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!

Cold Pendowerkernow from Andy King on Vimeo.

Andy King. Image credit BWA/Dave White

The first showings of the Tiree Wave Classic 2012 TV feature with BWA tour highlights and interviews will be on Watersports World, so set your sky box to record:

03/01/13    00:30-01:30     Sky Sports 4
03/01/13    05:00-06:00     Sky Sports 4

More showings will follow across a broad network of channels.

For more details of the BWA coverage from 2012 check out all of the Live reporting from Boards here. 

Andy King at Gwithian. Image credit Matthew Burridge.

It’s been a fair while since I had to dig out my 3.7m but on one Thursday in mid November there was no doubting what to rig…the smallest sail you had!

This became apparent on the drive down to the Gwithian as my van was being buffeted and side swiped by invisible surges of airborne rage.  Having just finished a night shift I set off early and arrived at Gwithian beach as day broke.

The hazy morning light revealed a surprisingly tempting set of conditions; the waves were around head high with logo high sets. These sets were fighting their way ashore against an unrelenting cross offshore wind, which was frantically tearing endless plumes of spray off every wave that dared show itself.

Andy King. Image credit Matthew Burridge.

Although clearly strong, the direction of the wind somehow made it look manageable from the relative shelter of the car park.  Having slipped and slid my way down a saturated donkey trail with a broken toe from a classic Monday sail here and then battled with the whirl winds at the cliff base I was finally rigged with my 3.7m Goya Banzai, ready for its maiden voyage.

You know it is properly windy when walking to the waters edge involves imitating a drunken crab, yet finally at the waters edge I stepped aboard my Goya Quad 78l and was off.

Timo Mullen.

Steve King.

Heading out at Gwithian

Andy King jumping. All images credit Matthew Burridge.

No need to sheet in, in fact probably no need for even a sail at all as the mast and boom would have had enough surface area to have got me planing. This was full power, full on survival sailing. Thankfully the waves weren’t too big, as trying to wave ride with any element of control meant praying for a lull; and these were few and far between.

With an early forecast having finally delivered the goods, a lot of people were at the beach so there was no shortage of sailors willing to give it a bash, quite literally for some.

Jamie Hancock. Image credit Matthew Burridge.

Newly crowned British Champion Jamie Hancock had made the treck down from Southborne and was handling the conditions exceptionally well especially given his slighter stature.  The local boys never fail to put on a good show and there were still some radical jumps and slick wave rides seen in amongst the carnage.  Many, like myself, looked to be pretty over powered and if wasn’t long before the incoming tide forced those remaining on the water upwind to Peter’s point.

Here the waves were a little smaller but they were breaking even harder as the ever increasing wind speed would literally hold them open until gravity and the sheer weight of water in the lip finally brought it crashing down like a man trap looking to ensnare a victim and shatter carbon like bone!

Andy King bail out! Image credit Matthew Burridge.

The wind picked up so much at this point that you could see patches of sea that appeared to be boiling. As these furious gusts hit you would be elevated upwards despite every effort to keep the gear pinned to the water.

After three hours fueled only on Mc Donald’s caffeine I was done and having derigged in the sand storm that was once a beach I started the climb up to the cliff path.  Halfway up I stopped and looked down at Ian Black now sailing all alone as he tacked on to a nice looking swell.  Using his size and strength to his advantage he fought through a super powered up bottom turn and positioned himself perfectly for a sick top turn throwing bath loads of spray about a 100 metres off downwind.  He repeated this feet for the next ten minutes as I watched on from the cliff. Classic Blackie in his element out alone excelling in extreme conditions at his home spot.  

Ian Black. Image credit Matthew Burridge.

On reaching the grassy comfort of the cliff path I assumed my ordeal was now over but no. The wind had got so strong that it physically blew me back to the car park faster than my tired legs could carry me. Not the most elegant of sights but no doubt highly entertaining to a fool hardy dog walker I rocketed past. Delighted to find my van still upright as I slid my way across the car park I managed to reach shelter just as the heavens open and the flood waters that would plague Cornwall for the next week began, but that’s another story…

Andy King is sponsored by:

Goya Boards and Sails

Mormaii Wetsuits

bigsalty.co.uk

Amex rigging solutions

Pat love Accessories

Flymount Camera Accessories

MFC Fins

You might also like to read:

Follow all the news and features from Andy King here.

Ben Proffitt

Though not perfect conditions, the top sailors still shone through and proved why they are at the top. Full heat by heat analysis can be seen at the bottom of this post, (Boards will be following all the action over the weekend in the same way so stay tuned!) but it was James Cox, Ben Proffitt, Jamie Hancock and Andy Chambers that made it through to the final. The final was sailed in the fading evening light, it looked tricky to get on the set waves but all sailors were ripping; the result is yet to be announced but we will let you know as soon as it is. Who’s your tip to win?

