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?

Apart from the medals and Welsh Dragon trophies for all of the 5 fleets (Youth, Amateurs, Masters, Ladies and Pros), SurfAdviser have prepared a special trophy for a STAND OUT PERFORMANCE of the event. This award will go to one person from all 5 fleets, that impresses the judges the most throughout the whole competition – be it with the biggest wave, best move or the most hardcore crash!

Check out the shots on our Instagram account here (or click the pic below). Boards will have more images on Instragram before, throughout and after the events so stay tuned!

Sailing images courtesy of Duncan Dumbreck.

Boards has already caught up with many of the competitors in each fleet, check out the following features:

Inside Funsport and Bucky’s View. 

Looking Forward to the BWA: Ladies

Looking Forward to the BWA: Amateurs

Looking Forward to the BWA: Pros and Masters

PLUS we will of course be at all BWA events providing you with the latest and most up to date coverage LIVE from all the events. Here on Boards we will have a dedicated BWA section on the website where you can check out the latest features, plus check out the images making their way onto our Instagram.

As last year, Boards will present a Live Ticker from each event, following every heat of every fleet and letting you know exactly what is happening. So stay tuned to Boards for all the latest BWA coverage!

More on the Rhosneigr, Wales BWA event:

The event kicks off on Friday 17th with a day of competition for the pros only. There is also a plan, wind dependent, for some go cart action on the Friday; if there’s no competition on the water sparks are sure to fly on the race track!

Registration for all other fleets takes place on Saturday 18th at 9am sharp, this will be followed by competition for all and then an evening (with food and drink of course) in the new and improved Funsport Cafe. The evening Hawaiian themed so grab your best flowery shirt! Then for those with the staying power it could well be onto a pub or two.

Sunday 19th is the final day for competition, followed by the prize giving before competitors pack up and head over to Ireland for the next round of competition.

Check out more about event host Funsport here. 

Boards of course will be covering all the action LIVE from Wales and Ireland, with a Live heat by heat ticker, images, round up reports, interviews and more, so watch this space!

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!

Phil Horrocks winning in Wales. Image credit Maike Sakschewski

Last year we saw non-stop action with Rhosneigr delivering classic conditions, and stacks of wind.  The competition was closely fought on all levels, and after an epic battle of our top world tour riders Ben Proffitt (Simmer Style/Oshea/Funsport) was nudged into 3^rd by Tenerife resident Adam Lewis (Ion) and it was local ripper Phil Horrocks (Gaastra/Tabou/Funsport) that stormed the title on home turf taking him across to Ireland in the lead!

Phil said: “I was lucky to get some of my favourite conditions right on my doorstep and really enjoyed every minute of the competition! It was really tough though with all of the finalists on good form, a great start to the tour for me so far!”

In the Amateurs, Scotty McDowell clinched the Stena Line (www.stenaline.co.uk) prize of a ferry ticket to next year’s event as did ladies hot shot and newly signed Simmer Style rider Justyna Sniady.

Scotty McDowell

Justyna Sniady.

The British Wavesailing Association Tour round 2 saw the adventure head straight on from Anglesey in North Wales, leaving the port of Holyhead to Dublin. With huge thanks to the support of Stena Line.  Over in Ireland things kicked straight off with Mossies point break firing and some of the best conditions we’ve seen there in a comp for a few years. The professional riders were all sailing well in the epic conditions making it hard to find a clear favourite. After some of the best waves seen in an Irish competition John Skye (RRD) came out victorious with Jamie Hancock (Gaastra/Tabou) climbing up into 2^nd ahead of Wales winner and team-mate Phil Horrocks (Gaastra/Tabou).

John said: “Wales was tough and I really wanted to win here in Ireland, especially in such world class conditions. So many of the guys were ripping and a few of the favourites didn’t make the final as the standard was so high.”

Ian Ross (Puravida/Simmer) took the Amateurs by storm in conditions just like his home breaks in Cornwall, as did fellow Cornish ripper Debbie Kennedy (Hot Sails) who collected their Stena Line tickets for the next trip.

