The windsurfers headed out from Yaverland beach this morning for the World Cup Windsurfing long distance event. The keen windsurfers ran into the water and jumped on their boards to get a head start in the two mile race. Dan Simpson took first place in the pro men’s category, Xavier Ferlet came first in the masters category, and Liam Round won the junior category.

The UK Freestyle Windsurfing Championships also took place this afternoon, with experienced windsurfers judging the event. The competitors are judged on their fluidity and performance, including whether they finish the trick. The 15 windsurfers were displaying a number of tricks including spocks, flackers, and willy skippers. In the pro mens category, Andy Chambers took first place, followed by Simon Hurry and Colin Dixon. In the youth category, Richard Jones came first, followed by Sam Neil and Ryan Humphrey. The junior category saw Ben Harwood take first place, Glen Sullivan in second, and Rupert Kilburn in third.

Also on the water today was a paddle boarding challenge. Seven teams of three or four raced from the beach at Yaverland to a buoy just off the shore. Pros from a whole range of sports including mountain boarding and skating took part, as did the RAF Recruiting Team, who won the competition! There were even some fully clothed competitors, who managed to stay on the board without falling off which was impressive considering the choppy waters.

The ‘Pierat’ jet skiers were also on the water, performing the final two displays of their Freestyle tour. The sea conditions let the pros show off their best moves including barrel rolls, bull dogs and flares. Their moves really illustrated the raw talent these guys have for jetski freestyle moves.

After a session on the water this morning, the kite surfers started their UK Freestyle and Big Air competition. The windy conditions made for some excellent kite surfing, with the four competitors pulling some massive air. The event was judged by the kite surfers’ girlfriends who judged the technical performance, and height of the tricks. Neil Hilder came in first place, followed by Murray and Chris Burke.

The mighty Thundercats displayed yet more action on the water today, with 5 races and one final. The slight breeze caught the boats as they headed out from the shore at Yaverland. By the last race, the conditions were really rough, making it a challenge for the final race on the final day of the festival! In first place was driver Mike Hatting and navigator Candice Pretorius, followed by driver Sean Fisher and navigator Brad Bosman in second place. In third was driver Darryn Harrison and navigator Sam Lane. Sam said: “The racing was excellent, and I’ve really enjoyed the festival this year. I hope I get an invite for 2008!”

The Thundercats have been racing throughout the weekend, and the final results saw driver Sean fisher and navigator Brad Bosman in first place. Storming through in second place was driver Mike Hatting and navigator Candice Pretorius. Following in third was driver Scott Wilson and navigator Kevin Elford. The racing has been excellent this weekend, with spectators really making the most of the action from the beach at White Air.

Meanwhile, on dry land, the Wight Offroad Challenge started this morning, with over twenty riders taking part in the 30K and 60K events. The mountain bikers headed from the festival at Yaverland to St Martins Down, Stenbury Down, St Catherines Down, Rams down, St George’s and Brading before racing back to Yaverland. In the 60K race, in joint first place were Andrew Barrett and Barry Daniels. In the 30K race, in joint first place again, were Bevin Karlow and Colin White.

There was yet more fun to be had in the main festival arena, with graffiti pros painting the back of the big ramps, the graffiti cube, and the main graffiti canvas by the music stage. Writers including the Greek 101 team impressed onlookers with their artistic talent. Mountain board and bike pros also ran demos throughout the day on the massive ramps, pulling yet more tricks out of the bag!

The final day was a huge success, and thanks to the partner sponsors including the RAF, IOW Council, IWEP, Merrell, Corona, and Wight Link. Everybody had a truly fantastic time. The festival has expanded in size and reputation yet again this year, and lets hope next year just gets better! Here’s to White Air 2007 and looking forward to 2008!