just pipping Harry 70 somin' plus!! - Mystic Poncho</div>
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Biggest boosting..Martyn - (he was on an Epic Screamer though) ;-) - Epic Cap</div>
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Longest on the water Steve P - Epic T'shirt</div>
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Shortest Time on the water Abi - Blade Pump</div>
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Furthest upwind Dave - T.Shirt..<i>windsurfing is a bit shit!</i></div>
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Oldest retro kite - Ade - Blade T'shirt</div>
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Big shout to the sponsors who supported this event....</div>
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JN/Epic/Blade/Axis/Blankforce/Flexifoil/Mystic/Star </div>
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Finally, a huge huge thank you to all that came along, got involved, helped out and made The Blast Frozen Jam the success that it truly was, especially Ade for pumping SO many kites up over the w/end.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-34028671520933025002013-02-02T12:31:00.002-08:002013-02-02T12:31:08.338-08:00What a start to the year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What a truly awesome month January turned out to be.....first we had pumping surf (but iffy winds) then an all time classic snow kiting in the Welsh Brecon Beacons and finally it went out with a bang with some epic grinding peeling point break surf.<div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/543898_10151377485241294_1846100180_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/543898_10151377485241294_1846100180_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Rest Bay, Porthcawl Jan 12th</div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/p206x206/312407_10151392555476294_1845307569_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/p206x206/312407_10151392555476294_1845307569_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/398126_10151397832486294_1350083880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/398126_10151397832486294_1350083880_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> See Blog below for more on the snow kiting!</div>
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And finally...the Welsh Point Breaks turned it on big time!</div>
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We are blessed with not just one point break but two right on our door step here in S.Wales. I have been lucky enough to have lived and surfed both of these spots most of my life and now I get to combine my </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-51192407222096888372013-01-26T09:04:00.002-08:002013-01-26T09:06:27.027-08:00The Welsh Alps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What an awesome week we've had here in S.Wales!<br />
How many places can you snowboard/kite/surf all in one day?<br />
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My leg was still in the cast from recently breaking it six weeks ago but it felt strong enough so I was not going to miss out on a rare day of snowboarding/snowkiting. So a small group headed up for a snowboard session on the hills around the Beacons. We arrived pretty early to find the main snow slope with only a handful of people making the most of the untracked slopes.<br />
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After a few hours snowboarding we drove a few miles further up the A470 where we met a few other kiters there making the most the fresh snow. I had a good few runs on a mates kite/board and the leg felt even better than it was snowboarding....giving me more confidence if we were to have another dump of snow.<br />
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<a href="http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/582583_10151389135271294_194848707_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/582583_10151389135271294_194848707_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> Snowboarding in the Beacons</div>
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Followed by a sweet snowkite session.<br />
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<a href="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/543898_10151377485241294_1846100180_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/543898_10151377485241294_1846100180_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/424484_10151392555221294_724415061_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/424484_10151392555221294_724415061_n.jpg" width="200" /></a> Another awesome SUP session in Porthcawl in between the dumps of snow.</div>
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On Tuesday we had a day showing off kitesurfing at the RAF Health and wellbeing exhibition, whilst we were there it was constantly dumping a fresh lot of snow especially up on the mountains.</div>
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My wingman Andy9Lives txt me early the next morning and we rushed up to Storey Arms where we found blue skies and up to waist deep fresh snow. It was a very long slog up to the top of Pen-Y-Fan especially as my cast had only been removed two days earlier.</div>
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What followed was easily one of the most memorable days kiting we both have ever had. We both took seven metre kites up but soon realised that this was way too small for the approx. 10knots of wind we had. </div>
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We had a few hours in the super soft crystalised powder before heading back down to the car park, the treck down turned out to be the best part of the day as we found super soft smooth powder all the way down.</div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/554531_10151397863316294_1896584988_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/554531_10151397863316294_1896584988_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> Andy and I heading back to base camp.</div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/398126_10151397832486294_1350083880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/398126_10151397832486294_1350083880_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> Austria, France, Switzerland..Nope Wales!</div>
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Once back at the cars we rushed back home to Porthcawl....forty minutes later we were at Rest Bay with a nice clean 3-4 feet breaking into the bay.</div>
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Anyway here's a vid of the last day we had<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cUAnTAd8jZo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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As I'm writing this we are about to get hit by a BIG swell from the Atlantic so we're hoping to get plenty of wave riding sessions over the next few days.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-16605560024420341712013-01-14T09:35:00.000-08:002013-01-15T06:29:08.898-08:00New Year....but lots of Blast group trips to look forward to!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Been a while since the last blog but we have not been idle!<br />
Sarah has been super busy sorting accomodation/flights etc for the three main Blast Group Kite Trips...<br />
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First we're off to <b>Hatteras, USA</b> in May, then in June/July we're heading off to our regular spot in <b>Northern</b> <b>Portugal</b> and then finally in November we head off once again to<b> Brazil</b>......<b><i>so which one do you want to join us on??</i></b><br />
<b><i> </i></b><br />
These trips are all about FUN, you do NOT have to be a minimum standard (although it obviuosly helps to get most of the trip if you can ride upwind) We take the hassle out of booking a kite trip and take you to some of the best spots in the world!<br />
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<a href="http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/546361_10151216727281294_1246416664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/546361_10151216727281294_1246416664_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545408_10151216725621294_1656366956_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545408_10151216725621294_1656366956_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>We have done all three trips many times and even we'd hate to have to choose between them, they are all awesome in their own right!<br />
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Lots more info here:<br />
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http://www.blastkiteboarding.co.uk/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=9<br />
<br />
http://blast.forumotion.com/f1-holidays-events <br />
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We know where to go, when to go, where the best spots are, and where the best places are to eat. You'll be surrounded by others just like you, keen to kite in beautiful places and have a laugh and learn new stuff as well.<br />
Marc & Sarah are both fully qualified BKSA Instructors with over 20 years kitesurfing bewteen them with Marc being British Wave Champ and Sarah runner up in the Ladies so we are also well placed to offer advice and coaching during the trips whether it's freestyle or surf!<br />
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If your in the least bit interested get in touch now as we are arranging accomodation NOW for the trips and places are filling up quick!<br />
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info@blastkiteboarding.co.uk</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-62551642107706534912012-12-23T09:27:00.001-08:002012-12-23T09:27:09.287-08:002012 .............What A Year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Thought I'd do a review of the year as it's fast aproaching 2013<br />
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Where do I start, it's been such an amazing year packed with so many good times but I guess I'll just start at the begining.<br />
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We kicked off the year with a snowboard trip to Italy with a great group all keen snowboarders, we had a gerat few days and made the most of what off piste powder we could find (I wrote off my beloved LibTech Snowboard after hitting some rocks)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the snowboarding trips are Epic!</td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/IMT6e5Fh8vY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> Just one of the many vids from one of our snowboarding trips.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SKA WAVE JAM</td></tr>
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We then had another snowboard Trip to vivit my eldest daughter in les Arcs as she was working the season there with Hucksters whom we have been running trips with for about 10years plus.<br />
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February saw the first of our link ups with the SKA (Student Kiting Association) for the annual Wave Jam in Porthcawl, unfortunately there was very little wind but that never stops this lot from having an memorable weekend! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-Season session with the RNLI</td></tr>
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Pre-Kite season we ran a session with the RNLI who were all super
enthusiastic to find out more about kitesurfing and in particular the
equipment we use...this would prove important for the coming season when
they had numerous kite related call outs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RNLI Porthcawl Station</td></tr>
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We ran our usual Frozen Jam event but this year because of so much other stuff it was held in late March but it was still pretty good to be doing it in the warm sunshine we had on Coney Beach for that weekend.<br />
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2012 was the year of the Video for us here at Blast...we did so many and by April I was begining to get the hang of it all a bit better. We have now done approx 70 Vids in the past year alone....I love it!<br />
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May saw our first Kite Trip...out to Hatteras USA on the Outer Banks and where Epic Kites are based...the conditions were as always EPIC<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hatteras Slicks...OBX</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just some of the kite loaned to us from Epic Kites!</td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjMj94Yil6A?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>A vid from the Hatteras Trip</div>
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Dimitri at Epic lent us a total of eleven kites plus many boards and harness's etc and showed us many of the best spots to kite in this amazing location, doing some amazing downwinders in both the slicks and on the ocean.<br />
Once back home we were all in full "teaching" mode with a full diary of students booked in....this past year we have had so many amazing students who have gone on to become fully fledged totally addicted <i>kitesurfers</i>!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portugal - Kite Looping</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portugal - Small perfect surf</td></tr>
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Our next Blast Kiteboarding Trip was to our regular spot in Portugal...our 5th time there now and it never dissapoints (although the second week was a bit lacking in wind this time)<br />
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We did have plenty of amazing sessions though...both flat water and waves. The accomodation was once again fanatstic and also as usual so were those that came on the trip.....<br />
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check the video here for more insight.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/TdjxDgzMjoE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> Portugal Trip 2012</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live on Breakfast TV</td></tr>
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In August we had a call from the BBC wanting to do a feature on kitesurfing live on Breakfast TV, so a day or so later at 6.30am there were around 10 kiters already all set up and ready to rip down on Coney Beach, Porthcawl. The BBC interviewed both Sarah and myself and the programme went out live both nationally here in the UK but also world wide too. <br /><a href="http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/559302_10151136481721294_1555028995_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah's interview Live on BBC BREAKFAST</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Stag w/end in West Wales - I like diving!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/404190_10151069744171256_165930538_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/404190_10151069744171256_165930538_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>September saw Sarah and my wedding, the day simply could not have been better, great freinds, family even the weather was great.<br />
We had to wait only a day or two and then we set off for our honeymoon in Brazil.<br />
Two weeks of solid 7m weather and just a pair of shorts and rash vests to keep the sun off!<br />
Whilst in Brazil we met up with a few good freinds from home but also met loads of cool new friends along the way.<br />
It was my third trip to Brazil and it NEVER dissapoints.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mioXXHNjwgY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> Brazil Video</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark Slide</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiteloop</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah ripping in Brazil</td></tr>
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In Brazil we mixed up our sessions with plenty of downwinders in the surf and flat water freestyle sessions also as we both love each. I managed to get my high kite loops down plus dark slides so was stoked and Sarah was ripping on her surfboard in the nice warm waves on some epic downwinders.<br />
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<a href="http://www.britishkitesurfingassociation.co.uk/images/stories/Twenty_Twelve_Events/Events/westward_ho_2012/wave/185069_392308884176073_1029789758_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.britishkitesurfingassociation.co.uk/images/stories/Twenty_Twelve_Events/Events/westward_ho_2012/wave/185069_392308884176073_1029789758_n-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>As soon as we arrived home we drove down to Devon for the British Wavemasters Championships in Westwood HO, it was very much a last minute descision but as it turned out it truly was the best choice.<br />
Sarah hurt her knee on her first session which set her back but she kept on kiting righ through to the end coming <b>2nd in the Ladies Open</b>.<br />
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The surf was called the biggest swell the UK had had for over two years, it was fantastic conditions with a cross off wind from the left..both of our least favoured. I managed to work my way all the way to the final meeting good mate and huge rival Trevor but this was to be my moment and after a few years trying I eventually came 1st and became Senior <b>Bristish Champion.</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interview on the NBC Weather Channel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dimitri and I enjoying Hurricane Sandy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hurricane caused huge damege to the east coast of the USA. the worst ever!</td></tr>
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Unfortunately we coouldn't hang around for the prize giving as I was off again this time back to Hatteras USA for the Epic Dealers week. This turned into two weeks couteous of <b>Hurricane Sandy</b>!<br />
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However it was an amazing few weeks taking advantage of the huge swell and mental winds we had at times....I even got interviewd following a 17mile downwinder in huge surf...on the <b>Weather Channel</b>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo : ExPix</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The SKA Nationals in Westwood Ho</td></tr>
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Because I was held up with Sandy in the USA Sarah took over running the SKA Beginners weekend at the begining of November.<br />
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Another top weekend with the SKA In November we headed back to Westwood Ho for yet another SKA event, this time the SKA National Titles....man were they lucky.<br />
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Saturday arrived...120 students and zero wind however out of no where the wind picked up to around 20knots.<br />
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A brilliant day of kiting followed and an even better Saturday night.<br />
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<a href="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/66018_343039129127984_576716118_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/66018_343039129127984_576716118_n.jpg" width="191" /></a><br />Sadly since then things have gone a little off track, Sarah's little mishap at the British Wavemasters resulted in her requiring a new ACL so off to hospital she went a week later and is now on crutches.<br />
