More news and info from here in Ireland to follow very soon, there may even be a few shots from last night’s antics too.

Phil & Danielle from GetWindsurfing.com have teamed up with the OTC and will be running a GetWindsurfing coaching weekend in Weymouth and Portland Harbour.

This is the perfect opportunity to get some top quality coaching at a fantastic location this summer.

More details on this awesome coaching weekend below.

Where: Weymouth & Portland Harbour at the OTC (Official Test Centre)

When: 20th & 21st July

Who: Intermediate & Advanced windsurfers.

How much:  Only £75 for one day!

or

£100 for Saturday & Sunday!

What you’re getting.

-Professional GetWindsurf coaching with Phil Richards & Danielle Lucas.

-Video feedback sessions. See yourself on the water & compare your technique with others.

-Safety cover

-Use of the Olympic Sailing Academy facilities

-Trial of the latest windsurf equipment with the OTC.

About the OTC

The OTC provides the unique opportunity to try and compare the boards and sails from all the major windsurfing brands, just as the equipment’s designers would have wished them to be used. This means that all the sails are rigged on their desired high carbon-content mast, and the boards maintained to the highest standard, racked by brand for easy distinction. There will be in excess of 85 boards and 100 sails stocked in the centre, providing more than enough to go round for beginner, intermediate and expert sailors, even when the centre is running at capacity.

Can I bring my own equipment?

Yes of course you can!!

If you have your own equipment we recommend that you bring it along. Its always nice to use your own stuff and this weekend will be a perfect opportunity to ask the experts on rigging and tuning.

About the location

Flat water windsurfing arenas don’t come much better than Portland Harbour. It has some of the best wind statistics of the south coast of England, is accessible in all wind directions and tide states, and can cater for all abilities, from the complete beginner to the seasoned speed fanatic or freestyle maestro. The legacy of Weymouth Speed Week – one of the longest running annual windsurfing competitions in the world, is testament to just how special a stretch of water Portland Harbour is for windsurfing. The location that has it all, making windsurfing applicable for everyone.

The other stuff…….

Weymouth and Portland have a great deal to shout about, from the only World Heritage Coastline in the UK with breath-taking coastal paths, to vast sheltered family beaches … and a whole host of activities to keep the most energetic visitor coming back for more. A short trip from London, Portland Harbour played host to the sailing classes of the 2012 Olympic Games, and is sure to provide a lasting legacy for the area for many years to come.

About Your Coaches.

Phil Richards.

Phil has been coaching windsurfers for over 12 years. Coaching and training for many seasons in the UK as well as some of the best wind & wave locations abroad.

Phil coaches all abilities from beginners experiencing their first time on the water to the highly advanced windsurfers looking to improve their gybes through to learning the latest freestyle and wave techniques.

2011 and 2012 has seen Phil participate in both PWA and UKWA competitions, giving great experience riding alongside the best windsurfers in the world, as well as a hunger  to continue to push his coaching & sailing to very best level.

Danielle Lucas.

Danielle began windsurfing in 2005, fast-tracking to instructor level and being lucky enough to spend her first teaching season in windy Egypt.  Since then Danielle has taken her windsurfing to the UK and further afield including Tobago, Cape Town, Morocco, Greece and multiple Egyptian locations bringing her personal and coaching levels to the highest standards.

Danielle also competed in the PWA and UKWA freestyle events during 2011 and 2012, UK Ladies Freestyle Champion and ranked 7th PWA Ladies Freestyle!

The GetWindsurfing Coaching Style.

Phil & Danielle deliver a friendly, relaxed & encouraging experience for windsurfers developed through years of dedicated work on the water.

With use of their vast experience and modern coaching techniques, you will soon be rapidly progressing and looking to push your windsurfing to new highs.

There will be lots of visual feedback sessions through the use of detailed video and photographic analysis, allowing you to compare your style and technique with others and letting you see what you are doing right and wrong on the water.

