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.

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….

Will Rogers

Name: Will Rogers

Sail No: K834

Fleet: Amateurs

2012 results: I only competed in the Cornwall event and it really fired me up for the whole tour this year!

Where have you been training? Bigbury, Daymer Bay and Gwithian, although there’s not been much wind this winter I have been doing a lot of SUP surfing to keep fit and get a better understanding of the waves.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season?  My port tack wave riding.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Hopefully but not much training time…

What competitions will you take part in this year? All of them I hope, but some will be a bit of an on forecast decision as I have to conserve my valuable annual leave.

What are you aims for this year? I would love to be able to finish top 5 in the ams.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year?

My gear stays the same, using the Tushy Edge, works well as a freestyle and wave sail for me.

Fighting talk…Who are my main rivals? All the damn students who get to go windsurfing all year round and get better.

Will Barrett in Tiree

Name: Will Barrett

Sail No: K733

Fleet: Amateur

2012 results: 5th Overall

Where have you been training? Sunny Witterings

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? Consistency in changing conditions and heat fitness; I’m always knackered after a heat!

Do you think you’ve achieved this? The fitness only comes with heat sailing but I’m trying to sail more intensely for shorter sessions when I go out. Having a young family and a busy job also means they have to be short!

What competitions will you take part in this year? The BWA Cornwall Event and the Puravida Southcoast Expression Session

What are you aims for this year? I’d like to try and get a top 3 finish. Just keep improving a pushing myself. Sailing with my mates and pushing each other too.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? Got some sick new Severne S1′s, some Simmer boards and some support from the Puravida team too.

Fighting talk…Let’s go big.

Jony Price

Name: Jony Price

Fleet: Ams

Where have you been training?

Wales, Ireland, or wherever I could find the best conditions

What did you want to improve after 2012 season?

Wanted to get more time on the water and get more confident to go out and ride bigger waves.

Do you think you’ve achieved this?

Definitely, scored loads of epic sessions this winter back in NW Ireland

What competitions will you take part in this year?

Rhossy and Ireland…the rest depends how skint I am.

What are you aims for this year?

More time on the water, and find bigger waves to ride.

Some better comp results would be nice too.. hopefully we get some decent conditions!

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year?

Yeh – Puravida sorted me out with some new Vandals and Tabou after I kinda demolished my quiver..

Fighting talk?

Nah, leave the fighting for the pub.

Ian Ross. Image credit BWA/Dave White.

Name: IAN ‘CHUCKY’ ROSS

Fleet: Formally Ams, now going full time judging!

2012 results 7th Wales, 1st Ireland, 1st Tiree, had to judge in Cornwall.

Where have you been training? The pub and in my bedroom.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? My attitude.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Not really, it’s still pretty bad.

What competitions will you take part in this year? According to the rules I move into the pro fleet this year but luckily I have the excuse that I’m needed on the judging team for the pros. I’d like to have a go in Tiree, if we have the budget for an extra judge.

What are you aims for this year? Not be such a dick.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? I bought some new pants which are nice, and also have O’Shea wetsuits, Simmer Blacktips 2013 and a secret weapon of a board that I made myself.

Fighting talk…I am the Judge and my decision is probably final. There aren’t any rivals in the judging van. On the water, I’d be lucky to beat anyone!

Liam Ellis

Name: Liam Ellis

Sail No: K405

Fleet: Amateur

2012 results: 5th BWA Rhosneigr

Where have you been training? Rhosneigr, North Wales

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? My forwards and frontside riding.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Definitely, takas are becoming more frequent!

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

What are you aims for this year? I would like top 3 overall.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year?

I was always sailing on a single fin, so this year I have got hold of a Simmer Flywave Quad and changed from Simmer Icons to Blacktips.

Fighting talk…Haha, not sure about the comment, but I would like to beat Tom Bennett-Lloyd if he’s competing this year!

2012 BWA Championship Results

Last day in Ireland delivers

The conditions were cross shore, at Dumps, with relatively small, but peeling waves. All riders were out on their biggest gear, but even so were non planing most of the time, with just enough to get on the wave.

Debbie Kennedy, who was strong on the first day of competition, found herself with a fight on her hands as todays competition got underway. Debbie took some fantastic waves in both heats, taking her straight up the rankings and into the lead. Justyna Sniady, also made a great comeback after a tricky start in the competition, bringing her back up into second position. All the other girls, Sophia, Lucy and Emma all sailed strongly in the difficult, light conditions showing many of the amateurs how it was done.

Debbie Kennedy

The amateur fleet also got through a fair few heats, but not enough to disrupt the top seedings. Judge Ian Ross, took a break from the judging panel to hit the water and take the win, with local man Niall Melon in second. Boardseeker camera man Alfie Hart sailed an incredible set of heats to make it to the final, and took a very respectable third.

Dave White Masters Champion in Ireland

2011 youth champion, Tom Bennett-Lloyd stepped up into the amateurs this year and sailed extremely well in today’s tricky conditions, as did Will Barrett and Russ Jenkins. Tris Levie, the only youth in the competition, put in a fantastic performance, sailing alongside the amateurs and more than holding his own within competitive heats.

The masters fleet did not have any more action, therefore Whitey continues his lead, with Jan Sleigh in second.

Overall results

Without any further competition for the pros John Skye takes the top spot, with Jamie Hancock in second, Phil Horrocks in third and Boardseeker man James Cox in fourth.

This takes Phil Horrocks into the overall lead after two events, with John Skye in second and Jamie Hancock in third. Ben Proffitt and Adam Lewis take forth and fifth respectively, and are both sure to be fired up and determined to get onto the podium in Tiree and Cornwall.

Ian Ross

Alfie Hart and Ian Ross take first an second in the amateurs, Ian will need to make sure he makes all his heats in future events to be in with keeping his second overall position!

Justyna Sniady is sitting firmly in the top spot after two events, with very strong performances at both events. If she comes along to the two following events she will be a tough one to beat, but Lucy Robson, who lies in second at the moment, Sophia Gilje (third) and Debbie Kennedy will be sure to push her all the way. With another strong representation from the ladies at both events, we are excited to welcome an even stronger fleet in Tiree and Cornwall, come on ladies!

Dave White is winning the masters, with Stu Tilbury in a close second, whilst in the youths Luke Raistrick and Tris Levie, with an event win each, are sharing the top spot.
Looking to Tiree and Cornwall

With both location delivering fantastic conditions, everyone is now looking ahead to the PWA, and then the two further events at the end of the season. With all fleets so closely contested it really is anyone’s game, a summer of competition and training before the next events will be sure to affect the positions in October.

As mentioned yesterday, some sailors in particular will be very keen to get the competition run today if it’s at all possible so any sign of wind and waves is sure to bring them onto the water.

The light north easterly winds do have the potential to pick up a little as the day goes on, so Boards will keep you updated at any sign of action.

The forecast isn’t looking too good for the rest of the day, with south westerly but only approx 5knots. There is a chance that with a couple of knots more building in the afternoon, meaning we could get enough wind later on in the day.

BWA Ireland: Oisin van Gelderen. Image courtesy BWA/ www.timsmithvisuals.com

We will keep you updated on the Live ticker below throughout the day as the announcements come through down here.

With the light winds this morning Boards will take this opportunity to catch up on the rest of the news on the UK windsurfing scene and get some more in depth views from the competitors here in Ireland.

Coming back through the double so far, Proffitt and Mullen seemed strong so far, moving their way up the ladder smoothly.

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

Pros ladder so far

In the amateurs, judge Ian Ross stepped away from the judging panel and straight onto the water, sailing a great heat and catching two of the best waves. Melon and Hart pushed him all the way in the slightly calmer conditions than the pros had has at Mossies.

Amateurs ladder so far

In the masters it was close at the top between Dave White and Jan Sleigh, with Whitey just taking the win on tuesday morning.

Masters ladder so far

The ladies first heat was run at Shitties, on Monday, where Debbie Kennedy and Lucy Robson shone as the top riders, Debbie in particular getting a couple of amazing waves. The second round of the ladies ran at Mossies on Tuesday, where in the bigger but lighter conditions Sophia and Emma took the biggest waves of the heat to impress the judges. It is super close at the top of the ladies, with the majority of the riders still being in with a shot of winning.

BWA Ireland Lucy Robson. Image courtesy BWA/Dave White.

BWA Ireland Ladies results so far

Live updates to commence very shortly.

BWA Ireland John SkyeBWA Ireland Phil Horrocks. Image courtesy of BWA/Dave White.

BWA Ireland Rob Jones. Image courtesy of BWA/Dave White.

BWA Ireland James Cox. Image courtesy of BWA/Dave White.

BWA Ireland Timo Mullen. Image courtesy of BWA/Dave White.

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

This year, Boards will be reporting LIVE from the event sites with up to the minute information and inside news and interviews.

After a tight battle at the top in 2011, it’s anyone’s guess who could take the top spots this year. We have drafted in a big name on the BWA scene to tell us more, the full feature will be online very soon.

ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!!!

Register for BWA Wales DISCOUNTED ENTRY

Register for BWA Ireland DISCOUNTED ENTRY

At the first stop, Rhosneigr, Wales, the competition will run from Friday 11th May for the pro’s, with the amateurs joining them on Saturday and Sunday. Competitors will the head straight over to Brandon Bay, Ireland, for a week of competition running from Monday 14th through til Friday 18th May.

With great wind and waves in 2011, BWA Wales hosts FUNSPORT, are hoping for more of the same:

“We had an excellent tour last year with great conditions at all the events, and I’m sure this one is going to deliver again for 2012!” Bucky

Funsport have just extended their shop in good time to provide an even better base camp for BWA Wales 2012. They have hosted the event for many years now and are totally committed to supporting the tour…..as well as some of the best known British Riders like Ben Proffit (Simmer Stye) and Phil Horrocks. The prize fund has been confirmed for the pro’s and local clothing brand OSHEA will be looking after the amateurs alongside our great tour sponsors.

“It’s great to compete here where me and Phil have basically grown up wavesailing, and makes for an awesome start to the tour! Phil always battles hard on home turf so it should be a tough comp just like last year, fingers crossed” Ben

“For the amateur sailors the tour has never been more fun and better supported with prizes, we can’t encourage people enough to come and take part to enjoy the sailing and atmosphere!” Nigel Treacy 

STENA LINE are supporting the BWA by offering all competitors a 30% discount on crossings to Ireland and back between the 11th and 20th of May. This will be on the flexi and premium ticket rates voucher codes to book available very soon.

As STENA LINE  become more involved in supporting UK Windsurfing there will also be a travel prize for the top amateur rider!

Discounted pre-entry runs for Wales BWA until 7pm on Thursday 10th May.

Women – With great thanks to the support of ‘Flo Windsurfing’ we are pleased to offer half price entry at all BWA events for 2012

Students – With great thanks to the efforts of ‘SWA’ and the team that organised their tour this year we are pleased to offer half price entry at all BWA events for 2012

Youth – With growing links to the RYA and in support for the upcoming future legends of our sport we are pleased to offer half price entry at all BWA events for 2012

We will have more details on the Irish leg of the tour very soon, follow all the news on Boards, catch up with last years podcast showing the amazing action in Brandon Bay on our sister site www.boardseeker.com

www.walesbwa.co.uk ‘Like’ BWA Wales 2012 on Facebook.  Follow @walesbwa on Twitter

www.irelandbwa.co.uk ‘Like’ BWA Ireland 2012 on Facebook. Follow @irelandbwa on Twitter