Monday, July 16, 2012
Back in the UK
I'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.
(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!
(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.
(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 x
Sunday, July 08, 2012
Another 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
UK Kitesurfing Holidays
Hey 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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(Cornish Kitesurf Exploration Crew 2011)
Come and join in the fun and action packed UK holidays.
Dates:
Cornish Kitesurfing Exploration – 8th – 15th September 2012
Wild n Windy Tiree – 22nd – 29th September 2012
Welsh Cakes and Rhosneigr Roots – 6th – 13th October 2012
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.
Jo
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Home from Brazil with a sugar snow sprinkle
Well 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
(Popping some stunts at Taiba with James Boulding)
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.
(Building up the handle passes in Uruau with Pro Kite Brasil)
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.
(Building up the handle passes in Uruau with Vincent Bergeron)
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.
(Crusing out in Taiba, Photo James Boulding)
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.
(Too hard before washed up, photo James Boulding)
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.
(A view from up above in Taiba)
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!
(Popping some stunts at Taiba with James Boulding)
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.
(Building up the handle passes in Uruau with Pro Kite Brasil)
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.
(Building up the handle passes in Uruau with Vincent Bergeron)
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.
(Crusing out in Taiba, Photo James Boulding)
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.
(Too hard before washed up, photo James Boulding)
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.
(A view from up above in Taiba)
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!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Palm tree wilson
Well 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!!!
(Hiding under the palm tree)
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.
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!
(Not going to stop me getting to this peaceful paradise)
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!
(A lagoon all to myself)
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!
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!
(Trying to get the kgb back which I last landed in Egypt in July)
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 www.jowilsoncoachng.com for updates or follow us on facebook
(Hiding under the palm tree)
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.
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!
(Not going to stop me getting to this peaceful paradise)
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!
(A lagoon all to myself)
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!
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!
(Trying to get the kgb back which I last landed in Egypt in July)
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 www.jowilsoncoachng.com for updates or follow us on facebook
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Prolimit International Team Rider
Hey 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.
(Throwing down a railey in the Prolimit Pure Chill Top Vest)
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!!!
Crusing in the light afternoon wind in Egypt in the Prolimit Sleeveless Shorty
Check out their website at Prolimit
(Throwing down a railey in the Prolimit Pure Chill Top Vest)
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!!!
Crusing in the light afternoon wind in Egypt in the Prolimit Sleeveless Shorty
Check out their website at Prolimit
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Egypt
Well 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!
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.
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!!
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!!
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.
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!!
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!!
Friday, May 06, 2011
The video is here
Its 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!!
Please check it out: Redbull Ragnarok
Unleash the fury :-)
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!
Please check it out: Redbull Ragnarok
Unleash the fury :-)
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!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Girls Only North Wales Trip
I'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.
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!!!
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!!!
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Naish TV
Naish 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!
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Redbull Ragnarok 2011
I 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.
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.
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.
Having had no experience I hit Norway with Jalou Langeree 3 days early to try to get some snow kiting practice in.
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.
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 Bluejuice for their patience and help.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Thanks to Craig at Bluejuice 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!!
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!!
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.
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.
Having had no experience I hit Norway with Jalou Langeree 3 days early to try to get some snow kiting practice in.
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.
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 Bluejuice for their patience and help.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Thanks to Craig at Bluejuice 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!!
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!!
Friday, April 01, 2011
Norway Ragnarok
Im 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.
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!
We have Craig Sawyer here from Bluejuice filming and taking photos which is fab! Right gotta go, running late!
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!
We have Craig Sawyer here from Bluejuice filming and taking photos which is fab! Right gotta go, running late!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Back home in the UK
Im 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.
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.
(freestylin' in 30+ knots photo by Ellen Langeree)
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!
(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)
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.
(9m session at Brandvlei Dam)
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 Jo Wilson Coaching.
(Chilling with Bruna)
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 Redbull Ragnarok. 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.
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.
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 Blue Juice Multimedia to film the action! Im just hoping they will fit me with some kind of tracking device!
Right on, will keep you posted! Wish me luck.
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.
(freestylin' in 30+ knots photo by Ellen Langeree)
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!
(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)
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.
(9m session at Brandvlei Dam)
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 Jo Wilson Coaching.
(Chilling with Bruna)
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 Redbull Ragnarok. 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.
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.
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 Blue Juice Multimedia to film the action! Im just hoping they will fit me with some kind of tracking device!
Right on, will keep you posted! Wish me luck.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Naish Kiteboarding TV
Naish 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.
Here's the point of view from Naish
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!".
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.
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.
On 03.15.11, witness the carnage.
www.naishkites.com/tv
Here's the point of view from Naish
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!".
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.
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.
On 03.15.11, witness the carnage.
www.naishkites.com/tv
Sunday, February 27, 2011
It keeps on coming
Im 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!
Ive had a mixture of conditions from waves and freestyle. Im mostly training in Big Bay which I find massively challenging.
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.
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!
Im off road tripping for the next couple of weeks. Its time to see some sites. Will bring pictures when I can.
Ive had a mixture of conditions from waves and freestyle. Im mostly training in Big Bay which I find massively challenging.
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.
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!
Im off road tripping for the next couple of weeks. Its time to see some sites. Will bring pictures when I can.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
South African Kitesurfing Holiday
I 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 website.
(South African Adventure Crew 2011)
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!
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!!
Keep you posted!
(South African Adventure Crew 2011)
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!
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!!
Keep you posted!
Monday, January 31, 2011
South Africa continues to rock
The 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.
(throwing in a railey far too close to the sand)
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.
(this will be me missing the grab after a exhausting 9m session)
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.
Thanks to Grant Hulley for the photos.
(throwing in a railey far too close to the sand)
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.
(this will be me missing the grab after a exhausting 9m session)
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.
Thanks to Grant Hulley for the photos.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
