Those who made it down to KiteJam 2009 will tell you it delivered! We were hoping for bigger and better things this year, and we got them!

The KJ village was set on the picturesque shores of Safety Bay, overlooking the ‘Pond’ and the competition zone. Our sponsors created an amazing event site, with the WAKSA stalls, the Angostura beach bar and the Red-Bull mega-marquee. The forecast was set to a perfect 32 degree day, sunny and with an early 20+knot Seabreeze.
 
As the competitors slowly arrived, the tide was starting to fill the bay, wetting the legs of the West Oz Kiteboarding slider and kicker as the breeze started to appear. After a quick briefing the riders were amped to get going. Local Brad Melville was first on the water, and using the early conditions to show his style on the slider- this grom was proving from the start that he was going to be a contender for the KJ podium.
 
Heat 1 took to the water, and it was clear that the level of riding was going to be high. Simon Wichemann landed a huge clean indy back-mobe, while the other riders all started pulling clean techy tricks. If this was the first heat, then the day had big things in store!
 
The PA fired to life, and the floating DJ booth started pumping out some good tunes, Leon and Pierre ‘Da Moose” polished up the mic’s and fired up their commentary- this was gonna be hard work as the heats progressed, 5 riders to a heat and all throwing insane tricks right infront of the boat. The action was going to keep coming non-stop.
 
Heat 5 saw the first appearance of Andy Yates. This guy was on fire! And leaving no doubts why he is national champ and a serious contender on the world tour. Each tack into the comp zone brought a new trick better than the last, power and style a priority as he stomped mobe 5’s and 7’s. Other riders keen to show their skills were Jo Ciastula (UK) and Mario Rodwald (Germany), both showing the style and consistency that they’ve learned on the world tour. Jo throwing down some of the best slim’s and front mobes, while Mario worked some air double-passes, and kite-looped slims.

Local riders Brad and Damo were busier than anyone, snapping up every spare place in a heat to get back on the water and get in the Jam. Damo as always a crowd favourite with his unpredictable mix of old school and new tricks, throwing in some of his classic board-offs and kite-loops. Young Pinnaroo local Mike Bell was turning heads and pulling the spotlight as he went through several clean heats, and Dan Anderson kept the trick quota high with his riding, and even managed to pull out a few of his ridiculously tricky board-offs!  Rhys Lloyd (UK) was playing to the crowd, and took to the air over the DJ boat with a casual judo kick! Also adding to our international flavour were the late arrivals of our Swedish contenders, Martin and Filip, and our Kiwi entrant Alex Bowater- all bringing their best to the Jam and going hard out with some powered riding. The girls were not to be left out, with veteran competitor Chrissy leading the charge, and new competitors Evie (Sweden) and Danica showing off their best moves. All the girls were holding their own against the strong male competitors, and Evie was seen flying high and pulling some big inverted airs.
 
The spectator crowds continued to grow, and shuffled for a place on the beach, as the DJ booth stepped up the volume and MC Canuk joined the commentary team to hold some banter with Leon and keep the non-kiting spectators informed and entertained. The number of photographers appearing was unbelievable, and the riders were pushed to celebrity levels as the paparazzi jostled for a prime position to capture the action. Free prize give-aways were randomly handed to the crowd, including Angostura drinks, lesson vouchers from WA Surf, and the new edition of KiteMag, this was definitely adding to the chilled atmosphere on the beach, as the crowds settled in for a ring-side view of some world class Kiteboarding.
 
We called the last heat at 5pm, most of the riders by this time were content and tired, and we still had the serious business of deciding a winner to get through! In KiteJam style, things were pretty slow and relaxed as the riders made their way back to the village. Beers were on ice (thankyou to our beer sponsors at Little Creatures), and the voting tickets were handed out as the riders relaxed around the lounge.
 
The votes were tallied to reveal the winners:

Mens 1st prize went to Andy Yates: He earned the 1st place cash prize, a sweet new board bag courtesy of Australian Kite Boarding School at Pinnaroo Pt (thanks Darren! J) and some Little Creatures Ale.
 
Mens 2nd prize went to Mario Rodwald: he received the 2nd place cash prize, clothing from West Oz Kiteboarding and some Little Creatures ale.
 
Mens 3rd prize went to Jo Ciastula: 3rd place cash prize, clothing and some Little Creatures beer.
 
Ladies first prize: This was earned by Chrissy Gaudieri, who received the ladies cash prize, A Kitelements hoodie, and Little Creatures beer.

Special shouts to both Brad Melville and Mike Bell for showing great riding, and leading the charge for local young riding talents.

Congratulations to all riders who earned the points to make the results board- it was a tough competition, and hard to get noticed!

Another big mention to KiteElements who generously donated clothing for all competitors and staff on the day, and the Rockingham Council for their kind support, thanks guys!!

Huge thanks to all the spectators who came down to the event, and the photographers who lined the shores, we hope you enjoyed the Show!