On route to the final there were many exceptionally close heats; Andy King went out in a marginal decision over Timo Mullen and Phil Horrocks, then Horrocks lost out in an equally close heat with Proffitt and Hancock. On the other side of the draw Sam Neal almost beat Andy Chambers in a very close man on man heat, but Chambers advanced and continued his run of form all the way to the final. This only goes to prove the exceptional level of all the pros and how it really is close at the top!

Registration is currently underway for all amateur fleets so we will be able to fill you in on full entry lists tomorrow morning. The BWA are again expecting a great turn out for all fleets and with the winds looking strong tomorrow morning it should be a quick start for a fleet or two!

As well as our instagram images which you can view here,  the hugely talented Simon Crowther is around taking some exceptional shots all weekend which we will share with you as soon as possible, along with Dave White’s gallery of official BWA shots too.

Boards will continue the coverage of the BWA Cornwall Classic over the whole weekend so stay tuned for all the action!

Event plan:

Friday - 8am briefing for pro’s at Sandsifter unless another beach is nominated.  Amateur registration from 8pm till 11pm at Sandsifter.

Saturday - 8am registration for all fleets at Sandsifter, amateur registration until 9am.  Briefing for all fleets 9am.   Monsters ball at Sandsifter from 9pm – Halloween Dress Code!  BWA Awards if no forecast for sunday.

Sunday - 9.30am briefing at Sandsifter car park all fleets.  4pm Prize giving unless otherwise stated.  BWA Awards.

Check out page two for the intro to the event…

All headed to Balevullin, where we were greeted with light winds from the right and small waves. As the day progressed and the tide moved in the waves built slightly which meant head judge Mark Hoosegood called the women’s and youth’s fleets onto the water for their first rounds.

The youth fleet headed out first in a ‘trial’ heat to test out the conditions, unfortunately by this point the higher tide meant that the waves were now sheltered from the wind behind the headland making it even lighter and trickier.

After eight minutes the youth competition was called off, as from the start the wind was very light but Tris Levie shone, managing to get some great waves in the challenging conditions.

Most of the women got on the water before the heats took place; Justyna Sniady took to the water for the first time since breaking her foot and carefully managed some runs whilst Debbie Kennedy showed why she has won the previous years events with some solid riding. Unfortunately the women’s heats didn’t get underway at all, but on a positive note two more female competitors turned up today to push the numbers up to an incredible 11. Dave White took the opportunity to get all the ladies together for a mini photoshoot on the beach, so watch out for these piccies very soon!

Before the winds picked up Ben Proffitt, Andy ‘Bubble’ Chambers, Phil Horrocks and Chris ‘Muzza’ Murray gave some tuning advice to the other fleets. Light wind days up here are the perfect opportunity for picking up lots of tips on equipment, technique etc, so every day the conditions do not deliver activities like this will be arranged.

Tomorrow, along with images, we will provide a run down of the top tuning tips from the guys involved in the chat and will continue to do this with any other advice offered from the  pros. So, up next we will have further coverage of today’s activities hopefully with some reporting from the windsurfing action too!

Elimination ladders:

Pro ladder

Amateur ladder

Master's Ladder

Youth ladder

Ladies ladder

Check out the previous gallery and intro to the day on the page below….

Tiree has an abundance of spots to chose from, meaning that virtually any wind directions can produce great conditions. To find out all about the spots the riders could be sailing, plus more about the island in general check out the Tiree Beach Guide right here on Boards. 

Want to know more about Tiree? Click the image for the full beach guide. Image credit Dave White.

Before the competition kicks off we bring you a run down of the riders to look out for in each fleet:

Pros

Ben Proffitt the 2011 Tiree winner. Image credit Dave White.

Ben Proffitt – the previous BWA champion and last year’s winner in Tiree Proffitt will no doubt be out for the win again. Currently sitting in fourth position on the tour, he hasn’t quite had things all his own way so far this year and will need to step up his game to take the title once more. A fantastic all-rounder Proffitt manages to make all conditions look exceptional; in lighter, smaller conditions he may have the edge over his competitors.

Read more about Ben Proffitt on his rider stream here. 

Phil Horrocks – the current tour leader, with a first and third position, Horrocks can surely sense that this year could finally be his year to take the title. Sailing Rhosneigr and Cape Town regularly, Horrocks excels in port tack conditions and really stands out when the conditions get hard core.

Want to know what gear the pro’s use? Check out Phil Horrocks’ Pro Quiver piece here.

Phil Horrocks winning in Wales. Image credit Maike Sakschewski

Jamie Hancock. Image credit PWA/JC.

Jamie Hancock – currently places third in the tour, behind John Skye, Jamie has shown in Ireland what he can do when great conditions deliver. Being a little lighter than some of his competitors he has an advantage in lighter winds, this combined with his incredible riding style could see him rising to the top.