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I then had a few weeks in our "off" season in some sweet early winter conditions...and generally loving being able to kite all our local spots as and when they fired.<br />
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Unfortunately it was my turn for a mishap and crashed a high kiteloop landing and ruptured my ankle ligaments and snapped my fibula. I<br />
<br />
t looked like I was going to need an operation also but hopefully now this is not needed...so now we are both on crutches hobbling around for Christmas BUT it is still the best year we have ever had here at Blast. I plan to be back on the water by late January with Sarah due back by April.<br />
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Since then we have been getting down the beach still as much as we can taking photo's of the regulars and offering tips. We have also been working away on our website and all the plans to make 2013 as great a year as '12 was, a hard task hey!<br />
See previous blog's below!<br />
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As well as all the great students and lessons we have had all year we have also grown the sales side of Blast with many of our products now selling across much of Europe not just nationally. Obviously we sell a lot of Epic and Blankforce but we have seen a huge increase in sales of Mystic wetsuits/harness's and accessories. Another hugely successfull product has been the Dynabar sliding spreader bar...anyone who rides waves while kiting should get one!<br />
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We have plenty more items in the pipeline for 2013 but we will continue to work closely with the brands we have already built a strong bond with so far.<br />
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So finally...thankyou all so much for helping make this one amazing year. <br />
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Cheers everyone!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-75077953327758439642012-12-20T07:02:00.000-08:002012-12-21T04:35:27.504-08:00Photo time...........<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/547059_10151333108181294_816937171_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /> Red Screamer </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest Bay, Porthcawl</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ads, a student we taught this year!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sav, leaving a little smoke trail......</td></tr>
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So I broke my leg a week ago so and am off the water for a little while,
however in between the ususal sorting of orders etc here at Blast HQ in Porthcawl we have managed to get to the beach each time the wind has been up with my trusty camera.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gareth another of this years students now ripping!</td></tr>
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It's getting pretty cold here now and been very wet the past few weeks so I'm not missing it quite so bad.<br />
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I've always loved taking photo's and dare I say it I almost enjoy it as much as actually kiting/surfing/mtb'ing myself...but not quite!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest Bay, Porthcawl</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Llangennith, Gower</td></tr>
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Anyway, being forced off the water has allowed me to spend a little more time on the beach capturing the moment for the other uber keen guys here rather than the ususal POV style GoPro shots I've been quite obsessed with over the past 12 months since we bought one.<br />
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Lighting has been pretty poor with many dark grey days and very little sunshine but in some ways that's cool as it shows the kitesurfing for exactly what it is in the depths of winter...hardcore!<br />
The crowds have long gone and only the few hardy souls are left with empty windy beaches...you have to love it!<br />
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Camera is a Canon 560D with Canon EF 100-400</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-72043376440133748252012-12-11T06:49:00.002-08:002012-12-21T04:39:53.168-08:00It's been long time coming!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Bad advert for Blast or Kitesurfing?</b> </div>
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I really don't think so, we have been pushing ourselves kitesurfing for the past 12 years plus (almost 20 years between the two of us) This is the first time either of us have really hurt ourselves, and we'd both do the same again tomorrow. Both our injuries were from KITELOOPS.....they are punishing, and quite a few of the top pro's have injuries stemming from kiteloops, but they are very very addictive and the ultimate "high" that kitesurfing can provide!</div>
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Kitesurfing is still a pretty safe sport if basic guidelines are followed and indeed we have seen way more injuies over the years in sports like MTB, Skiing/Snowboarding/Wakeboarding etc etc Kitesurfing is safer now than it ever was, the kites have huge depower and a much bigger wind range, instruction is also very professional these days.</div>
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If you want adrenaline, you want excitement, you want to enjoy the total buzz of flying over the water then get in touch with us now!</div>
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Warning....it is very addictive!<br />
<span style="background-color: red;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">As the titles says, it's been a long time coming!!</span></b></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
I like to think I
have not held back from anything that I have done in life especially in the sports I love so much and anyone who
loves their sport as much as we do knows the risks we also take every day.<br />
<br />
Sports like kitesurfing are called
"extreme" for a reason and we all put ourselves at risk every time we rig
up our kites but this is part of the reason why we are addicted to them and the adrealine they provide us.<br />
