Lift-off for kite-surfers in Duncannon

THERE were perfect conditions on Saturday for 25 kite-surfers who travelled from across Ireland and the UK to compete in the Hooked Kite Fest competition in Duncannon.

Now in its eight year, the competition sees kite-surfers pull off gravity defying acts of technical brilliance just off the beach in Duncannon.

A crowd of children gathered on the beach on Saturday and shouted ‘Go!’ kick starting the competition.

Organised by Niall Roche of Hooked on Duncannon surf school, the standard this year was exceptionally high, with 19-year-old Belfast wonder surfer Stefan Vance sweeping the boards, claiming the overall prize.

A mixture of juniors, ladies and seniors competitions were run in tandem over the weekend.

Niall said: ‘It was a great spectacle and the competition is now among the top in the country. We had sunshine and wind (on Saturday). The surfers had seven minutes for each competition to complete the course. The wind changed on Sunday so we changed the course and had one race. There was a great buzz in the village all weekend, with the food market and events for young and old.’