UKWA 2011: Girls just want to have FUN!
Windsurfing competitions in the UK were sent into a spin this year, 2011 has been a record breaking year with more females than ever taking up the challenge of competition for the first time.
After many years of between 2 and 5 women entering UKWA competitions, and many potential female entrants being scared and unsure of what it would entail, FLOW thought it was about time things changed. Since the inception of FLOW we have focussed on encouraging women in watersports at all levels, I really hope that this influenced the fantastic group of enthusiastic female windsurfers gracing our shores at the moment to compete.
The first couple of BWA competitions saw a slight rise in numbers, with great performances from all of those involved. But it was at Poole Windfest, and the UKWA Freestyle Championships, that the ladies first hit with full force. In 2010 at the event, there was a notable amount of ladies around, ripping it up, but unfortunately not competing, 2011 saw a change.
7 women (more than ever before by a considerable margin) gathered together, deciphered flags, searched for a stop watch and busted out their best freestyle moves for the judges.
Report and results on Boards http://boards.mpora.com/news/windfest-freestyle-2011-report.html
Despite many wanting to head up to the watersports mecca of Tiree, it proved a little tricky logistically, so the ladies saved it up for the last of the BWA competitions, and turned out in force with 13 taking part in the Cornish event, held this year at Gwithian.
Report and results on Boards http://boards.mpora.com/news/pura-vida-cornwall-wave-classic-2011-wrapup-report.html
Frequent competitors were joined by first timers, bigger fleets meant more time on the water for the women, a bigger presence, and learning curves for all. Competition certainly has it’s ups and downs, a lot of women love it, but it may not be for everyone. The key things that events do though are:
Bring us together
Push our sailing
Promote our sport
HAVE FUN!
With that in mind, FLOW wanted to find out the inside info from those that competed in 2011, with the view to making it even better for 2012.
PLUS WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!
Make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom, to find out what could be in store for womens windsurfing in 2012, and how you can be involved in shaping the future of our sport.
Over to the Ladies:
Chloe in DahabChloe Goodyear
Fleets competed in: The freestyle comp at Windfest.
Years competing: 1st time this year!
Why you competed: I entered because I bumped into some mates from seasons who persuaded me to join in with them! My other half was also really supportive and gave me the 'what have I got to lose' attitude which was vital (shameless plug for Sam Ross Windsurfing here)! Ladies often worry too much about how they will do and underestimate their abilities, but when we all got into the group spirit it was so much less intimidating.
Will you compete again: I would be tempted to compete again if we get the same kind of reception and support that we did at Windfest (thanks to Trevor Funnell!). Lots of things needed explaining...
How can comps be improved: Perhaps shorter competition days would help women who have not competed get into it. This was the thing I found most difficult, not being used to standing around on the beach for a long time in a wetsuit. Our heats were quite spread out.
Best moment at a comp this year: My favourite moment from the comp this year was looking down the beach at all the ladies about to launch, all of us looking baffled but excited to get on the water together. Another great moment was all the girls trying to help each other out as much as possible, such a different attitude to the men's fleet. We discussed how we could make the results so we were all equal!
Anything else: I would like to say a HUGE thank you to Bethany Mercer, Ellie Ross, Lara Johnston, Emily Hall, Sally Lambert and Julia Slack for creating such a positive attitude in the women's fleet, and for the party too of course...
Sarah at GwithianSarah Bibby www.sarahk349.blogspot.com
Fleets competed in: Ladies BWA Wave Events
Years competing: 5 years
Why you competed: I entered because I wanted to win the year's title and the forecast was epic!
Will you compete again: Yes
How comps could be improved: Organisation could improve a little so everyone knows what time their heat is. Heat timings and order should stay fixed throughout the day, as should the time for the prize giving at the end.
Best moment at a comp this year: The final at Gwithian as the conditions were really good and I knew I had done enough to win the 2011 title.
Anything else: Great to see so many girls at the event, I never knew there were this many female wavesailors at competition standard! Hope to keep seeing everyone at the beach!
