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?

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

Club Vass Divas

Name: Bethany ‘Betty’ Mercer

Instructor level: Intermediate Planing, but taking my Advanced course this summer.

Years coaching: 4 years – this summer will be my 5^th!

My favourite level to coach has to be Intermediates; in a week you see such a transformation in ability! It’s wonderful to see a guest start their week of coaching non-planing in lighter winds and then by the end of the week absolutely loving the sport when they discover planing, speed and confidence. I love teaching the harness and footstrap techniques as I think once you have cracked these skills your attitude towards the sport changes massively – you become hooked!

Bethany Mercer

I have windsurfed from a young age, I think I first stepped on a board around the age of 6. My dad has windsurfed for years and introduced me to the sport, however learning the basics in a thick wetsuit with old school kit on the South Coast didn’t get me hooked straight away. It wasn’t until a watersports holiday in my teens that I thought I really want to give this a go. I decided to do my Flying Fish course in Vassiliki after I finished my A – levels. Then I discovered Vass and saw other girls windsurfing and decided I wanted to become just as good….Vass meant no thick wetsuits only boardies and bikinis, brand new kit and amazing like-minded people. I have been back every year!

I work in-between the UK and Greece. I spend my time working at Pendragon Productions – a Creative film agency in London as a Creative Producer, travelling and windsurfing and spending my summers teaching at Club Vass in Greece.

…and on the water!

I absolutely love teaching a sport that I am so passionate about as each day is as exciting as the next. I love meeting new people, encouraging and seeing people progress within a sport I love so much. It’s fun both teaching on and off the water. The Club Vass beach team are great fun to work with – there is never a dull moment!

Teaching new and old friendly faces, meeting new people, windsurfing everyday and developing my own skills (I have high hopes, need to crack the Vulcan and try a loop!) as well as teaching others, a well deserved mojito after a day on the water, my favourite tzatziki apple, walnut and avocado salad at Stellios and of course Diva week!

I have been involved in the Diva Clinics ever since my first summer working on the beach at Club Vass. The atmosphere that week is amazing – quite a lot of girl power around. Each year I seem to progress in the level I teach therefore am so excited for this summer!

This year I will be coaching alongside the wonderfully talented Amy Chambers, Emily HR, Maisie Squibb, Laura CH and Emily Smith.

Not only is Vassiliki the most incredible place for wind and improving your skills but Diva week is especially non intimidating for women – there is something comforting about having a female instructor who understands different problems women tend to have when learning. For instance we understand when it’s time to have an afternoon off to read your book or sunbathe after a full on morning of tuition!

It’s also a great opportunity to meet other likeminded women – we tend to swap email addresses and home windsurf spots at the end of each week, many women discover a windsurfing buddy for when they get back to the UK or a friend for life!

Also, if you have children or a keen bean windsurfer husband/friend it is fine to all come along for Diva week – we have childcare facilities; a kids club and crèche and our usual classes will also be running that week so there is something for everyone.

Club Vass Divas

Diva weeks are for any female whether you are a COMPLETE beginner, have dabbled in the sport a couple of times, or you are comfortable planing in the harness to absolute pro! We have female instructors teaching all levels.

The week is designed for women not only to improve their skills but also to meet and socialize with other like-minded female windsurfers. During the week you can windsurf as much or as little as you like but definitely expect to be sharing achievements and cross-shore stories over a mojito at the bar in the evening.

Expect windsurfing all day, optional fitness in the morning along the lines of Yoga, supping on the tranquil water in the morning, and then enjoying the Greek cuisine and cocktails in the evening. Everyday and evening there will be activities and partying to suit all including the legendary Club Vass BBQ with dressing up themes.

• Windsurfing is a sport you really have to pursue to begin with – it can be tough when first learning as it is a sport like no other but I promise after all the clambering on and off the beginner board and finding your balance it will suddenly click and you will learn to love it!
• Never be put off by thinking you have to be physically really strong to be able to go out in high winds – look at me: I’m 5’’2 and not the strongest looking and I love going out when it is howling. It’s not about strength it’s about believing you can do it and practicing your technique.
• Don’t be put off by thinking it is a male dominated sport – I mean there may be more guys that windsurf however come and join us for Diva week and you will realise how many other woman are passionate watersports lovers. However, it’s not all so bad windsurfing with tanned topless boys!

Club Vass Diva weeks will be taking place 2^nd – 9^th June and the 1^st – 7^th September. No extra charge for Divas! See the Club Vass website here for more details.

The newest and one of the most revolutionary shapes on the market has hit the UK; Starboard’s Black Box, developed by Dany Bruch, has the aim of taking the lighter, flatter wavesailing days to a new level.

Our Boards Clones have already tried and tested the board, and loved it as you can see in the Winter edition of our print magazine, but how is it getting on in UK conditions?

Surely the Black Box will be perfectly suited to many UK locations that don’t always provide great down the line conditions? Boards catches up with Sam Ross to find out about his experience with the board so far and where YOU can take one out for a spin. 

The Starboard Black Box, before it hit the UK the Clones put the board through it’s paces in Tenerife

“So far, the board has been used in Bigbury, Mothecombe, Worthing, Hove, Shoreham, my home spot and a few more places too. Before I stepped on it last week I had seen pictures and read a lot about the board, but hadn’t used one.

Axbridge at Champions Cup

The Axbridge Animals are certainly no strangers to the Team15 Champions Cup. They have been lucky enough to qualify for the national final five years in a row, making it onto the podium in 2012 just behind current T15 Champions, the Hythe Hotshots.

