tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285355572024-03-14T01:08:58.109-07:00Jo Wilson - Pro Kitesurfer and CoachSponsored by North Kiteboarding |
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Director of Jo Wilson CoachingJo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-59565375958232802102017-03-09T03:32:00.001-08:002017-03-09T03:34:18.265-08:00Australia Friend or Foe<div style="text-align: justify;">
This story is one for the parents out there who face the marvellous glories and the challenging trials of having children. This story is about the ups and the downs of embarking on a trip of a lifetime.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Hanging out at Prevelly, Margret River right before a quick dip)</span></div>
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Stalking Kangaroos, chasing parrots, first ever ice cream at Cottesloe, fish n chips at sunset, kiting in Augusta & Lancelin, swimming in Fremantle and Margret River, watching wild dolphins play. Road trippin' through Western Oz with just myself and my son who is now 15 months old was an incredible and complete 3 week adventure that we have just returned from 1 week ago.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Hanging at Safety Bay)</span></div>
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The idea of travelling alone with my son somewhere so far from home felt like something so overwhelmingly great that I had a tattoo lined up in my mind to mark the achievement of this momentus trip, but Im going to tell you from the outset that there will be no such tattoo, just words emblazoned on the inner eyelids shouting NAIVE!!!!!... </div>
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The reason for our trip was to go to the infamous Western Oz to check it all our and figure out a brand new kitesurfing coaching holiday to hit Jo Wilson Coaching for 2018. We wanted to experience Woodies, Safety Bay, Australind, Yallingup, Margret River, Augusta & Lancelin first hand. We wanted to meet the locals, visit the beaches, coffee shops, restaurants, winery's, breweries, parks & accommodations. With Finn under the age of 2 and still able to travel for free I did not want to miss the opportunity of scoping out the Western Oz Kitesurfing Experience. Clearly travelling with just Finn I would not be able to do too much actual kitesurfing, but that did not stop me from taking my ideal set up of 2017 North Dice, Hadlow Bar, 133cm North Jamie & my old faithful Ronix Bindings!! (Brilliantly you can blag this as Finn's high chair & 'stuff' with the airline and that does not even get questioned!)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Thats me in the background Kiting Augusta - this one kite alone made the whole trip worthwhile)</span></div>
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Travelling through Westerm Oz, was not quite the dream trip that I had imagined!! We did all those things above, so on paper the trip was as brilliant as it could be, but the reality was quite different!</div>
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Initially I had been dreading the 19 hour flight... this bit was not that bad at all. Lots of children sharing books, toys and food and many parents agonising over the difficulties of getting their child to sleep in an over stimulating environment was a shared experience. Although travelling alone, I was far from alone! One glimpse over to another mummy sat a couple of seats away was reassuring enough to know that the good times and giggles were shared along with the tears and tantrums! The flight was the easy bit. Over coming jet lag was easy to! I had planned 3 days of small adventures, so that we could have some fun, but get with the time zone! Flight & Jet Lagg complete with no drama, epic!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(stunning beaches everywhere)</span></div>
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The 4th day - the day where I thought we'd break in to the land of Australia and its time zone is when we took our nose dive!!! Poor little Finn caught a bug!! His temperature was through the roof and I will save you the gory details of vomit at the worst time in the worst places, tears, lack of sleep etc etc. He was as poorly as he has ever been with me and I was 9,000 miles from home! The time zone made me feel even more alone and despite my best efforts to be a strong, independent, capable mum I had to call home 3 times in the middle of the night and multiple times at 6am (viable calling time in my mind)... Im sure my husband was doubly thanking me for 1. leaving him in the midst of the UK winter for sunnier climes & 2. Calling him at 4am in a floods of tears! </div>
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As all mums know there is not a lot you can do for your poorly child other then wait it out!! 6 days later, Finn started to become himself once again!! Halleluhlah.... or as it turns out not so halleluhlah!! The following day it was my turn to be hit by the virus! For the next 6 days it was my turn for my bones to ache, feel too weak to function, struggle to sleep, freeze to the bone despite the 28 sunny degrees out side! I seriously have a new respect for mum's!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Crisis Time)</span></div>
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In 2008 I took part in a documentary series called Dangerous Jobs for Girls. (Funny that this is also an Australia story - the only other time I have been to Oz). Alongside 2 other girls we had to train with a crew to be able to run a commercial trawler boat for 24 hours. Training took 3 days on various boats tossing tonnes of feed in to salmon farms, bobbing in the ocean collecting crayfish pots & fishing for calamari. We then went on the trawler boat for an initial test to see how it felt (code for getting us sea sick). After all that we then spent 8 days on the southern ocean far from land rotating jobs between emptying nets, gutting fish, icing the catch and taking watch on deck at night. We wore the appropriate protective clothing and were not spared from any of the hard graft.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(finishing up from 1 of 42 catches)</span></div>
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To give you an idea of the workload... There was no day or night... just 42 x 4 hour long fishing periods. Every 4 hours around the clock we had to pull in a very large net, off load the fish, throw the net back out again then gut, sort and ice each catch before the next net was due to come in. We did this 42 times over 8 days and in total we caught 22 tonnes of fish. For the TV show the girls had to do the role of the crew without their help for the final 24 hours. Spines from fish in our feet, blisters on the end of our fingers and the bruises from dropping heavy equipment out of weariness took its toll! It was the hardest thing I have ever done and never got more then 90 minutes of sleep in any one period of time in well over a week.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(2am on the job)</span></div>
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The show was called Dangerous jobs for girls and for anyone who wants to look it up its a 4 part series for which I took part in the trawler fishing episode. The significance of this trip is quite something for me. Whenever I feel as though Im having a tough time I remember back to this trip and remind myself that if I can do that then I can do anything... But entering the world of being a mum in Western Oz put this to the test for the first time.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(My very own Kuala, post kite cuddle)</span></div>
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While in Oz there were some crucial friends from years past that popped up at just the right time. I met up with Mel who run a kite centre in Egypt many years ago while I visited with my sister, I spent several days with Russ and Carrie who now live near Margs. I basically learned to kite with them when at university. They were total saviours and took care of us at our most difficult stage. We then met up with Nick, a client who completely crosses the line in to friendship just at the end of my illness! Without these people on our trip Im not sure what we would have done.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Nick in shred town)</span><br />
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Fortunately for both Finn and I there is so much stimulating things to see and do that as long as we could get in the car we could find something that required little effort to perk our day up and get us through! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Getting barrelled at Yallingup)</span></div>
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We made our journey from Lancelin to Augusta and I was able to kite 3 times! Finn swam with new mini friends, climbed at many parks and chased birds all unusual to us, so together we bumbled our way through, but I will say that I am so happy to be back with Chris, at home following our usual routine and looking forward to our next big adventure to Morocco together as a complete family!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Heading out at Lancelin)</span></div>
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For now I think I will hold off getting the tattoo and continue marrying our way through the trials of parenting! To all you mums and dads out there!! You are amazing!! You are achieving far more each day then those who visually look like they are achieving great things. Being a mum (or dad) is far more testing then being a participant on the Kitesurfing World Tour!!</div>
Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-28619131149717771202016-08-02T09:16:00.000-07:002016-08-02T14:36:29.929-07:00Kitesurfing, Training & The Olympics<div style="text-align: justify;">
We just hit August and the 3 months since I last posted has flown by. Finn has already grown so much, has 3 teeth, can hug, kiss (allbeit very gozzy), crawl and has just started his first steps. He has so much energy and my heart melts for each and every cheeky grin that he throws my way and out to others too. He seems such a happy little chappy which makes up for the nights of broken sleep.
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Looking back on his first 3 months in to the world I realise how much of a testing time that was. My mum's advice about situations is to try to "stay calm & unruffled on the surface, but paddle like hell underneath." Its quite true. There is so much to deal with, but you just keep your chin up and carry on. I think i probably threw in one adventure & one long car journey more then necessary as a way to kick back and continue forward through this monumental life change.</div>
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These last 3 months have been different to the first 3 and I think I can think much more clearly. I'd say the biggest thing that I have noticed has been all about fitness and sport. Its been big deal to get back in shape and be able to hit the water again, so when Finn was 5 months old we travelled to Dominican Republic to get some consistent time on the water.</div>
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In the 8 months that Finn has been in this world the holiday is by far the one biggest thing that I look back on and think how worth the buck it cost and the effort of travelling on a 9 hour flight with a still very small baby. It has put me in good stead for getting back in shape.</div>
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Chris was super dad! He took care of Finn a lot by lifting him and holding him as much as possible so that I didn't have to. They bonded even more then they had already and had great adventures steering a ship which was in fact a viewing bar from our apartment block garden.</div>
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Having both Chris & Finn and some of my bestest friends who we were visiting gave my body a chance to recover from the aches and pains from bad posture and post pregnancy. I would get to kite for 2 hours on most days. I started off with simple tricks which is all I was brave & fit enough to do, but by the last day I could do a little better and I felt much stronger.</div>
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Once back home it was onwards & upwards and fitness mostly consists of two jogs per week with the pram & a trx session in the garden every now and then. Kiting is certainly not a frequent enough occurrence, but this training off the water makes each session count much more when on the water. It has helped my confidence grow.</div>
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In July I had my first job as a professional kitesurfer once again. Kiting for a film crew who were making an advert for an industrial minerals company. I kited for 5 hours pretty much straight & it felt phenomenal.
