Kite Surfing Kite surfer Barrett flies so close to a medal RISING kite surfing star Ali Barrett has narrowly missed out on a podium finish in the professional men’s category of the British Championship tour. Ali, 17, from Blackpool Road, Andsell, ended the season in fifth place overall following the final round on Hayling Island, Hampshire, but would have finished second had he not missed an earlier event while competing in the Dominican Republic. Sixth-former Ali, who studies at Lytham St Annes High School Technology College, said he was grateful for the opportunity to ride with the world’s best in the Caribbean, but was gutted to find out his travels had cost him a place in the British top three. He said: “My current position of fifth doesn’t reflect the work I have put in this year or what I am capable of. I will definitely be back next year to set the record straight!” Three years kiting has seen Ali compete on the glorious beaches of Egypt, Turkey and Spain, so it’s no wonder he’s so enthusiastic about this little-known, but rapidly developing sport. He said: “I first got interested after seeing kite surfers at my local beach and thinking it looked fun, so I saved up and bought a kite. It’s an amazing lifestyle; I love it in a big way.” “I will be training at Blackpool Star Gate this winter and plan to do the whole British tour next year. I love competing with the top riders in the country as it really pushes my riding.” Richard Gowers, chairman of the British Kite Surfing Associaiton, said: “Ali is definitely a rider to watch and it’s unfortunate that he’s missed out this year. We will look forward to seeing him back again in 2008.” Email us and tell us about your stories!