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Barnsdale Lodge Hotel in Rutland played host the UK Windsurfing association for its annual prize giving dinner on Saturday 14th November. Some 75 awards were made across the various disciplines supported by the association including slalom, wave, speed, freestyle and course racing. A spectacular evening of awards and dancing to live band 'Under Construction' was enjoyed by all. (Videos added now)
UKWA Crowns Its New British Wave Sailing Champion
Jamie Hancock
After three rounds of full on wave sailing the UKWA has crowned Jamie Hancock
‘2009 British wave sailing champion’
Jamie, who lives in Portsmouth, can be seen riding waves all along the hot spots on the south coast. Competing for many years on the…
There was an air of anticipation at the recent European Championships, not just with the competitors as to who would win and be crowned the European Champion but the local organiser Martin Waldron was more worried that the wind would play ball. The site has produced on the right day over 40 knots over 500m and Martin had, on the back of this knowledge staged an event at this site last year and had no wind all week, little did he know!
The last few ticket are available for the UKWA party this Saturday. Go to Party or telephone 01444469610 or e-mail admin@ukwindsurfing.com
Its Your final chance to vote for windsurfer of the year. Voting will close at 10pm this Wednesday. For your last chance to vote go to vote The winner will be announced…
James Briggs reports from the RYA Youth & Masters / UKWA British Open Championships:
Initially all racers were sent afloat when wind on the race course was a steady 10 knots. By the time the first Formula race was due to start, the wind had dropped to a light 6-8 knots.…
Inland trophy winners list announced. Further winners to be announced soon. ‘Watch this space’. The following competitors will be awarded prizes at the UKWA Party at Barnsdale Lodge for the Inland series: inland trophies 2009
There are some tickets left for the party on Saturday,14th November 2009 – Closing date is this Friday…
The following competitors will be awarded prizes at the UKWA Party at Barnsdale Lodge for the Inland series, Cup Series, Slalom Series & Wave Series
cup trophies 2009 inland trophies 2009 Slalom trophies 2009 wave prizes 2009
There are some tickets left for the party on Saturday,14th November 2009 – Closing date is this Friday 6th November…
The following competitors will be awarded prizes at the UKWA Party at Barnsdale Lodge for the Inland series, Cup Series, Slalom Series & Wave Series
cup trophies 2009 (amended), inland trophies 2009 ,
Slalom trophies 2009 ,wave trophies 2009 (amended)
There are some tickets left for the party on Saturday,14th November 2009 – Closing date is this Friday 6th November…
Weymouth Sailing Academy
RYA Youth & Masters / UKWA British Open Championships
Day Two – Blown out
Unfortunately day two of the RYA Youth & Masters / UKWA British Open was blown out with strong winds 30-50 Knots all day. There was a short window around 12 noon and everyone rushed to rig…
NOW Including RYA Press Release
Now Including Raceboard-Report-Champion Raceboard-Report-Champion by Dave Hackford
Day Two – Blown out
Unfortunately day two of the RYA Youth & Masters / UKWA British Open was blown out with strong winds 30-50 Knots all day. There was…
124 sailors turned out to race last weekend 31st October / 1st November for The RYA Youth & Masters / UKWA British Open at Weymouth sailing academy.
Saturday greeted competitors with sunshine and a light chilly breeze. The race officer ran 2 rounds of racing for all raceboard…
Saturday Night Party
There will be a party at Weymouth this Saturday night for all competitors, partners, family and friends to celibrate the 18th Birthday of Jamie Ingram. You are all welcome at Spinnakers from 8pm to 11pm.
weymouth plan Please see the enclosed parking plan for the weekend. The event area will…
The Robert Cartwright Memorial Trophy will be awarded this weekend at the RYA Youth & Masters/UKWA British Open
Robert Cartwright was a young Windsurfer (aged 12) who was a member of the West Zone Windsurfing Squad coached by Helen Cartwright and Ian Roberts. His older sister Sarah had been a member…
It’s time to decide who will be the windsurfer of the year. “But how on earth do we decide? So much has been happening!” I hear you cry, well that’s right, so the UKWA bods have been hard at work, furiously whittling down the contenders into five mighty qualifiers to make it that bit easier for you.
Techno Support Group offers a chance for techno sailors to improve their skills before the RYA Youth & Masters/UKWA British Open at Weymouth
TSG – WINDSURFING SKILLS EVENT
The TSG alongside Oli Woodcock will be holding a “Windsurfing skills” event at Weymouth (WPNSA) on Thursday 29th & Friday 30th Oct 09
The emphasis of the…
Just Two weeks to go until the RYA Youth & Masters / British Open 2009 at Weymouth
On Line entry closes Monday 26th October
Enter On Line Now Note entry is via Sailracer
On line entry is the prefered entry option but entry will close at 10pm on Monday 26th. You will be able to…
The details are up and tickets are available... It's on 14th November 2009, at Barnsdale Lodge - Rutland. It will have the usual end of year prize giving, as well as the Windsurfer of the Year. Read on or enter the 2009 end of year party...
In 2008 Anders Bringdal broke all previous records at WSW by setting a new harbour speed over 500meters of 38.22 knots. He is back again in 2009 and believes with his new Mistral boards can top 40 knots. Anders will not be alone this year in this challenge, as he will be joined by fellow speed sailor’s from around the world at this legendary event.
Windy Saturday brings down tree at Whitwell. Fortunatley Mikes van and sails survive
Main Course
Saturday’s racing saw far to much wind for course racing with gusts over 45knots, with a difficult Rutland chop. Race Officer Mike spent most of the day out on the water looking for suitable…
Windy Saturday brings down tree at Whitwell. Fortunatley Mikes van and sails survive
Saturday’s racing saw far to much wind for course racing with gusts over 45knots, with a difficult Rutland chop. Race Officer Mike spent most of the day out on the water looking for…
On Line Entry Closes Wednesday
Entrer Now (Entry is via Sailracer not UKWA)
Just One week to go to the Whitwell event at Rutland Water. This event counts to both series again this year. Inland 5 is the final event in the Inland series and with close racing this year there are still…
The GBR riders were well represented at the Formula Worlds in Santa Pola (Spain) this year with 7 people (Ross Williams, yours truly – Xavier Ferlet, Richard Jones, James Briggs, David Coles, Liam Round & Jason Clarke).
Arguably, Santa Pola has some of the best Formula conditions in the world. Even when…
The White Air event has teamed up with the UKWA and Pryde Group UK to bring the 4th round of the JP/pryde National Slalom Windsurfing Series. With three events now behind us after Windfest the tour now moves to Brighton in search of some classic conditions and excellent and enjoyable slalom racing.
UKWA Inlands Championships Event 4 & LWA Summer Series Event 6:
Oxford Sailing Club – Farmoor Reservoir:
Photos by Andy Watkinson Selection 1 Selection2
We seem to have been lucky with the sunshine at Oxford these last few years but not so fortunate with the wind. The event got off to a slow…
Great Britain’s Nick Dempsey and Marina Alabau of Spain are on top of the windsurfing world after claiming their first ever world titles at the RS:X World Championships in Weymouth and Portland on Thursday (10 September). More on the RYA News.
Another spectacular event this year, with over 300 people taking to the water at the same time. A tiny sample of the pictures is below, but if you saw yourself on the screens at the party don't forget you can get a DVD of them all. (Results now up.)
Only one week to go to round four of The UKWA Inland National Championships at Farmoor (oxford sailing club)
Farmoor is an excellent club with all the facilities needed to host a UKWA event on site. For overnight parking please see the link
overnight parking please also note the sailing club will be…
Apologies for the late notice, but due to large numbers the festival this year (Freestyle & Slalom) requires pre-entry ASAP. Entry numbers are strictly limited, BUT, a competition entry does mean a weekender pass to the festival.
LONGBOARD RACING AT EXMOUTH
Wednesday 5th August was the sixth of eight race nights that have been planned by Waterfront Sports Exmouth. Since the beginning of the year the race night has been gaining momentum and now regularly has over 15 competitors. Our last race night was a huge success…
WhiteAir has now moved to Brighton! This is going to be a huge event and us windsurfers are just a small part of it. There is limited entry into the Freestyle Championships and ALL competitors must sign up BEFORE the event otherwise you’ll never get into the Competitors Arena. There will be a windsurfing village, a competitor’s marquee and lots of security so you need to sign up NOW!
Palmalife RS:X Youth World Championship: in the Youth Women's fleet, everyone was trying to find an answer to the dominant performances of Sybille and Leonore Bosch. It was Izzy Hamilton who sprang to life.
The Isle of Tiree, Scotland, Saturday 10 – Friday 16 October
GMFCo and EventScotland are proud to announce that the UK’s premier windsurfing competition, The Tiree Wave Classic (TWC), will return to Tiree from 10 – 16 October. The TWC was set up in 1986 and, due to its long-standing success,…
The Island of Karpathos in Greece has a reputation for strong winds. It delivered in spades for the recent Greek Speedsailing Open Championships. With winds of over 50 knots on the 1st day. Zara Davis the British No 1 had a tough battle to win overall with a top speed…
The RS:X youth Worlds in Palmalife Turkey began on Monday with some strong performances from UK sailors.
Follow all the action live twitter site and follow links to results pages
For event photos event photos
For competitive windsurfers with a holiday coming up, the El Tournament in Egypt may appeal: Freestyle and Master Blaster Racing, with the obligatory beach BBQ afterwards. More at www.eltornament.blogspot.com or the poster.
Mumbles Report/press release
UKWA National Championships Round 4
July 18th & 19th 2009
Last weekend the UKWA was again given a warm welcome by Mumbles Council as the 2009 series moved on to Mumbles Yacht Club for the Welsh leg of the UK tour. Mumbles bay is a beautiful location with the club set…
Last weekend the UKWA was again given a warm welcome by Mumbles Council as the 2009 series moved on to Mumbles Yacht Club for the Welsh leg of the UK tour. Mumbles bay is a beautiful location with the club set in the…
An interesting event with the worst nightmare of sudden winds of over 40 knots midway through the first race and in off shore conditions. May i offer a great personal thanks to the fabulous race crew who on Sunday worked tirelessly...
