Check out the shots on our Instagram account here (or click the pic below). Boards will have more images on Instragram before, throughout and after the events so stay tuned!

Sailing images courtesy of Duncan Dumbreck.

BSA Weymouth results BSA Weymouth results

Name: Ross Williams

Sail No:  GBR 83

Where did you finish?  1st

What kit did you use for most of the weekend?  8.6m Gaastra Vapor and Tabou Manta 81

How were the conditions and how did your equipment work in them? Condition were very changeable but my gear felt great, really easy to hold down in the strong wind as well as having power for the lighter patches.

Best start…. I think I saw Kev have a great start at the pin mark.

Best gybe… not sure, I didnt look behind me. I had a good one to over take Kurosh at the first mark!!!! Maybe that’s worth a mention?

Best over take…. Sam Latham over taking Simon Petitifer

Worst crash…. I think it was simon cofield smashing into Kurosh’s deck and leaving a nice whole!!!

Best victory celebration….. Everyone was very level headed

Worst behaviour on saturday night... All of us for not going out a partying the night away!!!!
All images credit Dave White.

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Name: Kurosh Kiani

Sail No: D13

Where did you finish? 2nd

What kit did you use for most of the weekend? I only used my Simmer SCR 8.6 throughout the whole event. I was using my Fanatic Falcon 132 until it got damaged in the second race and had to race my medium board until I got it repaired and was then back on it again.

How were the conditions and how did your equipment work in them? Flat water and gusty wind (I think the wind wasn’t in its usual direction). The gear was working great in these conditions. I´m really liking my 8.6/132 combo. It has a huge range so you don’t have to mess around too much on changing.

Best start….Kevin Greenslade. He got several of the starts spot on and rolled the rest of us who were seconds late. Nice work !

Best gybe…Ross did a great PWA style gybe on top of Kev which came out in his favor. It was definitely entertaining to watch!

Best over take….Must have been myself overtaking Sam Latham and Simon Pettifer from behind as they were doing some sort of upwind battle while the gybe buoy was way downwind. Had to chuckle a bit for that one.

Worst crash….I´m not sure who it was,, but someone came in at full speed and hit the bottom just in front of the slipway. That one must have hurt in every sense haha.

Best victory celebration…..I saw Sam Latham claiming couple of his battle victories when crossing the line ahead of the competition.

Worst behaviour on saturday night…Hmm, I´m not sure if this is the usual UK standard, but the worst behavior must have been us discussing whether we should have a look down at the pub or not. I guess that one could have gone both ways.

Words from event host, Tris Best: 

“The forecast at the beginning of the week for this event looked ominous, but true to form Weymouth produced the goods yet again! There were some notable omissions from the entry list – Ant Baker being the obvious one (wishing his son a speedy recovery), but with the addition of a couple of PWA stars the standard of sailing in the pro fleet visibly upped the anti for the other fleets as well. 32 entries in the amateur fleet was a great turn-out … and even the people on the tasters we provided throughout the weekend were noticeably inspired! Thanks to Bob and the UKWA team for running such a good event once again.”

Ross Williams leads Dave Strudwick and Jason Greenslades in a race last year at Hayling.

Name:  Ross Williams

Sail No:  GBR 83

2012 results: I didn’t do any UK events, I just focused on the PWA but I am looking forward to doing plenty of racing this year on the BSA.

Where have you been training over the winter? I spent a bit of time here in the UK, but then I went to Cape Town for a month and a half, wave sailing and testing out new equipment.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? I just hope to show off the new Gaastra and Tabou equipment to the UK sailors and shops. so they know if they want to buy amazing, reliable,  fun equipment they should take a good look at the Gaastra, Tabou and Vandal brands.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? I think the equipment will speak for itself and on the race course the best guy will win.

What competitions will you take part in this year? I will do as many UK events as possible, as long as they don’t clash with the pwa slalom, I will do them. Also I think I will do some of the UK wave events too.

What are you aims for this year? I would like to win as many races and events as possible and help promote windsurfing to the younger up and coming sailors.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? I will stick with what I know works (gaastra and tabou) and suits my style.

