EKKC - East Kent Kitesurfing Community

21/08/2026

Hi everyone,

The EKKC trustees met this week and, among the many exciting activities and projects happening across our local kitesurfing community, we also discussed the possibility of holding another downwinder.

We know a number of people have already expressed interest, so the next step is to gauge how many riders would genuinely be up for taking part.

Kite Pirates is planning a Whitstable to Minnis Bay downwinder in October, with the exact date dependent on suitable conditions.

If you’re interested, please take a couple of minutes to complete the Google Form on the event page. This is currently just an expression of interest and will help determine whether there is enough demand to go ahead.

Surfr are also supporting the event and have offered some prizes for riders taking part, subject to their terms and conditions.

You can find all the details and the interest form here:

https://ekkc.org/events/whitstable-minnis-bay-kitesurfing-downwinder/

If you’d like to see this happen, please get your name down and feel free to share it with other experienced riders who may be interested.

Register your interest in the Kite Pirates Whitstable to Minnis Bay kitesurfing downwinder this October, raising funds for Porchlight.

18/08/2026

🪁 10 funded kitesurfing places available for young people in Broadstairs
East Kent Kitesurfing Community is recruiting the next 10 participants for its Wind Futures programme following £7,000 in funding from Broadstairs & St Peter’s Town Council.
The places are specifically for young people living in Broadstairs who would love the opportunity to learn to kitesurf but who would not ordinarily be able to afford professional lessons.
🌊 No previous experience required
🪁 Professional kitesurfing lessons
📍 Broadstairs residents
👥 Primarily ages 16–21, with applications accepted from age 15
💷 Intended for young people where the cost of lessons would normally be a barrier
The first six Wind Futures participants are already progressing through their lessons, with some now riding on the water.
Applications are open now.
👉 https://ekkc.org/events/broadstairs-town-council-funding-creates-10-new-wind-futures-places/
Please share this opportunity with any young people or families who may benefit.

Applications are open for 10 funded Wind Futures kitesurfing places for young people in Broadstairs, supported by £7,000 from the Town Council.

21/06/2026

Raise free donations for East Kent Kitesurfing Community when shopping online with easyfundraising. It won’t cost you a penny extra.All you need to do is:

1. Go to https://join.easyfundraising.org.uk/east-kent-kitesurfing-community/pn4kzg/s2s/Iw6YXgJX/PMCIN/instagram/ and join for free.

2. Install the app and Donation Reminder extension.

3. Activate your donation before shopping online and the retailer will automatically donate to us for free!Thank you for your support.

12/06/2026

🪁 WIND FUTURES TAKES OFF 🪁

Over the past two weeks, 12 young people from Thanet, Whitstable and Canterbury have taken part in the first Wind Futures youth kitesurfing taster sessions.

Hosted at Minnis Bay and Ramsgate, participants learned:

✅ Kite setup and rigging
✅ Launch and landing safety
✅ Wind awareness and weather conditions
✅ Understanding the wind window
✅ Beach kite control
✅ How kitesurfing equipment works

The group included Sea Cadets, Air Cadets, Sea Scouts, RNLI lifeguards, martial artists, skaters, horse riders, snowboarders, parkour athletes and more.

For most participants, this was their first introduction to kitesurfing.

We're incredibly excited that 6 young people will now progress into fully funded professional kitesurfing lessons as part of the programme.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported Wind Futures so far, particularly Vattenfall for helping make this pilot possible.

We're now looking to secure additional funding so we can support even more young people in future rounds.

Interested in joining a future programme or know someone who would benefit?

👉 https://ekkc.org/wind-futures-programme/

18/04/2026

Apply now for free kitesurfing lessons if you're based in East Kent and 16 - 21 yo! Applications close end of April, jump aboard!

16/04/2026

Free kitesurfing lessons for 16 - 21 yo in East Kent and Thanet Area, go to our website and complete the form! You won't regret it! 🇬🇧 #2026❤️

15/04/2026

Free kitesurfing lessons for 16 to 21 yo in East Kent and Thanet area. Limited spaces, message us to apply or go to our website. 🇬🇧

11/04/2026

🚀 We’ve just launched something new…
Wind Futures, a funded kitesurfing programme for young people aged 16–21 in East Kent and Thanet.

Lessons and equipment are covered, aimed at those who wouldn’t normally be able to access the sport.
Supported by Vattenfall, with additional support from King of Watersports. Lessons conducted by Kite Pirates.

We’ll be shortlisting applicants and inviting them to a taster session, with final places selected from there.

⏳ Applications open now (closing end of April / mid-May)

👉 https://ekkc.org/wind-futures-programme/

Please share or tag anyone who might be interested 🙌

Apply for Wind Futures, a funded kitesurfing programme in East Kent for young people aged 16–21. Lessons and equipment support included.