Ali Barrett and Hannah Whiteley, our ExPix kitesurfing team riders took part in the British Kitesurf Championship the other week; this time it was back to Hunstanton for the Lifestyles Event. Hannah was looking for a win to give her a secure lead over fellow competitors in her fight to retain the British Championship title and Ali wanted to get back on the podium to bag some much needed points after his Uni course so 'rudely' interrupted his challenge when an exam set for the Friday meant that Ali was unable to compete at Barrow. As usual ExPix were there to offer Hannah and Ali some support and to document their efforts.

With plenty to do on and off the water and as the only spot on the British tour that offers additional activities for non wind days, the Lifestyles Event at Hunstanton has been an old favourite on the tour for a few years now. As many kiters know there is nothing more frustrating than waiting around for wind, especially when there is naff all else to do but with the likes of BMX, windsurf skateboard, in line, trade stands, a VW display and a music festival together with many more 'have a go' activities, Lifestyles has it covered!

The wind didn't play ball on Friday so there was no riding which lead to some very frustrated riders at the BBQ at the night time. Unable to release their frustrations on the water, the riders turned on each other with spectacular 'messy' results. Water fights, tomato ketchup shooting; oh, on nights like these we're soooo glad that we had the camera with us, it was just too good to miss!

Saturday morning brought with it one or two hangovers and some very, very uncertain weather conditions. With a grey start and a forecast to brighten up we weren't expecting the lighting we got towards the end of the day. Sunlight highlighting riders against a storm cloud back ground produced some amazing colours and effects, shame the pro's weren't riding, but a bonus for the ams ;-) Most of the heats were completed and that left the finals for Sunday.

Saturday evening continued where Friday's had left off, with even more mess but this time in the form of wine challneges; there's something about Hunstaton that gets everyone so fired up and on it!

Sunday brought with it sunny weather and a light wind; not the best for the pro's but they still managed to get out and compete. With the rest of the finals separating the pro's heats, things were getting gradually worse as the wind slowly died, but not before all the competition was finished.

So with the event over the results were announced and we're pleased to say that Ali took third place on the podium, strengthening his overall position as third on the tour whilst Hannah got a first. As her closest rival on the tour was pushed out to fourth place, Hannah opened up her overall lead and is now well on the way to becoming the only female kitesurfer to retain the British Championship title in three consecutive years.

For all the pics from the event check out our Hunstanton Lifestyles Gallery