Head coach, Mark Smith aka Smudge, believes it’s not just the trophies but the ‘buzz’ that youngsters get from windsurfing, that keeps them coming back each year.

“From the moment they get out of the car, to the moment they leave the club, the kids are taking about windsurfing. They are mad for it. When they get off the water you see how much they are buzzing” he explains.

The ‘Animals’ train once a week at Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club with team members travelling from all round the area to take part.  “We have up to 30 T15 windsurfers on the books at the moment and usually on a Thursday we will have about 20 to coach. Luckily along with myself there are seven other T15 coaches!” said Smudge.

“We train every Thursday night for two hours with windsurfers aged 8 to 15 of all abilities. At first kids just want to get out there and have a go, but more often than not they end up hooked and very quickly progress their skill, moving onto more technical kit and larger sail sizes. We have seen a quite a few members of the Axbridge Animals starting at just eight years old who have ended up windsurfing as part of the RYA National squad.”

Smudge believes that although it’s hugely important to encourage the youngsters to improve, the main thing is that they enjoy their sport. “One of the best things about windsurfing is that there is always something new to learn, whatever your ability”.

With such well-structured training in place, it’s no surprise that Axbridge are keen participants in the Team15 Inter-Club Championship.

The Axbridge Animals

Do the Axbridge Animals plan to dominate again in this year’s competition? Smudge believes that it’s all to play for. “Obviously we’d love a repeat performance but this year it’s massively open. It’s great to see new teams joining us in the South Zone and it really opens the competition!

The South Zone Team15 Inter-Club Championship kicked off in in Weymouth with event 1 this weekend (Saturday 05 May) where the Axbridge Animals finished top at the Official Test Centre (OTC).

Zoe Bassett

Eleven year old Zoe Bassett is playing a big part in supporting the team throughout the season as part of her role as a Team15 Ambassador.

“I think we have tough competition in our zone especially with the Oxford Zoomers and the Hythe Hotshots who are current champions, but we train hard every Thursday and our coaches are lots of fun”.

Zoe is one of the many youngsters who have progressed through the Team15 programme into the RYA Zone Squad. As a T15 ambassador, she helps advise the other members of the Axbridge Animals about the RYA Pathway.

Zoe also thinks that windsurfing is a special sport for young people because of the socialising. “It doesn’t matter how good you are, you can still enjoy windsurfing! You meet lots of young people and go to places you wouldn’t normally go to and try something different. I am really excited to be a Team15 Ambassador because I want to help promote the sport so other youngsters can enjoy it too.”

Smudge said: “We are delighted to have Zoe as an ambassador. She is fantastic at talking to other kids about the sport and even if Zoe gets just one other person involved, it will be worth it”.

For those who are have turned 15, at Axbridge there are also plenty of opportunities to join in.

“We encourage the older kids to stay on and help with coaching, giving tips to the younger members. A lot of them come along with their siblings and help with kit as well as startline tips and techniques. There are also opportunities for older members to become Assistant Instructors. That’s the best thing about the windsurfing, there are so many goals, no matter what level you are at” he concluded.

T15 was set up by the RYA to help make windsurfing more accessible and appealing to youngsters at a grass roots level. Fun and informal training sessions take place at T15 clubs all over the country for kids up to the age of 15, which are run weekly by specialist RYA coaches.

For more information about Team15 and locate your nearest local club visit www.team15.org.uk or contact the RYA 0845 345 0400.

To find out how to become involved with the Axbridge Animals  either as a volunteer or a participant contact Claire Rodgers on 07714 468181

Ben Proffitt competing in Rhosneigr in 2012. Image credit BWA/Dave White.

*Boards will be your port of call for all the latest event news during every BWA competition. We will have a live ticker giving you the run down of every heat, plus live images, the inside scoop from the riders and much more!

Funsport, Rhosneigr is located here…

View Larger Map

What conditions can we expect?
Everything from glass flat to 4m swell.

Top names that can regularly be seen on the water and hanging around the beach?
Phil Horrocks, Ben Proffitt.

Who can come over to the centre and what can they do on the water?
Man or woman, girl or boy; we suit most ages. Almost any watersport.

And off the water?
We have the shop and now a Café.
A huge selection of summer clothing has just turned up, so the fashion side of the shop is looking ready for the season.
We have stock of most watersports equipment in the shop from windsurfing and kitesurfing, to surfing and wakeboarding, plus wetsuits to suit almost anyone.
We offer rental on windsurfing kit from beginner to advanced, SUPs, surfboards, bodyboards, skimboards and wetsuits.
The Surf Café is also a recent addition, so when your not on the water we can offer you lovely coffee, a delicious lunch or filling breakfast.

What have you changed ready for 2013?
Over the past couple of years we have been building an extension to the rear of the shop, which now holds all our fashion side of things. Above that is the new Surf Café. And in the original shop we now hold all of the hardware and wetsuits.

You always host the Rhosneigr leg of the BWA, what are you looking forward to with the competition this year?
As always it is really good having such a great number of windsurfers around and seeing some of the top ranked sailors in the world in Rhosneigr. We are also looking forward to showing everyone the new Shop and Café as it is such a different place since last year.

What can competitors expect?
We would like to say 3m swell and a 25 knot South Westerly coming in, so we’ve got all our fingers and toes crossed at the moment. Hopefully it will be a fun and relaxed environment for all the competitors to enjoy.

Last year Phil Horrocks was triumphant in Rhosneigr, will he be again in 2013?