Fighting talk…I think the level is pretty good in the UK and I look forward to competing against everyone. I know everyone will want to beat me, but I won’t make it easy and will try my hardest in every single race.

Sam Latham

Name: Sam Latham

Sail No: K15

2012 results - 4th Mens Pro – Kit had some alterations from previous year that took a while to set up. My first result was my worst but it progressed and continued to stay consistent. I also always fall ill for the Aberdovey event. I had a very weak ankle from a loop crash at Beach Break.

Where have you been training over the winter? To be honest I haven’t sailed much. I didn’t have the money to get away somewhere warm. The wind has been pretty poor and very cold. I have wave sailed more than slalom sailed but two training weekends in Weymouth have given me confidence on new 2013 kit.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? A few of my starts put me on the wrong foot, so nailing them will give me a good chance to attack top guys at marks.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Yes, Ross Williams gave us great practice at Weymouth.

 What competitions will you take part in this year?

All the BSA events except Aberdovey again as I have other commitments already paid for. Also aiming to do all the BWA events.

What are you aims for this year? The competition will be fierce this year with Ross doing some events, if not all. I hope Dinsmore manages to do them this season too. With this in mind I am going to make sure I fight for top 5 again!

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? All 2013 Fanatic Falcons and North Warps. Plus, this is the first season with North Shox that should improve control in the choppy stuff. Also playing with my fins this year with some Black Projects from Chris Freeman.

Fighting talk…I would love to get speed machine Kevin Greenslade, but as long as I stay ahead of Uncle Simon and Pa Pa Smurff Crossley I will be content!

Kev Greeneslade

Name: Kev Greenslade

Sail No: K 82

2012 results - 3rd Pro men.

Where have you been training over the winter? The mighty Weymouth.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? Acceleration out of the gybe.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Yes I think so!

What competitions will you take part in this year? The BSA series, speed week and may be try a PWA event before I’m too old.

What are you aims for this year? The slalom title would be nice but with Rossco doing most of the events this year it will be tricky (even with a fractured ankle) hope it repairs quickly for Ross as he’s flying. Oh and regaining the British speed title.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? I have signed with Tabou boards and F-hot fins with the Simmer Sails as always.

Fighting talk…May the best man win! The biggest rivals are the usual suspects: James, Ant, Si Cofield and I’m gonna throw it out there Si Pettifer has been flying in training on his new Tabou boards, he’ll cause a few upsets this year!

One to watch without a doubt Ross Williams will show what we all need to be striving for. In the Amateurs Tom Wells could be doing well.

Si Pettifer in training

Name: Simon Pettifer

Sail No: K67

2012 results: 6th Pro fleet.

Where have you been training over the winter? Been training in Portland this winter with Kev, Si and a bit with Ross, it’s been pretty cold as we all know, but I’ve sailed loads more than I did last year after a knee op.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? Really bad start to the season last year, then couple of bad events, some bad luck, some bad performances, then got better at the end of the season couple of better results to finish 6th for the year.

What are you aims for this year? Aim for 2013 is to finish in the top 5, get a good start for the season this year, be a little more prepared than last year with my sailing and my equipment. Last year at one event we only had one round of slalom that counted, somehow I missed the start so that was the whole event down the pan, that will NOT be happening this year. I know my board speed is up there, my starts are generally pretty good, I need to get my gybes up there and I’ll be away, lol.

What competitions will you take part in this year? This year I’ll be doing all of the slalom events, plus speed week. Also probably be at the Caldy Island relay event layed on by Jim at PURAVIDA  Boardriders in Wales and of course the NWF at Hayling.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? I have changed my equipment this year, the new Simmer SCR race sails should be arriving any day now, so I’m sure they’ll be even better than last years sails and I will be riding Tabou boards this year. The mantas are amazing boards to sail, really comfy and according to the boys I’m a lot faster this year so that’s got to be good. Also I’ve got some new fins from Steve at F-Hot, these are also super quick so it’s going to be a good season.

