The International Apparel Company Signs on as Headline Sponsor for Next Year’s Event

Tortola, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (March 16, 2010) – International kiteboarders and pro athletes came out to celebrate the first ever BVI Kite Jam, a unique pro–am kiteboardng event in the British Virgin Islands, that took place February 28 – March 5, 2010. The event was an overwhelming success and Billabong, a leading international surfwear apparel brand confirmed their involvement as the presenting sponsor for next year’s event. Billabong BVI Kite Jam 2011 will take place February 26 – March 5.

BVI Kite Jam kicked off with an illustrious opening party at Necker Island for pros and participants along with sponsors, international media, esteemed members of the BVI Tourism Board and local VIPs and officials. The Honorable Ralph T. O’Neal, Premier and Minister of Tourism, addressed attendees with thanks and good wishes and Sir Richard Branson reminisced about coming up with the idea for Kite Jam with event partner Charlie Smith. The BVI Kite Jam Team presented $5,000 checks to charity partners Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) and Tortola’s Kids And The Sea (KATS). Party goers danced the night away to live music by local act Last Resort on the sands of Necker Island under a full moon.

“BVI Kite Jam 2010 was a tremendous hit, so much so we are already booking jammers for next year and have amazing support from Billabong as the presenting sponsor,” says Charlie Smith, Founder & Partner Kite Jam (BVI) Ltd.

“We couldn’t have done it without our loyal and dedicated team, our generous sponsors and the participation and enthusiasm from the outstanding group of pro and amateur boarders. We can’t wait for Billabong BVI Kite Jam 2011!”

The highlights of the week included an unforgettable downwinder to Pomato Point on Anegada followed by a BBQ lunch at Cow Wreck Beach and an afternoon of freestyle action on Wednesday, March 3. Pro boarders Kristin Boese, Tom Court, Chris Burke and others carved up the waters along side Sir Richard Branson and participating kite jammers. Other activities took place off of Bitter End Yacht Club’s North Beach where pros and amateurs grinded on sliders and water obstacles on a sand spit in the Eustasia Sound. And Finally, BVI Kite Jam closed with an over the top party on a remote beach on Mosquito Island, complete with an award ceremony, fire dancers, and a DJ getting the crowd pumped and dancing.

BVI Kite Jam sponsors that made the event possible include presenting sponsors BVI Tourist Board and Necker Island, venue partner Bitter End Yacht Club; Cape Air, the official airline; Sunsail, accommodation partner, Digicel, telecommunications partner; Kiteboarding Magazine, media partner, Ideas BVI and JTV, production partners, in addition to Road Town Wholesale, the BVI Premier’s Office, Green Technology BVI and Delta Petroleum. “Sailors for the Sea” also gave the event a Clean Regatta Certification, an eco-friendly stamp of approval, in conjunction with Sunsail’s participation and use of their new Sunsail 394 catamarans.

Other high-profile sponsors for the 2010 event include Billabong, the official apparel partner; Liquid Force and Cabrinha, equipment partners; Troll Beads, the official jewelry partner; Heineken, the official beer of BVI kite Jam; Fiji Water, the official water sponsor; Monster, the official energy drink; ZROD, the official radio station; Kurtis Sunglasses, official eyewear sponsor; and Philip Stein, BVI Kite Jam’s official timepiece.

About BVI Kite Jam: BVI Kite Jam is a unique annual kiteboarding event bringing together pros and amateurs with visual competitions, demonstrations, technique clinics and festivities taking place in key locations throughout the British Virgin Islands. The event aims to bring attention to the kiteboarding community as well as BVI as a Mecca for kiteboarding because of its ideal wind and water conditions. Pro riders that attended the 2010 event include nine-time world champion Kristin Boese, the legendary Andre Phillip, Susi Mai, Tuva Jansen, Tom Court, Chris Burke, Gretta Kruesi, Madison Van Heurck and Jason Slezak. In addition to demos and competitions in the North Sound, Eustasia Sound and Anegada, Kite Jam hosted an opening celebration at Necker Island with Richard Branson in attendance, festivities and dinners at Bitter End Yacht Club, and additional events and parties at Anegada and Moskito Islands. For more information and to register for Billabong BVI Kite Jam 2011, please visit, www.bvikitejam.com.