<br />
After a lifetime of enjoying the thrills of many adrenaline sports and also competing at a high level in many of them I have seen so many injuries over the years (some pretty serious) and you always know...one day it may be you. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/644616_10151221368871294_1026543157_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/644616_10151221368871294_1026543157_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiteloop Brazil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over these many years I have enjoyed throwing myself of mountains both on snowboards (qualified instructor) mountain bikes (everyone should ride downhill in Morzine at least once in their lives) surfing all over the world at many of the best spots known and ofcourse kitesurfing since the begining of the sport here in the UK.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
To be honest I've had so many good sessions and good times over the past two months or so...after our amazing <b>wedding</b> we hit<b> N.East Brazil </b>for two weeks of solid 7m days, some on the lagoons and some on the surfboards doing down-winders. Then we arrived home just in time to compete in the <b>BKSA British Wavemasters</b> where I won the UK Seniors title and Sarah scored 2nd in the ladies, I then immediately jetted off to the <b>Hatteras USA </b>to visit <b>Epic Kites</b> for their <b>dealer week</b>...this turned into two amazing weeks courtesy of <b>Hurricane Sandy</b>. Since returning home Sarah had her knee checked out as she'd hurt it bad in the comp and unfortunately it turned out she needed surgery to replace her ACL...which a week later she had done and is now on crutches and off work for a few months at least.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/559464_10151261527271294_1408029239_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/559464_10151261527271294_1408029239_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurricane Sandy USA</td></tr>
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Over the last week or two I've scored a few more awesome days including a fantastic day down West Wales with mates..Andy9lives, Stubsy and Ian. The surf that day was pretty all time, plus we had a fantastic day at llangennith last Friday with Gareth and Ads, I was totally lit on my 5m.....so all was good in the world!<br />
<br />
Sunday was shaping up to be a particularly nice day, 20 knots plus and
cross shore winds with sunshine too. We arrived at Aberavon beach and
met up with all our usual regulars...all buzzing for a great session to
come. W/ends have been pretty poor for the past few months and at last
the w/end guys could fill their socks.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/156976_10151305329816294_706135322_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/156976_10151305329816294_706135322_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh West WALES</td></tr>
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BUT like I said in the begining, it's been a long time coming, I knew I'd gotten away with so much (other than the usual sprains etc) So on Sunday I rigged the 9m Screamer for a change and took my Blankforce Advisory in for a boosting session as there was no surf at all and all my recent sessions had been on a surfboard and I do like to mix it up a little.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/16195_10151188126767831_765965607_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/16195_10151188126767831_765965607_n.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the ambulance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I normally do a few minutes kind of warming up and sussing out the wind/conditions but this time I did a high kiteloop on my first run, then another and then on my third one I landed really fast and super powered, as I was trying to run it out I caught an edge, the board flipped over and the force of this ruptured my ligamnets in the ankle and snapped my fibluar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/484272_10151374753463689_1230429453_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/484272_10151374753463689_1230429453_n.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh sh*t!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I now know why this kite is called an <b>EPIC "SCREAMER</b>"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The guys on the beach were all fantastic, calling an ambulance immediately, keeping me warm, and keeping the banter flowing too ( and keeping my mind from drifting into negative thoughts)<br />
<br />
I was taken too the hospital and after X-Rays I was plastered from my toes to thigh and kept in overnight and told I'd have an operation on Tuesday. However after some more X-Rays they replastered my leg just below the knee and was able to leave late last night.<br />
When I have the plaster removed hopefully all will be good if not then I will have to have the operation, so fingers crossed!<br />
<br />
Whatever the outcome, I have got off extremely lightly both now and over all the years I have pushed myself in these such addictive sports.<br />
<br />
If kitesurfing ever became totally risk free I am pretty sure I'd find some other "fix" but for now I can't wait to get back out there with my mates...living life to the full! <br />
<br />
So after a lifetime of reckless abuse, time has eventually caught up with me, I've never had stiches, never broken a bone (lots of cracked ribs and cracked pelvis though) never been in hospital etc etc I still consider myself extremely lucky and intend to carry on once ready and fit to do so.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/66018_343039129127984_576716118_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/66018_343039129127984_576716118_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Physio was an old student of Blast Kiteboarding, cheers for all the help Lucas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm now back home with my beautifull new wife and we're both wobbling around on crutches, both unable to drive and both itching to get back on the water! We were meant to be flying off to Barcelona today to meet up with Blankforce Boards and also enjoy a few relaxing days sitting in cafes watching the world wizz past, something we never get to do as we are usually way to busy to do "nothing".<br />
<br />
