…the sequel to Aussie Kiss.

And we’re not talking about a series of dodgy movies:

Following the immense Aussie Kiss XI Student Windsurf Festival in late October, this past weekend was the first of this year’s SWA ‘Core’ events hosted by various universities, meaning it was time for student windsurfers to unite again.

With livers finally recovered from Aussie Kiss and just about enough work completed to justify another weekend break, the first city to be invaded was Bristol, with the event being co-organised by Bristol University and UWE to create the 4th ‘BRUWE’ event.

Differing from Aussie Kiss, the SWA Core events are more like one big windsurfer’s sleepover, with kind members of the organising clubs offering their beds, sofas and floors for the student and ex-student windsurfers who made their way to Bristol on the Friday night. Of course these were not required until the early hours of Saturday morning as the first of the weekend’s activities were drinking and dancing.

Saturday morning saw all hosts provide their guests with free bacon sandwiches for breakfast before making the trip to Bowmoor Lake where the windsurfing could finally begin.

Unfortunately, the wind was perhaps the only element missing for the perfect weekend, however a gentle breeze was perfect for beginners to build on skills learnt at Aussie Kiss. It also allowed for an impressive light wind freestyle competition, as well as tempting a daring flock of naked windsurfers onto the water….

By the end of the weekend many beginners had managed to complete their RYA Start Windsurf Certificate – some of whom had only begun the sport at Aussie Kiss. The assessment and certificates were included free of charge in the £15 weekend ticket for all those who wanted one which is a clear example of the SWA’s important role in getting people involved with the sport for very little money.

WET DREAMS FOUR … PLAY ! from I am Fabien on Vimeo.

For the intermediates and advanced, SWA sponsors Boardwise attended with a selection of demo kit to try. That and a free hot lunch on the Saturday made the weekend brilliant value for everyone.

If that wasn’t enough, once back in Bristol, stomachs were lined with free Dominos pizza as the windsurfers transformed themselves for the evening’s fancy dress. The theme for Bruwe this year was Toys, and so Wee’s Bar, the night’s venue, was taken over by a swarm of dancing, crowd-surfing teddybears, barbie dolls and lego blocks all of whom had extra reason to celebrate following the news of Windsurfing being reinstated into the Olympics.

The Sunday saw the completion of the team racing, with yet another sunny but calm day by the lake and before everyone departed back to reality of deadlines or day jobs, there was time for prize giving, which saw Cardiff dominate the team racing and win themselves a new board for the club, Ollie Acton claimed his familiar position at the top of the freestyle rankings putting himself in a good position to win that board for the second year running and Louis Morris, in an all too familiar fashion, finished top of the pile in the individual racing. Racing was run for intermediate and beginner level sailors also and these were won by Jay from Solent and Adi from Liverpool respectively.

As term progresses, the water gets colder and exams get closer, it might be sensible for the student windsurfers to buckle down with their studies, and the ex-student windsurfers to concentrate on the day jobs. But we’re far from sensible and need something to help us through the inevitable post-event depression…..so next stop: Liverpool!

You might also like to read: