IKSA Water Charge - Round 2</h1> <article> <h1>IKSA Water Charge - Round 2</h1> <p>2015-08-06T15:18:41+01:00</p> <div> <p>Following the enormous success of the first IKSA Water Charge @ Ballyholme back in April - we are excited to bring this event format to Hooked Kitefest 2015.</p> <p>Today see's the official launch of the <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php?option=com_chronoforms&chronoform=WexfordWaterCharge_RegistrationForm">Competitor Registration</a> for this round of competition and we are hoping to see as many kiters as possible take to the start line and race.</p> <p>For <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/events/iksa-events/9">full details</a> of dates, competition format, rules and how to register - please see the <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/events/iksa-events/9">official event page</a>. </p> <p>We would appreciate early <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php?option=com_chronoforms&chronoform=WexfordWaterCharge_RegistrationForm">registration</a> so we can gauge numbers for each division/discipline and also plan accordingly based on the level of interest for this event. #GetCharging</p> <p style="text-align: center;">{loadposition countdownclock}</p> </div> <div>Here's a reminder of the event @ Ballyholme - thanks again to Stephen Anderson for the amazing drone footage. <p style="text-align: center;"></p> </div> <p>... and Alan Bennett for braving the cold waters to capture awesome shots over the full weekend!</p> <div style="text-align: center;">{loadposition gplusballyholme}</div> </article> <article> <h1>Bull Island – Causeway Road – Options for Car Parking and Access</h1> <p>2015-07-20T17:59:00+01:00</p> <p>The IKSA received a copy of the proposed options for car parking and access for the Causeway Road at Bull Island. While this proposal does not contain any information related to the current arrangements at the North Bull Wall end of the beach, we wanted to share the content with our members and any interested parties.</p> <p>Should we receive any further updates to this or more information specific to the parking arrangements for the North Bull Wall end of the beach, we will share them with you here.</p> <p>Please share your thoughts on this using the discussion section below and we will look to collate any feedback or concerns and direct it to Dublin City Council.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"></p> </article> <article> <h1>National Water Safety Awareness Week 2015</h1> <p>2015-06-18T22:59:25+01:00</p> <div style="text-align: justify;">As it's Water Safety Awareness Week - here are some of <a title="IWSFB" href="https://www.facebook.com/IWSie" target="_blank">Irish Water Safety's Facebook</a> posts and links to the IWS & SafetyZone websites - stay safe in the water.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%;"><a title="IWSFB" href="https://www.facebook.com/IWSie/posts/912822378781017" target="_blank">Lifejackets, Ringbuoys and Lifeguards...Miriam O'Callaghan, her son Jamie and Dollymount Lifeguard Gearoid Fallon with three prompts to safe summer pursuits around water..</a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%;"><a title="IWSFB" href="https://www.facebook.com/IWSie/posts/912793115450610" target="_blank">A new website launched this week, www.safetyzone.ie provides details of where you can get training for a range of aquatic activities nationwide including swimming...</a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%;"><a title="IWSFB" href="https://www.facebook.com/IWSie/posts/912182265511695" target="_blank">Miriam O'Callaghan, television current affairs broadcaster, chat show host and radio presenter with RTE lends her support to some of Irish Water Safety's key messages during National Water Safety Awareness Week...</a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%;"><a title="IWSFB" href="https://www.facebook.com/IWSie/posts/910746062321982" target="_blank">This is National Water Safety Awareness Week but you only need twenty seconds of it to hear our new radio campaign...</a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div>See more on the Irish Water Safety and Safety Zone websites... <br /><a href="http://www.iws.ie/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.safetyzone.ie/" target="_blank"></a></div> </article> <article> <h1>IKSA AGM 2015 Minutes</h1> <p>2015-06-03T16:00:18+01:00</p> <p align="center"></p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>*** Summer's Here ***</h1> <p>2015-06-01T15:20:59+01:00</p> <p>With the arrival of the "Irish" Summer, there are a couple of points which we would like to remind kiters of as beaches get a little busier with people, lifeguards are on full-time duty and generally there are some additional considerations when using Irish beaches.