We were commissioned by Volvo Cars Sailing to cover the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada 2014, a record breaking attempt on a kiting Guiness World record. On the previous day we had a day filming Steph Bridge, five times kitesurfing World Champion and very much the head of the Bridge family of super skilled kitesurfers.
Partnered by chilled husband Eric, they preside over their three boys, two of whom ripped around Hayling Bay on foiling boards and making it look ridiculously easy! Guy (the middle son) even popped a few jumps over our RIB commenting afterwards that one was a little sketchy!!
But whilst we had met a great family who genuinely enjoyed “family time” kiting, Hayling Island also welcomed kitesurfers from all corners of the UK and beyond to help attempt to beat the world record for the number of GPS tracked kitesurfers riding downwind in a mass downwinder and support the chosen charities. All backgrounds and ages turned up. From Nick Dempsey, Olympic windsurfing medallist, a kid of 12 to a lady of 72. We enjoyed hanging out (and working) with a great mix of people all enjoying the same sport
Alas the record didn’t tumble (enough entered over 340,… but there was about 20 lost sheep who didn’t make the finish)……but as long as everyone had fun, and the charities got something out of it, then I guess it doesn’t really matter!! – Rachel Jaspersen. Photo Ocean Images.