Sounds amazing, I’m so keen! How do I secure a place?

Send a email to getwindsurfing@gmail.com to book your place and find out hot to pay you’re deposit.

Day Two…

Day One…

There has been much discussion about whether or not this should be allowed. At other UKWA events competitors must fully register and be at the first skippers meeting to be allowed to take part in the event.

Was this made clear to all competitors before the event? Mullen and Hancock were planning to attend the event and were unaware that they were required to attend the first briefing and registration.

Now sailors who were knocked out relatively early in the single elimination will now face the reigning champion in the first round of the double, instead of fighting against similar placed sailors. The BWA have now said that in future they will use the same rule as the rest of the UKWA, meaning all sailors will have to be present at the first briefing of the event to be part of the competition.

Do you think the BWA have made the correct decision? Should the BWA allow competitors that have pre-entered but not attended the event from the beginning to join the competition?

Have your say below in the comments…

__________________________________________________________________________________

The first day in Ireland kicked off with some competition for the pros in tricky, light conditions. They are down to the final four, whilst the other fleets are yet to get any heats in the bag. Check out all the action from the first day of competition here. 

Skippers meeting will take place at 10am this morning, conditions are looking as predicted, a little lighter but with a bit more ground swell running. Today looks like there is a small chance of competition, but we could be looking at some surfing or SUPing action instead of windsurfing. However, you never know with Ireland, there’s always the potential of the west coast delivering!

The Hawaiian themed Saturday night party….

And the best tosser is…

Andy Chambers, Phil Horrocks, Ross Williams and Ben Proffitt have all made their way through the man on man heats, each counting two waves. In the next two heats Chambers will face Horrocks and Williams takes on Proffitt, with the winner of each making it into the final, whilst the other two will battle it out for third and fourth in the losers final.

After today’s light wind, mushy wave action it is impossible to call a winner, but undoubtedly these four sailors showed their class, consistently finding the best waves and linking slashing turns. Whilst the conditions may not have been the greatest today, the heats still all seemed very fair, with all sailors scoring good waves and the best riders and performances shining through.

The women also attempted to start their competition, but after two abandoned heats they were released for the day. The conditions became flukier as the day went on and it became clear that the forecast stronger winds were not materialising.

So we look ahead now, with more swell but lighter winds forecast for the next couple of days and then strong winds and wind blow swell towards the end of the week it is looking like there is lots more potential competition time to play with.

After a speedy and somewhat chilly derig sailors are now making their way back to base to enjoy a well earned warm meal and pint of the black stuff at Spillanes. Boards will have more from the final four men very soon, plus a whole host of images from the day. For now, check out the gallery below which includes some close up action shots courtesy of Simon Crowther (we will have a lot more of these for you later too!)

Plus, have your say – Who will take the single elimination victory here in Ireland?
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Sailors and organisers have made their way over to the emerald isle, after a windless Rhosneigr hoping that the wind and waves will show themselves this week. Pros, women, amateurs, masters and youths will battle it out over the week for the first event win of the season.

This morning the wind is blowing a little, but the waves are yet to come through. As some had to travel overnight the morning briefing will be at 10am followed by skippers meeting and then the competition could potentially get going this afternoon or evening.

Boards will keep you up to date with all the action right here. Latest live images from the beach, plus action shots courtesy of Simon Crowther now online in the gallery too!

Here are some of Sportif’s best picks for the summer with early booking offers available now for October half term and Christmas getaways:

If you’re wanting to introduce or progress your children’s windsurfing, Sportif recommend heading to a resort that has shallow water conditions such as Dahab or Safaga or in the Red Sea,  Alacati in Turkey. Rosas on the Spanish Costa Brava offers a mix of culture, superb dining options and many activities. All of the centres offer children specific equipment and classes by age and there are family discounted packages for rental and instruction.

The Dahab Hilton

Dahab – Red Sea
If you stay at the 4* Hilton Resort directly on Dahab Bay, the  shallow water sailing area is conveniently in front of the hotel. The lagoon is protected by a sand spit so even the youngest windsurfers can enjoy their lessons in complete safety. Lessons are organised with a maximum of 4 children (6-11 years) specifically for children with ‘kiddy’ and junior rigs.

There is also access to the whole of Baby Bay and fantastic slalom and freestyle conditions for intermediate and advanced windsurfers, The centre is right on the beach in front of the hotel with sun beds, beach bar and restaurant and pool conveniently next door. Also on the bay you can waterski, wakeboard or go scuba diving or book a Bedouin dinners. Sportif recommend a boat trip to the Blue Hole, snorkel on the amazing circular reef and see the free divers.

Family windsurfing in Safaga

Safaga – Red Sea
Safaga is an excellent choice in the southern Red Sea offering all inclusive and multi sport options for windsurfing, kitesurfing, SUP and diving. Choose from 3, 4 or 5* Hotels with centres and sailing directly off the beach. The Red Sea offers perfect weather – sunshine, warm water and, from now to October, at least 70% of windy days.  Safaga has a sheltered, shallow water area which is ideal for lessons and range of other activies from the centre including SUP paddle boarding, kitesurfing, snorkelling, diving plus camel rides galore!

Discounts are given for a combination of rental equipment and instruction for 2 sports.  Prices for a 1 week holiday at the 3* Sham Hotel all inclusive in Safaga starts at £499 including flights and transfer.

Culture and Cuisine
For the perfect mix of windsurfing, culture and cuisine, head to Alacati on the Turkish Riviera  or Rosas on the Costa Brava in Northern Spain . Both offer family friendly hotels or self catering accommodation

Alacati windsurf action

Alacati – Turkey
Alacati in Turkey is another PWA slalom location but also has very family friendly windsurfing facilities, quality hotel accommodation and great range of things to do and choice of restaurants to keep everyone happy.

Alacati Bay is almost landlocked making it super safe, with shallow water areas and super flat water. In the morning the winds are usually light, making it easy for even the smallest windsurfers to progress. The centre has chill out areas for relaxing, swimming off the beach, volleyball, fitness, WiFi and buzzing atmosphere at the waterside restaurants.
The small 5* Solto Hotel is around 10 minutes walk from the centre with a main and children’s pool, restaurant , pool bar, spa and a la carte dining. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi into Alacati town just 10 minutes away to explore the cobbled streets, browse the markets and enjoy a range of restaurants from traditional Turkish to Pizza, BBQ and steak houses to top of the range fine dining. When off the water, you can explore the local historic sites of Ephesus, Pamukkale, Troy, Assos with hot mud springs, local vineyards and markets to sample the best olive oils and local produce. Or just chill out by the pool and have a relaxing massage.

Golf de Rosas

Golf de Rosas – Spain

This PWA slalom venue also offers a great summer holiday spot with conditions to suit all levels, from flat to choppy  and very family friendly. The centre is set on the superb, 7km long sandy beach of Rosas with busy schedule of kids lessons for windsurfing all summer long.  There are 60% carbon Radz skinny masts in all junior sails up to 4.7m² and North sails from 1.0 to 4.7 m² – super light kit to make it easier!

When not on the water you can relax on the beach or explore some of the many attraction of the surround area including the Dali museum at Figueres or the Roman Ruins at Empuries. There are also great cycling routes around the pretty countryside or in the nearby Pyrenees and water parks.

Sportif offer a choice of self catering apartments and Catalan farmhouses or boutique hotel accommodation with spa, a la carte dining.  If you are a family with small or older children, self catering gives great flexibility when you need it, helps with the budget and then you can go out an sample some of the mouth watering menu a the many local bodegas and tapas bars. Delicious!

Sportif Family Packages:

Alacati, Turkey – Half Term Summer Holiday Family Specials
1 week at the 5* Solto Spa Hotel for a family of 4 starts at £699pp Half Board including flights and transfers in May half term where 1 child under 6 years goes FREE and 7-12 year old HALF PRICE.
7 nights in July starts at £759pp and 10 nights in August from £929pp.

