I started power kiting in June 2002 when I was 13 years old. My younger brother, Aston took up power kiting before me and it was through him that I had my first go on a Flexifoil Proteam 8. I instantly became addicted to this sport and soon planned to progress onto the traction aspect of the sport. I bought my first board in November 2002 and within the first few hours; I was progressing quickly onto my first few jumps.
My first kiting event was the Hunstanton Wind festival 2003. I wasn’t sure what to expect because I’d never seen anyone else kite apart from my mates up the local field. At this event I managed to get my first picture for the ATB magazine doing a unhooked 360 spin.
In 2004, I entered my first competition, the X-Zone Autumn Games which was held in Westward Ho, Devon. After 3 days of freestyle competition, I some how walk away with my first win of my kiteboard career. My success brought along interest from my first sponsors “PowerKiteShop” who have supported me pretty much from the beginning.
In 2005, I took part in the first ever national series for kiteboarding. The first round was held in Blackrock Sands, Wales. Despite the low winds, I managed to come out on top again, which really shocked me. Unfortunately I had to miss the rest of the series due to insufficient funds.
Flexifoil sponsored me at the beginning of 2006 which gave me the opportunity to participate in more kiteboard events around Europe. I was given the chance to attend the first European kiteboard Championships which were held in Berck, France. Again my success continued as I managed to take a win in the UK category, preparing myself for the all important European finals which I also when onto win aswell.
In 2007, I had a fairly relaxed year in terms of competitions, competing in just two competitions- The first being the South West Freestyle Competition and the second was more of a Jam style format at Airboss World. I took a win in both of these and also came 3rd in a biggest air competition at the Jam.
2008, was more about attending events and just having fun riding than anything else. I only entered one competition which turned out pretty important as it helped to gain recognition by the BKSA which then went onto planning a British Championships in 2009. The 2009 BKSA Tour was probably the best series of events that I have been to since I started Kiteboarding 7 years ago. To top it all off, I went on to win all rounds and was crowned British Champion at the end of the year, which was a more proud moment for me than winning the European Champions in 2006.
For 2010, I have changed my aims a little... Since winning my first Kitesurf competition, I would like to focus a little more on that side of the competition with my kiteboarding becoming more about freeride and making videos rather than competition. I am also attending the Snow Kite Masters where I aim to learn how to Snow Kite proper and give the competition a good go too! |