This years National Windsurfing Festival will take place at Hayling Island 5-6 Sept 2009. Yes, this was the former Fat Face National Windsurfing Festival which has been so successful over the last 3 years. We are extremely grateful of their valued support to the event over the years. So what…
From Guy Cribb:
Due to the great forecast, I have organised a windsurfing downwinder from Sandbanks to Christchurch for Sunday July 12 AND I am arranging transport to bring everybody back upwind!
Anyone who would like to join The Windsurfers Along The South (T.W.A.T.S.) for this semi-hard core adventure of ten miles…
Derwent, The Northern Adventure
Raceboard Fleet Report
Raceboard will never die they just get faster
If you have never ventured through the tranquil beautify of the Pennine valley on the border between Northumberland and Durham, bounded by moorland and conifers you are missing something special! I turned up to the picturesque setting…
Raceboard will never die, they just get faster
Photos by Andy Watkins for all the Derwent photos go to Andys Gallery.
If you have never ventured through the tranquil beautify of the Pennine valley on the border between Northumberland and Durham, bounded by moorland and conifers you are missing…
UKWA National Inland Championships Round 3 July 4th & 5th 2009
Photos by Andy Watkins for all the Derwent photos go to Andys Gallery
Last weekend the UKWA was again given a warm welcome by Derwent Sailing Club as the 2009 series moved on to Derwent Reservoir. If there was a vote for the warmest…
But only one week left to enter on line. On line entry is by far the most cost effective way to enter UKWA events, both for competitors and for the association. Pre entry will close after Monday 13th July after which a supliment will apply for on the day entry.
The…
Windsurfing Racing – short cuts to success.
The UK Raceboard Class Steering group has organised a series of regional race training days for anyone interested in longboard racing. Whether you are already an aspiring Olympian in T-15 or Techno, or even just thinking about starting competition racing these sessions will truly…
Just four days to go to the Inland National Championships Round 3 at Derwent.
Derwent is one of the most friendly clubs we ever visit and set in this beautiful location this is an event not to be missed. For further information inland 3
Following a number of complications the third series event will now be Poole's and FC Watersports world famous windfest event on the 12th and 13th of September, which incidentally will feature a guest entrant in the form of world champion Antoine Albeau! Southend will be moved and re scheduled, not cancelled, to later in the year (Oct/Nov) and the boys at wet n dry are super keen to put on something special. as soon as this date is known we will publish straight away.
Apologies for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience, tides and winds wait for no one! not even this slalom series!
The ION-Man competition will take the form of a 2 day event (18/19th of July) combining a fun series of challenges and competitions to make up the ION-Man final result. Making up the challenges will be sports including windsurf racing, stand-up-paddleboard racing, kayak racing, a multi discipline relay and will include an evening party. More on Surfkraft.
It’s been 50 years since windsurfing was “invented!” at Hayling Island…. And this summer a venue that’s been around for over 150 years on the seafront is re-opening for the windsurfing and local community to enjoy, in time for National Championships in Sept. Inn on the Beach is a great venue and we are trying to raise awareness in the windsurfing community of its re-opening after a massive refurbishment. Check out the Facebook group, and website.
The MWA (Midland Windsurf Association) is running a program of RS:X Open Training in association with the RYA.
Last weekend the UKWA was again given a warm welcome by Christchurch Borough Council as the 2009 series moved on to Steamer Point Christchurch. Christchurch must be the most beautiful location on the UKWA tour and local interest brings out…
"True to form Ireland’s most efficient race officer; Greg Day, had competitors on the water straight away. With a large Silver Fleet contingent it was decided to run both fleets separately. A strong 20 knot breeze allowed the race crew to set a large downwind slalom course..."
More on irishslalom.ie
The AGM minutes for 2009 have been published.
Just One Week To Go to the third cup event of the season at one of our most popular venues Christchurch. With a fantastic view from the camping field, beautiful beeches and wonderful sailing this is an event not to be missed.
Online entry has now closed, but you are welcome…
153 sailors turned out to race last weekend 6th & 7th June for Round Two of The UKWA Inland National Championships & The Rya National Junior Championships 2009 and the Rutland Marathon at Whitwell, Rutland Water.
With all eyes on a less than promising weather forecast the…
Boards magazine would like to do a big write-up of BrightAir, so if you intend to enter, please send in your profile (or point to your current profile). Please email your profiles to admin@ukwindsurfing.com.
Boards magazine would like to do a big write-up of BrightAir, so if you intend to enter, please send in your profile (or point to your current profile). Please email your profiles to admin@ukwindsurfing.com.
Following the success of the opening round of this year British Slalom Championships the series moves onto Aberdovey in Mid wales, where Boardwise and the team will play hosts for the second year running and following 45knot winds last year and 35knot winds at…
Following the success of the opening round of this year British Slalom Championships the series moves onto Aberdovey in Mid wales, where Boardwise and the team will play hosts for the second year running and following 45knot winds last year and 35knot winds at…
Nick Dempsey is taking on a new challenge, cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats. With the World Championships just 3 months away, now is the perfect time to get some serious miles on the bike, you can follow his progress and donate to the British Heart Foundation.
Nick Dempsey is taking on a new challenge, cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats. With the World Championships just 3 months away, now is the perfect time to get some serious miles on the bike, you can follow his progress and donate to the British Heart Foundation.
There are not many events on the UKWA calender where two disciplines can combine with ease to give great conditions and ultimatly great sailing and with memories of world cup grand slam events in mind it was the famous wave spot of Rhosneigr in North Wales that was to play…
Just one week to The Second UKWA Inland event of the season Inlands Two at Rutland Water.
Enter on line now
The Event includes the RYA National Junior Championships 2009 Enter on line now.
On line entry will close at midnight this Sunday. On the day entry will be permitted for both events, but on line…
Last weekend the UKWA was again given a warm Northern Welcome by East Riding Council as the 2009 series moved on to Bridlington. Bridlington must be the friendliest venue on the UKWA tour and local interest brings out the spectators literally by the thousand. The promenade was a mass of…
A great event at Rhosneigr for both Slalom and Wave competitors. Boardseeker have the day 1 results which will stand as final. After near-gale force winds and good waves the second day started off without anything like that wind, so the wave competition stood after day 1.
The slalom was on the…
At Weymouth, we were concerned that some competitors were following the letter, but not the spirit, of the wetsuit sailing instruction (4.4): “When numeral 3 is displayed, every competitor shall wear a wetsuit or drysuit while afloat. A wetsuit is defined as a neoprene garment covering at least the shoulders,…
One week to go - which means it's the last day for pre-entry! There's a pool party Saturday night, good parking along the sea front, showers & toilets, sandy beech, cafe on site, three days racing, fantastic fish & chips close to local town pubs & restaurants, and even a fun fair! Cup 2 Event info.
Congratulations to Stu Hards1st overall, and 1st 7.8 Techno, and Kieran Martin 2nd overall and 1st Techno 6.8 at the North Sea Cup event 1 in Ostend over the weekend. Our sailors were made very welcome, the weather was good, and the racing was carried out in a variety of…
What an event! Brandon Bay delivered like never before provided the most extreme conditions ever seen at a UK contest. It also gave us the best amateur wave competition for years once the mast high rollers calmed down the head high jumpers!
Gowlane…
The elimination final proved to be an Anglo-French battle between Williams and Albeau. Despite Albeau’s blistering straight line speed, Williams’ faultless gybing and tactical negotiation of the race course rewarded him with a convincing victory. Close behind, Albeau made his presence felt as he chased in second
Fantastic spring sunshine greeted us on the Saturday morning at Northampton Sailing Club at Pitsford Reservoir, a frequent venue for Midland Region sailors but a very pleasant surprise for the newcomers. [Ed: Apologies for the late publication of this article, it should have been up a week ago.]
As many people who went to Weymouth know, the UKWA are gradually moving things online, including event entry.
It's especially important as the pre-entry deadline for Bridlington is next Friday, the 16th!
126 sailors turned out to race last bank holiday weekend 2nd, 3rd & 4th May for Round one of The UKWA National Championships Cup 1 at Weymouth sailing academy.
Saturday greeted competitors with sunshine and a light chilly breeze . The race officer ran 2 rounds of racing for all raceboard fleets in the morning session.…
Last weekend our National racing association (UKWA) launched their racing season with a marvellous event at Pitsford near Northampton. Up on last year - 102 competitors attended, all blessed with wind and sunshine. The encouraging news was that the RACEBOARD FLEET over doubled in size from…
3 Days to Weymouth Cup 1. Three days of course racing with a party on Saturday night plus UKWA AGM on Sunday night
There are still a couple of demo Phantom race available to use at the event courtesy of Tushingham and a demo RS:X courtesy of Boardwise. e-mail racing-09@ukwindsurfing.com to reserve…
The Lodge (next to Jamie Knox Watersports Shop) will now be OPEN for the duration of the event.
Cost: 40 euro per night based on two people sharing including breakfast.
Contact Jeremy at the SHOP to book: info@jamieknox.com
See you all Tuesday 5th at 9pm in Spillanes OR Wednesday 6th at 8.30am at…
The event to decide the UKWA Freestyle Champions across all fleets will take place at White Air, Brighton from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th September.
The Friday will be for PROS only with all other fleets starting on the Saturday morning.
This event was run on the Isle of Wight but Nigel…
Here is a stack of info about the event with Funsport’s contact details at the bottom if you need help with accomodation. It’s going to be a huge event as we are sharing space with the Slalom Tour.
Remember, if there are NO WAVES, your entry fee will cover you for…
Bryony Shaw and Nick Dempsey placed 2nd and 3rd respectively at the fourth of seven International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Sailing World Cup events. The RS:X class site is doing a good job of posting event reports and videos so far, worth checking out.
Two weeks to go! Read on for details on ferries, accommodation, socials etc.
The first round of what is looking like a very exciting slalom series for 2009 is only a few weeks away. Funsport at Rhosneigr will host the opening round of the British Tour and following an enjoyable trip to Ireland the series kicks off on British shores with a real bang.
The 2009 Annual General Meeting of the UK Windsurfing Association (UKWA) is to be held at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy on Sunday 3rd May 2009 at 8.00pm (see notice board for directions to meeting room).
Please please print your own copy of the Minutes and Accounts to bring to the…
Great results from Lacanau, France, in the Techno 293 European Championships. European Titles for: Sam Sills (under 17); Noelle Finch (under 15 girl); Kieran Martin (under 15 ).
Brits dominated under 15 girls - with Imogen and Saskia Sills joining Noelle on the podium.