Ian Ross and Debbie Kennedy

As we get closer to the events for 2013 we are very much hoping for more of the same, and have every reason to expect an exciting two rounds of back to back competition.

The BWA Tour dates for 2013 are:

• ROUND 1: Wales (Rhosneigr), 17-19 May. Friday: Pros only, Sat and Sun: all Fleets
• ROUND 2: Ireland (Brandon Bay), 20-24 May.
• ROUND 3: Tiree Wave Classic, Tiree, Scotland; 12-18 October.
• ROUND 4: Cornwall Wave Classic, Cornwall, England 25-27 October. Fri Pros only, Sat and Sun all Fleets

Without the fantastic service from Stena Line between the various ports on the Welsh and Irish coast, this kind of ‘back to back’ competition just would not be possible.  With their time table we are able to travel directly from Holyhead (15 mins from Rhosneigr) through the night, and drive across to Brandon Bay in good time to kick off the following day if the conditions are on!  Tickets can be booked by visiting their website www.stenaline.co.uk and with a great variety of sailing times you have the flexibility to really make the trip your own.

Stena Line have been supporting windsurfing on many levels over the past few years and recognise the great links between our sport and the stunning coastal locations they can get you to!

There are lots of ferry good reasons to travel with Stena Line including no baggage charges or restrictions on what you can bring with you – great for the boards – and no lengthy airport queues. What’s more, the holiday fun starts as soon as you step onboard with free movies, games and Wi-Fi, as well as Curious George themed play areas for the little ones and a great choice of restaurants, comfy relaxation areas and bars for the adults.

Alexandra Smith, Route Marketing Manager, Stena Line said:  “The BWA Championships goes from strength to strength every year and we are delighted to partner with them on rewarding the considerable skill of the competitors taking part.

“It’s great that we can honour the competitors but we are especially proud of our role in getting the spectators to the competitions every year on our Stena Line services and on behalf of all at Stena Line we would like to wish all of the contestants, and the organisers, the very best of luck.”

Please be sure to book your tickets in advance to make sure you get space on the ferry.

Stena Line is offering 30% off* Flexi and Premium motorist fares on travel between 19 and 25 May – when you book before 20 May. Log onto www.stenaline.co.uk/bwa using this special password – BWACOMP – to avail of this great deal.

From everyone at the BWA and Stena Line, wishing you a windy season ahead and look forward to an exciting first two rounds of the British Wavesailing Championships 

BWA Wales is hosted by Funsport with support from Stena Line, Oshea and Coors Light.

BWA Ireland is hosted by Spillanes Bar with support from Stena Line, Oshea, Jamie Knox, Kathleen McAuliffe and Puravida Boardriders.

ROUND 2: Hosted by SPILANNES BAR & JAMIE KNOX WATERSPORTS

The 2013 Wales and Ireland ‘Back-to back’.

The Wales and Ireland event is a truly unique experience as competitors face 2-3 days of gruelling competition and partying on the testing Irish sea of Rhosneigr followed by a ferry trip and overnight drive to the Atlantic swell of Brandon Bay and heady party nights in the world famous, Spillanes Bar.

This trip is not for the faint hearted and those who survive always have a great story to tell. The venues have a history of delivering classic conditions which will test the very best in British Wavesailing. The BWA crew and judges also ensure that everyone is catered for seeking out more forgiving conditions for other fleets.

Quote from Ian Ross (BWA judge) “I have travelled all over the world and can honestly say that the Wales and Ireland back to back event is one of the most challenging and fun events in windsurfing today. The constant wind, waves and flow of hospitality is never-ending !”

NEW FOR 2013

Bucky’s Cafe will now be offering a great range of posh coffees and bacon butties. Situated above the shop the cafe enjoys amazing views of the action.

Stena Ferries: Check out the Ireland website above for the latest Stena discount arranged by Puravida.

New judge teams consist of PWA Head judge, Duncan Coombes, PWA judge, Mark ‘Sparky’ Hosegood, Ian ‘Chuckie’ Ross, Lukasz Zadjowski (Wales guest judge), Jamie Knox (Ireland guest judge).

