This year has seen an abundance of major demo events, providing you with the opportunity to try out all the the latest windsurfing equipment from brands such as Fanatic, NorthSails, Quatro, Goya, Gaastra and more. With the likes of Juice Boardsports, Robin Hood Watersports, Quayside Windsurfers and Boardwise and more running massive events, along with the success of course of NWF, it’s great to see more and more of the top brands making it to demo days across the country.
Here we catch up with James Randall to find out more about the latest demo day at West Wittering:
Last weekend saw the arrival of almost every windsurf brand in the industry at West Wittering Windsurf Club. 2 weeks prior to the windsurf event and demo we enjoyed a range of conditions varying from full power cross onshore to wobble and ride cross offshore with some of the best waves we have had for a while. We were therefore very excited and hopeful that the forecast would stay strong allowing us to get an enjoyable weekend of freewave competition going.
As the Monday prior to the event loomed in it was clear that the wind had gone and it had gotten cold! No matter though, everyone was still onboard and were making final plans to make their way down to West Wittering beach on the Friday night/ Saturday morning.
Saturday morning started very still, the first frost of the year! However, the sun was shining and I was surprised to see that as I pulled up at 0845 there were Tabou, Gaastra, RRD, Goya, Quatro, North and Fanatic already set up and read to roll with Patrik, Sailloft, JP and Neilpryde just arriving.
As the morning progressed a little wave appeared, and with this wave so did the crowds of people. It got busier and busier throughout the morning with people browsing the equipment, asking questions and taking out SUP’s for a paddle.
The sun continued to shine and at lunchtime we fired up the BBQ for one final Barby before winter sets in properly. As we piled the sausages on immediately the crowds gathered, possibly for heat but mainly I think, for a free hot dog!
The afternoon drew to a close at around 4pm after a successful day on the kit interest front and also on the water for the SUP’ers.
The evening plan was to go to the local pub ‘The Old House At Home’ for a few drinks and also to watch ‘Don’t Let Go’.
Sunday started a little later than initially planned due to a few fuzzy heads. The weather was much the same as Saturday although the sun went in by late morning. This however did not put off the 20+ men, women and children out on the SUP’s ripping it up in knee high smooth clean waves.
It was a successful weekend for all involved; the brands got to check out their competitors equipment, windsurfers got to compare equipment and try it out and we all got to catch up with each other!
A big thanks to Simon for hosting the event and the 2XS team for supporting us throughout the weekend! Hopefully the next one will be a windy one!
James Randall – Gaastra/Tabou/2XS Team Rider
For all your winter windsurfing needs Board’s recommends you head to one of the following retailers, where we’re confident you will find what you’re looking for. If not get in contact with [email protected] and we can advise you on where to look for whatever you’re searching for this winter.
Boards Recommended Retailers:
