BVI Kite Jam would not be possible if it were not for the long standing support and generosity of sponsors such as venue partner Bitter End Yacht Club; Cape Air, the official airline; Sunsail, accommodation partner, Digicel, telecommunications partner; Kiteboarding Magazine, media partner; Jet Set Extra, Ideas BVI and JTV, production partners, in addition to Road Town Wholesale, the BVI Premier’s Office, Green Technology BVI and Delta Petroleum. “Sailors for the Sea” also gave the event a Clean Regatta Certification, an eco-friendly stamp of approval, in conjunction with Sunsail’s participation and use of their new Sunsail 394 catamarans.

 

“We want to thank all our generous sponsors, participating star athletes and the kiteboarding community for all the support in making this event a reality,” says Charlie Smith, Founder & Partner Kite Jam (BVI) Ltd. “We’ve been anticipating this moment for quite some time and we are ready to rock BVI Kite Jam 2010!”

 

Below is additional information about the new sponsors:

 

Billabong, founded in 1973 by Gordon and Rena Merchant, has become an international clothing company and leading surfwear apparel brand in Australia. In addition to the Billabong brand name, the company sells surfwear and accessories under the Palmers Surf, Honolua Surf, Swell.com, Von Zipperr, Kustom (footwear), Nixon, Xcel Wetsuits and Tigerlily brands, and also Element skate clothing and hardware. The brands are available at various retail, surf and skateboard stores locations worldwide. www.Billabong.com

 

Philip Stein® is the leader in watches and other lifestyle products using proprietary natural frequency technology. The company has acquired notoriety not only through their commitment to superior product and use of natural frequencies but also with a large celebrity following over the years including Oprah Winfrey saying it is ³one of her favorite things² twice and regular customers like Rupert Murdoch, Madonna and many others. www.Philipstein.com

 

Liquid Force was founded in 1995 and quickly became the leader in wakeboarding products and apparel.  Over the past few years, Liquid Force has also developed highly innovative kiteboarding products such as the Envy Kite, Static Wingtip Pulley Technology, the Interface binding, and progressive board design.  Liquid Force is dedicated to relentless innovation, progressive design, maximum functionality and unparalleled quality. Supported by a superior team of versatile athletes, Liquid Force has several new and exciting product launches set for the coming months.  www.LiquidForceKites.com

 

Since 2000, Cabrinha, a subsidiary of the Pryde Group, has climbed the ranks to take the position as the leading kitesurfing brand, selling in over 40 countries worldwide. Inspired and driven by Maui-based waterman, Pete Cabrinha, the company produces everything from kites to boards to accessories and sponsors the top athletes in the sport. The Cabrinha approach to kiteboarding has evolved very much from the same philosophy that Pete has applied to his many years of surfing. By keeping an open mind to all styles of riding and embracing new technologies, Cabrinha has been able to lead kitesurfing into a new era of performance. Our research and development facility in Maui is perfectly situated for testing in any and all wind and water conditions. This, combined with our own state of the art production facility, assures consistency and accuracy from design to production. www.Cabrinha.com

 

Trollbeads jewelry has been charming women around the world for more than 30 years. Unique, artisan-quality beads that draw inspiration from nature, love, and life make it easy to create a custom, heirloom-quality bracelet or necklace that tells your personal story. Trollbeads are crafted from the finest quality raw materials including 18K gold, sterling silver, Italian glass, freshwater pearls, amber, diamonds, semi-precious stones, and Swarovski crystals. By combining individual Trollbeads on a bracelet or necklace, the wearer can design a meaningful, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that represents a narrative of their accomplishments, life experiences, and passions. www.trollbeads.com

 

BVI Kite Jam also welcomes star kiteboarder Jason Slezak, professional team rider for Liquid Force and instructor for Real Kiteboarding. He joins international Kite Jammers along with confirmed pro boarders Kristin Boese, Andre Phillip, Susi Mai, Tuva Jansen, Tom Court, Chris Burke, Gretta Kruesi and Madison Van Heurck, for challenging competitions, visual demonstrations and technique clinics.

