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!

Pros

Most of the usual suspects headed to the beautiful isle of Tiree for the next installment on the BWA tour. The week unfortunately produced some fickle conditions, almost but not quite good enough for an official competition to take place. This however did not stop the top guys taking to the water.

Ben Proffitt winner of the Tiree expression session. Image credit BWA/Dave White.

A round of expression sessions were run in very light offshore winds, with the following pros taking part:  Chris Murray, Sam Neal, James Cox, Phil Horrocks, Aleksy Gayda, Andy Chambers, Andy King and Ben Proffitt.

The first two heats saw some impressive aerials and riding from all involved, with Neal, Proffitt, King and Horrocks progressing to the final. Conditions got even trickier in the final with the winds swinging to bolt offshore; King and Neal looked impressive but couldn’t quite get the waves they had in the previous round. Horrocks scored a couple of incredible waves, but it was Proffitt who took the win of the unofficial competition with a sweet floaty aerial that very almost ended it disaster.

Andy King. Image credit BWA/Dave White

Some pros chose not to compete in the expression session as it looked like there may have been an official competition called on at any moment, unfortunately the conditions did not quite get good enough for this to happen. Congratulations to all that took part and put on a fantastic show, check out the video from the action below:

A non event for the pros leaves Phil Horrocks in the lead on the tour going into the Cornwall event this weekend; and with second placed John Skye not attending this event either it’s Hancock, Proffitt and Lewis chasing down Horrocks’ lead. It’s tight at the top, with it all to play for as we go into Cornwall.

Phil Horrocks.

Boards caught up with Phil Horrocks just before the event; read below for some very insightful answers…

How are you feeling going into the Cornwall event? 

I’m feeling fine thank you.

Are you looking out for anyone in particular?

I’m looking out for one of Cornwall finest ice cream sellers.. I hear it’s the best in the land.

Are you thinking about the title at the moment?

Not right now.. I’m googling tips to fit a roller garage door.

Or just concentrating on the event coming up?

One day at a time and never concentrate on anything too long..

What conditions are you hoping for?

Great conditions

And do you think they will come through? 

Yes, I hope so..

Pro results

Justyna Sniady in Tiree. Image credit BWA/Dave White

Ladies 

The ladies fleet saw an influx of new names in Tiree with around half of the 11 strong fleet being new to competition. This rise in numbers meant they could go through a full heat system in the small, tricky conditions at Crossapol. Amy Carter, Justyna Sniady, Sophia Gilje and Debbie Kennedy battled through to the final in the single elimination where Debbie Kennedy came out on top with some incredible riding given the conditions.

Sophia Gilje. Image credit BWA/Dave White.

With a first, second and third place under her belt Justyna Sniady leads the rankings going into the final competition in Gwithian. It is incredible just to see Justyna back on the water so soon after a broken foot and surgery, despite the injury we are sure her competitive spirit and skill will make her one to watch in Cornwall. Second and third places in the tour go to Sophia Gilje and Lucy Robson, who have both had consistent results through the year, but with Debbie Kennedy in fourth place currently holding two firsts and a DNE the podium positions for the ladies are well and truly up for grabs.

Debbie Kennedy. Image credit BWA/Dave White.

Ladies results

Amateurs

It was another close battle at the top of the amateurs fleet in Tiree, with Ian Ross just edging above Alfie Hart in the final. Ian showed his skill in taking the event win, but with a poor result in Wales (due to missing his heat!) and judging commitments here in Cornwall it’s anyones guess as to whether or not he will compete and take the title.

Ian Ross. Image credit BWA/Dave White.

Alfie Hart is Mr. Consistent racking up seconds and thirds he has put himself in a brilliant position going into the final event. Laying in third in the amateur fleet is Tom Bennett-Lloyd, last year’s youth winner, who again has scored some very consistent results. As with the other fleets the amateurs is far from wrapped up going into the Cornwall Classic.

Tiree 2012. Alfie Hart.

Amateurs results

Masters

Davey Edmiston

Dave White leads the masters fleet going into Cornwall, but things could get shaken up a little with the introduction of a discard. Tiree winner Davie Edmiston looked strong in Tiree as he took his third event win on the Scottish isle in a row. With two event wins already, a strong result in Cornwall could see Davey taking Whitey from the top spot!

Check out an interview with Davey here.

Master's results

Youths

Tris Levie. Image credit BWA/Dave White.

The battle for the youth title looks to be between Luke Raistrick and Tris Levie, as they go into Cornwall with one and two event wins respectively. The level in the youth fleet is fantastic, with the top boys pulling off moves that would see them well in the amateur fleet along with others that are just getting started in waves. Hopefully Cornwall will produce some great conditions and give the youths again the opportunity to show what they can do!

Youth results

 Check out all the action from Tiree here. 

Head to the Cornwall Classic website here for more information on the event. 

You may also like to read:

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.

BWA Judge, and top amateur competitor, Ian Ross has recently taken a break from a hectic work schedule to get in some training in Fuerteventura. With Stephen Gibson showing him the way, Ross looks like he could be unstoppable in Tiree and Gwithian, if he’s allowed out of the judging truck that is!

Check out more Fuerte training on our sister site Boardseeker, this time it’s Lucy Robson who joins Stephen to tune up for the future competitions.

Chucky´s “training camp”, Fuerte 2012. from Stephen Gibson on Vimeo.