Why would you encourage a first time competitor to come along? Or if someone’s not competing but wants to soak up the atmosphere and then take part in other activities what can they do?
Rhosneigr is not only a great spot for the keen wave sailor but also is great for people that are just getting into waves. The waves in the bay are quite a soft wave generated by the wind so you can make mistakes, if anything was to happen you just drift into the beach to the right of the bay. Also all the competitors are very helpful and everyone that is there have had to enter for the first time so they know how it is and everyone is really friendly. If you are just wanting to visit then not only is it great to see but just a great beach to visit. The shop will still be open for business so rentals are still available etc.

It’s a great spectacle too, what can someone who’s just coming along to watch get from the weekend and why is it a great idea to attend?
It is not often that we have such a huge amount of windsurfers in Rhosneigr so if the conditions are on then it can be something really special to see. It’s a fairly rare event so its definitely worth taking a day out and coming over to Rhosneigr

Liam Ellis.

Who is always great to watch at the Rhosneigr competition? Stand out local sailor?Phil (Horrocks) and Ben (Proffitt) are great to watch in the competition as they are our locals so both want to win here! Steve Laddiman and Liam Ellis are some of the stand out sailors in Rhosneigr at the moment, showing some great skills this year.

You can find out more about Funsport here.

Boards will, as always, be right in the thick of the action at BWA Rhosneigr and Ireland, providing you all with the latest info on every heat as it happens, plus more from all the competitors.

Sarah Bibby

Name: Sarah Bibby

Sail No: K349

Fleet: Women

2012 results: I only managed to enter one competition last year: 1st place Cornwall wave classic.

Where have you been training? I live in Plymouth so get to sail all over Cornwall and Devon. My closest spots are Whitsands and Bigbury for after work sessions and I often head to North or South Coast Cornwall for the weekends depending on where the swell and the wind are! I went to Pozo last Summer for 10 days and Chile for 3 weeks before that, but that is all I have managed to get away for this year!

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? My jumping is weaker than my waveriding as I don’t often get jumping conditions, so I really needed to work on that.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? I am getting better and conquering my fear! I started training with Crossfit Plymouth this season which has helped my fitness, strength, endurance and confidence to not hurt myself when jumping, so I am trying more in every session I get to try jumping, they are just pretty rare! In Cornwall the weather fronts move over fairly quickly and the weather is quite squally, so the windy periods don’t last for long, but we do get better waves! With jumping you really need several days in a row to improve, which is what I am lacking in the UK, so I am looking forward to some trips to more consistent places abroad.

What competitions will you take part in this year? This year I will definitely do the Cornwall wave classic and will try and make Rhosneigr and Ireland, leave and fund dependent!

What are you aims for this year? If I can make most of the competitions this year I will aim to win back the UK Champion title, but there is some tough competition!

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? I now have a Simmer Flywave 69 litre which I use with K4 fins and I absolutely love for waveriding! I also have a Puravida custom 58 litre for when it is bigger/windier which helps my control. I have stuck with the Simmer Icons and No Limitz masts as these have worked brilliantly for me too.

Fighting talk…The girls level has improved a lot over the past years, Sarah Kellet is up and coming and doing well, Debbie has been training lots in South Africa and Justyna (if she competes on the UK tour again) seems to be back on good form – I have a good fight on my hands! Hopefully my fitness training will pay off despite my lack of time on the water this season, I would have liked to have trained much more but work and weather did not coincide!

Jo Wright

Name: Jo Wright

Sail No: K592

Fleet: Women

2012 results: Not actually sure, only managed to compete at Gwithian and had a bit of a shocker!

Where have you been training? Tropical England! Currently living in Exeter, so managed to get out a few times at Daymer, Gwithian, Exmouth and Mothecombe when wind/temperature/uni have allowed.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season?  I really want to get my forwards nailed, so to aid this I have booked a months trip to El Medano in June.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? As of the end of last summer I was getting round them but nowhere near sailing away, I need more time on the water and hoping El Medano will allow this.

What competitions will you take part in this year? Unfortunately Ireland/Rhossy fall right in the middle of my exams. So hoping to make a late comeback at Gwithian and hopefully Tiree if work/money allow!

What are you aims for this year?  Have fun on the water, sailing as many different places as possible. Improve my wavesailing and jumping to hopefully finish well at Gwithian!

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year?  I got the new 4.7 Rock at the end of last year – it is awesome and felt like a major step up from my 2011 Rocks. Hoping to replace the 4m and 5.2m after El Medano. Still rocking out my 71 twin Evo, again looking to change this after El Medano, potentially to the new Quad.

Fighting talk…I think Justyna will be the one to watch this year, her backloops are looking good! Although now Debbie has the crown I doubt she will give that away without a fight! Assuming my boyfriend doesn’t put superglue in my ear again and impede my forwards training this summer  I will hopefully be busting out some big ones at Gwithian! See you all there!

Rachel Tucker

Name: Rachel Tucker

Sail No: K348

Fleet: Women

2012 results. Tiree = 5th, Cornwall 6th

Where have you been training? Well so far I’ve windsurfed once since BWA Cornwall last October…Southbourne, Dorset

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? Wave selection, fitness, general waveriding

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Well, I’m generally fitter!

What competitions will you take part in this year? I’d like to compete but with new job commitments I’m not sure what will be possible

What are you aims for this year? Enjoy my wavesailing whenever I get the opportunity to get on the water

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? No changes there, my Ezzys will never die!

Fighting talk…Ladies: HAVE FUN.