Orange? ORANGE!!?…. We’ve had blue, white, pink, green and this year our rashvests will be a rude shade of orange. Yours to keep… by becoming a full BWA member and attending at least one event.

Wales and Ireland websites hosted by PURAVIDA BOARDRIDERS

Knees, ankles, shoulders and wrists seem to be the weak points for many windsurfers, but let’s face it the risk of injury doesn’t really put off or slow down many of us. But what about when injury does strike? Do you shut yourself away, hide from the windsurfing world in an attempt to forget about it until you are fully fit and ready to hit the water again?

After recently suffering a dreaded Lisfranc fracture, Russ Jenkins shares his injury story and explains how the windsurfing community can be a very valuable commodity in your hour of need.

Russ Jenkins

Russ Jenkins

Like many I’d tried windsurfing a couple of times when the conditions weren’t great but my first real course was in 2002 at the Army centre on Thorney Island. Without being too immodest I did pretty well and was planing in the harness after day three so the bug was instant for me. Soon after I was under the ginger wing of the infamous NWF organiser Al Cross and I’ve never looked back since!

After a lot of formula racing, again due to Al, I’d always wanted to get into and improve in the waves so, with fellow RAF sailor Craig Hamilton, I entered the BWA events in 2010 and absolutely loved it. That first year was an absolute blast with all competitors having a great laugh on and off the water, and best of all it forces you to improve whether you like it or not.

Ironically, after my last ever stint in Afghanistan due to a role change in the RAF I injured my foot, while sailing waist high Avon beach on New Year’s Eve!

To cut a long story short, in wanting as much wave time as possible to prepare for this year’s BWA events, I admit I may have accidently rode a wave a little too close to the shore!

While finishing a gouging top turn on this ‘monstrous’ wave, knowing the shore was packed with fellow RAF sailors and other hardy souls, my back foot slipped out of the strap causing the nose to dig in and fins to release. By this time the board was getting rolled by the shoredump with my left foot still in the strap, and as I fell in the water I could hear the cracks!

After a quick trip to A&E, where my main concern was to save my brand new Mormaii wetsuit from the dreaded scissors, the X-rays showed I had a nasty Lisfranc fracture and dislocation, fracturing three metatarsals and rupturing ALL the ligaments. In hindsight it would’ve been much better to cleanly break my ankle as at this point I’m looking at over six months til I can even run again, let alone get back in the footstraps!

Well this is what struck me about my injury, as it’s been caused, fixed and aided by windsurfing thus far, and of course the main goal is to do it all again…well, within reason!

The cause is clear but from then on I’ve been helped and supported by windsurfers:

From the unknown guys that helped me up the beach, to those that looked after my kit, de-rigged it for me and even took it home for safe keeping til I was out of hospital.

Then, by chance, my orthopaedic consultant is a windsurfer who I used to race against in my Army days.

Then hours after surgery, I turn on my phone and received a message from Robby Swift. It turns out he received an email from a friend of mine who had once bought a board from him asking if he had any advice. After some lengthy emails, finding out Robby has done this three times and still absolutely rips it up, my mind is now far calmer as most Lisfranc articles online are horror stories at best and now I’m armed with some excellent tips, supplements to take and general good advice to get me through this injury. Not to mention watching Don’t Let Go is spurring me on to get back on the water….a very apt film!

On top of this I’ve also had some great messages from Ben Proffitt and Justyna Sniady, who I’ve met a couple of times at BWA events and at the OTC Tenerife while Justyna was recovering from her infamous, and now award winning crash in Pozo.

Now what other sport would you receive advice whether it injury, equipment or technique related from guys at the top of their game at the drop of a quick email or even because you’re sailing at the same beach as them?!

Unfortunately, through the power of social networking and my wife’s connections in the Physio world, I was also able to pay Ben back by trying to help diagnose his recent injury while he was in Oz and I was resting with my foot up in the UK.

Russ Jenkins Russ Jenkins Russ Jenkins

What else has helped your recovery?