Want to know what gear the pro’s use? Check out Jamie Hancock’s Pro Quiver piece here.

James Cox – The Boardseeker whizz responsible for making all the features you see look so damn good, Coxy is also the man behind www.bigsalty.co.uk AND absolutely shines in starboard tack conditions. In Ireland when conditions switched he showed exactly what he is capable of by finishing fourth, with an awesome display of riding and jumping at Mossies, if conditions play ball can Coxy do it again?

James Cox. Image credit Duncan Dumbreck.

Want to know more about windsurfing and the weather? Check out this piece featuring James Cox and in conjunction with the Met Office.

Andy King

Andy King – Absent from Wales and Ireland Andy is yet to get a ranking on the tour this year, but with Tiree and then his ‘home’ event in Cornwall he could certainly cause some upsets at the top of the fleet. Andy showed last year in Tiree that he is still one of the best British sailors, despite not competing regularly like many of the others in the fleet. We are absolutely sure Andy will be one to watch again this year.

Read more from Andy King on his rider stream here. 

Others to watch out for: Polish PWA competitor Robert Baldyga, Andy “Bubble” Chambers, Sam Neal, Chris “Muzza” Murray, Steve Thorp and Timo Mullen (if they make the trip!)

Who won’t be there? Adam Lewis and John Skye. Adam Lewis should still be in title contention as he will be attending the Cornwall event, but with baby Skye due at any moment it looks unlikey that John Skye will be at either.

Amateurs

Alfie Hart. Image credit BWA/Dave White.

Alfie Hart – The Boardseeker camera man, responsible for all the awesome podcasts, videos and interviews you see on our sister site, Alfie is a fierce competitor too. Stylish riding and good jumping, including a killer table top, make Alfie a consistent performer and put him into the lead on the tour so far.

Ian Ross

Ian Ross – The BWA judge combines competing with judging at every event, a tricky business which meant he missed his own heat in Wales! When he manages to make his heats Ian excels, (he took the win in Ireland) and if the Tiree conditions suit his style he could be up there again.

Tom Bennett-Lloyd – The youth tour winner in 2011 Tom has stepped up to the amateurs this year and is more than holding his own. After spending some of the summer on the West coast of Ireland, Tom will be looking to build on two solid results in Wales and Ireland.

Check out the ‘Hidden Talents’ interview with Tom here.  

Tom Bennett-Lloyd. Image courtesy BWA/Dave White.

Scott McDowell – a stand out in the amateur fleet Scotty has been around for a while and has been on the verge of being kicked into the pro fleet a few times. Spending time in Cape Town over winters he really performs well when the conditions get gnarly, something we could be seeing this year (fingers crossed!). Scotty won in Wales, but didn’t compete in Ireland, no doubt he will be out for the win on his ‘home’ turf.

Others to watch out for:  Jim Brookes-Dowsett, Craig Hamilton, Russ Jenkins, Will Barrett, Ed Shearer.

Women

Justyna Sniady

Justyna Sniady – the current BWA tour leader, made the last minute decision to enter after breaking her foot very badly earlier in the year. Justyna has struggled through rehab over the summer spurred on by the prospect of windsurfing again and made the brave choice to enter Tiree once on the island. Justyna has now sailed for the first time and is feeling sore but confident and as ready as she can be for the competition.

Debbie in Sidi Kaouki, Morocco this summer.

Debbie Kennedy – a previous winner in Tiree, Debbie also took the win in Ireland earlier this year. Debbie excels in down-the-line riding and in her favourite conditions is very tricky to beat. Though fourth in the the series at the moment, after a discard comes into play and already with one win under her belt, Debbie could see herself in a great position in the race for the title.

Lucy training in Fuerteventura

Lucy Robson - the winner of the Cornwall event last year, Lucy excels in high wind riding and comes into her own in jumping conditions. Having been in Tiree for the past week, Lucy should be more than ready for the competition. With a fourth and second in the series she is currently in second position overall.

Read more about Lucy in this ‘Girls on Tour’ interview. 

Sophia Gilje in Ireland. Image credit BWA/Dave White.

Sophia Gilje - a relative new comer to windsurfing, Sophia is progressing quickly in waves and has done consistently well through the competitions this year with a third and third, putting her in equal second overall, joint with Lucy.

Who won’t be there? previous entrants including Sarah Bibby and Tanya Saleh.

Others to watch out for: Rumour has it there should be a fleet of eight women in Tiree, which is the biggest fleet at this event in quite a while. A new influx of competitors could see things shaken up in the women’s fleet and the numbers should mean it’s possible to run eliminations rather than straight finals meaning the pressure is really on for the female competitors.

Youth

Luke Raistrick – the winner in Wales earlier this year is already entered for Tiree and after a summer of windsurfing is ready for the competition.

