OFFICIAL
ASA KS/FO_R_201526 October 2015
ASA KITESURFING FLAG OFFICERS REPORT 2015
Introduction
1.2015 has been an excellent year for Army Kitesurfing. We have deployed on an overseas sports tour, run two UK trips, six UK based basic skills kitesurfing courses, trained British Kite Sports Association (BKSA) recognised instructors, Senior Instructors and supported the development of a BKSA recognised satellite school in Cyprus. The 2015 season culminated with the Army led Combined Services Festival of Kitesurfing in October which included the inaugural inter-services twin tip course race as well as the usual Novice and Open Freestyle championships.
Training
2.The Army’s BKSA recognised kitesurfing school has continued to flourish. Based out of AISTC, we have run 6 basic skills (BKSA L1/2) courses training a total of 48 pax across all ranks. A BKSA Instructor Training Course (ITC) was also run in May which qualified 3 Army instructors. The Cyprus based Lemmings sailing club manage to qualify in excess of 50 Army personnel under the custodianship of our newly qualified senior Instructor CSgt J Weaver PARA.
3.For the first time the ASA were able to internally run a BKSA Senior Instructors Course, qualifying 3 Army personnel. This is a significant milestone and allows the Army training scheme to evolve away from AISTC and build up a network of BKSA satellite schools under the command of Army qualified BKSA senior instructors. The net result will be greater accessibility to kitesurf training for soldiers. The first of these satellite schools is being considered for Colchester and the East of England and will be developed in 2016.
4.In 2015 the main focus and drive within training has been on Novice riders and the introduction of the sport to beginners. This has been hugely successful and led to a surge in Novice riders attending Army events and contributing to the sport. However, as recent competition results show, the Army remains significantly behind the other services in competiveness of our intermediate and advanced free style riders. In 2016 there will be a two phased approach to sharing the focus between all levels of riders:
- Intermediate Skill Course. From our Novice riders we have highlighted a need for further instructor supervision and/or coaching beyond the scope of the Basic Skill course. Such a course would aim to take riders to a level of independence that will enable them to confidently ride at their local beach, benefit more from Army events and progress to basic freestyle tricks quicker. An intermediate skills course would ideally run for 2 days with a 1:4 instructor ratio.
- Advance Skills Coaching. In 2016 resources will be set aside to focus on coaching of the top 10 army riders (the Army Team) in advanced freestyle tricks and competition technique. Professional coaching will be sought and may be integrated into overseas events. Discussions have been had with CBK Kitesurf school who have experience in advanced coaching and competitions.
Equipment
5.In 2015 the purchase of equipment has remained focused on resourcing the AISTC Kitesurf School. We have moved from RRD to Ozone kites based on quality, value for money and safety system design. They have proved popular amongst novice and advanced riders and will be used again in 2016.
6.In 2016 a selection of focused equipment, such as durable Wave boards, will also be purchased in order to allow Army events to offer riders the opportunity to experience other disciplines. This aims to widen the interest in Racing and Wave riding amongst soldiers and build interest in future multi discipline events.
7.This year a number of Corps have been able to place Nuffield bids for Kitesurfing equipment, this is a positive sign that the sport is growing. However, it has been recommended to Corps clubs that the Army Kitesurf manager overseas club purchases to ensure they purchase approved safe and appropriate equipment.
Events
8.Benbecula (April ’15). 10 Army riders joined the RAF at their annual training camp in the Outer Hebrides. This proved to be an excellent event and offered unbeatable training value to both Novice and advanced riders with numerous flat water and wave locations and a consistent wind forecast.
9.Ex Eagle Kite 2, Cyprus (Jun ’15). 16 Army riders deployed to Lemmings Sailing Club, Episkopi where they were lucky to receive 5 days of 20knots wind. The exercise utilised RAF flights and local facilities to keep personal contributions exceptionally low. However, the planned coaching did not work as the professional coach was unable to attend at the last moment. That said, all riders improved there kiting and the trip has been pencilled in again for next year.
10.Army Training Week, Newgale (July ’15). The annual intermediate training week was held in Newgale, Wales. Mr Jon Metcalfe took a number of Basic Skills trained riders and gave them the opportunity to progress in a supervised environment. The week was also well supported by a number of more advanced regular Army riders.
11.Army Race Development, Hayling Island (Aug ’15). Despite light winds 10 Army riders managed to trial run the Inter Services Course race at Hayling Island. This was critical and the day played a key role in building enthusiasm towards course racing amongst the younger riders.
12.Inter-Services Championships, Hayling Island (Oct ’15). The Army led inter services competition in 2015, not only changed location but introduced Course Racing to the event. Overall it was an outstanding successwith three main events run; Inter Services Course Race, Novice Expression Session and the Inter Services Freestyle Championships. Whilst the Army dominated the Novice categories (a sterling performance from Gnr Cunningham RA, Sgt Jackson REME and LCpl Cooper RE), we were quickly eliminated from the Freestyle competition, which was eventually won by a RN OCdt, and did not manage to place any riders in the race final. The overall standard of the advanced Freestyle riders across all three services has significantly improved, however another third place result for the Army has highlighted a real need to focus on the competiveness of our top riders. Final results were 1st place RAF, 2nd place RN and 3rd place Army.
Summary
13.Overall an outstanding year for Army kitesurfing. We have maintained our pace of growth with an excellent training program and, programmed and run a number of well supported events. Next year we will do much of the same, however we will shift focus to fielding a more competitive Army team that can perform at the Inter Services event in Oct 2016.
[Electronically Signed]
MA JONES
Maj
Rear Commodore (KitesurfingSection)
Army Sailing Association
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