Matthew Brown finished 5th in the very tough…
It’s one week to first UKWA event of the season Inlands One at Northampton Sailing Club Pitsford.
Enter on line now
There are still a couple of demo Phantom race available to use at the event courtesy of Tushingham e-mail racing-09@ukwindsurfing.com to reserve.
The battle for windsurfing supremacy is hotting up as George Bowles and Ali Masters sit neck and neck in pole position after day two of the RYA Volvo Youth National Championships and Trials at Largs Sailing Club. Blustery, wet conditions tested the sailors to the max: More on Sail-World.
The 2009 Summer Course Racing season got underway on Sat 21st March in the Midlands and London Regions, both of whose events were blessed with glorious spring weather, even tempting the occasional shortie out of the wardrobe. The Midlands sailors, at Hollowell SC, were luckier with the wind than the…
The Windsurf Round the Island Race will take place on Friday 10 April from Hayling Island Sailing Club (HISC). There is still time to register! See the notice of race, and enter online if you’re quick…
ONE MONTH of training left before the first wave event of the season!! Hopefully Easter will be wet ‘n’ windy so we can all dust down our wave kit and get ready for some down-the-line Brandon Bay action.
Ferries: They is still a chance that the Swansea-Cork ferry will be running…
If anyone is thinking of heading over to Ireland for what looks like a good south-westerly and a great slalom event, Stena lines are doing a discount, International Competitors travelling to the Slalom events are now able to avail of a special event fare. Check out the details at irishslalom.ie.
On the 5th May 2009 Dave 'Vinnie' Standing is going to sail in an event to raise money for Cancer Research. The event is being organized by Windurfing4CancerResearch (W4CR) and it is there intention to attempt to break the record for the most sailing craft on the water at anyone time and raise money for Cancer Research.
Following on from the success of 2008, this year's UK Slalom Series sponsored by JP and Neil Pryde kicks off with a real curtain raiser and looks to set the tone for what is looking like a fantastic season for British and Irish Slalom racing!
Registration forms are up.
Starboard will be providing five brand new 2008 Phantom Raceboard 380's ( pretty much the same as the 2009 model) to the UKWA. These five boards will be allocated to the first five competitors who would like to race these at either the Inland Pitsford event, or the National Cup at Weymouth. It is First come first served - so please email the UKWA as soon as possible.
The 2009 Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday May 3rd at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy. The exact time and location will be published on April 18th with the Agenda, including details of any nominations received for vacant posts on the Committee.
Following on from the success of 2008, this year's UK Slalom Series sponsored by JP and Neil Pryde kicks off with a real curtain raiser and looks to set the tone for what is looking like a fantastic season for British and Irish Slalom racing!
Tiree this year is Saturday 10th Oct to Friday 16th Oct (closing party on the Friday night). We shall bring you confirmation of the one-day event; The Coll Challenge as soon as we have it but the wave event is definitely confirmed. Remember this year the ferries are cheaper for everyone.
A cold but sunny day saw many of our fastest sailors converge on West Kirby to do battle on the GPS speed ladder. Fastest of the day was again Farrell Oshea on his new Moo with a maximum speed of 45 knots and a 42.2 knot 5 times 10 second average. Closely followed by Steve Thorp in 2nd and Howie Rowson 3rd.
Wednesday 6th May to Sunday 10th May, hosted by Jamie Knox Watersports. After several discussions with Stena Line, the 'special event codes' to give us cheaper ferries are not as cheap as the Stena Line Spring Sale which is currently taking place. Stena Line say they cannot beat the 'sale prices' and these won't last for long so BOOK NOW.
The International Raceboard Class, which has been in a gradual decline for many years because of the manufacturers’ reluctance to produce any longboards and because of their concentration on Formula and Hybrid boards, has now received a major shot in the arm with the appearance of the Starboard Phantom 380.
Apologies for the lateness of getting this up, but if you’ve a hankering for Winter slalom, our friends over at the Hayling Island Sailing Club at Sandy point are running a Winter Slalom series until March. They plan to have a speed event when the conditions are right - roughly…
The Annual British GPS ladder Sponsored by F2 and Maui Sails was a great success with some fantastic personal best speeds being posted.
Over 300 entries were recorded for the 2009 Resolution Downwind Dash. The world's biggest kite and windsurf race kicked off on Saturday 17th January from main beach, Langebaan, nr Capetown, South Africa. The favorably strong wind, as forecast, ensured a close battle between the kiters and windsurfers but windsurfer Ross Williams (GBR 83) was the winner.
More at the IWA.
The first USM of the year organised by SImon Hinkley was called on a promising forecast at St.Johns Lake in Cornwall. A good turn out of speed sailors and locals were greeted by a little less wind than forecast, around 20kts with a bit more in the gusts, but with a spring low tide the water next to the bank was mirror flat and everyone took to the water on a mix of slalom and speed boards with sails ranging from 5.0 to 7.0m.
Excited by the prospect of sunshine in what are traditionally the bitter English winter months, James Briggs (GBR848) made the journey south to compete in the 2009 Oceanic & Australian Formula Windsurfing Championships.
After two days of the racing with three completed races the Team GBR Representative, James Briggs, is holding 10th place. Heavier conditions are forecast for the final half of the competition which coupled with the heat are likely to test the competitors endurance to the maximum.
Read more at FW-Australia
After four days of waiting for the wind, the organisers made the decision to move to a new location for day 5 (Fri 2 Jan). It was a very brave decision that paid off. El Paraiso, 60 miles North of Ancon was indeed windy.
After days of perfect wind, it decided to take a holiday for day 1 which is quite usual for windsurfing competitions! Not to worry, the GBR riders were busy relaxing by the pool. Yesterday the practice race went fine for yours truly who won overall (including the youth).
Richard Jones (GBR32), Ian Jones (no other than the Chairman himself - GBR183) and yours truly Xavier Ferlet (GBR451) are off to Peru on Xmas day for the Youth & Masters Formula Worlds.
A quick glance at the entry list reveals it’s no short of talent so there should be…
16 year-old Sophie Bailey from Morwenstowe received the OCS Young Sports Person Award for the South West Region from celebrity sporting guest Beijing Olympic Bronze Medallist Bryony Shaw at this year’s celebratory luncheon on 27 November at the Brit Oval in London. More from OCS Young Sports Person.
Kevin wrote in to say:
I would like to say a big thank you to the committee and members of the UKWA for the lovely flowers, presents and kinds words which were expressed to Maureen and me at the end of year presentations at the Sailing Academy.
Thank you also to the…
JP/Pryde are proud to announce their continued support for the UKWA and are back on board with Slalom for 2009 with a great line up of events.
Midland Windsurfing Association Two Day Frostbite Series, this Saturday and Sunday at Whitwell Rutland Water. Overnight parking Friday & Saturday, Racing from 11am Saturday. Briefing 10.30. Frostbite Notice of Race.
The cream of the UK's windsurfing talent descended on WPNSA this weekend to receive their trophies and receive applause from their peer's. All windsurfing disciplines were represented including Olympic RSX, Slalom, Speed, Freestyle, Course Racing and Wave. The UKWA windsurfer of the year was also crowned. The candidates are drawn from the best national and international competitors and are then voted on by the windsurfing public.
Course Racing (Saturday) and Fun Slalom (Sunday) at Farmoor this weekend. Oxford Sailing Club is the place to be this weekend. The London Windsurfing Association are running course racing for all course racing fleets on Saturday. Dan Simpson is running Fun Slalom on Sunday at Farmoor.
From the end of year party, the crew's outstanding performance on stage drew a lot of attention and lots of people wanted to get a hold of the lyrics.
Well, there's a taster below, or download all the songs! Pics hopefully coming soon.
From the RS:X Class website: The ISAF Council has just voted to select the RS:X for both men’s and women’s events at the 2012 Olympic Regatta. The chairman of the ISAF Event’s Committee, Bjorn Unger, proposed to the council that they take 8 sets of equipment (all those apart from…
The wind was strong throughout the day. With the strongest wind later in the afternoon. The course was running pretty much perfect. Gusts at the weather station were hitting 50 mph.
Pete young achieved the fastest average with 38.42 knots, with Kev Greenslalde being 0.6 of a knot behind in second…
From the RS:X Class website: The ISAF Windsurfing Committee decided this morning by a vote of 7 votes to 2 to support the selection of the RS:X as the equipment for the 2012 Olympic Regatta.
The final decision will be made by the ISAF Council at the end of this week.
The speed sailors are getting in on the action this weekend, Simon Hinkley emailed around earlier, so for all those who would like to try out a GPS and see how fast you can go, this is a great opportunity. It looks like a good turnout and if you post…
There’s a great forecast for the weekend, and if the inland events don’t appeal there are two on the south coast this weekend as well: Poole slalom are running tomorrow (Saturday), with a possible appearance from Ant Baker testing some slalom gear. There is also a (very unoffificial) looping session at Camber…
For those with a little enthusiasm and a lot of anti-freeze in their blood, there’s plenty of racing left in the regions this year, two Icebreaker events (Bewl and Oxford), not to mention the Frostbiter series at Whitwell. Check out the regional racing page.
"There must be easier ways to get windsurfing on the TV" I thought as I was bounced high out of the water and twisted round in mid air off the hellish chop, on the verge of a catapult for about 5 hours, with cramps almost everywhere!
Guy Cribb's full story and the charity.
With typical attitude the RS:X fleet lumbered onto the water but they were soon cheered up as they sat on the beach by the techno fleet all five of them having an awsome start, with most of the techno’s and Connor Bainbridge upwind chasing the wrong committee boat.
With the wind…
There were 16 Raceboard entries at Whitwell, the average for the entire Inland Series being 17. The weekend started off with Race One taking place in an agreeable 10 knots or so and although the course layout was a new one to us - an L shape - it was…
Update: ITV coverage added. Weymouth speed week was superb this year, with the harbour record being broken on the 1st day by Anders Bringdal at 38.52 knots. Three great counting rounds in the week which gave us our speed champions for 2008 Pete Young with 37.29 knots and Zara Davis with 30.89 knots. Prizes and Trophy were donated by Spartan wetsuits.
Apologies for the late info, but it is: Saturday, November 15th 2008 at 7pm, with Masterblaster and GPS Challenge Sessions. Dress for the evening is smart casual / buffet & band included. PRIZES and FUN all day long! Download the form
The last race event of the year is this weekend at Whitwell, the country’s best course racers will return to Rutland Water to do battle in the last event of both the Cup & Inland series to become the 2008 Champions. More in the event information...