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For at least a month now I have been feeling much fitter and I can see the way forward to bigger and better tricks on the water once again.</div>
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Business <a href="http://www.jowilsoncoaching.com/" target="_blank">Jo Wilson Coaching - Kitesurfing Coaching Holidays</a> I have been focusing on Youth Training. Together with both Finn and Chris we have run half of the British Kitesports Pro Kite Youth Training Program. It consists of 4 weekends around the country, so a perfect project to work on.
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For the two weekends that have happened, it was a challenge to switch my brain off from Finn, but it has been a great additional focus and awesome to work with talented kids. I have already seen that they train hard between coaching weekends and the progress really shows. It has also been another rewarding time to see both my boy and my man enjoying time together on a often wet & windy beach. The next training date is later this month in Hunstanton which Im really looking forward to.</div>
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To continue on the sports theme, how exciting that the Olympics are imminent!? I am still officially on maternity leave for one more month, so it feels only right to maximise on the Olympics this year.</div>
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We are going to throw ourselves in to supporting Team GB. We've downloaded the app, the schedule & our TV will be ON ON ON for the whole time! The photo below is the UK's female windsurfer Bryony Shaw who visited us just after the 2012 Olympics. She throws her heart and soul in to her training and is such an inspiration. My niece and nephew loved showing off this photo at sports day this year!!</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">There is nothing like achieving something and we cannot wait to shout at the telly and send support to Bryony and all the other British athletes.</span><br />
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I hope you are all having as great a summer as we are and if you are in our hood and want to watch some olympics then get yourself over to ours!!Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-23298850125439384532016-05-05T06:40:00.001-07:002016-05-06T13:34:38.589-07:00A change is as good as a rest<div style="text-align: justify;">
Welcome back to my blog and to the start of a new chapter my life. With this blog my aim is to write about the trials and tribulations transforming from one adventure to another - The adventure of family life.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo taken with Finn at 8 weeks</span><br />
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It's been 3+ years since blogging, so please let me re-introduce myself.</div>
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My name is Jo Wilson now Jo Rabone. My job is a professional kitesurfer turned <a href="http://www.jowilsoncoaching.com/" target="_blank">kite coach</a> and my husband runs a <a href="http://www.chrisrabone.co.uk/" target="_blank">design & landscape business</a>. People think he is the chilled one, but not a lot of people know that he has traveled as part of a team with climber Leo Houlding to Ulvetanna & Mt Asgard to climb 2 treacherous unclimbed lines on 2 exquisitely beautiful rocks jetting out the Arctic & Antarctic ice.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Alistair Lee of <a href="http://www.posingproductions.com/" target="_blank">Posing Productions</a> of </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chris crossing a river on route to Mt Asgard</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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I bring shells back from the Pacific, the Red Sea, the Southern Ocean after my kitesurfing adventures and Chris brings rocks from the peaks of the mountains they conquer in the polar regions! We're quite the same in terms of adventure but wildly apart in terms of choice. By star sign he is water & I am fire, a perfect synergy!!</div>
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Around 6 months ago we welcomed our son Finley Jack aka Finn into the world and 6 months has flown by. What I have come to realise is how I always strive to have far too much in my hands and now I really truly have a good excuse.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Packing up the car for kitesurfing with Finns stuff too. Finn aged 9 weeks</span><br />
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By having Finn I do not intend for an adventurous life to end, just a new one to begin.</div>
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My career is a slightly less orthodox career; running kitesurfing holidays from South Africa to Egypt & Morocco to Brazil. I coach people who can already Kitesurf who would like to improve. I also run a youth program that travels around my home country of the UK helping talented riders to progress.
Through this blog I plan to share my delights, secrets & epic fails of becoming a parent & striving to continue on this unorthodox path.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo First Round of the Youth Training Program complete, Finn aged 18 weeks</span><br />
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In my day to day life pre family I would try to work a 5 day week. Once on my trips I'd often work for 16 hours a day for 2 weeks straight. Simultaneously Chris has left the house by 7am and seldom returns before 7pm. Clearly post Finn these hours don't work out so I tend to snatch a few hours work on a Wednesday when Finn would be with his nana then I'd work after 8pm in the evenings when possible. Chris in my desperate times will 'work from home' and so I prioritise the jobs that need to be done the most in order to keep my business rolling. He is incredibly supportive.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Egyptian Energy Kitesurfing Holiday pre Finn.</span><br />
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My kitesurfing coaching holidays continue to run because I have someone who I've trained over the last 2 years. She has studied in sports psychology to. I consider her to be a dedicated coach I provide her with a detailed itinerary for each day on the trips plus nightly feedback for the days when trips are running. She has my complete support and she puts in the enthusiasm, energy & hours on a trip that I consider essential. I'm very lucky to have her and it allows my coaching holidays continue to run the way I would like even though I am at home.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo The awesome Dakhla Dreamin' Crew with Nanette, April 2016.</span></div>
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Working during the day when I'm with Finn is out of the question. He's my koala and basically needs to be in my arms or within direct eye contact 90% of the time. Working at the same time would make me resent his constant need for attention & make me look forward to his naps, so it feels both luxurious, exciting & fun to pack our day with activities that we both like such as walks, runs, swimming & becoming coffee connoisseurs. Our routine involves leaving the house at some point & coming home again. I focus on him & him only.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Finn in Coniston with Chris when aged 12 weeks</span><br />
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I have no idea how life will pan out - I kinda like that!!!</div>
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My entries on this blog will be about our adventures, successes & fails. I will talk about where we go, what we do & how I come back to full fitness & strength post pregnancy. I will never look back on things I may have lost, but on things that I gain.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Early days of getting back in to exercise, Finn aged 12 weeks</span><br />
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Right now I am enjoying spending more time with my friends who I'd often go for months without seeing.
More adventurously I've spent time exploring the Lake District which is where I live. I've been learning the geography and walking hills with just Finn for company. I've never felt comfortable with this before as I've spent all my time on the coast making hills feel daunting.
One funny thing is that walking up Coniston Old Man now feels less daunting than going to the supermarket!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Questing up from Glenridding towards Hellvelyn Finn aged 6 weeks (he's in my jacket)</span><br />
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I hope with this blog I can inspire woman who are not sure about taking the plunge with having a child because of their sporting sacrifice. I also hope to inspire woman who feel insecure about pushing their comfort zone once having a child & I hope that anyone else may just enjoy the read.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Angel Giudicelli of Jo building up confidence & strength in Dominican Republic, Finn age 23 weeks</span><br />
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Next post will be about exercise & our trip to Dominican Republic.
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Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-22368212142788103842012-09-13T15:38:00.002-07:002012-09-13T15:38:56.203-07:00National Watersports Festival 2012I've just got back from the National Watersports Festival 2012 (NWF). To be fair at this stage its more of a windsurfing festival then kitesurfing, but having said that we can take a way a lot from the event and learn from it. The event was rammed! 400 entrants in total! There were people of all ages and all the windsurfing Pro's were there too, so it was a great one for the windsurfing kiddies!
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In the evening they held a cool race event. the kids each could choose a pro to be in their 2 man team then they had to race out to a bouy and back in a relay format. The sailors were covered head to toe in glow sticks and spot lights lit the water. There wasn't a lot of wind but it didnt detract from it. In fact it made it better. Instead the spectators - of which there were 100's sat on the beach with the beers and stayed warm from the good weather (bad weather for riders). The kids raced out at snail pace, but it was only a short distance so it didnt matter, some of them swam their kit out and back while the others crawled a long pumping furiously. When they got back to the beach the pro who they picked then did the same. Both the kid and the pro then had to race up the beach through a finish line to become the winner. It was really good fun to see!
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After this the pro's took to the water being towed along by ribs on their windsurfers. They would take a wide circle and build up speed! A lot of speed! It was intense. The boat would finish the circle close to the beach at which point the windsurfer would let go then with the momentum created from the boat then do a move to wow the crowd! It was phenomenal.
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Through out the day their were stands and marquees and food places, live stream tv and commentary throughout. Jem Hall, Peter Hart and Guy Cribb ran windsurfing clinics on the beach for the masses to take some quick tips back home to practice. From the kitesurfing point of view most of the industry was there from Naish to North to Airush and more. Big names there were Chris Burke, Mark Shinn and a few others.
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We scored a little bit of wind on the sunday afternoon, but mostly the weather was super hot and sunny! Great for stand up paddle boarders. This is the shot of the weekend for me.
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Next up a trip to my original home beach - Bigbury! Plllleeeaseeee let there be wind!Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-38688969734479838132012-08-23T06:40:00.002-07:002012-08-23T06:40:17.368-07:00Windy in Wales Last week was an exciting week with a great forecast. My new kites for 2013 had arrived and I was waiting for my 2013 Custom global surfboard which I had been expecting for a few days already. The forecast was for 35mph and big swell and it was going to be my first chance to get out on my new small kites. The difficult thing was the wind direction was a bit wierd, so no where was working completely 100% for a few days so I was in the land of indecisiveness which never bodes well with me.
The evenings before the wind was due to kick I ummed and rrrrr'd making a decision then changing my mind. Based in the Lake district I new we would have no waves so I had been looking up towards Tiree, then down to North Wales, South Wales, Cornwall and Devon. I was strongly tempted with Devon as it used to be my homespot, but it seemed a long way to go just for 2 days, but settled with that.
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(My homespot in Devon)
The next day I changed my mind and set my mind on Rhosneigr in North Wales which is when Ian Edmundson from Expix got it touch. I've been in touch with him a few times lately so he knew I was brewing up an escape, but he was ready for the decision and I wasn't. At that same moment my phone went and had a text from a person who I have just recently met.
