Top kitesurfers ride the waves in Lancing

THE top kitesurfers from around the country were in Lancing at the weekend for the first round of the British Championships.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Jun 2015, 12:30 BST

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Action from the British Championship first round on SaturdayAction from the British Championship first round on Saturday
Action from the British Championship first round on Saturday

Often renowned as the watersports capital of the UK, the wind blew solidly over both days to provide great conditions for all the competitors. Some had travelled from far and wide to compete in the town, including competitors from Ireland, Poland and South Africa.

Saturday’s sunny and moderate winds saw two divisions completed.

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In the women’s pro event, it was a successful defence from current champion Rossana Jury, from Westward Ho.

Holly Keenan, from Hunstanton, was second, with Danielle Durrant, also from Hunstanton, third.

In the junior category, Littlehampton rider Tom Seager was third and looks a promising rider for the future.

Sunday brought a dramatic conclusion to the pro and masters divisions, as stronger winds and heavy rain presented tricky high tide conditions.

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Kev Maguire, from Shoreham, adapted well and showed his local riding knowledge to finish second in the masters category. Fellow local rider, Jez Jones, had to settle for joint fourth after the two were pitted together in the semi-final.

First place went to Dan Turner, from Southampton.

In the men’s pro division, Goring-based British champion hopeful, Oli Sweeney, finished second.

Riding ever more consistently and confident as he proceeded through the ladder, he lost an extremely close final to Ollie Bridge, from Exmouth.

Former British champion, Lewis Crathern, finished joint fourth overall, with his run ended by Sweeney in the semi-finals.

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Crathern said: “It was great to compete again on the British freestyle circuit after seven years.

“I’m okay with the result, I rode okay and it was nice to mix it up with the current top guys in the country.”

The remaining British Championship events are at Essex and Hunstanton later in the year.

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Related topics:Lancing