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Meak Event Kenya

Door: RobbyNitroz / 10 February 2006 / 09:34 / 1330 Hits / 6 Reacties

KITESURF EVENT RESULTS: MEAK CHARITY CUP, NYALI BEACH

The MEAK Charity Cup 2006 was organised by photographer David Sims in conjunction with Prosurf Extreme and X-Isle Sports, and took place between 25^th January and 4^th February 2006. The event was hosted and sponsored by the Nyali Beach Hotel, ideally situated to enjoy some of the best kitesurfing conditions on the entire Kenyan coast. With near-perfect wind statistics of 95%, including almost constant side-shore winds of 18-24 knots every day during the competition, the riders were able to push themselves to their physical limits. The team included the current British Kitesurfing champion, Dave Ibbertson, Denzil Williams, currently ranking 2^nd in the BKSA, Kenya Cup 2005 winner Ian Gray, Chris Bull currently ranking 3^rd BKSA Wave series and top-flight womenâ€™s pro Carrie Begg.

The excellent conditions allowed for a multi-disciplined open event - Race Day, a Kicker Session, Wave Riding, a Pro Big Air comp, a Pro Expression Session, and an Amateurs section. The event created a buzz that attracted crowds of locals and tourists to the beach, and was brought to a memorable close with a spectacular evening Fire Jumping session.

As well as enjoying the warm hospitality of the Nyali Beach Hotel, during their stay the riders were also invited on two-night safari at Shimba Hills where they enjoyed several unforgettable encounters with elephants and other wildlife, and taken on a mystery tour to ride for two days at a "secret spot" further north along the coast.

The competition was judged by the riders and event organisers themselves, and final vote casting took place on the closing evening of the event, after an amazing seafood feast aboard the famous Tamarind Dhow. The Overall Winner was Pro Rider Chris Bull from Hayling Island, UK, taking over 50% of the votes. Two of the titles were taken by non-pro Chris Burke, Prosurf Extremeâ€™s kiting instructor, also from the UK, but based at Nyali for the past year.

2006 MEAK Charity Kitesurf Cup - Results

Overall Winner: Chris Bull
Open Race Day 1^st: Dave Ibbertson 2^nd: Chris Bull 3^rd: Chris Burke
Pro Expression Session 1^st: Denzil Williams 2^nd: Ian Gray 3^rd: Dave Ibbertson

Kicker Session Winner Chris Burke
Fire Jumping Winner Chris Burke ( for the handle pass over and through the fire)
Pro Big Air Winner Chris Bull
Wave Riding Winner Chris Bull
Amateur Expression Session Chris Burke

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Over Â£3500 has been raised so far from the event for the charity MEAK (Medical and Educational Aid to Kenya), this figure should rise over the coming weeks. The UK-based charity has zero administrative costs so every single penny raised goes directly to making truly life-changing differences to local Kenyans, including vital eye and heart operations. Please send donations to MEAK - 3 Old Barn Lane, Kenley, Surrey, CR8 5AT. Please write Kitesurf Kenya on the back of the cheque.

Full articles and images will be available for media use. Please contact David Sims at info@davidsimsphotography.com or on +44 (0) 7850 997671 for all media inquiries.