Boards Windsurfing » tushingham Windsurfing

And They Say Size Doesn’t Matter…..

Amy Carter - Editor — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:07:32 +0000

…not so says Sam Ross, one of the country’s top windsurfing instructors, when it comes to making sure you are using the right gear for your size, ability and level of experience.

Just like when you are holding up a kid’s jumper that is clearly too big for the child it is intended for, the temptation when investing in your first lot of windsurfing equipment is to think, ‘I’ll grow into it’.

But according to Sam that is the worst thing you can do…..

“If you struggle to sail with the board then you won’t enjoy it, and if you don’t enjoy it you won’t go very often, and if you don’t very often you won’t progress your skills, and if you don’t progress your skills you will put windsurfing kit to one side and never get to the stage where you need to upgrade your equipment. That’s not a good starting point for a sport.”

Beginner board

It used to be the basic rule of thumb that the newer you were to the sport, the longer the board you needed. Now it is all about width, volume and reserve volume (we will come to that in a moment…)

Sam, who is an RYA Windsurfing Instructor says, significant advances in kit development over the past five to six years means you are now able to get more out of your ‘starter’ kit for longer, as the wider boards provide greater stability and can better handle a much bigger wind range as well as skill range .

That pattern continues as you move up through your intermediate levels before the kit starts becoming more discipline specific the more advanced your skills become.

Windsurfing is easier now than it has ever been.

So, size does matter? Sam provides his top tips on what to look for when buying a board.

The basic sums:

For a beginner take your body weight in kilograms and then add about 20kg, which typically accounts for your wetsuit, rig and board.

That figure will give you the amount of volume needed in the board to float you as one litre will float one kilo. Once you have that figure, double it. That will give you a good amount of ‘reserve volume’ which will add sufficient stability to help you in the early stages.

The more volume you have the more stable you will be and the better you will float.

For example if you weight 80kgs, when you factor in reserve volume, your starter board should be about 200 litres, 60kgs would be 160 litres etc.

Minnis Bay Windsurfing Club – beginners Elaine and Lisa get ready

Once you start progressing into intermediate level, where you may have completed a Start Windsurfing course and are going a bit faster or are maybe using a harness, a board 40-60 litres in volume will likely be more suitable.

That volume recommendation drops to 20-40l for higher level intermediates, this will still give enough volume for uphauling but the board will be better suited for stronger winds.

After that optimum board volume largely depends on what discipline you are doing, for example you would probably add 5-10 litres for freestyle or lose about the same for wave.

Whatever you are doing it is all about having enough volume to float you sufficiently.

A board for planing conditions, with a good sized fin to generate some lift, but not too much, for our light weight sailor.

Design tweaks:

Things like the developments in rigs that can cope in wider wind ranges and the introduction of boards having more than one fin have all contributed to the fact that boards can now be shorter and more manageable in a wider range of conditions.

Having more than one fin means you can expand the range of a board as the size of the fin should marry up with the size of the sail.

This also ties into the conditions – a bigger fin for light airs as they generate greater lift and lateral resistance and smaller fin for when it is windier to stay flatter – whereas previously you may have gone out and bought another board altogether for the different conditions.

Outgrowing your kit:

You have to feel comfortable in the full range of conditions with whatever you are sailing. If you start finding it harder to control the board in rougher conditions and/or higher winds, for example, it is probably time to start thinking about getting a less voluminous board.

Mark Hosegood, on a smaller board designed for more advanced riders

But do not look at it as a one-board solution; investing in a smaller board does not mean you should get shot of your bigger board.

Your first board can still be a fantastic, advanced piece of kit in light winds. Many Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) now have windsurfing fittings as well so give you the ultimate light wind compromise with or without a sail. Just take your paddle with you where you go!

The most important thing in all of this is making sure you can spend as much time on the water as possible. The better you get, the more you want to progress and learn new stuff, and that comes back to making sure you have the right board to start it all off with.

To find out more about getting started in windsurfing and RYA Windsurfing training courses visit www.rya.org.uk

Love Windsurfing? Then why not join the association that promotes and protects, safe, successful and rewarding British windsurfing. Join today and support the RYA in protecting your rights and freedoms. Take advantage of free advice and support on a wide range of windsurfing topics; enjoy free third party insurance, as well as a fantastic range of personal member offers. Find out more by calling 0844 556 9556, email member.services@rya.org.uk or visit www.rya.org.uk

Sam Ross on the New Starboard Black Box

Amy Carter - Editor — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:51:09 +0000

The newest and one of the most revolutionary shapes on the market has hit the UK; Starboard’s Black Box, developed by Dany Bruch, has the aim of taking the lighter, flatter wavesailing days to a new level.