"The forecast for the week is good. 12 foot swell weds/thurs rhosneigr but just below barmouth is a left hand point that peels forever. it only comes alive a couple of times a year and weds/thurs looks like one of them so we are heading down howling winds cross cross off. P"
Well that is all I needed to make a decision! I'm in! Ian's in! Dave Ibby's in and my new pal Paul must be in else he wouldnt have texted! Sweet! We ended up meeting up by chance about half an hour from barmouth and formed a convoy the rest of the way - Paul, Mark and Martin in their high top transit, Ibby in his bling lwb T5 and me in my very short indeed renault clio - good things come in small packages.
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(packing up the clio the night before)
On arrival it was howling! 5m weather for sure the problem is the waves hadnt yet kicked it! It was 5m weather freestyle! It had pain or boredom written all over it depending on psych levels! We crusied the coast to find somewhere a little more exciting for swell and finally settled on Aberdovey. By this time it was late afternoon so we sessioned until late in the evening. It was 5m weather, but I had a shiny new limited addition 6m to bring out the bag so I ignored that I had a bigger size then some of the guys and unleashed some growing kitesurfing excitment. We had a great session in cross shore wind with some small and regular messy swell about, but it was a great introduction to the waveboard as I havent ridden it since December.
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(Sliding back in to the way of it)
That evening I shared out my flapjacks and the boys shared out their beers before pitching camp ready for the swell to kick in and a 6am start.
6am the following morning we peaked our weary heads out of the doors / tents to see a grand solid 1 foot weebling its way in! Dire! The forecast so good, so much indecision, so much thought! We weren't going to splash around in that. Meanwhile in Rhosneigr it was sure to have some swell so in a dosey 30 minute turnaround time we upsticks and drove the 2 hour winding wales roads.
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(Rhosneigr View)
8.30am we pitched up to Rhossy! Only in Rhossy can it look so much like lunch time. There were vans, cars, kit everywhere. Everyone had been waiting and the swell was pumping! Windsurfers and kitesurfers alike were already on the water. 5 minutes later we were on the water too! I was happy to see it was shiny new, once used limited edition 6m weather!
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(A stolen pic of www.expix.co.uk from the day)
The swell rolled in over head high all morning. The sun shone bright and there were many faces from my past which was nice to see! Rhosneigr was on form. I was super rusty on the waveboard, but was pleased to find myself making most of my gybes and snaking my way on some big and small waves. As the day progressed my riding did too and I began to feel my flow!
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(Taking another wave)
I took some good waves and a mega wipeout. My kite went down and I tumbled through. My head bent the wrong way twice and I heard it click, but I came out all in one piece and thought ocrrectly that I would probably pay that consequence the next day! I have no idea how, but my kite also survived! One wave broke over it and I resurface to see it still looking healthy, but with one more wave on the way, but like an obedient child it responded to my requests to relaunch and we were back on our feet again.
The session was epic, but short lived. By lunchtime the tide had pulled back and the waves had died down. The clouds drew in and finally the heavens began to crack turning the air into wet mist! The waves slowly vanished and left us with barely a ripple, but a good session for freestyle! The wind had dropped a little so I rigged a slightly bigger kite and set about some unhooked grabs and tricks. I landed a handful of bigger tricks to and finally came off the water tired and achey around 4pm! That seems like a good day in the office!
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(Enjoying the new Naish Park)
I stayed over that night to wake and find another small wave, and took the waveboard again but once more it frizzled away with the tide leaving a freestyle session to be had! Aching already from top to toe I managed a few hours before heading back to the Lake District for a warm shower and a soft bed! It was a great couple of days made good largely by the waves that first morning and it was fab to have the old crew of Dave Ibby, Ian Edmundson and myself back together! Watch this space for a mag article! Im going to see if I can twist kitesurf arm to print the better images from the day!
Thanks to Ian at <a href="http://www.expix.co.uk">www.expix.co.uk</a> for taking the photos.
Heading to Portland this weekend in Dorset! Im running a short burst session weekend for people looking for some quick hint and tips in freestyle www.jowilsoncoaching.com. if you are looking for some quick hints and tips in wave riding then check out the website for some of Dom's courses.
Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-10822599874242588772012-07-16T03:41:00.000-07:002012-07-16T03:42:31.992-07:00Back in the UKI've spent a month away from the UK and avoided the much talked about British weather. From all accounts its been worse then ever and even my mum was out in her wellies at 4am a few mornings ago to heard the soft and fuzzy Al pacas to high ground before they became super saturated giant water bombs. I returned to 4 days of sunshine and didnt understand what the fuss was about.
This weekend was my first weekend back in the country so I ventured down the road to Llandegla to meet Johara Sykes Davies for a bit of mountain biking activities in the absence of wind.
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(A quick Go Pro Shot)
We spent a few happy hours charging round the forest hitting the only signs of the bad weather which was the mud and puddles at full speed! We however were in vest tops and shorts and well happy to have a catch up and burn some pent up energy.
After our reward of tea and cakes at the cafe we hit the high road checked her horse was still alive and then went to the pub for some drinks. Being carnival season the pub was in full swing and we knocked back a few ciders and it was good to catch up.
For the following day I had packed light. Johara has been on a kitesurfing break and I wasn't about to encourage her back on the water unless she was ready, so I had chucked in a 10m kite, my board, harness and wetsuit in the quiet hope that she might be ready for it. Sure enough when we awake the following morning the white caps twinkled in the llandudno sunshine. It looked like 10m weather to me!
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(The view down to west shore after our session)
We arrived to west shore in perfect timing. The tide was mid way which is a bit choppy, but by the time we rigged up, launched and hit the water the choppiness was over and Johara and I found ourselves in our very own lagoon with perfect power for my 10m Naish Torch and 133 Money Shot. Johara was finding her chi and you couldnt tell she had been off the water for 6 months or so. She was chucking in some unhooked kite loops, moves to blind and her styley hooked in rotations too. I meanwhile was feeling a bit chilly from being in Egypt so long, plus everything seemed much heavier - myself and the wind so I was a bit slow in to my tricks equalling a few big hits. Being such a cool spot to kite I sat on the sand bank with my kite on its wingtip and watched Johara having an amazing session. After 10 mins or so my psych was back and we took it in turns to hang out on the sand bank and shout works of encouragement to bust our moves bigger and better.
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(The view from the van before rigging up)
After a few hours on the water it was time to pack up and head home. Ive been away from my new husband for 5 weeks now and he was getting home from a stag do that night, so after a sweet weekend of biking and kiting I hit the road in the direction of home ready to remember what my husband looks like once again!
Next session looks sweet for Wednesday! I will be sure to hit the water then and now Im ready for the great british temperatures once again!
Xatch you soon and happy riding.
Jo xJo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-79277692999529160242012-07-08T22:11:00.000-07:002012-07-08T22:12:23.341-07:00Another month in Egypt!I can't bring myself to closing the curtains at night - its just not within my capacity of being. Shutting out sunshine seems like sacrilidge, but Im my own worst enemy as once again Im awake at 6am and the bus to the beach doesnt arrive until 8.15am. What would I be like on the poles?
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Ive been out here in Egypt for exactly a month now, staying at the Breakers Hotel in Soma Bay. Its become my second home as its my 3rd long trip out here and I feel like the people who work here are starting to become my friends! My arabic has extended passed thank you, but Im far away from stringing complete sentences together. Im determined to learn some in time for next year.
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While out here Ive been running some coaching holidays which you can find out more about on www.jowilsoncoaching.com, but Ive also had some time to kite for myself too. I ran 3 x week long holidays back to back where people came who wanted to improve their level. I had a lot of clients who have been on my holidays before, but some new faces too. We had incredible wind and so the coaching holidays went well.
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Its been an exciting year so far for me so far culminating in getting married at the end of May and during that build up there was a lot of work to do. Thank goodness for my mother in law who kept me on the straight and narrow while putting the wedding together. Chris and I were married in a church, but then moved to a cowshed for the wedding reception. My husband and I plus two very good friends had spent a week transforming it from this cowshed where the cows had been for the entire winter into a beautiful wedding venue. It was phenomenal.
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Anyhow during the build up there hadn't been a lot of time left for kitesurfing and I arrived in Egypt a smaller version of myself making a lot of the tricks that I can normally do that much harder. As a professional kitesurfer a lot of tricks comes very naturally and perhaps we lose sight of just how much core strength is required, so it took a while to get my tricks back up to standard, but 1 month later Im feeling strong again. Let me remind you - if your heading out on a kitesurfing holiday soon make sure you get on the floor each night and do something for your stomach muscles to get you ready for your trip.
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While out here I have been working with I-C-U.net. They have been taking photos and sequences of me which you can look out for in the magazine. ive been using my Naish Torches and have had a hard time pulling myself of the 10m - my favourite by far, but yesterday the 8m came in close too.
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Ive been using the Parks for people who are working on hooked in tricks and for those who are just getting in to the sport which has been wicked. Its definitely a cool kite to do everything and I feel really safe when my clients are on it knowing it responds well, is stable and easy to relaunch.
Egypt is a great place for the bindings to. I ride in bindings from time to time just to feel completely locked in and as though I can hold as much power as possible. Wipeouts put me off trying the more difficult tricks, but for powered stuff that I can do consistently I love it. The water is flat making it easy to swap between straps for harder tricks and bindings for powered sessions.
