THE SWA FESTIVAL 2004 – ‘AUSSIE KISS 3’ (23-24 October)
Just when you thought it was safe as the students head back to university for another year of hard work in the library, it all goes wrong… The Student Windsurfing Association (SWA) go and organise another big one!!!
On the weekend of October 23, over 450 students from more than 30 universities across the country will descend on Portland Harbour, Weymouth, for what promises to be one of the largest windsurf meetings the UK has ever seen. The Student Windsurfing Association Festival ‘Aussie Kiss 2004’ is the main event in the SWA calendar and is not to be missed.
Throughout the fun filled weekend, students will receive land and sea-based RYA tuition from fellow students as well as professionals. With everything from beginner courses (how to stand on a board) to techniques clinics and freestyle sessions for the advanced (how to forward loop), a wide range of demo kit to try (courtesy of Boardwise) and the infamous Saturday night fancy dress party for windsurfers and spectators alike, no one will be left out.
Last year over 150 beginners were introduced to the sport – the most beginners ever taught at one time at a single location and we hope to expand on this triumph this year.
Being the first event in the SWA racing series, it is a must for anyone wishing to compete, on any level from beginner to advanced, for the chance to win fantastic prices such as windsurfing kit worth hundreds of pounds.
As if that isn’t enough a number of internationally renowned windsurfers such as Peter Hart and Jem Hall will be joining in the fun. They will be on hand to offer their expertise on and off the water.
SO WHAT IS THE SWA?
The SWA is a not for profit company, set up in 2000 to coordinate and promote student windsurfing across the UK. It is run by a dedicated team of students, themselves passionate about the sport, who’s aim is to encourage all university windsurfing clubs to attend the SWA series events, whilst raising the profile of student windsurfing nationwide. The SWA is committed to developing the sport of windsurfing and participation in it through a fun and social environment.
James Potten, SWA Founder and Managing Director, says on behalf of the SWA Committee: “We run the SWA in our spare time to give others the opportunity to experience the fun-packed life of a student windsurfer!”
CHARITY
During events the SWA will be raising money for Children in Crisis – a charity that helps children in countries of conflict. SWA members also take part in independent fundraising initiatives, for example SWA Directors James Potten and Andy Bramah completed a channel crossing in October 2003, covered by the national press, to raise money for the same charity.
SWA SUPPORT
The SWA is appreciative for the continued support of the windsurfing industry, the RYA and UKWA. We are also extremely grateful for the equipment and prizes offered to us by the SWA Festival event sponsors; Boardwise, Lodey, Bicsport, Tushingham/Starboard, Windtek and Boardseeker.com.
The SWA is currently looking for local industry to support the festival due to the high running fees of the event that have to be passed on to the students. Any donations would be gratefully received. The SWA can offer brand exposure to the students but the main reason for helping will be on a personal basis; wishing to give more students the opportunity to attend events of this nature in the future.
Please contact James Potten on [email protected]
WANT MORE INFORMATION?
For more information check out the SWA online at www.studentwindsurfing.co.uk and do not hesitate to contact the SWA committee at [email protected] with any queries.
