Hi everyone,

The 3 day Big-Air Event 2008, sponsored by the South-East Ozone Team was an exciting and original event offering two separate competitions - The Big-Air Buggy Competition; a competition dedicated to buggy jumpers, and a Trampa Kite-Boarding Challenge; a separate freestyle kite-boarding competition. Ozone riders shone through claiming 6 of the top positions, and other awards in both comps.

The gates at the Essex Power-Kite Park opened at lunchtime on Friday and people soon arrived. Keen to set-up camp and get out flying. The kids-corner was an instant hit with a range of free activities including trampolines, face painting and kite making. As flyers began to come in off the field, the day came to a close and the bar was opened; camp fires were lit, and kiting films and music were played over in the marquee until late.

On Saturday winds were light and picking up occasionally! The camp quickly came alive with riders beginning to register for both competitions, registration was free and all competitors received a registration badge as a keepsake for each competition. Lewis Wilby (European Kite-boarding champion) joined the competition judges for the weekend. 28 competitors registered across both competitions, riders for the Big-Air Comp & Trampa Challenge were then split into adult and junior (16 & under) classes.

The judges were observing and taking notes throughout the day while the competitors went out flying on a kite-jam basis, some using the park’s ramps in order to qualify for the final rounds to be held the following day. As the evening closed in the party started, lights & lasers shone the way for everyone partying the night away (Appo…you would have been proud)!! A fantastic night was had by all.

Sunday we were greeted by a cloudy sky and strong lumpy winds unfortunately coming from inland in a Southwesterly direction. The competitors were still determined to get out early for some practice before the judges were up and about. Luckily the rain held off and the hideous gusts eased off just enough for the winds to be manageable and the competition could continue. Each round was set to run for 15 minutes, extra time was given for crashes or weather conditions. The judges were scoring for the biggest, most impressive air with technical moves/tricks in the Buggy Competition, and in the Trampa Challenge scores were awarded for all round freestyle-riding & technical moves.

The junior buggiers went first, all the juniors pushing themselves to put on an exciting show, with 10 year old Brad-Man using the Ozone Manta II pulling off a massive 360° rotation and some huge airs off the ramps, winning him first place, 1st place Junior Big-Air Buggy. Junior boarders followed and top spot in the Junior Trampa Challenge, went to Sam Lawman on a 10m Manta II who was on form and gave the judges one of his 1080° foot-outs. Up4Kiting’s newest team member Rob Palmer also flying a Manta II, earned himself 2nd place with some smooth unhooked riding, and Brad-Man with his second award of the day came in 3rd.

In the adult boarders the finalists, all members of the Trampa Team were challenging each other and showed a high level of riding. South-East Ozone team mates Jack Elston & Ash Garwood, both came in a very close second and third place respectively. The last round of the day was the adult buggy final. The clubs four large ramps were set-up in the arena ready for the buggy final, the adult buggiers gave it their all with continuous big-airs and tricks; no-handers off the big-kicker, and huge 360’s. The riding standard was exceptional, a rider from the South-East Team coming in a close 5th place with a massive 360° under-loop/kite-loop off the kicker.

As people gathered for the prize giving ceremony, there was a superb atmosphere in the marquee. The judges’ final results were handed over and Jason awarded trophies or medals to all the winners along with some fantastic prizes. The trophies that were donated by Up4Kiting, were a fantastic addition the winners were very proud to have received them. Large BBQ’s were lit and music played as everybody socialised and celebrated around the site.

Monday was a bit cloudy with sunshine breaking through; winds were strong but a bit inconsistent. The usual early birds were out on the flying field; Floyd, who had finally surfaced after partying a bit too hard for his birthday over the weekend, was out with them; it’s a shame his recovery hadn’t happened 24 hours earlier, at least he won a mug of the day award! People were relaxing around the camp or beginning to pack-up so they could begin their journey’s home.

At lunch time Team Up4Kiting headed down to EastBeach Shoeburyness, a popular kite-surfing location just over 3 miles away from the kite-park. Jason displayed products from Aboards and Ozone Kites. The Instinct range and kite-surf boards from the ABoards series were made available for demonstration with a kite-surf instructor on hand to answer technical questions and offer advice. As the tide came in members of the team then went out on the water giving an excellent display for the local kite-surfers.

This was the second year for the event, which proved to be an outstanding success, and it is hoped this will be an annual event for future years. Thank you to all who made the effort to travel from across the country to compete, spectate and join in with this excellent event. Huge thanks to members of the club who helped with the organisation - it would not have been possible without them. And congratulations to all the winners of the 2008 Big-Air Buggy Competition and the Trampa Kite-Boarding Challenge 2008, and a big well-done to the South-East Ozone Team!

NEXT YEARS DATES - Fri 21st-Sun 23rd Aug 2009

For more information please go to www.up4kiting.co.uk
Hayley & Jason, Up 4 Kiting