Over the Easter period on the 25th April 2012, I was windsurfing off the Eastern side of Hayling Island with three friends who were all experienced windsurfers and found myself getting into a little mishap…

wind chart

We had been windsurfing for three hours, off Chichester harbour entrance with the wind being onshore South/South West and a Force 5, making some great conditions.  Everything was going hunky-dorey until I catapulted about 50 metres off the beach and winded myself BIG time.  Within about three minutes of faffing around sorting my kit out and thinking “ouch” the ebb tide had ripped me to the end of Hayling headland. This would have been fine, but l was then hit by a nice Force 11 (55 knots+) squall.

Every time I tried to get the sail (a 4.7m, which would have been fine for the predicted conditions) out of the water it just got ripped out of my hands by the wind and proceeded to get a nice tear in it. “Brilliant job Alex,” I thought to myself!

Alex Powell

Firstly, you are in a ridiculous ebb tide getting sucked out to sea and secondly, you are now in a force 11, massively overpowered – what a winning combination.  The other advanced windsurfers I was with tried to come and help, but couldn’t even launch off the beach, as an indicator of how mental the conditions were.

Within about 25 minutes I was a mile out to sea, being in a Force 11 squall, rain pouring down and with some pretty big swell, it wasn’t the nicest of places to be.  I just had to hope the others realized I was missing and would raise the alarm.

After 30minutes I saw a couple Lifeboats in the distance heading out towards me until they then changed direction, I then realized quite how difficult it was to see me…I knew I had to stay with my kit, as you are much more likely to be spotted rather than just a tiny head bobbing around!  I also tried to fly the sail as much as possible to draw attention to myself and pushed the tail of my board down in the water so the nose came out and acted as a beacon. The RNLI and Frank Dunster from Hayling rescue saved my bacon and were very efficient and friendly. Cheers Guys!

In 2010, 118 windsurfers were rescued by the RNLI and I definitely haven’t seen many articles saying exactly what happened and how to prevent it from occurring again. I just hope my lucky escape can highlight how conditions can rapidly change and how important it is to respond in the correct manner to any dangerous situation.

Alex Powell safe and sound thanks to the RNLI

What am I going to do next time I go windsurfing….?

1. Carry on going windsurfing with friends.
2. Continue to check the weather.
3. Check the tides more carefully.
4. Know where the nearest lifeboat station is and
5. Know how I would raise the alarm.

Even though I was more than capable of coping with the forecast conditions I still got caught out – I hope you learn from my experience.  Happy and safe windsurfing!!!

It’s a slight contrast seeing as I was 3^rd In The BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) windsurfing advanced female fleet three days before!

Alex is taking part in the Bupa South Run raising money for the RNLI please support her!

Alex Powell Bupa South Run for the RNLI 

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Another brave RNLI crew head to sea

RNLI Sessions have finally released the dates for their two secret gigs being held in Dorset and Mid Wales.  The dates are Monday 7 November at a location in Boscombe, Dorset and Wednesday 9 November at another unique location in Aberystwyth, Mid Wales.

You can still register for tickets by logging on to the Sessions Facebook page www.facebook.com/rnlisessions right up until midnight on Wednesday 2 November 2011.  The lucky ticket winners will then be issued with a personal identification code and meeting point details.  On the night of the show, they will be met by RNLI Sessions crew and coached to the venue ensuring complete secrecy.

The headline act and exact location for each Session is still being kept under wraps, but check out the Facebook page for hints and maybe even have a guess yourself!

Register for tickets and join the chat at www.facebook.com/rnlisessions

RNLI Sessions 2011

RNLI Sessions

It’s time to vote for your favourite RNLI Sessions unsigned act! RNLI Sessions – secret gigs being held in aid of the charity that saves lives at sea – have enticed online entries from a great selection of unsigned talent and now it’s your turn to get involved by logging on to the Sessions Facebook page – www.facebook.com/rnlisessions – and casting your vote for which act you think most deserves to perform at one of the secret gigs.

The four acts with the most votes will go through to the final round and two winners will be selected, by a judging panel, to perform at either the Dorset or Mid Wales events.  The judging panel will consist of Jamie Oborne from Dirty Hits Records, Sam Bush and Aaron Kirkhouse from SBO plus representatives from the RNLI.

Voting opens from noon on Friday 21 October and closes at midnight on Friday 28 October 2011.  But you can still register for tickets up to Wednesday 2 November 2011.

The headline act and exact location for each Session is still being kept under wraps, but check out the Facebook page for hints and maybe even have a guess yourself!

To vote for your favourite act, register for tickets and join the chat at www.facebook.com/rnlisessions

RNLI Sessions

RNLI Sessions

RNLI – the charity that saves lives at sea  – is searching for unsigned acoustic acts to support some great headliners at two ‘RNLI Sessions’ events in November.  You just need to be over 16 and have a 20 minute acoustic set. Interested parties are invited to upload their entries to the RNLI Sessions Facebook page – www.facebook.com/rnlisessions before noon on 21^st October.  Online voting then opens for a further week to select four finalists, two of which will then be selected by a panel from Dirty Hit Records and SBO Management.

RNLI Sessions will feature surprise headline acts performing at underground music events in support of the charity’s lifesaving work.  The Sessions, which are due to kick off on the South Coast and in Mid Wales this November will provide a select audience with a very personal opportunity to see the artists in small, unique venues, yet to be disclosed.

To register for tickets and join the chat at www.facebook.com/rnlisessions

RNLI Sessions poster

Tenby to the Gower by windsurfer

Steve North reports: Four Pembrokeshire windsurfers (plus support boats) have each committed to windsurf a 30km crossing from Tenby to the Gower. The Windsurfers (in age order!) are: David Stockwell; Owen Bowen; Steve North & John Pym.

Obviously we need the right conditions (wind strength, direction and swell) but the consultation and planning are done – and now we are ready to go!

Why?

Well firstly, looking out from Tenby South beach we’ve often wondered how challenging it would be to windsurf all the way across to the thin stretch of Gower coastline you can make out on a good clear day.

Secondly, because we can do our bit for CHARITY; supporting the following great causes:

• RNLI (50%) – Should need little introduction, the RNLI have saved 139,000 lives at sea since 1824!
• Macmillan (30%) – Providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support for those affected by Cancer.
• Tenby Surf Lifesaving Club (10%) – helping everyone enjoy Pembrokeshire beaches safely.
• Liam’s Dream (10%) – A local Pembrokeshire initiative to help a young boy with Spastic Cerebral Diplegia.

And of course this is where you come in – If you feel you can help, then PLEASE donate anything you can afford.

The easiest way is online via: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TenbytoGowerWindsurfers

Or we will accept cash or cheques!

Many thanks – wish us luck (and wind!)

Steve

2010 Downings prizewinners

Almost €3000 raised for RNLI at another successful Downings Windsurfing Event

Over a hundred sailors turned out for another weekend of top class wind conditions for the annual Downings Windsurfing Event.

Conditions in Sheephaven Bay on Saturday morning were perfect and looked good for a day of competitive sailing in Round 3 of the Irish Slalom Series event.  Wind speeds of 20 knots were recorded and the fight was on for the title of Irish Champion.

Racing got underway with the novice fleet of around 30 sailors who completed a challenging slalom course in the safe and sheltered Sheephaven Bay.  Guidance, support and encouragement was on hand from a team of experienced Gartan staff and many enthusiastic volunteers.  Entrants ranged from nine year olds Jessica Hood from Newtownstewart and John Fletcher from Belfast to the oldest competitor in the senior age group aged over 70 years.

The Novice fleet managed a total of 10 races over the weekend with some challenging conditions including surf and gusting winds.  Overall winner of the Novice fleet was Sophie Fletcher and Victoria Backus for the ladies.

The Silver fleet coped well with the same challenging conditions sailing beyond the harbour on the Saturday, on Sunday race director Ciaran O Brien made the decision to bring the fleet within the bay for a slightly more sheltered downwind slalom course.  This fleet sailed a total of 10 races with Peter Stewart winning the fleet prize.

Gold fleet

The Gold Fleet of over 50 entrants competed in a technical and gruelling six mile downwind slalom course across Sheephaven Bay.  With inconsistent wind conditions the course presented a challenge for all competitors, sailors at the forefront of the Irish Windsurfing league demonstrated their skills both technically and physically to compete with the best windsurfers in Ireland.

For the spectators on the beach this was a colourful spectacle of sails and boards sailing majestically across the waves of Sheephaven Bay.  Fighting throughout the weekend for the top position were Pearse Geaney from Cork and local based sailor Maurice Owens.

Atmosphere on the beach and in the water was friendly with many personal challenges taking place within each fleet of racers.

The local branch of the RNLI had organised a buffet and entertainment in the Downings Bay Hotel on Saturday night for sailors and their families, this was another successful event and a great opportunity to catch up after the days racing.

Following the two final Master Blaster events where every fleet launched from the beach, with guest appearance from Batman, there were lots of fabulous prizes to be distributed.

Organiser Nick Fletcher commented “ we like to encourage all our young, novice and up coming wind surfers so we try to ensure there is a prize for everyone in the novice fleet”  younger entrants who were unable to compete due to strong wind conditions got party bags to encourage them to return next year.

The Downings Windsurfing Club would sincerely like to thank all the local businesses who sponsored, donated their services and helped with all the organising throughout the weekend. With special thanks to sponsors Jurys Inns, Boardwise and Tushingham.  Nick Fletcher thanked all the competitors for taking the time to enter, travel the long journeys and compete to make this another fun and successful year.  A special thank you as always to the Mulroy Sea and Cliff Rescue whose reassuring presence was in the water all weekend.

Martin Fleming

Results

Gold fleet Overall winner

Pearse Geaney

Maurice Owens

Hannes Louet-Feisser

1st grand master Chris Loughridge

U20

Joe Fletcher

Matt McNutt

Dylan Boyce.

U17

Ben McNutt

U17 girl Lucy Backus

U14 Paddy Fletcher

U14 girl

Rebecca Fletcher

Lady

Alison Beirne.

Silver fleet

Peter Stewart

Gavin Turner

Laura Macauley.

Silver Juniors

Sophie Fletcher

Matthew Toland

Michael Kelly.

Novice Lady

Victoria Backus.

Novice

Timothy Burke

James Toland

Jessica Hood

James Cox and a mugful of Lifeboat Tea. Photo: Gregg Dunnett

UK Wave Tour Pro and Southbourne local James Cox, has been unveiled as an ambassador for the Lifeboat Tea Extreme Tea celebration of the ordinary people that do extraordinary things for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

James is embracing the Extreme Tea initiative by Lifeboat Tea, the tea brand that raises vital funds for the charity (which is entirely funded through donations), by representing Lifeboat Tea both on and off the water.

James said of his involvement with Lifeboat Tea: “I feel extremely privileged to be given the post of a Lifeboat Tea ambassador.  Like many of us who spend so much time on the water, I have seen my fare share of bad weather and I have a massive respect for the job the RNLI performs. Myself and my friends know how important it is to assess risks before venturing in to the water but we are aware that sometimes things can happen that can put you outside your comfort zone and in danger regardless of how prepared you are.

“Although I have never needed the RNLI called out for me; for the above reason, I can’t be sure this will always be the case. It’s because of this and the fact that so many of my friends spend time in the sea that I strongly want to help raise support for the volunteers at the RNLI through the Lifeboat Tea campaign.”

Lifeboat Tea is inviting people to follow James and share their own Extreme Tea photos via the Lifeboat Tea website (www.lifeboattea.co.uk/extreme), Facebook and Twitter. Lifeboat Tea costs £2.09rrp and is available from leading supermarkets such as Waitrose and selected Tesco and Asda supermarkets. It is also available in RNLI shops.

James is sponsored by: Quatro International, Ezzy Sails, Lifeboat Tea, K4 Fins and Big Salty Weather

James, sans cuppa...Photo: Gregg Dunnett

Drink tea, save lives!

Lifeboat Tea, the tea brand that raises valuable funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), is launching its Extreme Tea initiative. Through partnerships with a range of extreme and unusual sporting ambassadors Extreme Tea aims to celebrate ordinary people who do extraordinary things – as is the case with the RNLI volunteers who put their lives at risk every day to save others.

