Inter Sevices Kitesurfing Competition 2009
INTER-SERVICES KITESURFING 2009 COMPETITION REPORT
The Inter-Services competition took place over 22 - 25 October 2009 at Rhosneigr and based on Freestyle and Big Air events. Training took place over the first two days and the competition over the last two. Over 12 Army riders attended the training of which 7 were selected to represent the Army for the competition. The wind during the training period was good (12 - 17kts), not bad for the back end of October. The competition saw dramatic change with the wind picking up considerably with gust of up to 40kts, Rhosneigr lived up to its wave resort reputation with overheads all over the place.
21 competitors took part with everyone having to push their limits to complete all their tricks and also to do so in such gnarly conditions. Many have never been in such big conditions and many used other kites than their own. In Mark Smyth's case he had to grab a kite off the beach after ripping his kite completely during his heat. Luckily he was able to successfully rejoin his heat.
The competition was wide open right down to the last heat. The RAF and Army both scored 15 points and the Navy/ RM scored 12. Scoring their 1st heat win before the Army in the ranking order the RAF were able to pip the Army into 1st place and so taking the championships. The event saw the completion of the Army v Navy/ RM competition in which the Army was successful. Additionally, Army prizes were awarded to individuals over the weekend.
Results
Inter-Services Kitesurfing 2009 Competition
| Winners | RAF |
| Runners Up | Army |
| Third | Navy/RM |
Inter-Service (Army v Navy/RM) Kitesurfing 2009 Championships
| Winner | Army |
| Runners Up | Navy/RM |
Army Kitesurfing 2009 Championships
| Big Air Winner | Mark Smyth |
| Big Air Runner Up | Adam Hogarth |
| Freestyle Winner | Adam Hogarth |
| Freestyle Runner Up | Sammy Samanjoul |
| Best Veteran | Kev Main |
| Best Novice | Mark Jeffries |
| Heat Winners | Martyn Jones Jim Edwards |
| Wooden Spoon | Wayne Thomas |
It was agreed that the event was a huge success. It was great to see all riders supporting each other throughout the event. Even to the extent of a RAF team member taking a paddle canoe to assist a Navy rider with re-launching difficulties. All competitors enjoyed the post event banquet at Rosi’s Indian on Saturday night. They may have had to wait 2hrs for the food but it was worth waiting for after a full day out on the water.
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16th Nov 09