Ramsgate will host the final round of the British Freestyle Kitesurfing Championships this year.
The event will take place on August 24-25 and follows on the heels of the success of hosting the championships last year.
It is being sponsored by Active Ramsgate, an initiative of Ramsgate Town Council designed to regenerate the town through the promotion of its inspiring range of outdoor leisure pursuits.
Kitesurfer Lewis Crathern broke the British record for the highest jump in November 2016, performing the 22.3 metre high feat in Ramsgate.
He said: “Ramsgate lends itself to a very strong wind from both the South and the North, kitesurfing works quite well off the beach, and the waves can get really good. I went there for the strength of the winds, but also because it’s a beautiful place – the big white cliffs make it an aesthetically pleasing place to ride. I like all the bars and shops on the seafront, it’s always a nice visit to come down here, and I feel very welcome.”
Kitesurfing is growing rapidly in popularity with new visitors travelling to Ramsgate to take advantage of the great conditions.
Graeme Rolbiecki is a Thanet kitesurfer and owner of Kite Pirates Kite School in Ramsgate.
He said he is excited about the increase in kitesurfers heading to the town, adding: “Ramsgate is a fantastic place to kitesurf because when the wind turns on and the waves clean up, we have amazing kickers for boosting big air off and the gaps between them make for easy landings.
“The gaps also lend themselves perfectly for freestyle especially at the top end at low tide. We also have top grade amenities only a stone’s throw away. For that essential post-session warm-up coffee or cool down beer!”
To find out about kitesurfing and other outdoor activities in Ramsgate visit www.ramsgatetown.org/activeramsgate and check out www.visitramsgate.co.uk