Weymouth speed week was superb this year, with the harbour record being broken on the 1st day by Anders Bringdal at 38.52 knots. Three great counting rounds in the week which gave us our speed champions for 2008 Pete Young with 37.29 knots and Zara Davis with 30.89 knots. Prizes…
Weymouth speed week was superb this year, with the harbour record being broken on the 1st day by Anders Bringdal at 38.52 knots. Three great counting rounds in the week which gave us our speed champions for 2008 Pete Young with 37.29 knots and Zara Davis with 30.89 knots. Prizes…
You might have seen it in Windsurf magazine, voting is now open for Windsurfer of the Year. Well, phone and email are open, and the online voting will be open soon to, so check out the candidates, and decide who Bryony Shaw will be presenting the prize to at the…
The selection of equipment to be used in the 2012 Olympic Regatta has, understandably, aroused passions, "to change or not to change, that is the question!". There are two proposals going in front of ISAF, this post describes the process.
Just to be crystal clear (because I may have confused some people) the last day of competition is Friday 17th with closing ceremony that night. The Saturday ferry will be busy as taking home Scottish half-term families which is why two ferries have been organized for the Sunday. Remember…
Have you got Racing Experience? Do you have a passion for helping others to learn and progress? Are you interested in learning how to deliver knowledge in an understandable and flexible manner?
The RYA Level 2 Windsurf Racing Coach Qualification will…
The RYA’s top young windsurfing talent lived up to their billing going into this weekend’s inaugural RYA/UKWA National Windsurfing Championships picking up the crop of top titles at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA).
More than 150 windsurfers from all over Britain did battle over the course of two-days as for the first time the RYA joined forces with UKWA to run a combined National Championship event.
On the penultimate day at the Formula Worlds, Ross is sitting in 4th place. Ross didn’t have much luck yesterday as he got slammed (which is not like Ross!) at the last gybe of the last race. Another competitor ran over his rig and broke Ross’ mast.
James Briggs is learning…
The topline results are below, full masterblasters to follow soon. Chris Audsley took the honours in the night time windsurfing pro event, and as did Simon Leedham in the overall HBC Freeride Masterblaster. Pictures and video added...
Please note that Entry is about to close for the UKWA/RYA National Championships. This event will incorporate the RYA Youth and masters and the UKWA National Championships bringing together the best in Britain on fantastic racing waters in Portland Harbour.
Please ensure that your entry and payment is made in the correct class with the correct sail number by Monday.
Any queries please call the RYA on 02380 604 197.
Two weeks to go to the third Fat Face Festival and if you want to enter, you ALL have to PRE-ENTER. That means everyone from hotshot Pro to youth sailor to amateur sailor. Everyone has to pre-enter, 240 people have signed up far and there is a maximum of 350.
This…
The BBC was first with the news online: Bryony secured bronze.
From the RYA: Bryony Shaw has won Great Britain’s first ever women’s windsurfing medal clinching RS:X bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Qingdao today (Wednesday 20 August).
Shaw, who won the 2007 Olympic Test Event, knew a top three…
The BBC was first with the news online: Bryony secured bronze.
From the RYA: Bryony Shaw has won Great Britain’s first ever women’s windsurfing medal clinching RS:X bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Qingdao today (Wednesday 20 August).
Shaw, who won the 2007 Olympic Test Event, knew a top three…
The PWA headline from Alaçati was that Dunkerbeck is back, beating the dominant Antoine Albeau into second. What they didn’t mention so much was that Ross Williams was third, beating former world-champ Kevin Pritchard and Finian Maynard. Full story on the PWA site.
At the halfway stage (hopefully, given the lack of wind), Nick Dempsey currently lies in 3rd place, and Bryony in 5th. The RYA have been on top of all the action with loads of articles going out on all the sailing action, here are the windsurfing highlights from the RYA so far.
Entry is now open to the UKWA/RYA National Championships. The Notice of Race is also available, please read it carefully. This event will incorporate the RYA Youth and masters and the UKWA National Championships bringing together the best in Britain on fantastic racing waters in Portland Harbour.
Entry is pre entry only – no entries will be taken on the day or after the closing date of Monday 8th September.
Congratulations to Ross Williams, the new European Formula Windsurfing Champion. Steve Allen (Aus 0) won the Allegro Cup, but Ross (GBR 83) was the first European racer.
Full event information at the Formula Windsurfing website.
The weather is gorgeous here in Leba (Poland) for the Formula Europeans. It's been windy up to now except today for the first day of the contest. Day 2 was perfect with winds ranging from 10 to 13 knots. Race Officer Dave Thomson lost no time and ran 4 races for all fleets.
Unfortunately there won't be any UKWA freestyle competition at Felixstowe this weekend, but there will be a Freeride super session, as well as Windsurf lessons from Keith Atkinson, and lots of other stuff you'd expect from an Xtremefest that promotes healthy living, beach lifestyle and extreme sport. Check out the event site.
We can finally announce that the Tiree Wave Classic is on! The NEW dates are Saturday 11th to Saturday 18th October.
If you're a centre, club or school and have a suitable space, please print off the poster and get it on display. The Fat Face National Windsurfing Festival is sure to once again deliver great fun whatever the weather, and don't forget the superb Saturday Night party!
Derwent Sailing Club is amongst the best, it has excellent facilities, and overnight camping will be permitted on Friday and Saturday. The water is large and suits all fleets and classes. We will provide racing to suit all levels of ability, come and give it a try!!
Inland 4 & NE 5 event info.
The first day of slalom saw 8 Rounds of downwind slalom in excellent conditions! Most people used 6.5m sails in rolling swell, Sunday dawned with 20+ knots and most people on 5.5m sails in small breaking waves.
Well, its come round quick and truthfully following the 45knt epic event we had in mid-Wales a little too quick for my aching body! Hove is this weekend, always a fantastic location with great facilities and a very welcoming club and staff at Hove Lagoon.
F2 restructure and spring back into action with the signing of Zara Davis the UKs Queen of speed. Zara has been recovering from a badly broken foot that she injured in competition last year and the news of the interest in her from F2 has given her even more incentive to get back to full fitness.
This weekend's event was one of extremes, with sails sizes of 9m on the Saturday (and not a lot of slalom), and 4m on sunday, with more races than most people could handle!
After an uncertain forecast all week, Saturday dawned warn and sunny with a brisk N-Easterly breeze. Christchurch is always a popular venue for the Raceboard fleet and this year was no exception with one of the strongest fleets for many a regatta.
The Wet n' dry Slalom event hosted by Minster Windsurf Academy took place at the weekend with over 30 entrants making the journey down the Isle of Sheppy, some of these journeys proving longer than others with Robbie Swift and Dan Ellis flying all the way in from Maui to compete in The UKWA's second round of the JP Neil Pryde Slalom series.
The management team for WSW is very pleased to be associated with Dakine for a second year and for 2008 it will be known as “The Dakine Weymouth Speed Week”. Come and join in the fun and find out how fast you can go!
Round 2 of the UKWA JP/Pryde Slalom series, sponsored by Wet N Dry, takes place this weekend at Minster in Kent. With 3 different levels of competition and multiple age/sex catagories there is really something for everyone.
"Christchurch is a great venue for racing, it's safe to launch, there are nice grassy rigging areas, and the conditions were perfect for Formula racing. I will definately come back again!".
The UKWA requires volunteers to work and help on the rescue and/or Committee boats. This could include helping launch and recover boats, learning how to lay courses on the water ready for racing, recording of race results on the boats or on the shore and rescue work.
The day is aimed at any ladies who fancy giving this type of windsurfing a shot and no previous experience is needed.
And the best part about the day is its completely free!
Rutland Water, Part 2 of the UKWA Inland Series and an RYA selection event for those wishing to apply for the 2008/2009 Bic Techno National Junior Squad and also part of the selection process for the team who will represent Team GBR at the Techno World Championships in Sopot, Poland in August. National Squad coach Oli Woodcock, together with Ian Roberts and Isy Hutchinson were in attendance on behalf of the RYA.
Two reports, the first from Allison Shreeve on her experiences at Whitwelll and the performance of the FW One Design; second from our resident formula expert, Dr Xav....
The second leg of a short european tour to promote the formula bid for 2012 begins with a visit to UK by Allison Shreeve (AUS911).The three times (and current) formula world champion will be competing in the Inlands 2 , before moving onto Christchurch for the British Open....
Racing. A word that splits opinion across many sports, fear in some, excitement in others, and windsurfing is no different and in fact in many ways it’s a sport that highlights this split more than others. This year Pryde Group UK have joined forces with the UKWA, to try and show us all that racing is...
The UKWA CUP SERIES kicked off last weekend with the Welsh Cup and the UKWA's first trip to Swansea; hosted by the Mumbles Yacht Club (MYC). Four races were completed for all fleets.
The 2008 Inland series gets off to a fantastic start with 88 entries at Carsington. Despite the extreme cold, the race team gave competitors nine rounds of course racing which was both exciting and extremely competitive.
Andy defeated rivals Steve Thorpe (2nd) and John Hibbard (3rd) to win the Pro Fleet in round 1 of the 4 Nations. Louise Emery won the Amateurs and Tom Knox the Juniors.
More photos and full results soon.
The powerful and furious wave of Gary William Point was the location for today's action for the pros. A clean logo - mast high swell was peeling with precision down the famous GWP. Force 4 - 5 winds groomed the surface turning it in to a race track for wave sailors.
A perfect head high swell greeted the sailors on day three of the Four Nations Championships in Brandon Bay, Ireland.
Today it was the turn of the Amateurs, Juniors, Ladies and Irish pros to have they're crack at the emerald lips of Brandon Bay.
Keith intends to use the profile of the Felixstowe 'Sports Personality of the Year' Award to create more awareness of the sport of windsurfing in his hometown.
To get National Windsurfing Week off on the right note, there is going to be a special screening of the iconic film "The Windsurfing Movie" at The Prince Charles Cinema near Leicester Square in London, on the evening of Tuesday 29th April.This will be the first, and probably only, opportunity to see what many feel to be the best film ever made about windsurfing on a big screen.
