If you’re wondering just what racing in 35 knots looks like, how hard it is and if you can handle it, take 5 minutes to watch the awesome footage from the weekend by Alfie Hart…

Watch out for some big crashes, some more almost crashes, a shore dump rinsing and a lot of VERY stacked looking guys!

In the slalom James Dinsmore was triumphant in the pro fleet, posting two bullets, with local man Ant Baker in second, whilst Simon Cofield took third spot in the tough racing. To paint a picture of just how windy it Ant Baker was racing on his 5.7m and was definitely not underpowered!

James Dinsmore takes the win

The freestyle competitors had to up their game too, with much of the competition taking part in less than ideal conditions! No more flat water, the seas were pretty messy, with a solid shore dump coming through too, so congratulations to all competitors for taking it on!

In the pro freestyle it was rising star Oscar Carmichael who took the win, with GetWindsurfing’s Phil Richards in second and Nic Hibdige third. In the amateur fleet Kieran Roan (check out more about Kieran in the Boards feature here) won in style, with Tushingham’s Ollie Acton second and Ben Lee and Jack Sawbridge tied for third.

The weekend also saw former pro windsurfing Mat Pearch making his way back onto the water after a few years absent. Did he take it easy? Go out and have a few warm up runs before going big? Of course not. Mat went straight out and busted out a massive back loop, cheered and jeered on by the crowds. Not to be outdone Nik Baker also took to the water around high tide and showed he still has the skills in all conditions, putting on some smooth wave riding and a jumping masterclass.

There are a whole host of photos from the weekend making the rounds, here’s our top shots, courtesy of K66.

Boards camera man Alfie Hart was also in attendance, so watch this space for a full video feature from the event as well as full results!

Down in Worthing the best UK slalom racers and freestylers will be coming together for the next round of the UKWA tour organised by Nik Baker and the K66 team. And across the UK, and indeed much of the world (don’t forget Jamie Drummond is taking on the 100 loop challenge in Vassiliki!), windsurfers will hit the water from Sunrise to Sunset in aid of W4CR.

It’s not too late to find out more about the nearest Sunrise to Sunset event to you and get involved, or head along to Worthing to see what UK competition entails and take out some of the latest demo equipment. Find out more about both events on the Boards calendar here.

Where ever you decide to windsurf this weekend, Boards wishes you a windy one! And remember, even if it’s not windy near you it will be somewhere…

Worthing slalom, Dempsey taking on Baker!

The second round of the UKWA freestyle tour took place at West Wittering and was sponsored by 2XS,  X-train and WWWC, Boards catches up with the team from the centre and some of the pros to find out more about one of the best freestyle events to hit the UK in a while!

Andy Bubble Chambers

Pics by Simon Bassett /2XS.

With a lack of wind the forecast mid week the event was nearly cancelled but Thursday morning after a wind abyss a 25 knot South Westerly forecast was predicted for all day Saturday.

The event started around 10.30am – the legendary Wittering Trench formed up at low tide and the contest began.  Julian Du Vall, Trevor Funnell and David Bradley were judging, it certainly wasn’t tropical conditions and the heats blasted through as the wind increased.  Heat after heat went through, in the end the beach event crew did four complete rounds.

The Pros had four heats, two a piece for Bubble and Max Rowe which led them into a fifth heat, which was known as the Super Final – both of them were sailing on top form and Bubble just pipped Max in the dying minutes.

This year the amateur fleet are pushing at a really high level with big moves coming from all competitors throughout the event – even the younger kids really going for big moves .

BUBBLE:

“Wow!! What an event!! Literally the best freestyle conditions i have ever competed in! The West Wittering trench was at its best! Great to see so many people on the water having it! The level of freestyle in the UK is getting better and better and with events in places like West Wittering i’m sure we’ll see the UK’s next rising stars coming up. Great competing against Max as it really pushes me! He was ripping on his new sails.”

Max Rowe

MAX:

“It was definitely the best conditions I’ve ever experienced at any contest. The trench is truly a world class spot so it was great to have a contest there. I was battling with Bubble all day for the first place and after winning two rounds each we had a sail off which he went on to win so congratulations to him as he was ripping. I was using the new 2014 North Idol ltd’s and the sails are feeling amazing which gave me loads of confidence.”

Saturday night in The Old House at Home, West Wittering,  there were plenty of tired bodies after a full day of competition and when Sunday came around it was decided not to run a tow in event as the previous day’s competition had been so successful.

Ollie Acton

Ben Lee

Up soon on Boards we will also have a full report from the weekend, so stay tuned!

UKWA West Wittering from Ben Page on Vimeo.

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.

 

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.

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.

New video from the weekend, thanks to rising star Sam Latham!

K15 Sam Latham @ OTC Weymouth winter slalom training from Sam Latham K15 on Vimeo.

The start of the competition calendar is quickly approaching and many sailors are getting serious about the pre season training now. Down in Weymouth over the weekend, Si Pettier showed the others exactly how to nail a start! Remember, Ross Williams will be joining the guys in Weymouth very soon for his pre-season training weekend.

Are you thinking of competing in the BSA or any other UKWA competitions this year? Have you started setting some on and off water goals to get you ready? Even sailing with a group and challenging each other could add that vital speed you’ll need to race to the front of the pack. If you’re looking for an active group of windsurfers to join, check out Project Windsurf UK and see what’s coming up in your area!

Chris Bond

Like many Formula sailors in this country, I downed tools over the winter and I’m now looking forward to the new season – I know this does not apply to all as some hardy/mad soles carry on through ice and snow in order to improve their skills.

The new season offers lots of promise for the Formula fleet with training events and international excursions all planned to run along side the UKWA series. Add to this the possibility of a trial event combining Formula and Slalom, then this should be a year to remember. The combination of the Slalom and Formula has caught the interest of Ant Baker whilst Ross Williams has hinted that he will appear at the odd UKWA event when it fits in with his international calendar – having such names at the events can only draw in more interest and up the level in our performance and overall competition.

In order to improve communication throughout the fleet the UK Formula Windsurfing group was formed on Facebook. Please feel free to join this group and hear about upcoming training, competition and a vast array of second hand kit on offer. In addition to this there is the UKWA website www.ukwindsurfing.com and our own UK Formula website www.formulawindsurfing.co.uk For international news use www.formulawindsurfing.org Any queries at all about Formula windsurfing whether it’s competing or recreational then do not hesitate to contact me on face book or chris360bond@yahoo.com Happy sailing.

By Chris Bond GBR 98 sponsored by Point 7, Gaastra, Z-Fins and Robin Hood Watersports

BSA racing

If you haven’t entered an event before, why not make this year your first? Check out the calendar of events below and head on over to the UKWA events section here for full information. 

Kieren Ronan

Name: Kieren Roan

DOB: 17/08/1979

Years competing: Two

Best previous results: None

Title you have won this year: UKWA 1st Amateur Freestyle

Why and when did you first start competing? How did you get involved in competition?

I started competing in 2010 at a UKWA freestyle event held at my home spot of Hunstanton, on the Norfolk coast. As it was on my doorstep I thought I had to give it a try! I was pleased to see events held on the east coast and hope to see more come to Norfolk in the future.

As a kid did you dream of becoming a champion?

Of course. Everyone dreams of that don’t they?

Did you love competition straight away? What has helped you progress from learning how to compete to winning a title?

I enjoyed it and felt it would help me to improve my level so I’ve carried on. What’s helped me progress is understanding that the best way to get through heats is to land a variety of moves. I’ve tried to work on my consistency and I practice in a variety of sea states.

Kieren at the UKWA Freestyle in Wittering

What equipment have you used on the tour this year?

Hot Sails Maui Bolts from 3.7 to 5.6 and a Tabou Freestyle 90

Why do you use this equipment?