Our Boards Clones have already tried and tested the board, and loved it as you can see in the Winter edition of our print magazine, but how is it getting on in UK conditions?

Surely the Black Box will be perfectly suited to many UK locations that don’t always provide great down the line conditions? Boards catches up with Sam Ross to find out about his experience with the board so far and where YOU can take one out for a spin.

The Starboard Black Box, before it hit the UK the Clones put the board through it’s paces in Tenerife

“So far, the board has been used in Bigbury, Mothecombe, Worthing, Hove, Shoreham, my home spot and a few more places too. Before I stepped on it last week I had seen pictures and read a lot about the board, but hadn’t used one.

“Before using the Black Box, I expected it to be a good onshore waveboard, but I thought it would only really work in really marginal conditions, i.e. when you’re not really powered up or struggling to plane. I also expected it to be super loose!

“When I first used it, it definitely wasn’t ideal conditions; I was just about hanging on to my 4.0m! Absolutely stacked! This is obviously much, much smaller than the recommended sail size (4.7-5.7m is the perfect range), so not ideal. There were a few crumbly waves around, that I hadn’t really managed to get many turns on. I wasn’t really expecting anything and it was fantastic! It turned my local beach into a fantastic spot and a great day to play in the waves. It’s very much a wind blown wave, short period in between and maybe one section you can hit, plus a lot of white water. Being on the Black Box meant I could make it out of turns that I couldn’t usually, I could make it around the sections I wanted to avoid and I managed to keep so much speed whilst comfortably sailing down the line, clew first to find the section I did want to hit.

There were no more one hit wonders! I could get the tail out, whip round a top turn and then keep going; I loved it.

Will Rogers Will Rogers Will Rogers Will Rogers Will Rogers Will Rogers Will Rogers

“I think there is a massive appeal for this board. For myself now, my ideal quiver would consist of: 82 Starboard Quad (what I have at the moment), a Black Box (for any cross-on conditions, pretty much my south coast board) and a Kode 103 (for bump and jump). If I had to drop a board from this and only have two, I definitely wouldn’t drop the Black Box! I’m not sure which one I would, but it wouldn’t be the Black Box.

“This is the only one in the UK at the moment, but there’s more coming! This board will remain on tour, going around the country for all to use, then by about the 20th of May there will be more boards in the UK. The first batch of boards will be dedicated demo boards, so they will go to team riders and a select few shops around the country (exact locations TBC).

How many of you have been lucky enough to step on the Black Box so far? And what are your thoughts on the board? Share your comments below or join the discussion on the Boards forum http://forums.boards.mpora.com/showthread.php/65296-Starboard-black-Box

Louis Morris Takes Another Event Win on the UKWA Raceboard Series

Amy Carter - Editor — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:31:14 +0000

Tushingham team rider, Louis Morris is celebrating yet another win this time at the first event of the UKWA Cup Championship series. Louis has now built up an unbeaten run of 5 events, not having been beating since June 2012!

It seems to have been a windy weekend, with 18 to 25 knots blowing through the course, check out more from Louis below and head to his Tushingham page here for more info on the weekend.

Louis Morris, preparing for the season

The Raceboard fleet was a little smaller than at Pitsford, with notable absences from top racers Tom Naylor and Chris Gibson giving a fleet of 15. However there is a slowly growing youth presence, with four under 20′s competing this weekend.

Day 1 was windy! With 18 gusting 25 knots forecast it was tough deciding whether to sail on 9.5 or 8.5. The final wind reading from the boat before I left the beach was 15-16 knots, so I decided to go for 9.5 with my small (46cm) fin. Once I arrived at the start line, I found that even with full downhaul and outhaul I was pretty overpowered, but most of the fleet were also on their big sails so I wasn’t alone. I think the wind was around 17-20 gusting up to 25 perhaps? Anyway, it gave some exciting races!

From go, Mark Kay found his usual impressive high wind speed, leading around the course with me, Rob Kent, and Chris Guest in pursuit.

