X-Zone Autumn Games (10/2004)

The X-Zone Autumn Games was held in Westward Ho, Devon. This was my first competition and an event to always remember.

Day1-
The conditions for day1 were really difficult because the wind was blowing over 30 mph and my smallest kite was a Flexifoil Blade III 4.9m. I had to wait all day because my 4.9m was seriously over power and after trying some smaller kites it was nearly impossible for me to fly. After a good few hours, the wind slowly dropped down to a more comfortable wind speed allowing me to compete during the competition. I managed to pull off a smooth board on start to begin with followed by some nice 360 inverts and board varials. This had been enough to win the first round of the competition.

Day2-
The wind had dropped off for the Saturday and I was able to go out on a Flexifoil Blade III 6.6m. Just before my heat the wind really picked up and during my heat I was on edge the whole time doing my best to hold down the power. Again I managed to pull off some smooth inverts and board off variations. At the end of my round, I started to get cramp which stopped me completing the heat as I received it mid jump loosing my board and becoming over powered. I placed second in this round behind a super smooth and consistent heat from Erwan Gruel.

Day 3-
On Sunday the wind, had continued to drop and was now the perfect strength for the 6.6 Blade III. I had no practice or warm up however I still managed to pull some of my better moves in order to seal another win. I was fairly knackered at this stage but I still managed to consistently land my board offs and inverts.

Results-  

Day1 Results	Day2 Results	Day3 Results
1. Lewis Wilby	1. Erwan Gruel	1. Lewis Wilby
2. Glen Butcher	2. Lewis Wilby	2. Alex Brown
3. Mark Archer	3. Alex Brown	3. Brendan Gill

The overall results showed that I had won two and come second which meant I had done enough to win the competition.

   

Pictures © James Coleman and Kev Arlott.