East Kent siblings among top places at National Freestyle Kitesurfing Championships in Ramsgate

Kitesurfing championships in Ramsgate Photo Brian Whitehead

A second successful British Kitesurfing Championships took place in Ramsgate over the weekend.

Active Ramsgate, an initiative of Ramsgate Town Council designed to support economic development in the town, hosted and sponsored the event.

The final leg of the championships on Ramsgate Main Sands saw around 70 competitors from all over the UK competing for the title of National Freestyle Kitesurfing Champion.

Photo Brian Whitehead

The competition also included siblings Francesca, 17, and Mattia Maini, 14, from Herne Bay. Francesca took first place in the amateur women section and Mattia took second in the junior section.

Photo Brian Whitehead

Ramsgate mayor Raushan Ara said: “Active Ramsgate is a scheme, supported by Ramsgate Town Council, promoting outdoor activities, such as walking, cycling and sight-seeing. This has brought many welcome visitors to the town.

Photo Brian Whitehead

“ This weekend, we held the Kite Surfing Championships, in conjunction with Kite Pirates Kite School, and supported by RTC and many other sponsors.

Photo Brian Whitehead

“We are most fortunate to have a beautiful, clean, long sandy beach, to hold such an event. We even had an Olympic surfer as a guest.

Photo Brian Whitehead

“I had a kite surfing lesson myself and am considering taking it up as a sport! All in all, it was a very popular event, well attended, enjoyed by all and blessed with the weather. “

Some 132 adults and children took part in free kitesurfing taster sessions on the beach, and with paddleboards for hire, there was plenty of activity on the sea too. For those that are keen to try kitesurfing for themselves, Ramsgate-based kitesurfing and SUP school Kite Pirates is accredited by the British Kitesports Association and offer lessons and in kitesurfing and paddle boarding – visit www.kitepirateskiteschool.com for details.

Professional kitesurfing champion Tom Court was in residence and kept everyone informed of the action on the water, and when there wasn’t enough wind for competing to take place, paddle boarding, foiling and other competitions took place, keeping the excitement buzzing for both competitors and spectators throughout the whole weekend.

Dr Cheryl Mvula, Project Manager for Active Ramsgate, said: “The weekend was an outstanding success for Ramsgate. Not only were we delighted to see a beach packed with competitors and spectators, but we’ve really cemented Ramsgate’s reputation as one of the top kitesurfing destinations in the UK.

“The Active Ramsgate initiative set up and funded by Ramsgate Town Council, works tirelessly to promote Ramsgate as an active destination, with kitesurfing being one of the jewels in our crown. Ramsgate Town Council is investing in many different tourism projects, including kitesurfing, stand up paddle boarding and other non-motorised watersports, capitalising on events such as this to encourage enthusiasts to the area.

“We hope to attract the Championships to Ramsgate again next year.”