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For me its time to head back to the UK. From what I can tell Ive avoided a tonne of rain so far, I just hope that I can pack some of this sunshine and bring it back with me. Im already a fair few kg's over weight some Im gonna have to pull out some charm to get away with that either that or have to pay a big charge. lets see how we get on. My next session will be at either Morecombe Bay or Barrow! Bring it on.Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-51847934030987001082012-04-25T04:01:00.001-07:002012-04-25T04:02:47.504-07:00UK Kitesurfing HolidaysHey all, I’m 3 years in to running these coaching holidays and while its forever going to be a learning experience not only for you, but for me to Im starting to get the handle on things. I’ve been lucky enough to have traveled with kitesurfing for the passed 10 years as a professional kitesurfer and from that collected all sorts of useful and useless nuggets of information along the way. That basically translates to me believing that I can take you to some of the most phenomenal kitesurfing locations around the world at the time of year that provides the best conditions for wind, warmth and space on the water for you to concentrate on improving your confidence, skills and busting new tricks.
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(Cornish Kitesurf Exploration 2010)
Visiting South Africa, Brazil, Egypt name some of the locations that I head to but I also believe that no one person who lives in the UK should travel further then their own doorstep during the spring and autumn month to gain the most out of phenomenal kitesurfing conditions. Its not only financially friendly, but its surprising on just how good these trips are.
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(Kitesurfing on your own doorstep!)
This year I am running 3 UK holidays where I will take you to locations of golden beaches, clear refreshing water, perfectly flat water, small kickers and occasionally big waves – although I will give prior warning for this to ensure that I don’t put you out of your depth.
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(Kitesurfing in the South West UK September 2011)
They are all in September when the tourists have gone, the weather and water is warm and the low pressures are lining up in the atlantic. I will take you to stunning parts of the UK to explore and ride different spots under the UK’s dramatic cliffs, green fields, glorious rainbows and moody skies.
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(Kitesurfing in the North East of the UK)
Each trip we will be staying in a high quality holiday house accommodation with big fat fluffy duvets, fire places, a fridge stocked of great food and cool beer/wine or delicious hot chocolate spiced with rum to warm the cockles.
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(Sunset from the front room in Rhosneigr, Wales)
We’ll do car share where possible especially for Tiree to reduce cost on ferries/fuel and we’ll throw a reasonable kitty together to stock the house with food and drink.
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7Zs8A2opzQ/T5fZAp7h5sI/AAAAAAAABK8/kQvG809zvCg/s1600/Kitesurfing%2Bin%2BNorth%2BWales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7Zs8A2opzQ/T5fZAp7h5sI/AAAAAAAABK8/kQvG809zvCg/s320/Kitesurfing%2Bin%2BNorth%2BWales.jpg" /></a></div>
(Kitesurfing in North Wales September 2010)
Together we will plan a journey for your kitesurfing which will involve a goal sheet and some action plans. This will help you to let me know of your level in advance and what you would like to be working on. Most people would like to improve their jumping technique and introduce some rotations and/or transitions. Often they want to improve their style and sometimes they would like to get in to the realms of unhooking, but these trips aren’t about throwing down powered handle passes or massive kite loops, they are all about learning new skills, gaining independence and confidence and being amongst 6 other like minded kitesurfers.
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYXyZ0Iug_U/T5fZIFuUfOI/AAAAAAAABLI/Dxze8zTwX9A/s1600/Kitesurfing%2BCoaching%2BHoliday%2BCornwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYXyZ0Iug_U/T5fZIFuUfOI/AAAAAAAABLI/Dxze8zTwX9A/s320/Kitesurfing%2BCoaching%2BHoliday%2BCornwall.jpg" /></a></div>
(Cornish Kitesurf Exploration Crew 2011)
Come and join in the fun and action packed UK holidays.
Dates:
<a href="http://www.jowilsoncoaching.com/coaching-holidays/cornwall-uk/">Cornish Kitesurfing Exploration – 8th – 15th September 2012</a>
<a href="http://www.jowilsoncoaching.com/coaching-holidays/wild-n-windy-tiree/">
Wild n Windy Tiree – 22nd – 29th September 2012</a>
<a href="http://www.jowilsoncoaching.com/coaching-holidays/welsh-cakes-and-rhosneigr-roots-2012/">
Welsh Cakes and Rhosneigr Roots – 6th – 13th October 2012</a>
To book a place email me on jo@jowilson.com or call me on 07919 276 405. I'd love to hear from you or drop me a email if you would like a brochure.
JoJo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-80108271166376391162011-12-06T01:37:00.000-08:002011-12-06T01:58:28.733-08:00Home from Brazil with a sugar snow sprinkleWell last week I finally made it back home after a 7 week stint in Brazil. Brazil offers some of the most phenomenal kitesurfing during the UK's Autumn and this was one year that it wasn't going to let the side down. In 7 weeks I think I had just one full day without wind - now that is one hell of a record<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCNmDwidBvE/Tt3kXJIzjbI/AAAAAAAABI4/sPdPk2SJzbI/s1600/no%2B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCNmDwidBvE/Tt3kXJIzjbI/AAAAAAAABI4/sPdPk2SJzbI/s320/no%2B1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682949391052410290" /></a><br /><br />(Popping some stunts at Taiba with James Boulding)<br /><br />I went out to Brazil to escape from the cold temperatures of the UK. I wanted to head to somewhere that was guaranteed to be great kiting and to get me on the water on a regular basis where I could rebuild my level and then improve on it. Brazil is certainly the place to do it and I spent around 2 weeks in Uruau where the wind blows for a 12m, then Cumbuco and then Taiba where I was largely on my 8m and then to Paracuru where you can find more regular waves. I also rode my 8m Torch, but could have got away with my 6m on a couple of days too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tV7U_zj22A/Tt3khRVKn7I/AAAAAAAABJE/HRDEmtUDrDc/s1600/b2blind%2Buruau.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tV7U_zj22A/Tt3khRVKn7I/AAAAAAAABJE/HRDEmtUDrDc/s320/b2blind%2Buruau.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682949565050429362" /></a><br /><br />(Building up the handle passes in Uruau with Pro Kite Brasil)<br /><br />These days I am finally getting in to the wave riding. My friends have been going on at me for years to pick up a surfboard, but my heart is in the freestyle and whenever I have given the surfboard a try I have always missed the twin tip and popping out a small trick at every little perfect ramp or ideal stretch of flat water. Either that or I have wanted to train on one particular move for the entire session, so the wave board has never got me too pysched.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeDfGg8xvLM/Tt3lFIjlnxI/AAAAAAAABJQ/-c7bqY9yGAc/s1600/IMG_0934.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeDfGg8xvLM/Tt3lFIjlnxI/AAAAAAAABJQ/-c7bqY9yGAc/s320/IMG_0934.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682950181170290450" /></a><br /><br />(Building up the handle passes in Uruau with Vincent Bergeron)<br /><br />My freestyle in Brazil was the best it has ever been and I was landing some powered handle passes with some fairly good consistency and I have been having fun messing about with kite loops and darkslides as well, but this year I took the wave board with me and a couple of Naish Parks and really enjoyed evening sessions when most people had cleared the water to mess about with tacs and gybes.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rhaqP1sZEiI/Tt3mFg8Wn6I/AAAAAAAABJ0/fWLqVynfdlU/s1600/wave%2Bbord%2Bbrazil.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rhaqP1sZEiI/Tt3mFg8Wn6I/AAAAAAAABJ0/fWLqVynfdlU/s320/wave%2Bbord%2Bbrazil.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682951287228243874" /></a><br /><br />(Crusing out in Taiba, Photo James Boulding)<br /><br /><br />In cumbuco the tide gives rise to a chunky shore break and some of my funniest sessions were when I was trying to tuck myself in to one of these before being spat out up the beach. Im still gathering gravel and sand out of my bikini lining and it took a couple of showers before I could unpick it all from my hair.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auxIoMLf3Ss/Tt3lNsJrW3I/AAAAAAAABJc/Az4zcoY-P3I/s1600/IMG_1521_colour.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auxIoMLf3Ss/Tt3lNsJrW3I/AAAAAAAABJc/Az4zcoY-P3I/s320/IMG_1521_colour.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682950328164244338" /></a><br /><br />(Too hard before washed up, photo James Boulding)<br /><br />I even took on a couple of downwinders where I had some of my best wave rides to date and am glad to whole heartedly say that Im starting to 'feel' the wave riding too. I'm starting to feel the surfboard is an extension of my feet and not something plonked underneath me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UWDrrWoGBbo/Tt3lWZHhHGI/AAAAAAAABJo/_lnFpGPPgAg/s1600/scenic%2Bbrazil.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UWDrrWoGBbo/Tt3lWZHhHGI/AAAAAAAABJo/_lnFpGPPgAg/s320/scenic%2Bbrazil.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682950477673733218" /></a><br /><br />(A view from up above in Taiba)<br /><br />Now back in the UK I have been welcomed by snow. The temperatures are pretty chilly, but Im still psyched to get on the water. I have a couple of toasty wetsuits from Prolimit and an awesome rigging jacket. Its my first winter while being sponsored by them, so Im looking forward to testing the suits out. Bring on the waves over the winter. The UK sends through some phenomenal low pressures bringing world class conditions to those willing to look for it. I'll keep you posted on life as a seal!Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-4492052689982961922011-10-18T10:44:00.000-07:002011-10-18T11:57:29.373-07:00Palm tree wilsonWell Im here in Uruau, Brazil. Staying at Pro Kite Brazil. I have been here a week now and it has been lovely. The wind hasn't been exactly pumping - it seems that it needs a rest, but I have been out everyday on my 12m and busting some stunts, building my strength back up and ironing out the kinks of a few months in the UK. I cant complain at all!