Upwind was hard work overpowered in the steep chop, but I was fast downwind, making a good angle. Unfortunately it turned out that I’d forgotten how to gybe, and dropped two downwind which allowed Rob and Chris to get past. Mark was miles ahead by the second windward mark but erroneously decided to put in an extra lap, taking him out of the race. I followed Rob and Chris down the last downwind and reaches, but Chris dropped a gybe allowing Rob to take the win with myself in second.

West Wittering Freestyle Competition: Report from Ollie Acton

Amy Carter - Editor — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:27:57 +0000

This weekend saw great wind and mirror flat water down at West Witterings for the next instalment of the UKWA tour, this time Britain’s best freestylers took to the water for another hard fought competition.

Pro top three: 1st Andy Bubble Chambers, 2nd Max Rowe, joint 3rd Oscar Carmichael and Nic Hibdige.

Ollie Acton, competing in West Wittering

Boards will have a full report for you very soon, but first of all we catch up with second placed amateur Ollie Acton.

This was by far the best conditions I’ve ever competed in! 2XS at West Witterings provided the venue for the second event in the UKWA Freestyle calendar, and what a location to hold a competition in.

The wind was forecast to be marginal but by midday I was on my 4.2 Edge fully powered in the glassy flat lagoon, this set the scene for some high class freestyle action. The pro’s were on another level with spock culo’s, skopu’s and other crazy named moves while the amateurs were also pulling off big moves much as funnels, esliders and double flakas in almost every round! I entered in the amateurs and somehow managed to come second after Saturdays competition, something I can be pretty proud considering the level was really high. The pictures below are of the last heat of the day, just as the wind dropped so I changed up to my 5.5 Rock.

Check out more about Ollie on his page on the Tushingham website here and head back to the Boards website very soon for a full event report.

Andy Jordan Made In Chelsea Hits the Water for a Devon SUP Adventure

Amy Carter - Editor — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:35:54 +0000

We hope you’ve all enjoyed a very warm Bank Holiday weekend! The warm weather of course meant light winds in many locations (although we know a few places DID get some awesome wind, but more on that later) which meant many windsurfers took to the water for a SUP session instead. Also spotted on a SUP recently is none other that reality TV star, Andy Jordan. Boards finds out more from Starboard UK HQ…

Made in Chelsea star Andy Jordan recently took a short trip to Totnes in Devon during a break in filming for the hit E4 show, to try out some of the latest Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boards available from local distributor Starboard. Andy is planning to paddle the 200 mile length of the river Thames this summer in aid of the Princes Trust and was looking at what will be the best equipment for his challenge.

Andy Jordan with Sam Ross

Luckily top UK SUP coach Sam Ross was on hand to help refine Andy’s technique as they paddled the 10km distance from Totnes to Dittisham down the River Dart and discussed the best ways to train close to his London home in preparation for the event, whilst also being joined by an inquisitive seal along the way.

Andy Jordan, SUP time!

After the paddle Andy surprised local teenagers where he attended and cooked the BBQ at an 18^th birthday party for Bronti Hackford making it a day never to be forgotten for the birthday girl.

The following day Andy went for his final paddle at Bigbury beach. With the backdrop of Burgh Island behind him (the subject of local boy Ben Howards recent EP) he enjoyed the sunshine in the quiet location before heading back to London after his whistle-stop tour of South Devon.

At the end of the challenge Andy will auction the board off at the finishing event to help try and raise further funds for the Princes Trust.

All images courtesy Starboard SUP UK. Check out more about Starboard SUP here.

Tushingham Riders Clean Up at Student Nationals

Amy Carter - Editor — Fri, 03 May 2013 10:30:53 +0000

The Tushingham Team of student riders cleaned up at the recent SWA nationals, taking an incredible amount of titles. Tushingham caught up with the riders to find out more, plus Boards will have a full event report very soon.

The Tushingham Team at Student Nationals

The 27th – 28th April 2013 saw the final event of the SWA series and with that the National BUCS event held at Calshot. With several titles still up for grabs it was a great event with lots of action both on and off the water

The Tushingham Team was well represented by all our student team riders, each of them delivering the goods once again! here is a summary of their results and a brief write up from each of the team!

Ollie Acton – SWA Freestyle Champion (2 years in a row)
1st in BUCS Team Racing with Solent

Jo Wright – Overall 1st Female (2 years in a row)
4th Freestyle (mixed with boys)
2nd female in BUCS racing

Louis Morris – Second BUCS individual Race
1st Overall SWA race series
2nd Overall SWA (all events combined)

Sam Sills – 1st BUCS Race Champion
1st in BUCS Team Racing with Solent

The action at Student Nationals

Ollie Acton - This year on the SWA Freestyle Tour has been the most epic year ever! Starting with Aussie Kiss and then onto all the core competitions, no event has disappointed with universities around the country pulling out all the stop to make this year bigger and better than ever.

