Anglesey - August 2004

This takes me back to a year ago in April, when a small party of us visited Anglesey where it threw it down with rain and exceeded 28mph wind, after a few hours of being damp and battered, we called it a day, it made me very reluctant to go back and face the extreme conditions of Anglesey again, but after we heard the news of the Pendine ban, and looking for beaches on a August Bank Holiday, I had no choice but to look in that direction again.

Gary and I have visited Rhosneigr in Anglesey a few times with the BKSA and each time the wind had blown and it was a successful competition, so I knew the bay was great for Kitesurfing and Windsurfing, but anyone who's been would possibly note that the beach is not brilliant for boarding or buggying….. WRONG!!! The beach was fantastic, not massive, around ¾ of a mile but excellent for boards and buggies with its hard sand and prevailing SW (onshore) wind, plus the estuary stops a lot of the general public getting over to the almost deserted beach!

We eventually got back to campsite (Bodfan Farm), which was just in walking distance from the beach, with clean facilities, and laid back manner. We stayed there that evening for a BBQ and drank plenty of beer, enough to start the ball or should I say war games off.

Helen was going toeside on her board with a 2m Buster, whilst Nick went out on his 5m Slingshot caning a toe to frontside switch. Gary was buggying with the 9m Phantom and was exploring the other bay. Neil and I decided to join him as the wind really started to kick in and we stopped for a bit at the top end of the bay, I was touring the rocks for a bit, looked out into the distance……. And all I saw was this huge black cloud coming directly towards us, fast…… I shouted to Gary "look behind youuuuuuuu, as we shot of back down to the group just in front of the wind front, I got back to see Wes nearly being catapulted over the dunes and was being held down by Charlotte and Tom holding onto his 15m Phantom completely de-powered. We were packing away when the rain came! That evening we had a cook your own pasta meal and bring it to the table.

The Gower - May 2004

We arrived just before the campsite closed due to it being so full at 11.30. We found the Airboss crew and joined them for a couple of beers before setting up the tents in the dark. The next morning we woke to find that the campsite was almost on the beach and luckily the sun was shinning and we had 10mph wind, we set ourselves up with a lovely unhealthy breakfast before heading down to check it out. The beach was about 2 miles long with clean hard flat sand. We set up base camp the other side of the stream, using two 19m Naish LEI's as shelter for the day. Bird Bones, Gary and myself were using around 5m kites whilst the rest of the party were landboarding with 6m and above. The wind was cross - onshore and not gusty at all, allowing us to use a fair amount of the beach, it was easy to pick up speed nicely.

Gary decided it was perfect weather to try out the 13m Geurilla that we had on loan. It sat at the top of the window and was really stable. He went out in the buggy and easily achieved a 28mph run down the beach on his first go. It wasn't long before Bird Bones challenged him to a race down to the end of the beach and back. Off they went, Gary on the Geurilla and Bird on the 5.5 Bullet, it was dead level until public started walking towards them, Gary came in first after a close run. Neil, Tom, Roger, Wez, Steve, Mark and Charlotte were all flying down the beach on their Landboards. Neil and Wez were pulling off some sweet slides and jumps using a 10m Voodoo and 9.5 Frenzy.

That night we decided to have a few beers and a BBQ on the beach, which was expertly cooked by Mark. We were all glowing from the sun and felt very chilled and relaxed. After the food fest we needed to work it off and most of us were up for a bit of night flying. Conditions were great, and we were all ripping it up. It started to get a bit too dark so we headed back to the tents for more beer and a chat in the glow dome.

The next day the wind was a little slow to pick up and by lunch everyone was pretty sleepy, what could be better than having a chilled sleep on the beach. Around 2ish the wind had picked up, and was completely onshore, but the tide that had gone out left us with some huge potholes nearer the waters edge, so it was a bit of a shock when flying down the beach to land in one of them!!! Bird decided to explore more of the beach but on his way back the tide was coming in quicker than he realised, he got wiped out by a big wave, he wondered back to camp resembling a sand monster. Beginners Dee and Keeley were enjoying flying the 2.6 Flexifoil Blade 9next event we'll have them flying down the beach in a buggy). I was enjoying testing the Peter Lynn 5m Rebble, which was great in the Buggy, very stable with a lot of pull, I would definitely have to test this out in land to see if it was as stable.

