Middle Wallop. May 2004

And so another countdown was underway, looking forward to a very much so hyped up event. Though one that did live up to its reputation and all the speculation. When the time hit 5pm and the gates opened to the field the cars wandered on in, with people who had never been there before awestruck at the amount of space available.

After a good nights worth of pitching up tents, meeting the neighbours and praying for good wind; Everyone was up early for the 9AM registration to fly. Over all the weekend a spectacular display of kite sizes, brands, colours, and types was around.

In comparison to previous Middle Wallops this was the largest yet, the approximation of people who registered for traction activities was 899, all of which seemed to have fun even with the fact that every day had some rain! As the pictures show the place was beautiful, many people kited in the showers (from 20 mins to an hour). Leaving a lovely surface to fly on.

The weather probably couldn't have been much better despite forcasts (We laugh at those who decided not to go because of bad forcasts!). Saturday everyone got up and although slightly overcast and turning into sharp and heavy showers later in the day it was still quite warm, the wind was low throughout the day, although a lot of people still went out and had some fun buggying and boarding with large kites, Tom and another Dirtsurfer rider were flying about on large Flysurfers showing that Dirtsurfers are made for speed and that even 2 wheels can work with a kite.

Sunday and Monday everyone woke to bright sunshine which stayed most of the morning both days until a few squalls came in late morning/afternoon, proving fun for those boarders on large kites who were pulling off massive jumps, the buggiers challenging them every step of the way, going big with large blades.

The KiteATB.co.uk crew did try to get the Demo sorted out in the arena, which involved a lot of running around and only had two competitors get run through before the decision was made to cancel the event. Instead it was replace with a general all out freestyle (free for all, get people into the arena, for the period the wind picked up) - With Rob Evans (AKA Trebor of Trebor Snave Productions, who has produced excellent videos such as: Daze 4 and the Frenzy 04 Video) getting some footage.

Other non kiting highlights include late night action in the beer tent (in gallery), with many beers to chose from, and Giant Jenga to play. Also Rob sorted out a fantastic Middle Wallop Film Festival on the sunday night (hopefully the first of many). Which also premiered the trailer/sneak preview of the new land based DVD called "Ground To Air" which shall be out in later summer apparently.

Many thanks to everyone who went to make it a good weekend, and i may forget your names but i will remember the faces.

A Massive thanks to everyone who was involved in the organisation and running of the event:
Ian Meredith (Mell)
Teenie Boarder and 'Stalker'
Roy and Hayley of Kitesup
Mike Shaw
Colin
The boarders who showed there skills and those who intended to but had no wind
The bar staff
The traders
The guy that maintained the toilets and the one who filled the water tank
The people who kept their litter and those who picked it up
and finally, those who went and had fun (and shouted Sorry!)

Monkey Bum Clothing

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