</p> <table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 60%; vertical-align: middle;" width="50%"> <div class="jmessage"> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><strong>Seek local knowledge if you have never kitesurfed at a beach<br /><br /></strong></li> <li><strong>Pump, Launch, Land and Pack Down should be within any designated zones on beaches<br /><br /></strong></li> <li><strong>Always wrap up your lines if you are not using or planning to launch your kite to avoid any tangles or trips<br /><br /></strong></li> <li><strong>Always make sure that you have your kite properly secure with enough ballast on it at all times<br /><br /></strong></li> <li><strong>Promptly enter and exit the water from and to the launch zone <br /><br /></strong></li> <li><strong>Avoid unnecessary flying of large kites, other than trainer kites, on the beach<br /><br /></strong></li> <li><strong>Use a Kite leash at all times<br /><br /></strong></li> <li><strong>Keep out of any flagged swim zones or stay 200 metres away from all swimmers<br /><br /></strong></li> <li><strong>Stay clear of all areas in front and to the sides of the lifeguard huts in the summer<br /><br /></strong></li> <li><strong>Give right of way to all other beach users <span style="text-decoration: underline;">at all times<br /><br /></span></strong></li> <li><strong>Assist other kiters to safely land and launch kites</strong></li> </ul> </div> </td> <td style="width: 40%;" width="50%"><a href="../images/kitesurfingsafetysignage_size_a3-ml-1.jpg" class="modal_link" data-modal-class-name="no_title"></a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Following these guidelines will help keep everyone safe and the beaches open for us all to enjoy</span>. </p> <p>Below are links to some of the Beach Guides on our site - these in particular illustrate important points of note when using these beaches, but most apply to all kite spots.<br />If you would like a specific beach guide added for beaches in your area, please <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/contact" target="_blank">get in touch</a> with us.</p> <p><a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/beaches-weather/beach-guide/east/dollymount-beach" target="_blank">Dollymount, Dublin</a><br /><a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/beaches-weather/beach-guide/east/sutton-beach" target="_blank">Sutton, Dublin</a></p> <p><a href="../index_php/beaches-weather/beach-guide/north-west/lissadell-beach_ml-1" class="modal_link" data-modal-width="75%" data-modal-height="75%" data-modal-title="Beach Guide - Lissadell">Lissadell, Sligo</a> <br /><a href="../index_php/beaches-weather/beach-guide/north-west/rosses-point-beach_ml-1" class="modal_link" data-modal-width="75%" data-modal-height="75%" data-modal-title="Beach Guide - Rosses Point">Rosses Point, Sligo</a></p> <p><a href="../index_php/beaches-weather/beach-guide/south-west/banna_ml-1" class="modal_link" data-modal-title="Beach Guide - Banna Strand">Banna Strand, Kerry</a></p> <p><a href="../index_php/beaches-weather/beach-guide/north/benone_ml-1" class="modal_link" data-modal-width="75%" data-modal-height="75%" data-modal-title="Beach Guide - Benone">Benone, Derry</a> <br /><a href="../index_php/beaches-weather/beach-guide/north/castlerock_ml-1" class="modal_link" data-modal-width="75%" data-modal-height="75%" data-modal-title="Beach Guide - Castlerock">Castlerock, Antrim</a> <br /><a href="../index_php/beaches-weather/beach-guide/north/portrush_ml-1" class="modal_link" data-modal-width="75%" data-modal-height="75%" data-modal-title="Beach Guide - Portrush">Portrush, Antrim</a> <br /><a href="../index_php/beaches-weather/beach-guide/north/tyrella_ml-1" class="modal_link" data-modal-width="75%" data-modal-height="75%" data-modal-title="Beach Guide - Tyrella">Tyrella, Down</a> <br /><a href="../index_php/beaches-weather/beach-guide/north/whiterocks_ml-1" class="modal_link" data-modal-width="75%" data-modal-height="75%" data-modal-title="Beach Guide - Whiterocks">Whiterocks, Antrim</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Event Calendar for 2015</h1> <p>2015-03-27T15:09:26+00:00</p> <p>We have started to add some events to our <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/events/iksa-events">Event Calendar</a> for the coming 2015 season and are really excited to announce a brand new event for this year....</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/events/iksa-events/4">IKSA Water Charge 2015</a> - it promises to be an exciting and action packed weekend and we hope to see you all there to fill the water with colour and style.</p> <p>Also, don't forget our <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/events/iksa-events/3">AGM</a> where we review 2014 and look ahead to the 2015 season and beyond.. it coincides nicely with our event weekend.</p> <p>Get Involved!!</p> </article> <article> <h1>IKSA Jo Wilson Coaching Clinic Report</h1> <p>2014-11-04T21:58:37+00:00</p> <div> <p></p> <p>Bundles of energy, enthusiasm, laughs and most importantly kitesurfing is what our three days with Jo Wilson and Nanette were filled with.</p> <p>10 eager students met in a pub (hey we are Irish after all) on a dark Friday evening in Bundoran, Co. Donegal. Little did we know this would be the only evening of the weekend we would have the energy to stay up after 12, apart from the few hard-core (you know who you are)!