ZOOMERS THROUGH TO NATIONAL YOUTH WINDSURFING FINAL
Oxford’s youth windsurfing team the Oxford Zoomers, will be travelling to Rutland Water in Leicestershire at the weekend (Saturday 4th October) where they will represent the Southern region at the coveted National Final of the RYA’s Team15 (T15) Youth Windsurfing Championship.
The Zoomers, who sail at Farmoor Reservoir, won their place at the final after winning a series of four highly competitive heats that took place throughout the region this summer. Beating teams from as far afield as Poole and Southampton the Zoomers were crowned Southern T15 Regional Champions earning themselves the chance to represent the region at the final.
The event will see in the order of 100 kids from eight other regional teams fight it out over 2 days of racing for the highly sought after title: T15 National Champion 2008. Individual honours will also be up for grabs across the 5 sail size classes contested.
Having won the regional championship for the previous 2 years coming fifth in 2006 and fourth in 2007, the Zoomers are primed and ready to go, setting their sights on bring the National trophy home. Team Coach Richard Beardsley explains; “We’ve had a cracking season this year despite loosing some of our more experienced sailors at the top of the fleet so feel we have everything to play for. We’ve been training pretty hard the last few months as we know the competition will be fierce but we are ready to get out there and give it our all. ”
Supported by industry leaders Neilson, Tushingham/Starboard, Ultra Sport/Bic, Windsurf magazine, Boards magazine and Neil Pryde, T15 was set up by the RYA to provide youngsters, up to the age of 15, with the opportunity to learn all about windsurfing and improve their skills in a friendly club environment. Weekly training sessions take place at RYA approved centres and clubs and are run by RYA trained instructors and T15 coaches. All safety aspects are taken care of and equipment can be provided to children who don’t have their own kit yet.
Every summer each T15 club can put a team together of 15 sailors to compete in the T15 National Championship, culminating in the Champions Cup National Final in October.
If you fancy giving T15 or windsurfing ago visit the T15 website, www.team15.org.uk.