Fighting talk…Who to watch for…well James Dinsmore, SImon Cofield, Kev Greenslade, Ant Baker,Sam Lathem, Keith Atkinson, Jim Crossley, myself of course and I hear there could also be another top contender in there too. The Tabou team captain may be making a couple of appearances aka The Sheriff, he’s pretty hot on a slalom board.

My biggest rivals this year have got to be Jim Crossley, Mike George and I’d like to beat Si and Kev a few times. This year I’m going to be a bit meaner at the gybes and quit being a pussy so watch out boys, after all it is no rules slalom haha!

Check out the UKWA website here for all the info on the upcoming slalom and other events this year. 

Check out the action here and head to the OTC Puravida website for the latest info on further events.

Pre-Season Slalom Training Camp ’13 from The OTC on Vimeo.

It’s open to all abilities but with a strong emphasis on the intermediate free-ride sailor with the simple off the beach (beachstart) format and no technical rules. Why not come along and join in all we ask is that first your subscribe to the group and also be a UKWA member for insurances purposes. We run events one eve during the week and weekends…. Its all about like minded enthusiasts coming together to have fun! More info can be found at https://ukwindsurfing.com/slalom/clubs/hayling/

Ross Williams leads Dave Strudwick and Jason Greenslades in a race last year at Hayling.

Another eventful week in the world of windsurfing has flown by! The competition is still going in Miami as RS:X competitors get close to the winner takes all final race, follow the progress of Nick, Bryony, El Carney, Izzy Hamilton and more here. Of course this week was dominated by another competition, the much awaited Red Bull Storm Chase, which hit Ireland early this week. Check out all the action here and we will have brand new interview with the only Brit to make the chase, Robby Swift, very soon too!

The week started off with an amazing video from Max Rowe in Brazil, as well as footage from a secret speed spot! Though temperatures are  not finally on the up, we had a few more ice and snow windsurfing videos for you too here. 

Ant Baker took advantage of the slightly warmer weather and took out his brand new North and Fanatic slalom set up out for a spin, just before North Sails released the official video and new information on the very same sail.

Another top slalom racer also looking to get ready for the BSA season is Ross Williams, who will be hosting some training and warm up clinics over at the OTC Puravida centre in Weymouth.

Our final note this week goes to Andy ‘Buzz’ Buchanan, another incredible windsurfer who sadly left us this week. RIP Buzz, hope you’re ripping it up with Mikey.

Competitors, start your engines! To dust off the cobwebs and get ready for the 2013 BSA slalom season, OTC powered by Puravida are putting on two pre-season training weekends, that are sure to give you that extra head-start over your rivals on the circuit. World Champ and PWA star Ross Williams will be on hand to put you through your paces and provide tips both on and off the water. Weekends booked in are the 16/17th February and 16/17th March. Spaces are limited so book ASAP to avoid disappointment. For more information, email info@otc-windsurf.com, or phone 07817 717904.

Ross Williams clinic

How To Get Out Through Waves

Laure Treboux. Image credit Dani Miquel.

Laure Treboux

“Always have a good look at the place before heading out. Observe where and how the waves break.

To launch over the shorebreak: there are always gaps in between sets, so make sure you chose the right time to leave the beach. Wait for a set, once the set has come through you usually have a bit of a calmer moment when you can head out.

Once you are out, if it’s windy enough to get planing, make sure you have as much speed as possible, it makes it easier to go over the whitewater. As you are about to hit the white water, give a little pop to your board, so you lift it out of the water slightly. The board will go over the whitewater smoothly this way and you will avoid a catapult. Non-planing, the key is to have as much wind in your sail as possible, and just before the whitewater hits you, push down on your back leg so the nose goes up and over, push both your sail and board forward at the same time.”

Jamie Hancock. Image credit PWA/JC.

Jamie Hancock 

“Launching is really hit and miss, every spot has a different launch and even the best of us receive a fair bit of occasional humiliation. I have in the past been pinned under my sail praying nobody was watching. Getting out through waves becomes part and parcel of wave sailing. Every time you catch a wave to the inside you always have to go back to where you came from. Experience is key as it is all about reading the break, timing and always a fair proportion of luck!”