I’ve used Hot Sails for a number of years and have always been impressed by their build quality and performance. I’m just about to get the Hot Sails Freestyle Pro’s, which look awesome and will hopefully help me to do well in 2013. I’ve had the board for three years now so I know exactly how it behaves in all conditions which helped for the events.

Kieren Ronan

How and where did you train for the series last year?

I had a sneaky year and managed to fit in Fuerteventura and Vass on Bubble’s clinic, but mainly train at my perfect home spot of Hunstanton and all along the Norfolk coast up to East Runton.

Have you just trained on the water or what do you do off the water too?

My training is purely on the water. I work full-time shifts as an engineer and have an 18 month old little boy (my bit for the future of windsurfing) so I don’t get much spare time!

What are your plans for the winter? Sailing here in the UK? Or heading abroad anywhere?

I’ll be sailing as much as possible at home and hoping it’s not too cold.

What are you aims for competition in 2013? UK and International events?

I’ll be doing the freestyle events again this year. My aim is to sail well and keep pushing my level forward. I hope the freestyle tour continues to grow as it’s a great way to improve and also a good excuse to go away windsurfing for the weekend. For those of you thinking freestyle is just for kids, take a look at my DOB!

I feel I’ve improved more in my thirties than I did all through my twenties through competition and focusing on my sailing.

Andy Chambers in Weymouth. Credit Hanna Poschinger EFPT.

Name:  Andy Bubble Chambers

DOB:   30/06/1983

Sail number:  K540

Years competing:  14

Best previous results:  5th PWA Sylt, 9th PWA Aruba, 3rd BWA Waves 2011, 2nd Tiree Wave classic 2011, Multiple British Freestyle Champion

Title you have won this year:  British Freestyle Champion 2012

Why and when did you first start competing?

I first started competing in Cyprus when I was pretty young.  My parents were living there for a while and our local club had a weekly series and annual championships.  I started doing it because everyone else did!  It was the natural thing to do, back then everyone used to get involved.   It was so much fun to take part and the more events you do the more you want do as well.

As a kid did you dream of becoming a champion?

Definitely!! Surely it’s every kids dream!  I used to watch and read all the mags and videos and could see myself doing the same thing.

Did you love competition straight away?  

It was super fun, which is why I liked it; it also helps if you do well though!

Andy Chambers in Weymouth. Image credit Global Shots.

What has helped you progress from learning how to compete to winning a title?

I think theres a very important mindset that you get from doing any kind of competition for a long time.  You learn what you need to do to win.   You learn to be prepared and be in the right place at the right time and concentrate on what you are doing and not the other person.

What equipment have you used on the UK tour this year?

I have been using the new Neil Pryde Wizard freestyle sails and the new JP Freestyle boards with the K4 Bubble Freestyle fins.  The combo of the new gear, the sails in particular have really helped me to be able to do all the new power freestyle moves with confidence.

Why do you use this equipment?

Obviously I am sponsored by them but I have also had a small hand in the development, so I know exactly how it all feels and what sizes to use depending on conditions.  It’s really important to feel comfortable and happy with your gear and I do with JP/Pryde and K4, therefore it’s the best gear for me to use (and everyone else!).

Andy Chambers heading out at Weymouth. Image credit Global Shots.

What is it about your set up in particular that you like?

It’s all like an extension of your body really! I feel like it does whatever I want it to do.  I can duck the sail when I want and how I want knowing that the board will come with me too.  You almost don’t have to think about popping the board, it’s just attached to your feet.  The super light K4 freestyle fin makes things a lot easier as well.

Who else would you recommend a set up like this?

Anyone wanting to either learn freestyle or get better at it from total beginner all the way through to the most advanced freestyler.  It makes it a whole lot easier trust me!  I can do things now that I didn’t think I would be able to do before.  Usually you get worse at learning new things as you get older and I had that for a couple of years, but now I’m getting better!! It’s epic!

Andy Chambers taking on the night tow-in! Image credit Global Shots.

How and where have you trained for the series this year?

My winter off season training is always in Cape Town, it has everything you need; like a skate park basically!! Choppy warm water lake, flat water, small waves, big waves, side off, side, side on etc etc what more could you want!  It’s a great place to improve your overall sailing skills, waves, jumping and freestyle.  During the summer when i’m not at events i am usually out in Club Vass which combines great freestyle conditions with a great atmosphere on and off the water.  I have also been spending more time around the UK and realising that it too ofers some great allround freestyle spots, West Wittering trench is unreal for flat water!! Also the Esso gargarge at Hayling and Weymouth.

Have you just trained on the water, or what do you do off the water too?

To be fair, I spend a lot of time on the water and usually in windy places so there’s not much time for off the water activities.  This summer I have been doing circuit training with my sister Amy (Army) Chambers!!  In the morning before working at Club Vass.  I would like to do more gym stuff though and hopefully next year I will be spending more time in the UK and settling a bit so I can join one!  Any recommendations??

Bubble in Vass. Image credit Global Shots.

What are your plans for winter? Sailing here in the UK? Or heading abroad anywhere?

I have literally just booked my flights to Cape Town again!! Happy days!! £523!! Epic! I will be there until mid feb and then back to the UK for a bit before starting the photoshoots for JP/Pryde in Dahab and Maui.  I am trying to get some winter UK sailing in though!!  In fact as I am writing this it is windy, so I’m typing fast!

What are you aims for competitions in 2013? UK and international events?  

In 2013 I really want to get inside the top 10 for PWA freestyle, maybe even higher but the level is going nuts!  Also, I would love to win the UK wave title, keep my UK freestyle title and have a go at the PWA Waves.  Possibly some European freestyle events as well.

Follow more on the UK freestyle competition right here on Boards, and for more news and features on Andy Bubble Chambers click right here!

Check out the other Champions of 2012 features:

Bridlington is a venue that has offered good racing conditions and probably one the warmest welcomes on the circuit with a very accommodating county council so many thanks to them.

Day one of the event looked as though we may get a race in as the fleet took to the water in 9-11 knots. However, the wind sadly deserted us which may have been for the best as conditions were not great as both the wind speed and direction were constantly changing.

Chris Bond

The evening talk was of strong winds for Sunday and who was going to cope best in the onshore conditions that threatened large shore dump and wavy conditions. We were therefore shocked to wake up to a mirror flat state sea first thing. The forecast was still good so this meant that everything had to be rigged. The wind kicked in, sure enough, but was only blowing 9-12 knots in the morning meaning no shore dump and great flat racing conditions. Dolphin Dave Coles was back from his European exploits with a new sponsor…..Mr Icke who had lent him a load of kit whilst recovering from his broken shoulder. Back on a trusty Severne, Dave took both the morning races by some distance. I managed 2^nd in both fending off Tim Gibson in the first and a flying Adrian Wallis in the second. Poor Tim suffered a broken outhaul in race two leaving him frustrated and losing ground overall on Dave.

In the afternoon the wind started to increase but not as much as feared. 14-18 knots was announced but the sea state had certainly become rougher producing very challenging conditions. Two races were completed in the afternoon and results were rather different. Both races were very closely fought between Tim Gibson, myself and Dolphin all trading places during the battles. Race three was just won by myself with Dolphin only half a board length behind. This left us with an interesting last race with the event being on offer to myself or Dolphin depending on who could win, assuming Tim was not to come into better form. Again the race went down to the wire, and again it was myself that came through just ahead of Dave and Tim for all to witness close to shore. Epic racing and a second consecutive win for Bond! Our next race is the season biggy – the British Open at Weymouth so hope to see you all there.

By Chris Bond

Results

1^st Chris Bond (Point 7, Robin Hood Watersports)

2^nd Dave Coles (The kit of Icke, North Sails, Starboard)

3^rd Tim Gibson (North Sails, Gaastra, Boardwise, K-66)

1^st National – Adrian Wallis (Gaastra, Starboard)

1^st Youth – James Battye (Point 7, Robin Hood Watersports)

Find our more about the UKWA competition at http://ukwindsurfing.com