Pondlife is back, and better than ever!
Last weekend we filled Nottingham’s favorite bars with over 70 windsurfers from universities around the UK. Our first victim was the Irish pub, Raglan Road, on Friday night for harmonious reunions and introductions.
Saturday morning was an early start for those who made it to the lake on time. With the sun shining and a warm breeze coming in, it was unclear what to wear on this February morning, so we swiftly got the beginners out on the lake to test the water temperature.
After lunch, the university teams geared up for the loudest race of the weekend, relaying out, around the buoy and back as the wind started to pick up. Meanwhile, the beginners lined up and sailed their way towards their own finish line demonstrating a beautiful sailing position as taught by Eloise and Maddy only that morning.
72 pizzas later, we were back in Nottingham taking on the mighty Bierkeller. We were dancing on tables as dinosaurs, knights, cavemen, babies and robots before heading towards the famous Rock City for a supposedly unforgettable night.
Woken up by the wind shaking the windows of the Lenton houses, we made our way back to the lake to greet the mighty force 7. Taking clothing choices seriously today, the advanced racers got out to show off their best talent in a super speedy slalom, inspiring a few brave intermediate racers to follow suit.
The freestyle competition kicked off soon after, entertaining a large crowd with some high wind tricks.
Thank you to Boardwise for making this event possible, supplying kit for everyone to be able to enjoy the conditions with. And thank you to everyone who came and made this event so memorable.
A forty-eight hours well spent.
Results:
Team Race
1st Bristol
2nd Cardiff
3rd Nottingham
Advanced race
1st Tommy (Bristol)
2nd Tom (Southampton)
3rd Ben (Warwick)
Intermediate Race
1st Rachel (Nottingham)
2nd Chris (Nottingham)
3rd Aaron (Warwick)
Freestyle
1st Tommy (Bristol)
2nd Tom (Southampton)- well kind of Ollie from Boardwise but he doesn't get points
3rd Fin (Southampton)
Beginner Race
1st Emma (Bristol)
2nd Heidi (Southampton)
Photos by Ethan McCabe
