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!

Thomas Traversa, known for his super high stalled forward loops! Image credit PWA/JC.

When I did my first forward loop I was 11 years old and windsurfing in Brandon Bay, Ireland. It was pretty light with waist to shoulder high waves coming through the bay providing some nice head on ramps. I was pumping onto the plane and just chucking myself into them when all of a sudden one just clicked, it felt so easy, all my kit went really light and just came round so smoothly and gently. It was the best feeling I have ever had and I have not been able to stop doing them since, the forward got me hooked on windsurfing all over again.

Aleksy Gayda – BWA Amateur Champion 2011

I started forwards with a lot of determination, perhaps too much as I went through some serious back slaps and lung abuse. After a few pointers from Jem (Hall) I started trying wymaroos, getting the rig across my body and my backhand all the way down the boom, which soon had me landing my first flat water spin loops, even on my weak tack. Through watching movies I then picked up how far off the wind I needed to go for big clean forwards, which is especially difficult in onshore conditions. I also found there was a balance between trying to be on the right kit (where you don’t feel too overpowered) and just having a ‘go for it’ attitude.

The best craic is going for forwards with a bunch of mates, where you can all push each other, keep an eye out and have a lot of fun. I still remember landing my first clean loop and sailing away; it was a sweet feeling and left me smiling for days.

Will Barrett - BWA amateur competitor

I started trying loops in Margarita off about waist high waves, I landed on my back a lot and it was so bruised, but I was super hyped! The next day I tried again with a life jacket, but then I popped my eardrum as I forgot to look back…oops! I decided a little self preservation was in order, so I stopped trying for a while. After trying again in the UK, it was in Brazil that I finally landed one; I was so happy! For a relatively simple move it took me a while, but I think it was because I kept closing my eyes so I couldn’t spot my landing and open out the sail so I always got stuck in the same place. I then went to Pozo to learn on the other tack, trying them on a 3.4 in really onshore conditions improved my spin loop technique, and I began landing them on port too.

Sarah Bibby – BWA 2011 Ladies Champion

With forward loops there was no real breakthrough point that I can remember as every attempt is different and you can hardly expect to come out fully planing on your first go (keep wishing)! So here are just a few key points that almost certainly helped me get to a point where I actually enjoy them; weird I know! NEVER (ever!) let go; if you hold on you are way less likely to land in a heap on your kit. Only let go if you really, really have to.

Do practice in light winds; practice catapulting yourself over the front (without your feet in the straps – obviously) over and over again until you are landing on your back or in the waterstart position before you try in strong winds.

Learn with someone; if you’re competing for that all-important win, then your brain doesn’t mind doing stupid things! Good luck and if you can get someone to video your attempts it will provide you with endless amounts of entertainment!

George Shillito – BWA competitor and man in the know at the Polkerris Beach Co.

My first forward loop was during my first season at Club Vass, I landed my 3rd one! I remember I was on an old Neil Pryde Soul 5.8, sailing towards the beach on port tack and I bore right off the wind and jumped off the back of a piece of chop, nose dived and looked behind me over my back shoulder, waterstarted up and hey presto!

Andy Bubble Chambers - Freestyle and wave competitor and windsurfing coach

My very first forward attempt was pretty pathetic. My best mate from school and I sailed into the middle of Brogborough Lake, did a tiny chop hop and flopped onto our sails. I don’t think it really counts to be honest! My first proper rotation however I still remember clearly. I had been trying a few more forward attempts in lighter winds but without much luck, never getting enough rotation and generally crashing face first into the water. The next properly windy day on the lake, I was flying around full power on a 4.0. When I tried my first forward this day, everything happened so much quicker. Instead of crashing into the water like normal, I did the full rotation and slapped down on my back. I can’t even remember if I sailed away or not, but I can still picture the exact spot on the lake and still have the image in my head of the rotation. It was so fast, but at the same time I can remember it all in super slow motion, with the sky, water and land, all flying by. It was such an amazing feeling.

John Skye – PWA competitor and British windsurfing legend

The full issue of the Spring Summer 2012 Boards Annual is still available for purchase here. 

Have you mastered the carve gybe yet?