The UKWA AGM 2008 will be held at Mumbles Yacht Club, 746 Mumbles Road, Swansea SA3 4EL , on Saturday 26th April 2008 at 7.00pm
Links to the 2007 AGM Minutes and 2007 Accounts have been added...
The 2008 JP/Pryde Series got underway today in Clacton.
In the Top Flight there was a welcome return to competition for Jamie Hawkins (GBR 96)-jamie enjoyed his first event after a break of 5 years.! It was much closer at the top of Challenge fleet with young pretender Paul Kearns fighting off the challenge of masters Adrian Wallis & Dave "vinnie" Standing.
congratulations.... and big thank you to PRYDE GROUP UK for supplying a complete set of new marks for the racing season.
Ideal for Team 15 sailors and open to all young windsurfers whether part of a club or not. A friendly and fun event for all the family, a two - day event with onsite camping.
Series of Kona one-design race events taking place around the UK over the coming months... There will also be a Kona Open fleet available for Kona riders who do not currently have the official Kona One Design rigs to use with their Kona’s.
The training will follow the UKWA London Windsurfing Racing event on Saturday 5th April. It will follow the usual race training format, with a mix of water and shore based sessions, including debriefing and individual sailor feedback.
The RS:X windsurfing fleets fulfilled their scheduled two races with Nick Dempsey firing in 2,1 to extend his lead to 15 points at the top of the table heading into Good Friday’s final showdown. Full story on skandiateamgbr.com.
Nick Dempsey maintains his lead in the RS:X windsurfing fleet at the Princess Sofia Trophy in Palma, but has Nimrod Mashiah and Shahar Zubari of Israel snapping at his heels in second and third places. Development squad sailor Elliot Carney enjoyed a fantastic day on the water, beating Dempsey in the first race. Full story on skandiateamgbr.com.
Glaswegian Team15 (T15) Instructor, Andy Kerr, has been awarded one of the RYA’s most prestigious coaching awards – RYA T15 Windsurfing Instructor of the Year 2008. The eagerly awaited awards ceremony took place at the world’s biggest dinghy show, the RYA Dinghy Sailing Show, Alexandra Palace this weekend Saturday (01 March). Full story on Boards.
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What does the Treasurer do on a big birthday and there is no wind?
Paddle Boarding on the Serpentine.
Paddle Boarding on the Thames.
The Techno Support Group has arranged a Techno Open Training week-end at Axbridge (Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club) on 16/17 February 2008. Cost is £40 per sailor. The weekend will be coached by RYA Coaches Ian Jamieson and Cat Potter (back from her recent World Tour). More on the TSG website.
The 2008 calendar has been particularly difficult to put together, but for good reasons - JP/Pryde have joined forces with the UKWA for the 2008 slalom series. More on than soon, but it has made the slalom venues & dates a tad more complicated than normal so the calendar (148k PDF) is still provisional.
Anyone making the most of the conditions in Portland on Sat 8 Dec may have been mildly concerned when they were passed by Batman, maxed out on his 6m, closely followed by Superman and Captain America!!! Don’t worry, you were not hallucinating, I will explain.
"With Ross Williams in Maui, I ended up the only rider to represent the UKWA at the FW Worlds in Brazil - a big responsability! Everybody else is there though..." Xavier reports from the event.
With the recent banning of Windsurfing kit by BA fresh in our minds, the UKWA and GSG Cargo have teamed up to help competitors going overseas. Check out the services, which should be a great option, especially for groups of people going to events.
The UK's first ever National Windsurfing Week is taking place from 3-11 May 2008 and we want you to be part of it! Even if you've never been on a board in your life, National Windsurf Week is the ideal time to give windsurfing a try.
The final event of the UKWA Series was hosted by West Wittering Windsurf Club over the weekend. With one day of high wind sandwiched between high pressures we were lucky to get some wind. Sunday morning saw force six and good waves hit West Wittering beach with one of the highest tides of the year.
There has been a change of venue for the forthcoming end of season party and prize giving. This "must attend" extravaganza will now take place at the Sandbanks Hotel , Poole.
A number of ex demo/lightly used RSX packages (complete) are now available for customers to purchase in the UK. The Kit is in very good condition, the packages are available in 8.5m sizes and 9.5m sizes and are from an event run last year
There has been a change of venue for the forthcoming end of season party and prize giving. This "must attend" extravaganza will now take place at the Sandbanks Hotel , Poole.
The week was hailed a great success despite the lack of wind the Monday’s counting round meant it qualified as an official round of the World ISA circuit and that Nigel Spriggs and Linda Cleary are crowned the UKWA 2007 British speed champions.
From the RYA: "In the RS:X 8.5 Skandia Team GBR’s Bryony Shaw raced herself into an almost unassailable Series lead completing a clean sweep of five round two wins at WPNSA to back up her Sail for Gold triumph..."
A record number of competitors from all over Europe arrived on the opening day of WSW to be faced with a moderate wind forecast from an easterly direction, not the normal south-westerly. To add to the frustration, the timing system from the ISA had a major problem with a crashed hard drive. So the old system had to be hurriedly pressed back into service to enable timing to take place.
Keith Atkinson has once more pulled off the UK Triple by taking the remaining two National Formula Windsurfing titles for the second year in succession.
Richard Hamilton (GBR 75) & Elliot Carney (GBR 274) did very well at the recent RSX Youth Worlds (Sopot, Poland). The competition was run to the new Olympic format with the final day being the medal race for the top ten sailors.
The 2007 FAT FACE WINDSURFING FESTIVAL was a resoundng success - despite the poor wind forecast 300 sailors registered for this years event.
...introduced for the first time - the Night Time Materblaster Challenge, the top 60 freeride racers from the saturday series invited to compete.
For all those interested in Techno racing, the daily updates and info from the Techno World Championships are being posted at the recently launched Techno 293 UK website, so check the news section for daily reports from Formenterra.
Freestyle! - Kids Freestyle Festival. Rutland Water - Sat 27th & Sun 28th October 2007 will offer youngsters the opportunity to develop their skills in the sport’s most creative and expressive discipline.
As the nights steadily get longer and the weeks slide ever closer to the beginning of September, Universities throughout Britain are gearing up for another freshers week, another scholastic year and another set of bright eyed and bushy tailed freshers eager to be led astray…
Keith Atkinson will be on UK Boating TV, showing on Information TV (Sky channel 167 and a live stream) on Weds 15th August at 6:30pm, and then for another 7 showings over the following fortnight (Mon/Wed/Fri at 6:30pm + Sun lunchtime), with repeated clips following on uk-boating.tv.
The Tiree event is 8 weeks away!! Accommodation on the island will be very tight as a lot of the ‘windsurfing houses’ and the Hynish Hostel have been pre-booked for the PWA event. However, Andy Groom has offered to give over some of the houses to the UKWA competitors.
Due to circumstances beyond our control it is now not possible to run the UKWA YOUTH & JUNIOR FREEWAVE TRAINING CAMP over the weekend of 28/29 July. The revised dates are now 22/23 September, this is the next weekend that top level instructors are available and that has low midday tides which are preferable at Hove.
Nick Dempsey secured Great Britain’s fourth medal at the ISAF World Sailing Championships in Cascais on Thursday (12 July), clinching bronze in a gripping final medal race. Full story on the Skandia Team GBR site.
FAT FACE, the UKWA and the UK Windsurfing Industry have come together to create what will be the biggest recreational windsurfing event ever in the UK, for windsurfers of every age and ability... yes, it's for YOU!!!
The UKWA would like someone to help with the web site, in exchange that person would be trained up in modern web development methods.
On 24th June 07 the South Eastern T15 Teams met up at Hove for their 3rd event of the season, to compete for their individual category prizes and the all important ‘Winning Team’ of the event prize. The Races were held in the Lagoon as the UKWA Championships were being held on the sea. With light winds due to a wind shadow from the clubhouse and occasional showers of rain, these weren’t races for the light hearted.
Sign up now (entry form) for concentrated training by top UK instructors in wave and freestyle to improve all levels of freesailing and competition windsurfing. The Freewave Training Camp is now at a terrific new venue, "Hove Lagoon", the dates are 28/29 July, please get your name down early as places will be limited.
The 1st round of the ISA speed world cup kicked of on the idyllic island of Karpathos in Greece. The event was run last year for the 1st time and proved to be very popular with the racers for being the most welcoming on the tour. It was not surprising then for 2007, a record 75 entrants turned up from 22 countries including Australia, Brazil and Hawaii.
We woke up, vans along the prom, to a good breeze and a cloudless sky. The prospects of a good competition were high. With the forecast indicating that winds would increase across the day, the competitors were briefed by Trevor Funnel.
We have enjoyed coming to beautiful Tenby for two years now for excellent UKWA slalom racing. This year for a change it was course racing, the Welsh Cup in fact. Tenby is perfect for racing with a beautiful long white sandy beach, easy launching and flat water sheltered by the picturesque Caldey Island and a fantastic old town to enjoy in the evenings.
The Techno 293 Class is devoted to fostering the development of windsurf racing for competitors under the age of 17 years old around the world through the promotion of an inexpensive racing format. The RYA have a page on National Junior Windsurfing Squad with quite a few useful 'related' documents such as the Class rules.
Tenby is the jewel of the welsh crown, boasting golden sandy beaches, shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Set in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park its a popular tourist destination and offers the UKWA not only fantastic sailing conditions (as hardened slalom competitors can testify) but a welcome holiday also-in fact there will be more to do off the water than there is on, if you book your place...
The wind forecast was great for the UKWA British Open Windsurfing Championships in Bridlington. It was going to be windy but unfortunately it was also going to be wet and cold. I think this put off a few people who may have otherwise made the trip ‘Up North.’
Fat Face, the active lifestyle brand has confirmed that it will be running the second Night Windsurf on the 8-9th September 2007 on Hayling Island, following its spectacular inaugural event last year. The 2006 event, which had the perfect weather conditions of 42 knots, attracted more than 350 entrants and was hailed as the ‘best windsurfing event in 20 years’.
The annual Rutland Windsurfing Marathon in aid of the NCH took place on Saturday 19th May, the venue Rutland Water, at 3100 acres one of Western Europe’s largest man made lakes, a win at this the event is much prized amongst British windsurfers, it has also attracted many overseas competitors over the years.