</p> <p>The evening started with some ice breakers for Jo and Nanette to get to know the group and likewise for the group to get to know each other. Everyone was warned we would need a good nights sleep for what Jo and Mother Nature had in store for us.</p> <p>Saturday morning brought our first lesson with Jo and Nanette where the sitting room had been turned into <strong>“Jo Wilson Coaching Headquarters”</strong>, things were about to get serious!</p> <p>After our theory class, cars were packed, forecasts were studied and a location picked, the beautiful Lisadell, Co. Sligo.</p> <p>Saturday saw winds averaging in around 14-16 knots. Kites pumped we hit the water to put theory into practice with our Mentor watching on. Jo’s style of teaching is that of patience, energy and lots of encouragement to push each person to their individual capabilities. We spent the day in the water with a short break for lunch to refuel the tanks with the afternoon filled with lots of the same and with some students having some much fun nearly had to be dragged out of the water as the sun set.</p> </div> <div> <p></p> <p>Sunday morning we viewed the video footage taken the day before. This allowed us to see what we had done right, bad habits, things to improve on and what to move onto next. Looking at video footage gave the group a great insight into how you look on the water, your stance, what you may have thought you were doing but in fact you were doing something completely different and hey show me a kitesurfer out there who doesn’t want to see themselves on video.</p> <p>So we headed back to the beach for Day 2. Today Mother Nature was blowing up 20/30 knots, excitement was high. We were then split into two groups of five taking alternating time on the water. Everyone was given their individual goals and tips with so much to work on like toeside, pop, backrolls, frontrolls, transitions and jumps. </p> <p>Again with Jo and Nanette looking on with even more energy and encouragement than yesterday! Each student was given individual time with Jo as she taught from the water with Nanette filming our progress once again. Even when you didn’t think she was watching, she saw you, there was no time for slacking. The day ended on a high with lots of goals reached and lots of time on the water.</p> </div> <div> <p></p> <p>That evening as a group we watched our video footage with each person learning something from one another’s videos despite different levels of riding. Jo gives breakdown of each piece of footage, showing what went right, what went wrong and where the improvements should be made. Needless to say we slept well that night bodies sore and batteries needing a recharge.</p> <p>Day 3 was an earlier start to catch the wind which was due to drop off by lunchtime. There were some tired and sore bodies on day three. The morning consisted of down loops, kiteloops and back rolls. The sun came out and made for an amazing backdrop to our lessons. Our morning ended with a group lunch and a debrief from Jo and Nanette.</p> <p>Overall the course was a huge success and most importantly a lot of time on the water and fun was had. Jo’s many years experience and teaching was clearly evident. We learned a lot and took away many things to work on and what better way to do all these things than on our beautiful island.</p> <p>The passion and drive from Jo and Nanette is what makes this course special. You sleep, eat and drink kitesurfing. It’s an addiction and it is great to share with a group of like-minded people.</p> <p><i>See you at next year's clinic</i> ;)</p> </div> </article> <article> <h1>** Further Updates ** : Dollymount Beach Car Park Closure</h1> <p>2014-07-13T14:19:43+01:00</p> <p>Following the recent erection of temporary barriers at Dollymount Beach, there has been much communication and activity to try to understand the background and reasons for the current vehicle restrictions.</p> <p>We have sent a <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/kunena/heading-out-east/17-dollymount-car-park-closure">letter to Dublin City Council, local councillors and An Garda Síochána</a> requesting information on the reasons for closure and the longer term plans for vehicular access to Dollymount.</p> <p>As a result, the IKSA met directly with Dublin City Council staff on Friday, June 11th 2014, to discuss this topic.</p> <p>We learned that the temporary barriers at both ends of the beach will remain and plans are to be put in place to erect more permanent structures at the Causeway Entrance, while further discussions will take place with regards to access at the Wooden Bridge.</p> <p>DCC, with input from the IKSA, will issue an official statement to members in the coming week to communicate the events leading up to these restrictions, the reasons for the closure and what future plans for vehicular access are.