Photograph by David Sims

Cornwall will host the opening round of the 2008 British Kitesurfing Association Championships (BKSA) this month, as the event returns to the Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay – one of Britain’s leading venues for beach sports and events.

Kitesurfing is a relatively new sport, but its popularity has been growing rapidly and there are now around 200,000 riders worldwide. Spectators at Watergate Bay will see over 50 of the UK’s top professional and amateur kitesurfers harnessing the power of the wind to achieve some serious airtime, soaring up to 40ft above the waves and pulling off some dramatic manoeuvres.

“The riders really enjoy competing at Watergate Bay," said BKSA Chairman Richard Gowers. "The 2006 BKSA competition was as good as it gets anywhere. We had four days of perfect conditions, sunshine, and consistent winds – it was the best competition we have ever had.”

Gowers is anticipating the competition to be tough at this year’s event: “We’ve got a new crop of really talented young riders coming through in the men’s pro division this year. There is a group of four or five guys, all under 20, and any of them could win the British Championships this year.”

So why not dust off the deckchairs and beach blankets, and take a prime seat on the beach to be astounded by some awesome airborn action?

The event party on 19 April will take place at the Ocean Room at The Hotel. Tickets are available in advance from Claire Davies, priced £10, and include a buffet and DJ.

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(Words by Kezia Clark)