Lucy Robson

Name: Lucy May Robson

Fleet: Women

2012 results: 2nd place BWA Rhosneigr, 4th place BWA Ireland, 5th place BWA Tiree

Where have you been training? Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? I would like to improve my competition windsurfing

Do you think you’ve achieved this? I hope so!  I’ve been training hard this winter and hopefully I will be able to windsurf in the competitions like I free sail

What competitions will you take part in this year? Rhosneigr, Ireland and Cornwall BWA.  I might take part in the PWA comps in the Canary Islands where I am based.

What are you aims for this year? To improve on my competition results from last year.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year?  I’m using the Fanatic Quad 69 and 74 now more than my other boards.

Fighting talk…Best not to underestimate anyone!  Good luck everyone!

Justyna Sniady

Name: Justyna Sniady

Sail No: POL 1111

Fleet: Women

2012 results: I  opened the season quite good coming  3rd in Lancelin, 2nd in Margaret River and 1st in Greenhead (Western Australia tour) as well as getting the lead in BWA tour after the Wales (1st) and Ireland (2nd) events. After this good start.. I broke my foot. I could not compete in any of the PWA events last year and I was only commentating on the action from the beach. I came back on the water in the autumn and managed to defend the podium coming 2nd overall in BWA in the end. I was really stoked about this result considering I was still on crutches a few week before the comps and didn’t sail the whole summer.

Where have you been training?  Last year I didn’t really get to train much. There was hardly any wind in Australia over the winter – I think it was the worse season in 20 years! Considering I was working monday to friday I got almost no time on the water. After that I went to Pozo full of hope to get some windsurfing in, but broke my foot already on the second day. I couldn’t even walk through the summer, so apart from few more days on the water during BWA that was all my windsurfing for 2012. That’s why I was even more stoked about this year’s training in Western Australia! We had wind and waves throughout the whole 3 months (and I wasn’t working) so I got some quality time on the water!:)

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? Well considering the circumstances of having my foot shattered into pieces and then put together with screws and wires I really wanted to come back to full form. I am now windsurfing but my toes are still not bending and my ankle joint is still not right and hurts quite a bit. I am hoping these problems will go away soon!:) Apart from that and getting back to the level from before the accident I wanted to improve everything as you always do! I hoped to hit bigger and bigger waves, get more consistent with the stuff I could do and hopefully land some new moves as well. Backloop being one of the most technical moves was high up there on the list. I only got few magic ones in 2012 – when the water was in the right place on the way down haha!

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Well I guess I came quite close! I am walking, sailing and jumping again. Despite being quite scared to get back to forward loops in the beginning (as that’s the move I broke my foot with) I got there in the end. I also started landing backloops quite consistently now, so I am really happy as that’s much more then I could have hoped for in such a short time after the surgery!

 What competitions will you take part in this year?  It all depends on how my foot will react to stronger wind conditions.  I would like to do the BWA and PWA tours as well as the Polish competitions if they don’t clash with the PWA.

What are you aims for this year? No aims competition wise! I will just enjoy the fact that I don’t have to watch all the action from the wheelchair parked on the beach this time! I will give it my all for sure, but since I still can’t even run or go downstairs normally I have no pressure on me!:) I would like to sail a lot and go through my second surgery (when they take all the metal out of my foot) with no complications.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? Yes, this year I’ve joined International Simmer Sails Team and well as Mystic and Powerex Teams while staying on Quatro Boards that served me well for the last 3 years. With all the amazing gear I am now using I really started to improve despite my injury, so I am really excited about all the new toys!

Alex Powell

Name: Alex Powell

Fleet: Women

2012 results: 5^th in Tiree

Where have you been training? Exmouth, Bigbury and Weymouth

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? Just my general wave riding and jumping. I only got into wave sailing a year ago so fingers crossed I can only improve!

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Unfortunately I have been tied down with a mountain of Uni work so have nowhere near got out as much as I would have liked to!

What competitions will you take part in this year? Gwithian and Tiree.

What are you aims for this year? Get forward loops nailed.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? Sticking to my trusty Patrik boards.

Fighting talk…Biggest rival, Rach Ince…going to be living with each other in July so that might be interesting.

Megan Gayda

Name: Megan Gayda

Sail No: K127

Fleet: Women

2012 results: Can’t remember results from Rhosneigr but from the whole year I’m 12th overall!

Where have you been training? Was in Brandon Bay for the last couple of weeks of October had fun conditions over there then back home in Essex for the rest!

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? Confidence with jumping!

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Beginning to..

What competitions will you take part in this year? Ireland and maybe Cornwall and Rossi!

What are you aims for this year? Get more confidence with jumping!!

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? Buying some of my brother’s last year’ sails!

Fighting talk…Who’s my biggest rival? My brother hahaa!

Name: Eilidh (Ezza) Sutherland

Sail No: GBR987

Fleet: Women

2012 results: 14th

Where have you been training? Largs/ Barassie, it’s still freezing up north!

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? My down-the-line wave riding.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Well on my way.

What competitions will you take part in this year? Was hoping to be able to do all but due to exams I can only make the Scottish event and Cornwall.

What are you aims for this year? To continue improving and get a higher ranking this year.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? No I have stuck to the combination of RRD and Simmer.

Fighting talk… Bring it on, just up for some sick wave riding

Evi Tsape

Name: Evi Tsape

Sail No: GR2

Fleet: Women

2012 results: Did not do any competitions last year

Where have you been training? I have been training in Greece, in front of my laptop :)

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? I have been meaning to spend more time in the water

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Nope but it’s getting better now.

What competitions will you take part in this year? I will take part in BWA Wales and Ireland. I am also going to go to some American Windsurfing Tour events (looking at Santa Cruz and Pistol River at the moment) and maybe the PWA in Pozo and Tenerife. Plenty of time ahead of me, decisions are made as we get closer to each event, so let’s see how it goes.

What are you aims for this year? I want all the competitors and spectators of the events to meet me and Weendy and reach out to tell me their opinion about our mobile app On the competitor side, I want to sail some decent heats and have fun with the BWA wave events community.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? I still haven’t confirmed my gear for 2013, but it’s definitely going to be better than last years and yes, it’s different.

Fighting talk… With respect to BWA events, I see last years’ winner is Debbie Kennedy. I know Katie McAnena is sailing pretty solid too, Lucy and Sarah too. Never met or saw the rest of the BWA girls sailing. Justyna (from the non-UK/Ireland residents) is a pretty strong opponent too. Some of these girls have been sailing a lot in the last few years, whereas I’ve been totally outside of the water in front of my computer. Let’s see what happens on the water!

Amy Carter

Name: Amy Carter

Fleet: Women

2012 results: 4th Tiree

Where have you been training? I spent a little more time in Cornwall after the BWA event last year, then came back to the windsurf mecca of London before heading off for a short trip to Maui. Maui was a fantastic experience, even managing not to end up on the Ho’okipa rocks. Since then I have been back in London with zero water time, as I’m currently trekking to Everest Base Camp it’s unlikely I’ll get on the water more than once or twice before the next BWA event.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? Personally, everything on starboard tack! In the grander scheme of things I want to continue to encourage more women to attend events, grow our numbers and consistency of attendance, so that we have more women rocking up at events that pros (we were almost there in 2012).

Do you think you’ve achieved this? To an extent, Maui definitely helped. Although it feels like years ago now!

What competitions will you take part in this year? I will be at all the competitions, whether or not I can fit in competing is another matter!

What are you aims for this year? To be able to sail a heat! As always the Boards team will be at BWA events keeping you up to date with all the goings on. This inevitably makes competing fairly tricky, as although women have multi-tasking nailed, being in two places at once is still out of our reach. The lack of connectivity in Tiree usually means I can compete a little, so I hope to do this again. Also, not to be talked into any ridiculous/dangerous activities if the wind does not appear.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? Nope, sticking with my trusty Goya 72 litre Quad and Severne Blades.

Fighting talk…Girls, lets show the boys how it’s done!

 Boards will soon be catching up with more competitors from the BWA and more tours. 

What’s happening?

World-renowned coach Jem Hall has organised a female-focused coaching clinic, which, with the help of female co-coach Rachel Tucker and his own hugely enthusiastic and passionate style, will see you improve and enjoy your windsurfing more in one week than you would in an entire season or two by yourself. More info here.

Perfect Prasonisi on the Southern tip of Reliable Rhodes. Blessed by warm water and the ever-present locally accelerated Meltemi winds, and with a choice of sailing on flat water or an onshore wave beach upwind, learning locations just don’t come much better than this.

12 – 19 June 2013.

The clinic is for intermediates to advanced, and you will get the most out of the week if you’re waterstarting (or very close to it) and in the straps and harness, or at least comfortable with planing and getting near the footstraps. Advanced sailors will be able to seriously improve their gybing and nail some other turns, and they’ll get the opportunity to get to grips with jumping and be introduced to some onshore wavesailing.

Caitie from New Zealand going for a duck gybe in Perfect Prasonisi

Windsurfing and improving at it is a big challenge for us all, from ‘Beginner to Winner’, and it’s easier to improve when someone is there to help guide, coach and enthuse you. Joining in on a coaching week means that you’re in a supportive environment, with help from both coaches and fellow students, which will help to nurture your development and get you focused on what you need to do to move on up in all areas of your sailing. Having a great coach demonstrate the best way to perform a skill and then coaching you through it is amazingly powerful and eye-opening. Lastly, Jem uses video coaching throughout the clinic, and his positive insights into to what you can do to improve have a very profound effect on your sailing and enjoyment of the sport.

Jem’s inimitable coaching style, which redefines the concepts of enthusiasm, passion and commitment, will really rub off on you and inspire you to take action to help you move forward. He helps you learn how to learn, or to put it another way, he assists you to become the pilot and not the passenger in your windsurfing. With help from his female co coach, Rachel Tucker, he will help you to find the key to unlock your potential, and this will also ensure that the knowledge and skills you have taken on board will continue upon your return home and during your future sessions.

This lot are looking very relaxed happy, and yes they have just finished a week in Reliable Rhodes

The main skills that will undergo the biggest development, and what we all use in windsurfing, are what Jem calls the holy trinity: plane early, sail fast, being upwind. These will improve the most on the clinic and will give you way more opportunities to improve in all areas and attempt more gybes, go into gybes faster, sail faster, make more turns, jump, etc, etc. The main achievements will be to enjoy your sailing more, go faster, be stronger and last longer in the water, and learn and develop in all moves much more quickly, be it water starting, blasting, turning or jumping, for example.

A sense of humour, heaps of excitement, and a willingness to learn. Oh, and a wetsuit, swimwear, a harness, hat and shades. And be ready to have a damn good time capped off with some cold refreshments to celebrate many fantastic days in the water!

Jem’s co-coach Rachel Tucker charging into a 360

Marian demonstarting a perfect stance and and a hint of a smile for the camera

More from Rachel…

I was really happy to get involved with this clinic, quite simply because I’m sure its going to be a lot of fun! Over the last few years I’ve been involved with teaching and promoting women’s windsurfing in various ways. I’ve benefited myself from women’s clinics and loved the camaraderie and the atmosphere of these trips. I also owe much of my windsurfing progress to Jem and his clinics, so I jumped at the chance to get involved, especially in the wonderful spot of Prasonisi. I’m really looking forward to sailing with a group of women in the sunshine and helping them to progress.