Read more about Luke in this ‘Hidden Talents’ interview. 

Luke Raistrick. Image credit BWA / Dave White

Masters

Dave White

Dave White – is the current tour leader after a win in Ireland and a score of 5.5 in Wales. Whitey has some solid riding and jumping skills, and with an abundance of competition experience is dangerous in every heat; as long as he can make it out from behind the camera that is!

Davey Edmiston – always looks good in full on conditions; a jumping specialist his local spot of Troon is a port tack, cross on playground so in any conditions that a similar to this are sure to see Davey on top form. The winner of the Wales event earlier in the year.

Mark Lloyd - last year’s winner and third placed rider in Wales Mark Lloyd is always one to watch out for.

Who won’t be there? Jan Sleigh who finished second in Ireland and is one to watch when  the conditions get big unfortunately won’t be making it to Tiree, but will be looking for a great result in Cornwall.

Others to watch out for: Depends who makes the trip up! Stu Tilbury, Johnny Greatrex, Lee Medway, Phil Bennett-Lloyd, Andy Heath, etc are all up there in the rankings, it just depends who makes the decision to head up to Tiree.

With all shots from top photographer John Carter both showcase the talents of incredible riders, in equally incredible locations.

The 2013 Windsurfing Calendar was shot on location at Gnarloo, Margret River, Spreckelsville, Esperence and Maui’s north shore; John Carter takes us on an introspective of today’s world of new school wavesailing.

Victor on the cover

Cue a style clash between windsurfing’s old guard and the progressive lines of the sport’s next generation.

Calendar Specifics:

Size: A3 (297mm x 420mm).

Format: Portrait (ring bound w/ wiro hanger at top).

Paper: 210 GSM.

Printing: Full bleed single side edge to edge digital printing.

View: 14 pages, one month per page + cover & preview page.

Photographer: John Carter.

Sailors: Victor Fernandez, Scott McKercher, Philip Koster, Nik Baker, Iballa Moreno, Ricardo Campello, Ben Proffitt, Levi Siver, Mark Angulo, Jaeger Stone and Keith Teboul.

Locations: Gnarloo, Hookipa, Margret River, Spreckelsville, Esperence and Maui reefs.

New for 2013 is the UK Breaks Calendar, celebrating all that is great about British shores. 

Timo on the cover

Ever wonder why the British Isles continually father some of the finest wave sailors on the planet? Lineage of this calibre isn’t born out of warm water and tropical beaches, it’s forged from the harsh brutality of Atlantic swells, battering low pressures and unforgiving, isolated slabs.

Littered with world class reefs and beach breaks, we blow the lid on what the British Isles really have to offer – Introducing The 2013 UK Windsurfing Calendar.

Showcasing 13 awe inspiring images from windsurfing’s homeland, shot by the lens of John Carter and digitally printed onto super heavy weight paper. The UK’s never looked so good, nor has your wall.

Calendar Specifics:

Size: A3 (297mm x 420mm).

Format: Portrait (ring bound w/ wiro hanger at top).

Paper: 210 GSM.

Printing: Full bleed single side edge to edge digital printing.

View: 14 pages, one month per page + cover & preview page.

UK Breaks Calendar Overview

Photographer: John Carter.

Sailors: Jamie Hancock, James Cox, Paul Hunt, Chris Murray, Andy King,  Timo Mullen, Ross Williams, Phil Horrocks, Ben Proffitt and Ian Black.

Locations: Kimmeridge, Bigbury, Boscomb, Gwithian, Tiree, Ventnor, Sennen + Cornish, Welsh & East Coast Reefs.

Both calendars are available to purchase at http://www.openshutcalendars.com 

If it’s incredible wave shots, from both the UK and abroad you’re looking for, make sure you check out the new Boards Autumn / Winter Wave Annual on sale now!

“As October arrived the mediocre summer was finally put to bed and autumn was officially upon us.  Down here in the south west that usually signals the onset of some serious waves with the size to start lighting up some of the more sheltered spots.  These spots tend to offer the best shaped waves come the autumn as their sandbanks have sat dormant all summer, fattening up like a turkey before Christmas.

Andy King. Image credit Nigel Appleton.

This particular morning I arrived a little later than hoped but was cheered up immediately to learn that local boys Andrew Fawcett and Harvey Dawkins had been here since 8:00am frantically waiting for the wind to fill in! The swell had clearly been overhyped by the various online forecasts with the exception of www.bigsalty.co.uk  who seemed to have it spot. Head high set waves were being well sculptured as they refracted out of the west. Not big by any means but super clean faces.  Confident that bigsalty’s wind increase was imminent I opted for a 5.3m Goya eclipse and my 92 Goya quad as I figured I would need a bit of float to help get back upwind after each long, perfect ride.  It also looked like the typical conditions that you tend to get at Balevulin, Tiree so I figured it would be good practice for the forth coming BWA Tiree Classic event there.  The dry weather appeared to be holding out which was a major plus as I had Nigel, my father in law in tow with his camera gear, which he doesn’t like getting wet!  My only concern was the springs tides which were dropping out at speed.  Not a complete disaster at this spot but the race was on to get out in time to catch the conditions before the water completely drained off that pristine sand bar which was busy creating perfect left after left, which were being feathered by a moderate side offshore wind.

