As the season kicks off we take a look at some of the highlight events to come in April as well as action from previous years…

Friday 6th April: HISC – Round Hayling Island Race

It’s all in the name. With four gates setup around the Island, competitors must race against the tides and each other for the podium. Want to get involved? Well you can find out more, including a map of the route, by heading to our event preview: CLICK HERE

If one day of racing is not enough and you fancy a little more, then be sure to stay down that way on Friday night…

Supported by Tushingham

Sat/Sun 7/8th April: BSA Round 1 – Hayling Island

That’s right, the season will kick off in style with the BSA’s first round. Be sure to head down for the double whammy weekend special and don’t miss out on any of the early season BBQ’s

Supporters of the successful BSA Slalom series – Tushingham & Starboard are throwing their full weight behind the curtain raiser for the 2012 season, the HAYLING ISLAND SLALOM on Easter Weekend 7-8th April.

Three fleets in the BSA support ALL levels of windsurfer, including youngsters and novice racers. There will be goodie bags for all competitors, professional photography of every rider and plenty of prizes for all fleets. If that’s not enough, Jamie Gibbs & Paul Simmons will be on hand with a van full of demo kit to try out all weekend!

Supported by Starboard & Tushingham

More info www.windsurf-bsa.com

8-14th April: Gruissan Speedweek, in Gruissan, France

For the speedsters, cranking it down glassy flat waters and avoiding horrendous wipe-outs will all be part of the game at this event.

More on the speedworldcup.com website.

14/15th April: UKWA Freestyle – West Kirby

The first time West Kirby has ever seen a UK freestyle competition enter its waters. Dubbed as one of the world’s best freestyle spots and with the UK’s finest ready to attend, this could be the event not to miss. It’s no secret that the top three were training in Cape Town this winter, alongside the likes of Jamie Drummond. The repertoire of moves that could be unleashed from these guys could be devastating. Meanwhile Phil Richards has returned from Egyptian shores to stamp his name into the podium and perhaps the training on the glassy flat waters of Dahab may just have paid off. On the topic of Dahab we also know that Oscar Carmichael jumped on a plane for two weeks of training before the event and his plans to enter the pros this year could be a good move. Keeping it real John Palmer and Will Rogers have been practicing at home with the odd trip to foreign lands, perhaps the home advantage may have a say. Or will Nick Bentley’s intense training in El Yaque push him up the ranks.

These are just the regulars, but are there any hidden talents or names from years gone by ready to surprise, and will the girls appear in their numbers like at the last event of year in 2011. Watch this space…

More details soon, for now, follow THIS LINK to be taken to last years final event video.

20-22 Apr: SWA Nationals – Southampton (Video from 2010 above)

The SWA Nationals is always a massive affair. With a strong representation from the brands and the Universities it is certainly one not to be missed if you even think the word student.

There are always a huge number of highlights from this event, including the racing, the freestyle and TurfDogging. However for some it will be the Saturday night boat party, over to the SWA for their brief on this…

‘Saturday night: a meal is normally provided at the event, followed by one of the infamous SWA saturday night partys. These are always fancy dress (with themes ranging from ‘Plastic Fantastic’, to ‘Little Britain’ or ‘Superheros’) and always great fun! A combination of high spirits after a good day’s windsurfing, a large concentration of like minded people and the ‘different area code’ effect means that these parties are always amazing!’

Find out more and who this event is supported by by clicking HERE

28/29th April: BSA Round 2 – Weymouth

Round two of the hotly contested BSA will see the slalom racers battle it out in Weymouth’s sheltered waters. Board speed will be crucial to be in with a chance of standing on the podium.

There aren’t many venues in the world better set up to host events than the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), and with The OTC UK within the Academy grounds, this is one event you shouldn’t miss out on. The sailing conditions are super accessible for all abilities, so come along and get involved, whatever stage you’re at.

There are also plans afoot for a bit of a musically acoustic driven evening in the Academy building on the Saturday, to make the event a very social and fun event for the whole family. For more information, get in touch with The OTC.

Supported by The OTC

More info HERE

27th Apr – 1st May: EFPT/PWA Podersdorf

Another double whammy. The PWA and the EFPT will both be present at what is set to be one of the biggest events of the year. With the setup for the event already under way you can be sure of massive moves, big action and huge parties.

No matter what the weather there is guaranteed action each day. With the first ever European Tow-In Championships being held, there will be qualifying sessions each evening, with a grand final on the last day. What’s more, all of this will be taking place at night!

During the day the worlds finest freestylers will perform a spectacular show of moves, that even the most avid windsurf followers find themselves struggling to keep up with.

Find out more about the EFPT Tow Championships HERE. Supported by Chiemsee

Find out more about the PWA World Cup HERE. Supported by – CLICK HERE

Get Excited!!!