 

Festivities will kick off on February 28, 2010 with a VIP Party at the world-famous Necker Island with Sir Richard Branson in attendance. Additional events, competitions, parties and meals will be hosted on Bitter End Yacht Club, Necker Island, Anegada and Moskito Island for Kite Jam participants throughout the five days.

 

BVI Kite Jam also strives to benefit the local community and is partnering with charities including the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) and Tortola’s Kids And The Sea (KATS), a non-profit water sports program.

  
For more information about the event, proboarders and our generous sponsors, please visit www.bvikitejam.com. 

 

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BVI KITE JAM 2010 CATCHES HUGE AIR WITH OFFICIAL LAUNCH ON NECKER ISLAND

British Virgin Islands Tourist Board Officials, Sponsors and International Press in Attendance

Tortola, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (November 24, 2009) – All eyes of the extreme sports world will be on the British Virgin Islands in anticipation of the inaugural BVI Kite Jam, taking place March 1-5, 2010. Five days of inter-island events including flat water freestyle, waves, sliders and racing, plus A-list parties on some of the destination’s top locales will serve to highlight the destination as a kiteboarding Mecca for riders from around the globe.

 

To get the party started, the BVI Tourist Board, Necker Island and avid kiteboarder Sir Richard Branson came together for an official launch event on Monday, November 23, 2009 to celebrate in style.

  
“Come March, our islands will be teeming with kiteboarders from intermediates to pros, sports enthusiasts and a stream of VIPs. We’ll be the epicenter of extreme sports and the toast of the international kiteboarding community,” says Myron Walwyn, Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board. “We have had extraordinary support from all of our sponsors and we’re counting on the participation of some of the sport’s finest athletes.”

 

BVI Kite Jam 2010 will include visual competitions, demonstrations and technique clinics taking place in key locations throughout the British Virgin Islands. The BVI, an archipelago of some 60 idyllic islands, islets and cays in the northeastern Caribbean, provides the perfect weather conditions and winds necessary for kiteboarding.

  
The event in March will kick off the festivities on February 27, 2010 with a VIP Party at the Fat Virgin Café on Virgin Gorda. Additional events, competitions, parties and meals will be hosted on Bitter End Yacht Club, Necker Island, Anegada and Moskito Island for Kite Jam participants throughout the five days. Pro riders confirmed are famed German kiteboarder Kristin Boese and American Gretta Kruesi.
 
High-profile event sponsors include Bitter End Yacht Club and Necker Island as official venue partners; Cape Air as the airline partner; Sunsail as the accommodation partner, as well as Green Technology BVI and Delta Petroleum. In addition, “Sailors for the Sea” gave the event a Clean Regatta Certification, in conjunction with Sunsail’s participation. 

 

Built by Robertson and Caine exclusively for Sunsail, the new Sunsail 384 is the newest generation of cruising catamarans, and will be the official fleet for Kite Jam. Sunsail won the ‘Green Award for Service’ for the brand new charter base in Tortola which has the environment and customer experience at the heart of its design. Protection of reefs and conservation of fresh water are important concerns in the Caribbean and as the biggest charter company operating in the islands, Sunsail is committed to protecting this environment. The Sunsail 384 also features solar panels. 

 

BVI Kite Jam also strives to benefit the local community and is partnering with charities including the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) and Tortola’s Kids And The Sea (KATS), a nonprofit water sports program.

  
Potential “KITE JAMMERS” can register online at the official BVI Kite Jam website, www.bvikitejam.com.  Participation fees include accommodations on Sunsail Catamarans, lunches, dinners, festivities and more. Fee costs, additional amenities, contests and restriction details can be found on the event’s website.

 

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BVI KITE JAM 2010 ANNOUNCES A STELLAR LINE UP OF KITEBOARDING A-LISTERS AND PRO ATHLETES

Industry Wave Makers include Kristin Boese, Andre Phillip, Susi Mai, Tuva Jansen, Tom Court, Chris Burke, Gretta Kruesi and Madison Van Heurck

 

Tortola, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (December 10, 2009) – As BVI Kite Jam quickly approaches, leading star athletes of the kiteboarding world have been confirmed to compete and participate in the March 1-5, 2010 event in the British Virgin Islands. The BVI Tourist Board, along with the support of Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island, are proud to announce the following accomplished international kiteboarders lending their skill, enthusiasm and professionalism to this exciting five-day event.