LaraLara Johnston
Fleets competed in: UKWA Ladies Freestyle at Poole Windfest
Years competing: just the 1, hopefully more to come!
Why you competed: When I head down the beach and people look surprised to see a girl getting a freestyle board out, it always makes me want to get out there and try and raise the profile of girls windsurfing! When a load of us rocked up to Windfest, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to show what we could do, sail with some fellow ladies and have some great fun. We had so much support and encouragement from the organisers and the guys….we couldn’t not represent the girls!
Will you compete again: It was such a great experience and we all came off the water buzzing after every heat. I am definitely hoping to get involved with the UKWA events next year for sure.
How comps could be improved: Get someone commentating at each event… heats, flags, sail areas are confusing to those new to competitions…it’s a great way to let people know what’s going on, encourage more people to get involved and make it a cracking spectators sport. Other than that… a nice warm competitors tent on the beach
Best moment at a comp this year: Back on the beach after the first heat of the first UK Ladies Freestyle event at Windfest. Minutes before…all the girls were stood in the shallows about to set off, looking over at each other nervously…when we all came in we were all totally buzzing with huge grins on all our faces!
Anything else: Come on ladies! Get involved! The more the merrier! It’s a great sport, with great people and sailing in different conditions with different people will help you improve greatly. 2012 should be a great year for ladies windsurfing.
Beth
Beth Mercer
Fleets competed in: UKWA ladies freestyle at Poole Windfest, SWA Freestyle at Aussie Kiss.
Years competing: 1, this was my first year!
Why you competed: Mainly because I have never had the confidence to compete before I thought it was beyond me! However this year after being in Dahab and Vass all summer I felt I improved to a level I could justify competing! Doing downwind 3's, trying upwind 3s and vulcans. Also, there was such a good group of girls at Poole Windfest we thought we would show the boys that we can do it, and it was such good fun!
Will you compete again: Definitely would compete again! Planning on doing all the UKWA ladies freestyle next year if I can!
How comps could be improved: Getting more girls involved, letting girls know that it’s not as scary as you think and makes you feel so good afterwards! The adrenaline is amazing! Being a little more organised with heats and not letting kitesurfers into the competition zone would be good too!
Best moment at a comp this year: At Windfest all of us girls finishing all 6 heats or whatever the number was and feeling so exhausted yet sooo pleased we had competed even if it meant standing around in a wetsuit all day! And then the party afterwards!
Anything else: I hope loads of girls get involved next year..and can't wait for the UKWA tour next year!
Megan Gayda
Fleets competed in: Ladies BWA
Years competing: 1
Why you competed: Rhosneigr was my first competition, I entered because my brother and Dad have always done it, and I love the atmosphere and sailing with other girls!
Will you compete again: Definitely, will try and get too all the events next year if I can!
How comps could be improved: Getting more girls involved, being more organised with the heat results, and prize givings, and food haha!
Best moment at a comp this year: Overall both Cornwall and Rhosneigr were well good, but highlight was seeing my brother paraletic after the monster ball!
And anything else you would like to mention: Hope more girls start and carry on competing as it'll be great to have a bigger womens fleet in the future!
JoJo Wright
Fleets competed in: BWA ladies fleet at Gwithian, SWA Freestyle at Aussie Kiss, PWA Slalom.
Years competing: I used to race from the age of about 12-16. Then had a bit of a break, did a few seasons, then decided to get back into it at the deep end by competing at the PWA Slalom event in Alacati this summer. Since being back in the UK I have competed in the freestyle comp at Aussie Kiss and then after a bit of persuasion from Flowindsurfing I had a great time competing at my first wave event at Gwithian.
Why you competed: A bit of helpful persuasion from Flow!
Will you compete again: Yes for sure, I plan to do at least 3 wave events next year, some of the UKWA freestyle events and as many PWA slalom competitions as I can get sponsorship for!
How comps could be improved: I know windsurfing competitions are very much wind dependent, but I believe with a forecast as great as Gwithian had to offer on the saturday, competition could have started much earlier. As well having prize giving at set times, so people who know they won't be competing that day can go and come back, rather than hanging around all day.
