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…

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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.

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!

“Having wrapped up the UK windsurfing series at the end of October I wasn’t hanging around long before heading off in search of more wind and waves..

With the UK tour and the PWA tour all coming to a head around September and October I spent all but a few days either on the road or waiting around for conditions at contests, pretty frustrating! We were pretty unlucky this year with Denmark, Sylt, Tiree and Cornwall all getting less than classic conditions, sure there was a day here or there but it wasn’t really stoking the fires of that windsurfing fix I was hankering after.

Within 3 days of Cornwall ending I was on a plane and off, Chile bound!!

This is my second visit to the region and there’s a reason i felt drawn back to check it was all still there, the waves, pure and simple.. yes it’s windy, not as often as places like South Africa, but, when you get good days, they are really good! totally uncrowded, long left handers, what more do you need!

The region itself is pretty unspoilt, the scenery is stunning and everyone’s really friendly.

One of the best places you can go to get your stoke!

The wind is between side off to side on, depending on the beach you’re at, and generally between 5.3 and 4.2 wind with waves from waist high up to over mast high, the water is around 14 degrees.

I’ve been here for 6 weeks now and i’m heading home in a few days time, back to the UK for Xmas and i’m fully looking forward to it…  I know it’s going to be cold, short days, with sessions few and far between, but i’m ready for it, the fires are stoked and that’ll keep me going long through the winter time…

I hope you like the video, it’s pretty much a no frills edit done over 24hrs, there’s enough footage for a part 2  and 3 but for now this is the best I could do! It’s getting windy and there’s only a few days left so I need to get back out there and cram it in!”

Over the winter many of the UK’s windsurfers head to sunnier climes, but who’s going where and why? In this feature we will regularly catch up with a variety of windsurfers who are seeking some summer sun and wind.

Phil Horrocks in Chile

Phil Horrocks in Chile

First up BWA vice champion, Phil Horrocks, is currently over in Chile…

Where are you?

I’m in Chile with a gang of folk from Rhosneigr and we’re staying in Klaas and Victor’s house in Matanzas.

What conditions have you had?

So far we’ve had a mix of conditions, it started off really good, a few big swells and some good wind, then the wind went funny for a while. It was on and off with a few days of wind and small swell. Since then we’ve had swell and not much wind for a week now, we’re all gagging to get the combo of big swell and wind again

SUPing in some light winds

What equipment have you been using mostly?

Most of the windy times it’s been 4.2, that sort of thing, but I’ve used every sail from 4.0 to 5.3 on my trip. When there’s not been any breeze I’ve been hitting the water on the SUP, so it’s all good.

Phil Horrocks

What have you been working on?

It’s more of a wave riding place, although I have had to do a few jumps when it’s been smallish.

Want to find out more about travelling to Chile? Check out the Boards location guide right here.  

Plus, check out all the features about Chile on Boards here.

The BWA announce the first two dates of the UK Wave Tour for 2013.

This year Phil Horrocks was triumphant in Rhosneigr, will he be again in 2013?

The competition will kick off in Wales, at Rhosneigr beach on May 17th to 19th. This will involve competition for the pros only on the Friday, they will then be joined by all other fleets on the Saturday and Sunday.

Straight after this it’s onto Brandon Bay in Ireland, May 20th to 24th, for round two.

So they are doing it again….. sailing at Rhosneigr, Wales at the weekend then a frantic road trip to Brandon Bay, Ireland. This back-to-back event has become one of the most dreaded but popular events in the wavesailors calendar…are you up to it?!

Dates for other rounds to follow. The dates have been decided after discussions with other associations in order to avoid conflicts as far as we are able. Please note that like all things ‘windsurfing’ the dates are not set in absolute stone but we will endeavor to stick to them.

This year Boards covered every event, every day; check out more about each of the events here.

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/

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:

A great collection of videos from the Tiree Wave Classic 2012; action from the pros expression session, chat with the top boys and much much more!

DAY 6 WEB – Computer from Jim Puravida on Vimeo.

DAY5WEB – Computer from Jim Puravida on Vimeo.

