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# News

## Family Friendly Kitesurfing

Posted on April 23rd, 2017 by Jo Wilson

In a bid to get parents back on the water we are introducing kitesurfing holidays for families with under 5 year olds. With small amounts of coaching to maximise your water time these holidays are to help you build your kiting fitness, skills & confidence for those all too few kitesurfing sessions.

We would like to invite 4 families on the first family friendly kitesurfing holiday to help us get this concept up and running smoothly.

Over a week this summer we invite you to bring yourselves and your little one’s to Soma Bay in Egypt. I personally will run two kitesurfing coaching sessions per day one for mum and one for dad. You pick who goes for which session depending on your child’s needs and I can be as flexible as you like.

With 6 days of coaching on offer you can choose to take one coaching session per day or just one session in the whole week. You can hog all 12 sessions for yourself or split them 50 / 50 between you and your partner. Hell if you can’t make it one day then no stress we’ll make up for it the next!

During these family friendly kitesurfing holidays we want you to get some quality time on the water while your partner engages with your child. A second session in the day means no one misses out. Each session will be around 60-90 mins plus there are employed efficient & competent beach hands to help you rig up and launch safely. You get to have a stress free session but still have plenty of time to spend with your little one and each other throughout the day & evening.

The dates are 5th - 12th July 2017 and will run at an introductory family cost of £999. This includes Transfers, accommodation half board at The Breakers Surf & Dive Lodge, Storage, Rescue & Coaching.

(If one half of your family is a total beginner then lessons can be arranged, but this will be an additional cost.)

To register your interest or to book on then please email me on kite@jowilsoncoaching.com

## Dakhla Dreamin’ 2017

Posted on April 11th, 2017 by Jo Wilson

This trip was fully subscribed and was made up of 7 people from England & Ireland. Some people were working on their toeside and jumping while others were working on dark slides and handle passes.

Dakhla can offer all day wind on a regular basis allowing the group to be split in to smaller coaching groups leaving plenty of time for free riding or relaxing, as well as gaining a couple of hours coaching each day.

During our week we had what I would call an average week of wind. We had 2 full days of wind and all the others were half days. Stretching / yoga exercises in the yoga room at the end of most days was totally welcome for tired and aching muscles. Dakhla offers a variety of conditions and some weeks you’ll have wind all day every day and others you may get 5 days of wind out of 7. You will always need all your kites as some days its blowing just 12-15 knots while others it blows well over 30.

This trip we stayed at Dakhla Attitude which if full board and meal times were plentiful and delicious!
There were many tricks learned over this holiday with everyone kiting their socks off, but I think the biggest number of tricks would be won by Paul Davis who eeked every last moment out of the wind.

The next quick hit kitesurfing holiday for intensive coaching is Egyptian Energy running from 14th - 21st June 2017 where there is one more place available or 24th June - 1st July where there are still 2 places available.

Please do join us!!

## Western Oz a go go!

Posted on March 9th, 2017 by Jo Wilson

Fresh back from Western Australia here is prior warning of an imminent new trip. At JWC HQ we are researching suitably brilliant self catering houses in South Fremantle, Augusta & Lancelin for our first ever WA Kitesurfing Coaching Holiday. Heads up to a trip circa 10th Jan 2018 for a group size of 6 people!

## Stella kitesurfing for 2017

Posted on December 14th, 2016 by Jo Wilson

Its all a gogogo here at JWC Headquarters. Im 100% back on the coaching band wagon after a year of Maternity leave and all I can think about is who I can coach and where can I do it.

If you cast an eye to the holidays page you will be able to see many of the coaching holidays on offer for 2017. These holidays can whisk you off to Watamu in Kenya, Dakhla in Morocco, Soma Bay in Egypt, Multiple Stops in Brazil, Wave riding in Wales or Adventure riding in Tiree.

Excitingly I will be running these holidays myself once again.

In addition Im looking forward to re-introducing a UK Coaching Tour this spring where I will be travelling to popular beaches in the UK so that I can bring 3 hour quick hit coaching sessions to your door.

Please keep an eye out on this website to see what I can offer you to help get you off to a stella start for 2017.

## Rocking Out! Rocking Hard! Brazil Action Adventure

Posted on November 1st, 2016 by Jo Wilson

Brazil Surfari & Coaching 2016 has just drawn to an emotional, but fittingly debaucherous close. The team from Jo Wilson Coaching have just had the good fortune and incredible pleasure to spend the last 2 weeks with this crazy rabble!!

From flat water river mouths, to lagoon sessions with the pro’s, oceans to ourselves and downwinders in the ‘swell of the year’ I can hand on my heart say that this was what everyone including myself was hoping for - The best Brazilian Kitesurfing Coaching Holiday to date and dare I say it the best Jo Wilson Coaching holiday to date too.