A great weekend was had by all as the Rhosneigr wind machine delivered head high waves and wind enough for 5.2m sails for the second round of the UKWA Four Nations Cup. The wind was more than forecast, which meant that those sailors that stayed away due to the poor forecast missed out on some close competition in all fleets.
Andy King takes victory ahead of Ben Proffitt in the Expression Session at the Rhosneigr leg of the UKWA Four Nations Cup. Small and infrequent waves meant that no official wave competition could be run today so instead the judges chose to run an expression session for the pros.
Christchurch gave us a huge range of conditions over the bank holiday weekend, from sunshine and light winds on Saturday, through medium wind on Sunday to near gales force winds on Sunday.
Congratulations to Alan Jackson, who's phenomenal speed in the windy conditions enabled him to pip Keith Atkinson to the Formula win, and congratulations to everyone else who made it round in the course. (Final results, initial pics.)
The Weymouth Speed Week team are very pleased to announce a new overall title sponsor, DAKINE.
Reigning triple UK Formula Windsurfing Champion Keith Atkinson has departed from NeilPryde after six very successful years on both the UK and international circuits to join the International Team of the new Windsurfing equipment brand ‘Point-7’.
Naish International is excited to announce iNaish, a new feature on Naish.tv! iNaish links you up with Apple iTunes to subscribe to video podcasts of Naish Windsurfing & Naish Kiteboarding. Get the latest Naish movies straight to your iPod or view them in iTunes.
Chris Blythin is a Chartered Physiotherapist who will be joining the UKWA at Christchurch, providing racers the opportunity of a 15 minute sports massage or 30 minute injury assessment and treatment.
Ireland was a windy success, lets pray for more of the same in less than two weeks when the 4 Nations wave tour moves on to Rhosneigr, Anglesey, N Wales.
Day 4 over here in Brandon Bay dawned cloudless and windless with very little hope of any competition. Luckily for the competitors they are very rarely stuck for something to do here in the action sports capital of Ireland. While the majority of competitors hit the water for a surf Ben Proffitt hit the greens!
50 knots and head high - Brandon Bay fires for the first UKWA Wave event of the season hosted by Jamie Knox Watersports and supported by Ultra Sport Europe.
There are 10 more places up for grabs for UKWA members, for this clinic with Micah at the Academy, FC Watersports, Poole 8-9 June 2007.
Keith has secured Sponsorship with Marlow Ropes. Marlow, leaders in rope technology and known for their quality and performance at an international level, are continually tested and developed by the worlds best yachtsmen and woman and in the worlds harshest conditions.
The island has hosted an open contest for over 20 years, and now, courtesy of Corona Extra, Event Scotland and The Highland Year of Culture, its’ weathered shores and a prize purse of €30,000, will lure the sports elite in this landmark year for the highlands and islands of Scotland
One of the highlights of the recent event in Marazion was without doubt the JP / Pryde Party on saturday evening. The evening kicked off with a quiz. To a packed house, the Station House, quizmaster Mike Dempsey fired off a series of general knowledge questions interspersed with windsurfing gems.
Typhoon International are pleased to announce their new sponsorship of the UKWA and its associated race crew clothing support for the 2007 season. Agreeing to support the UKWA's race crew is another step in Typhoon's commitment to supporting watersport participation.
After three days of sunshine and not a lot of wind, finally the wind gods relented and the wind filled in for some good Formula, Raceboard/RS:X and Techno racing, as well as a Masterblaster to round off the event. The SW Cup results are up, reports and pics to follow.
A public apology - unfortunately an incorrect set of results have been published; and were used for conducting the prize giving. This does not affect FW sailors -but it does RSX,Raceoard and Techno. (Updated results)
John Hibbard will be attending the Marazion UKWA event this weekend armed with a Serenity - Starboard's amazing new light-wind displacement hull. Whilst not exactly the weapon of choice for slalom racing, in non-planing conditions this board is simply light years ahead of everything else.
The RS:X windsurfers finally saw some racing today at the Princess Sofia Trophy in Palma (Olympic Sailing classes), with Nick Dempsey crossing fifth in the men’s fleet and a respectable 14th for Youth squad sailor Richard Hamilton, while Lucy Horwood and Bryony Shaw finished in fifth and seventh places respectively in the women’s event.
Follow the stories on the RYA Skandia Team GBR site.
Marazion... no better place to spend Easter. If you have not already finalised your plans for Easter, it is not too late to consider a trip to Marazion on Penzance Bay.
Hayling Island was the venue for the first event of the UKWA racing season with the action taking place off the "Inn on the Beach", Westbeach. This year Matt Wemms, of 604 Distribution, importer of F2 equipment and promoter of the Speedgun Challenge concept combined forces with the UKWA to further develop speed as a racing discipline.
The forecasted ,cold, north / north easterly winds may have deterred some from attending but it was still a great turnout for the first event of the season. Hayling Island has hosted many memorable windsurfing events over the years and last weekends event was no exception. Indeed, it was a first for the UKWA - 3 events rolled into one !
Notice is hereby given that the the UK Windsurfing Association AGM for 2006 will be held at the The Barn, on Friday 6th April 2007 at 7.30pm. Please read for the possible changes to the organisation.
Notice is hereby given that the the UK Windsurfing Association AGM for 2006 will be held at the The Barn, on Friday 6th April 2007 at 7.30pm. Followed by a mega Barn party till late.
Guy Cribb's cross-channel project is now an enormous charity event with the UK and French Coastguards involved, safety officers, sponsors, skippers, PR agents, helicopters, satellite tracking devices, doctors, websites etc.
Hayling Island has built a reputation for hosting memorable windsurfing events. It is a venue that always attracts a good attendance, but with so much more on offer this year, could we see a record number of competitors and windsurfing enthusiasts converging on Westbeach?
Plans are now being finalized for Sparky’s third Youth Training Camp – a scheme masterminded by Sparky (Mark Hosegood) himself and drawing inspiration from the Andy Funnell Foundation to help raise the level of youth windsurfing within the UK and aboard.
Young Tushingham & Starboard team sailor Richard Jones is offering a great opportunity for all levels of windsurfer with the first of his Freewave training weekends at Poole, Dorset on March 3rd and 4th.
The world's longest-running speed event has been endorsed by the UK Windsurfing Association to hold the British Championships from 2007 onwards. It is a big step forward for the event, which has also gained recognition this week also from the International Speedsailing Association and will be on the calendar for the World Series.
Zara Davis our No 1 Ladies speedsailor has been awarded the Sailor of the year trophy by the Bristol Channel Yachting Association, who represent over 55 yacht clubs over the South West of England.
At the first LWA Event of the 2007 Summer Series at Bough Beech SC near Sevenoaks on Sat 10 March, Surf Sales have kindly agreed to bring along two of the new Exocet longboards to demo, a Kona and a Warp X.
Fat Face will be announcing the 2007 events soon, but to wet your appatite, the "Night Riders" Fat Face Night Series 2006 DVD has now been launched: www.fatface.com/nightseries.
The calendar is now finalised (barring acts of God, or local authorities!), it's all in the events section. Also don't miss the chance to feedback on Tenby plans, or attend the Defi wind. More on the Calendar for 2007.
The UKWA has a new phone number: 08454 10 33 11, calls are charged at a local rate.
The number is courtesy of a certain Mr Chilvers, for a free Business Telecoms Health Check contact: Guy Chilvers at Chilvers Bosch Telecoms. guy@chilversbosch.co.uk, 08454 10 30 50 or 07785 30 30 42
Nick Dempsey has retained his No. 1 world ranking for the third successive time following an outstanding 2006 series. The 26 year old Olympic Bronze medallist is currently training in Palma and is looking forward the World championship in Portugal where he will hope to qualify for the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Bryony Shaw is currently lying in 4th position.
To help promote speedsailing the UKWA will also be having a speedgun at a number of UKWA racing events to measure your speed.
Speed windsurfers have taken the next step forward in the development of their class. The Speed Class becomes the 7th member class of the International Windsurfing Association, more details on the IWA website.
On a dark winters day in deepest Somerset (UK) windsurfers Kevin Greenslade and Dan Ellis discovered a piece of water that will have the French shaking in there boots.
After much hype and anticipation Saturday the 16th of December saw Dan Ellis win back his honour and a bit of cash too! For some more pix and a map of the course check out Dan Ellis’s website. To find out about other SA races check out WindsurfingAfrica.org and to see all the pix including a great jump on a speed board go to Capesessions.com.
Quite a few UKWA sailors are staying active in the off-season:
Zara Davis from the broke the 500m national speed record, at the Namibia speed event. Dave White, got the top speed of the day at 42.91knots on his Tabou production board. (Story on Boardseeker.)
Dan Simpson won the RYA Thames Valley Young Sailor of the Year, with an impressive array of results this year.
The BBC honour Keith Atkinson in a glittering ceremony held at the Priestfield Stadium in Gillingham. It was the BBC’s annual evening honouring the South East’s sports personalities of 2006.
The BBC has again nominated Keith Atkinson, the UK’s 2006 Triple Formula Windsurfing Champion, for the BBC South East sports awards. The ceremony is to be held on the 4th December will be filmed for Broadcast on BBC South East and Southern counties radio and is also televised on the BBC South East news.
The pictures from the end of year prizegiving & party are now up, and for those who took part in the racing earlier in the day Rod Davis wrote up the event report on the LWA site.
Please note this is a date change from 18th /19th November due to UKWA Ball now being held on this date. We have to book coaches and RIBs in advance so late entries may not be accepted. Further details from: technosupport@ukwindsurfing.com.
The year end Prize Giving and Dinner will be held at the Queen Mary Sailing Club on Saturday the 18th November. There is the LWA icebreaker during the day if you fancy racing, and the sailors meeting on the Sunday at 10.30am. Download the form.
It's been a while since we've had any new developments in windsurfing technology, could this be a new one? Supposedly the leech "automatically adjusts its shape in gusts and turbulent conditions and as the sheeting angle varies during maneuvering and course changes such as reaching or running." More on deepfried.
European Champion Nick Dempsey took a clean sweep of race wins at the final RYA Olympic Classes National Ranking Series for 2006, held at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy this weekend (28-29 October). Full story on RYA.org.uk.
One day of racing, Saturday, and 5 rounds of slalom racing completed for both Top Flight and Challenge fleets. The wind gods prevailed yet again.. if only for one day, and tame in comparision to some of the previous years offerings! However conditions were not easy - gusty and shifty winds challenged all competitors, and the Race Crew!