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yD4z4AkUkvY/Tp3K4ILiTGI/AAAAAAAABH4/vZoaeL-He2w/s1600/palm%2Btree%2Bwilson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yD4z4AkUkvY/Tp3K4ILiTGI/AAAAAAAABH4/vZoaeL-He2w/s320/palm%2Btree%2Bwilson.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664906971919305826" /></a><br /><br />(Hiding under the palm tree)<br /><br />Pro Kite Brazil have been set up for a few years now and I first met the managers when in Sotavento in Fuerteventura and am always glad to see them. Its just great they got out of that crazy wind place and came to this little paradise.<br /><br />My travels to Brazil were eventful. It had been a busy build up to leaving and when I finally arrive at the train station to get to the airport I realised I had left one bag behind!! I quickly did the maths to see if that bag was necessary and with it containing all my Naish Torches it came quite clearly evident that a mad rush through rush hour traffic of Kendal, was necessary! We were back on the platform with minutes to spare! Unfortunately the fun didnt stop there as the platform manager told me I couldnt travel by train as travelling with a surfboard was against the rules!!! It had been for all the 20 years that he worked for the national rail! Ah crap! with no plan and no idea how to get to the airport he finally relented and let me on!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zGYs_DY0H6k/Tp3LKxx3atI/AAAAAAAABIE/iiZPbS27M_c/s1600/The%2Bbeach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zGYs_DY0H6k/Tp3LKxx3atI/AAAAAAAABIE/iiZPbS27M_c/s320/The%2Bbeach.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664907292323572434" /></a><br /><br />(Not going to stop me getting to this peaceful paradise)<br /><br />It didnt stop there either! Once at the airport I had check in woman from hell! She seemed all sweetness and nice from the outside, but its true to say beauty only goes skin deep! She was one horrible mean lady! Despite my luggage being under weight she wanted me to pay £350 extra for luggage because my surfboard should have been in its own seperate bag weighing 12kgs, but because it wasn't she wanted to rip me off despite being well under weight! I wasnt having any of it and had a spare bag in the bag which she had just sent down to the aircraft! I had asked her not to send it until everything was checked on, but she ignored me, so I asked her to bring it back so I could do as she said and put the rest of the luggage in a separate bag! Seemingly a pointless task as it wouldnt effect the weight but she made me do it anyway she still refused to take it saying it was not clothes and shoes and so I still had to pay even though it fitted in a bag under the dimensions and under weight! I definately was at the end of my politeness and was seeing red by this point! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBkN01Lf2og/Tp3LefAZBbI/AAAAAAAABIQ/htQuo0ugbbw/s1600/Kite%2Buruau.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBkN01Lf2og/Tp3LefAZBbI/AAAAAAAABIQ/htQuo0ugbbw/s320/Kite%2Buruau.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664907630881605042" /></a><br /><br />(A lagoon all to myself)<br /><br />Next up I went to pay followed hotly by this mean horrible lady and I explained the situation to the lady who takes the money! She agreed that it was out of order and told the mean lady that she was being unfair! Ha - I win! Except I didnt as the horrible lady had checked my boyfriend and I all the way to brazil on seats at the opposite end of the planes to each other! Grr!! Watch out for her if your coming out on my coaching trip flying with Tap! Her name is Debbie, she is the epitomy of beauty only goes skin deep!<br /><br />Well sat here sipping my coconut after a session on my 12m I suppose we did win because we are now here in Brazil, kiting every day and enjoying every second of the sunshine while she is busy back at heathrow going through the same old ritual and succesfully ruining people's days but only for small insignificant moments in time!! If you ever get her - keep smiling. It will be worth it on the other side!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUSQE1eyIRo/Tp3L0BlEfvI/AAAAAAAABIc/CZjc6X9dfwM/s1600/back%2Broll%2B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUSQE1eyIRo/Tp3L0BlEfvI/AAAAAAAABIc/CZjc6X9dfwM/s320/back%2Broll%2B1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664908000939507442" /></a><br /><br />(Trying to get the kgb back which I last landed in Egypt in July)<br /><br />In two days time I am running the first if my Brazil Baby Surfari and Coaching Holidays. The trip is fully booked and everyone is in for one heck of a ride! Check out <a href="http://www.jowilsoncoachng.com">www.jowilsoncoachng.com</a> for updates or follow us on <a href="http://https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jo-Wilson-Kitesurfing-Coaching-Holidays/166756240046092?v=wall">facebook</a>Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-45164493686927153962011-07-21T00:44:00.000-07:002011-07-21T01:09:24.076-07:00Prolimit International Team RiderHey all, guess what! I finally have a fantastic sponsorship for wetsuits. In my career of kitesurfing I dont think I have ever been 100% satisfied with the wetsuits that I wear, but now things have changed. I have just signed a contract with Prolimit International.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2V7AwVnIYt8/TifeEt3MkBI/AAAAAAAABHI/pIOwHENXLoA/s1600/railey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2V7AwVnIYt8/TifeEt3MkBI/AAAAAAAABHI/pIOwHENXLoA/s320/railey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631714031662043154" /></a><br /><br />(Throwing down a railey in the <a href="http://http://www.prolimit.com/cold-water/products/chill-top-vest-wmn/">Prolimit Pure Chill Top Vest</a>)<br /><br />I have tried their wetsuits in the passed plus I had some fantastic light thermal tops for my recent trip to Egypt which worked absolutely perfectly. Being based mainly in the UK having a great wetsuit is crucial, so I am over the moon to have Prolimit behind me. They can provide the wetsuits necessary for the wide variety of different locations that I visit as a professional rider and as a coach. Woop woop!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vlA9EGRhpWI/Tifd7RJdJLI/AAAAAAAABHA/_48ewYTpXVg/s1600/wetsuit%2Begypt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vlA9EGRhpWI/Tifd7RJdJLI/AAAAAAAABHA/_48ewYTpXVg/s320/wetsuit%2Begypt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631713869335176370" /></a><br /><br />Crusing in the light afternoon wind in Egypt in the <a href="http://http://www.prolimit.com/pure/products/pure-sleeveles-shorty/">Prolimit Sleeveless Shorty</a><br /><br />Check out their website at <a href="http://www.prolimit.com">Prolimit</a>Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-60801842029549051802011-06-07T23:29:00.000-07:002011-06-07T23:36:43.771-07:00EgyptWell Im off to Egypt tomorrow. I have a couple of weeks of coaching mixed in with a couple of weeks of training. Im so fired as I have all my Naish 2012 kit which looks amazing! Im already in love with the bar and I havent even unwrapped it yet!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tRM0Oye5G5A/Te8XTaA3h4I/AAAAAAAABGw/jdUvnlBmWs8/s1600/New%2Btoys.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tRM0Oye5G5A/Te8XTaA3h4I/AAAAAAAABGw/jdUvnlBmWs8/s320/New%2Btoys.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615732882522212226" /></a><br /><br />Im taking my boots out there again this year. Ive put a bit of time in to them, but not much, but my last session up here in Cumbria spoke volumes and Ive decided I need more action in them, so they are coming.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgXWXoJOR9k/Te8YJIFIBCI/AAAAAAAABG4/OgL8y6jImzU/s1600/moi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgXWXoJOR9k/Te8YJIFIBCI/AAAAAAAABG4/OgL8y6jImzU/s320/moi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615733805421167650" /></a><br /><br />Im lacking in some awesome action shots at the moment, so I shall do my best to get some out there and load them up online!!<br /><br />I have a couple of spaces left on my Egypt Coaching trip from 1-8 July. Check out www.jowilsoncoaching.com if you are interested! It will be amazing!!Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-64535486886483846192011-05-06T08:26:00.000-07:002011-05-06T08:37:57.573-07:00The video is hereIts my turn to be on Naish TV, wahoooo! Oh yerrrrr! Check out our video from Norway at the Redbull Ragnarok where Jalou Langeree and I get a taste of what snow kiting is all about! Rock on and enjoy!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.naishkites.com/2011/en/naish-kiteboarding-tv/episode-6.html"><br />Please check it out: Redbull Ragnarok</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MOxG7hw2L8/TcQVLgyUVWI/AAAAAAAABGk/kavR6oj7j6I/s1600/ragnarok%2B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MOxG7hw2L8/TcQVLgyUVWI/AAAAAAAABGk/kavR6oj7j6I/s320/ragnarok%2B3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603627123879466338" /></a><br /><br />Unleash the fury :-)<br /><br />Thanks to Criag Sawyer for all the hard work, filming, editing and putting up with our smelly socks (his were worse)! Thanks to helen Rustle for lending me all the winter stooff!Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-26843018795248669532011-04-27T08:48:00.000-07:002011-04-27T08:51:23.292-07:00Girls Only North Wales TripI'm running a trip in North Wales starting on Sunday. Its a full on kitesurfing trip with loads of coaching from myself and Johara Sykes Davies. The aim is to bring your kitesurfing to a new level and leave you with a action plan on how to progress thorughout the season. Its action packed and a lot of fun.<br /><br />The forecast is 18-20mph and sunny. All you have to do is sign up and show up! http://www.jowilsoncoaching.com/coaching-holidays/girls-only-2011-2/ Check it out!!!Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-85397331719578854142011-04-06T12:22:00.000-07:002011-04-06T12:27:09.991-07:00Naish TVNaish have been firing out some fab movies for the passed few weeks. The first couple were Sam Light and Rick Jensen travelling through America and the latest is Jalou Langeree ripping it up with Sam and Flo out in OZ. Its well worth checking out! I have two in the coming following up the Candy Coated Diaries! Keep your eyes peeled for South Africa and Norway!Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-30444881515930710642011-04-05T05:04:00.000-07:002011-04-05T06:55:46.142-07:00Redbull Ragnarok 2011I just returned back to the UK after a week in Norway at the Redbull Ranarok! Im absolutely exhausted and 1 pot of strong coffee hasn't been able to kick me in to action.<br /><br />The Rebull Ragnarok was a new experience for me. I've never been to the snow before although we have had snow in the UK before so Im not a complete snow virgin however when it comes to snowboards, boots, Mariano wool and snow kiting I had no experience whatsoever.