With its origins in the far distant past SSUK seems to transmogrify every few months into a more advanced beast of differing composition ! The core is Graham Bobin, who started Speedsail UK so long ago he doesn’t really remember exactly when, but the why was to import and distribute Land Speedsails, the overgrown skateboards with windsurfer rigs.
Things were made more official around 2003 when SSUK became the Xtreme Air Company with a branded truck, greater activity, and an intent to supply adventures to people in and visiting Cornwall.
Following the success and growth of this aspect of the venture, distribution of Blokarts was added in 2006/7 and the Speedsail UK Distribution Ltd company was formed to look after the interests of Blokarts as well as Speedsails in the UK. This is distinct from the Xtreme Air Company which is a retail operation and buys from the Distribution company.
Graham is the National Trainer for both Blokart and Speedsail, and the only one currently able to qualify instructors in either sport. He works closely with the BLSA (British Land Speedsail Association, see BLSA page) which is the immediate governing body for both sports. He is also an RYA Powerboat Instructor, and partly from previous experience as a Lifeguard in Cornwall instructs surf driving techniques for Zapcats and other (surf) boats.
It’s not that Graham can do everything all by himself ! Partner in Blokart Distribution is Rob Jewell, a friend and business associate of many years, who as a commercial photographer of great experience shoots all the pictures for the sports. Rob, a qualified Blokart instructor himself and former windsurf instructor, also works closely with the dealers and shoulders some of the general burden of the company, while working for press and PR coverage most of the time.
There’s a team of regular qualified freelance instructors (thanks to John, Rich, Kevin, Chris) who join in making things happen - John also sorts out this website !
The most important bit is the future, and SSUK want to continue to build Blokarting. The idea is to continue to build and support the dealer network, to increase the number of schools that Blokart, and to instigate racing all round the country at all levels. We genuinely believe that if we can get Blokarting into enough places in the UK, we can lift the level of sailing across the country and help feed better sailors into the Olympic classes and other areas of sailing.