Congratulations to Zara Davis, following on from the Speed World Cup event in Namibia, Zara has finished this years programme as 3rd fastest woman, and 2nd in the production board series. Full results. Pete Davis is the new Chairman of ISA ; and has been invited to join UKWA Committee with a view to generating new interest in UK Speed. More details will follow.
"The development team of " Windsurfing - The Game " is working on providing a close-to-reality simulation of windsurf." Any sport like windsurfing is difficult to simulate, I hope the game play is good: Windsurfing the Game.
The year end Prize Giving and Dinner will be held at the Queen Mary Sailing Club on Saturday the 18th November. There is the LWA icebreaker during the day if you fancy racing, and the sailors meeting on the Sunday at 10.30am. Download the form.
The 2006 Slalom rankings, after 6 events, are now available. Xavier Ferlet heads the Top Flight fleet, ahead of Alan Jackson and Kevin Greenslade. It is also your last chance to enter the raffle for free ferry trip to Isle of Wight Wave and Slalom event.
Following the success and growth of the RYA Junior Racing Programmes, the RYA will host its first ever multi-class Junior girls' training weekend at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy from 21-22 October. Read more on the RYA site.
The midlands region are running an event for all those who have considered slalom racing but never quite felt confident enough to give it a go this is the event for you. No ranking points, no series to consider just a one off fun event with prizes. We will cater for all ages, all abilities and all equipment. Read more about the slalom event.
It was down to the wire for Keith Atkinson who finished the 2006 UK Formula Windsurfing season by winning all five races in the final UKWA Inland event held at Farmoor. The win gave Keith not only the 2006 British Formula Inland Windsurfing Championship title but it added vital points that he required to retain his 2005 overall title making him the 2006 British Formula Windsurfing Champion.
The warm Tiree sun shone its finest for the first round of the men’s Pro Wave Sailing at the Maze. With the tail end of an Atlantic low still making its presence felt and South Westerly winds conditions were, according to head competition judge, Duncan Coombs ‘Good Tiree’.
The harbour record was broken on the first day by Kitesurfer Nigel Bowley with an amazing 36.85 knot run which was not beaten all week and netted him $1000 prize purse donated by DaKine. The previous record holder Bjorn Dunkerbeck was not there on the day, he arrived champing at the bit to get out and reclaim his title, but other contenders were also hungry for the title including David (Whitey) White the current production world speed record holder. They got within 0.2 of a knot but could not beat Nigel’s time. Read all on Speedsailing.com.
Closing Date for Entries 13 October 2006. Please note that applications for the open training week-ends scheduled at Queen Mary, Chase Water and Roadford during October close this Friday, 13/10/06. We have to book coaches and RIBs in advance so late entries may not be accepted. Further details from: technosupport@ukwindsurfing.com.
The RYA and Techno Support Group confirm that the current Tushingham TK 68 and TK 78 sails remain as the chosen UK one design sails for all RYA Racing department supported activities for the 2007 season.
Event information about the Whiteair slalom is now up, please note that the closing date for pre-entries is Monday 23rd POST.
From 14 to 21 October 2006 The Tiree Wave Classic, one of the most legendary events on the UK's annual windsurfing calendar, returns to the stunning island off the West coast of Scotland (often described as The Hawaii of the North or The Land Below the Waves). Read more on Boards and get event details from tireewaveclassic.com.
A real David and Goliath battle is developing at the 2006 Weymouth speed week. On the first day a kitesurfer Nigel Rowels broke the harbour record, achieving an amazing 36.8 knots! And has laid claim to the $1000 prize fund put up by Da Kine.
With the nights drawing in, the rain pouring down and the autumn winds raging and storming (hopefully!), a strange murmur from the deepest darkest depths of the South West has been heard by students across the land…
The RYA Senior and Youth National Formula Squads were originally introduced to nurture potential talent in order to position Great Britain in a strong position internationally with regards to the 2008 Olympic Windsurfing Equipment Decision. As a consequence of the ISAF decision, in 2006 the RYA pathway was in a position to formalise and restructure taking into account the new Olympic equipment.
The RS:X World Championship, which drew to a close today, 30 September, proved to be a tough event for Skandia Team GBR. While our British sailors may be coming home medal-free, they do so with their heads held high, following an event that saw them dig deep to execute some spectacular performances.
The Techno support Group is organising Open Race Training for junior sailors and the first week-ends are scheduled for October. The training is open to all windsurfers under 19 and will be led by RYA National Level coaches. These training week-ends will also act as indicator events for the RYA Zone Squad selection.
Micah Buzianis (US-34) stays top dog for another day in the Slalom 42 as the wind fails to materialize. Light breezes tantalized the PWA’s finest racers throughout day four, nearing contestable strength on several occasions, including a scramble to start the fourth heat of race 2.
Micah Buzianis (US-34) stays top dog for another day in the Slalom 42 as the wind fails to materialize. Light breezes tantalized the PWA’s finest racers throughout day four, nearing contestable strength on several occasions, including a scramble to start the fourth heat of race 2. Update: Ross Willams finished the event in 4th place losing out on third place to a tie break with Arnon Dagan, Event summary.
Over the next week, Britain’s top windsurfers, Nick Dempsey and Bryony Shaw will set out to better their Qingdao Olympic Test Event results when competing in the first ever official RS:X World Championship from 23-30 September in Torbale, Italy.
The Tenby event is going to happen, and though no one can promise on delivering perfect conditions the chances are that the wind at this time of year will provide us with at least some decent racing. See the Slalom 5 event info.
Over 300 competitors enjoyed fantastic conditions at Hayling Island, with near gale-force winds on Saturday and not much less on Sunday - but with sunshine! A quick look through the results shows that some people came out of (racing) retirement to join the fun. Update: Night windsurfing results added.
15 entrants enjoyed sunshine and F4/5 (12-16knots) Cross shore westerly winds to sail the open sea course from Overcombe Corner, upwind into Portland Harbour and out again for a 3 mile blistering close reach to the finish on the beach.
We thought now would be a good time to wet your appetite with the provisional itinerary for the event.
The final day of the Windsurfing Euro-Cup Silvaplana brought the event to a thrilling climax. Today the famous marathon race was sailed. It was this historical final race which decided about the victory in the discipline Racing as Ross Williams was fighting head to head with his hardest opponent Arnon Dagan for top honours on the podium. More on Formula Windsurfing.
Today the Windsurfing Euro-Cup Silvaplana started with the discipline Racing. After a whole day of waiting the southern wind suddenly kicked in and allowed two spectacular races in front of the eyes of the spectators on the tribunes. After the first day Ross Williams (GBR-83, Tabou, Gaastra) is leading in front of Kuba Guzdek and Arnon Dagan. More on Formula Windsurfing.
UKWA racer Liam Round GBR948 takes under 15 title at Youth & Master Formula Worlds in Westende, Belgium. Racing over 5 days in light wind conditions Liam beat his nearest under 15 rival by 15 points.
UKWA racer Liam Round GBR948 takes under 15 title at Youth & Master Formula Worlds in Westende, Belgium. Racing over 5 days in light wind conditions Liam beat his nearest under 15 rival by 15 points.
7 GBR racers made podium positions at the Junior, Youth and Masters Worlds recently held in Marsala, Sicily.
Clacton was the destination for the UKWA and this year's Eastern Cup. The great forces of nature had conspired to deny us a trip to Felixtowe as the spectre of coastal erosion took its toll on the Felixtowe sea defences and eroded away the promenade where we supposed to be staying.
Keith Atkinson, the UK’s number one Formula Windsurfer, was again in action last weekend at Derwent reservoir near Newcastle upon Tyne.
Information about the RYA/UKWA Youth & Masters Competition went live on the RYA website this morning. Entry is online only, so please follow the link for further information.
This event is for you and you will all be pleased to hear that it’s all coming together nicely. We thought that now would be a good time to give you all a bit of an update...
The RYA is investing in a weekend of multi-class training which if successful, and resource permitting, will evolve into a comprehensive programme for the future in order to create a lasting mental shift towards performance equality.
Keith Atkinson has just won the penultimate event of the 2006 British Formula Windsurfing Championship series, the UKWA ‘Eastern Cup’, held at Clacton, the venue was changed from Felixstowe due to a major problem with the recent collapse of the promenade.
Red Bull will be picking a storm, and then 1 rider per country will face this storm alone in his country on the spot he selects on that one day when the storm strikes...
It’s fair to say that it’s been a steep learning curve for everyone involved with the UK Techno 293 OD class since the introduction of the first TK rigs almost six months ago. Read on for more details on recent developments.
"Bridlington gives us a warm welcome every year and we are always made to feel welcome and privileged by not only the generous local council but also the hundreds of people passing by on the promenade and all taking an interest in what all the activity is all about." Chris Lewis reports back from the event.
This is your chance to win your choice of board from the 2006 Fanatic range, This board was Scotty Harrisons prize for winning the 2006 camel cup in Dahab, organised by Dan Ellis and Clubvass
Scott is currently auctioning the prize on ebay, all Proceeds from this sale will go to a Cancer charity here in the UK.
This is your chance to win your choice of board from the 2006 Fanatic range, This board was Scotty Harrisons prize for winning the 2006 camel cup in Dahab, organised by Dan Ellis and Clubvass
Scott is currently auctioning the prize on ebay, all Proceeds from this sale will go to a Cancer charity here in the UK.
Tushingham Sails, with input from the Techno Support Group, have produced a rigging guide to help sailors get the best out of the Tushingham TK 68 and 78 rigs. The rigging guide will be supplied with all new rigs and from Tushingham dealers. It is also available on line here.
Having already won 3 golds and 1 silver from the first 4 international events this year Nick Dempsey held his nerve and has become the European Champion in a fleet of 94 top class sailors including 2004 Olympic Gold, Silver and of course Bronze medalists.
We've had bad news about the venue at Felixstowe, (something to do with problems with the promenade, sea defences collapsing, café being demolished!), and the organisers have had to make the decision to move the event. The event will now be at Clacton on the same weekend.
We've had bad news about the venue at Felixstowe, (something to do with problems with the promenade, sea defences collapsing, café being demolished!), and the organisers have had to make the decision to move the event. Further details to follow, there will be an event, but we need to confirm things before saying where/when (hoepfully same weekend).