Robby Swift

“The main thing to remember is to have the nose of your board pointing at the wave. If you have it side on, the wave will flatten you with its power. If the nose is facing straight at the wave, you will penetrate easily.”

Ross Williams. Image credit PWA/JC.

Ross Williams 

“It’s always best to give yourself enough room, so my top tip would be to start far enough upwind that if things don’t go to plan you have enough space and time to get out of any trouble that you could be heading for.”

Ben Proffitt

“Take a bigger sail as it means you are more likely to plane, which means you spend less time in the impact zone and can pick and choose when to go out.”

Check out more technique here in the Boards technique section or head here to purchase the print magazine and read the Ultimate How To: Wave Edition in full.

For just £20 you can have unlimited use of the demo kit on offer, and gain some priceless windsurfing tips from the World Champion himself.

The day kicks off at 10am and the centre will be open until dark.

For more information, get in contact.

OTC Wind Chill

In more speedy news British slalom champion Ant Baker was showing off his 2013 North Warps this week; and speaking of showing off looks like the girls are having more than a little bit of fun in Maui here! We are sure yet more showing took place in the Liverpool SWA event last weekend too, check out the gallery  and report on the event from Tushingham team rider Jo Wright.

Other big news this week was that it looks like there will be another edition to the PWA calendar in 2013, with Cape Town hosting the final round of the PWA Wave World Tour!

And so we leave you for another week, remember if you ever have any great windsurfing sessions, images, videos or news from your local spot please send through the info to amy@boards.co.uk

Ross Williams in action, how well could he do in Cape Town 2013?

Boards catches up with Boardwise to find out more about how the demos are run and what’s involved:

Just some of the Boardwise demo equipment set up and ready to go! Image credit Dave White.

“We run a summer demo at Aberdovey which coincides with the BSA slalom event. This is the biggest of the year with support from the town, the Yacht club and all the importers.

When someone comes along to a demo they can try all the latest kit, get advice from the people who really know about the products, but most of all just come to an event which gives them a great feel about the sport of windsurfing!

The main summer and winter demos are supported by brands including: Fanatic and North, RRD and Ezzy, Tabou and Gaastra, and Starboard and Tushingham. Not only do the brands supply top notch NEW equipment, they also bring along some top sailors too.

Demo regulars now include (to name but a few):  former PWA superstar Nik Baker, current Formula World Champion Ross Williams, master of speed Dave White, plus awesome coaches Jem Hall, Sam Ross, etc. They are all more than happy to help not only with rigging, tuning and choosing equipment but also can offer top technique tips too.

Lots of people turn up and sail on Saturday. Then Saturday evening usually involves a few drinks, before getting on the water again to blow away the cobwebs on Sunday morning.

All images from the Boardwise Bonfire Bash 2013 and credit Dave White.

We are usually fairly lucky with the weather, and the huge range of equipment on offer means people can almost always get on the water. But even if the wind doesn’t blow we all have a great weekend; there’s normally a good night out on the Saturday at least!

We also go to all of the student events through out the year; the SWA run a great series of events through the autumn, winter and into spring. They really focus on getting as many people onto the water at all levels; there is a great contingent of beginners and improvers at the student event and we are proud to support them by taking all our gear for them to use! Plus our van goes up to the local club once a week in the summer.

On Guy Fawkes weekend each year we run a Bonfire Bash, it’s a bit late in the year so it can be a little cold, but again we have a great weekend none the less with fires on the beach and an amazing firework display! Check out the full report from Boardwise on the here. 

Whilst most of our demos take place at Aberdovey, we do offer some more local ones and we are looking to do a few more at different venues next year.”

There are lots of clubs, schools, brands and shops that run demos. At Boards we always try to have the latest info on up coming demos online, but if one is happening at your local spot that we haven’t promoted then please do contact amy@boards.co.uk and let us know!

Find all the windsurfing demo news on Boards through this link.

Boards Recommended Demos

Boardwise  - based in Cannock, demos at various locations but regularly run at Aberdovey. Follow all the Boardwise news on Boards here.

Robin Hood Watersports  - based in Yorkshire, frequently run demos at West Kirby.  Follow all the Robin Hood Watersports news on Boards here.

