British Kitesurfing Championships Round 3: Hunstanton
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The final round of the 2016 BKC tour saw the crew return once more for the climax at Hunstanton. The wrap up edit is here and it’s a real goodun! Definitely classic UK conditions…
2013 Champion George Dufty claimed the men’s Pro title for a second time and over the season has shown us some incredible riding. Not only that but his approach and attitude is an example to all aspiring riders, as he’s got super fit especially for kiteboarding, takes his pre-heat approach seriously and when not riding himself, he’s always running up and down the beach giving juniors advice for their heats. George is definitely going on to bigger and better things.
The men’s title was a well turned out series again. Last year’s champion Sean Murphy came over for each event from Ireland, but couldn’t match George’s consistency in all conditions this season. At the last event in Hunstanton in particular in what were very blustery and strong conditions, George managed to make his sessions look so comfortable while most were maxed on seven metre kites.
Ollie Zabel deserves a mention. A new rider on tour this year, he finished in third overall and is definitely one to watch with a super clean and powerful style. (He had to leave before the final podium sadly, so pictured on this page is Jack Daykin who finished third at the Hunstanton event).
Rosanna Jury has retained her title to become the 2016 BKC Pro Women’s champion. Long time tour competitor Sukie Robertson took her first tour win in Lancing, while Holly Kennedy is as consistent as ever, and just missed out on finishing on a higher step on the podium. She looked very measured and controlled this year and has noticeably stepped up her power.
In the men’s Masters we have a new champion in Matt Bunn who proved that consistency really is key, claiming victory with two second place finishes (as there was no result at round one in Clacton for the men’s Masters). Two previous champions Kevin Matthey and Pete Jones took second and third respectively.
The fastest growing division is the juniors, and under the careful coaching of Jo Wilson throughout the season, these young riders have improved massively. Cameron Auld from Scotland took advantage when championship favourite Harry Way was surprisingly beaten in the semi finals at Hunstanton. The young Scot had the heat of his life in the final, pulling everything together, including several flat passes. Harry Way finished as runner-up with Tom Seager in third.
In the ladies amateurs Anna Seager took the title, Sarah Barkway was second with Sarah Lawrence in third.
The men’s amateur podium was once again tightly fought out, eventually it was first for Nathan Cullingford, second Sam Conroy and third Andrew McMillan.
Well done to all! Thanks for all the clubs who hosted the tour and sponsors who stepped up to support the events. It was another cracking year!
The BKC Tour is run as a collaboration between Kiteworld Magazine, IKSURFMAG and the BKSA.
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