</p> <div class="info"><strong><a name="update_july23"></a>Update July 23rd, 2014</strong></div> <p>Following a Local Area Council meeting on July 21st we have received the following responses from a couple of councillors who attended and brought the topic up on the behalf of the kitesurfing community and other interested parties:<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p> <div class="jmessage"> <blockquote class="black"> <p>It was agreed at yesterdays Area Committee meeting that officials from the Gardai and Council management would meet up and agree a compromise solution that would allow access to the beach, albeit somewhat reduced from that which was previously the case. I believe beach users such as yourselves and disabled persons should be allowed motor access and I feel this will be the case. <br /><br />I will keep you advised.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="jmessage"> <blockquote class="black"> <p>A Chara, <br /><br />You were in touch with me recently in relation to access to Dollymount beach. As you know, Dublin City Council put barriers in place in response to communication and recommendation from the Gardaí with regard to traffic management and public safety issues. The issue was comprehensively discussed by local Councillors at a meeting of the North Central Area Committee of Dublin City Council last Monday.Councillors expressed their concern that this decision was taken unilaterally without any consultation. <br /><br />As a result it was agreed that a further meeting should take place between local Councillors, the Gardaí and the Parks and Landscape Services Division to consider all the issues involved. <br /><br />I will continue to pursue this matter on your behalf and keep you advised of any developments.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="info"><strong><a name="update_oct13"></a>Update October 13th, 2014</strong></div> <div class="jmessage"> <blockquote class="black"> <p>A Chara,<br /><br />Further to previous communication regarding the above I wish to inform you that local Councillors are having a meeting with the City Parks Superintendent Leslie Moore on Wednesday morning to discuss the matter and hopefully reach a pragmatic solution to the current situation where bollards were erected without any consultation with users or local politicians. Myself and Naoise O'Muirí had an emergency motion passed at our last City Council as follows<br /><br /><br />1. That no permanent parking ban be implemented on Dollymount Beach and that full consultation with local representatives, the public and vulnerable beach users takes place prior to any changes to vehicular access.<br /><br />Councillors Naoise Ó Muirí and Deirdre Heney<br /><br />Hopefully we can reach a solution that will at least allow use vehicular access to the beach during daylight hours.<br /><br /> I will keep you informed in this regard.<br /><br />Kind regards,<br />Deirdre.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="info"><strong><a name="update_oct15"></a>Update October 15th, 2014</strong></div> <div class="jmessage"> <blockquote class="black"> <p>A Chara,<br /><br />You were in touch with me previously regarding the decision by City Management earlier this year to unilaterally prohibit vehicular access to Dollymount beach without any public consultation.<br /><br /> As you may be aware a meeting eventually took place this morning between local Councillors and the Parks and Landscape Services Division to discuss this matter further. It was agreed that a new management plan will now be prepared for the beach by May 2015.The plan will deal with traffic management and car parking issues as well as improving the set down areas.<br /><br />I insisted that public consultation should be central to this new plan and this was agreed.<br /><br />In the meantime two parking bay areas for cars as you come off the wooden bridge will now be opened up again. I know that this information will be of interest to you and will certainly continue to keep you advised of developments in relation to this issue.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="jmessage"> <blockquote class="black"> <p>We had our meeting this morning with the City Parks Superintendent Leslie Moore, following which agreement was reached that vehicular access to the beach would be re-opened from the Wooden Bridge end, with parking space reduced by approximately one third, i.e. it was approx 7,000sqm and this will be reduced to approx 4,500 sqm.<br /> We also agreed that a parking and traffic management plan for the Causeway/Bull Wall would be in place by May next year to be implemented by the Parks Dept in June or early July of 2015. <br /><br /> I accept as do others, that un-restricted vehicular access onto Dollymount does result in problems associated with traffic and pedestrian safety and that a proper plan to allow for all beach users to enjoy the facility in a safe and user friendly accessible manner is the way forward. Hopefully, with a properly worked out parking and traffic management plan, we will achieve this and next year all beach users will be able to continue to enjoy this lovely facility, safely.<br /> I intend to continue to pursue this matter with the relevant Council officials.