THE
first annual British Virgin Islands Kite Jam, held March 1st through 5th, opened with an opulent gathering on Necker Island, the unique private resort owned by Sir Richard Branson (and his main residence). Remarks were made by the organizers and partners of this lifestyle-oriented event, and blessings were given by BVI Premier and Minister of Tourism, the Honorable Ralph T. O’Neal. Sir Richard opened the ceremony with a self-effacing air, although he was instrumental in the development and execution of this phenomenal fête of world-class kiteboarding talent. by Kevin Hughes Along with Charlie Smith and Scotty Wilson (these guys being the very personification of kite boarding) several other partners worked with many sponsors to pull off a successful multidiscipline festival of wind and water. During the ceremony, Abby O’Neal (Communications Director of Kite Jam and daughter of the Premier) and another partner, Joanna Morris, presented US$5,000 donations to both VISAR (Virgin Islands Search and Rescue) and KATS (Kids and the Sea, BVI). VISAR is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to responding to emergencies in BVI waters 24/7. KATS has been introducing kids to watersports for 20 years; its volunteers teach basic sea skills, swimming, sailing, diving and wind-
Phenomenal Fête! Inaugural BVI Kite Jam
PAGE 14 CARIBBEAN COMPASS MAY 2010
Day Two: All the “wind dancing” at the end of Day One didn’t conjure enough to race the kites to Anegada Island, so we settled for a sailboat race on the flotilla boats, which was quite fun. Upon reaching Anegada, Kite Jammers were shuttled to Cow Wreck Bay where lunch was served. The day finished with a party on Setting Point. Day Three: “NOTICE: Results of ‘wind dancing’ require a full 24 to 36 hours for development.” The breeze built throughout the night, and Kite Jammers awoke to 18 to 20 knots of wind. Woo-hoo! The Down-Winder Race run just south of Pomato Point was a blast for all participants, and the jam session off the point before and after the race was the best anyone had hoped for. High-speed runs and decent air were available for pros and novices alike. Madison Van Heurck, age 20, of St. Thomas, enjoyed the sunset on his board; then there were a couple of fellows out after dusk. A dinner gathering at Potter’s By The Sea led into socializing and partying. Day Four: A nice sail back to Virgin Gorda aboard the flotilla boats was enjoyed by everyone, despite winds too light for kiteboarding. The lack of wind did not damage this “lifestyle event” as much as one would think. The social aspects of the camaraderie, exchange of ideas in the clinics, and the great exposure of the sport through different media avenues offered here in the BVI created excitement for all on the beach, in the water, and on the boats. Lunch and dinner gatherings at the Bitter End Yacht Club were superb. The night’s party was held at The Pub and included a slideshow display of a few dozen of the greatest moments during the 2010 BVI Kite Jam. Day Five: The light “summer” winds persisted, so on the last day Kite Jammers continued to meet each other as pros and novices alike enjoyed the socializing and kiteboarding discussions. A last-minute change allowed everyone to enjoy lunch on a fantastic beach at yet another one of Nature’s little secrets, Eustacia Island, just off Virgin Gorda and Prickly Pear Island. Dinner, the awards ceremonies (for full results visit www.bvikitejam.com) and one last blow-out party were held on Mosquito Island. After spending these days with kiteboarding professionals and enthusiasts, it became apparent to me that the sport may incorporate features and demand skills from several older sports. Nonetheless, the heart of the sport lies very close to that of sailing, inasmuch as the spirit of camaraderie and welcome are offered to newbies and outsiders right from the get-go. Mentoring and teaching are more inherent in kiteboarding and sailing than, say, in surfing or other individual sports such as cycling. This will serve the sport well in allowing it to grow and be enjoyed by everyone who wishes to feel the freedom of flying across the water using their own abilities and the power of the wind. Young people to watch in kiteboarding: Jeremy Lund, 23, of Jupiter, Florida, is not only an accomplished kiteboarder, but runs a kiteboard school and constantly expands his influence and horizons to encompass all facets of the sport. I see he is on his way to becoming a major force in the sport of kiteboarding. Visit www. NewWaveKiteboarding.com Although Gretta Kruesi, 26, of South Carolina, isn’t among the very youngest participants, she has the passion of a newcomer as she has only been involved in kiteboarding for three years. Her creative, fresh ideas and drive to improve her talents will certainly impact the sport in coming years. Visit www.kiteworldmag.com/riders/ gretta-kruesi/ and, coming soon, www.GrettaKruesi.com
Left to right: Sir Richard Branson, Charlie Smith, Governor David Pearey, Abby O’Neal and Scottie Wilson Below right: Madison Van Heurck kiting at sunset surfing. With a wink and a nudge, BVI Kite Jam hopes that the KATS program will include kiteboarding in the future! These gifts display the cooperative nature of life on and around the sea and how symbiotic relationships enhance the lives of everyone in the community. On hand was kiteboarding promoter and expert Aaron Sales of Kiteboarding magazine. Aaron explained the world-circuit arrangement of kiteboarding events (similar to the surfing circuit) where competitors gather points to determine champions for the year. The difference in the BVI Kite Jam is that it includes a sailing flotilla of Sunsail catamarans that support competitors at various locations during the event, and the captains of these boats engage in their own “race” when moving from place to place. The variations do not end with sailboats: There were so many stand-up paddleboards on hand that one would think these athletes could walk on water. A volleyball game on Necker Island was just for fun, but players included Kristina Long, a member of the Canadian National Team. (The author proved he is not as mobile as he once was, but still dishes out a decent serve.) Day One: A ’Round Necker Race was scheduled, but light winds plagued the race course. However, this didn’t put a damper on spirits at the luncheon on Necker or the dinner and party back at the flotilla anchorage on Prickly Pear. The cancelled racing allowed extra time for a skills clinic led by the world’s top kiteboarders.
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