This is how the latest adrenalin sport is being heralded.
Imagine a large brightly coloured kite sweeping and diving in the sky. Then 30m below it, like a puppet on a string, a surfer holding a control bar, suddenly launches upwards and away spinning and dancing below it, flying through the air before touching down and surfing on, being pulled by the kite to the next launch zone.

That is kitesurfing and it is spreading around the country forming small enclaves of devotees being hooked by the challenge and thrill of trying something new.

The weekend of the 1st - 3rd Nov will see Keel, Achill Island play host to Irelands biggest International Kitesurfing Competition and Party.
This will be the Grand Finale to the “HB WIND ADDICTION TOUR 2002”; which was a tour of exhibition events sponsored and organised by HB the ice cream people.
HB took five of the top riders in the country and supplied them with branded kites and with 2FM’s Rick O’Shea and Ruth Scott, toured them all over Ireland for ten weeks of beach fun and games.
Now at the start of winter enthusiasts of this new and visually exciting sport will gather on the resort of Achill for competition and Craic.
Event organiser Ed says, “This is a major event for the sport and Ireland. We are expecting nearly all the kitesurfers in Ireland to be there as well as some international riders. Already confirmed are WIPIKA rider Cory Adcook and NORTH riders Andy Gratwick and Nigel Boley; both who will have the new kites and boards for 2003 on show and demo.
But, This aside it is more about gathering together as many Irish kite surfers as possible for fun and excitement. Your level and ability are second to you coming and having a huge amount of fun.”
If you already kitesurf, if you want to, or if you have no idea, but are interested in seeing something so new and so radical come along and bring your friends to Achill for the week end for what promises to be a spectacular airborne display of colour and skill.
The Achill Head Hotel will provide the social centre for the riders with live music DJ’s and videos through out the kitesurfing weekend.
For more info check out www.rellstudios.com/kite Oh yeah, turn your speakers up loud for the trailer on the home page.