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="jmessage"> <blockquote class="black"> <p>Thank you very much for contacting me about the barriers preventing access to Dollymount Strand<br /><br />There was a meeting held on Wednesday morning between Clontarf local area Councillors and senior officials from Dublin City Council. It was pointed out to DCC officials that there was widespread public dissatisfaction with the manner in which vehicles were blocked from accessing Dollymount Strand. As well as restricting Dubliners with mobility issues, kite-surfers and other users from accessing the beach, DCC's action had also caused widespread traffic management / health & safety difficulties particularly in the summer months. A compromise was reached whereby vehicular access would be reopened at the Bull Wall end only (the causeway end remains closed for vehicular access to the strand) albeit to a smaller car park than previous. In the meantime and before next May 2015 DCC will develop a full traffic management plan for the Island which will take into account the various issues involved including improving emergency access to the beach….and taking into account the opinions of all beach users.</p> </blockquote> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Competition 2014 - Sponsors, Prizes & Winners</h1> <p>2014-06-12T10:37:26+01:00</p> <p><em><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">A quick word about our sponsors...</span></em></p> <hr /> <div class="jmessage"> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.kitesurfwarehouse.com/" target="_blank"> </a></div> <p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Founded in 2004, </span><a href="http://www.kitesurfwarehouse.com" target="_blank"><strong style="line-height: 1.3em;">Kitesurf Warehouse</strong></a><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> is one of the UK and Ireland's first kitesurf shops. <br /><br />They do things a little differently and concentrate on just a small number of brands and purchase them in big bulk, helping to bring them to their customers at really good prices. </span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">With customers all over the world, the entire operation is serviced from a little office and warehouse in County Down. <br /><br />Check out their current stock at </span><a style="line-height: 1.3em;" href="http://www.kitesurfwarehouse.com" target="_blank">www.kitesurfwarehouse.com</a> and go Like them over on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/KitesurfwarehouseUK" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</p> </div> <hr /> <div class="jmessage"> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.aboveboard.ie/" target="_blank"></a></div> <p><a href="http://www.aboveboard.ie/" target="_blank"><strong>Aboveboard</strong></a> is a water sports activity centre based behind the West Pier in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. They teach Kite Surfing, Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP), Winch/Wake boarding lessons, rentals and packages.</p> <p>Classes are taught in small student to instructor ratios, so that people get the most from their lesson. Our courses run all year round, are available at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels and are structured by IKO/ASI/BSUPA International standards.We supply only the most up to date sporting equipment and guarantee a fun day out for families, friends and group bookings.<br /> <br />Check out their <a href="http://www.aboveboard.ie/" target="_blank">website</a>, go Like them over on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/aboveboardkitesupwakebike" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and follow them on <a href="http://twitter.com/AboveboardIrl" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</p> </div> <hr /> <div class="jmessage"> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.puremagic.ie/" target="_blank"> </a></div> <p><a style="line-height: 1.3em;" href="http://www.puremagic.ie" target="_blank"><strong>Pure Magic Watersports</strong></a><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> is a </span><a style="line-height: 1.3em;" href="http://puremagic.ie/dublin/" target="_blank">Kitesurfing/Stand Up Paddle board shop and school based in Dublin</a><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> since 2006, and since 2010, also a </span><a style="line-height: 1.3em;" href="http://puremagic.ie/achill/" target="_blank">B'n'B, restaurant and activity centre in Achill Island</a><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">.<br /><br /></span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">But Pure Magic is not only a shop or school, Pure Magic are a family which opens their door, their home and their passions to you, you will understand the passion and motivation we all share. Sharing is caring. Sharing is everything. </span></p> <p>They love putting all their efforts towards the same goal; sharing special moments and of course these moments we love ourselves... it could be a kite lesson, a trip in SUP, a trip abroad, or it could be an event. The whole idea of Pure Magic is about SHARING OUR PASSION.