Competition organiserand kite-surf instructor, Niall Roche.Photograph by Patrick Browne

Let's go fly a kite!

Duncannon Beach in County Wexford is home to the Irish National Kite Surfing Championships, which will take place during Hooked Kite Fest this August 13th and 14th.

The Irish Kite-surfing Association and Hooked Kite-surfing host the Championships on Duncannon Beach and spectators can look forward to seeing the skills from the very best junior, female and male riders from across Ireland and the globe as they compete over the weekend in a series of course racing and freestyle events.

Over 50 kite-surfers will compete in the men’s, women’s and junior (under 18’s) categories demonstrating their skills, airs and speed in a series of Course racing and Hang-time competitions over the weekend and there is still space for competitors to pre-register at iksa.ie. The President and Vice-President of the IKSA will judge the Kite-Surfer skills during the competition.

Organiser Niall Roche says Duncannon Beach is a spot that never fails to deliver to action and excitement for kitesurfing.

“We are busy gearing ourselves up for Wexford’s seventh annual Hooked Kitefest. We are delighted to have the IKSA involved in the competition side of things, following a massively successful of the watercharge in 2015 , we cannot wait for it, it has been a fantastic summer for kitesurf condtions so far at Duncannon so we are hoping conditions remain as steady for the competition weekend. The event offers an array of activities for young and old alike. With live outdoor music and DJ on the beach and kids activities it guarantees to be a fun packed weekend on the beach and the competitions will run on Saturday and Sunday 11am – 5pm.”

The Hooked Kite Fest also offers a host of free family fun and entertainment for landlubbers, including water zorbing, archery, face painting, kids' power kite lessons and much more. There'll also be a festival BBQ and beach party. For a full programme of see visitwexford.ie