RED ARROWS AND RAF FALCONS AT WHITE AIR 2008!

• The Red Arrows display at White Air: Dates 2008 20th + 21st

The Red Arrows have confirmed that they will be doing TWO DISPLAYS at White Air this year! They will be performing a a full display on both the Saturday and the Sunday right off the beach. With moves being pulled off just 200m from the festival site it will be another awesome experience for all at White Air!

• The RAF Falcons display at White Air: Dates 19th Sept.

The awesome RAF Falcons, the worlds leading parachute display team, will be flying in on Friday 19th and landing right on the beach at White Air Extreme Sports Festival.

RED ARROWS

In 2007 the Red Arrows displayed at White Air and were totally awesome flying in along the beach to the White Air main site.

It is the 45th display season in which the Red Arrows have demonstrated the professional excellence of the Royal Air Force to millions of people both in the UK and worldwide.

Since the Team’s creation in 1965, the Red Arrows have flown over 4,000 displays in 52 countries. Today the Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world, acting as ambassadors for Great Britain when displaying overseas. They also support UK industry by demonstrating the capabilities of British equipment and expertise.

The Red Arrows are scheduled to perform in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Far East between May and December.

The Red Arrows were officially formed on 1 March 1965. In the early 1960s many Royal Air Force display teams existed, putting unnecessary strain on front line operational squadrons. As a consequence, the Royal Air Force took the decision to disband all existing teams and form the first full-time, professional aerobatic display team; The Red Arrows.

Led by Flight Lieutenant Lee Jones, the 1965 Team flew 40 public displays using 7 Folland Gnat training aircraft. In 1966 the number of aircraft in the display was increased to 9, and since then the classic Diamond Nine formation has become the Team’s trademark. In 1979 the Red Arrows converted to the BAE SYSTEMS Hawk following its introduction as the Royal Air Force’s advanced fast-jet training aircraft.

RAF FALCONS

The RAF Falcons are one of the World's top parachute display teams and will at White Air 2008! Dates 19th Sept.

The RAF Falcons are based at RAF Brize Norton as part of the No1 Parachute Training School. All of the Falcons are selected from the RAF's Parachute Jumping Instructors. Team members receive further intensive training to ensure that together, they are able to perform the highly skilled freefall and canopy manoeuvres that culminate in the Team safely landing, in quick succession, in front of the spectators.

The RAF Falcons are primarily supported by the C130 Hercules aircraft and crews from RAF Lyneham. The C130, as well as being an excellent jump platform, provides an exciting and fitting finale to each display as it executes a low level flypast. However, the C130 is not always available and the Puma helicopter, based at RAF Benson is a great alternate jump platform for the Team.

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The next White Air Extreme Sports festival will take place from the 18-21 Sept 2008! White Air has grown each year and next year will be no exception with some 26 sports involved.

Location/dates tbc

Check the web site for more details as they become confirmed.

White Air will be part of the new BBC1 'One Show'on Oct 16th at 7pm. Phil Tufnell will seen getting involved in the White Air Festivals 'have a go', getting very wet and trying out some of the more extreme new sports!

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Wade from the IOW who win this amazing new board compliments of Escape Surf Boards in Cornwall.

Overall Report for White Air 2007

White Air 2007 was a massive success with pros competing across 15 different extreme sports. Thousands of spectators flocked to the event, and were kept entertained with a whole host of competitions running throughout the week. Thanks to the warm and sunny weather, everyone was in top spirits and the atmosphere was vibrant throughout the event. White Air would not have been possible without sponsors including the RAF, who were delighted to be part of such a reputable, successful event promoting a range of sports. Other sponsors included Corona, Merrell, Wightlink, and the Isle of Wight Council, who all deserve a massive thank you for their support.

On the water, windsurfers took part in the World Windsurf Grand Prix Formula Racing Championships and the UKWA Freestyle Championships. Windier conditions towards the end of the week meant the windsurfers could battle it out on the water at Yaverland. Gonzalo Costa Hoevel took the champion title in the World Windsurf Grand Prix Formula Racing Championships. Following in second place was Jesper Vosterstrom, and Steve Allen in third. In the youth category, Richard Jones took first place. The UKWA Freestyle Championships was won by Andy Chambers, followed by Simon Hurry and Colin Dixon. Richard Jones took the title in the youth category, and Ben Harwood in the juniors.

The kitesurfers made the most of the windy conditions on Sunday in the White Air BKSA Big Trick Championship. The riders were judged on the height of their tricks, and technical ability. Taking first place was Neil Hilder, followed by Murray and Chris Burke. The event was a real stunner to watch.