Determined to win the freestyle tour again, I went to every core event to try to claim the top prize of a brand new freestyle board. We had a wide range of conditions on the tour this year, with good high wind freestyle at both Liverpool and Nottingham, tow-in at Aussie Kiss and a lightwind freestyle competition at Bristol. These differing conditions have made it awesome for competition but also really difficult with more students entering with a really high sailing level!

The final event of the series was the SWA Nationals at Calshot, with the wind not playing ball a lightwind freestyle competition was organised. This style of competition means anyone on their day could have won, with Louis Morris, Adam Chubbock and Will Jones all having the ability to claim the top spot. I grabbed my 4.2 Edge and spun and twisted just enough to impresses the judges and win the freestyle competition and claim the overall freestyle series!

The SWA tour and the Nationals were a great success for myself and Solent University. I won the freestyle series again and along with Adam Chubbock and Sam Sills we achieved BUCS gold in the team racing and won the team racing series! Thanks to Andy Biggs, Tushingham and Sport Solent for all their support throughout this year.

This was my last year as a student so I would like to say a final massive thank you to the SWA for running such amazing competitions over the past few years! Cheers guys!

Jo Wright - Nationals saw the conclusion of the SWA series and it certainly went off with a bang! I managed to borrow a raceboard for the BUCS racing on the saturday, which took place in a gentle 10-15 knots. I was also using Tushingham’s 7.0 X15 which worked well in the changeable winds. It was my first time on a race board, so the first couple of races were extremely sketchy! The footstrap positioning and huge mast track took a little getting used to but I really enjoyed the challenge and finished 2nd girl overall behind seasoned IMCO racer Kirsten O’Callaghan. Even managing to give the boys a bit of a run for their money in a few of the races! The boat party lived up to expectations, everyone certainly seemed to be having a great time on the Saturday evening!

Latest Deals from Neilson

Amy Carter - Editor — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:03:28 +0000

Neilson Holidays have a whole range of centres, ideal for windsurfers of all levels. From windy Vassiliki, to quieter, calmer and more family focusses resorts, they have something to suit everyone. And of course, they are running some fantastic deals as we come into summer…

Chris Murray enjoying his time on the water

Make the most of the summer and getaway to the warmth and sunshine of Greece and Turkey on one of our fantastic last minute beach holidays.

All of our 4* beach club resorts offer delicious club board menus, inclusive activities, inclusive children’s clubs and so much more. So make the most of the Mediterranean sunshine and book your Beachclub holiday today. We have limited availability, so hurry book now. Plus, book online to save up to an extra 5%!

Our favourite last minute holiday deals:

We always have our favourite beach club destinations and plenty of reasons to book. If you need some inspiration for your summer 2013 beach club holiday then check out our recommended deals.

Boardwise Summer Windsurf Package Deals

Amy Carter - Editor — Thu, 02 May 2013 09:01:32 +0000

Summer is the perfect time to pass on your passion for windsurfing and if you’ve recently converted one of your loved ones Boardwise have the perfect equipment package for you.

Up for grabs are various complete windsurf packages aimed at those just starting out in the sport, including a Starboard GO and Tushingham Express.

Starboard GO and Tushingham Express

The 2010 Starboard GO Tufskin and Tushingham Express rig is a complete windsurfing package ready to sail and they are suitable for all levels of windsurfer.

The original concepts for the GO range of boards which have made it such a success over the last decade remain in the 2010 incarnation, a great shape, full EVA deck and multiple footstrap positions for all levels of sailor. The GO has a wide and very stable shape for advanced beginners and the improving windsurfer as the board has an additional centre fin for added stability and directional control, this fin can be removed and blanked off when not required. This shape is still able to offer a more exhilarating ride in more demanding conditions for advanced sailors.

The Express rig is a light durable battened sail which has proved it’s suitability to entry level and improver sailors over many years of service in single class racing fleets, test centres and sailing schools around the World.

Check out more info about the Starboard and other packages on the Boardwise website here.