Harvey Dawkins. Image credit Nigel Appleton.

Harvey was first out and as he planed off the beach Andrew starting cursing the fact he had underestimated the wind from the shelter of the car park.

Once out the key was to have the patience to wait for the right wave.  The best waves were those that had refracted more from the west and surged through with more volume than initial wave height.  As this hit the sand bar the water in front would physically suck away leaving a wedge of a wave thicker than it was tall but with a power that was unconceivable for a wave of its size! You could just sit on this lump of water as it marched in and then it would just implode, at which point the race was on to scrape through the first section and get your timing right for the second.  Getting this right meant getting launched; getting it wrong meant getting smashed by a three foot wave punching well above its weight.

Andy King. Image credit Nigel Appleton.

The fun continued for an hour or so until the tide dropped so low that the wave was breaking into about a foot of water.  Even with multi-fin boards you would finish the wave and have to jump off and run or get catapulted into the sand.  Given the last it was probably not the best idea to try a goiter off the end section of one of the set waves.  It was one of those times I approached the lip thinking this doesn’t seem like great idea but hey what the hell.  Spurred on by watching the wonder kids in Klitmoller I knew I needed to launch off the pitching lip to stand any chance of landing in front of the wave so that is what I did.   It is surprising how quickly you realise all is not good as the bottom of the wave dropped away so quick it slowed my board causing me to hesitate in throwing the rig which left me out of sorts contorted back to sail above the pit of a little ASBO of a wave breaking in a foot of of water.  Hoping the money shot was in the bag I braced myself for my punishment which I was expecting to be the usual where you land on the top of the sail and scrape your face across each batten whilst getting sand driven into every orifice.

Andy King - The Money Shot! Image credit Nigel Appleton.

However, this didn’t happen instead I cracked my head on the bottom hard enough to make me see stars and feel sick.  As I surfaced and was physically able to stand I realised just how lucky I had been.  We all take chances windsurfing and the risks are usually relatively low, however, shallow water has got to be one of the most underestimated dangers we all expose ourselves to far too often.  With the onset of multi-fin boards we can now sail in mere inches of water but remember this depth of water does nothing to slow your body prior to impact with the bottom.  I could easily have suffered a serious spinal injury due to split second mistake so on a serious note learn from my stupidity and take care in any shallow water as even a fin snag catapult could send you head first into the bottom.

Andrew Fawcett. Image credit Nigel Appleton.

As it was that near miss put pay to sailing for me for the day but it could have been forever so I gratefully stood watching Andrew, Harvey, Jim, Dudley and others catching wave after wave before I made the slow shift necked shuffle of pity back to my van.  I probably thought that things would only get better from here on in untill i got back to the van.  Having got changed I jumped in the drivers seat to warm up and was pleasantly surprised. Having left the dogs in the front my initial thought on feeling warmth radiating from my seat was that one had been curled up there happily sleeping. However as the feeling of warmth changed to a feeling of dampness my still dizzy brain finally figured out I was in fact sitting in a puddle of warm dog piss, great!”

For all pieces on Boards about Andy King check out his page here.

Andy King is sponsored by:

Goya Boards and Sails

Mormaii Wetsuits

bigsalty.co.uk

Amex rigging solutions

Pat love Accessories

Flymount Camera Accessories

MFC Fins

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Andy King is at it again, scoring some more incredible conditions in the South West of England. Whilst he may not be competing with the other top British guys, Andy shows absolutely no sign of holding back on the water or slowing down just yet…

It’s been a while since my small board and small sails have seen the light of day so it was a real surprise when the second week of June delivered with a full day of ballistic wind and waves.

Andy King at Marazion - credit Matthew Burridge

I started late with a visit to Marazion mid afternoon and was greeted by some pretty ferocious seas.  On my drive down the radio was broadcasting a message from the coast guard warning members of the public to stay away from coastal areas due to gale force winds and heavy seas and to avoid going to sea unless absolutely necessary.

Fortunately this session was absolutely necessary as gale force winds don’t come around all that often in June!

I haven’t had a good sail at Maza for some time so this session was well over due.  Andrew Fawcett and Ian Black were already out and making it look easy in side onshore winds that must have been gusting 40 knots plus.  Digging through my van I finally found my 3.7 Goya Eclipse flat packed at the bottom of my gear and was quick to rig in order to get out there whilst the tide was still low.

