As our sport continues to evolve and diversify, so too does the BKSA. We’ve stepped into our next strategic cycle: from rebuild and secure to invest and grow. This means creating new assets, building media partnerships, and paving the way for stronger sponsorship opportunities.

Our events circuit expanded massively last year, four times the size of previous seasons with seven out of eight successful events across wingfoil racing, waves, and Big Air. For the second year in a row, we saw world-class riding at Portland Harbour in the autumn, setting a new bar for British competition.

Greatstone kicked off the season in Kent with solid winds and strong numbers, while Troon brought the tour back north for the first Scottish event in over a decade crowning a local hero in challenging conditions. Littlehampton treated us to some of the best conditions we’ve seen in years: sunshine, 25 knots, Lewis Crathern on the mic, and a great atmosphere at The Beach restaurant. It’s easy to see why we’re heading back there in 2026.

Wingfoil racing hit new heights across Cornwall, Dorset, and Northumberland, tough conditions, incredible community spirit, and the best BBQ on the circuit thanks to Martin Charlton and the BKSA crew. Wave riding on the Irish west coast delivered epic waves (even if the wind didn’t join us!), and we made the most of it with foil demos and clinics for the dedicated crew who made the trip.

Beyond the events, we’re building BKSA’s long-term sustainability targeting Sport England Tier 3 Governance Code compliance by the end of 2026 and securing funding to strengthen the association’s future. Last year we also delivered the world’s first parawing CPD training, now available to our schools network so they can teach and learn this safely.

We’ve brought more BKSA coaches on board, including a new PRO coach category, to better serve the intermediate and advanced market. On top of that, our Sport England Movement Fund grant helped us get over 700 young people flying kites, wings, and parawings in schools a fantastic moment for grassroots growth.

As we enter our second strategic investment year, our focus is on continuing funding initiatives, empowering clubs to deliver regional events, and tackling our slow membership decline head-on.

Finally, as both Andy, Phil and I step down from the board at the upcoming AGM, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to this shared journey. It’s been an incredible experience to see how far we’ve come — and to know the future of the BKSA, and our sport, has never looked stronger.

 

 

See you on the water,

Will Richardson