Looking Forward to the BWA: Amateurs

Amy Carter - Editor — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:41:24 +0000

The amateur fleet of the BWA (British Wavesailing Association) is without a doubt growing stronger by the year, with more and more entrants coming for their first shot at competition. If you love wavesailing, at what ever level, the BWA is the place to be. Boards catches up with a few previous competitors who will be taking on the competition again this year…

Will Rogers

Name: Will Rogers

Sail No: K834

Fleet: Amateurs

2012 results: I only competed in the Cornwall event and it really fired me up for the whole tour this year!

Where have you been training? Bigbury, Daymer Bay and Gwithian, although there’s not been much wind this winter I have been doing a lot of SUP surfing to keep fit and get a better understanding of the waves.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? My port tack wave riding.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Hopefully but not much training time…

What competitions will you take part in this year? All of them I hope, but some will be a bit of an on forecast decision as I have to conserve my valuable annual leave.

What are you aims for this year? I would love to be able to finish top 5 in the ams.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year?

My gear stays the same, using the Tushy Edge, works well as a freestyle and wave sail for me.

Fighting talk…Who are my main rivals? All the damn students who get to go windsurfing all year round and get better.

Will Barrett in Tiree

Name: Will Barrett

Sail No: K733

Fleet: Amateur

2012 results: 5th Overall

Where have you been training? Sunny Witterings

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? Consistency in changing conditions and heat fitness; I’m always knackered after a heat!

Do you think you’ve achieved this? The fitness only comes with heat sailing but I’m trying to sail more intensely for shorter sessions when I go out. Having a young family and a busy job also means they have to be short!

What competitions will you take part in this year? The BWA Cornwall Event and the Puravida Southcoast Expression Session

What are you aims for this year? I’d like to try and get a top 3 finish. Just keep improving a pushing myself. Sailing with my mates and pushing each other too.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? Got some sick new Severne S1′s, some Simmer boards and some support from the Puravida team too.

Fighting talk…Let’s go big.

Jony Price

Name: Jony Price

Fleet: Ams

Where have you been training?

Wales, Ireland, or wherever I could find the best conditions

What did you want to improve after 2012 season?

Wanted to get more time on the water and get more confident to go out and ride bigger waves.

Do you think you’ve achieved this?

Definitely, scored loads of epic sessions this winter back in NW Ireland

What competitions will you take part in this year?

Rhossy and Ireland…the rest depends how skint I am.

What are you aims for this year?

More time on the water, and find bigger waves to ride.

Some better comp results would be nice too.. hopefully we get some decent conditions!

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year?

Yeh – Puravida sorted me out with some new Vandals and Tabou after I kinda demolished my quiver..

Fighting talk?

Nah, leave the fighting for the pub.

Ian Ross. Image credit BWA/Dave White.

Name: IAN ‘CHUCKY’ ROSS

Fleet: Formally Ams, now going full time judging!

2012 results 7th Wales, 1st Ireland, 1st Tiree, had to judge in Cornwall.

Where have you been training? The pub and in my bedroom.

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? My attitude.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Not really, it’s still pretty bad.

What competitions will you take part in this year? According to the rules I move into the pro fleet this year but luckily I have the excuse that I’m needed on the judging team for the pros. I’d like to have a go in Tiree, if we have the budget for an extra judge.

What are you aims for this year? Not be such a dick.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year? I bought some new pants which are nice, and also have O’Shea wetsuits, Simmer Blacktips 2013 and a secret weapon of a board that I made myself.

Fighting talk…I am the Judge and my decision is probably final. There aren’t any rivals in the judging van. On the water, I’d be lucky to beat anyone!

Liam Ellis

Name: Liam Ellis

Sail No: K405

Fleet: Amateur

2012 results: 5th BWA Rhosneigr

Where have you been training? Rhosneigr, North Wales

What did you want to improve after 2012 season? My forwards and frontside riding.

Do you think you’ve achieved this? Definitely, takas are becoming more frequent!

What competitions will you take part in this year? Hopefully all of the BWA tour.

What are you aims for this year? I would like top 3 overall.

Have you changed/improved your equipment or equipment choices for this year?

I was always sailing on a single fin, so this year I have got hold of a Simmer Flywave Quad and changed from Simmer Icons to Blacktips.

Fighting talk…Haha, not sure about the comment, but I would like to beat Tom Bennett-Lloyd if he’s competing this year!

Peter Hart Pays Tribute to the late Mikey Clancy

Amy Carter - Editor — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:08:39 +0000

One of the top windsurfing gurus, Peter Hart, looks back at a very special windsurfing clinic where he first met a very young, very talented Mikey Clancy.

