nwf2012 from NWF Media Channel on Vimeo.

Simon Bornhoft coaching at NWF

Windsurfing History

Professional windsurfer for over 20 years

Who inspired your windsurfing

I was lucky to get a job with Dee Caldwell Windsurfing. He was world freestyle champion at the time and taught me the value of getting out there in all wind strengths to develop new skills. Also, Robby Naish came and sailed with us on the River Thames at Kingston Bridge just at the time of the famous Peter Chilvers court ruling on who invented windsurfing. Windsurfing was booming and I just felt compelled to be part of it.

All ages taking part at NWF!

Why did you enter NWF

I was team coach for some of my SB Windwise clients, helping them with kit, race tactics and event nerves!

We had some great successes with race wins! Also, Sarah Edwards came 4th overall in the women’s Freeride Fleet and Murray ‘The Tiger’ came 4th overall in the men’s Freeride fleet.

What was your favourite part of the event

Seeing the huge numbers and diversity of competitors all out there enjoying the collective spirit that makes the event so unique and fun.

It’s what windsurfing is all about, being on the water, being social and supporting those who are new to the sport and admiring those who are taking the sport to new levels.

I’d also like to thank everyone who attended my clinic on Saturday afternoon, I always appreciate the interaction and feedback. Thank you!

Plus the whole team of people who bring this event together – one passion, one hell of an event!

NWF on water action

What’s next for you

I have a full winter coaching schedule with courses and trips to Cornwall, Egypt, Mauritius and Australia and putting finishing touches to our expanding 2013 schedule.

What do you want to progress next with your windsurfing

I’m determined to get more personal sailing in over the next 12 months. But my main focus is constantly looking at ways to improve my coaching and developing the most effective skill development systems to help others learn more quickly and get greater enjoyment from windsurfing! See you on the water soon!

Simon Bornhoft is a technique writer for Boards, particularly involved in Basics.

Check out the Basics section here, which guides you through the early stages of windsurfing, plus our main technique section here. 

Many of you caught the action here Live, or were of course there too soaking up the atmosphere. For those that weren’t we will bring you the news and images from the event over the coming days.

First of all we have the results from what makes NWF, the master blaster racing, which was exceptionally tricky in the light winds this year. Old school longboards were sported by many, and proved to be the best in the conditions, especially on Saturday. Jeroen Kuik put in a very consistent performance to take the win in the national fleet, whilst Jasper Geddes and Jack Pettit tool top honours in the Turbo fleet. The National fleet saw Sam Sills take the win, ahead of Chris Guest in second and John Skye in third, with Imogen Sills taking the top women’s spot just ahead of sister Saskia.

Full results below:

NWF2012.National_Results NWF2012.Team15_Results NWF2012.Freeride_Results

The night windsurfing was of course a spectacle to behold as always, this time the tow in windsurfing and Adam Sims stealing the show.

RRD had none other than Roberto Ricci at the show, answering many questions and chatting with all on the beach. Check out this gallery of shots from Dave White, of course featuring Roberto and many others too.

NWF Schedule 2012 Final Copy

NWF Live

Also, this year for the first time NWF will be streamed Live including here on Boards. This means if you can’t make it to the event you can view all the action, interviews etc right here on Boards, as well as round up videos too.

In more NWF news, we have spotted that the fantastic Surf Mirrors are providing prizes for the event! Check it out the info here. 

And finally we have a message from W4CR who would like to say thank you to many for donating prizes for the Friday night raffle:

1: A HUGE thank you to RRD For their donation of a NEW board for the auction, truly wonderful and generous support from RRD and Dave White.

2: Thanks to Blue Chip and Gun sails for kindly donating a Sail and RDM mast.

3: To Club Vass for donating a holiday for 2 to club Vass  magnificent.

4: For K66 Nik Baker for donating a North sail brilliant.

5: Tushingham for so generously donating a sail.

6: Ant Baker for donating a free days clinic fantastic support.

7: Simon Bornhoft for donating a 2 day clinic for free wonderful gesture of support.

8: O’shea for donating a wetsuit.

9: Windsurfing fins for donating fins.

10: Quick blade for donating a carbon Sup paddle.

Get your entry in now at http://www.nationalwindsurfingfestival.com

We hand over to Phil Plume for a little more inspiration -

Right! If you’re out there reading this and have never entered the NWF before because you don’t think you’re good enough, read on…

I was in your position in 2008. I could just about sail in a straight line in powered up conditions, but was a million miles away from the elusive gybe and I thought a tack was used to hold two bits of wood together. However I took the plunge and registered.

That year saw strong winds pushing me to my limit but was the most unbelievable fun! And friendships were forged in those first 5 minutes alone.

I managed to get off the beach and completed the race by swimming around the gybe mark. The next day was calmer and perfect for my ability. I competed in all the races without completing a single turn.

I have entered every year since then and have competed in the freeride, pre ’85, and wind-SUP fleets on equipment ranging from normal freeride gear to an ex-Olympic eBay special costing 99p! I have also raced at night by getting into the top 50 on a SUP board last year, and taken part in the Tag Team Challenge twice with pro riders such as Ben Proffitt.

And don’t forget the awesome parties!