That evening we went to the Greyhound Inn for food, which was sloooowww but tasted great when it came. We had decided to go back to camp and have the free beers there, but most of us were pretty tired and ended up going to bed about 12ish.

Monday came and so did a South Easterly which came over the downs which made it really gusty and as soon as we got down to the beach is started to rain, bummer!!! Charlotte decided to try the 6.6 Blade (get some overpowered experience in) but after a huge jump and major power slides she found that it was a little too much in the gusts, she couldn't stay on the ground.

We sat around in the shelter for about an hour or so to see if the rain would clear up, but it started to get worse and gustier. So we decided to pack up and head back to camp. After a wet pack up we were ready to go, but food was required to set us up for the long journey home, so we headed off to the pub again to finish the weekend off.

Blackrock Sands - March 2004

21 of us made up the Crew for the first AIR-VENTS of 2004 at Blackrock Sands. 4 miles of hard flat sand with mountains & castles in the background and to top it off no lugging kit around as we could drive on. We arrived around 3pm on Saturday to a good 15mph cross on breeze; and the tide was out all day. Most of the crew had already arrived earlier that day (making the most of it); there were some varying competencies from the complete beginner to the more advanced buggy and boarders.

We unpacked the new school gear, and it was time to have a blast on the buggy, yes, before anyone says anything, I know I was supposed to spend the whole weekend boarding, but the call of the buggy was too great. The 2m PKD Buster was at hand, but needed working a bit, so I swapped over to the 2.5m Bullet.

After a fantastic afternoon, we reluctantly packed away all the gear. The sun went down over the mountains and lit the sky like something out of Lord of the Rings and Mordor. We drove off in search of our beds for the night. Talhenbont Hall 5 miles from Blackrock was our base, three 5* cottages, with roaming peacocks and horses that given half a chance would be in the cottage eating breakfast with us.

But that night was a full on drinking fest at the local Bryn Y Hir Pub in Criccieth, which when you walked in looked like a bit like a mens working club, but on closer investigation was full of atmosphere and the locals extremely friendly. The landlord Eroll, looked like some 70's porn star but was very accommodating and made us feel really welcome. The beers were on Airboss that night and the food in the bistro was excellent. Well worth a visit if your in the area.

Next morning with a minor hangover we headed back down to the beach, the wind was blowing a gusty 10-20mph offshore, most of us were using 3-5m kites.

I was getting threats that morning, that they would let my buggy tyres down etc if I didn't spend the day on the board… so with my arm twisted I opted for my trusty 2.6m Blade and my all-new super duper silver surfer bat board, which was looking sweet, Trampa Prototype board, Primo tyres and MBS bindings.

Overall we were improving with the beach conditions compared to Ruddington Park, and we were feeling pretty good. We had a tasty BBQ for lunch. Time to get back out there for the rest of the day. Steve, Dave A and Bird were all looking good on the buggies, whilst Dave G, Minal and Roger were going for it on the boards.

Some of the party had to leave early, but the remaining 12 of us were looking forward to an evening of beer and pasta back at the cottage.With the log fire roaring away (uummmmm) we sat down to an evening with Bird Bones….. who was actually relatively amusing, nice one bird. I must have been drunk cos I can't remember for the life of me what we were talking about???

Monday Morning Fry Up, Yum Yum. Sets you up for the day. We got down to the beach, blowing a North Easterly 5-10mph, and by about lunchtime it swung round completely to a South Westerly, but unfortunately it didn't bring any more wind, so the big kites came out, 5m and above. The wind had really died off towards the end of the day and we were all struggling to get going with boards and buggies. Time to chill out for a bit and unpack the 10.5m Blade, get your extra long arms out!!!! It was surprising how well it flew in such low winds, but it was just right to play on the beach, great fun.

Oh well another Airboss Event gone!! Looking forward to The Gower in May, details to be announced shortly.

Seahouses - November 2003
The Northumberland locals have been keeping secrets from us about their beaches, I don't blame them either! Miles and Miles of gorgeous beaches with hardly anybody around, every kiters dream! We arrived Saturday evening to a warm log burner and Absolute Vodka….. Fantastic!! Some had already arrived for a day on the beach so we settled down talking about the days events, what the beaches were like and ear muffs (don't ask). The house overlooked the beach, with 4 bedrooms, which slept 8, a fully equipped kitchen with an Arga and an extra cold fridge for the beer!!

School Kite bag:1.4 Symphony, 1.4 LD, 2m Buster, 2.1 LD, 2.5 Bullet, 2.6 Blade I, 3m Blade III, 3m Buster, 3m Samurai - New from Ozone, 3.5 Bullet, 4m Blade III, 4.5 Bullet, 4.5 LD, 4.9 Blade I & III, 5m Frenzy, 6.6 Blade III, 8.5 Blade III, 9m Frenzy, Big Foot Buggy, Standard PL Buggy, Flexi Boards, Trampa Boards, Air Boards, Kheo Boards
Scrub Boards.

First choice obviously had to be my favourite the 3m Blade III and buggy, yes, yes I know the 2.6 Blade is my favourite, well you have to move on at some point. Neil on the Flex Deck putting the 9.5m Frenzy to good use, Nick had his 5m Slingshot and Scrub Board. Judge G nabbed the 3m Samurai and Big Foot Buggy. Steve was trying out the 3m Buster and the standard buggy while Helen and Minal were flying Bullets with their boards, Dave had his 6.4 Blade II and his Kheo Flyer. The Judge decided to go bigger with the 8.5, which gave me a chance to try the new 3m Samurai, at first I was a little hesitant as it looked a bit bigger than my usual 3m Blade, but was told it was fine and just have a go. I was very surprised to find how incredibly stable it was, it took me upwind really easily and if it did slightly collapse due to pilot error it came back without any tucking, folding or twisting. I was really impressed!!! Sign me up for one of them. With it being lower aspect the kite becomes more stable which I think is why most of us liked it.

It started to get dark so we lugged the kit back to the house and decided that we should do the BBQ & Fireworks tonight, seeing how it wasn't going to rain. It's amazing how many men become pyromaniacs when you introduce fire to a situation.

The forecast for Monday was a South Westerly blowing 4-5, sounded good, only Monday came but the wind didn't. We spent the first half of the day investigating the beaches to the north, again to find superb beaches, but not quite enough wind or the right direction, so we returned to Seahouses Beach and set the kites up in hope. The big kites went up but to a lot of struggling, on the boards off the boards, you know how it is…. It got so desperate a few of us went up to Bamburgh Beach as the light was fading to see if the wind was any different up there, but damp and tired we returned to the house. That evening we decided to try out the local pubs, and sample the local brew. Found a great restaurant, The Links. Didn't look much from the outside but the food was excellent. Got back to another bottle of Vodka. You know when you've drunk too much when you promise to go out on the 6.6 with a Landboard when the forecast for Tuesday was South Westerly Gales blowing 5-6.

The Forecast was predicting gales and oh boy they were right!! We woke to find the wobbly tree bent in the wind. I was beginning to regret opening my mouth!!! Again, we checked out some of the other local beaches and eventually decided to go to Bamburgh Beach. Just to give you an idea, the sand was flying across the beach and the flag bent over. So I set up the 3m Buster, only 3.6m smaller than I'd promised. It was nasty, it started off around 20mph and top gust was 35mph, the wind was so squally the kite didn't know what to do with it's self. Judge G had the idea of doing a cross-shore run from Bamburgh Beach to Seahouses Beach…………. I took a big step back, not for me lads. The troops lined up, Gary, Neil, Nick, Steve and Dave, just as they were about to set off, the wind really kicked in, the kites were all over the place, stakes being ripped up from the ground. It was more like a challenge than anything now, so they set off on their expedition. It took them a few hours and Gary just made it to Seahouses Beach as one of the back axel bolts unthreaded it self. Enough was enough, we all looked liked we taken a sever kicking. I know those were some of the worst conditions I'd ever flown in. But at least I had, I learnt a lot!

