Top 3 must haves at your first event

1. A watch, that has a count down timer that repeats. For example if you have a 8min heat and a 2 min transition between the heat. You set the watch for 10 min repeat. This is really helpful because as soon as the first heat goes on the water you can set your watch off their heat. Then you know how much time is left in the heats before you and can work out when you need to go out and don’t have to faff around with your watch.

2. The right equipment, take everything you have and try and rig a few sails either side of what you think you’ll need, because if the wind drops before your heat or picks up you can change quickly, and trust me this happens in competitions. 8 mins goes quick so if your not moving or totally overpowered your not going to have a good experience.

3. Warm clothes/food water, boots, hats, coat and some snacks. In competition there is a fair bit of standing around waiting for your heat so be prepared. Nothing worse than freezing your butt off, starving and thirsty, waiting around for your heat. It saps your motivation, so get prepared