Over the course of the trip we had conditions for all 12 of the crew and most of the crew rode double sessions every single day for 2 weeks. Never have I seen so much kitesurfing from one group of people.

Memorable moments include watching Rich drag his knuckles on the floor as he walked back to the top of the lagoon multiple times, eeking the last moments of the dropping wind at sunset on Cauipe. Mark R who sucked up a sore rib and learned to unhook when only earlier this year he was working on his first back rolls.

Mark G taking on 8ft swell on the downwinder, Nick working on his shiftys, Alex landing his first crow mobe, Bee throwing down a raley to blind, Sarah rocking out huge unhooked raleys and Zoe throwing down hard and fast toeside landings out of her back rolls. This just names half of my highlights and half of the people of the trip. Everyone was on impressive form and landed an incredible array of tricks.

Brazil Surfari & Coaching has been so fun both on and off the water. Dinner times have been full entertainment due to the lively crowd and we have had a couple of well timed spontaneous debaucherous nights too.

I sit here writing this feeling full of emotion as its my first trip back after almost 18 months. Ive been planning it for months between looking after Finn who is now 11 months old and the focus was to create a trip bigger and better then before without losing out on the focus of the kitesurfing coaching.

After an incredibly funny & late last night it seemed as though the last of the crew closed their airport transfer door with a happy smile on their face which can only be a positive sign of a good trip. My son barely grumbled, never forgot to smile and shared the love for life that people passionate about life tend to do. He had special high 5’s for Rich, toys to present for Sharon, goodies to discover from Sarah & full body smiles for George.

All I can say is how grateful I am to Brazil for being such a magical place and the 12 incredible crew members who made up an energetic, banterful and adventurous collective of now ‘friends’. Im grateful to Nanette, George & Chris who complete the Jo Wilson Coaching team who worked tirelessly from 6.45am and were still the last people standing at the end of the evening no matter how late that occasionally became.

There wasn’t a person who did not throw all their energies in to this trip and the laughter that echoed from the breakfast table, over the waves & lagoons, through the wind on our buggy journeys at dusk and still at the bar in the evenings.

Brazil will 100% be on the menu for next year! Please enjoy this selection of photos which in themselves demonstrate just how enjoyable this trip was from start until finish.

## Youth Kitesurfing & Hunstanton Training Camp

Posted on August 23rd, 2016 by Jo Wilson
The British Youth Kitesurfing Training Program is the official BKSA Elite Youth Training program. It really feels like progress is being made both within each individuals ability and the increasing numbers of young people who are learning through various BKSA schools. The evidence is that the junior category is now the biggest category in the British Kitesurfing Championships.
At the 3rd round of the program 6 people aged 13-16 took part. They have been on the program for up to 2 years. The 6 had clearly been working hard on their tricks since the last round in May. Cameron’s technical ability had rocketed landing 4 different handle passes in one session. Harry’s power as always was through the roof, but this time his technical ability had somewhat developed to. Tom who is probably our smallest rider has some incredible tricks under his belt and Toby had put some serious work in to both his strength and ability on the water since we had last seen him. Stan and Ollie are our newest riders on the block and they had been practicing front rolls, unhooked raleys and unhooked back rolls with heel side and toeside landings.
Our camp was a mixed bag of conditions and despite a forecast for just 14mph we were blessed with 25 mph.
We used day 1 to do on the water coaching where all 6 riders were busting tricks alongside coaches George and Jo. British Champion, George Dufty worked with the more technical fellas to help them increase their potential to land air passes, while I worked with Ollie, Stan and Toby to help them improve their technical level too. The boys tricks were filmed by Will Rockcliffe from Hunstanton Sailing Club giving us plenty of footage to analyse the following day when the wind was forecasted to be light and offshore.
For the youth coaching program there is a lot more involved then just kitesurfing and so its essential that we split our time between being on the water and being off the water. This round we continued with the topic of injury prevention which involved learning about knee & shoulder injuries and how to help prevent them. It incorporated essential lessons on safety with particular reference to deep water pack downs and the all essential ‘tie off’. In addition and particularly relevant to this camp we covered the all important element of competition riding. All 6 riders were registered for the finals of the British Championships which ran this weekend
With both classroom based topics, land based activity and on the water kitesurfing it seemed as though the camp went well and everyone seemed to have a lot of fun. Their kitesurfing abilities progressed and their friendships did to. Although the following day, stormy saturday didn’t see the juniors compete due to overly testing conditions (40-50 knots) they all went free riding having fun as a crew of similar aged buddies - an impressive sight and a Team GB in the making.
The Championships for 2016 is now complete leaving this Autumn & Winter for the riders to keep training. Cameron and Tom are embarking on a full term at the World Class Kitesurf Academy while Harry, Stan, Toby & Ollie will continue to work hard on their home surf. The next Youth Training Event is in Barrow on 18/19th September.
The results for Round 3 of the British Championships are as follows for the Juniors:
1st Place: Cameron Auld (Airush)
2nd Place: Toby Cooke (Naish)
3rd Place: Tom Seagar (North)
4th Place: Harry Way (Slingshot)
The results of the Overall British Championships are as follows for the Juniors:
1st Place: Cameron Auld (Airush)
2nd Place: Harry Way (Slingshot)
3rd Place: Tom Seagar (North)
4th Place: Toby Cooke (Naish)