Best moment at a comp this year: Coming 4th in a PWA slalom final, in 45 knots of wind! At the BWA event it would definitely be coming down my first ever proper wave, managing a few top and bottom turns to make it through my first heat!
Anything else: You DON'T have to be a wave pro to enter a wave competition. I had one wave sesh before entering (at Daymer 2 years ago) and had no idea what i was doing. I improved so much on the day though, i was literally getting a tip a minute off all the other competitors/spectators. And competition is by far the best way to improve your windsurfing even if your not Miss Competitive. As well as this, you also have a great time windsurfing with 13 other women!
Lucy RobsonLucy Robson
Fleets competed in: BWA Gwithian
Years competing: 7 years
Why you competed: For fun!
Will you compete again: Yes
How comps could be improved:
Lower costs to compete and enter (like Gwithian this year) making it more accessible for women.
Best moment at a comp this year: Winning the Gwithian comp!
Lucy Arthur
Fleets competed in: Ladies BWA Wave Event @ Gwithian.
Years competing: 1st event this year.
Why you competed: I was interested to see what the level of sailing was for girls wave events. Also Reuben (and FLOW) have been trying to get me to enter one for ages, and as it was a nearby event I had no excuse!
Will you compete again: Uhmm...sorry to say but probably not! Too much hanging around and too little time on the water for my liking! I'd much prefer to be out sailing with my mates at a location of my choice when the conditions are at their best. Sorry!
How comps could be improved: Although it was great to see so many windsurfers, I think there were too many competitors at the Gwithian BWA event for it to run smoothly. The poor organisation meant there was a lot of wasted time and conditions, and unnecessary hanging around and confusion. A visual timetable and a commentator on the beach would help competitors and spectators know what’s going on!? And having the flags and judges closer to the water (especially at low tide!) would make it easier for everyone! Just a suggestion but why not have the ladies event on a separate day? This would not only help with the organisation, but would also ensure the girls have the pick of the conditions and there will be more time to run more heats so more sailing time for everyone! This might encourage more girls to compete.
Best moment at a comp this year: Making it through to the final on my 1st wave event!
Anything else: It was great to meet so many friendly, like minded female windsurfers, and to realise you can compete and have fun without being a pro! Everyone should give it a go!
Lucy Arthur
DebbieDebbie Kennedy
Fleets competed in: BWA Wave
Years competing: 1 and half years (raced U15 and U17 as a kid... many moons ago now!)
Why you competed: enjoy social aspect of going to events, meeting people, different beaches and it pushes my sailing forward by making me try harder!
Will you compete again: yes (if can afford too?!)
How comps could be improved: Better planning and organisation to use time available so that competitors get max time on the water. Careful consideration given to forecast, actual conditions and tides with EQUAL priority given to ALL fleets!!! (Eg, No fleets should have been in mast braking low tide conditions at Peters Point - The heats should have have started at 9am!!! Also EVERY day scheduled for the comp should be fully resourced and used to the max if sailable conditions prevail. Following the massive entry at the Cornwall event, they may need to limit entry for each class to numbers they know they can handle which would encourage people to pre enter too!
Best moment at a comp this year: Had some really bad luck, trashing a sail in Tiree and then braking a mast at Gwiths and not getting to compete when the girls competition
was so good... :-( A moment which stands out for me though is when Eilidh Sutherland's mum stopped me on ferry back from Tiree to say thank you for the help and encouragement I gave Eilidh and what a great week she had had in Tiree!
JuliaJulia Slack
Fleets competed in: UKWA Freestyle at Poole this September and BWA at Gwithian/
Years competing: Just this year
Why did you compete: After competing for the first time at the Poole freestyle event this year with 6 other super enthusiastic girls and having such a great weekend with everyone on the water and on the beach I didn’t want to miss out on the fun that the BWA Gwithian event could bring. I was a little apprehensive about entering a wave event having only started dabbling in the waves just over a year ago but knowing I wasn’t the only other girl competing in a wave competing for the first time made me feel more at ease entering as there was a lot of us all feeling similar nerves not knowing what to expect from the weekend.