 

Kristin Boese – This world champion of multiple disciplines has brought kiteboarding to the masses with her alluring media presence, two instructional books and a DVD on kiteboarding, and continues to motivate female kiters and athletes around the globe.

 

Susi Mai – This 23-year-old from Cabarete, Dominican Republic, has been turning heads with her aggressive riding style and contest results on the pro tour. She is a 3-time winner of the Red Bull Queen of the Air title and holds consecutive worldwide titles.

 

Andre Phillip – Kiteboarding’s biggest legend, Andre has shaped and contributed more to the sport than anyone else. He has won countless titles throughout his career most recently placed 1st in Men’s Overall in the 2009 Triple-S Invitational in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

 

Tom Court – The top rider from the UK, Tom quickly made his mark on the PKRA kiteboarding world after winning the UK under 18 Championship in his first year of competition. He has since been an enthusiastic kiter and many titles followed including placing 1st at Animal Windfest 2009.

 

Chris Burke - A UK slider specialist, Chris has been competing on the BKSA tour since 2006. He describes his riding as a powered wake style, riding aggressively and technically on the water, and aims to continue pushing the limits of this versatile sport.

 

Tuva Jansen – This Norwegian rider has laid the foundation for her signature style and racked up a list of accomplishments. She was one of the fastest women on the water in speed kiting and has earned her place among the leading ladies of the kite world now specializes in wave riding.

 

Gretta Kruesi – A sponsored boarder and all around women’s kiteboarding ambassador, Gretta is quickly making her mark on the scene with her distinctive style and passion for the sport.

 

Madison Van Heurck - A US Virgin Islands native, “Madi” is an experienced kiteboarder beyond his years. A sponsored boarder, he placed 8th in the 2007 PKRA World Tour and continues to rank high in international events and competitions.

 

“We are thrilled to have these outstanding athletes be a part of BVI Kite Jam 2010, many who’ve helped define this burgeoning sport over the years with their dedication and talent,” says, Charlie Smith, Founder & Partner Kite Jam (BVI) Ltd. “We feel privileged to have their support and commitment to make this event a knockout success.”

 

BVI Kite Jam 2010 will include visual competitions, demonstrations and technique clinics taking place in key locations throughout the British Virgin Islands. The BVI, an archipelago of some 60 idyllic islands, islets and cays in the northeastern Caribbean, provides the perfect weather conditions and winds necessary for kiteboarding. Festivities will kick off on February 27, 2010 with a VIP Party at the Fat Virgin Café on Virgin Gorda. Additional events, competitions, parties and meals will be hosted on Bitter End Yacht Club, Necker Island, Anegada and Moskito Island for Kite Jam participants throughout the five days.

 

High-profile event sponsors include The BVI Tourist Board as the official presenting sponsor, Bitter End Yacht Club and Necker Island as official venue partners; Cape Air as the airline partner; Sunsail as the accommodation partner, as well as Green Technology BVI and Delta Petroleum. In addition, “Sailors for the Sea” gave the event a Clean Regatta Certification, in conjunction with Sunsail’s participation.

 

BVI Kite Jam also strives to benefit the local community and is partnering with charities including the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) and Tortola’s Kids And The Sea (KATS), a nonprofit water sports program.

 

Potential “KITE JAMMERS” can register online at the official BVI Kite Jam website,

www.bvikitejam.com. Participation fees include accommodations on Sunsail Catamarans, lunches, dinners, festivities and more. Fee costs, additional amenities, contests and restriction details can be found on the event’s website.

 

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THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS TOURIST BOARD PROUDLY ANNOUNCES THE INAUGURAL BVI KITE JAM, MARCH 1-5, 2010

The Event Highlights the World of Kite Boarding Including Sir Richard Branson’s Renowned Necker Island

Tortola, British Virgin Islands (October 19, 2009) - The inaugural BVI Kite Jam taking place March 1-5, 2010, will be a unique kite boarding experience and internationally

renowned affair presented by the BVI Tourist Board and will include Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island. Richard Branson, an avid kite boarder himself, conceived of the event after staging an impromptu race between Necker Island and Anegada with friends.

