NAME:  Dave ‘Ibby’ Ibbertson       

AGE: Err.. Forgot! (we make it at least 36 though Ibb)     

HOME:  Darlington

YEARS KITING:  6

BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOURSELF: Peter Pan, without the camp outfit

HOW DID YOU GET INTO KITESURFING? Was a pretty good wave sailor but got sick of wasted trips to the beach with not enough wind or waves to windsurf. Saw a young Aaron Hadlow kiting on trip to Cornwall and that was it.. 2 months later I was hooked!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT KITESURFING?  Pretty much everything.. The freedom, ocean, travel, people and general lifestyle… all good!

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE KITESURFING TO PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW WHAT IT IS?  It’s similar to windsurfing but a shit lot better and not so gay! Ha!

SO, YOU’VE JUST RETURNED FROM KENYA, HOW WAS YOUR TRIP? ANY MEMORABLE SESSIONS? Amazing trip again, wind everyday and too many good sessions to remember, although 2 really good sessions in the waves landing grabbed 5’s and attempting some 7’s (double flat 3’s) Plus a close encounter with a white tip reef shark! Many memorable sessions off the water too!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SIZE KITE?  10m North Vegas,, one kite does all.. Superb!

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU LIKE IN A BOARD?  Has to be strong for one, I like a big board about 134 x 39, wide tips and a stiff flex, The Ceasar Pro is ideal for me and the graphics are SWEET!

WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU IN LIFE? Health, freedom and making sure I pursue and embrace all the opportunities that makes a life memorable.

WHATS ESSENSIALS DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR BAG?  After Kenya… Imodium! Also my camera, laptop, spare line set and gaffa tape..

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE FEMALE IN YOUR LIFE KITESURFING? Totally cool, although she uses my kit, but it’s so much easier if you’re both into the same things. Emma is totally sound with me doing my own thing or heading off kiting somewhere together. I get a huge buzz out of watching her learn and progress with her kiting.

WHAT MUSIC WERE YOU BROUGHT UP ON AND DO YOU EVER LISTEN TO IT NOW?
Simon & Garfunkel, the Spinners, and colliery bands! Thanks Father.

Don’t listen to any of this much any more, fortunately my taste in music has changed and my Dad no longer works down the pit.

MONEY OR LIFESTYLE? 
Lifestyle all the way

DREAM WHEELS? 
New silver LWB VW T5 with all the toys, body kit and big 20” Alloys.. Will keep dreaming!

IS THERE ANYONE WHO HAS HELPED YOU GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
My Mum who got me into extreme sports as a kid, Em who has been so patient with me over the years and now all my sponsors who support and help me.

TIPS FOR PEOPLE GETTING INTO THE SPORT:  Get a lesson and learn the safe way!