Tiree Wave Classic Videocast 4 from Jim Puravida on Vimeo.

DAY3WEB – Computer 480 from Jim Puravida on Vimeo.

Video from day two…

Here’s the first instalment: The Journey to Tiree!

First up the pros took to Balephuil for an expression session in very light offshore wins. After two heats and then a final the results were:

Ben Proffitt

Phil Horrocks

Andy King

Sam Neal

After this the youths, ladies and masters took to Crossapol for some more onshore and smaller conditions, but with a fair bit more wind. The women were up first, taking around 4.7-5.0m sails and their big boards. Debbie Kennedy won the final, managing to find and rip some great waves in the light conditions, Sophia Gilje performed well in the final to take second. Third place went to current tour leader Justyna Sniady, who made an incredible come back at this event after breaking her  foot just a couple of months ago, with Boards editor Amy Carter in fourth.

Davey Edmiston dominated the master’s final with some great wave rides plus a solid forward, with BWA photographer Dave White in second. Keith Shorrock took third place with Stu Tilbury in fourth.

In the youth fleet,  Tris Levie is in the lead with two firsts and two seconds, with Luke Raistrick just behind him in second. All the youths have been sailing incredibly throughout the day, making the most of the conditions.

Skippers meeting is called for tomorrow morning at 9:00am at Balephuil, winds are looking light but with a little swell around. With no official competition for the pro’s or amateur’s yet today these will no doubt be the fleets to focus on tomorrow.

The forecast looks strong for this morning so a skippers meeting has been called at Balephuil for 7.45am with a first possible start of 8.15am. The winds are looking to be solid easterlies which will provide some great cross-off port tack conditions at Balephuil. With competition for all fleets to still get started all could get on the water. If you missed it previously check out the runners and riders piece here to get an idea of the names in the mix for the titles here in Tiree.

Phil Horrocks. Image credit Dave White/BWA Tiree Wave Classic

Who is your money on for each fleet? Can Horrocks maintain his form in the pro fleet? Or will previous tour and event winner Proffitt come through?

All headed to Balevullin, where we were greeted with light winds from the right and small waves. As the day progressed and the tide moved in the waves built slightly which meant head judge Mark Hoosegood called the women’s and youth’s fleets onto the water for their first rounds.

The youth fleet headed out first in a ‘trial’ heat to test out the conditions, unfortunately by this point the higher tide meant that the waves were now sheltered from the wind behind the headland making it even lighter and trickier.

After eight minutes the youth competition was called off, as from the start the wind was very light but Tris Levie shone, managing to get some great waves in the challenging conditions.

Most of the women got on the water before the heats took place; Justyna Sniady took to the water for the first time since breaking her foot and carefully managed some runs whilst Debbie Kennedy showed why she has won the previous years events with some solid riding. Unfortunately the women’s heats didn’t get underway at all, but on a positive note two more female competitors turned up today to push the numbers up to an incredible 11. Dave White took the opportunity to get all the ladies together for a mini photoshoot on the beach, so watch out for these piccies very soon!

Before the winds picked up Ben Proffitt, Andy ‘Bubble’ Chambers, Phil Horrocks and Chris ‘Muzza’ Murray gave some tuning advice to the other fleets. Light wind days up here are the perfect opportunity for picking up lots of tips on equipment, technique etc, so every day the conditions do not deliver activities like this will be arranged.

Tomorrow, along with images, we will provide a run down of the top tuning tips from the guys involved in the chat and will continue to do this with any other advice offered from the  pros. So, up next we will have further coverage of today’s activities hopefully with some reporting from the windsurfing action too!

Elimination ladders:

Pro ladder

Amateur ladder

Master's Ladder

Youth ladder

Ladies ladder

Check out the previous gallery and intro to the day on the page below….

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.

With all shots from top photographer John Carter both showcase the talents of incredible riders, in equally incredible locations.

The 2013 Windsurfing Calendar was shot on location at Gnarloo, Margret River, Spreckelsville, Esperence and Maui’s north shore; John Carter takes us on an introspective of today’s world of new school wavesailing.

Victor on the cover

Cue a style clash between windsurfing’s old guard and the progressive lines of the sport’s next generation.

Calendar Specifics:

Size: A3 (297mm x 420mm).

Format: Portrait (ring bound w/ wiro hanger at top).

Paper: 210 GSM.

Printing: Full bleed single side edge to edge digital printing.

View: 14 pages, one month per page + cover & preview page.

Photographer: John Carter.

Sailors: Victor Fernandez, Scott McKercher, Philip Koster, Nik Baker, Iballa Moreno, Ricardo Campello, Ben Proffitt, Levi Siver, Mark Angulo, Jaeger Stone and Keith Teboul.

Locations: Gnarloo, Hookipa, Margret River, Spreckelsville, Esperence and Maui reefs.

New for 2013 is the UK Breaks Calendar, celebrating all that is great about British shores. 

Timo on the cover

Ever wonder why the British Isles continually father some of the finest wave sailors on the planet? Lineage of this calibre isn’t born out of warm water and tropical beaches, it’s forged from the harsh brutality of Atlantic swells, battering low pressures and unforgiving, isolated slabs.

Littered with world class reefs and beach breaks, we blow the lid on what the British Isles really have to offer – Introducing The 2013 UK Windsurfing Calendar.

Showcasing 13 awe inspiring images from windsurfing’s homeland, shot by the lens of John Carter and digitally printed onto super heavy weight paper. The UK’s never looked so good, nor has your wall.

Calendar Specifics:

Size: A3 (297mm x 420mm).

Format: Portrait (ring bound w/ wiro hanger at top).

Paper: 210 GSM.

Printing: Full bleed single side edge to edge digital printing.

View: 14 pages, one month per page + cover & preview page.

UK Breaks Calendar Overview

Photographer: John Carter.

Sailors: Jamie Hancock, James Cox, Paul Hunt, Chris Murray, Andy King,  Timo Mullen, Ross Williams, Phil Horrocks, Ben Proffitt and Ian Black.

Locations: Kimmeridge, Bigbury, Boscomb, Gwithian, Tiree, Ventnor, Sennen + Cornish, Welsh & East Coast Reefs.

Both calendars are available to purchase at http://www.openshutcalendars.com 

If it’s incredible wave shots, from both the UK and abroad you’re looking for, make sure you check out the new Boards Autumn / Winter Wave Annual on sale now!

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/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

]]> http://boards.mpora.com/features/boards-gran-canaria-day-3.html/feed 0 http://boards.mpora.com/news/red-bull-storm-chase-voting-open.html http://boards.mpora.com/news/red-bull-storm-chase-voting-open.html#comments Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:16:56 +0000 Amy Carter - Editor http://boards.mpora.com/?p=39961 Decide who you want to see tackle in the fiercest challenge against the elements. Just visit www.redbullstormchase.com and vote for your favorite sailors before July 15^th.

In total 140 riders from 33 countries applied to participate in the Red Bull Storm Chase from the beginning of May until the end of June. 50 of them have been nominated for the online voting stage by windsurfing legend Robby Naish and his expert companions – PWA Head Judge Duncan Coombs and leading windsurfing photographer John Carter. “We were blown away by the high level and band of sailors: prominent professionals like Victor Fernandez, Ricardo Campello and Philip Köster registered as well as hot-shot amateurs and promising rookies“, said Coombs. “This was definetely not an easy choice. Big thanks to all the riders who registered.” Now it is your turn to select the ones you want to see competing. The voting is open until July 15^th. Just visit www.redbullstormchase.com and login using your Facebook account. You have ten votes in total, but only one per rider. Make your choice now!

British and Irish Boys in the Top 50 and needing your vote are: 

Chris Murray

Adam Lewis

Ben Proffitt

Timo Mullen

Phil Horrocks

Robby Swift

Dan Gardner

Mikey Clancy

John Skye

Jamie Hancock

Some of the top PWA competitors also in the Top 50:

Phillip Koester

Marcillio Browne 

Daniel Bruch

Ricardo Campello

 

 

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