AllGoodFun Riders compete in Student Nationals

Allgoodfun riders Tom Davis and Charles (Carlos) Rae recently competed at the first ever Student Kitesurf Nationals in Southampton. The event was the first of its kind with 28 competitors from 16 different Universities competing in both intermediate and advanced categories. The scene was set for a great competition with judging and commentating from the likes of James Boulding and Ali Barret (British number 2 and 4). Although wind forecasts were forever changing throughout the week, Saturday morning was blessed with 18 knots + of wind and heavy showers. Undeterred by the rain, all the competitors and spectators loaded up on energy drinks provided by red bull (who were spinning out beats from their DJ truck the entire weekend) in preparation for the first of the intermediate heats. Both Allgoodfun riders, hailing from Plymouth University advanced through their first heats on their 12m Cabrinha Switchblades 2010. Tom then won his second heat in the intermediate category, busting out more backloops than you are ever likely to see in a single heat, as well as pulling some of the biggest jumps of the day. Unfortunately he was unable to progress past the third round to reach the finals, bowing out to the eventual champion and third place winner of the intermediate competition. Carlos on the other hand was able to progress as far as the losers final, pulling out his usual crazy mix of technical wake tricks and powered vert grabs, often ending in massive crashes however gaining lots of style points from the judges. He rode well in the loser's final with a stylish beach start and almost stomping a very technical bel-air. However this was not enough to clinch the last spot in the final, losing to the technical expertise of BKSA riders Richard Burton and Ali Reader, the eventual 1^st and 2^nd place winners of the advanced category.

The Saturday evening saw an immense party at Southampton Universities Student Union, complete with the usual student antics to unwind from the day's competition. This also included the award ceremony for the day's winners and losers including biggest bailout and a most time spent with kite on the water, as ell as the crowning of Southampton University as overall champions 2010. The event was a roaring success with many sore bodies and heads on the Sunday morning. Thanks goes to the Southampton University Kitesurf Club for organising such an amazing event whilst also raising £640 for Julia's House Hospice from entry fees. Next year sets to be an even bigger event with more competitors and Universities, as well as many more Student Kitesurfing events in the pipeline for the future. So watch this space...............