My first carve gybe was around the rescue platform in Dahab, in the winter of 2006 while my brother captured the whole thing on video! I think I had been having problems with the step and the rig flip, doing them together instead of one after the other, therefore dropping off the plane and being totally unstable when trying to flip the sail. Counting out loud between the step and flip really helped with this, and made me hold onto the rig for longer before I flipped it. When I sailed out of the first gybe I was overcome with amazement, plus a little relief!

Amy Chambers – Windsurfing instructor, personal trainer and former top Diva for Club Vass.

The carve gybe had always been the ‘elusive’ move I had wanted to learn from about the age of 11. I remember spending years engaging the inside rail, getting the board to carve a little bit and then flailing the rig, limbs and board in an effort to come out dry, thinking this was a carve gybe. This changed when I got a few helpful hints down in Coverack, Cornwall. The big thing that made the move ‘click’ for me was vision. It’s really easy to say “yes I’m looking through the turn”, but it was only when I fully exaggerated the vision, looking right past the end of the boom that my foot-change and rig flip became so much smoother. It felt amazing, and still one of the biggest buzzes I have ever got from windsurfing.

Jo Wright – Slalom, freestyle and wave competitor, sponsored by Tushingham, Starboard and Sam Ross Windsurfing.

My first carve gybe happened when I was sailing at ‘Speedy’ in Dahab a week ago. I was on my 4.7 Ice and my 99 litre Chilli. It was the first windy day since I arrived in Dahab the week before and even though it was a bit off and on, it felt good to be powered up when I hit the gusts. I hadn’t been trying carve gybes that long and it was something I wanted to crack quickly too open the door to more carving manoeuvres. My main issue when learning was keeping my weight forward allowing the board to stay flat through the turn, instead of almost sinking halfway round due to my weight being to far back. Unfortunately my first one wasn’t caught on camera, but I was sailing with friends who witnessed the historic moment. Like many manoeuvres in windsurfing, it can take a lot more work to get them completely consistent, and I’m still working on getting my carve gybes to this standard. But that first feeling you get from bearing away into a carving turn, and the feeling when you finally get your first carve gybe drives me forward to continue learning.

Edd Seater – Recent windsurf addict, working and improving in Dahab, Egypt.

I had happily entered myself into the first youth ‘freewave’ camp at Christchurch with the rest of Team AirBorn when it suddenly dawned on me one of the prerequisites for the camp was to be able to carve gybe! “CR*P!” there I was studying a Jem Hall article on how to Vulcan and it hadn’t even occurred to me that I had to be able to carve gybe! The next few days quickly turned into a case of do or die as the last thing I wanted was to be booted out of the camp (in front of the lads) for not being any good! It was a super warm summers day down at Daymer bay (on the Doom bar side) and the outgoing tide meant the bay was waist deep and flat producing ideal carve gybing conditions. My dad was stood in the water taking pictures of my brother and I windsurfing, whilst at the same time doubling up as a very handy gybe mark. Convenient as it sounds it soon became annoying as with every failed attempt I went round him he would shout, “faster, get low and lean further forward!” For about an hour I thought my dad was a bossy, know it all, loser, who simply didn’t understand! Unexpectedly though it all suddenly clicked when, to prove a point, I threw myself as far forward as I could whilst going as fast as possible and in doing so, fully expected to crash and give my dad the ‘idiot’ look that kids do so well. However in attempting to over exaggerate, I adopted the correct stance and burned through a perfect carve gybe to come out planing! I had made it, my dad was a total LEGEND and what’s more I wouldn’t be kicked off the camp; AMAZING!

George Shillito – BWA competitor and man in the know at the Polkerris Beach Co.

I’ve got to be honest and say I don’t remember my first gybe, but I do remember my first planing one. I used to watch Peter Hart’s “Towards the Limit” video all the time and there is a section in that which breaks down two of Bjorn’s slalom gybes. One where he is overpowered, needs to dump the power and therefore lays it down, and one where he keeps the rig forward and uses all the power to drive the board through the turn. This second one was the key for me and when I tried to emulate it, suddenly I held my speed all the way through the turn and came out fully planing. It probably looked nothing like Bjorn’s version, but in my head it was exactly the same!

John Skye – PWA competitor and British windsurfing legend.