The Lifeboat Tea Extreme Tea celebration will encourage people to share stories of the unusual places they drink tea. The ambassadors will be ‘taking tea’ in extreme places and situations to get people to recognise the lengths that the volunteer RNLI crew go to whilst most people are safely tucked up at home with a good brew.

Kicking off the activity, 22-year-old Charlie Walker is leaving the UK on 1st July to cycle around the world in a dedicated four-year challenge. Charlie said: “The RNLI is exceptional due to its outstanding level of service and the exceptional bravery of the mostly volunteer crew.

The message is simple; ‘drink tea, save lives’.”

The other ambassadors include Cornish RNLI lifeguard and sprint kayaker Kerry Blewett, who is training with the GB sprint kayak team ahead of the London 2012 Olympics; Emily Sarsfield, the British number one ski-cross athlete; professional stand-up paddle surfer and windsurfer John Hibbard; professional windsurfer James Cox and mountaineer Geordie Stewart.

Lifeboat Tea is inviting people to follow the ambassadors and share photos via the Lifeboat Tea website (www.LifeboatTea.co.uk), Facebook and Twitter. A bright orange Lifeboat Tea van will also be on tour around the UK this summer. Lifeboat Tea raises invaluable funds, with 7p from every pack sold going directly to the RNLI to help train and equip the charity’s dedicated volunteers*. Lifeboat Tea costs £2.09 and is available from leading supermarkets such as Waitrose and selected Tesco and Asda supermarkets. It is also available in RNLI shops.

RNLI Lifeguard

Helly Hansen supports RNLI professionals on the UK’s beaches

Helly Hansen is proud to announce further involvement with the RNLI, by supporting the charity’s lifeguards at various beaches around the UK with a range of technical clothing specifically designed for the RNLI professionals who risk it all to keep beach visitors safe year on year.

Together with the RNLI, Helly Hansen has designed and developed products that will keep RNLI lifeguards comfortable, dry and warm in the unpredictable conditions faced throughout the year on the UK’s beaches. From serious summer heat to cold, stormy weather, Helly Hansen will keep lifeguards protected, allowing them to concentrate on saving lives.

Helly Hansen has been able to support the RNLI by using its 133 year experience of making clothing for some of the world’s harshest environments. Just as the RNLI is passionate about saving lives at sea, Helly Hansen is passionate about producing technical clothing to protect those dedicated to risking it all for their profession.

The RNLI has over 800 lifeguards patrolling over 150 of the UK’s beaches throughout the year. In 2009 the beach lifeguards saved more than 120lives and assisted over 15,000 people. It is believed that two out of three people in the UK will visit a UK beach at least once during 2010, but every year over 7,000 people find themselves in serious difficulty either in the water or on the beaches.

Key pieces of technical kit that Helly Hansen has supplied for the RNLI beach lifeguards are:

Patrol Shirt

The RNLI Patrol Shirt, featuring Helly Hansen’s LIFA Stay Dry Technology, has been designed to give a comfortable and athletic fit. Using Helly Hansen’s proven LIFA material it will keep them cool in warm weather.

Fleece Jacket

For extra warmth on windy days the bright red RNLI Fleece Jacket will be visible to all those on the beach and in the water. Constructed using high quality Classic Polartec 200 fleece material, it features zipped pockets to store whistles and communication equipment.

The RNLI Jacket for lifeguards and their supervisors is made from Helly Hansen’s proven Helly Tech technology to offer professional waterproofness and breathability in all conditions.

Dinghy Smock

When the RNLI lifeguards need to jump in to action and enter the water the RNLI Dinghy Smock is a lightweight spray top that uses Helly Tech fabrics to deliver total waterproof and breathable protection. It features an adjustable PU neck opening and cuffs for a comfortable fit when in the water. The smock has been re-designed and modified in collaboration with the RNLI Lifeguards leading to improvement of the original product specifically for RNLI Lifeguard use.

For more information on Helly Hansen clothing, and orders, visit www.hellyhansen.com or telephone 0115 960 8797.