Overall Report for White Air 2006

Thanks to sponsors the Isle of Wight Council, the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership, Wightlink Ferries, RAF, and many other local sponsors the 10th anniversary of White Air was a huge success with 20,000 or more spectators and competitors flocking to the island to take part in the action over the weekend. Some of the biggest names in extreme sports showcased their talent throughout the event, across 14 different sports. Thanks to X-Isle, Wight Water, Trampa and Team Traceur, and many more sports companies, 750 spectators were treated to expert instruction in the ‘Have-a-Go’ sessions held throughout the weekend.

Windsurfers made the most of the wind at Yaverland on Saturday, competing for the Windsurfing Freewave UK Finals Championships. Ben Profitt took first place in the pro men’s, followed by Chris Audsley and Andy King. Graham Woods won the youth fleet, and Richard Jones the junior fleet. The Windsurfing UK Finals Slalom also took place on Saturday, seeing Rob Stack of the challenge fleet take the title. Alan Jackson took first place in the top flight fleet.

Also on Saturday, kite surfers headed to Compton Bay, a notorious surf spot, to compete for the UK RRD BKSA Wavemasters Kitesurfing Championships. Nigel Howell took first place, followed by Neil Gent and Denzil Williams. In the Big Air category, held back at Yaverland on Saturday afternoon, Sam Light won, with Denzil Williams in second place and Lewis Cratlern in third. In the Ladies category, Jo Wilson took first place.

The White Air Kayak Surfing Open was also held at Compton Bay on Saturday, a new extreme sport added to the event calendar this year. Andy McCullough took first place in the open category, followed by Kev Richardson. The kayakers also headed out on Sunday for displays at Compton.

Also on the water were the Thundercats, battling it out on Saturday and Sunday at Yaverland in the Powerboat Races. Crowds gathered on the beach, enjoying the sunshine along with the action. Overall, Sean Fisher took first place, followed by Jason Wyatt and Scott Wilson.

The ‘Pierats’ held jet ski displays throughout White Air, with Anthony Burgess joining the team at the weekend. Barrell rolls, nose stabs and other freestyle moves kept the spectators in awe. Choppy water on Saturday didn’t stop the ‘Pierats’ from heading out to keep the crowds entertained.

Of the land based sports, there was much action throughout the weekend, although the RAF Mountain Board MBS European Cup was delayed until Sunday due to windy weather. With top international riders hitting the ramp, crowds watched as ten competitors and three additional ‘wildcard’ riders demonstrated their best moves in a bid to win the European Cup title. Many tricks were pulled out the bag, including 900’s, corked 720’s and double back flips. Tom Kirkman took first place, followed by Tom Read and Joe Dickson.

Also on the ramps throughout the weekend were top skaters Mark Churchill, Greg Nowik and Flynn Trotman amongst others. Demos were held along with open park sessions and skate clinics offering top tuition from the pro’s.
Mountain bikers headed out on the Wight Offroad Challenge on Saturday, with a 100K, 50K and 25K route. Jamie Hunt, Bill Pewsley and Lee Hunt were amongst the riders who made it back after eight hours on the 100K challenge. Winners are yet to be confirmed. The Mountain Bike Display Team held trials throughout the weekend, bridging bigger and bigger gaps in their pallet park to entertain the crowds.

The Traceur Team performed on Saturday and Sunday demonstrating their mazing talent and passion for parkour. Workshops were also held for beginners to get to grips with the concepts and basics of the sport. Daily competitions were held, with winners receiving a pair of Merrell shoes.

Graffiti artists inspired the audience with their talent throughout the event in assoc with Big Bad Buffalo, bringing influence from the city to the Isle of Wight whilst top local artists Toxic showcased their talent. Workshops were held with Toxic, giving people the chance to try graffiti out for themselves.

White Air 2006 saw ten years being celebrated in style, with parties held on both Friday and Saturday night. Live bands and DJ’s kept everyone dancing to the early hours with VIP’s being treated to an exclusive party on Friday evening. The good weather and even better atmosphere made for the most extreme weekend of extreme sportsin the 10 year history of White Air....with 2007 moving to the summer and adding on the World Windsurfing Championships it can only get more extreme!

RAF 2006 White Air competition winner Charlotte Cantelo of Newport also gets an IPOD!