Dan James – Pro Kitesurfer

I have just returned from competing in the PKRA world tour in Fuerteventura. What an event!

There were a total of 27 male and 8 female riders competing so we didn’t have to have any qualifying heats. My first heat in the single eliminations was 5B against the Vice Champion Youri Zoon. The wind was gusting 45 plus, cross off and very gusty.
I put up a good fight landing s bend pass, blind judge, back to blind air pass and huge kiteloop but lost my heat as Youri was as ever on fire.

After a breathtaking single’s Kevin Langeree won, Youri 2nd and Aaron 3rd North team rider Reno Romeu came a well deserved 4th. Day 3 was the double eliminations. I was in heat 24A against Michele Ratti Morales (Slingshot). After a tense 7 minute heat of giving my all, it was announced that I had advanced through to the next round.

Heat 27A I was up against North team rider Cesar Portas. I did lose to Cesar which meant I was out of the competition but had come a respectable 13th overall. Aaron managed to work his way back up showing us all how it’s done to win the doubles and overall.
Congrats to him!

Overall I had an amazing time and it was a truly mindblowing experience to kite with the top riders in the World and giving me an insight on the level I need to achieve.

View Photos From Fuerteventura

Watch my Fuerteventura 2009 video now!

Hey everyone, I’m off to the second stop of the PKRA world tour in Fuerteventura. It looks like it’s going to be a good one, with conditions looking promising – the wind looks awesome.

Will keep you updated on how I am doing.

Back from the first stop of the world tour PKRA in Leucate, France – wow, what a competition! Wind was blowing over 40knots, my smallest kite was a 7m vegas and I was well overpowered for handle passes bit still gave it my all. As my qualifying heat was about to start I lost my board and couldn’t get back to it. I was forced to body drag back to the beach and Mario North threw me his board. I ended up finishing 2nd which put me straight into main competition which was my main goal.

In the main comp I was up against Sebastian Garat. I lost that heat, but still had the double elimination heats which started the following day. Wind blowing even harder so Reno leant me his 5m vegas. I had a close heat against Sergey Belmesov from Russia. Overall position 25th.

Entered best trick comp but judging double passes only, wind still blowing hard and gusty. Managed to pull off a blind judge to flat pass. I came 3rd in my heat against Kevin Langeree, Alberto Rondina and Lewis Crathern. It was great to kite with all the top riders and to see the crowds of spectators cheering us on!

Check out some pictures on my gallery from the event.

Hey all,

I’m just back from Perth, Australia after a months awesome training. I managed to meet up with Rhys Lloyd, Jo Aaistula, Sam Light and some other top international riders.

I’ve added some new photos to my gallery for you take a look at.

My Oz Trip video is now also available to watch.

In other news, I also recently had an interview with Rob Riches from LA Muscle.TV talking about kitesurfing click link to view: http://www.lamuscle.tv/player/hollywoodextra/31

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