<br />Obviously, to do so, we also believe in providing Excellence and Experience to each of our student-customer-guest. This is why we have always been working to the best standards with the best team, equipment and philosophy.<br />Pure Magic also believe strongly in the community. The Irish community involved in all the water sports has been growing day after day and this is a point of great pride and to be part of this development. Ireland is a unique place in the world for that there is nowhere better to make friends on the beach or on the water.</p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Check out their <a href="http://www.puremagic.ie/" target="_blank">website</a> and go Like the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PureMagicWatersports" target="_blank">Dublin</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pure-Magic-Achill/191659714219784" target="_blank">Achill</a> Facebook Pages and follow them on <a href="http://twitter.com/PureMagicKite" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</span></p> </div> <hr /> <div class="jmessage"> <div align="center"><a href="http://hookedkitesurfing.ie/" target="_blank"> </a></div> <p><strong><a href="http://hookedkitesurfing.ie/" target="_blank">Hooked Kitesurfing</a></strong> is based on Duncannon Beach Co.Wexford, Ireland's first bespoke kitesurfing centre opened in June 2013 over looking the picturesque Hook Head peninsula. <br /><br />Owner Niall Roche has been teaching here since 2009 year round and also runs the annual Hooked Kitefest in August each year. <br />"There is no better thrill than getting giving a student their first board start down the beach, it's an amazing feeling and for the student even more" says Niall, " I love teaching as much as I did 5 yrs ago when I started".</p> <p>Check out their <a href="http://hookedkitesurfing.ie/" target="_blank">website</a>, go Like them over on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/hookedkitesurfing" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and follow them on <a href="http://twitter.com/hookedkitesurf" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</p> </div> <hr /> <div class="jmessage"> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.kiteessence.eu/" target="_blank"> </a></div> <p><a href="http://www.kiteessence.eu/" target="_blank"><strong>Kiteessence</strong></a> is a fast growing kitesurfing company created by people who love kiting, for people who want to try this adrenaline feeling and taste of excitement.</p> <p>They specialise in providing professional kitesurfing lessons with IKO qualified instructors in Dublin Bay.</p> <p>Check out their <a href="http://www.kiteessence.eu/" target="_blank" rel="alternate">website</a>, go Like them over on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kiteessence.dublin" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and follow them on <a href="https://twitter.com/Kiteessence" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</p> </div> <hr /> <p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The Prizes - sponsored by 'our good selves' and, with <strong><span style="font-size: large;">HUGE</span></strong> thanks to, </span><a style="line-height: 1.3em;" href="http://www.kitesurfwarehouse.com/" target="_blank">Kitesurf Warehouse</a>, <a href="http://www.aboveboard.ie" target="_blank">Aboveboard</a>, <a href="http://www.puremagic.ie" target="_blank">Pure Magic Watersports</a>, <a href="http://hookedkitesurfing.ie/" target="_blank">Hooked Kite Surfing</a> and <a href="http://www.kiteessence.eu/" target="_blank" rel="alternate">Kiteessence</a> <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">...</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">, in no particular order, are:</span></p> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong><a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/iksa-hoodies" target="_blank">IKSA hoodies</a></strong> - we have <span style="text-decoration: underline;">at least</span> three of these, assorted sizes and colours, to give away </span></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong><a href="http://weatherflow.com/WindMeter/" target="_blank">Weather Flow Wind Meter</a></strong> (<span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>WON</em></span>) - awesome little device that takes a wind reading (speed & direction) with your smart phone</span></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong>One Year's <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/join/membership-faq" target="_blank">IKSA Membership</a></strong> (<span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>WON</em></span>) - one lucky member will get their current membership extended by 12 months</span></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong>Ace Helmet</strong> - (<span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>WON</em></span>) suitable for kite, wake (maybe even riding your bike - but probably not!)