Pendine Sands - August 2003

The next Airboss weekend away was upon us again. This time we were off to Wales, to Pendine sands, a beautiful long sandy beach, great for boarding, buggying and kitesurfing. I decided to travel down on the Saturday morning to meet the rest of the crew, to avoid the nightmare bank holiday traffic, so it meant an early start.
The journey was thankfully clear, and we rolled into the campsite at the top of the hill at about 10.30. Head dude, Gary, was already pitched up, showing some of the guys the current working prototype Airboss mountain board, which, by the way, is looking good!
I finally find my home for the weekend buried under all the junk I've brought and pitch up. There isn't any wind at this point, so I join in the discussions going on, and chat to some of the casualties from the previous night! (looks like the local lads started the party early!)
Recovered from our early start, we decide to head for the beach, and check out the conditions. Pendine is a great location, miles of firm sand, and best of all, you drive onto the beach and head for your chosen spot, no need to drag all that kit behind you, bliss!
There are plenty of people already set up, and a gentle on - shore wind blowing, so we pick our spot and unload all of the kit. Let the fun begin!
Armed with my new Flexi bar, freshly delivered from Airboss, I decide to rig up my Blade and have a blast along the beach in the hot sunshine on my mountain board. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew are out on their toys enjoying themselves, with the girls giving us guys a run for our money on the buggies and the mountain boards.
The day continues to heat up, with glorious sunshine beating down on us, and the wind averaging about 12 mph, great conditions for cruising along the beach and chilling out.

Late afternoon arrives and we decide to pack up and head back to the campsite and get ready for some evening refreshment. The pub, luckily, is only a 5 minute walk away, so we're soon installed, feeding our faces and drinking, catching up with everyone's stories of the day, until eventually its time to fall into our tents to recover for the next day.

The morning dawns bright and sunny again, on the outside at least, with everyone nursing different degrees of hangover on the inside. Only one cure for this, fried breakfast! Mmmmm!! So we drift off to fill our faces and arrange to meet on the beach.
The wind was blowing slightly more cross-shore today, but ended up dropping off to a very gentle breeze. Oh no, this could spell danger! No wind = boredom = what shall we do now? It seemed the obvious thing was to go wakeboarding behind a car. One guy was seen flying along on a dirt surfer, a little TOO fast I feel, luckily he stayed on from what we saw. Unfortunately JT who was boarding behind a mini metro (ahem!) wasn't so lucky, he wiped out and broke his wrist, I hope your much better now mate!
Now what else can we do? How about rigging up the 8.5 Blade on 60m lines? Nope? Ok, how about 90m lines? Yeah, let's do it! After a few hundred meters walking, it was rigged. The kite was launched, and ended up just a spec in the sky, and super stable. However, it took sooo long to track across the window, you needed plenty of room downwind to scud. Great fun, a wall of power! To land, all that was required was a short 100m sprint to catch it!!

That evening, back at the campsite, with the sun still shining, a B-B-Q was the order of the day. A great idea until the heavens decided to open, boy it can certainly rain in Wales, but the 'River Pendine' that flowed through our tents was an unexpected surprise! No problem though, a trip back to the pub soon dried us out again, (on the outside at least.)
The next morning was sunny again, but only light winds. So nothing left to do except pack our tents up, and fill ourselves with another hearty breakfast, and then back to the beach to have our last bit of fun before the drive back home. Which unbelievably was quiet the whole way. A result!
Another great weekend away with Airboss was had by all, and I'm already looking forward to the next one in November at Seahouses, Northumberland. Look forward to seeing you all there.

Written by Neil Rettie Our Roaving Reporter!

A 2-hour trip from Nottingham saw us arrive at South Beach, Skegness, and the venue for a full on weekend of Buggying, Boarding and partying!

Having looked at the treetops on the way down, we were uncertain if it would be windy at all, but as soon as I got out of the car I felt that constant, cold, 10mph wind and with the warmth of the sunshine on my face I was ready to go.

Itching to get down to the beach and set up we started unloading the car (note: time to get a van, far too much kit). We found our spot and we were joined by some of the others, standing around with the sky watches checking to see if was enough for the buggies and landboards.

