FREESTYLE FUN FOR FREERIDERS

Hickling Windsurfing Club’s annual fun day arrived with the usual lack of wind associated with organised events.

In place of the speed gun trials Ben Harwood, recently crowned British Junior Freestyle Champion, gave a dry demo of heli-tacks which we then tried to put to practice on the water.

The main attraction of the day, namely Wendy’s hot sausage
lunch, was put on hold until we had all perfected the heli-tack, well almost all.

After lunch the wind picked up enough to hold three races comprising of two circuits each. Club stalwart Dave Humphrey, one of a few remaining owners of the classic race board, took overall first prize. This came as no surprise to the other contestants using more conventional freerides as brief planing conditions were only achieved by the lightest entrants with the biggest sails.

To add to the fun the buoys’ anchor lines were too long and their
positions on the broad altered several times as they snagged the fins of anyone tacking too close. Second place was tied between Graham Ives and Martin Harwood with Wendy Harwood and Carol
Rushbrook first and second respectively for the ladies.

Thanks to Riks Windsurfing for generously donating a host of prizes ensuring a successful day all round.