• Event Debrief
• Puravida SWA Wave Tour
• Cardiff
• 2015/16

The SWA Wave Series came to a close this past weekend in Cardiff. Despite the anticipation, mother nature had other ideas and wind failed to materialise.

This means that after two counting events in pumping conditions at Rhosneigr and the Bluff, Matt Cox reigns supreme as 2015/16 SWA Wave Champion. Thanks to Wave Series sponsors Puravida Boardriders and ION, Matt wins £250 of ION vouchers to spend on any of their products. We caught up with Matt for a few words;

SWA: Congratulations on your new SWA Wave Series title Matt, was there a particular moment that stood out this season for you?

MC: I would say the highlight was competing in the Plymouth comp in amazing conditions, full on down the line logo high waves, stacked on 3.7.

SWA: What do you think was the secret to your success?

MC: I think the secret to my success was probably just sailing down in Cornwall for the last three years and sailing whenever I can get out.

SWA: Do you have any idea what ION goodies you would like to spend your prize money on?

MC: I'm not really sure what I will spend the voucher on, possibly get myself a new wetsuit and maybe some new gloves for surfing in the winter.

SWA: We understand you are graduating this year, what’s next for you with regards to windsurfing?

MC: My plan for after uni is to keep windsurfing as much as possible and try and do all the BWA comps in the next couple of years

Equal on points are Tom Bennett Lloyd and Sara Kellett. A second place finish in the final counting event puts Tom into second overall with Sara taking third. Tom and Sara also win ION vouchers with which to pimp their wetsuit or accessory collections. A final prize of a Vandal Riot wave sail on loan for a year will be awarded to a standout unsupported rider at SWA Nationals in Weymouth.

Even without the wind the show must go on with the SWA - Cardiff Uni Windsurf Club organised a great selection of day and night time activities to entertain their eager guests. This was kicked off on Friday night with a catch up in the pub before a boogie at Glam night club.

After a chilled morning, of bacon and post night out debriefs, tour sponsor Puravida organised surfboard hire and a beginner session to take advantage of the beautiful swell rolling into South Wales.Rest bay at Porthcawl played host to a fleet of around thirty SWA surfers shredding the glassy waves at low tide.

Some of the more experienced surfers were rewarded with some building waves as the tide pushed in while others returned to Cardiff to watch the big England vs Wales rugby match and ready their fancy dress for the Disney/Pixar themed punch party.

From Disney princesses to the Incredibles, the student windsurfers dressed to impressed hit the famous Cardiff Students Union. Atmosphere in the club was electric because of the big match that day but everyone got involved pulling shapes on a very rowdy dancefloor. Then to end the night SWA students filled a local chippy chanting ‘CHHHIIPPPPS, chips, chips, all the chips in my mouth!”  

Sunday was a lazy day for many hungover students with some opting for another go at surfing while others went to Barry Island for a good old day at the seaside with fish and chips and the penny slots. No wind all weekend, but beautiful blue sky and the first of the spring sun meant that Cardiff wave ended with smiles all round.

These are the final series standings for the 2016 Puravida SWA Wave Series:

That’s it for the SWA Wave Series this year, see you all at the final SWA event of the year at Nationals in Weymouth on 22-24th April. Details to follow for that, keep your eyes peeled. The SWA Wave Series will return in the autumn with the start of a new university year and the first of the winter storms. Huge thanks to our tour sponsors; Puravida Boardriders, ION accessories, Vandal Sails, Funsport and RB sails.

• Event Debrief
• SWA Core Event
• BaBrUWE
• 2015/16

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:

• Event Debrief
• SWA Core Event
• Nottingham
• 2015/16

With the end of the world at risk last weekend, 150 students headed to Nottingham to take it on together – would they survive to windsurf another day or was it really the end?

Arriving in Nottingham on Friday evening, the students caught up over a beverage or five at the Bag o’ Nails, before moving on to Red Bar to show the locals how windsurfers like to party

Somewhat worse for wear on Saturday morning, but fuelled by bacon and eggs, the windsurfers arrived at Notts County Sailing Club.

