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!

Sam Neal in Ireland. Image courtesy Tim Smith/BWA.

CHRISTMAS never does come cheap, but leading ferry company Stena Line has a money saving travel tip for those making the journey home to Ireland for Christmas – and it’s a ‘ferry’ good deal with savings up to £1000* when compared to flight prices.

The leading ferry company is offering return car crossings over the Christmas period from as little as £422* for a family of four from Holyhead to Dublin, making it £1001.52 cheaper than flights available on the same day from London to Dublin.*

A family of four travelling from Bristol to Cork could get there for as little as £427* when they sail from Fishguard to Rosslare, making it £598 cheaper than flights available on the same day from Bristol to Cork.*

Comparisons made online took fares quoted by airlines travelling from London to Dublin/Bristol to Cork on Thursday 20^th December and returning on Thursday 27^th December and showed that when taking into account the cost of parking and luggage for a week’s break over the festive season, this could cost up to £1423.25*(London to Dublin) or £1025* (Bristol to Cork) -  substantially more than the price of a Stena Line return crossing which includes your car.

Stena Line’s Head of PR and Communications, Diane Poole OBE, is encouraging families to choose to travel for less with Stena Line.

“With the so-called ‘low cost’ airlines charging very high prices over the Christmas period, ferry travel with Stena Line offers much better value,” said Diane.  “Not only can you travel without the worry of legroom restrictions, you can also load up your own car meaning you save money and hassle on hiring a vehicle or having friends or relatives come to collect you.

“By taking the car along, you don’t have to worry about the high cost of airport parking or excess baggage charges as all those Christmas presents you’ll want to carry can be packed into the boot,” she continued.

“The festive celebrations can start as soon as customers get onboard as our ferries offer a new level of comfort, quality and facilities never before seen on the Irish Sea.  Customers can relax in the on cinema or even shop for New Year bargains in the onboard shops which offersavings on fragrances, spirits and lots more, while the kids can be kept amused in the dedicated play areas,” Diane concluded.

To make a booking, click on www.stenaline.co.uk, call Stena Line on 08447 70 70 70, or visit your local travel agent.

* Prices correct on date of comparison, 12th December.  Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

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/

Ben Proffitt

Though not perfect conditions, the top sailors still shone through and proved why they are at the top. Full heat by heat analysis can be seen at the bottom of this post, (Boards will be following all the action over the weekend in the same way so stay tuned!) but it was James Cox, Ben Proffitt, Jamie Hancock and Andy Chambers that made it through to the final. The final was sailed in the fading evening light, it looked tricky to get on the set waves but all sailors were ripping; the result is yet to be announced but we will let you know as soon as it is. Who’s your tip to win?

On route to the final there were many exceptionally close heats; Andy King went out in a marginal decision over Timo Mullen and Phil Horrocks, then Horrocks lost out in an equally close heat with Proffitt and Hancock. On the other side of the draw Sam Neal almost beat Andy Chambers in a very close man on man heat, but Chambers advanced and continued his run of form all the way to the final. This only goes to prove the exceptional level of all the pros and how it really is close at the top!

Registration is currently underway for all amateur fleets so we will be able to fill you in on full entry lists tomorrow morning. The BWA are again expecting a great turn out for all fleets and with the winds looking strong tomorrow morning it should be a quick start for a fleet or two!

As well as our instagram images which you can view here,  the hugely talented Simon Crowther is around taking some exceptional shots all weekend which we will share with you as soon as possible, along with Dave White’s gallery of official BWA shots too.

Boards will continue the coverage of the BWA Cornwall Classic over the whole weekend so stay tuned for all the action!

Event plan:

Friday - 8am briefing for pro’s at Sandsifter unless another beach is nominated.  Amateur registration from 8pm till 11pm at Sandsifter.

Saturday - 8am registration for all fleets at Sandsifter, amateur registration until 9am.  Briefing for all fleets 9am.   Monsters ball at Sandsifter from 9pm – Halloween Dress Code!  BWA Awards if no forecast for sunday.

Sunday - 9.30am briefing at Sandsifter car park all fleets.  4pm Prize giving unless otherwise stated.  BWA Awards.

Check out page two for the intro to the event…

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!

On the second day of BWA Ireland local photographer and keen surfer, Tim Smith took to the lens to take some fantastic water shots.  After a solid first few hours of swimming, Tim had a great selection in the bag before the wind unfortunately died off.  Check out a selection of the shots below, for more from Tim head to his website  www.timsmithvisuals.com

Check out all the other galleries from BWA Ireland and Wales, courtesy of Dave White/Tim Smith/BWA:

Wales Full Gallery

Ireland Day One

Ireland Day One – part two

Ireland Day Two

Ireland Day Four

Final Day in Ireland

Final Day in Ireland

With Tenerife being only four hours flight from the UK, it is the perfect option for an on forecast windsurf trip abroad. With return flights costing roughly the same as a quick trip from Bournemouth to Gwithian it’s an option you really can consider.

So with the forecast looking solid for Sunday 25th to Wednesday 28th March that is exactly what Goya team rider Sam Neal did. He flew out to Tenerife to meet fellow Goya Team Rider James Randall and Adam Lewis (Point-7/Quatro) at The Official Test Centre (OTC) in El Medano.

With the forecast looking good Sam packed his Goya Quad 78, 4.2m and 4.7m, jumped on the plane Friday morning having booked flights late Thursday night, now that’s a last minute booking!!

Sam Neal and his tiny feet

Upon arrival the sun was out and pushing 30 degrees, The perfect relaxed start to a windsurf trip. After a few beers in the evening we took an early night hoping the forecast would push through early and we could out on the water.