Andrew Fawcett - Thursday afternoon at Marazion, image credit Matthew Burridge - 5 oceans sails

The onshore winds of earlier in the day had created waves that were logo to mast high out the back and these made for some pretty decent ramps when fully powered on a 3.7m.  The weather wasn’t great with heavy grey skies but that in some ways this just added to the atmosphere.

The storm was creating a sea that was angry, full of energy and which was almost predatory in the way the waves were trying to catch you out and swallow you whole.  I really had to work hard to override the urge to resort to survival sailing and forced myself to launch off some pretty erie sets way out back near to the rocks of St Michael’s mount.  These conditions certainly tested the Flymount that thankfully kept my Go Pro HD attached to my mast.  Unfortunately, the tide put pay to the fun all too soon and after getting dumped dry on the single I decided to pack in early and head to the North coast.

Andy King sequence image credit Matthew Burridge - Five Ocean Sails.

On route the grey skies of the south coast seemed to clear leaving bright skies illuminating the blustery coastline of St Ives bay. I had already heard that the south westerly swell was struggling to get into the bay leaving many frustrated sailors at Gwithian that morning but I was confident that it would pick up as forecast by bigsalty.co.uk.  Nick Moffat and myself opted to launch at Upton Towans Caravan park and my first hurdle was to get past the security on the gate.  

Friday afternoon at Marazion - credit Matthew Burridge

The campsite does allow public access to the beach car park at most times, but my problem is that it is a dog free caravan park, so the two rather large dogs filling the passenger seats of my van were going to put pay to a decent sail unless I could come up with a cunning plan.  Thankfully I had a double seat cover which was easy to remove and although the security guard looked slightly puzzled by the bulging, wiggling camo North Shore cover and the protruding Dalmatian tail he didn’t put two and two together and raised the barrier – game on!  

I then spent the next three hours until it was dark fully powered on my 4.2m Goya Eclipse and Goya Quad 78.  Hitting ramp after ramp and finding wave after wave.  This wasn’t a big wave session but it was simply so much fun.  Perfectly powered up on small kit, in good company with side shore winds and fun sized waves in one of the most beautiful locations in the UK….

Come the next morning and I struggled to wake having been up till 4am watching the ASP event at Cloud Break going off in insane 20ft barreling waves.  Yet the forecast on bigsalty.co.uk was looking great again and having coughed up for a babysitter for the day I was off.

I had spent along time deliberating between Marazion or Bigbury, both spots can be excellent but likewise both can be equally frustrating.  In the end I stuck with Cornwall and headed West as fast as the summer traffic would allow.

Friday afternoon at Marazion - credit Matthew Burridge

Arriving at the beach I was greeted by sunshine and side shore westerly wind blowing at around a force 6.  There were waves showing even with the tide just dropping from high to mid so all looked good for a fun low tide session.  The afternoon timing of low tide was a little frustrating as I knew that the swell of yesterday would be disappearing fast, however the conditions although not classic didn’t disappoint with plenty of ramps to hit and waves to ride whilst nicely powered up on my Goya Quad 78L and an Eclipse 4.2m.  It was great to see so many sailors out all enjoying some of the most fun sailing conditions Cornwall can offer, with a nice sandy low tide beach, steady side shore wind and nice clean head high waves.

The level ranged right from the likes of locals Ian Black, Andrew Fawcett through to those getting there first taste of wave sailing.  I sailed right through until the tide eventually rose to put pay to the waves.  As I derigged I noticed that the wind had come back round to WSW so I quickly formulated a plan to make the most of the wind that looked set to disappear for a week or two.

The Bluff. Image credit Debbie Kennedy.

A call from Jan Sleigh confirmed my hopes that the Bluff would be sailable, so I swapped coasts and joined him and a few others on the water at Hayle.  The waves were around head to logo high pushing in on the incoming high tide.  The stormy winds were easing so I opted for a 5.0m and bigger wave board to make sure I was going to be powered up.  It was a gentle way to unwind from the hectic winds of the last two days and the sailing seemed real peaceful even though there were still some great jumping and punchy wave riding to be had.

Andy King The Bluff. Image credit Debbie Kennedy.

There are very few places in the world where you can get quality side shore wave sailing conditions on two different coasts, on two different tacks, the same day with in a 15 minute drive of each other, for two days straight …..I guess that’s just part of what makes Cornwall so special for windsurfing!

Andy King is sponsored by:

Goya Boards and Sails

Mormaii Wetsuits

bigsalty.co.uk

Amex rigging solutions

Pat love Accessories

Flymount Camera Accessories

MFC Fins

For more about Andy check out his other features here on Boards.