A Prasonisi clinic has all the ingredients of a great holiday and I would encourage anyone who loves windsurfing and who is looking to speed up the learning process to take part. I think the intermediate stage of windsurfing can be really frustrating and that women often benefit from focussed, tailored coaching to learn the key skills, rather than the trial and error and catapult approach. I think we often need to understand a move and break it down before we can learn it. This is where demos, one to one coaching, video feedback and Jem’s encouragement really helps! The learning does not end with the clinic as the coaching tips stay with you. This means your learning is accelerated when you get home too. Sailing fast, making way more waterstarts, overtaking the guys, jumping, gybing and throwing in a few tricks are such exciting achievements in windsurfing and if you are looking to get there then I can vouch that Jem can show you how!

Jem will be there to do demos and talk you through your moves

Contact Jem on jem@jemhall.com  or call him on 0044 (0)7762 664077 to discuss your ability or for details on Prasonisi, Rhodes as a venue.

Bookings are through Sportif Travel so please contact Phil on phil@sportif.travel, 0044 (0)1273 844919 and check out the Sportif website here for more details. 

International bookings are very welcome for English speakers, and you can book a land deal, which excludes flights and includes transfer, accommodation, kit hire and world class tuition.

Jem will get you flying into your gybes as you show the sail and feel the rail

Phil Horrocks – Matanzas

Name: Phil Horrocks

Sail No: K303

Fleet: Pro men

2012 results: Rhossy 1st, Ireland 3rd, Cornwall crap, Overall 2nd.

Where have you been training? Chile in November, Cape Town in February, UK the rest of the time, but there’s not been any wind!

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? I wanted to improve my contest sailing in crappy conditions.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? No, I spent my cash and went to some awesome spots that were insanely good…and I don’t regret a minute of it!!

What competitions will you take part in this year?  All PWA and UK events, hopefully… but GC might not happen for me, I’m expecting to be a Daddy on the 17th of July, the week after it finishes.

What are you aims for this year? To win some events and survive parenthood!

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? The sails I tested in CT this winter are amazing, I hope to have them for the summer events. The boards I can’t say I want anything other than what I have at the minute..

Fighting talk…I think the usual bunch will do well, but I suspect this time around Adam Lewis might start to cause a few more upsets, I just hope we get some wind!

James Cox

Name: James Cox

Sail No: K106

Fleet: Pro men

2012 results: 4th Overall Men’s Pro Fleet, 2nd Cornwall Classic, 4th Brandon Bay

Where have you been training? I’ve actually had an injury so down the gym and at the coal face.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? Wave moves and port tack consistency, but that’s not been easy with a bad ankle.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Not yet, but being held back can make an explosive start to the preparations. It just looks like I’m going to get there a little later than I anticipated but with more passion.

What competitions will you take part in this year? Definitely the final competitions of the year: Tiree, Cornwall. But depending on treatment I may need to miss Rhosneigr and Ireland.

What are you aims for this year? Get wave moves: wave 360 upwind and downwind in the bag. Get on the podium in at least one event.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? Equipment has been constantly improving on exceptional standards. I now have the Ezzy Panther Elite 4 batten, whose performance really sum up the amount of R&D and testing that have gone in to these sails. The boards I have the super radical Quatro LSs 110 litre, 85 litre, 78 litre. In summary the gear is golden.

Fighting talk…Jah will provide the bread.

Chris Murray

Name: Muzza aka Chris Murray

Sail No: K202

Fleet: Pro men

2012 results: Think I was 8th?

Where have you been training? Cape Town and Maui.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season?  All my jumping and riding

Do you think you’ve achieved this? I hope so, it’s been a great winter.

What competitions will you take part in this year? I’m going to all four.

What are you aims for this year? To win win win!

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? Got the new Rock, which is epic and Starboard Kode and my warm Spartan suits.

Fighting talk…Can’t wait bring it on boys, bigger the better!

Steve Thorp

Name: Steve Thorp

Sail No: K4

Fleet: Pro men

2012 results:  6th Rossy (only event I did).

Where have you been training? UK weekends and 2 days in Ireland.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? My wave freestyle

Do you think you’ve achieved this? No, both times I sailed the waves have been too big!

What competitions will you take part in this year? Hopefully all four BWA events.

What are you aims for this year? More TOW, a good excuse for some time off. Keep the Pro’s honest.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? I’ve moved over to the awesome and very light Hotsails Maui Firelights, and also to the very light Moo custom boards, so should be frothing like a grom, flying round smashing everything!

Fighting talk… You FOPs (fresh off plane) may as well go back to your holidays!

Andy King at Gwithian. Image credit Matthew Burridge.

Name: Andy King

Sail No: K100

Fleet: Pro men

2012 results: 6th Cornwall

Where have you been training?  Cornwall

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? Muscle definition.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Hell yeah.

What competitions will you take part in this year?  Those with decent wind and waves … Not many then…

What are you aims for this year? World peace and top 3 finishes.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? No need, Goya Quads / Banzais rock …

Fighting talk…Go hard or stay at home! Biggest rival? John Hibbard, I heard he’s on a come back tour!

John Skye in Ireland. Image courtesy BWA/Dave White.

Name: John Skye

Sail No: K57

Fleet: Masters…. Ah no… they moved it. Pro then.

2012 results: 4th Rhossy, 1st Ireland. Missed last 2 events.

