Kiting at The Bluff is Back
Kernow Kitesurf Club and the British Kite Surfing Association have spent the past 3 years trying to resolve the ban and regain access to one of the best flat water kite spots in the UK.
On June 1st the banned signs were taken down and KKC Chairman, Lee Harvey received the first Bluff Pass from new Hayle Harbour Master, Mark Capon.
Initially on a 6 month trial, there is a Code of Conduct in place, which must be signed by every kiter when purchasing a ‘Bluff Pass’ which must be worn on their harness while on the water. To be able to ride within the jurisdiction of Hayle Harbour Authority you must adhere to the Code, hold valid insurance and be a member of the BKSA. Failure to comply with this will result in a fine of up to £1000 and more importantly, lead to a return of an outright ban and forsake all of the hard work put in by the club.
Passes are £5 for KKC members, £10 for BKSA only and run yearly to the 1st April.
They are available from –
· Down The Line, Hayle
· RB Sails, Hayle
· Lodey Sails, Marazion
· Westcountry Watersports, Truro
· Beach Reps- Lee Harvey(Pasty Adventures), Nathan Bray(ChenPump), Ian Fergi (Pro Creations), Loz Smith (Ocean High)
Chairman of KKC, Lee Harvey says:
“Pulling the signs down on Tuesday was a great moment and a breakthrough for kitesurfing, not just in the UK but the whole World. With this achievement it shows that it is possible to reverse decisions that have been poorly thought out. Kernow Kitesurf Club was formed 2 years ago, as individuals were getting nowhere at fighting the ban. By uniting all the kitesurfers throughout Cornwall we have formed a stronger voice and policy makers are far more likely to take notice of us as an officially recognised club. We aim to protect access to all the kite spots throughout Cornwall and hope that our members will encourage everyone to abide by ‘The Code’ and form a good working relationship with Hayle Harbour, the fishermen and everyone who uses the estuary in the future.”
Steve added: “We are hopeful in the future we will be able to accommodate learners and have a longer activity window. For now we just need to prove that this licensing agreement can work. We would like to hear from local kiters who can help represent the club on the beach and in doing so will be helping to secure our long term future at this great venue”
For more information and to join Kernow Kitesurf Club please go to the website- www.kernowkitesurfclub.co.uk
Thanks to Jacob Cockle for the pics- www.jacobcockle.com
Kernow Kitesurf Club Dominate BKSA Course Racing in Blackpool!
With winds of around 30knts and a big swell Saturdays racing was full on with high speeds and some huge crashes meaning only 2 of the 3 planned races were run, while Sunday saw much nicer winds of around 15knts and a flatter sea allowing the riders to reach speeds up to 35mph on the downwind legs. In his first UK race event Lee was never far from the front and claimed 2 race wins and a 2nd to win the event on 3.4 points with 2008 UK Champion Denzil in 2nd on 6.7pts. With racing becoming more and more popular and looking hopeful to be in the Olympics in 2016, the club are looking to attract more interest to run an autumn race series in conjunction with local sailing clubs. For more info check www.kernowkitesurfclub.co.uk Lee is also looking for sponsors to enable him to compete on the remainder of the 2009 Kiteboard Pro World Tour in; Western Sahara, Brazil and Morocco. You can contact Lee through his website www.leepasty.co.uk
KPWT end of year 2008
Cornish kitesurfer, Lee Harvey, pictured in Morrocco where he placed 5th in the final round of the 2008 Kiteboard Pro World Tour, Wave Masters.
After four rounds throughout the year in; France, Portugal, Brasil and Morrocco, Lee finished his first year on tour in 7th position.
With the final round attracting the best riders in the world and the gods delivering 2 days of near perfect double overhead conditions with sideshore winds. Out of an entrance of 42, Lee along with team mate, Will Bennet from Watergate, were the only ones riding with no footstraps on normal surfboards, despite mutterings of, ‘they are crazy guys’ from the strapped contingent. Lee narrowly lost to 2007 World champ Abel Lago (Spain) missing out on his chance for a podium in the quarter finals.
Lee says: ‘I am very pleased after my first year on the world tour especially after the epic conditions we had in Morocco at a spot called Moulay. I am looking forward to riding some big waves both at home and abroad this winter and aim to fly the flag high on the podium in next years tour!’
For more info on Kitesurfing in Cornwall check out www.kernowkitesurfclub.co.uk