</span></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong>Pro Skin Rash Vests</strong> - we have five of these, assorted sizes and colours, to give away</span></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong>Progression Advanced DVD</strong> - get out of your Intermediate comfort zone & hit new Advanced heights with your tricks</span></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong>Progression Professional DVD</strong> - take the roof off and go pro all the way!</span></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong><a href="http://www.aboveboard.ie/sup-stand-up-paddle-boarding/" target="_blank">SUP Session</a></strong> <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">(<span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>WON</em></span>)</span> for a group of 4 people, with Aboveboard, for those windless days (<em>valid Monday to Friday</em>)</span></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong>Mystic Star Short-arm Long-leg Wetsuit</strong> (Small) (<span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>WON</em></span>)</span></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong>Cabrinha Lycra Rash Vest</strong> (X-Small) (<span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>WON</em></span>)</span></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Pure Magic Hoodie </span></strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">(</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>WON</em></span>)</span></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Collector's Edition Battle for the Bay T-Shirt </span></strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">(</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>WON</em></span>)</span></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Cabrinha Baseball Cap </span></strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">(</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>WON</em></span>)</span></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong>Advanced 1:1 Lesson</strong> with Hooked Kitesurfing - (<em>2.5hr - </em><em>rider must have previously completed full course with a school</em>)<br /></span></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Billabong Rashguard</span></strong></li> </ul> <ul class="normal_red"> <li><strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Girl's Femi Pleasure Hoodie </span></strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">(<span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>W</em></span></span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>ON</em></span>)</span><strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br /></span></strong></li> </ul> <p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">We will continue adding to this list as more sponsors come forward and more prizes are added to the "booty bag".</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Remember the cut off point for the first draw is <strong>Friday, June 13th at 12:00</strong> (midday, noon, etc.) - make sure your membership is active at that time to ensure your name is in the hat!!!</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Winners will be added below as each prize is drawn!</span></p> <p><a name="winners"></a>Following our first draw, we have a winner...</p> <ol> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>June 13th: Mr Ronan Conway</strong></span> - wins an <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/iksa-hoodies" target="_blank">IKSA Hoodie</a>, and as it's our first draw, a Pro Skin Rashie!!! [<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152934441833345" target="_blank">Live Draw Video</a>]</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">June 20th: Roman Deak</span></strong> - wins Summer Wetsuit, Pro Skin Rashie, Battle for Bay t-shirt & Sunscreen!!! [<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152955195323345" target="_blank">Live Draw Video</a>]. Roman very generously decided to pass his prizes on to one of our junior members, and after a random selection, Darragh O'Brien will be the recipient of the prize bundle - congrats Darragh & thanks very much Roman for this very generous gesture.</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">July 4th: Sarah Bogossian</span></strong> - selected for herself a SUP Session for 4 People [<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10153009775648345" target="_blank">Live Draw Video</a>]</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>July 11th:</strong></span> <strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Mikee Hamilton</span> - </strong>Weatherflow Windmeter & Pure Magic Hoodie winging their way to you [<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10153012519993345" target="_blank">Live Draw Video</a>]</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>July 18th:</strong></span> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Wiktoria Konczylo</strong></span> - prizes are Ace Helmet and Girl's Femi Pleasure Hoodie <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">[<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10153030888598345" target="_blank">Live Draw Video</a>]</span><br /></span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>July 25th: Kyra McKenna </strong></span>- wins 1 year's IKSA Membership and Cabrinha Baseball Cap [<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10153056424948345" target="_blank">Live Draw Video</a>]</span></span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">August 1st:</span> [<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10153067898683345" target="_blank">Live Draw Video</a>]</strong></span></span></li> </ol> </article> <article> <h1>Are you... Ready for Battle?