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Juice Boardsports – based in Huddersfiled, regular demos on forecast run at Fraisthorpe announced both here on Boards and through their forum. 

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Bray Lake - based in Berkshire, run occasional demo days. Follow all the Bray Lake news on Boards here. 

Lagoon Watersports -   based in Hove, run occasional demo days (usually with Fanatic/North). Follow all the Lagoon Watersports news on Boards here.

L.A.R. Watersports - based in Pagham, run occasional demo days. Follow all the LAR Watersports news on Boards here.

Puravida Boardriders - based in South Glamorgan, run occasional demo days. Follow all the Puravida Boardriders news on Boards here.

Quayside Windsurfers - based in Norfolk, run occasional demo days. Follow all the Quayside Windsurfers news on Boards here.

Wet n Dry Boardsports - based in Basildon, run occasional demo days. Follow all the Wet n Dry Boardsports news on Boards here.

4Boards  - based in Southampton, run occasional demo days. Follow at the 4Boards news on Boards here.

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Many more demo days and information about similar events can be found on the RYA’s Project Windsurf – UK website. They even have a specific demo events page right here where many chose to share event info. Project Windsurf UK also gives you the opportunity to share what is happening at your local windsurfing spot, so head on over and get involved!

You might also like to read:

Ross will be continuing to run demos and clinics throughout the winter, with the help of fellow Gaastra riders so stay tuned for more details right here on Boards.

You can also follow the latest news from Ross on his Facebook page here. 

Image credits Maisie Squibb.

Ross Williams at the OTC

Saturday saw a decent amount of wind for some on water action with demo kit provided by RRD/Ezzy, Fanatic/North and Gastraa/Tabou.

Boardwise’s report on the weekend:

The Aberdovey Bonfire bash last weekend was a huge success, thanks to everybody who turned up to see and try some of the new 2013 kit from Fanatic/North , RRD/Ezzy , Tabou/Gaastra and Starboard was great ! We had enough wind on both days to get some of the bigger kit with 6.5 – 9.0m sails , and had a surprising number of beginners braving the cold . Around lunch time on the Saturday everyboby got blown off the water when a huge squall came through followed by a hail storm. This saw Nick Baker sprinting down the beach like Usian Bolt to catch up with his Fanatic Wigwam tent thingy that was exiting the beach !! It’s never dull in Aberdovey ! The Aberdovey Fire service provided hot dogs and Burgers on the beach and the Town put on a great Firework display .

Thanks to the Dovey Yatch Club for the hospitality yet again and providing a great venue and band for yet another epic (if rather messy) evening . If you missed this one then remember to suscribe to our mailing list to get info on our june Aberdovey Demo and other demo’s we do throughout the year .

Thanks to Dave White and Doug for the pictures and for letting us have them so quickly.

Who let these guys in?

Mr Williams doing his bit

Dave White comments on the get together -

The Boardwise end of season demo traditionally mixes high wind action on the water with equally high jinks action in the bar. A late storm in the afternoon ensured the wind tradition remained intact despite most of the day being dominated by the Firemove’s. It’s the first time we’ve been here for bonfire night but the fireworks kicked off a high jinks evening in the Dovey Sailing club, so no one was surprised to find Sunday’s start matched the gentle easterly breeze, though like the rest of us that soon picked up to to provide a entertaining end to a great weekend. We’ll be back next year to ensue the tradition continues…

Ross intorducing Gaastra/Tabou in OTC Weymouth

Throughout the weekend of the 10th-11th windsurfers will have a chance to try all the latest 2013 Gaastra sails and Tabou boards, along with an opportunity to receive a clinic and tips from Ross all FREE OF CHARGE! It doesn’t happen often that the World Champ will tune your kit and tell you what to improve, so don’t miss out!!

After a successful year of competing on the PWA tour and winning the Formula World Title, Ross is now getting to grips with becoming the main man behind Gaastra/Tabou in the UK. His professional approach and dedication are perfect ingredients to ensure the long term success of the two brands! So get down to Weymouth this weekend!

Ross in full gear