Kiteboard Open Holland

This weekend I headed to Holland for one of the bigger kitesurfing events in the world - The Kiteboard Open.



The event is sponsored by Protest Clothing and over the two days 31st May and the 1st June it was speculated that there were around 50,000 spectators. In fabulous kitesurfing fortune the sun shone in a cloudless sky and the wind blew from the north. On the Sunday it was pretty gusty, but by Monday - the busiest day of the event it shifted a few degrees and unleashed 20 knots of pure pleasure.



120+ kitesurfers pumped up and the crowds were treated to a display of fabulous rookie contests, pro rider contests and racing. Ania Grzelinska and I were out there for Protest and hit the water for an expression session. We had loads of interviews with dutch tv channels, news programs and website coverage. It was an amazing weekend to be part of.

Kitesurfing was interesting. Mixing up among 60 other ultra keen kitesurfing was a bit hairy at times and made the world cup contests seem tame in terms of water traffic, but sessions in the early evening made it all worthwhile.



I had a great evening session as the sun was setting shooting with a photographer in the water while everyone else was back on the beach either packing up to go home or dancing to a super cool band in one of the tents.



(this photo is by sebastiaan hoganboom of kiteshots.nl)

I can't wait for next year where Im sure it is going to be even bigger and better. The beach is going to be rammed!!!



Thanks to Ian Edmondson of Expix Photography for working with us and creating some fab shots