THEKITEMAG ISSUE #59
When I (TKM Editor Sarah) met a 16-year-old Hannah Whiteley back in 2009, she inspired me to start doing the British kite competitions and pushed me to progress. Turning up to the comps, her entire family would be there, including her legendary father, Peter Whiteley, who was an inspirational kiter and top competitor himself. He always had a huge smile on his face even in the most adverse weather conditions. His legendary pre-comp mantra ‘pump up your kite Hannah’ (delivered in a broad Mancunian accent) became a catchphrase amongst many involved in the tour during that era. Sadly, he passed away suddenly earlier this year, a huge loss to the British kite community, to his family, and to Hannah. She would like to dedicate this article to him. He is the reason she kitesurfs today.
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