In the mean time it's business as usual at the Blast HQ and we are still really busy with orders especially with Christmas fast approaching, we are also both busy on the website and everything else we don't usually have time to do in the busy teaching season. I will also be down the beach evey opportunity to take photo's of the guys and offer advice for tricks (maybe not kiteloops though)<br />
<br />
Also we have a truck load of demo gear available to try, obviously kites from Epic/Mutiny/Genetrix but also boards from Blankforce/Epic/Juice/Litewave and also some Dynabar's etc<br />
<br />
so...ride hard but ride safe!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdZyN6sGa30/UMhwEQqHpGI/AAAAAAAAAQc/lMAliefglsA/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdZyN6sGa30/UMhwEQqHpGI/AAAAAAAAAQc/lMAliefglsA/s200/3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah took this shot of my first run</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hpu04ovkXz8/UMhwUBVVVcI/AAAAAAAAAQk/BzCtHBwlRr4/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hpu04ovkXz8/UMhwUBVVVcI/AAAAAAAAAQk/BzCtHBwlRr4/s200/11.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Help</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Marc </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-32083960671814567762012-11-11T10:14:00.004-08:002012-11-11T10:14:42.256-08:00Brazil - The Video<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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</div>
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See below for full review of our trip to Brazil back in Septemeber, and remember we will be running a trip there in November 2013 so check our website for more details.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mioXXHNjwgY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>www.blastkiteboarding.co.uk</div>
<br />
Brazil...Cumbucu - Jeri Road Trip.....meeting and sharing some great times with people along the way!<br />
<br />
Big thanks to all those that made this a fanatstic Honeymoon!<br />
<br />
<u>Rog</u> www.kitesurfexpeditions.com<br />
<u>David</u> www.windyaddiction.com<br />
<u>Neil</u> www.slinetransportsers.com<br />
<u>Mario</u> www.cumbucuguesthouse.com</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-54064394248656963212012-11-10T07:05:00.000-08:002012-11-10T09:18:26.132-08:00Epic Dealer Week and Sandy came too!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So after our honeymooon trip to Brazil (see below) and then our successful trip to the Britsih Wavemasters Championships in Devon it was then time for my visit to Epic in Cape Hatteras in North Carolina USA.<br />
<br />
It didnt start to well as they had no sign of my booking when I tried to check in at the US Airays desk..not good! Fortunately I booked the last seat on the plane and made my way through passport control etc only to be pulled aside at every oportunity and searched/questioned. It turned out that my booking came up on the systems as cancelled and then because I rebooked on the day of the flight it came up as suspect!<br />
<br />
Anyway all went fine, hired a car at Norfolk airport and made my way to Nags Head in Hatteras OBX<br />
I was woken early by Granny D...long story but just check Dimitri's page on FB!<br />
The first few days were pretty good meeting up with other dealers including our good freinds at Kitecave from Canada,Scratch from N.Carolina, and David from Brazil, we had some decent sessions testing the latest proto type kites.<br />
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<a href="http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/60631_10151266337371294_657299115_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/60631_10151266337371294_657299115_n.jpg" width="320" /> Testing the Proto Type Renegade</a></div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/22329_10151254568141294_1833299294_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/22329_10151254568141294_1833299294_n.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<u>The Screamer 10m Proto...testing the loopaaage</u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/319036_10151254568276294_465025378_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/319036_10151254568276294_465025378_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>The wind then dropped for a few days so a few of us decided to change our tickets as there was a<i> storm</i> brewing further south apparantly. So after many phonecalls, flights,car hire,car parks etc were all sorted and I would be flying back to the UK the following Tuesday. We had a few decent sessions the next few days, even getting the chance to kite with the guys from SBC Magazine which alloud me the chance to try loads of other brand kites too. I was relieved that none came close to the feel of the Epic's for me at least!<br />
Talk was beginning to spread that the <i>storm</i> was building, this of course was then renamed <b><i>Hurricane Sandy</i></b> and was begining to look vey ominous!<br />
<br />
The day before Sandy arrived Dimitri and I had one of the most memorable sessions of my life, I arrived at the beach to see Dimitri already ripping it up in the double overhead surf in front of a huge crowd and also about half a dozen TV crews filming the crazy man. I decided not to look to close at the conditions and just get straight in there and rigged up my 5m. After about an hour we decided to do a downwinder...I didn't relaise that it was going to be 20miles in cross shore double overhead surf, cheers D.<br />
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<a href="http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/544846_10151512313849782_371933972_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/544846_10151512313849782_371933972_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/398343_10151512313284782_1817598714_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/398343_10151512313284782_1817598714_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/9236_517345511610183_268553261_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/9236_517345511610183_268553261_n.jpg" width="320" /> I did get an interview on NBC News channel though, they could not believe that someone would want to stay for the Hurricane!</a></div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/318851_10151264476391294_1783276260_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/318851_10151264476391294_1783276260_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