Simon Bornhoft WINDWISE 2-DAY TUNE UP COURSES

Amy Carter - Editor — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:03:40 +0000

Simon Bornhoft WINDWISE is running a series of 2 day tune up windsurf courses at Hayling Island over the summer, giving you the opportunity to boost your windsurfing skills.

Simon Bornhoft, Hayling Island courses

LOCAL ACCOMMODATION (HAYLING ISLAND)

HIRE KIT / GREAT FOOD

WEEKEND & WEEKDAY COURSES

VIDEO FEEDBACK / 1-2-1 COACHING / FOR YOUR LEVEL

UNIQUE SKILLS TRAINING GUARANTEES IMPROVEMENT & A GREAT TIME!

FOR MORE INFO & BOOKINGS GO TO www.windwise.net/uk-tour

HAYLING 2 DAY TUNE UP DATES & LEVELS!

WHERE: HISC & Other local Hayling beaches (Local accommodation & kit hire available).

BEGINNER-IMPROVER

Sat 27th & Sun 28th April

Sat 25th & Sun 26th May

IMPROVER-INTERMEDIATE ‘Skills, drills and all the essential skills to get your season off to a great start!’

Sat 27th & Sun 28th April

Sat 25th & Sun 26th May

INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED ‘Skills, drills and more more to break that plateau and make those moves!’

Sat 18th & Sun 19th May

Thur 23rd & Fri 24th May

Sat 1st & Sun 2nd June

WAVEWISE ‘Get into and develop essential wave skills’

LOOPWISE April-Oct 2013 ‘Are you up for it?’

WISEWOMEN ‘Getting more girls onboard!’ Mon 27th & Tues 28th May Half Term

KIDSWISE ‘Get the kids going!’ Mon 27th & Tues 28th May Half Term

More Summer Coaching Dates from Sam Ross

Amy Carter - Editor — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:57:53 +0000

Sam Ross has a busy summer lined up, with a number of clinics running for all levels. A few of which can be seen below, however more courses run by Sam are popping up all the time including a start instructor course run at Lagoon Watersports on the 4th and 5th, and then 10th, 11th and 12th of May. For more info on this course and to book check out the Lagoon website here and for more from Sam head over to the Tushingham website here.

Sam Ross coaching dates 2013

Peter Hart Clinic – 31st May, Weymouth

Amy Carter - Editor — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:22:35 +0000

The OTC powered by Puravida are super pleased to announce that Peter Hart will be gracing the water (and mats) in front of the OTC centre at the end of May.

Harty is the original guru’s guru and with that title comes a staggering wealth of knowledge in how to help you improve on the water … and have a good time doing so. This personal makeover clinic’s exact timetable will depend on the weather naturally, but one thing that you can bank on is that it will include a video analysis session and will go ahead no matter what the conditions. Bring along your own kit to discuss tuning (a board for non-planing conditions as well as planing if possible), but benefit from being at The OTC as well by trying some of the latest kit available too.

Minimum standard for applicants is ‘planing in the harness’ and cost for the day is just £99.00. For more information email info@otc-windsurf.com or call 07817 717904.

UKWA Round 1 Pitsford, Report from Louis Morris

Amy Carter - Editor — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:59:41 +0000

Tushingham Team rider, Louis Morris, reports from the first course racing event of the season. Check out more about Louis here on the Tushingham website.

Louis Morris, preparing for the season

Had an amazing weekend at the first UKWA inland series event last weekend, which was held at Northampton Sailing Club, Pitsford Reservoir.

We had fantastic weather all weekend, although the wind kept teasing us on Saturday. It would fill in occasionally, but never stayed for more than 20 minutes or so, shifting all over the place. It was a relaxed start to the season, most people got out on the water for a bit to make the most of what wind there was to dust off some winter cobwebs. Race officer Mike Dempsey decided to run a few fun/training races. I spent most of the day revising in my tent: fun, fun, fun!

Sunday’s forecast was gave 10-14 knots or so, so 6 races were run to make up for the lack of racing on Saturday. The forecast wind did not appear, until the afternoon and 3 races were run before lunch in a shifty 4-8 knots. I played it safe, keeping to the middle of the course although I made some losses and gains with the shifts, I worked hard to pull back to the front of the fleet, and my conservative tactics paid off with a consistent 2,3,1. Alan Jackson destroyed everyone in the first two races, deciding to head right out to the left, and winning by miles!