BVI Kite Jam will be a five-day event aimed at building awareness of the destination to the international kite boarding community and will highlight BVI as a Mecca for this growing sport. BVI, an archipelago of some 60 idyllic islands, islets and cays in the North

Eastern Caribbean, provides the perfect weather conditions and winds necessary for kite boarding.

The event will bring together amateurs and professionals alike such as Susi Mai, with visual competitions, demonstrations, and technique clinics, taking place in key locations including Necker Island, the North Sound, Virgin Gorda and Anegada.

“BVI Kite Jam will be a unique annual sporting and lifestyle event showcasing BVI’s beauty, charm and sophistication. We’re thrilled to have the tremendous support of Necker Island, a huge believer of BVI Kite Jam and advocate for the growing kite boarding community, in our inaugural year,” says Myron Walwyn, Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board. “We can’t wait to bring together kite boarding athletes, first-timers, sports enthusiasts and VIPs for this exciting event and shed light on this burgeoning water sport.”

BVI Kite Jam will kick off the festivities on February 27th with a VIP Party at the Fat Virgin Café on Virgin Gorda. Additional events, competitions, parties and meals will be hosted at Necker Island, Bitter End Yacht Club, Anegada and Moskito Island for Kite  Jam participants throughout the five days.

In addition, the event will support green and eco-friendly operations by obtaining a “Sailors for the Sea,” Clean Regatta Certification in conjunction with BVI Kite Jam accommodation partner Sunsail Yachts. Clean Regattas is a third party certification program that helps regattas, yacht clubs and sailing programs voluntarily achieve higher

environmental standards. Other high-profile sponsors include, Bitter End Yacht Club, Cape Air, Green Technology BVI, Sunsail, Delta Petroleum, Coors Light and others. From seasoned pros, intermediates and beginners, all athletic levels are welcome to participate! Potential “KITE JAMMERS” just need to register online at the official BVI Kite Jam website, www.bvikitejam.com. Participation fees include accommodations on Sunsail Catamarans, lunches, dinners, festivities and more. Fee costs, additional amenities and restriction details can be found on the event’s website.

Below is an outline of daily event activities for participants including a little relaxation time built in for fun in the sun!

 

March 1 - Early morning free-kiting session for first timers, late morning competition “Round Necker Island Race” for amateurs and pros; Lunch and relaxation on Necker Beach. Afternoon competition in the Eustacia Sound consisting of either heat-run freestyle, sliders or big air depending on weather.

 

March 2 – Morning race to Anegada with 12 miles of thigh burning endurance rewarded with a sumptuous lunch at Pomato Point on Anegada. Alternatively, spend the afternoon onboard a catamaran for a sail following the kiters.

Afternoon/evening events at Pomato Point or Cow Wreck beach take riders through mangroves and waist deep water stretching almost a mile out to sea or riders can head over to the North-western corner for wave or freestyle action; followed by a BBQ dinner and party at Anegada Reef Hotel.

 

March 3 – In the morning follow the wind west-ward to Cow Wreck beach for the opportunity to kite through the most spectacular bay in the BVI’s known as Windlass Bight. This bay provides a flat-water playground and offers experienced riders good quality waves outside the reef. Lunch at the beautiful Cow Wreck beach.

Afternoon/evening event consists of a trip to West End for world-class wave riding and/or freestyle competition at Cow Wreck; dinner and party at The Whistling Pines.

 

March 4 - Early morning yacht race back to the North Sound area. Free kiting on arrival followed by lunch at Bitter End Yacht Club. Afternoon/Evening includes a full afternoon of competition including fancy dress kite boarding and technique clinics with the pro’s between heats; dinner and party at the Bitter End Yacht Club.

 

March 5 – Morning includes more competition and technique clinics on Necker Island followed by lunch on Necker’s Sand Spit. Afternoon/evening finals includes pro rider showdown followed by Grand Prize awards; dinner and closing party on Sir Richard Branson’s Moskito Island.

 

March 6 - All competitors sail back to Tortola and disembark yachts.

 

For more information and to register for the event, please visit www.bvikitejam.com