The full issue of the Spring Summer 2012 Boards Annual is still available for purchase here. 

RRD Cult Ltd V5 from Dave White on Vimeo.

Skyeboy’s year 2012 from John Skye on Vimeo.

We at Boards would like to extended our congratulations to the new family. Well done!

Skyeboy has also finished editing the next part of his ‘Skyeboy’s Year’ video which you can view below.

It came down to the wire, with the title winner being decided at the very last event; this just goes to show what an abundance of talent the UK and Ireland have produced of late. Any number of the top sailors could have taken the top spot, but it was Jamie Hancock who took the tile win after impressive performances at every event.

At the beginning of the year though it was John Skye who looked in a solid position after coming fourth in Wales and winning Ireland. But as family commitments took over Skyeboy  took himself out of the title race.

Sam Neal

Jack Hunt. Image credit Simon Crowther.

Chris Murray. Image credit Simon Crowther.

The likes of Sam Neal, Jack Hunt, Chris Murray and Andy Chambers performed well throughout the year to earn themselves top 10 positions on the tour, but they couldn’t quite make it into the elusive top five.

Adam Lewis. Image credit Simon Crowther.

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

Andy Bubble Chambers at Rhosneigr. Image credit BWA/Dave White.

Fifth place this year went to Adam Lewis who started off the year with a bang, taking second in Rhosneigr, but despite incredible results on the PWA this year Adam couldn’t quite follow up the success in Ireland or Cornwall.

James Cox. BWA Cornwall. Image credit Simon Crowther.

The starboard tack master James Cox shone in Ireland taking a fourth position, and then managed two better in Cornwall to finish second. Coxy has certainly shown that not competing on the PWA tour is no disadvantage, particularly when conditions like his home break in Bournemouth come through!

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

Last years champion Ben Proffitt looked dangerous throughout the year, taking two third positions and a fifth things did not come together quite as Proffitt would have wished this year. Still a stand out sailor in a variety of conditions Proffitt’s sailing is far from slowing down and we are sure he will be back with a vengeance next year.

Phil Horrocks. Image credit Simon Crowther.

It was again exceptionally tight for the final top spot, this time between the Gaastra/Tabou team mates Phil Horrocks and Jamie Hancock. Going into the final event in Cornwall Phil looked to be in a commanding position, but he knew as well as anyone that anything could happen. A very tricky draw for Phil saw him struggle to progress, whilst Jamie dominated his side of the draw. Regardless of draws we are sure all sailors agree, to win you have t beat everyone, and that’s exactly what Jamie did. Congratulations to all pro competitors this year and thank you for putting on a fantastic show.

Jamie Hancock. Tiree 2011 image credit John Carter.

Before we look forward to the 2013 tour Boards catches up with the title winner himself:

Jamie Hancock. Image credit BWA/Dave White.

Name: James Hancock

DOB: 16.09.84

Sail number: K218

Years competing: 10

Best previous results: UK Wavesailing Champion 2009, Indoor jump champion, 9th Klitmoller 2010, PWA Rookie of the year 2011.

Title you have won this year: British Wavesailing Champion

Why and when did you first start competing?

I grew up learning to windsurf with my Dad at Hill Head beach in Lee on the Solent. At the time there were loads of really good windsurfers around like Chris Audsley, Jack Hunt, James Cox and they had all been windsurfing longer; Chris was even competing on the world tour. I was loving windsurfing and wanted to be as good as them and the rest kind of followed by entering junior contests on the Isle of Wight.

How did you get involved with competition?

After going to a junior contest I was hooked. I wanted to make it to the pro event and at the time that was my only goal. After doing a junior contest then coming in and watching the pros was amazing, I couldn’t even have imagined at the time to have made it to that level.

Jamie Hancock. Image credit Si Crowther.

As a kid did you dream of becoming a champion?

Not really. Just wanted to be good enough to sail reef breaks with my friends who were better than me.

Did you love competition straight away?

I liked the events and the people. Competition is something I was quite used to as I already had a sporting background. I played a lot of sports at school and also played squash for Hampshire and had previously travelled the country to some open junior contests. I think I made it to top 20 U19′s in the country when I was 14, that is what I did with most of my time until I got on the water and windsurfing.