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfsViKVo99Y/TZsRlQfZ0_I/AAAAAAAABFs/BwUZuzRLbBI/s1600/ragnarok%2B6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfsViKVo99Y/TZsRlQfZ0_I/AAAAAAAABFs/BwUZuzRLbBI/s320/ragnarok%2B6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592082694090118130" /></a><br /><br />I had no preconception for the Redbull Ragnarok apart from that it had a awesome name and great history. I was aware that it was a tough endurance challenge not only in distance, but terrain and weather conditions too. Last year the Ragnarok was completed only by 4 people out of nearly 200. They experienced whiteouts and howling gales. This year word had spread and there were around 300 people in Haugastol in Norway for the event. 200 were given entry including me. The circuit was around 12 - 15km's long and the race was to make the lap 5 times in the shortest time possible. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xvySmkEpvg/TZsR3zLyRGI/AAAAAAAABF0/_-sdl7AO2Wc/s1600/ragnarok%2B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xvySmkEpvg/TZsR3zLyRGI/AAAAAAAABF0/_-sdl7AO2Wc/s320/ragnarok%2B2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592083012640719970" /></a><br /><br />Having had no experience I hit Norway with Jalou Langeree 3 days early to try to get some snow kiting practice in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OGQ51kFYWM/TZsSn9oJZkI/AAAAAAAABF8/NE1WGuF8pTc/s1600/jalu%2Bme.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OGQ51kFYWM/TZsSn9oJZkI/AAAAAAAABF8/NE1WGuF8pTc/s320/jalu%2Bme.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592083840077751874" /></a><br /><br />Day one we had no wind, so I strapped a snowboard to my feet and hit the slope outside our hotel room. It was only a few meters long and lovely powder so Jalou held me hands then flung me on my way. After 10 or so goes, blood sweat and tears it was time to hit the ski slopes of Gailo for some better practice.<br /><br />Over the coming days I was able to spend a few hours at these slopes and by the day before Ragnarok I was riding down a red run linking turns and kind of getting the hang of it. Bruises on my bum show the pain and the burning thighs were a not so subtle indication to me to take it a little easy and not burn myself out for the Ragnarok itself otherwise I would have liked to stay longer into the evening to really crack it! Thanks to Christian Rangen and Craig from <a href="http://www.bluejuicedesigns.co.uk">Bluejuice</a> for their patience and help.<br /><br />Next up we had some wind for my 9m Torch. The conditions were - intriguing and we cautiously drove from 'spot to spot' following the red lights of the car in front as it was pretty much a whiteout. I couldnt tell the difference in the spots too much as visibility was just a few metres and we ended up back at a place close to the hotel. <br /><br />It didnt take long to get the hang of snow kiting. It was similar to kiting on water only with more traction. Popping was wierd and I was throwing myself of small kickers to help get airborne. The wierdest thing of all was the vision - or should I say lack of it. I could see one guy up ahead who could well have been flying. I could make him out and his kite, but everything around him up and down looked exactly the same - white! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fp2zJgWvtTY/TZsc568UUMI/AAAAAAAABGU/BpJKAszjE9w/s1600/ragnarok%2B5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fp2zJgWvtTY/TZsc568UUMI/AAAAAAAABGU/BpJKAszjE9w/s320/ragnarok%2B5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592095143710970050" /></a><br /><br />While riding it was like kiting blindfolded and I couldnt really tell if I was going uphill, downhill, fast or slow. Falling over backwards was a good sign of coming to an abrupt halt. After an hour or more I actually began to feel a it sick and made my way back to the car so I could get some kind of orientation. WIERDDDD, but it didnt stop me for a second session when fortunately the visibility improved.<br /><br />Day 4, 2 days of boarding down and 1 day of snow kiting it was the time for Ragnarok itself! There was media everywhere, helicopters, skimobiles and more! The buzz was very excitable and there were a lot of new faces - male and female. There were a lot of nervous people and others extra confident! Not many really knew what was to come and there was a lot of talk that was best to avoid! Talk of whiteouts, 40 knot storms and blizzards that would cover you from head to toe if you even stopped for a minute to catch your breath. At kitesurfing competitions its easy to know who to avoid and who to hang out with to draw strength, but this was hard to find at Raganrok and in the end I just absorbed it and tried to hang on to what seemed the best words of advise and ignore the crap. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqG6rSjphOk/TZsdI_pgJpI/AAAAAAAABGc/w0V5Lz-vcWA/s1600/ragnarok%2B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqG6rSjphOk/TZsdI_pgJpI/AAAAAAAABGc/w0V5Lz-vcWA/s320/ragnarok%2B3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592095402672268946" /></a><br /><br />The race was made up of 5 bouys approximately 3km's apart. Most of them were up a hill or half way up at least! Some hills were gently rolling and one was a lot steeper. It was a challenge in itself working the kite to create enough power to go up hill while at the same time avoiding all other kites that were in the same predicament. It was a stunning scene full of adventure and much more mellow then I had expected. After the up was a serious down hill. I found a way through unmarked snow and shot down super quick only to meet the fate of many others below who hit the no wind zone. 10's and 10's of kites lay down unruffled upon a frozen lake and it became my destiny too! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvEq9I-hgaw/TZsXCrhvKbI/AAAAAAAABGE/TCN5SIdC3zo/s1600/sitting%2Bducks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvEq9I-hgaw/TZsXCrhvKbI/AAAAAAAABGE/TCN5SIdC3zo/s320/sitting%2Bducks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592088697122007474" /></a><br /><br />At this stage there were kites a long way to be seen all lying on the floor, so I along with a bunch of others decided to hike to until the next bit of wind arrived.<br /><br />Overall I found the course to be intense, but less intense then I expected probably due to chinks of sunshine that came through the cloud making it possible to see the way. I seemed to hit patches of no wind on many occasions and alternated between times of walking in knee to waist deep snow with kite either under my arm or dragging along behind. Other times I would be cruising round the course with perfect power. I was always gagging for water and felt that I was generally suffering from overheating as opposed to hyperthermia which some of the girls suggested. I made one lap of the course in a pretty slow, but steady pace. That was my goal having never been to the snow before, so I was pleased. After 4 hours the race was called off due to lack of wind. Every rider at one point found themselves walking or sitting for a stretch of the race.<br /><br />The winner completed 3.5 laps of the race before it was called off, so I have some work to do to make a good time for next year, but Im up for the challenge. Covering distance on kites is amazing and there are some fantastic sights, big drops and hills to haul up! Its all part of it and there is probably no where quite like the Lake District (my home) to get experience on that for next year! For one thing Im hoping for snow again next season, but if not Scotland is only up the road!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8GZGqwWKERU/TZsZnnmCwDI/AAAAAAAABGM/wpM6JYcir_8/s1600/ragnarok%2B9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8GZGqwWKERU/TZsZnnmCwDI/AAAAAAAABGM/wpM6JYcir_8/s320/ragnarok%2B9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592091530744741938" /></a><br /><br />Thanks to Craig at <a href="http://www.bluejuicedesigns.co.uk">Bluejuice</a> for coming to document the trip! Watch out for our video on Naish TV in the coming weeks. Also thanks to the Nowegian and Danish possie who put us up in the room for a couple of nights, but not only that, but took us under their wing. You guys made my trip! See you next year!!<br /><br />PS Just read that back and it doesnt make much sense, but my brain wont work to correct it! Hope you can make head from tail and hope it encourages you to push yourself out of your comfort zone this season! Its worth it!!Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-85797179668957299682011-04-01T00:49:00.000-07:002011-04-01T00:55:26.931-07:00Norway RagnarokIm here in Norway for my first experience in the snow. I've thrown myself in the deep end slightly as Im entering the Redbull Ragnarok which is a 100km challenge across terrain. Its termed the Ragnarok which means battle between the Norse gods! Its a fight between good and evil across the Nowegian plains! Its pretty intense here! very stunning, but man have I got lot to learn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEAqawuILHI/TZWE4PH0-NI/AAAAAAAABFk/fPnYOJ64zeQ/s1600/jo-jalou-ragnarok.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEAqawuILHI/TZWE4PH0-NI/AAAAAAAABFk/fPnYOJ64zeQ/s320/jo-jalou-ragnarok.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590520614117243090" /></a><br /><br />The race starts today, so actually Ive got to dash as we have the riders meeting in 5 mins! I just wanted to leave my lasting goodbyes before I embark on the challenge! Of course Im going to try to complete the race, but moreso get a feel for it all and perhaps come back next year with more of a competitie mind on!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5S2goFsyCQ/TZWEGF6zbJI/AAAAAAAABFc/5532aWGA_Dw/s1600/jo-jalou-ragnarok2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5S2goFsyCQ/TZWEGF6zbJI/AAAAAAAABFc/5532aWGA_Dw/s320/jo-jalou-ragnarok2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590519752653237394" /></a><br /><br />We have Craig Sawyer here from Bluejuice filming and taking photos which is fab! Right gotta go, running late!Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-71552532238400488572011-03-18T06:57:00.000-07:002011-03-18T07:24:43.970-07:00Back home in the UKIm back home in the UK to be greeted by beaming sunshine! its stunning weather, but I have to be honest the bare feet have had to be covered with wellyboot socks and eskimo boots! Its not quite summer here.<br /><br />South Africa more then delivered the goods this season - what an epic year. The days without wind were few and far between and necessary when they arrived. Im so much stronger and fitter then I have been in a long while and it feels great.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhBZY9qlNCA/TYNoKk5xxbI/AAAAAAAABE8/72qCPTBrtjU/s1600/40knots%2Bfreestyle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 205px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhBZY9qlNCA/TYNoKk5xxbI/AAAAAAAABE8/72qCPTBrtjU/s320/40knots%2Bfreestyle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585422493783541170" /></a><br /><br />(freestylin' in 30+ knots photo by Ellen Langeree)<br /><br />I spent way more time on my wave board this year. Its my weaker side for wave riding which is probably a good thing and I fully started to get to grips with the back side riding. The last two weeks have been awesome with 5-6ft waves rolling in regularly. It feels cool to be confident in amongst and banging out the wave rides too!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6Ng3jinUUA/TYNoddE7k9I/AAAAAAAABFE/_mwhEGlzFsw/s1600/Big%2Bswell%2Bforecast%2Bcapetwon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6Ng3jinUUA/TYNoddE7k9I/AAAAAAAABFE/_mwhEGlzFsw/s320/Big%2Bswell%2Bforecast%2Bcapetwon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585422818100351954" /></a><br /><br />(not sure what happened to the water, think the ships might have been cleaning their tanks. Taste about as good as it looks, but epic session)<br /><br /><br />The freestyle was gnarly. The wind was for 7m and 5m Naish Torch pretty much 90% of the time. Its hardcore trying to learn new tricks in that, so I ventured up to Langebaan and a couple of dams too to find some bliss in amongst the carnage.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBcTZMNwg9w/TYNo6nlOohI/AAAAAAAABFM/R2evr4ZK6ac/s1600/Brandvlei%2BDam.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBcTZMNwg9w/TYNo6nlOohI/AAAAAAAABFM/R2evr4ZK6ac/s320/Brandvlei%2BDam.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585423319136379410" /></a><br /><br />(9m session at Brandvlei Dam)<br /><br />It was a cool crew of people out there this season and I loved hanging out with Jalou Langeree from Holland and Bruna Kajiya from Brazil. Its pretty hard finding kiting girls to spend time with especially ones as motivated as them who push you hard. Its my goal to set up some trips this year for kiting girls of all level to get together and have fun. The first one will be 1-4th May and you can find out more here on <a href="http://www.jowilsoncoaching.com/coaching-holidays/girls-only-2011-2/">Jo Wilson Coaching</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JdIujcRUC3s/TYNpQ-kz7kI/AAAAAAAABFU/EgA4VLu7q6A/s1600/me%2Bn%2Bbruna.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JdIujcRUC3s/TYNpQ-kz7kI/AAAAAAAABFU/EgA4VLu7q6A/s320/me%2Bn%2Bbruna.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585423703265766978" /></a><br /><br />(Chilling with Bruna)<br /><br />Next up I have a couple of weeks in the UK to catch up with emails and coaching, but also to get out training in the hills. Jalou and I are heading to Norway in 10 days time for the <a href="http://www.redbull.no/cs/Satellite/no_NO/Red-Bull-Ragnarok/001242817558091">Redbull Ragnarok</a>. The name "Ragnarok" stems from an incident in Norse mythology, describing the last battle between the good and evil Gods, where only the heroes of the battlefield survive.<br /><br />Red Bull Ragnarok imitates this myth in the respect that only a mere few snow-kite heroes will succeed. Endurance is paramount, and only the toughest riders will make it to the finish line.<br /><br />To be fair that is the blurb that I found on the website. Its all I know about it and I've never snow kited before! Of course we are taking Craig from <a href="http://www.bluejuicedesigns.co.uk/">Blue Juice Multimedia</a> to film the action! Im just hoping they will fit me with some kind of tracking device!<br /><br />Right on, will keep you posted! Wish me luck.Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-80878952510369417672011-03-11T00:33:00.000-08:002011-03-11T00:43:09.873-08:00Naish Kiteboarding TVNaish have gone wild this year and have given the riders some additional freedom! Its a very cool year to be sponsored by them and Im stoked to have my new contract for 2011! Naish have created a new and improved Kiteboarding TV where every 3 weeks starting from March 15th they will be uploading an episode created by one or more of their riders. It looks set to be epic and they have been whooping our asses to stay on top of it. Jalou Langeree and I have continued to work together out here in South Africa so you will catch the next of our Candy Coated Diaries very soon. <br /><br />Here's the point of view from Naish<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvCj6Rf2GzI/TXnf4y97rAI/AAAAAAAABE0/fw_AV0wllp8/s1600/nkbtv_teaser.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 36px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvCj6Rf2GzI/TXnf4y97rAI/AAAAAAAABE0/fw_AV0wllp8/s320/nkbtv_teaser.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582739379949644802" /></a><br /><br />The Naish Pro Team spends the year scouring the planet for the best riding locations. Often, we sit in the office trying to justify the budget with riders flitting off here and there with vague promises of "Don't worry, we're going to score!".<br />We wait, you wait. The shots come in and we are either relieved, or question what the h@#* we were thinking sending riders off to places that are not known for wind.<br /><br />This year, our riders were tasked with documenting their sick sessions, wacky antics...and explaining their budget overruns! The team had to DELIVER ON FILM: the ups, downs, hangovers and stoke that they experience all year. They were challenged to get to know the local rippers, the international celebrities and the beach bum personalities that make up our kiteboarding world.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">On 03.15.11, witness the carnage.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.naishkites.com/tv">www.naishkites.com/tv</a>Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-50419605760990376582011-02-27T12:35:00.000-08:002011-02-27T12:42:26.608-08:00It keeps on comingIm in my last couple of weeks in South Africa now and all I can say is what a phenomenal season. The wind has been unstoppable. I have still yet to get the 10m out of my boardbag! That how windy it has been!<br /><br />Ive had a mixture of conditions from waves and freestyle. Im mostly training in Big Bay which I find massively challenging. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6cZioHcQpI/TWq3HYtX-EI/AAAAAAAABEs/KqhV2Ihrvew/s1600/uh%2Bfl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6cZioHcQpI/TWq3HYtX-EI/AAAAAAAABEs/KqhV2Ihrvew/s320/uh%2Bfl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578472425971513410" /></a><br /><br />Im almost always on my 7m and my favourite tricks are on the way out, so I have to set myself up between waves and gusts and sometimes its a little too tricky. Ive got my fitness and strength back and am sticking my flat 3 much more regualarly and landed 7 blind judges the other day which is good, but not working on too much new stuff in the freestyle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cVOCxMvUbE/TWq264oBV5I/AAAAAAAABEk/7-apM_bh7ok/s1600/Blind%2Bjudge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cVOCxMvUbE/TWq264oBV5I/AAAAAAAABEk/7-apM_bh7ok/s320/Blind%2Bjudge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578472211200694162" /></a><br /><br />With the waves its another story. I've been getting out on my board far more regularly and feeling very comfortable on it. I can get out in pretty big waves now without fearing my life! Friday was pretty immense with waves well over head high. I just need to work on getting steeper more powerful turns!<br /><br />Im off road tripping for the next couple of weeks. Its time to see some sites. Will bring pictures when I can.Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-10866776338618701602011-02-15T02:48:00.000-08:002011-02-15T02:54:47.869-08:00South African Kitesurfing HolidayI have just got back from a great week coaching in langebaan, South Africa. We had 7/7 days with wind ranging from 18 knots on some days to over 30 knots on the last evening! Everyone left having learned new tricks and improved there level. I will definately run the same next year. You can check out for info on my <a href="http://www.jowilsoncoaching.com/coaching-holidays/south-africa/">website</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m33vHpG-ecg/TVpanQV7rEI/AAAAAAAABEc/ENzp4DtT2YY/s1600/the%2Bgroup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m33vHpG-ecg/TVpanQV7rEI/AAAAAAAABEc/ENzp4DtT2YY/s320/the%2Bgroup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573867119272766530" /></a><br /><br />(South African Adventure Crew 2011)<br /><br />Now I am back down in Capetown checking out the swell forecast for the next couple of days. Jalou and I are off on a mission!<br /><br />Tonight having dinner with Bruna kajiya and Jalou. Bruna is also out here training. She is ripping! Working on all sorts of powered passes with grabs thrown in too! Love it!!<br /><br />Keep you posted!Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-80218089442482924992011-01-31T22:18:00.000-08:002011-01-31T22:27:57.782-08:00South Africa continues to rockThe wind has continually blown since my last update and yesterday I was beginning to feel worn out! It was all down to a day 2 days ago where the wind didn't quite pull through, so I finally got a lengthy session on my 9m. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TUeneGkWyhI/AAAAAAAABEQ/ls9zNgPExXw/s1600/Jo%2BWilson%2B5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 193px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TUeneGkWyhI/AAAAAAAABEQ/ls9zNgPExXw/s320/Jo%2BWilson%2B5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568603599867922962" /></a><br /><br />(throwing in a railey far too close to the sand)<br /><br />I've just started to feel kitesurfing fit again which took almost 3 weeks bang on the dot, so I decided it was time to up the pace and throw out some unhooked moves. True to form 9m weather didn't last all day and by the evening I was out on my 7m over powered.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TUenLECSTSI/AAAAAAAABEI/o5e6XukEhSg/s1600/Jo%2BWilson%2B4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TUenLECSTSI/AAAAAAAABEI/o5e6XukEhSg/s320/Jo%2BWilson%2B4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568603272770637090" /></a><br /><br />(this will be me missing the grab after a exhausting 9m session)<br /><br />For the next few days Jalou Langeree and I are filming for the next of our Candy Coated Diairies, so watch this space to see more. <br /><br />Thanks to Grant Hulley for the photos.Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-81703397089026097882011-01-28T05:32:00.001-08:002011-01-28T06:26:43.408-08:00Its a dogs lifeWell you may or may not have gathered that I'm in South Africa. The wind has blown near enough every day since I arrived on January 12th. Today the waves are pumping and for once I bit the bullet, left the twin tip at home and hit the beach for some hard core radical wave riding - Im pretty sure that was what I was doing!!!???<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TULO-jQazDI/AAAAAAAABEA/-vE1TfP8KSM/s1600/dogs%2Blife.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TULO-jQazDI/AAAAAAAABEA/-vE1TfP8KSM/s320/dogs%2Blife.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567239663394671666" /></a><br /><br />Anyhow as I was walking to the beach this morning for my pre breakfast session I had one of my flashes of my top 15 reasons of why I love the beach so much. i thought Id take this time to share them with you: -<br /><br />1. I have had no sign or sight of my footwear for 3 days<br />2. My hair is permanently in a salty, straggly mess<br />3. I never have van problems as my journey to the 'office' involves a 2 minute walk to the beach<br />4. In complete association to point number 3. I couldn't give a monkies about what the fuel price is doing right now because I have no idea! Same goes for the VAT increase!<br />5. The only time I get to see darkness is if I wake up in the middle of the night to go for a pee<br />6. Its always slightly uncomfortable to squeeze my hands in to a fist because Ive been hanging on to the bar just that little bit too long.<br />7. A new ache presents itself on a daily basis<br />8. I never feel blobby from eating too much and doing too little<br />9. My 6 pack is on its way back and Im not even trying<br />10. I fall asleep the second i switch the light off!<br />11. Its no longer the cold that is making my nose red and flakey.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TULNIcvP2rI/AAAAAAAABD4/O4Aoonyfn4s/s1600/moi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TULNIcvP2rI/AAAAAAAABD4/O4Aoonyfn4s/s320/moi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567237634420366002" /></a><br /><br />12. I cant remember the last time I saw my make up bag<br />13. I can hear the waves breaking each morning before I get out of bed.<br />14. I dont need to think about what Im going to wear each day because its generally very little.<br />15. Everyone outside is smiling.Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-68295619473133293522011-01-24T03:55:00.000-08:002011-01-24T21:27:25.926-08:00Seriously, I had completely forgotten!Wow, I cant believe it. I have been here in South Africa for 2 weeks now! I seriously had completely forgotten how good kitesurfing can be! Stuck in the depths of winter in the UK doesn't do any good for the health and if you have the chance to escape to the sunshine for even a long wind then I really recommend it. Forecast in tarfa is going off! Anyhow, for me here I am so happy to finally have arrived. Sorry it has taken so long to write an update but Ive been lapping up kiting kiting and kiting - and can you believe with had 7m weather and 5m weather the whole time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TT2sXeCKfjI/AAAAAAAABDY/wSt0cDM8-ng/s1600/Back%2Bto%2Btow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TT2sXeCKfjI/AAAAAAAABDY/wSt0cDM8-ng/s320/Back%2Bto%2Btow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565794233698909746" /></a><br /><br />Its quite funny, this was the longest stint I have been without kitesurfing. I've had a slightly disappointing year with my travels not scoring highly on the wind. Everywhere I have been I feel like Ive really not been able to get my teeth in to kiting. Now here in South Africa its like the good old days before the 'bad' seasons! This one has been firing on all cylinders. In two weeks we have been getting wind everyday except perhaps two! The long term forecast is pretty epic also.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TT2s5RYyvhI/AAAAAAAABDg/bV-FXjhiE0U/s1600/Tail%2Bgrab.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TT2s5RYyvhI/AAAAAAAABDg/bV-FXjhiE0U/s320/Tail%2Bgrab.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565794814419713554" /></a><br /><br />For those of you only in to the waves we have even been scoring some decent swell, but if Im honest I havent yet looked at my waveboard! I have been building up my strength and confidence on the water and taking it pretty easy in terms of moves Ive been trying. Now that Im feeling fitter and stronger Im ready to start pushing harder and today I began with the unhooked tricks.<br /><br />Aside from kitesurfing I have managed to fit a few other things in and last week on a day of no wind a few friends and I headed to Table Mountain on a quest to walk all the paths up there, across the top, back across the top and back down a different side! Jeez, by the time we got back at 7pm at night I felt like I had walked the earth! Where better to do then on Table Mountain???<br /><br /><br />Ive ventured down to Cape Point on the hunt for baboons, Simonstown to kidnap a penguin and in to Camps Bay for a little drink or two! It has been epic!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TT2tSyzu70I/AAAAAAAABDo/vPw7TH8vwvk/s1600/baboon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TT2tSyzu70I/AAAAAAAABDo/vPw7TH8vwvk/s320/baboon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565795252887809858" /></a><br /><br />The Progression team are out here - you know the Progression DVD's in the shops. They are collecting loads more footage to update on to their website and bring to you a new DVD so I have been meeting up with them regularly. Jim from Kiteworld is out here too, so expect a South African feature to come in the next issue.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TT2t3gaOWkI/AAAAAAAABDw/wtuAEBfF6mo/s1600/progression.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TT2t3gaOWkI/AAAAAAAABDw/wtuAEBfF6mo/s320/progression.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565795883604138562" /></a><br /><br />Next month I am running a coaching course from Langebaan where the wind blows, but the waves stay away so its perfect if you are looking to improve your level. I have big house hired with a view of the lagoon, so its going to mega. There is one space left so if you want to get involved then check out my <a href="http://www.jowilsoncoaching.com/coaching-holidays/south-africa/">website</a> for further info. Also Im slowly updating the technique section so keep your eyes peeled for 'know how' on moves from back loops to air handle passes.<br /><br />Photo's courtesy of Fiona Claisse / Progression.me apart from the one of the baboon which is Ian Edmondson. Well its not actually Ian. It was taken by him! <br /><br />Will write again soonJo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535557.post-44719765018211354572010-12-17T01:14:00.000-08:002010-12-17T01:38:08.935-08:00The UK before SAOver here in the UK right now we are going through the coldest Autumn that I can remember. I suspect that I should be calling it winter, but I reserve that for after Christmas usually. Up here in Cumbria like much of the rest of the country we had loads of snow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TQsq4V2S1TI/AAAAAAAABC0/W3VO0rPwkqI/s1600/for%2Bblog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TQsq4V2S1TI/AAAAAAAABC0/W3VO0rPwkqI/s320/for%2Bblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551578113090180402" /></a><br /><br />(Heading up towards Hellvelyn to check out the snow kiting)<br /><br />Ive got to be honest, kitesurfing was out of the question for about 2 weeks with temperatures reaching -10 degrees and lower almost on a daily basis. Finally we had a big thaw and saw temperatures raise into +figures so yesterday I braved the water again which was an interesting set of affairs.<br /><br />Ive been keeping myself fairly fit in the spells of not kitesurfing mixing it up with mountain biking, gym classes and some running, but man there is no substitute for good old kitesurfing. I miss it loads and so does my body. This morning Im aching from head to toe, some of that could be to do with the 4 hour shiver session after the kiting but generally from the aches in my stomach muscles Im pretty sure it was all about the kiting. Despite the cold yesterday was a real treat. barrow doesn't treat us to much wave action, its more of a freestyle location however yesterday was lovely! Small waves came into the bay. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TQsuvDWQMxI/AAAAAAAABDE/q3tGVSsnmNk/s1600/action.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TQsuvDWQMxI/AAAAAAAABDE/q3tGVSsnmNk/s320/action.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551582351551640338" /></a><br /><br />They were around head high and the wind was blowing cross off shore from the right. Thats my favorite for wave riding so I ditched the twin tip with minutes and spent the session on the waveboard. I had a few nice rides and it didnt take long to forget about the cold. Finally the wind swung straight offshore and dropped off. My hands were numb, so I took it as a good time to stop for the day. The forecast is a bit all over the shot, so Im not sure when my next session will be however the snow did fall again yesterday and the hills are back to magic white, so a venture into the hills with kite and snowboard in tow are definitely tools out to play on Saturday. <br /><br />Im heading to South Africa in January. Im having a few weeks kitesurfing where I intend to work on my wave riding as well as my freestyle. I will be staying in Table View. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TQsvVFWeOHI/AAAAAAAABDM/TfHEeYBmCY4/s1600/wave.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TQsvVFWeOHI/AAAAAAAABDM/TfHEeYBmCY4/s320/wave.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551583004924459122" /></a><br /><br />After that Im heading up to Langebaan for a couple of my Jo Wilson Coaching Kitesurfing Holidays. They are really good fun and a great place to immerse yourself amongst a group of like minded highly motivated kitesurfers. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TQst-bnLdJI/AAAAAAAABC8/3u9dGH2F4kE/s1600/sa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QPLeJEpMBJs/TQst-bnLdJI/AAAAAAAABC8/3u9dGH2F4kE/s320/sa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551581516251493522" /></a><br /><br />We have a beautiful house over looking Langebaan lagoon and based in early - mid February we have amazing chances of great wind. It looks as though South Africa is delivering an amazing season as we speak so I cannot wait to get back out there.<br /><br />To find out more on these courses check out <a href="http://www.jowilsoncoaching.com">www.jowilsoncoaching.com</a>Jo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239236457208327790noreply@blogger.com1