That night Sandy hit big time causing extensive flooding and damage along the coastline, cutting off the road to the main spots where we would normally have been kiting. It was two days before we get back in the water and coninue the testing. Unfornately, Sandy hit N.J. and Philly the day I was due to return to the UK so I had to extend my ticket again, eventually flying home a week later than originally planned but this was nothing compared to misery that Sandy has inflicted on so many up and down this fragile coastline.<br />
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<a href="http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/c56.0.403.403/p403x403/525629_10151142099123198_366545160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/c56.0.403.403/p403x403/525629_10151142099123198_366545160_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/409031_10151236809437417_2099958255_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/409031_10151236809437417_2099958255_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Once again I would like to thank both Dimitri and Helen at Epic for their amazing hospitality and being such amazing hosts, cheers guys!!<br />
Next year it is rumoured that the Epic week will be in Brazil, bring it on!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-32605109134109774912012-11-07T07:02:00.000-08:002012-11-11T09:37:45.654-08:00British Wavemasters Champion 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Britsh Wavemasters<br />
Westwood Ho<br />
N.Devon<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b8x-2ntJnZk/UJp3dPqOCWI/AAAAAAAAAQI/7Luprut77rE/s1600/425771_392309630842665_1918686482_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b8x-2ntJnZk/UJp3dPqOCWI/AAAAAAAAAQI/7Luprut77rE/s320/425771_392309630842665_1918686482_n.jpg" width="320" />On one of the smaller days at the British Champs</a></div>
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photo: Mark Ding Glendinning </div>
<br />
<br />
It's been a busy month or so....married in Septemeber, Honeymoon in Brazil for two weeks (see below) one week at home then the Epic Dealer Trip (more to follow).<br />
In the short week we had at home we decided last minute to enter the BKSA British Wavemasters Championships in N.Devon. We could only attend 3 of the 5 days because I already had flights booked to Hatteras N.Carolina USA for the dealer week, this turned into two weeks because of Hurricane Sandy.<br />
<br />
Anyway we rushed down on Sunday the fisrt day of the comp but due to no wind we fornunately didn't miss any heats. The next three days got better and better, Westwood Ho was banging at times...Wednesday was pumping a huge swell and super strong gusty cross off winds from the left (both Sarah and my wrong side)<br />
By the end Wednesday I was leading the seniors (over 35) and Sarah was joint leader in the ladies.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxalfSd5CzI/UJp2yc9J07I/AAAAAAAAAQA/sMXMzFdH3oc/s1600/561556_10151232875906294_1360174528_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxalfSd5CzI/UJp2yc9J07I/AAAAAAAAAQA/sMXMzFdH3oc/s320/561556_10151232875906294_1360174528_n.jpg" width="240" />Sarah enjoying some wave training in Brazil</a></div>
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The final of the seniors saw me up against the main man and great freind...Trevor Hale, past British champ too many times ;-) I could not have wished for a better rider to come up against as I have the upmost respect for Trevor's wave riding skills!<br />
I managed to get a few set waves from out the back all the way to the beach which I hoped would help my challenge against Trevor.<br />
<br />
We'd already committed to leaving for home by Wednesday eve at latest.<br />
<br />
It was decided to do a countback for the decider of the ladies title so we left for home and then my journey onwards to Heathrow and the USA. So as we drove home we still didn't know the results as they were possibly going to run another day of the seniors on the Thursday, as it happened they didnt and I got a txt from my mate Wayne whilst sat at Heathrow waiting for my flight to say <b>I'd won!!</b><br />
<br />
Sadly Sarah was't so lucky and the countback went in foavour of Keira Allwood so <b>Sarah got 2nd place</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RD_SIiYNRkg/UJpzUGxT_GI/AAAAAAAAAPw/t94KasoebhU/s1600/406093_10151048979106294_1869138135_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RD_SIiYNRkg/UJpzUGxT_GI/AAAAAAAAAPw/t94KasoebhU/s320/406093_10151048979106294_1869138135_n.jpg" width="320" />Marc putting in some training back in the sum</b>mer!</a></div>
Unfortunately we missed the Prize Giving party at the end of the comp but hey ho, we took home booty!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-82688828757836022522012-10-11T06:42:00.000-07:002012-10-11T08:34:57.350-07:00Brazil (the Honeymoon)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We have just returned from our Honeymoon to Brazil, we chose Brazil after checking all the things we required in a trip, mainly Hot, Sunny and windy! ;-)<br />
Although it was a honeymoon, obviously we both share a passion for kiting, not laying by a pool so it was important that we ticked the correct boxes. <br />
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We had an amazing trip, partly due to the great people we met along the way. Trips to far flung kite destinations like this attract a certain type of traveller, easy going, adventurous, fun, happy smiley types from all over the world and Brazil was no different.<br />
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Each pousada (guest house) we stayed in we met more like minded kiters, all searching for the same adventure. We hired a simple car for the two weeks (thanks Rog at http://www.kitesurfexpeditions.com/ ) which aloud us to travel as we wished, so first stop was Ihla do Guarjuru where we met up with our freinds from the RAF on there annual "training" trip....great bunch of people who like to play hard!<br />
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After a few days in IdG we headed further north to Prea and Jericocoarar where we stumbled upon a local who would become our guide for the next few days, this guy (Pimbo) was amazing driving the car where beach buggy's would fail! Quite simply he drove our 1 litre hatch back not only along the beaches but also over impossibly steep sand dunes.<br />
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<u><span style="color: blue;">Sarah, ripping in the surf near Prea.</span></u><br />