The day’s action kicked off with the advanced racing, and the borderline wind conditions meant that pumping action was crucial in many of the heats. With over 20 competitors, it was a tight field. Showing some great gybing and pumping it was Liath Campbell (Durham) who was victorious over Mikey Jarman (Swansea) and Matt Duffin (Bristol). 

Liath Campbell - Advanced Racing Winner

After refuelling and re-warming in the club house, the competitors headed back out for the team racing. Defending champions Cardiff were unable to get a full team together for the final, leaving the field wide open. Swift changeovers were the key to Durham’s success, as they managed a clear victory, with Southampton and Swansea fighting a close battle for 2^nd and 3^rd respectively. These results have certainly shaken up the overall podium standings, meaning it will all be to sail for at BUCS Nationals in April.

Team Racing

1. Durham

2. Southampton

3. Swansea

Team Racing

The conditions were ideal for the intermediate racing, which lived up to it’s reputation of chaos at the gybe boy. Coming off the back of her success at BrUWE, Izzy Mitchell (Bristol) was once again victorious, followed by Ronan Smith (Imperial) and Niko Bugelli (Liverpool).

Those who didn’t fancy the chilly water kept warm with a spot of sumo wrestling – which for some still resulted in them taking the plunge!

Back in Nottingham, students indulged on Domino’s pizza and put the finishing touches on their ‘End of the World’ costumes – with everything from Angels and Zombies to Mad Max making an appearance as they partied into the early hours.

Sunday morning and the combination of RedBull and some unexpected wind worked wonders in blowing away the hangovers from the previous night.  The tandem windsurf, kindly provided by Notts County Sailing Club, was a favourite of many, whilst others opted for the vast collections of kit kindly provided by Boardwise and XPLG. Meanwhile, the beginners showed their racing prowess – Giovanna Siadaoui (Southampton) took victory over Kieran Picford (Nottingham) and Robyn Murdoch (Swansea).

 Many thanks to the Nottingham Committee for organising the event, Boardwise and XPLG for providing lots of kit, RedBull for the music and drinks, and Notts County Sailing Club for hosting the event. All photos thanks to Notts County Sailing Club.

The final event of the Core Series certainly was a great one. Next stop – Cardiff Wave for some, then BUCS National in April – where students will go all out in pursuit of both BUCS points and the coveted SWA titles!

• SWA Core Event
• Nottingham
• 2015/16

 It is a well documented fact that 2000 years ago the Mayans predicted with terrifying accuracy the world's end. Much to our relief, December 2012 rolled round and the earth survived, which in turn lead many to denounce the prophecy as “hocus pocus nonsense”. That was foolish. In a startling revelation, archaeologists today revealed that they confused the ancient Mayan for “20” with very similar words for “pond” and “life”, a simple mistranslation which sets a very different date for the apocalypse - PONDLIFE 12.

Date:26^th – 28^th February 2016.

We at Nottingham invite fellow windsurfers from around the country to share with us the end of day. We will provide:

·         2 huge nights out in Nottingham’s finest and cheapest establishments.

·         2 nights 5* accommodation in the heart of Lenton.

·         2 action packed days on the water, featuring beginner/ intermediate/ advanced racing, freestyle competitions, beginner windsurfing lessons, clinics, and demo kit from Boardwise and XPLG, with Michelin star food to accompany.

·         Lakeside entertainment to include big name DJ sets, Redbull entertainment systems and live music.

·         Breakfast, HOT lunch Saturday and Sunday and DOMINOS pizza will be provided on Saturday night.

Tickets are on sale now, and cost £20 for a Windsurfing ticket and £15 for a Party/XSWA ticket (includes everything except windsurfing). Eight instructor tickets are also available at £10 (you will need to teach a session)! Ticket sales will close at midnight on Thursday 25^th Feb.

As usual we will be windsurfing at Notts County Sailing Club, a 20 min drive from Nottingham which features heating, a clubhouse with view of the lake, warm showers and if you can handle it: a bar.

Nobody knows what face the apocalypse will be wearing. Zombies? Aliens? Natural disasters? It’s up to you to decide.

See you all on the 26th Feb, and good luck.