Will you compete again: Yes, I am hoping to get to as many of the freestyle events as I can next year, because it was so great sailing with so many other girls and getting to know them all. It really pushes you to try new moves and sail as hard as you can but its also such a great feeling seeing so many other chicks on the water having a great time.
I wont be competing in the Wave events as I didn’t enjoy waiting around not knowing when you needed to be on the water or being able to see the heat board and I fell I needed some more practice in the waves!
How comps could be improved: More girls, sun and wind at the Freestyle events.... ;o) as well as more photographers to get snaps of the chicks on the water!
Best moment of comp this year: Standing on the podium at Poole Windfest!!
Anything else: If you are thinking about entering but are unsure come along to one of the events next year to meet the girls, to see what goes on and if it's the right thing for you. It's a great way to get on the water with all the girls between heats and to decide if it's for you... :) I’ve made some fantastic new friends from the events this year that I wouldn't have met without these events so get to the beach ladies!!
TanyaTanya Saleh
Fleets competed in: Women’s Wave - American Windsurfing Tour & BWA
Years competing: On and off for 8 years
Why you competed: I compete for a couple of reasons:
1 is to support the sport and the industry, I think it’s a really good way to show windsurfing off to the rest of the world. Secondly because you get to hang out with friends, go windsurf, and then party!
Will you compete again:
I’m sure I have a couple more in me yet
How comps could be improved: It varies depending on the competition but in general I think it’s really important that the organisers have every little detail covered. Sometimes minor things are forgotten and it can really throw you off being in the zone.
Best moment at a comp this year: This amazing wave I caught during one of the Cactus Cups in Baja; all the planets aligned and I got heaps of turns, even a little baby aerial, I even forgot I was competing for a couple of minutes, it was so good! And beating Graham Ezzy in the ProAm (long story).
Anything else: Super happy to finally have so many girls getting into wavesailing; so many of them are training hard so I’m sure the bar is going to be raised massively in the next couple of years. Then we should all go international and take over the world.
Amy Carter
Fleets competed in: BWA Gwithian
Years competing: Raced for all of my teens, but nothing for the past 5ish years. This was my first year on the wave scene.
Why you competed: After I stopped racing I completely lost my enthusiasm for competitions, and didn’t actually windsurf that much for a good few years. Getting into wavesailing in 2010 reignited my passion for windsurfing, and the thought of a BWA competition popped into my head. I was not 100% sure how I would find competing again, but knew that I wanted to find out what all the fuss was about.
Will you compete again: Hopefully! I competed when I really shouldn’t have been windsurfing (have been off the water all year with shoulder injury), if I ever get cleared to windsurf regularly again and get some time on the water it would be great to give competition another go.
How comps could be improved: Coming from a racing background, where over a weekend event you can be on the water all day every day, I found it a bit strange and unnerving to be standing on the beach waiting while there was wind and waves to be ridden! I feel the BWA dealt well with the near impossible feat of getting through competition for so many entrants, however I also feel there could have been a couple of improvements made for the girls and amateurs. I also feel there is room for a womens only wave/freestyle/master blaster event, as a feeder into the BWA/UKWA, with competition clinics, hints and tips, and an introduction to sailing in heats, just for girls! Plus I wish we had more photos, girls only photographer is so needed, will definitely take up this role myself if still cannot get on the water!
Best moment at a comp this year: Firstly hearing at Gwithian, we had the most women entered at a BWA event for 20years. Then getting fantastic feedback from the judges at the end of the event, who were not only impressed with the amount of entrants, but also with the skills of all the girls on the water.
Anything else: I have a plan, well at this stage, a potential plan for (as mentioned above) a womens only UK weekend event, encompassing wave/freestyle/master blaster as an introduction to competition, in order to make this happen I need your help. So please take 5minutes and tell us....