What has helped you progress from learning how to compete to winning a title?

I’m not really sure. I have never had a problem competing. My problem is that I think I’m often too reserved in competition and fear mistakes more than going for it, that is something I’m going to work on.

What equipment have you used on the UK tour this year?

I have two Tabou wave boards, and two sets of Gaastra sails. I like to use the Gaastra Pure’s when the waves are a bit smaller and for any onshore and then I like to use the Gaastra Manics for proper wavesailing and stronger winds. I used my manics in Wales and my Pure’s in Ireland and Cornwall.

Jamie Hancock. Image credit Si Crowther.

Why do you use this equipment?

I have been sponsored by Gaastra / Tabou for a eight to nine years and I love the brand, the people but mostly the products. They suit me really well and have never had a bad piece of equipment in all those years.

What is it about your set up in particular that you like?

I really like having two different types of sails, they give me something different and better options for whatever the conditions are. I really love the boards this year too. I have an 80 litre board which is my competition board and that really helps.

Who else would you recommend a set up like this?

Literally anybody that wanted to sail the conditions I do. I wouldn’t recommend it to my Dad because he likes blasting in the solent. The Tabou Da Curves have five fin slots so it allows anybody to have their favorite fin set up, I often change my K4fins around. The sails feel great too but I also know that equipment choice is mainly down to personal preference, what I use is good and I like it, but it can also be good and for people not to like it as much.

Check out the full Pro Quiver feature with Jamie here.

How and where have you trained for the series this year?

Cape Town. That is where the Gaastra / Tabou wave sails development and photoshoots take place so it works out really well. It is port tack and the whole tour is port tack so as a starboard tack sailor I try to be there for as long as possible each year. Ideally I would like to travel to New Zealand and Chile but financially it just isn’t possible.

Jamie Hancock testing in South Africa

Have you just trained on the water, or what do you do off the water too?

I go to the gym quite a bit when I’m at home. I did play a lot of football but I picked up a couple of injuries and decided to give it a bit of a break.

What are your plans for winter?

I plan to be in Cape Town again.

Will you be sailing here in the UK too?

Ross Williams is back and also Timo is around. At them moment I have been on a few trips with JC and those guys. I absolutely love sailing in the UK, it is my favorite time of the year!  I may also head to Ireland before South Africa.

What are you aims for competitions in 2013?

To compete on the World and UK Tours.

Follow more about the BWA tour right here on Boards and on their website http://www.britishwavesailingassociation.com/

Skyeboy’s year 2012 from John Skye on Vimeo.

Skyeboy’s year 2012 from John Skye on Vimeo.

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.

Thomas Traversa beats Philip Koster in the super final in Klitmoller, becoming the first man to beat Koster in a long time. The conditions were very light, meaning just two wave rides counted in the result. Koster put in one incredible wave scoring him a 7.88, but he couldn’t back it up with another or the same standard, meaning Traversa took the win with two scores in the 6point range. 

Thomas Traversa wins in Klitmoller. Image credit PWA/JC.

Watch the action Live here!

French Flyweight beats German Giant in the battle of Cold Hawaii

Thomas Traversa sent shockwaves through the world windsurfing tour by beating the double world champion, Philip Köster, in the super final of the KIA Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup on Thursday afternoon.

In a re-run of David beating Goliath, Traversa, from La Ciotat, the small French town near Marseilles where the cinema was invented, rode the wave to stardom this week, causing the biggest upset in two years on the tour with his electric wave riding.

The light 15-knot westerly breeze favoured the 60kg Traversa. Köster is over 90kg. An extended heat of 25 minutes with only two waves being counted and no jumps also favoured the Frenchman, but Köster is such a competitor that it was not over until after the last wave, which he rode all the way to shore. Traversa held on to win by just 0.87 points, scoring 13.13 to Köster’s 12.26.

Köster, the German-rider born and bred in Gran Canaria, is best known for the spectacular jumping, which has brought him two consecutive world championships at the age of 18. He was unbeaten in two years and had won the last five world cups, including Cold Hawaii, in Klitmöller, Denmark, last year. But he showed on Wednesday, in clinching the second title, that he is formidable on the waves too and had the highest wave score in the super final.