Cornwall is with out doubt one of the best areas in the UK for finding quality wave sailing conditions yet many of the county’s best beaches are often over looked by many windsurfers who tend to go directly to the established beaches of Gwithian, Daymer, Marazion etc…

Andy King

The last few years we have been treated to many snap shots from the 5 oceans crew, giving a insight into a hard core unit of talented local sailors down west, who risk every thing to explore and find some quality reef breaks and seldom seen coves however some times the real quality breaks are there right under your nose…

So why are they often over looked?  Well the truth is they tend to be the territory of surfers who must out number windsurfers more than 100 to 1 in Cornwall and many of these aren’t too fussy about what conditions they surf in.  So, even windy side shore conditions will see the surfers out looking for that odd good wave or two that may be out there when any kind of swell in running.

Despite living in Cornwall the price of diesel has really started to make me weigh up the 70 mile round trip to Gwithian and has forced me to look at alternative locations closer to home…. time to take back the beaches…

Day one – All out assault – Crantock

Cornwall doesn’t have that many spots that cater for Westerly winds combined with small to medium west swells.  In west winds the south coast can be great but really needs big west or south west swell to get a decent wave.  Daymer and Hayle can both be good but again both need decent sized west swells or waves from the north.

On this occasion the Bigsalty forecast was showing West wind with only a moderate west swell due to build during the day.

A friend and long time local sailor had been badgering me to try Crantock in a westerly for months, but previously I had always opted to head west and hunt out rare starboard tack conditions instead.  Well, on this occasion I decided to save the diesel and chance a sail at Crantock with fingers crossed it wouldn’t disappoint.

Crantock

The parking recommendation was to go to the National Trust car park behind the sand dune at Crantock however I typically ignored this and went straight to the car park at the Bowgie Inn which is up on the headland and overlooks the beach.

From here it is cliff top walk at high tide or a quick and easy path to the beach at low tide.  The national trust car park gives easy access at high tide but a longer walk at low tide so whichever best suits the tide really.

From the Bowgie Inn I had a great view of the conditions below which looked nice with a solid force 5 – 6 and head high waves rolling in.  The wind was side onshore and the tide on springs dropping to low.  Spring tides are never ideal on main beach breaks but you have to take what you get here in the UK.

With the side onshore wind I opted for my 5.3m Goya eclipse and 92 Goya wave quad board to ensure I had plenty of power for jumping.  Best option is to carry your kit down to the beach and rig up down in the lee of the headland.

A quick phone call to my father in law who was to our camera man for the day ensured he was ready to take up position over on the western side of Pentire headland.

News had got out and we had a crew of ten or so wave sailors ready to stake their claim on this beach at least for a few hours anyway.

Once on the water I was pleasantly surprised by the power of the wave.  Crantock is well known for having a really good right hander which breaks off the Newquay’s Pentire headland and this wave was providing some really nice jump ramps and hollow bowls to dice with on the way in.  You needed to be spot on with your timing mind as any errors would be quickly punished as the onshore wind would encourage the lip to drop earlier than you might think.

Crantock

Mid tide was certainly better than the full spring low which turned the waves more onshore but it was still fun and all in all I sailed for about three hours under sunny skies.

The only real hazards to watch out for other than the obvious two head lands at each end of the beach is the river that runs out of the north end of the beach.  I was right over in the north corner at low tide and at this point the river was merely a stream and was having no effect on the sailing conditions however at different tides or after heavy rain there may be different currents etc worth bearing in mind.  Life guards are likely to have swim zones here during the summer months but they weren’t there on this day.

Apres sail refreshments are just a short walk away at the Bowgie Inn.  During the summer there may well even be live music on the weekend evenings to add to the days fun.

Day two – Special Ops  – Solo insertion on page two

With some solid winter training behind him, and a surprise goal for the 2012 season, Proffitt seems rather more relaxed than he should be and definitely earns his place as May Rider of the Month.

Proffitt riding high. Image courtesy www.windsurfaustralia.com

Name: Ben Proffitt

Nicknames: Errr..  maybe Proffittaroll

Sail number: K800

DOB: 20/01/1978

Years windsurfing: Oh god..  26 years!!

Disciplines: Wave

Home town: Shrewsbury

Current residence: England

Sponsors: Simmer Sails. Simmer Boards, Simmer wetsuits, O’shea Clothing and Funsport.

Boards: When did you first consider yourself professional?

Proffitt: I would say 2004 after a 5th place in Pozo waves, and a couple of good freestyle results. That was probably when I got to the stage where I was making enough money to be classed as a pro…  but don’t get me wrong it was proper bread and water living!

Before that, from 1997 to 2000 I was part of the Olympic squad and training full time on one design, so I suppose this could be classed as being a professional too!

Boards: As the winner of the BWA tour for the last two years, we all know you’re capable of taking the top spot, but when was your first big UK win?

Proffitt: Technically, the first win was probably 1992 on a raceboard! The first big event win was the Freestyle Nationals in 2004.