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The surf in N.E Brazil is rarely big however it is usually a decent 3-6ft and cross shore winds so pretty much perfect for ripping in.<br />
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<u><span style="color: blue;">Marc getting his kiteloops low!</span></u><br />
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<a href="http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/36288_10151235837636294_799959462_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Getting the Darkslide dialled!</a></div>
<a href="http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/36288_10151235837636294_799959462_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/36288_10151235837636294_799959462_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>After a few days up north we headed back to Cumbucu to meet up with our good freinds Neil,James and Rog who we kited with each day doing some epic downwinders to Paracaru and Taiba etc We also spent way too much time drinking British tea at Neils appartment ;-)<br />
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<img border="0" height="240" src="http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/564129_10151235838701294_405072366_n.jpg" width="320" /> Marc jumping over Sarah</div>
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So we are now back in the UK and summer seems long gone replaced with cold grey sky's, still at least we should get some decent winter winds and swells very soon, next week is the British Wavemasters in Devon and then at the end of the week i'm off to Hatteras, North Carolina USA to the Epic Dealers week to meet up with Dimitri & Helen plus all the other lucky Epic dealers from aound the world.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-42572293745600488592012-09-14T03:22:00.004-07:002012-09-14T03:22:36.019-07:00Litewave DV8 new to Blast Demo Fleet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248482_10151197773826294_1336830252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Had one one of these little beauties in for demo for a week or so now
and not really had chance to have a proper session on it (too many
students demanding lessons)</a><br /><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248482_10151197773826294_1336830252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Anyway, today I managed a very short
session on this board (just as the wind was dying) The board is errm
solid (read heavey) although this is not at all noticable on the water,
hopefully this means it's going to be durable too...like Litewave's are
known to be. It really does feel super tough!</a><br /><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248482_10151197773826294_1336830252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> Pretty much every
surfboard I have known I have eventually put my heel through, I really
can't see this ever happening as the board is more twin tip construction
under foot with surf rails and outline/rocker etc</a><br /><br /><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248482_10151197773826294_1336830252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">The DV8 can be
ridden with or without the straps as a surfboard but it is also awesome
in flat water for some Mitu style fun, the rail makes it very easy to
grab...and not drop like I usually do.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248482_10151197773826294_1336830252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Looking forward to more powered up sessions on it very soon.</a><br /><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248482_10151197773826294_1336830252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a class="postlink" href="http://www.blastkiteboarding.co.uk/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=478">http://www.blastkiteboarding.co.uk/inde ... ductId=478</a><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248482_10151197773826294_1336830252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248482_10151197773826294_1336830252_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-69575862581270746432012-08-12T07:40:00.004-07:002012-08-12T07:46:10.062-07:00BBC Breakfast TV LIVE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
With the interest in the 2016 debut for kitesurfing in the Olympics there is obviously a lot of national interest in Kitesurfing right now.<br />
We were asked at short notice if we could meet up the following day at 5.30am (yesterday) for a live broadcast and chat about the inclusion of kitesurfing etc<br />
Fortunately we had a brilliant day for the live broadcast on Breakfast TV (National) yesterday and then we also had an interview for BBC World Live which I've had messages from people who saw it all over the world. <br />
The sun was up early as was the wind!<br />
Great show by the locals...10 guys on the water by 5.45am respect!<br />
The rest of the day just got better and better.<br />
Hot and sunny with flat water, great company...awesome!<br />
Massive shout of thanks to all those that made it down so early in the morning..awesome!<br />
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Marc speaking as BKSA Secretary<br />
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Sarah chatting about the British prospects of Kiting in the Rio Olympics in 2016<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-44916569278897179812012-08-08T02:13:00.004-07:002012-08-08T02:14:32.764-07:00Iksurf mag comp<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The latest issue of Iksurf mag is now online, can you find the Blast Logo ?<br />
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http://www.iksurfmag.com/issue34/?Cover<br />
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Free Mystic Poncho to the winner to be picked at random<br />
*UK only</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764463390618924048.post-62975735131173569792012-08-07T08:48:00.000-07:002012-08-07T08:48:02.598-07:00New Juice boards in da house<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We have just taken delivery of some very nice Juice boards.....and they retail at <b>£349!</b>!<br />
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Get in touch if you'd like to demo one!<br />
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130x40 - ideal weight range under 73kg<br />
132x42 - ideal weight range 73-85kg<br />
134x44 - ideal weight range over 85kg</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255531231867045995noreply@blogger.com0