After lunch, the wind picked up, although still in a very shifty, gusty form! In race 4, I got a decent start, but struggled to find my speed upwind as a big bust came through. However, I pulled back some places on the downwind and next upwind to finish 2nd behind Mark Kay, who got a great start and had good board speed.

Mike Dempsey chose to change the course for the last two races to an “L” course, which added some fun reaching to the finish. I had a good start and managed to get a really good angle upwind too arrive at the windward mark first. The wind was still very patchy, and whilst I managed to find follow a gust on the downwind leg, others weren’t so lucky; Mark Kay and Tom Naylor managed to find a hole in the wind, allowing Rob Kent and Guy Spreckly to take 2nd and 3rd. The last race saw a big wind shift leading to a very starboard biased start line.

Unfortunately I went over the line during the last 30 seconds, so had to go round the end… to find a big long queue behind the committee boat for the favoured end of the line, so I started last! Somehow, I managed to outpoint the fleet upwind, and arrived at the windward mark in 2nd behind Mark. Again, I managed to find all the gusts downwind, and after the 3 lap race, I had a healthy lead. The gusty, shifty conditions shuffled the fleet up, giving some exciting racing

The new kit was working great, with the sail offering plenty of power in the light winds, whilst being easily adjusted as the gusts came through, it’s light weight 6 batten design helped downwind pumping. The board allowed me to get on the rail in the smallest of gust, and point high upwind, and most critically: get planing, and stay planing on the gusty downwind legs.

In the end, finding consistency in the tricky conditions was the key, I took the win, and one discard saw Mark Kay and Rob Kent count consistent top 5 results to finish on tied points. Annette Kent won the ladies, whilst Aidan Liddy was first youth. With many of the top guys in the fleet now sailing the Starboard Phantom 377, expect the competition to only get hotter as the season gets going. Can’t wait until the next event at Weymouth in a couple of weeks.

Results:

1st: Louis Morris (Starboard Phantom 377, Tushingham XR Race 9.5)
2nd: Mark Kay (Starboard Phantom 377, Demon 9.5) (1st master and heavyweight)
3rd: Rob Kent (Starboard Phantom 377, Tushingham XR Race 9.5)
1st super veteran: Alan Jackson, 4th overall (Starboard Phantom 380, Demon 9.5)
1st veteran: Tom Naylor, 5th overall (Starboard Phantom 380, Tushingham XR Race 9.5)
1st Lady: Annette Kent, 7th overall (Starboard Phantom 377, Tushingham XR Race 8.5)
1st Youth: Aidan Liddy, 16th overall (Tushingham XR Race 8.5)

Full results here: http://results.ukwindsurfing.com/2013/inland1-pitsford.html

The Ultimate Job – Advice, Tips and Offers

editor — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:44:15 +0000

Becoming a seasonnaire is perhaps one of the best experiences a water-sports enthusiast can have, so we’ve got a couple of openings for what could potentially be a life changing move.

So what is the attraction

Well the first and most obvious attraction is the tan you’ll come home with. Aside from this you get to be the star of the beach as guests come and go and see you, the instructor, as the blazing beach icon that is so typically stereotyped. You’ll be able to impress all day long with your smooth chat on the beach and awesome windsurf moves during lessons. On top of this you get a free place to stay, you get time off each day for your own activities and you even get a salary that is often split so that you can’t spend it all whilst there, which means you end up with a nice lump sum at the end of the season. Did we forget to mention the chance to work on your own windsurfing skills and perhaps become the next UK windsurfing star… If we just sold it to you then read on.

Where should you go

There are a large number of options, some more obvious than others the question really is what are your aims and targets. If you fancy getting to grips with windsurfing a bit more whilst teaching and maybe building up your experience and qualifications at the same time then a more chilled out location may suit you, a place that sees slightly more subdued wind strengths than that of say Vassiliki. Locations like Nidri offer the perfect chance to teach both windsurfing and dinghy sailing whilst enjoying the company of other instructors. More about this destination here – alpineelements.co.uk/beach-holidays/resort/nidri.html

However, if it is action, lifestyle and higher level windsurfing you are after, then Vassiliki really sits at the top of the food chain, offering the instructor quality on water time during peak season but at the same time a chance to mingle with guests who may be a little more experienced. Vass is really a place where many of the UK’s finest windsurfers have developed their routes so it has a strong history of raising the profiles of the young and driven individuals who work there. More on this location here - alpineelements.co.uk/beach-holidays/resort/activity-holidays-greece.html