Where have you been training? Gran Canaria, South Africa and Maui.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? I really wanted to get my doubles better, so they are actually landed rather than just sailed away from.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Not really yet. I have been trying lots though, which is a good start. Gets me over the fear and then it becomes easier.

What competitions will you take part in this year? Hopefully all the UK and PWA wave events, but it depends a bit on the family. Our new edition, Lily, has sort of changed the priorities a bit.

What are you aims for this year? I would like to win the UK title again. It’s been a few years since I last held the title, and would be nice to take it again.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? I have been working loads on the sails and they are loads better, so I am really looking forward to competing on the them. Last year’s sails were nice, but the new ones have more control

Fighting talk… I don’t really go for trash talking, I am more of a wish them well, good luck type. Main rivals are the usual Ben, Phil and Jamie, plus I think the toughest will be Ross williams if he chooses to compete. He will be very hard to beat!

George Shillito in action

Name: George Shillito

Sail No: K630

Fleet: Pro men

What did you want to improve after 2012 season?  Everything, unfortunately I was unable to attend all events in 2012 but the level in the UK is rising so fast that if you don’t look to improve it all something will get left behind!

Do you think you’ve achieved this? I’ve been doing an internship in sponsorship and marketing this winter so my time on the water has been stripped right back to basics. Saying that, it does mean when you get a chance to get in the water you realise just how epic windsurfing is every time so I’ve pushed myself harder in those sessions then I normally would for sure.

What competitions will you take part in this year? I’m hoping to get along to as many BWA wave events as possible and could never miss the infamous NWF.

What are you aims for this year? Just have fun. With a winter in an office you quickly come to realise just how awesome every session is whether it be crumbly, onshore mush or perfect down-the-line conditions. Can’t wait just to hit the water hard and enjoy every second!

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? I would say I’ve improved my knowledge in all areas to do with promotion, marketing and sponsorship….not sure that will help me much on the water! Haha! I’ve taken order of a new Starboard Kode and am feeling super happy on the Tushingham Rocks so hopefully this combo of kit should help me make the most of all conditions and every comp.

Fighting talk...Muzza is and has always been my biggest rival – let’s see if all his “training” (holidays) has paid off!! Hahaha!

Jack Hunt

Name: Jack Hunt

Sail No: K657

Fleet: Pro men

2012 results: 7th overall

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? It would be great if I could hang on to a tour rash vest for more than one event this time round.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? We will have to wait and see, but I doubt it.

Training; Peru then sidelined with a fractured ankle.

What competitions will you take part in this year? All of the BWA tour.

What are you aims for this year? To get some great UK waves!

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? Yeah I have a new 78 litre custom Carbon Art for the UK this year. It’s a v bottom single fin that really loves the kind of abuse I have in mind.

Fighting talk…Not for me I’m just there to “punish or be punished”

Sam Neal

Name: Sam Neal

Sail No: K31

Fleet: Pro men

2012 results: 10th

Where have you been training?  I’ve been training in Cape Town this winter.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? I wanted to improve on all aspects of my sailing. Jumping mostly and getting my turns sorted.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Mostly haha. We have had a lot of days with big waves and light winds which has been perfect for wave riding. Also, there has been some howling days but with little stunt ramps which has been good for jumping.

What competitions will you take part in this year? I will try to do all four of the BWA events.

What are you aims for this year? I want to be in the top 6 or better.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? I haven’t changed my Goya stuff at all. Still using the Eclipses and the Goya Quads. I’ve mostly been playing around with fin set ups and finally found the sweet spot with the K4 fins.

Fighting talk…Biggest rival this year has to be Bubble. We have been sailing a lot with each other over the winter, so will be cool to see who comes out on top. Hopefully I will kick some Bubble butt .

Aleksy Gayda

Name: Aleksy Gayda

Sail No: K412

Fleet: Pro men

2012 Results: 15th

Where have you been training? I have been at home working  for the winter

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? A bit of everything, wave riding and jumping and a board sponsor would be nice haha!

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Not yet, have to wait for it to warm up a bit with some good wind and waves.

What competitions will you take part in this year? BWA Rhosneigr and Ireland, then I will have to wait and see how the money is going.

What are you aims for this year? Have fun, sail and surf a lot, plus do as much travelling as possible too.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year?  No, same as last year.

Jan Sleigh

Name: Jan Sleigh

Sail No: K172

Fleet: Masters

2012 results: 2nd Ireland

Where have you been training? I have not been training – The only training I have done is in the gym and pool for triathlons, I have been doing at lot of SUP too, on the windsurfing side I have been at home in Cornwall at the usual spots and had a trip to Cape Verde.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? Everything! I always want to improve – that’s what I love about windsurfing

Do you think you’ve achieved this? I guess somethings – others no.

What competitions will you take part in this year? Not sure right now – I would like to do the all but I am so busy these days working, I can’t book that far ahead. Cornwall is the most likely candidate as I won’t have to drive too far!

What are you aims for this year? To have fun, be on the water as much as possible and try and get the best waves the UK throws at us

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? This year I am riding Naish Forces – I am getting on with them super well – loving the power they give me. And I am riding the new Naish Wave Classic 95. It’s an awesome board for me down here in Cornwall. Plenty of float for the gusty rippy conditions in Cornwall but narrow in the tail for carving turns

Fighting talk… Ah I don’t do fighting talk, I am too old for that. But I’d say just have fun and get on the water!

Justin Dennington

Name: Justin Dennington

Fleet: Masters

2012 results: 1st Cornwall Wave Classic

Where have you been training? In the pub with Chucky, as well as Marazion / Gwithian / Bluff

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? Overall wave riding, refine my forwards and maybe learn another jump for 2013.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Nearly!!

