HAPPY NEW YEAR

The recession made a huge impact on many people, however it seems that for the Brits, the only way to tackle the more challenging of times is to get on a board and ride it out.  

Throughout 2011, we saw some fantastic events put on by the shops and the dedicated event organisers. As usual, many of the shops support charities through their events and remember those who once sailed along sailed us all. 
With out the dedication and passion of the shops, the more local events wouldn't happen and we salute them for their efforts.

Last year the BSA, BWA, UKWA, British Speed Association and Hayling Island events were as always, superb and the turn out of competitors and spectators were at an all time high.
So a big thank you goes out to those who spend months and months planning, organising and running the event on the day with such dedication and energy. With out them, the supports of all the brands and the windsurfing community, the events just wouldn't happen.

The K66 team have had some fantasitc successes through the season, with Ant Baker championing the BSA Slalom title and Simon Cofield coming in at a very respecatable second.

For our young guns out on the water, Max Rowe did is first full season on the PWA freestyle tour with promising results. Max achieved a 3rd overall in the UK, which was great seeing as he could only attend one UK event and is now 19th on the PWA world Ranking grid. Sam Latham came 6th overall in the pro division as well as achieving the under twenties British Champion title.

Well done to our North Sails team rider Tim Gibson for bringing home the British Formular title! 
And last but by no means least, we congratulate Tim Frampton for taking a first in the Amateurs Masters Championship.

In 2011, our first dedicated Fanatic SUP and ION shop opended in Falmouth. WeSUP, based on Gylly Beach have shown us how to have the paramount in SUP fun. There is no stopping them when it comes to organising Stand Up Paddle Boarding events and pulling together a strong SUP community ont he shores of Falmouth. We have a feeling that Falmouth won't be the only place you'll see those WeSUPPERS!

A particular highlight people are still talking about is Marcillio Brownes' visit to the UK. 
Brawzinho spent a week with the K66 family, where we took him from pillar to post around London and the south to attend various events. First off, the National Windsurf Festival, where he hung out socially (he particulary enjoyed the party!) and joined in for the night race.
That same weekend, Brawzinho experience a more unusal type event to that of the windsurfing kind. K66 was asked to get involved with a 4000 people a day event by Future Cinema in London's Canary Wharf, (see Septembers news sheets) where Brawzinho helped set up into the early hours during the week and then came back up after NWF on the Sunday evening to experience the event live, representing Fanatic and ION. 

The boys took Brawzinho to Hove Lagoons' recently (summer 2011) opened wake cable park, where he got on on the water on two different types of boards.
A wakeboard of course, but also an original Windsurfer. Dave White brought down a vintage board and sail for the boys to try. After that session, Brawzinho (who had spent more time in the water, hush, don't tell anyone though!) had a lot of repect for the windsurfers of the by gone years and Nik and the boys managed to reminice over their sailing day's of the 80's. 
Just in case Brawzinho hadn't suffered enough from the cold and the rain, we took him to a drizzly Camber Sands where the wind and waves were epic. Much to the delight of unsuspecting windsurfers on the beach that day, they not only saw one of most talented windsurfers out on thier shores, but they could sail along side him. 

It was fantastic to have Brawzinho over here. He has incredible energy and passion for life. There were very late nights, early mornings, long drives, but at every minute of his visit, he just was a shining beacon for sport and his enthusiasm never wiltered. He is a great role model and it this kind of energy that will keep Windsurfing alive for a long time to come. 

Last year, after much begging to Dave White, K66 aquired a new addition to the family in the form of the ultimate demo accessory; events will never quite be the same again.
Holding all the kit Fanatic, North and ION have to offer, K66 will be able to bring to the masses the widest array of kit in all shapes and sizes. And with a mini K66 HQ on board, you can to talk to Nik and the team to get the latest information, handy tips and advise. If you time it right, the kettle might even be on. Biscuits make for a good bartering tool. 

Looking forward into 2012, we wonder what the new year will have in store for us. January is the month for planning, so whilst we fill in the calendar and keep an out for the wind and waves, we will also take time to re-group, reflect and prepare for an exciting year ahead.

If there is one thing to get excited about, it's the 2012 London Olympics. We are thrilled that team rider Bryony Shaw will be up there again competing for Gold, especially as it's on home soil. At the Beijing Olympics, Bryony came 3rd and is the proud owner of a bronze medal. So, onwards and upwards...Good luck Bryony.

Before the season starts, if you want to get in touch to let us know about your events, tell us your ideas, ask for advise... the office door is always open.

We look forward to seeing you on the water or beach in the near future.

Nik and the K66 team