The mighty Thundercats held demos and have-a-go sessions throughout the week, which were massively popular. The UK Thundercats Championships were held at the weekend, with driver Sean Fisher and navigator Brad Bosman winning the title. In second place was driver Mike Hatting and navigator Candice Pretorius, followed by driver Scott Wilson and navigator Kevin Elford in third. Spectators were treated to some expert racing from the beach at Yaverland.

The YSBC Open Handicap Sailing Race was held on Monday, with 11 boats competing in the race. Completing three laps, in first place were Ian Lawrie and Doug Wright, followed by Darren and Terrisa Jones in second and Paul Grattage and Chris Budgen in third.

Also on the water were the jetski ‘Pierats’ in the final leg of their Freestyle Tour. Randi Martin, Mad Butcher and Radical Tan were showing onlookers how it’s done, performing a range of tricks including barrel rolls, bulldogs and flares. Kayaking events were also held this weekend, at Compton Bay. Although conditions were not very choppy, the freestyle pros still managed to get out on the water.

Meanwhile, in the main festival site, the huge ramp was put to good use by mountain bikers, skaters, mountain boarders, parkour, and in-line skaters. The weekend saw pros from all disciplines take part in a ‘composition competition’ where professional photographers snapped the best composition shot of pros putting on an excellent display together.

The weekend was also host to the MBS European Cup Freestyle Championships. The comp saw Swiss rider Marco Dalher (MBS Dakine) take first place, followed by Arno VDV from Belgium in second (MBS Alpstein Event), and Hill 62 rider Ollie Morrison in third. The mountainboarders were joined on the park by professional mountain bikers Blake and Raymond Samson and Ricky Crompton pulling a number of tricks including no foot cans and superman cans.

Also on the main festival site were parkour pros who ran displays throughout the week, with experts from as far as Bulgaria on the White Air Team. Spectators saw some huge precision jumps between the table top to the lip of the kicker in the skate park. The team were jumping over 6 foot high ramps, stretching across 10 feet! Have-a-go sessions were also immensely popular with festival-goers.

Professional Freestyle Frisbee Champions were also enjoying the festival and putting on displays throughout the week. There was plenty have-a-go action on the beach, in the main festival site, and on the hill overlooking the extreme playground. The champions displayed their flair for wind disc, freestyle frisbee and disc golf.

The Wight Offroad Challenge also took place this year, with over twenty mountain bikers heading out from Yaverland on Sunday on either a 30K or 60K race. In the 60K race, in joint first place were Andrew Barrett and Barry Daniels. In the 30K race, in joint first place again, were Bevin Karlow and Colin White.

Making sure the festival was vibrant and colourful, top graffiti artists spent the week painting a variety of muriels around the festival, including the back of the huge skate ramp. Writers from Team 101, Somnio and Monorex impressed spectators with their artistic ability.

As well as action in the day, the evenings kicked off in true White Air style, with The Bees headlining on Wednesday night. Aaron Fletcher from The Bees said: “ The gig was unbelievable, we never thought we’d be playing at an event at Yaverland. We’re always happy to support events on the island, and White Air was definitely worth it.” The band played at the festival site, and really knew how to pull in the crowds. They are heading to the Bestival next weekend, and then End of the Road festival. Brett Lawrence kicked the parties off on Friday and Saturday night, together with loads of bands and DJ’s playing throughout the week.

White Air 2007 was even bigger and better than last year, and its reputation has grown as a result. In its 12th year, it can only get better, here’s to White Air 2008!!

Sunday 2nd September

All eyes were on the water for the final fantastic day of White Air 2007. A whole host of extreme sports took place, with pros going head to head in a variety of events.

The windsurfers headed out from Yaverland beach this morning for the World Cup Windsurfing long distance event. The keen windsurfers ran into the water and jumped on their boards to get a head start in the two mile race. Dan Simpson took first place in the pro men’s category, Xavier Ferlet came first in the masters category, and Liam Round won the junior category.

The UK Freestyle Windsurfing Championships also took place this afternoon, with experienced windsurfers judging the event. The competitors are judged on their fluidity and performance, including whether they finish the trick. The 15 windsurfers were displaying a number of tricks including spocks, flackers, and willy skippers. In the pro mens category, Andy Chambers took first place, followed by Simon Hurry and Colin Dixon. In the youth category, Richard Jones came first, followed by Sam Neil and Ryan Humphrey. The junior category saw Ben Harwood take first place, Glen Sullivan in second, and Rupert Kilburn in third.