What competitions will you take part in this year? I am hoping to compete in 3 of the 4 rounds this year.

What are you aims for this year? Firstly to mainly enjoy the events, only being my second year I’m still learning how the comps work, I feel I need to improve my competition sailing mentality………..sail it like you stole it!!!!

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? Thanks to Puravida I have moved across to Fanatic / North / Ion.

Fighting talk…Hmmm difficult, I thought Andy Heath looked strong in Cornwall last year, and both Dave White and Big Davey Edmiston will be there at the top I’m sure, lets see if we can throw a spanner in the works this year eh!

Max Rowe, image credit PWA/John Carter

Name: Max Rowe

Sail no: K 20

Previous best PWA result: 9th Austria 2011

Result at this event: 13th

Did you prepare any differently for this event? Not especially! I have been in Maui for the 5 weeks before so I’ve had plenty of time on the water. Also, sailing with Gollito everyday for those 5 weeks might of been helpful.

Were you feeling confident going into it? I was feeling pretty confident especially as it was looking we would get some strong wind. Once you’ve registered though and have a look through the elimination ladder its easy to get a bit nervous as the fleet is at such a high level at the moment.

Where were you aiming to finish? I didn’t really have an aim but getting in the Top 16 is always nice.

Who’s your biggest rival? Bubble!

What moves did you land that you think saw you through a few heats? Burners and air funnels were probably my stand out moves I did in every heat. I’ve been training them really hard so it was good to see that pay off.

Did you almost beat Gollito? Mmm I didn’t check the score sheets but I seriously doubt it. He was on fire!

Who’s your money on for the title this year? Steven? Gollito? Well, now that Gollito’s won the first event it’s pretty easy to stick with him.

Max in action in Podersdorf

What was the best move you saw landed and by who? Relatively simple but one of the Shakas I saw Gollito do was just ridiculous!

Worst crash you saw? Balz Muller always has the worst crashes. One pasko crash he had looked savage!

Who had a tantrum after they lost a heat? Scheffers wasn’t too happy after Beholz kicked him out of the single early on, he did go on to fight back to 5th in the double which was pretty impressive.

Who won beer pong on the last night? There’s never a winner in beer pong because if you win a game you have to stay on and play another game and carry on drinking… haha. Yeh the last night of any event is always pretty wild.

As well as competing on the PWA and UKWA tour Max will be coaching this summer at Club Vass, for more info on getting coaching from the world’s best head to clubvass.com

Sara at Gwithian. Image credit Slackography. 

Sara Kellett

Name: Sara Kellett

Age: 18

From: Totnes, in Devon

Years Windsurfing: about 7

Favourite Discipline: Wave

Local Spot: Bigbury

Occupation: Student

Sponsors: None

How did you get into windsurfing?

I first tried it when I was on holiday in the Maldives when I was 9. It was a beautiful place, but at that time of year there was very little wind. Because of this I found it very difficult and frustrating as would just drift down wind and couldn’t turn around.

It wasn’t until a few years later when my Dad and I saw a whole load of windsurfers out at Roadford lake that we decided to give it another try. After a taster session we started regularly hiring kit, and after much perseverance and a lot of falling in, we became hooked!

Sara, already a strong sailor in the waves can pull a few high level freestyle moves too!

What other sports do you take part in?

When it’s not windy I do a bit of surfing and slacklining.

What do your friends think of windsurfing?

When I asked them they said they think it’s cool, but don’t really get it……..

For the last two years I have competed in the BWA Cornwall event. To be honest I have found them pretty difficult. I get very nervous and there is always so much that you have to think about, so I find it hard to totally enjoy myself and relax. At the last event I came back through the doubles and did about 5 heats one after the other. After this I feel a lot more confident that I know how things work, so that should help.

Sara at Gwithian. Image credit Slackography.

Also the competitions are a great way to meet lots of other windsurfers, and it definitely pushes your windsurfing level.

This year I plan to try the Rhosneigr event as well as Cornwall again, but would love to try the whole tour some time in the future, maybe 2014.

I learnt on the lake, but it was always quite a long way to drive so as soon as I felt ready I started sailing down at the coast as it is much nearer. From here there was a natural progression into wavesailing. At first I would only go out on days when the waves were very small/non-existent, but as time went on my perspective of small got bigger and bigger. I think it really helped that there were lots of inspiring locals who I would see ripping up the waves. It made me see what was possible.

Sara Kellett

It’s a toss up between two.

Firstly I will never forget this sail I had a Wimbleball Lake. It was the only time I have ever sailed there and it was pretty windy. It must have been the first time I properly started planning. All I remember is zooming along in the footstraps, sticking my bum out and practically sitting in the water to try and hold the sail down.

The other was more recently. It was a lovely day down at Bigbury with a WNW wind and it was sunny for a change. I had been trying loops for several years by now and must have crashed hundreds. I was beginning to think they were actually impossible but I was coming towards a nice ramp so I sheeted in, looked behind me, rotated and some how, when I landed I was still on my board and sailing along. By this point I was so used to landing on my back in the water that I could hardly believe it. That’s the thing with windsurfing, things always happen when you least expect them.

Well at the end of June I finish my A-levels and am taking a year or two out before going to Uni. First I will hopefully be off to Vassiliki to work as a windsurfing instructor for Ocean Elements. I get back just in time for BWA Gwithian, and would then like to go somewhere sunny, windy and wavy for the winter, just can’t decide where….