Traversa, who had beaten Köster on Wednesday morning before losing to him that night in earlier heats, set the early pace. He had a big lead after ten minutes with two accomplished wave rides, but Köster is the king of the special moves, even on the waves, and at halfway in the heat a backside aerial 360, during a nice ride, brought him 7.88.

But Traversa improved his second score to 6.38 with a backside aerial and good run and Köster was becalmed as the clock ticked down. He gybed in no wind and seemed to be sinking not surfing but with his last wave, as the clock ran out, Köster found some pressure and ran a wave all the way to the beach. The 4.3 was not enough and Traversa took the title away from him.

A super session looks set to run in epic starboard conditions on Saturday, keep up to date with more information on the KIA Cold Hawaii website here. 

Check previous write ups below…

]]> http://boards.mpora.com/features/pwa-klitmoller-live.html/feed 0 http://boards.mpora.com/features/rrd-sails-move-style-pro.html http://boards.mpora.com/features/rrd-sails-move-style-pro.html#comments Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:18:25 +0000 Amy Carter - Editor http://boards.mpora.com/?p=42718 RRD present their new sails for 2013, with developments to existing sails and the introduction of new ranges these are sure to be the best RRD sails to date.

We are focussing on finding out all about the Move and the Style PRO, but first here is John Skye at NWF giving you a quick overview of the whole range.

NWF & RRD sails from Dave White on Vimeo.

Now onto the specifics of the first two sails in the range, again the man in the know is John Skye:

The Move

This is the first sail from RRD to be developed purely for the Freemove/Freestyle-wave sailor. It’s powerful, but with a boxy throw about feel, that means it has good get up and go, plus remains manoeuvrable and still retains a very good top end. The sail changes a bit through the sizes too, with the larger sizes being more towards freemove use and the smaller sizes more inclined towards freestyle wave and wave use.

RRD – Move Sail from RRD International on Vimeo.

Lots of people were involved in the development, but ultimately it came down to myself, Roberto and a few other team riders that were in South Africa last winter. Cape Town was the base camp for all the testing and it was a perfect mix of different wind strengths and everything from dead flat water at Langebaan, to waves in Cape Town. The ideal testing grounds for a sail like this.

RRD Move

I think this sail has lots of uses. It has good power in the hands so is great for freemove and freestyle wave users. Lots of power to get the slightly bigger boards up and planing quickly. It also stays pretty throw around, thanks to the boxy outline, so its pretty fun in the waves too, especially onshore, more bump and jump orientated conditions. I have used this sail a fair bit in waves and really like it.

RRD Move

The sails come in sizes from 7.2 down to 4.2, so that is quite a big range. The large sizes are more suited to the Firemove (freemove) style of boards and of course the larger Freestyle-waves. The smaller sizes fit better to the Freestyle-waves and even the Wave Cult boards.

 

The sails change quite a bit through the range. Firstly in construction, the larger sizes are built with light weight in mind, particularly in the high up areas of the sail. The smaller sizes have more X-ply in the top to make them more durable, as they tend to get more abuse. Secondly in feel. The larger sizes are a bit more freemove in feel, good for blasting, gybing and generally having a fun time with. As the sizes get smaller, they get more playful and more like a power wavesail. Better for jumping, maybe a few tricks and even a bit of wave sailing.

 

 

RRD Move

RRD Move

RRD Move

 

 

 

 

 

 

Style PRO

Last year we were trying to develop the SUPERSTYLE to do everything, from freestyle to freemove, but it became pretty clear that it was no longer possible. Modern freestyle is now largely about ducking the sail into wind and all the things that make a sail good for freestyle were in a way taking away from it’s use as a freemove sail. With the introduction of the MOVE, we were able to make the STYLE PRO a pure freestyle sail, with absolutely no compromises.

RRD Style PRO

In the past the freestyle sails were normally the same as a power wave sail. They tended to have longer booms and slightly more shape in them to get going quickly. Both these things however made ducking harder, so the new Style Pro had to come up with a completely new concept. Firstly we completely flattened the sail out to make it incredibly controllable. Then to still give it some power for the moves we added lots of power in the luff. What this means is that when the rider sheets the sail in, it fills up at the front and produces huge amounts of forward pulling power to get up and moving quickly. However, when the rider sheets the sail out, it goes dead flat, making all the moves easy again.