## Exmouth Kitesurfing Youth Training

Posted on May 23rd, 2016 by Jo Wilson
Jo Wilson Coaching established the British Youth Kitesurfing Coaching Program in August 2014 which is set up to travel around the UK bringing youth kitesurfing training close to the home beaches of as many people as possible. The program is set up for 12-18 years old with the majority of the riders aged under 16.
We have just completed Round 2 of 4 which took place in Exmouth, Devon. This is how the weekend went down.
Saturday produced some phenomenal conditions on the seafront with wind blowing around 18-22mph. It is a wind against tide location in the mouth of the river Exe estuary which provides extremely flat water. With the tide flow against the wind it meant that the boys found it very easy to ride upwind no matter how many tricks they were throwing down. Mostly the boys were on 7m kites, but Toby Cooke rode his 8m and Harry Way (current junior champion) took his 10m. The program for this round was fully subscribed and we had 6 riders taking part.
The level of the riders varied from those who were mastering their first back rolls through to those who were starting unhooking or the highest level of rider who was busy cementing his surface handle passes. It was a spectacular show and hard to believe so many young riders were on the water in any one place. There were two coaches – including myself and George Dufty. George rides for Liquid Force International and is the British Champion from 2014. We absolutely enjoyed every moment.
Coaching came in 3 main formats.
1. Simple tips given to the boys from the shore while their kites were in the air
2. A series of trick demonstrations,
3. Follow my leader style coaching where George would ride along side the boys and perform the trick they were working on. The rider following George would then copy.
Once back at the home ranch we could check out videos online completing one exhausting day of action. Its safe to say the riders gave more then 100% of the efforts and went home tired that night!!
Day 2 we moved the event to a beach further west which had a stronger forecast. The lighter riders were able to ride for around an hour allowing Stan to practise his unhooking technique and Toby to go for his handle pass. The boys rode well, but the wind did not match the calibre of the day before. Over the course of Sunday we ran land based simulations relating to each trick that the riders were working on, so that they could be ready with the tools to progress once back on their home surf.
In all, this event was fantastic to be a part of and made even more special because it is the home of the 3 Bridges Boys aka “The Bridglets’ from Edge Watersports. Tom and Guy Bridge were on hand demonstrating their tricks right in amongst us all and joined us at our base over the cause of the weekend too. It was spectacular.
Our base was The Kitehouse - a 10 bedroom holiday home over looking the seafront. It has multiple living spaces, a huge outdoor garden with showers, pool & hot tub - Kiting with style and definitely a holiday house we hope to run future clinics from. If fact if you are a group of kitesurfers looking for a UK kiting holiday then this is 100% the place to do it. Check out http://www.thebeachhouseexmouth.co.uk
The content of the Pro Kite Youth Training Program varies from location to location. The program is set up to help riders aged under 18 to improve in their level, but also learn how to ride more safely, train to be injury free and learn about life as a pro rider & competition. Round 2 was particularly set up to help improve rider level and safety.
A big well done to Ollie & Stan for improving they jumping technique to help their front rolls. Well done to Ollie, Stan, Ben & Ben for learning hooked in raleys and correct unhooking technique to master the unhooked version safely to. Huge well done to Harry for nailing multiple raleys to blind and a variety of toeside surface handle passes and also to Toby for putting more power in to his unhooked tricks and starting on the path of surface passes.
Round 3 of the Pro Kite Youth Training Program takes place in Hunstanton on the 18/19th August and will have more of a competition base format. This event will be run from Hunstanton Sailing Club who also have a phenomenal set up to give a safe and secure base for the young riders. This round lies right before the British Kite Championships. At Hunstanton we will use the boat facilities to simulate deep water pack down training drills so if anyone ever gets caught out in the worse case scenario then they will have the knowledge to deal with it safely and effectively. We will have British Champion, George Dufty back to help the riders put competition heats together and of course Jo will be there as always providing coaching to help each rider improve on the water.
To find out more about the Youth Kitesurfing Training Program or take part then please contact jo@jowilsoncoaching.com.