It’s not only help with the injury that’s been provided through windsurfing.

I’m lucky, as a BWA amateur, to be sponsored by three great companies who have really kept my windsurfing stoke up over the first couple of months of my recovery.

The ever enthusiastic, energiser bunny that is Jim at Puravida Customs who is shaping up a matching two board quiver to celebrate my return to the waves, and we’ve also been working on some great artwork ideas for the boards…watch this space for some great looking and more importantly great riding boards in the not too distant future…I have no idea where he finds the time!

The guys at Hot Sails Maui, mainly Chris Freeman (owner of Black Project Fins too) at their HQ and their UK distributor Anton, have been going through new quiver ideas and launching some exciting new products to feed my shiny new kit appetite. Not to mention their great forum community which now of course includes Kauli Seadi. Being a member of the Hot team is honestly like being in a big windsurfing family as everyone is so friendly, welcoming and of course addicted to the Hot way of doing things.

Now I know this sounds like a massive plug but all these guys, some I’ve not even met face to face, have been so supportive, optimistic and enthusiastic that it rubs off and massively helps through the boredom of injury, I mean there’s there’s only so many Top Gear episodes you can watch on Dave!

Russ hopes to be back on the water next year

Due to a complete role change within the RAF I’ve told myself (read “the wife”) that I can’t really wave sail till next year….which is made even worse by the fact that I’ll be stationed behind and flying right over the sand dunes at Rhosneigr!

Other than that I’ll be at a few of the BWA events this year soaking up the atmosphere and helping out where possible, and I think I may even invest in a SUP to get that all important proprioception training in.

Russ is sponsored by:

Hot Sails Maui

Puravida Custom Boards

Black Project Fins

Boards catches up with one of the most promising names moving from the BWA youth scene into the Amateur fleet, Liam Ellis. Regularly seen ripping it up in Rhosneigr, Liam is sure to make an impact on the tour this year, especially at his home spot. 

Liam Ellis. Image credit No Idea Productions. 

Name: Liam Ellis

Age: 19

From: Anglesey, North Wales

Years Windsurfing: 9

Favourite Discipline: Wave

Local Spot: Rhosneigr

Occupation: Watersport Instructor

Sponsors:  Funsport, Slacklinz

How did you get into windsurfing?

I was bought a taster session when I was 10 to go windsurfing at Plas Menai; ended up loving it and managed to get hold of some kit from a family friend and that was it!

Liam Ellis

Liam Ellis

Liam Ellis. Image credit BWA/Dave White.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do your friends think of windsurfing?

A lot of my friends are quite into watersports which is really cool, means we can be on the water together and share some brilliant sessions!

What is your experience of competition so far? And your future aims?

I started to compete in the BWA tour in 2010 in the youth fleet, although there wasn’t too many entrants at the comps I entered I still really enjoyed entering and attending because of the action you get to see. The people at the events are awesome  and I gained some good competition knowledge. I ended up 2nd in youth both in 2010 and 2011, in 2012 I only managed to do the Rhosneigr event where I ended up in 5th which I was over the moon with! This year I am hoping to travel to all the events and will try to finish as high as possible. I am really focussing on my skills this winter and hope it all pays off!

Liam Ellis. Image credit BWA/Dave White. 

What is your most memorable moment in windsurfing?

Probably quite recent, I have been focussing on my riding a lot and I think just before Christmas I scored some brilliant sailing and managed to get my first taka! I couldn’t of been happier! I am now able to pretty much get round them whenever I try but maybe not sail out of it! Practice makes perfect though ey!

What’s next in store for you on and off the water?

I think I am going to keep pushing my sailing as much as possible. I now live in Rhosneigr so it means I can go on the water whenever I want and working at Funsport also allows me to be as close to the beach as possible. I am planning on sticking around here for this year to focus on the BWA tour and also teach windsurfing, surfing and SUP at Funsport! I am trying to to keep my blog up to date this year too! Check it out here http://liamellisk405.blogspot.co.uk there is also a little clip of a taka crash in there too!