The newly forming Techno support group makes a short announcement about the focus of the group and what will be done to help junior sailors and their supporters.
A sobering story from Mike Blackgrove, a good reminder to consider your own safety when windsurfing. "I took a couple of very high speed falls on the way to the finish and knocked myself about a bit..."
Whitstable information is up now for Freewave 4, and the Christchurch Super-X 1 has been updated as there was a mistake (sorry, my fault!), the location is Avon Beach, not the same venue as the race event.
Club Vass have linked up with the UKWA to give its support in helping promote the sport nationwide, helping the excellent work already carried out for the benefit of windsurfers in the UK through the management of competitions, promoting the sport and the development of instruction and training.
A caption competition this time, rather than a 'guess who'; a prize has been offered by Mike (or Olivia?) Dempsey... Please leave your answers on the forum, and the best will receive a prize at Bridlington.
The next of the RYA's Grand Prix series for Junior (Techno) racers will be at the UKWA / London region event at Bewl. The RYA's site has more information on the Bic Techno National Junior Windsurfing Squad, and a poster showing the top-line information and events.
Nick Dempsey delivered gold for Britain at the Holland regatta rounding off Skandia team GBR’s seven medal haul from this ISAF grade 1 event.
Starboard's newly signed international Keith Atkinson was in top form at Christchurch with a spectacular run of 7 out of 7 first places. The three day UKWA event produced 4 very good races on the first day in ideal Formula conditions.
"6th Day of Competition – Portimão declared the Formula Windsurfing European Champions 2006!!! After 6 days of local action, which kept organizers, sailors and audience, in a constant nervous wreck the wind, finally, allowed us to end what had been started in the first day of the competition."
British Formula windsurfing champion Keith Atkinson was the guest of honour when Dartford recently rewarded the ‘Borough’s Sporting Best’ at the Dartford Councils annual sports awards ceremony held at the New Generation Sports Centre in Dartford. The event was well attended with Dartford’s Mayor also in attendance.
British Formula windsurfing champion Keith Atkinson was the guest of honour when Dartford recently rewarded the ‘Borough’s Sporting Best’ at the Dartford Councils annual sports awards ceremony held at the New Generation Sports Centre in Dartford. The event was well attended with Dartford’s Mayor also in attendance.
Ross Williams won the Formula Europeans yesterday, you can read Steve Allen's report on the Formula windurfing site, along with the results.
Ross won the first race of the Formula Europeans at Portimao (Portugal) yesterday followed by Antoine Albeau and Wojtek. Xavier Ferlet finished 16th - "not bad for me but could do better! " Richard Jones' front footstrap came off so he didn't finish. The yellow fleet hasn't raced yet due to lack of wind. The forecast is for the wind to pick up later this afternoon. Full results on Formula Windsurfing.org.
Fat Face, the Active Lifestyle clothing brand have joined forces with the UKWA and UK windsurfing industry to host the Biggest Recreational Windsurfing Festival in the 2006 calendar.
Monday morning brought with it enough wind too blow out the hangovers and set up for a perfect day of slalom. With the Hove seafront packed with spectators, Britain’s top windsurfers put on a real show for the crowds, with fast furious slalom right next to the beach.
The designation for the Freewave Triple Crown event scheduled in May for Brandon Bay, Ireland has been changed. The dates are the same, 12th – 15th May but Brandon Bay will now replace Gwithian in the UKWA National Wave Championship.
The Rutland Marathon is now in its 22nd year and has raised thousands of pounds for children in the UK mainly due to the efforts of Eric Holt. In its regular position as the final race of the opening round of the UKWA Inland Series (May 13 - 14) we once again request your support.
"Friday began with the wonderful anticipation of a four day bonanza of Course Racing, Slalom and Freewave. The signing on, meeting up with friends, and rigging and tweaking new equipment makes the first event of the season very special. Some racers were honed to perfection having raced all winter. Others were just shrugging off the coat of deep hibernation and struggling onto the beach!!"
Update: Winner anncouced. Following the success of last years 'Mystery Windsurfer' competition Mr Simpson is contributed a Luxury Easter Egg once more for this Years Easter Competition.
The winning email was from Bronwyn Kraft.
British sailors Nick Dempsey and Bryony Shaw won the 37 edition of the Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofía-Mapfre. Dempsey was the best competitor in Neil Pryde RS:X men went into the final race with a comfortable advantage but he didn’t relax and dominated the medal race.
Read more on the RSX site.
A slow start leading to a great finish... Marazion showed that Course Racing and Slalom can be run at the same event, so it will be both course racing and slalom at Hove as advertised. However it does rely on both the wind gods and our well organised and hard working race team, both on the water and on the shore. A big thank you to the race team!
15-Year-old UKWA Junior windsurfers Dan Simpson from Oxford Sailing Club and Richard Jones of Carsington succeeded in their quest to be the first juniors to windsurf across the English Channel from Dover to Calais.
Update: Last chance to enter! Following the success of last years 'Mystery Windsurfer' competition Mr Simpson is contributing a Luxury Easter Egg once more for this Years Easter Competition...
Due to financial and logistical issues with the Local Organiser which we have not been able to resolve the UKWA has been forced to cancel the National Wave Championship Event at Gwithian. It will be replaced with a Freewave National Series Event which will with the kind permission of Penwith District Council be run at Marazion. (Freewave 1 Event info).
The British Formula Windsurfing Champion Keith Atkinson signs with Starboard for 2006 as part of the international team. Keith is an up and coming talent showing excellent performances in 2005 with some fantastic international results, proving he is a force to be reckoned with, and for many years to come.
Despite the great forecast the wind didn't really kick in. The Junior Techno and Challenge Fleets got a round in, but Top Flight didn't quite.
The first event for 2006 is approaching fast and I can’t wait. It has been a long Winter without the adrenalin buzz that comes with a good race. And good competition is what the UKWA is all about! Read on for a great overview of 2006, starting now!
If you have been following the forums you will already be aware of a change to Fleet structure at Slalom events, and last years junior fleet becomes a Techno 293 Junior fleet, the race entry form has been amended accordingly. (More on Junior Slalom and Techno 293 Slalom).
The Welsh Hi Ho will be making a welcome return this year. Once again the venue will be the picturesque cove of Dale in Pembrokeshire, though Dale will only be a base for operations with wave sailing and cliff jumping locations within a 6 mile radius.
The Welsh Hi Ho will be making a welcome return this year. Once again the venue will be the picturesque cove of Dale in Pembrokeshire, though Dale will only be a base for operations with wave sailing and cliff jumping locations within a 6 mile radius.
Our friends on the Emerald Isle have just gone live with a new look website. Check out: www.sailing.ie/windsurf. If you are planning a trip you may wish to combine it with a compettion . All UKWA members are welcome at IWA events, check out the IWA calendar.
Keith Atkinson acheived 6th place at the Calema Midwinters in Florida against competition such as World Champion Antoine Albeau (beating him in the first race). Full gallery & results on the event web site, and some stories on Devon Boulon's site.
The season is rapidly approaching and (better late than never), we have all the entry forms ready. It's also more important this year - pre-entering the race events will save quite a bit, although pre-entry really is pre-entry now (14 days).
Merman Import is a board and sail retailer who's business is internet based, but don't worry about not being able to see the kit: At least once a month they will be staging Demo weekends. These will take place at various locations accross the UK and Ireland. This will enable you to try out any of the kit we have on offer.
Merman Import is a board and sail retailer who's business is internet based, but don't worry about not being able to see the kit: At least once a month they will be staging Demo weekends. These will take place at various locations accross the UK and Ireland. This will enable you to try out any of the kit we have on offer.
Apprently a lot of competitors in the Techno class (and their parents) have been struggling to apply the booms. Tushingham sent this in from Ali Masters, showing how to fit them correctly, avoiding trapped fingers and frustration!
The first event of the year is only a few weeks away, we're just getting the individual event information up now, starting with the first event, the Slalom series event at Hayling.
Following the success of last years 'Mystery Windsurfer' competition Mr Simpson is contributing a Luxury Easter Egg once more for this Years Easter Competition...
Marazion will see course racing and slalom events run at the same race site and other events in future if the concept works. Many competitors make a holiday of this event in the beautifully picturesque location of Marazion overlooked by St Michael’s Mount. So this year Marazion reverts to a four day event.
"Windsurfer Keith Atkinson has won the inaugural Kentish Times and Reporter Sports Personality of the year."
RYA Team GBR RSX youth squad member Ed Strange and his sister Kate took on the best in the English Indoor Rowing Championships this weekend (29th Jan) at Manchester Velodrome. They both competed at their best and Ed finished an amazing 2nd in the Junior 14 class and took the silver medal, which was presented to him by Sir Steve Redgrave.
Congratulations to Nick Dempsey & Bryony Shaw, flying the flag on the top steps of the podium. Lucy Horwood seems to have crossed over to daggerboard equiped racing from formula & picked up 3rd place, ahead of team mate & former Womens Formula World Champion Christine who took 5th place.
As part of the 2006 Camel Cup, held at Club Dahab between the 5th – 12th March, you have the chance to represent your local sailing spot and take on Pro teams from the top UK brands and shops.
UKWA Juniors Dan Simpson of Oxfordshire and Richard Jones of Derbyshire are planning to windsurf across the English Channel this spring. They aim to become the youngest windsurfers to achieve this feat and to raise a lot of money for the NSPCC and the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign, see Dan's site for details.
Ricardo Campello and Daida Moreno prolong their London titles. Nik Baker's Domination of the slalom wasn't quite enough to get back his overall title, Ricardo's 2nd slalom and 1st in the jump sealed the overall result.
The Camel Cup is back, once again hosted by Club Dahab. If you missed out last year, you won’t want to again. Come and join in the fun. Go faster than you’ve ever been as you race against your mates and with some of the UK’s top slalom Pro’s.
Well, if you are Ross Williams you step off the plane from the Formula Worlds and join Robby Swift and John Skye at lanes... check it out on Robby's photo album.
Seven races were held over 5 days in Melbourne Australia. Unfortunately the wind didnt settle into the normal sea breeze pattern so the full 15 races could not be completed, but at least one race was held on each day of the regatta.
Without a doubt Tenby offers everything required to host a major national event: a superb stretch of water, wonderful sandy beaches, and a very hospitable town! Needless to say the magic ingredient that contributes to a memorable event hit town - WIND! (