## Rhosneigr Youth Training

Posted on April 6th, 2016 by Jo Wilson

A mix of wind conditions from 35mph on day 1 to 15mph on day 3 the first of the BKSA Youth Training program got off to a flying start and all participants rocked out their stunts.

(Toby styling out his back roll on the new Naish Grom Board)

Rhosneigr is a UK renowned spot for great wind and fantastic kitesurfing & windsurfing conditions. Based on Anglesey, just a stones throw from Snowdonia it seems to enjoy its own micro climate offering sunshine and wind on the most unlikely of days. This weekend was no exception for wind although the sun only showed up for a brief period, but if we were to choose Rhosenigr certainly delivered the conditions the right way round.

(Harry holding down some mega power on the 5m in 35+ mph)

Harry Way, Cameron Auld and Toby Cooke were all part of the youth training program in 2014/5 and have continued in to 2016. They had been riding over the winter and it was clear to see their improvement. Toby was twice as big and strong, confidently & consistently landing his tricks that he learned last summer. Cameron was somehow more ‘boingy’ nailing big s bends, raleys and back to toe amongst other tricks. He had clearly been stepping up his pace over the winter and was looking much more technical.

(Cameron crusing out on his 4m after nailing some spurt smooth rotations in the strong wind)

Harry had been making the most of the strong winds and was landing his rotations & unhooked tricks with severe power. Man that boy can fly. Stan was our newest recruit travelling up from Devon. His skilled he had learned the previous summer and he was confidentially charging up & down wind and boosting jumps.

(Stan working on his boost on a lighter wind day)

This camp was about trying to get as much time on the water as possible and coaching new tricks. We were delighted to introduce Pro Rider and fellow youth kitesurfer George Dufty who volunteered his time to help. He could demo the kite loops for big winds & handle passes for lighter wind. It was very easy for him to put himself in the shoes of the participants as George was in the same position just 4 years ago. His energy, enthusiasm & skills made a great addition to the camp and the boys all have new goals to work on this season.

(George giving Toby a helping hand)

With the challenging conditions we were presented with we found days where the bigger boys were riding 4m & 5m kites while the smaller riders unable to ride helped coach from the sidelines then vice versa we also had light days where the smaller riders were on 10m & 12m kites with the bigger boys on the sidelines to help coach. Once again we enjoyed a cracking 4 days of dedication and great friendships both on and off the water.

(George & Jo working with Harry on kite loops while the rest of the crew also listened in to take some tips for their next sessions)

Next up the program will visit Exmouth in Devon during May where we hope to pick up where we left off and to introduce some competition training to.

If you are interested in being involved please do give us a shout.

## Youth Training Dates

Posted on February 29th, 2016 by Jo Wilson

The Youth Training Program for 2016 has now gone live. There are 4 dates between April and September. This program is the official BKSA Youth Training Program and will help aspiring kitesurfing athletes to take their kitesurfing to the next level.

Sponsored by IKSURFMAG and supported by the BKSA this program brings a comprehensive training program covering aspects from developing tricks, to competition training, safety & injury prevention.

Read more here

## Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Posted on December 27th, 2015 by Jo Wilson

Merry Christmas everyone! We hope that you are having a mega festive season and maximising on the warm and windy conditions! Here at Jo Wilson Coaching we are celebrating the birth of Finley Jack and having our first family Chrismtas. There is no kitesurfing for us just yet as its too close to Finn’s birth, but we are certainly salivating at the prospect. Another 4 weeks and it will be time to dive back in to the deep end and we cannot wait.

Coaching holidays

Zanzibar:

Coaching holidays start from 16th - 30th January in Zanzibar. There is one space left if you are interested. The trip is two weeks with 8 days of coaching, 2 day trips / downwinders and 3 rest days for you to get up to whatever you like. If you would like to find out more please check it out here.

Dakhla Dreamin’. This is an intensive freestyle week to really kick start your kitesurfing in time for Spring in the UK. We will use the flat water lagoon and speed spot to dial in to new skills and tricks to help brush off the winter cobwebs and/or help you lift off from that kitesurfing plateau. Check it out here.

Both Zanzibar and Dakhla will be run with Nanette van der Snoek and are limited to 6 places.

Assuming Egypt settles down after yet another disastrous hit in Sharm Jo Wilson Coaching will be running the very successful Egyptian Energy Holidays throughout June. Check it out here. With Hurghada being well away from the trouble we fully envisage this trip going ahead and are still taking reservations (without deposits) while we keep our eye out on the foreign office advise. Jo will be back in action alongside Nanette for this trip, so get ready for another windy, trick intense summer.

Happy New Year and see you on a beach soon.