Storm + Students @ Rhosneigr = ....

This weekend hoards of student windsurfers took to the stormy seas of Rhosneigr for the next SW wave competition. The contest was tight, there was an incredible comeback story, a lot of wind and more. Here’s the account of day one of the action from organiser, Jim Brooks-Dowsett, more info from the rest of the event and photos to come very soon.

“I have just come off the water from a solid hour of sheer ‘survival’ sailing at Rhosneigr! This place can often deliver the storm, and today was no exception! It was challenging to say the least, and that made it even more impressive to see such an action packed display of solid sailing today from the most hard core of Student Windsurfers!

Guest Judge, BWA Chairman said – “The conditions today would have challenged the pro riders on the BWA tour and they are all blessed with the very latest kit and plenty of spares! I was very impressed with the sheer level of rider skill and determination today on a real mix of kit. It was a pleasure to judge these guys and really looking forward to running a double elimination tomorrow if we can brave the storm! Today I saw some real talent that I hope will be heading the BWA tour”

There was some real standout sailing today from local Bangor Rider Tom Bennett-Lloyd (Puravida/Simmer Style/Bangor Uni), several of the Southampton guys and a sold crew from Cardiff university! Tom was on a charge but Mike Ellis (Southampton) stopped him in his tracks and went on to the final to meet Tom Firth (Cardiff University) who went on to secure a place in the winners final! Cardiff’s Jony Price (Puravida/Vandal) was sailing great in the warm up but couldn’t get the same waves as team mate Tom while Joe Shuttleworth (Cardiff University) and Southampton’s Ben Page (RRD/Andy Biggs) put in a solid performance to to make the final.

After the Single elimination Ben Page (Southampton) is sitting in a well earned 1st Place followed by Tom Firth (Cardiff) in 2nd, Mike Ellis (Southampton) in 3rd and Joe Shuttleworth (Cardiff) in 4th place. It was super close today with some impressive jumps and riding considering the conditions!! Tomorrow looks like more of the same, and anything could happen in the double elimination if the conditions deliver!

SWA Beach crew led by Taffy and the Hoff did a great job co-ordinating the competitors today, and I’m stoked to see so many students enjoying this level of windsurfing in the British winter!

I would like to thank our hosts ‘Funsport’ in Rhosneigr for providing such excellent beach side facilities and support! Farrel Oshea and Simmer style for the loan of some great wave boards for today, and especially BWA Chairman Nigel Treacy as Head Judge with BWA master Geoff Hautman (Moo/Simmer) for doing such a great job today!

Puravida SWA Wave Series Round 2 is Hosted by Puravida Boardriders in association with Funsport Rhosneigr.”

                                                                                           Photo edited by Jony Price