Big Air Weekender – Scottish Kitesurfing Festival

There are many reasons why people do kitesurfing. For some of us it’s the getaway from the everyday mundane. For some a form of meditation or an adrenaline boost. For most of us it’s also a social activity. Kitesurfers, as opposed to surfers, like to head out in groups. It’s not only down to safety but it’s also more fun watching your mates going huge and ending up in spectacular wipeouts! As the end of season for summer kiters approaches we’ve decided to run this year’s last gathering – The Big Air Weekender in one of our favourite Scottish kitesurfing spots – Sands of Luce.

Weekend has kicked off with an awesome breakfast served by the Sands of Luce Holiday Park staff. Shortly after we’ve drove down to New England Bay as the wind was blowing offshore at our usual spot. We’ve arrived to a sweet 25 knots cross shore! Perfect conditions to run the Big Air contest with WOO (a tracker you attach to the board to measure height of your jumps).

As this was never meant to be a serious contest we’ve made sure that every kitesurfer could have a crack at beating their own best. Everyone received one of the trackers and we’ve run a number of heats leading up to the amazing final. Here are the results:

• Sack of Spuds Winner – Pat McCarthy – won a sack of spuds for ending up in the wrong bay after his kite has deflated. That’s why you should always cut off your struts and learn how to self rescue!
• Not Throwing The Towel In – David Allen – who has won the Airush Changing Towel after his lines snapped. He bravely managed to get ashore with a help of Aaron Clasper, got his kite sorted out and then got back in the contest.
• The Biggest Bump – for helping so much with three weeks of pregnancy left and beat Elizabeth and Amy Cooper – Woo T-Shirt
• The Mad Hatter – Grant Clayton – Airush Beanie – for pulling off some sick moves during his heat!
• Highest Jumping Female 4.9m – Katherine Self – Airush T-Shirt
• Highest Jumping Male 11.3m – Mike Birt – who has won a WOO Cap and engraved paperweight trophy

We’ve had an awards ceremony back at the Lighthouse bar accompanied by some amazing organic burgers. And not too much beer as the forecast for Sunday was looking superb! And boy the Loch Ryan delivered one of the best conditions we’ve had this year. Tons of sun and strong winds with most riding their 7m kites. A lot of good boosting, showing off in front of the cameras and chilling on the water. Literally chilling as it was about 4C!

Next large Scottish kitesurfing event is planned for April 2017. Watch this space and we hope to see all our former students there! And bring your family with you – above everything these are social events for us. See you all soon!