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Ramsgate hosts National Freestyle Kitesurfing Championships this weekend

Some of Britain's best kitesurfers are on the Kent coast this weekend for the final leg of the 2018 National Freestyle Kitesurfing Championships.

Ramsgate Main Sands is hosting the event, which began yesterday and is also running today.

The area was selected as one of four destinations for this year's championship, following a glowing endorsement from record breaking kitesurfing champion Lewis Crathern - who broke the British record for the highest jump on Ramsgate sands in November 2016.

About 70 kitesurfers are taking part in the competition
About 70 kitesurfers are taking part in the competition

About 70 competitors from all over the country have gathered on the sands – including eight-year-old Archie Budd, who is the youngest to take part in this year's contest.

Each competitor is hoping to claim the title of National Freestyle Kitesurfing Champion.

Archie Budd is the youngest in the competition (3665750)
Archie Budd is the youngest in the competition (3665750)

Earlier this year some free kitesurfing sessions were held in the lead-up to the event and there are a few spaces on sessions this weekend.

Cllr Peter Campbell said: “We are delighted to be welcoming kitesurfers from all over the UK. We know that Ramsgate is a fantastic destination for kitesurfers, and its popularity has grown rapidly in recent years."

The competition is taking place across Saturday and Sunday
The competition is taking place across Saturday and Sunday

Andy Gratwick, from the British Kitesports Association said: “We’re delighted to be taking it to a new venue. Ramsgate Sands is a perfect destination for kitesurfers. It’s where records have been broken in the past, so we know we’re going to be in for a good competition.”

Andy Gratwick (3665771)
Andy Gratwick (3665771)

For more details visit britishkitesports.org, and ramsgatetown.org/activeramsgate

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