</h1> <p>2014-05-16T14:22:17+01:00</p> <p></p> <p>Excitement is building... you can hear it, feel it, touch it, even taste it... and the IKSA is delighted to be involved in supporting the Kitesurfing Events during the 2014 Battle for the Bay!!!</p> <p>The French team travelling over have been in training (<em>and they're ready</em>), Pure Magic's team are running rings around Clontarf, Dollymount, Sutton and Achill Island to ensure they are <em>fighting-fit</em> for their <strong>Event of the Year</strong> (<em>and they're ready</em>)......</p> <p>Our question is: <span style="display: block; margin: 0px auto; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Are you ready?..., <span style="font-size: x-large;">Really Ready?....., </span> <span style="font-size: xx-large;">Battle Ready???!!!</span></span> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">To borrow a few words from Sun Tzu; </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><em style="line-height: 1.3em;">The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.</em></span></p> <p>So, the key to <em>Battle Preparation</em> is good planning, and planning ahead (well that's Step 1 anyway)</p> <ul class="arrow_red"> <li><strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Did you know that you can <a href="http://battleforthebay.com/registration/" target="_blank">pre-register</a> for this year's Battle For The Bay event directly on the <a href="http://battleforthebay.com/registration/" target="_blank">Battle For The Bay website</a>?<br /><br /></span></strong></li> <li><strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Are you aware that 3rd Party Insurance is <span style="color: #ff0000;">ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY</span> for event entry?<br /><br /></span></strong></li> <li><strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Do you have the necessary 3rd Party Insurance cover to compete???</span></strong></li> </ul> <p>Here's how the IKSA can help....</p> <p><a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/join/join-now">Joining the IKSA</a> or ensuring your <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/join/subscription">IKSA Membership is up-to-date</a> (and not set for expiry during the Battle Weekend) provides you with the 3rd Party Insurance cover to kite in Ireland and abroad (with exclusions) which means there will be no disappointment on event day(s).</p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Membership also means that you are supporting the IKSA in it's </span><a style="line-height: 1.3em;" href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/about-us/what-we-do">vision, mission and objectives</a><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">, which means continued, </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">safe and responsible kitesurfing in Ireland as well as helping us to grow and to be able to provide <strong>Improved Membership Benefits</strong>, <strong>Additional and Better Funded Member Events</strong> and helping the <strong>Recognition of the IKSA as the National Governing Body for Kitesurfing in Ireland</strong>.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/join/join-now">Join</a> or <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/join/subscription">Renew</a> today so you can... <strong>Be Ready<span style="font-size: medium;"><sup>(**)</sup></span></strong></span><span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-size: medium;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-size: medium;"><em>Remember, there is a <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/news/76-guide-to-using-this-site" target="_blank">Quick Guide to Using the IKSA site</a> if you need some assistance accessing your account or signing up.</em></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><em><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">** Unfortunately, the IKSA can not support offline registrations or renewals on the day of the event - Please ensure you organise your membership prior to the event to avoid disappointment on event day(s).<br />Please use the <a href="http://www.iksa.ie/index.php/contact">Contact Us</a> form if you have any questions or issues arising from this.</span></em></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><em style="line-height: 1.3em;">The IKSA is a non-profit organisation, run by volunteers... all funds are used to provide member insurance, organise and support events and help the IKSA support safe and responsible kitesurfing in Ireland.</em></p> </article> </main></body></html>