Dahab, Red Sea – Family Specials
1 week at the 4* Hilton Hotel for a family of 4 starts at £799pp BB including flights and transfers
In May half term Sportif are offering  the following:
May Half Term Special Offer – Family of 4 Total Price £3,149.
4* Hilton Hotel – including return flights & transfers (2 adults, 2 children under 12)
Dep: 26 May 7 nights BB – 1 Bedroom Suite. Adults from £999pp, Child from £575pp
Dep: July  14 nights BB   – 1 Bedroom Suite. Total Price £3,999
Dep: August 14 nights BB   – 1 Bedroom Suite. Total Price £3,999

Golf de Rosas, Spain – Summer Holiday Family Specials
1 week at the Boutique Catalan Farmhouse for four sharing a self catering apartment with pool with onsite restaurant and bar. 7 nights self catering including flights from £449pp in June, July from £475 and August from £649 and September from £419pp.  2 weeks in June from £679pp.

Junior Instruction:  Prices start at £70 for 3 hours starter/refresher training including equipment or book a week’s course 5 hours. 1 hour per day recommended for younger children 11 and under so a week’s course would be £95 including all equipment. For older children, 12 to 16 years, choose from a 3 day (6 hour) course from £95 or 5 day (10 hour) course from £145, again including all equipment and a maximum of 6 students.

Surfing and SUP Paddleboard Instruction packages from £30 for 2 hour taster to £85 for a 6 hour course including all equipment.

Family Rental Discounts:
Adult Windsurf or Kitesurf Rental 1 week from £175pp.
Adult Rental – 4 out of 7 days from £130 or 10 out of 14 days from £240.
Kids and Youngsters – for children 50% discount on rental rate (6-15 years)
Double usuage – 1 adult and 1 child the child is free (6-15 years)

To book or for more information contact Sportif on +(0)1273 844919 or email info@sportif.travel
All Sportif holidays are fully ATOL protected and offer packages with and without flights.

Next time Boards will look at yet more family friendly locations that offer the total package for your windsurfing needs!

Boards will keep you updated to any changes through the day, keep your eyes peeled!

The competition has now been called off in Rhosneigr, competitors are either making their way across to Ireland or home. The early finish has meant earlier ferries for most and the potential of starting the competition a lot earlier in Ireland tomorrow.

Duncan Coombes thinks the forecast is looking positive, with Mossies or Shittys looking like they could have swell and decent wind, meaning we could be looking at the competition starting tomorrow afternoon or evening. A north westerly wind, picking up in the evening looks like similar conditions to what we had last year. Registration and then skippers meeting is now at 10am tomorrow.

However, Boards will still be bringing you lots of news and latest info.

Below, you can check out the Simmer Frugal, which is their new wave board focussed on giving performance in less than perfect conditions. This is the 77litre, which has 5 fin boxes so you can choose your fin configuration; note the length, it’s only 210 long!

The Tabou Da Curve also has 5 fin boxes, this one is 86 litre and it’s a completely new shape, it has a flatter rocker, is faster but still turns well. Thomas Traversa has been involved with the development and it will be available in September.

Boards will be reporting Live from Rhosneigr, and Ireland, over the coming week so stay tuned for weather updates, live heat by heat ticker, photos direct from the event site and much much more.

Who will triumph in 2013?

BWA on mass to Ireland with Stena Line!

If you’re thinking of making a last minute decision to head over to Brandon Bay for the competition, we have two words of advice: DO. IT. Stena Line ferries very generously offer a fantastic deal for all BWA competitors, so get in touch with Jim – jim@puravidaboardriders.co.uk 02920711946 / 07970420998 – to book your spot now.

Check out more about Stena Line and more of their great deals here.

