Chris Ernst and Laurel Eastman Co-Host 'The Download'

ESPN host and Kiteboarding star team up to host Billabong BVI Kite Jam 2011's daily Digicel and JTV broadcast.

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Jan 27, 2011, 08:39 ET

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Billabong BVI Kite Jam is pleased to announce its partnership with Chris Ernst, Laurel Eastman, Digicel and JTV to bring daily reports on the Kite Jam to the world. Powered by Digicel and broadcast by JTV, "The Download" is a daily recap of the day's action and interviews with some of the sports leading stars, international hobbyist and local riders.

"To be asked to host such a unique world class event in such a surreal setting, is a dream come true. The expectations are set, the organizers have been more than professional and have a master plan that seems to be world class. Frankly, I cannot wait to see how this whole experience unfolds. Bring on The Billabong BVI Kite Jam 2011!" Chris Ernst.

Chris Ernst has gone from the being pioneer of the newest Olympic Sport, Skicross, and former Freestyle aerialist, to hosting the ESPN Winter X-Games for the last 13 years and the 2002/2010 Winter Olympic Games. Beyond the snow, Ernst has spent ample time on the microphone in the worlds of Moto GP, ASP Surf World Tour, Kiteboarding, NASCAR, Freestyle Motocross, Red Bull's National Events.

"Kite Jam is one of the coolest kite events on the planet and I am stoked to be back this year and teamed up with Chris Ernst, capturing the moments, the fun, and the beauty of BVI," Laurel Eastman.

Laurel Eastman has been involved in pro kiteboarding since its inception. Laurel was part of the very first Professional Kite Riders Association (PKRA) tour in 2002 and opened her own kite school in 2003 in the Dominican Republic and has since opened another school in the Cook Islands, founded a kiteboarding clothing and accessory brand. She is featured in the book: Super Women: 100 Women-100 Sports and on the Board of Directors of Kristin Boese's KB4Girls.

"The wonderful but sometimes remote locations of Billabong BVI Kite Jam make if difficult for the community to pop down to the beach and be a part of the event every day and experience the beautiful sport of kiteboarding. We hope that this partnership will bring the event to the community." Charlie Smith, Founder Billabong BVI Kite Jam.

In addition to "The Download," Billabong BVI Kite Jam 2011 will kick off with a Beach Party and Pro Demo at Nanny Cay, February 26th 1000hrs to 1500hrs, from the top riders in the world including Kristin Boese, Shannon Best, Andre Philip, Pete Cabrinha, Tom Court, Youri Zoon, Stephen Shank, Jaun Carlos Morales and many others. A try kiteboarding session with KATS, Carib Kiteboarding and the BVI Kite Boarding Association (BVIKA) will also be a part of the day's festivities.

Visit www.bvikitejam.com and JTV daily from February 26th to March 5th for "The Download"

About:

Billabong BVI Kite Jam is the first kiteboarding event ever held British Virgin Islands. Open to amateurs, professionals and spectators and now in its second year. An event conceived by Charlie Smith and Sir Richard Branson after a 20 mile kite crossing from Necker Island to Anegada.

A week long event packed full of Freestyle, Sliders, Big Air, Wave riding and long distance racing all in some of the windiest and most spectacular locations in the world such as, North Sound, Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island, Anegada and Eustatia Sound. February 26th – March 4th, 2011.

For more information and bookings visit www.bvikitejam.com

High Profile Sponsors and Partners Include:

Finlandia Vodka, Cape Air, Cabrinha Kites, Sunsail, Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island, Digicel, Bitter End Yacht Club, OBMI, Aggression Kiteboards, Keta Films, Media Punch, The BVI Tourist Board, Road Town Wholesale, Trollbeads, Kestrel Shipping, Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding, JTV, Monster Energy Drink, Fiji Water, Fat Virgin Café, Green Technology, Rebootizer, Kiteboarding Magazine, Heineken, Secrets Band and Sailors for the Sea who have awarded the event with a Clean Regatta Certification. 2011 Charities supported by Billabong BVI Kite Jam are KATS – Kids And The Seas BVI, VISAR, and Green VI.

Contact: [email protected]

Images available from: [email protected]

www.bvikitejam.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtRad6Jq_0g

SOURCE BVI Kite Jam