Also on the water today was a paddle boarding challenge. Seven teams of three or four raced from the beach at Yaverland to a buoy just off the shore. Pros from a whole range of sports including mountain boarding and skating took part, as did the RAF Recruiting Team, who won the competition! There were even some fully clothed competitors, who managed to stay on the board without falling off which was impressive considering the choppy waters.

The ‘Pierat’ jet skiers were also on the water, performing the final two displays of their Freestyle tour. The sea conditions let the pros show off their best moves including barrel rolls, bull dogs and flares. Their moves really illustrated the raw talent these guys have for jetski freestyle moves.

After a session on the water this morning, the kite surfers started their UK Freestyle and Big Air competition. The windy conditions made for some excellent kite surfing, with the four competitors pulling some massive air. The event was judged by the kite surfers’ girlfriends who judged the technical performance, and height of the tricks. Neil Hilder came in first place, followed by Murray and Chris Burke.

The mighty Thundercats displayed yet more action on the water today, with 5 races and one final. The slight breeze caught the boats as they headed out from the shore at Yaverland. By the last race, the conditions were really rough, making it a challenge for the final race on the final day of the festival! In first place was driver Mike Hatting and navigator Candice Pretorius, followed by driver Sean Fisher and navigator Brad Bosman in second place. In third was driver Darryn Harrison and navigator Sam Lane. Sam said: “The racing was excellent, and I’ve really enjoyed the festival this year. I hope I get an invite for 2008!”

The Thundercats have been racing throughout the weekend, and the final results saw driver Sean fisher and navigator Brad Bosman in first place. Storming through in second place was driver Mike Hatting and navigator Candice Pretorius. Following in third was driver Scott Wilson and navigator Kevin Elford. The racing has been excellent this weekend, with spectators really making the most of the action from the beach at White Air.

Meanwhile, on dry land, the Wight Offroad Challenge started this morning, with over twenty riders taking part in the 30K and 60K events. The mountain bikers headed from the festival at Yaverland to St Martins Down, Stenbury Down, St Catherines Down, Rams down, St George’s and Brading before racing back to Yaverland. In the 60K race, in joint first place were Andrew Barrett and Barry Daniels. In the 30K race, in joint first place again, were Bevin Karlow and Colin White.

There was yet more fun to be had in the main festival arena, with graffiti pros painting the back of the big ramps, the graffiti cube, and the main graffiti canvas by the music stage. Writers including the Greek 101 team impressed onlookers with their artistic talent. Mountain board and bike pros also ran demos throughout the day on the massive ramps, pulling yet more tricks out of the bag!

The final day was a huge success, and thanks to sponsors including the RAF, Merrell, Corona, and Wight Link, everybody had a truly fantastic time. The festival has expanded in size and reputation yet again this year, and lets hope next year just gets better! Here’s to White Air 2007.

Saturday 1st September

Saturday 1st September

Today has been an absolute blinder with loads happening on the water, on the land, and in the sky! Spectators were treated to an expert 23minute display from the Red Arrows, together with pro comps across a range of extreme sports.

Tim Wills, pro trials rider, drew the crowds in on his mountain bike, performing tricks and stunts on his scaffold and stage constructed park. Tim was jumping onto 7 foot high platforms, and bouncing down to lower platforms in huge precision jumps. Tim’s technical ability to put on these displays is outstanding, managing to land in exactly any spot he wants, whether it is in between somebody’s legs, or directly on top of a coffee cup.

On the main park, the Mountain Board European Championships wowed keen onlookers. Professional international riders from Switzerland, Belgium and the UK were chosen from yesterday’s qualifiers to take part in the comp. There were also two wild cards chosen to compete; Jamie 2 and island rider Will. Ten riders really made the most of impressing the crowds, with MBS rider Arno VDV pulling backside 180’s and rodeo’s over the hubba hubba, Trampa rider Tom Reece pulling backside 360’s, and the highlight of the whole comp, Swiss rider Marco Dalher managing a massive double backflip. The headwind tested the riders, but also meant there has been plenty of action on the water today!

The ‘Pierats’ were back on the beach at Yaverland with their jetskis bopping through the water. Randi Martin, Mad Butcher and Radical Tan were performing a whole host of stunts including barrel rolls, bulldogs, flares, tail stands and nose stabs. These guys really know how to jibe in the waves. The slightly choppier water today has meant better free riding rather than the routines they were performing yesterday.