We met Caine who's a local, he was out already with his Peter Lynn C-Quad and Libra Buggy putting us all to shame, obviously knew his home territory.

The tide was perfect, receding to a low at mid-day which revealed hard packed sand. Within minutes we were flying, all the kites were out; I think we planned for any eventuality:

1.5 Bullet ~ 2.1 LD ~ 2.6 Blade II ~ 3 Blade II ~ 3.5 Razor ~ 3.5 Bullet ~ 4 Blade II ~ 4.9 Blade I ~ 5 Frenzy ~ 7.8 Blade II ~ Buggies ~ Landboards ~ Shed loads of Lucozade

First kite out was the 2.1 LD, with it being so easy to fly, it was just right to warm me up probably not enough for the buggy though so I put that one back down and moved onto the 2.6 Blade (my favourite kite), by this time everyone else had arrived and were unpacking all their gear. There was a range of skill levels, from the complete novice to competent Buggier and Landboarder.

I thought, I'd test the buggy with my 2.6, blasted off, what a feeling, wind in my hair and sun on my face, I hadn't done this for ages, I down turned to come back, b*g%er "you gotta give me more power Scotty!" I felt a distinct lack of upwind traction and realised I hadn't picked a big enough kite to get me back. I was gutted!!!!! After a bit of a walk back and comments referring to my "walk of shame". Gary & I helped the other guys with their quest to get to learn the techniques to buggy/landboard or just basic controls of the kite. By about 3 ish the tide was rapidly coming back in, at one point we were close to loosing a buggy! must make a note, shallow beach equals very fast tides!

The hard packed sand was fast disappearing so it was time to get the 7.8 Blade out, get some air!! Gary and Neil were taking it in turns to show how to get maximum air.

The sun had started to go down and it was time to head back to the B&B for a little Rest & Relaxation before hitting the party and beer. Everyone got free issues of Kiteworld to read and then test Gary later at the pub.

It wouldn't be an Airboss event without the party with a cracking spread of food, music, kite videos on the big screens and way too much free alcohol. The jugs of Sex on the Beach and Zombies came out. Need I say more…………….The next morning, feeling a little delicate, went down for a slap up brekkie (Thanks to Mrs Dyson at The Oakley). Sorted, back down the beach for another day of extreme fun. We got there and it had turned colder than the previous day with no sunshine, easy one to fix, flying the 4.0 Blade soon warmed my up. Better tides this time a low at about 1 gave us longer on the beach.

Everyone at this point was a lot more competent and was concentrating far more on traction with bigger kites and by about lunchtime the Sun had come back out and everyone was smiling again.

Time to get the buggy out again and have a blast - Uhhmmmm which kite this time, the 2.6 wasn't big enough yesterday, let's try the 4m Blade, time for a more powerful kite, (although mental note: had one of those experiences, you know, hard field, running, quick, quicker, trip, grass stains, grazes, shock!!!***??!! what the hell?) Anyway, luckily, the 3m Blade came to hand so this seemed a far more sensible idea. It was absolutely unreal my first run was excellent; I was flying. The more I pulled on the power the faster I was going, getting to the point were I was compensating due to the side slides I was doing, I had to stop, my hands were shaking and I was levitating off the floor. I might be changing my mind, the 3m Blade might be my favourite kite now (for the buggying anyway).

Again the tide was coming in fast, so the kites were being packed away but the stackers were coming out, good bit of variation throughout the weekend, and most of the crew had cracked the buggies (kite control!!!).

By 5pm the sun was about down and the shelters were being dismantled. Time for a summary of the weekend over a, yes you guessed it, another beer, well what else can you do after a day like that. 5 of us sat in the pub, our faces glowing from the sun, going over what had happened to us and looking over the magazines for places abroad to go the Kitesurfing (got to show these southerners how it's do) or at least get a sun tan.

It was fantastic to see the girls having a go. I have to admit for the past 3 years I felt like a little rose between many thorns. Well maybe not a rose, but it was great to swap ideas for kite colours and matching accessories, yeah right, generally most women who are into this sport like to have a go at something challenging and don't mind getting their nails dirty.