Debbie Kennedy

 Name: Debbie Kennedy

Years competing in waves: Three

Best previous results:    2010 – 1^st BWA Tiree, 1^st BWA Cornwall, 1^st Overall BWA

2011 – 1^st BWA Tiree

2012 – 1^st BWA Ireland, 1^st BWA Tiree, 2^nd BWA Cornwall

Title you have won this year: British Wavesailing Association Ladies Champion

Why and when did you first start competing in wave sailing?

It was completely by chance when a friend invited me to go to Tiree in 2010. It was not long after I’d started learning to wave ride but Id always wanted to go so I thought, why not and I’m very glad I did!!!

My sister and I were involved in longboard racing as kids, which was great fun and yes, I had all sorts of crazy windsurfing dreams but school then uni took over. When I started to kitesurf, chasing wind and waves became the norm and resulted in a move to Cornwall in 2009. I never imagined I’d start windsurfing again, so the last few years have been a total whirlwind for me with such a steep learning curve, there’s been no time for dreaming, it’s been a reality!!!

Debbie Kennedy at Big Bay

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the comps! I get quite nervous checking forecasts, choosing which sail to use and waiting for heats but when the green flag goes up, adrenalin just kicks in. Although it never feels like I sail quite as well as I would freesailing, as long as I know that I’ve done the best I can during those minutes Im happy. Listening to feedback from the judges has been really encouraging and key for learning how to compete well – making sure to wait for the set waves!!!! The comps have really pushed my riding forward and I’m proud to be part of the growing popularity in girl’s wavesailing.

Debbie carving round a bottom turn

Debbie throwing some spray!

My sails are Hot Sail Maui Firelights, which are super lightweight and manoeuvrable but also powerful, I absolutely love them!!!! The Chinook kids boom I use has also been amazing because of its super skinny diameter, which really helps the problems I have with arm cramps and it’s incredibly lightweight too. During 2012 I had a pair of secondhand twin fin boards (81L and 68L), which I recently swapped for a 62l single fin for my trip to Cape Town because it was the smallest production board I could get. I’ve realised how much difference the fin makes changing to a 17.5” Black Project MiniEpic fin and plan to spend more time testing out different set ups with the Black Project fins. I also hope to get another bigger board for UK summer conditions.

Debbie Kennedy, at on of her home spots of Gwithian

I don’t “train” – I sail whenever I can because I love it!!! I taught myself to waveride by watching and copying the guys with a sneaky head start from my kite wave riding. In Cornwall the wind can be pretty light but there is usually the option to find a down the line riding spot. Sailing in these conditions has been key to learning to wave ride so quickly, giving me the skills of selecting waves, timing and making the most of each wave …add a bit of wind and it just gets easier! I started and finished 2012 in Cape Town, which has become an annual pilgrimage for me and I was also lucky to spend a few weeks of August in Sidi Kaouki, Morocco where we scored a couple of super wave days. Nowhere beats my home spots in Cornwall though where I rarely miss a session!!!

I don’t have any plans for 2013 other than to keep enjoying being on the water as much as possible, riding the waves and avoiding jumping!!!! I’d like to say big thanks here for all the time and work that goes into the events, all the guys and gals I have so much fun sailing with and to Hot Sails Maui’s Chris Freeman who has supported and encouraged me so much the last three years – your all awesome!!!!

It looks like the 2013 women’s tour will be hotly contested, we will of course have all the news and coverage from all BWA events right here on Boards.

2012 Amateur title winner, Alfie Hart. Image credit BWA/Dave White.

ROUND 1: Wales (Rhosneigr), 17-19 May. Friday: Pros only, Sat and Sun: all Fleets

ROUND 2: Ireland (Brandon Bay), 20-24 May.

ROUND 3: Tiree Wave Classic, Tiree, Scotland; 12-18 October.

ROUND 4: Cornwall Wave Classic, Cornwall, England 25-27 October. Fri Pros only, Sat and Sun all Fleets

BSA racing

If you haven’t entered an event before, why not make this year your first? Check out the calendar of events below and head on over to the UKWA events section here for full information.