RRD Style PRO

Again the sail was developed mainly in South Africa. I did a lot of the work, but also had quite a few team riders try it and even some non team riders too. My freestyle is pretty good still, but to get an idea of how it performed at the very top level I made sure that plenty of different riders gave it a go. Everyone seemed to love it, so we knew we were onto a winner. We also have a new Italian freestyle kid called Jacopo Testa. He is loving the sail and was ripping in Fuerteventura. He is only 15 and I think he will become one of the best freestylers out there.

I wouldn’t recommend the sail only for freestylers, but definitely riders that will be mainly doing freestyle. During testing in Cape Town I even used the sail in the waves and it really surprised me how nice it was. Lots of power when needed, but also lots of control too. I wouldn’t recommend it for waves, but if you are predominantly a freestyle, who occasionally gets to sail waves, this sail still works really well for you.

RRD Style PRO

For full information on all RRD products head to the RRD website http://www.robertoriccidesigns.com or the UK distributors SeaSprite http://www.seaspritesports.com/

]]> http://boards.mpora.com/features/rrd-sails-move-style-pro.html/feed 0 http://boards.mpora.com/news/week-moulay-john-skye.html http://boards.mpora.com/news/week-moulay-john-skye.html#comments Tue, 21 Aug 2012 09:22:59 +0000 Amy Carter - Editor http://boards.mpora.com/?p=42033 John Skye takes us through the second week of his wave clinic in Moulay.

The second week of this years Wave Camp in Moulay, and once again the conditions fired. In fact to be honest I think we had a bit too much wind. Everyone was dying after a few days. Great thing about Moulay is that even when its howling, there is always a part of the day that is a bit more forgiving. This week saw every single person try a forward. That is the first time ever for one of our wave camps. Not all of them were caught on film, but the effort everyone put in was outstanding. Check out the video, hope you enjoy it and check out Oceansource.net for details of next years camp.

John and Nayra’s Wave Camp 2012 – Moulay – Week 2 from John Skye on Vimeo.

]]> http://boards.mpora.com/news/week-moulay-john-skye.html/feed 0 http://boards.mpora.com/news/rrd-wave-cult.html http://boards.mpora.com/news/rrd-wave-cult.html#comments Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:00:32 +0000 co.editor http://boards.mpora.com/?p=41330 Check out the vid of RRD’s new Wave Cult range.

There’s also more info on our sister site Boardseeker here

]]> http://boards.mpora.com/news/rrd-wave-cult.html/feed 0 http://boards.mpora.com/features/boards-gran-canaria-day-3.html http://boards.mpora.com/features/boards-gran-canaria-day-3.html#comments Wed, 04 Jul 2012 15:36:51 +0000 Amy Carter - Editor http://boards.mpora.com/?p=39979 Score sheets from the women’s final, where Iballa takes the win over Daida in a 3-2 decision. Wave 360 right at the end took it for Iballa!

 

Score sheets from Williams vs Ojeda and Traversa vs Koester.

Good morning from another windy day in Pozo. Conditions are looking a little flatter this morning, so we are waiting for the tide to push in and the waves to ramp up.

PWA Gran Canaria. Judges hit the water early morning before the waves come through!

Competition will then resume with the mens elimination, which will run from heat 17 up to 22. After this the finals will take place; women’s losers, followed by men’s losers, then women’s final and the men’s final.

Still going strong in the men’s fleet from the UK are Robby Swift, Phil Horrocks, Ross Williams and John Skye. They’ve all got tough heats ahead, especially Horrocks on takes on the formidable Koester and Swift who will go head to head with Browne.

Iballa flying high. Image credit PWA/JC.

The women’s finals look like they will be tight between Laure and Karin, and of course the winners final is sure to produce some incredible action from both of the twins.

Watch all the action Live on Mpora – plus get involved with the discussion, ask Proffitt and the other commentators questions and vote in the polls here. 

Keep up to date with the elimination ladders:

MEN’S ELIMINATION LADDER: http://pwaworldtour.com/index.php?id=1732

WOMEN’S ELIMINATION LADDER: http://pwaworldtour.com/index.php?id=1740

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