The Thundercats have also been battling it out in four races held today. These powerboats are absolute stunners to watch, the power and adrenaline of these boats is fantastic.

The World Windsurfing Grand Prix Formula also took place today. The small but strong fleet managed to race twice, knocking the total number of races up to seven. The ‘sidewinder’ course was tactical as it was also much windier today than previous racing days. Gonzalo Costa Hoevel won both races, putting him in first place overall. In second place was Steve Allen and in third, Jesper Vesterstrom. Steve and Jesper both have 9 points, but Steve took second place as he discarded a 3rd position whereas Jesper discarded a 4th position. The results are proving to be very close; Alberto Menegatti took fourth place, and Hubert Mokrzycki took fifth, but both sailors have 21 points. There will be more racing tomorrow, along with the UK Freestyle Windsurfing Championships.

Friday 31st August

After four successful days of White Air 2007, today saw more battles both on the land and water.

Mountain bike pro’s have been running displays on the park today, with the Samson brothers, Ricky Crompton and Steve Knowlend pulling massive tracks including no foot cans, backflips and supermans. Raymond, Blake and Ricky ran for the best trick, with the crowd judging. Ricky was dropping in smooth backflips, Raymond was pulling superman seat grabs, and Blake was going for a 360 one footer. After a lot of crowd appreciation, Ricky’s massive backflip wowed the crowd and won him a prize. These guys ran two demo sessions throughout the day, and have also been warming up in the open park sessions.

Team White Air were warming up their parkour moves on the ramps again, with precision jumps and arm jumps impressing the crowds. Loads more have-a-go sessions have been running, with people young and old taking part. Also on the extreme playground, the pro mountain boarders have been playing more games. The riders warmed up, setting up the park for the qualifying round of the European Championships. Ten riders will be chosen to compete in the Championships, judged especially on their style and landing. Local riders Will and Sunny have been riding alongside Arno VDV, Rudy, Ollie Morrison, Twy, Marco and more. The guys were pulling lots of tricks out the bag, including backside 360’s, double grabs, and backflips.

Joining the festival today were the Eastbourne Skate team, putting on an impressive in-line skate show. Nick showed the crowd his freestyle slalom moves, showing off the scissor move and grape vine, dodging through cones on the table top in the main park. Then the aggressive in-line skate show started. Ashley Cottingham, Gary Crowhurst and Dan Hemsley from Eastbourne Skaters impressed the crowds with their flat spins, misty flips, bio flips and front flips. Their camera guy Dan Catt from Coast Bladers was filming their every move, along with more freelance photographers including Steve Hawkins.

Skate and BMX open park sessions also ran today, filling the gaps between the pro displays. Tim Wills was also performing his trials displays down by the front gate. Next door to him, the Eastbourne Skate team set up base, giving expert tuition to have-a-goers.

Out on the water, the Thundercats have been running displays and have-a-go sessions at Yaverland all day. Today was fully booked again, as the sport has proved one of the most popular have-a-go water sports.

The infamous ‘Pierat’ jetskiers put on two stunning displays at Yaverland today. Gary, Paul and Tan were bouncing, diving and gliding through the water on their jetski’s, showcasing barrel rolls and other tricks. Commentator Anton got the crowd excited as they watched the jetskiers jib on the water. White Air 2007 is the end of the road for the Pierats Freestyle Tour, but there will be more action from the champions this weekend.

Also battling it out on the water at Yaverland were the windsurfers. The pro & amateur fleet set sail at around six o’clock. The two races were very tight again, with Steve Allen swiping first place, followed by Jesper Vesterstrom and Gonzalo Costa Hoevel. Gonzalo said: “The conditions were windier than the racing earlier in the week, and the offshore wind meant the racing was tactical. It was a tight fight right up until the last stretch”. There were two races, the first saw Jesper in the lead, followed by Gonzalo and Steve, but the second race was really tight, with Jesper and Steve in first tide, and Steve racing to the finish in the last down wind.

The Graffiti team were painting the fence panel display in the top field. Epok, Poer, Fors, Toxic, Doze, Pars, Senza, Ren, Ronik, Zer, Meek, Gek, Pik, Zadok and D-Bug were all painting huge muriels today, with the plain boards being turned into an array of fantastic coloured designs. There will be more battles from the Monorex and Somnio team this weekend.

The first White Air party is being held tonight, with Brett Lawrence amongst the dj’s providing tonight’s entertainment at Sandown Holiday park. The weekend is set to be even busier, with the thundercats, kayakers, and kitesurfers hoping to battle it out on the water.