Kiters in their element as the winds blew at last

ROUND four of the White Stuff British Kitesurfing Championships come to Littlehampton at the weekend and the event organisers described it as their best for two years.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Sep 2005, 13:18 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:17 BST

More than 50 competitors took part in the competition, which was organised by the British Kitesurfing Association (BKSA).

Prizes included equipment and clothing from Rustington board sports shop Airhead, which sponsored the event.

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Due to take place over three days, the competition ran on Friday but was called off on Saturday due to a lack of wind and calm water but this was made up for on the Sunday as the surf kicked in and the wind picked up.

Competitors are judged on numerous aspects of their performance including ride style and the quality of the tricks they produce.

In kitesurfing, the stronger the wind the better, and conditions on Friday were good with windspeed averaging between 15 and 20 knots.

In the professional men's competition, Sam Kirby was the winner, with Neil Hilder second and Dave Ibbertson third.

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Jo Wilson was first in the professional women's competition with Andreya Wharry second and Annalisa Dovey third.

Sunday produced the best conditions of the three days, with winds of between 20 and 25 knots and plenty of sun for the amateur competitions.

In total, 19 entered the men's amateur competition, four took part in the women's amateur competition and there were seven entries in the junior competition.

Martyn Hogg won the men's category, with Matt Colby in second place and Ali Barrett third.

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The women's competition was won by Emma Rimer, with Leanne Basham second and Natasha Schaber third.

Sean Murphy won the junior competition, while second place went to Rex Kirby and third to Sam Light.

Emma Rimer, from Arundel, was the winner of Littlehampton Town Council's prize for best local competitor.

Andy Cooper, owner of Airhead, said: "Littlehampton has been a pretty good secret for kitesurfing. In my book, it's always been a superb venue.

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"The BKSA said it was the best competition they had held in two years. The infrastructure was great and I'm already in talks with Arun and the town council, both of whom have been very helpful and supportive, on organising next year's event."