What is on offer

Right now many of the jobs have already been snapped up, the London Boat Show is one of the best opportunities to sign up, take your C.V. and talk to the big dogs, you can really get your foot into the right door by doing this. However, all is not lost there is still time to speak to the holiday companies, and one such company is that of Ocean Elements, sister company to Alpine Elements. They have two opportunities available, the first is for an Advanced Windsurfing Instructor, where you will find yourself on the water everyday, the second is for a Mountain Bike Guide who will lead groups off into the trails for a break from the water. Read on to find out more and send your applications in to jobs@alpineelements.co.uk.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Job Title:

Advanced Windsurf Instructor

Reporting to:

Activities Manager

Summary of position:

To work under the supervision of the Beach Senior, delivering safe and fun Windsurf tuition and equipment use for adults and children. Ensuring that all practices meet RYA and BCU governing body criteria.

Duties and Responsibilities: (this list is not exhaustive)

Attending daily staff meeting to discuss lesson plans and duties for the day
Opening and securing all beach equipment, including lifting and moving equipment and security cages
Tidying and preparing communal areas ready for guests arrivals
Preparing teaching areas, teaching aids and simulators
Preparing equipment for tuition, including lifting and moving equipment ready for launching
Routine maintenance checks on all equipment and completion of maintenance records
Preventative and as necessary maintenance including board repair and GRP repair
Assisting guests with the rigging, carrying, launching and landing of equipment
Taking bookings for activities
Interacting with all guests in a professional yet relaxed fashion
Creating a welcoming and encouraging environment for guests to learn new skills
Carrying out first aid and completing accident forms as necessary
Providing safety cover for water users from a power boat
Providing safety cover for water users by surveying the area from a tower vantage point
Teaching groups of adults new skills in line with the governing body syllabus
Teaching groups of children new skills in line with the governing body syllabus
Providing private watersports tuition if requested ( commission based )
Being responsible for all safety aspects of your session whilst you are afloat, including considerations for ability, weather conditions and suitable craft to use.
Socialising with guests in the evenings, including handing out awards on their last night
Carrying out monthly stock takes
Showing guests to their rooms and helping with their luggage
Assisting other departments as per operational needs

Experience / Qualifications required:

Experience working on an RYA beach, preferably with BCU knowledge also.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Job Title:

Bike Guide

Reporting to:

Activities Manager

Summary of position:

To ensure that all bike guiding and free riding is offered in a safe, professional and enjoyable manor. To be solely responsible for the maintenance of the fleet. In addition to the role of bike guide you will assist with beach operations when required.

Duties and Responsibilities: (this list is not exhaustive)

Attending weekly staff meetings to discuss bike feedback and duties for the week
Ensuing maintenance, cleaning and any other bike duties are carried out in a timely fashion
Responsible for the opening and set up of all bike equipment at the start of the day, inc manual labour
Responsible for ensuring all bike equipment is securely locked and stored properly at the end of the day
Ensure all bike storage areas are ready for guests arrivals
Ensure helmets in safe working order and safety packs are kept stocked up
Complete essential weekly maintenance checklists for each bike
Give each bike a full service at once a month
Ensure accurate maintenance records are kept
Archive all bike maintenance records
Complete the weekly H&S audit
Plan a varied weekly program of guided rides to suit all abilities
Produce route cards for guests to use when free riding
Advertise rides and update daily
Train colleagues in basic bike maintenance and guiding techniques
Creating a welcoming and encouraging environment for guests of all abilities to enjoy biking
Carrying out first aid and completing accident forms as necessary
Being responsible for the overall safety aspects of all biking program
Writing risk assessments for bike activities
Provide a bike Welcome Speech to all guests at the start of their holiday
Ensure a full safety briefing is given before every guided ride
Obtain any relevant medical information from all guests before departing on a guided ride
Socialising with guests in the evenings, including handing out awards on their last night
Carry out monthly stock takes
Showing guests to their rooms and helping with their luggage
Assisting other departments as per operational needs, in particular you will spend a portion time at the beach each day: see job description for instructor.

Experience / Qualifications required:
Strong maintenance knowledge, able to build a new bike and maintain it with weekly servicing. Instructor or Teaching qualifications in any discipline an advantage. Trail leader Award. First Aid.

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