White Air Extreme Sports Festival

The 10th anniversary of White Air has been deemed a huge success with more than 20,000 spectators and competitors flocking to the Island in a bid to position themselves right at the heart of the action.

This four-day event is one of the largest in the world that is dedicated to extreme sports on land, on sea and in the air. White Air began nine years ago in 1997, starting as a wind and surf-based challenge stemming from the attraction of the Island's superb conditions, beaches, and of course, waves. It has rapidly expanded and is now one of the most prestigious international festivals in the sporting calendar.

Following this decade of rapid growth, the event is set to take on an exciting new twist next year when it moves to August and takes on responsibility for hosting the World Windsurfing Championships; the biggest Windsurfing Event ever held in the UK featuring 100 racers from 40 countries.

World-class sporting action coupled with a worldwide reputation

The adrenaline-fuelled Wight Air is renowned for attracting top competitors and high-profile sponsors to the Island’s shores and 2006 was once again no exception. Some of the biggest names in extreme sports showcased their talent throughout the event, across 14 different sports.

Windsurfers made the most of the wind at Yaverland on Saturday, competing for the Windsurfing Freewave UK Finals Championships. The Windsurfing UK Finals Slalom also took place on Saturday, whilst kite surfers headed to Compton Bay, a notorious surf spot, to compete for the UK RRD BKSA Wavemasters Kitesurfing Championships. The White Air Kayak Surfing Open (a new extreme sport added to the event calendar this year) was also held at Compton Bay with displays continuing to take place on Sunday.

Sunshine, spirit and spectacular stunts

Also taking to the water were the Thundercats, battling it out on Saturday and Sunday at Yaverland in the Powerboat Races. Crowds gathered on the beach, enjoying a gratifying combination of sunshine and action. The ‘Pierats’ held Jet Ski displays throughout the course of White Air with ‘barrell rolls,’ ‘nose stabs’ and other freestyle moves keeping the spectators in awe. Even the choppy water on Saturday didn’t stop the ‘Pierats’ from heading out to keep the crowds entertained.

There was much action throughout the weekend with regard to the land-based sports, although the RAF Mountain Board MBS European Cup was delayed until Sunday due to windy weather. With top international riders hitting the ramp, crowds watched as ten competitors and three additional ‘wildcard’ riders demonstrated their best moves in a bid to win the European Cup title. Mountain bikers headed out on the Wight Off-road Challenge on Saturday, with a 100K, 50K and 25K route.

Awe, amazement and astonishment

The Mountain Bike Display Team held trials throughout the weekend, bridging bigger and bigger gaps in their pallet park to entertain the crowds. The Traceur Team performed on Saturday and Sunday demonstrating their mazing talent and passion for parkour.
Workshops were also held for beginners to get to grips with the concepts and basics of the sport. Daily competitions were held, with winners receiving a pair of Merrell shoes.

For further information relating to the results and finalists of all of the events featured as part of this year's White Air Extreme Sports Festival please visit the official White Air website.

Graffiti artists inspired the audience with their talent throughout the event in association with Big Bad Buffalo, bringing influence from the city to the Isle of Wight whilst top local artists Toxic showcased their talent. Workshops were held with Toxic, allowing people the chance to try graffiti out for themselves.

Something for everyone

If watching the professionals became all too much in inspiring others to take part, 750 spectators were treated to expert instruction in the ‘Have-a-Go’ sessions held throughout the weekend. Event-goers were given the opportunity to experience radical extreme and adventure sports at White Air with tuition and information from the top stars and pro teachers. Over the four days White Air was once again offering limited taster sessions in the sports of surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, mountain board, mountain bike trials, parkour, and also thundercats, sailing, paragliding, graffiti art, skate, winddisc and more in association with the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership.

Without a doubt White Air 2006 saw it’s ten years of success being celebrated in style, with parties held on both Friday and Saturday night. Live bands and DJ’s kept everyone dancing to the early hours with VIP’s being treated to an exclusive party on Friday evening.

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