The National Windsurfing Festival is organised for the ordinary sailor like you and me and what you get out of it is directly related to what you put in. I would encourage you to sign up and give it a go. As long as you can sail in a straight line you’ll be fine – and the smiles on the way home are guaranteed…

The NWF takes places on Hayling Island from 7 – 9 September – get your entry in here

Phil Plume

National Windsurfing Festival

Rock – This year’s modifications aimed at getting the power on more quickly without sacrificing any control. The changes we have made have created a sail which is crisper, lighter and more direct which enables the rider to perform moves easier whilst still maintaining that locked in feel.

Concept – The brand new 4-batten Concept blends crisp freeride performance with effortless light handling in light to medium winds. The Concept’s power, super-easy handling and light weight make it the very best sail for progression and with respectable top-end stability, it will last well beyond the early stages of planing.

Dino – The latest Dino has been carefully designed to work a wide range of conditions so that each size will be responsive in light winds whilst maintaining maximum control in stronger winds. Luff and boom lengths along with overall weight have been kept to a minimum creating a feeling of freedom and confidence, combined with the specially developed Dino masts this results in very light weight easily handled rig for the young windsurfer.

Check out the Tushy website here and more National Windsurfing Fest info here

Putting that Tushy/Starboard kit to good use at NWF

As many will no doubt already be aware this year’s bonanza will be longer in duration than before as the festival continues to go from strength to strength.

Friday 7th will feature entertainment from local band Half Light (check out their sounds here) and a Charity Auction Evening – and possibly a few shandies?

This years designated charity is Windsurfing 4 Cancer Research. All proceeds raised during the evening will go directly to the charity to help them continue with their great work.

Allan commented, “All donated goods gladly accepted as raffle prizes for the W4CR Charity Evening on Fri 7th Sept at this year’s National Windsurfing Festival (NWF) & National SUP Festival (NSUPF) – thank you to all those who have donated to date…”

To be part of this cracking windsurfing get together and help out a worthy cause, get yourselves down to Hayling Island seafront on Friday 7th September.

And if you would like to donate a prize then contact Allan directly - windandwaves68@yahoo.co.uk

More info on the NWF website here and Facebook page here

National Windsurfing Festival Charity Night Poster

Remember you can enter online here - and that the first 250 entries receive an exclusive NWF rashvest.

New Gaastra/Tabou/Vandal agent and top PWA competitor Ross Williams has recently confirmed he will join the hoard of industry member attending the event, ready with all the latest equipment for you to see and try.

Check out all the info and enter online at www.nationalwindsurfingfestival.com

Entry is £50 for adults, £30 for under 16 year olds.

What does NWF have in store for you this year?

All this, plus a lot more!

1. Opportunity to attend all the on water and land clinics conducted throughout the 3 day festival.

2. Opportunity to demo the latest equipment show cased at the biggest windsurfing/sup trade show.

3. Opportunity to attend the industry presentations and chat with the UK’s finest sailors.

4. Access to the parties and live entertainment for both Fri and Sat night. ( Friday night is the W4CR Charity auction with live band. Saturday night the windsurfing party is 80′s themed,  competitors get inclusive party tickets, then it’s £20 for any additional ones.)

5. Free car parking and camping for the duration.

NWF 2011

6. Free unique NWF event rash vest for the first 250 entrants.

7. Opportunity to enter in all the master blasters sponsored by the industry with hundreds of prizes on offer.

8. Free lunch meal on Saturday

9. Opportunity to enter the Night windsurf

10. Opportunity to enter into the SUP Festival.

11. Opportunity to celebrate our fantastic sport with 400 plus other like minded enthusiasts.

12. Opportunity to join in NWF Extreme Paddle a fun competition consisting of run, bike and inflatable SUP.

Get in there quick, this year’s event looks to be the best so far!

To enter now head to www.nationalwindsurfingfestival.com

Find out more about NWF on Boards.

With at least NWF 800 rash vests in circulation following the last two events, the National Windsurfing Festival crew have set a challeng. Whoever can wear their NWF rashie in the most unusual and extreme place each month will win some awesome swag!

The new NWF hoody

“We are looking for NWF ambassadors who wear their NWF rashie with pride, in the most unusual and extreme places, and post a picture on the NWF Faceboo page. Each month we will send the person with the winning picture a unique designed NWF mug, designed here on Hayling and special commissioned for the festival. As well as the mug, we will also give away the newly designed NWF hoodie. So, get the cameras to the ready and no photoshop thanks…..who will win in the month of April?”

So, get your rash vest and cameras out and get your thinking caps on – where would you go to win!?

The design for the new and exclusive NWF mugs.

Winners will be announced here on Boards.

The NWF Facebook page can be found HERE.

Team WindWise

Our technique guru Simon Bornhoft gathered over 30 of his WindWise clients to form Team Windwise and enter the National Windsurfing Festival for the first time last weekend.

WindWise clinic at NWF 2011

Like so many others, it was a great experience with some pleased to just finish and others surprising themselves by bettering their expectations. There were some notable performances including, Murray Maunder, the one in the Tiger suit, who got a Podium finish and also Luca De Blaby (age 7) being towed by his father in his first race! Simon Bornhoft completed the Saturday afternoon clinic session with a large crowd, who wouldn’t let SB finish for a full 45 minutes! Congratulations to all and see you next year!

WindWise clinic

More at www.windwise.net