Saturday morning was the perfect light wind day in El Medano, busy in the town square, lots of people wandering about as the market was open, but unfortunately only light wind! So far this was a tanning trip for Sam (not that he needed it as he had only spent a week back in the UK). In the afternoon we went for a blast on the Goya Nexus 7.5′s and had a few little slalom races. Really good fun but wave sailing it wasn’t!

With the forecast looking pretty good now for Monday all fingers were crossed and we were hopeful for a classic evening sail up at the Harbour Wall.

Monday came about and once again did not fail us, perfect 4.7m weather with really nice waves at the wall. Just four of us on the water in the evening taking turns to ride the waves, It’s what dreams are made of. Everyone was sailing really well making some really nice turns and jumps.

Unfortunately the following days forecast had disappeared but it didn’t matter, we had had the epic session at the wall that we were all looking for.

As the wind had dropped off this was a perfect opportunity to get some surfing in 25 minutes down the road in Las Americas, with a forecast for 14 seconds at 1.2m we knew it would be good and as expected, were greeted by overhead glassy walls and surfed until sunset.

It may not have been the week of solid wind that was expected but it still was an epic trip with some good company and some pretty good action on the water, it just goes to show what Tenerife has to offer; windsurfing, surfing, snorkelling or biking we have it all….

James Randall – K656

Established as one of the UK’s top wavesailors after finishing the 2011 UKWA Pro Tour in 6th place, Sam is also a Cape Town regular for the winter months where he heads to enjoy the reliable wind and waves. With a full video coming soon, K-31 has released this short teaser clip with a preview of what’s in store.

Check out Sam ripping on his Goya gear ‘up north’ with some great waveriding action and keep an eye out for the full feature coming soon. You can also follow Sam on his blog HERE.

John Skye on Tiree back in 2007

As the UK’s finest wavesailors continue to arrive on Tiree for the Wave Classic, Jim Brooks-Dowsett has sent us this preview report…

We landed on Tiree yesterday after an easy drive through the night and straight on to the morning Ferry with Dave White. It was a rocky journey with waves crashing over the bow of the ship, but fair play to Calmac as they coped with ease and the crew said it can handle much more – good news for competitors travelling Friday and Saturday!

The conditions here have been great already, and we’ve managed to bag a session at Crossapol yesterday with cross-off head-high waves, nice easy long rides and the sun came out for the afternoon! By the time I got on the water there were about 30 guys out, and I’m pleased to say that stacks of them are here ready for the 25th Anniversary Tiree wave Classic. Wild Diamont have been very busy with the recent wind and were out in force.

Andy King and Sam Neal were both out, not only showing us how it’s done but testing their new Goya kit and giving welcome tips to the amateurs on the beach.

Andy: “The conditions have been great to get my new kit sussed out and really like the new Goya Quads! it was touch and go with work but luckily i got the time off and head up as soon as I could for a warm up, really looking forward to the comp as it looks like the conditions are on from day one”

Sam Neal has been coaching a group from the RAF and a few of them have been getting dialled in ready for the Amateur comp

Sam: “The guys have all been ripping, more than one of them may have worn through their hands we’ve had so much wind! i can’t wait to help the guys next week and have been loving my new set up with Goya, conditions are looking so good for the comp which would be awesome for the anniversary year!”

The women’s fleet has been steadily building and last year’s winner Debbie Kennedy said that she’d love to see more make the effort. The youths, masters and amateurs already have good numbers and anyone who is making last minute decisions to come based on the forecast should hit the road now! Calmac have a few spaces left on the Friday and it’s often worth turning up and seeing if there are spaces left on the day, or getting the next day’s crossing. For anyone looking to do one day watching the event there is a special return ticket for foot passengers on Thursday for only £5 child / £10 adult.

If you are still looking for accommodation the Millhouse Hostel is a lovely place to stay with full self catering facilities, a wetsuit drying room and close to all the beaches! Contact Judith on tireemillhouse@yahoo.co.uk, or 01879 220 435 / 07501476048

The trophies for this year are something to be proud of (under wraps though) and with £2000 prize money for the top pros coupled with an epic forecast we are looking at the best line-up in British Wavesailing at one place for a long time! Not only will it be great to sail here next week, but the action should be something special to watch.

Nik Baker is one of our past legends that has kindly offered his services and demo equipment from Fanatic and North to any of the budding amateurs including tips and coaching throughout the event. Nik – “My first Tiree Classic was as a youth breaking into waves and getting sponsorship deals, then British tours and PWA. After 20 years plus competing I’m back home promoting Fanatic, North and Ion. It’s great to be involved and support this years event, not to mention the chance to hang out with past legends and sail with some of the latest.”

The Amateur prizes have been provided by Oxbow and Pura Vida from top end wetsuits, to the latest Clothing and the coveted prize for this year could go to any amateur judged to deserve it the most – a hand made board tailored to suit the winner from the newly launched ‘Pura Vida Custom’

The week’s entertainment is looking good with several nights of live music, a whiskey tasting, Carter’s famous quiz and a film showing of classic clips across the past 25 years with our special guest legends!

A massive thanks has to go out to EventScotland and the Argyll & Bute Council for funding the main event this year and making it possible to get this great event shown on Sky TV in the coming months, not to mention many other stations that will show the half hour feature produced by 1080 Media. Also keep an eye on www.boardseeker.com for news updates, video clips and the upcoming podcast feature presented by Ben Proffitt.

Tiree Wave Classic is hosted by Pura Vida Boardriders and the BWA with support this year from Wild Diamond, Oxbow, Caledonian MacBrayne, Springbank Whisky, Tiree Music Festival, Firefly Natural Energy, The Chocolate Brownie Company and Beachbum Beanbags.

More at www.tireewaveclassic.co.uk