Want to know more about Caesar and FlowStyle? Boards 2013 Autumn Winter issue features a full interview with Caesar about the FlowStyle revolution, even including some moves that you can try too. Check out the print edition here. 

Caesar Finies from Johan van Hese on Vimeo.

Just like when you are holding up a kid’s jumper that is clearly too big for the child it is intended for, the temptation when investing in your first lot of windsurfing equipment is to think, ‘I’ll grow into it’.

But according to Sam that is the worst thing you can do…..

Beginner board

It used to be the basic rule of thumb that the newer you were to the sport, the longer the board you needed. Now it is all about width, volume and reserve volume (we will come to that in a moment…)

Sam, who is an RYA Windsurfing Instructor says, significant advances in kit development over the past five to six years means you are now able to get more out of your ‘starter’ kit for longer, as the wider boards provide greater stability and can better handle a much bigger wind range as well as skill range .

That pattern continues as you move up through your intermediate levels before the kit starts becoming more discipline specific the more advanced your skills become.

Windsurfing is easier now than it has ever been.

So, size does matter? Sam provides his top tips on what to look for when buying a board.

For a beginner take your body weight in kilograms and then add about 20kg, which typically accounts for your wetsuit, rig and board.

That figure will give you the amount of volume needed in the board to float you as one litre will float one kilo. Once you have that figure, double it. That will give you a good amount of ‘reserve volume’ which will add sufficient stability to help you in the early stages.

The more volume you have the more stable you will be and the better you will float.

For example if you weight 80kgs, when you factor in reserve volume, your starter board should be about 200 litres, 60kgs would be 160 litres etc.

Minnis Bay Windsurfing Club – beginners Elaine and Lisa get ready

Once you start progressing into intermediate level, where you may have completed a Start Windsurfing course and are going a bit faster or are maybe using a harness, a board 40-60 litres in volume will likely be more suitable.

That volume recommendation drops to 20-40l for higher level intermediates, this will still give enough volume for uphauling but the board will be better suited for stronger winds.

After that optimum board volume largely depends on what discipline you are doing, for example you would probably add 5-10 litres for freestyle or lose about the same for wave.

Whatever you are doing it is all about having enough volume to float you sufficiently.

A board for planing conditions, with a good sized fin to generate some lift, but not too much, for our light weight sailor.

Things like the developments in rigs that can cope in wider wind ranges and the introduction of boards having more than one fin have all contributed to the fact that boards can now be shorter and more manageable in a wider range of conditions.

Having more than one fin means you can expand the range of a board as the size of the fin should marry up with the size of the sail.

This also ties into the conditions – a bigger fin for light airs as they generate greater lift and lateral resistance and smaller fin for when it is windier to stay flatter – whereas previously you may have gone out and bought another board altogether for the different conditions.

You have to feel comfortable in the full range of conditions with whatever you are sailing. If you start finding it harder to control the board in rougher conditions and/or higher winds, for example, it is probably time to start thinking about getting a less voluminous board.

Mark Hosegood, on a smaller board designed for more advanced riders

But do not look at it as a one-board solution; investing in a smaller board does not mean you should get shot of your bigger board.

Your first board can still be a fantastic, advanced piece of kit in light winds. Many Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) now have windsurfing fittings as well so give you the ultimate light wind compromise with or without a sail. Just take your paddle with you where you go!

The most important thing in all of this is making sure you can spend as much time on the water as possible. The better you get, the more you want to progress and learn new stuff, and that comes back to making sure you have the right board to start it all off with.

To find out more about getting started in windsurfing and RYA Windsurfing training courses visit www.rya.org.uk

 Love Windsurfing?  Then why not join the association that promotes and protects, safe, successful and rewarding British windsurfing.  Join today and support the RYA in protecting your rights and freedoms.  Take advantage of free advice and support on a wide range of windsurfing topics; enjoy free third party insurance, as well as a fantastic range of personal member offers.  Find out more by calling 0844 556 9556, email member.services@rya.org.uk or visit www.rya.org.uk