Taking the title in Cornwall

Boards: You’ve been posting some pretty successful results on the PWA for a few years now, what has your best result been?

Proffitt: Funnily enough it was my first ever wave event, again Pozo in 2004! I finished 5th in the single, and then made it back up to 5th in the double. I was set to take on Nik Baker but the waves disappeared and we never finished the competition, leaving four of us equal 5th.

Boards: How has your winter training been?  Where have you been and what have you been working on?

Proffitt: Winter was really good! For the first time, in a very long time I didn’t go to Cape Town. After six or seven years there, I went over to Western Australia. I got a lot of really great down the line sailing, maybe not as many full power jumping days as I would have liked, but from what I hear Cape Town didn’t have much of this either, so I don’t think I missed out too much!

I really wanted to work on my doubles and push loop forwards, but unfortunately as I said conditions didn’t exactly play ball, I am hoping to head out to Pozo pretty soon to make up for this though.

Training hard in Australia

Boards: Not all of us have been to Rhosneigr or Brandon Bay, what can each location be like and what sort of sailing can we expect to see at each?

Proffitt:  A typical forecast for Rhossy is a south/south westerly, so this means cross on shore, port tack conditions. It’s a pretty friendly wave, not really a mast snapper, but still super fun for jumping and tricks on the wave. It is like a cross between Pozo and El Medano, when it’s good you can score loads of jumps on the way out, then on a wave you’re not going to score down the line riding. It’s more about nailing your moves.. so back side/frontside 360’s, takas, forwards off the lip etc. A total stunt fest!

Brandon Bay is such a big bay, it works in pretty much every wind directions, and can throw up a whole host of conditions. A good forecast would be south westerly, cross off shore with down the line riding and that’s definitely what I have my fingers crossed for, as it’s what I’ve been sailing in all winter. In these conditions it’s more about the wave riding, and you’re likely to see aerials, goiters and just pure, slick wave riding.

Boards:  After such success last year, do you think you’ve got what it takes to win the tour again?

Proffitt: Well I feel I am riding as well as, if not better than I ever have been. My wave riding is feeling really good, I’m even more comfortable on my gear and I know how far I can push it now. So I don’t see why not! But there is some really stiff competition and as with everything in life you also need a certain amount of luck.

The video is filled with some great footage showing Andy doing his thing at various Cornish breaks. You can expect the normal powerful King style of riding and jumping with a bit of freestyle thrown in the for good measure. With some great insights into why Cornwall is such a fantastic windsurfing location with amazing wind and wave stats. Also up for discussion is how greatly suited Cornwall is for beginners, with an abundance of lakes and a varied coastline there is something for everyone.


Published by the Cornwall Marine Network and produced by the Sideways Collective.

Who is Andy King

Andy King overlooking one of his favourite breaks

Interview

Boards – So what’s life in Andy King’s world at the moment, what have you been up to?

Andy – Just been working, continuing renovations on our cottage and windsurfing as often as possible.  There has been plenty of wind so it’s been a case of trying to find the quality sessions.  Current diesel prices have meant I have stayed local for a lot of the windy days to save the fuel for the better swells and wind directions that suit the beaches further west.  Paa beach and Daymer can be a lot of fun on their day and I enjoy jumping, so it’s all good.

Boards – Any trip plans?

Andy – Well the only trip planned is a weeks snowboarding at the end of January. So the selfish part of me is hoping the wind takes a break by then or I will be pretty disappointed to leave a stormy Cornwall, even for the mountains of Austria.  I am considering running a coaching clinic this summer focusing on jumping somewhere in the Canaries, either Pozo or Teneriffe if anyone is interested.  It will be a one off where I share all of my secrets for those lucky few looking to crack loops etc.  For anyone interested please email – surftwin1@hotmail.com

Andy at home, in the air

“it has been the best late Autumn/winter session I can remember”

Boards – As far back as we can remember now the Atlantic has thrown us front after front after front. Considering the last two not-so-good years, is this more characteristic for this time of the year or has it been better than usual?

Andy – Yeah it has been the best late Autumn/winter session I can remember for consistency of strong winds. However if I was being picky there have been lots of West and North West wind and less of the South and SSW winds that make Gwithian and the North coast beaches come alive.  So some great sailing but not so many classic big down the line days unless I missed them all.  Down here the water is still around 12 degrees and thanks to two brand new Mormaii wetsuits I have been roasting and haven’t even considered wearing boots yet for windsurfing.

Boards – So come on then, describe your best session in the last 3 months?

Andy – My best session was actually a port tack side side on day at Paa beach loads of the local crew were out, all different ages and abilities but all making the most of some solid 4.7m wind and head high waves breaking. Just 10 minutes drive from my house!  I had just got my new 2012 Goya Eclipse sails and was using the Goya quad 78L, which is just so easy to sail well on, it is a magic board… but don’t let the secret out.