Here’s the lowdown on the latest stop of the Student Windsurf Association Core Series – BrUWE Wet Dreams 7 – hosted by Bristol and UWE Universities.

Kicking off the new year of student windsurfing, 150 students were undeterred by the chilly February temperatures and arrived on Friday for the traditional night of catch up, eagerly anticipating the weekend’s activities.

Early on the Saturday morning the students headed to Bowmoor Lake, not so well rested but fuelled by bacon and eggs, and ready for a full day of activities. RedBull were around to provide some much needed energy as well as music to set the scene. Swanky demo kit was kindly provided by both Boardwise and Patrik Dielthelm UK for the students to play with at their leisure.

By lunchtime, the wind was still not quite living up to what many hoped for, but the decision to run the Team racing regardless was made. This saw the first outing for the brand new Tushingham Concept race sails, thanks to a generous grant from Sport England. With fourteen teams entering the heats, it was bound to be a close competition. Eventually the top four teams making it to the final were the top 3 teams from the previous event - Up The Brum – and Southampton. Cardiff pulled off some quality changeovers and three solid legs to maintain their position at the top of the podium, followed by Bristol, and Southampton.

Team Racing Results:

1. Cardiff
2. Bristol
3. Southampton 
   
   

Those who didn’t fancy the water instead turned their attention to the giant inflatable obstacle course!	Saturday night party

The Saturday night saw students indulge in a night out in Bristol, kitted out in their best (somewhat sparse) costumes fitting the theme ‘Wildest Fantasies’. Memories were made and rapidly lost as the students showed what they could do in the club as well as on the water.

Somewhat bleary eyed, they returned to Bowmoor on Sunday for a big day of windsurfing. Kicking off the action was the advanced racing, where Amy Robinson from Cardiff sailed both a fantastic heat and final to take the top spot, leaving the boys behind. James Arney from Bristol and Alex Parker from Cardiff rounded out the podium.

Amy winning the racing (by William Lang)

With no chance of high wind, competitors in the freestyle competition showcased their best lightwind moves – everything from upwind 360s to headstands! In the end Alex Parker of Cardiff took victory over Thomas Francis (Cardiff) and Adam Ouzeri (Imperial).

A BrUWE event wouldn’t be complete without jelly wrestling and the obligatory battle between the Bristol and UWE presidents. The mess quickly escalated with many windsurfers fancying their chances in the ring! Massive thanks to Bowmoor Sailing Club for hosting the event, the sponsors Boardwise and Patrik Sailoft for providing kit, as well as Colwyn Bay for providing safety cover. Finally, thanks to the committees of Bristol and UWE for organising the weekend.

The next stop on the core series is Nottingham Pondlife XII on the 26^th-28^th February – visit www.studentwindsurfing.co.uk for tickets !!!

Results: