Following the UK’s coldest weather for 30 years it’s not only the temperatures that are starting to warm up. Windsurfers nationwide are itching to get back racing and blow away the cobwebs, whether it’s raceboard, Formula, RS-X, Techno or slalom, the 2010 calendar will provide plenty of action in all disciplines.

Slalom

The most accessible form of competition sees an exciting new race series for 2010 with the leading UK brands and retailers working together to bring eight events to some superb locations. BSA Round One begins on Easter Saturday 5th April at Tenby in South Wales, hosted by Tushingham, Starboard and Rat Rigs, who will combine to bring some superb prizes and entertainment. It’s one of the finest slalom locations, positioned to catch good wind yet sheltered from the worst of the Atlantic swell.

In addition to Pro and Amateur fleets, the Master Blaster fleet, with its simple “round the buoy and back” format will cater for freeride sailors and provide the less experienced with the perfect introduction to racing, with the emphasis on fun, without the pressure of high octane ‘full-on’ racing. More great racing will be held later in April at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, supported by the OTC.

Course Racing

April 17th & 18th is the start of the popular Inland Series beginning in the Midlands at Pitsford, the first of four events. Then a couple weeks later the first of the national Cup Series takes place, again at the smart WPNSA facilities in Weymouth over May Bank Holiday weekend.

One-Design

British racing caters for younger riders very well, with the Techno 6.8 and 7.8 fleets, which boast the largest fleets of all UK racing. Then there’s the One-Design RS-X class, which provides a challenge for those with golden dreams. As one would expect from the Olympic class, it’s an incredibly competitive fleet that races in a huge range of conditions.

Longboards

Last year saw a real resurgence in raceboard, where tremendous battles took place all through the fleet over the whole season. A few old faces have been tempted back plus a number of newcomers have appeared on the scene too, looking to upstage their experienced rivals in 2010.

Formula

Remains the fastest form of course racing with exceptional equipment that improves year on year. The UKWA sees a solid Formula fleet which is sure to be helped by Keith Atkinson, who is working hard on promoting the Formula Experience class in the UK. It’s also the chosen racing discipline of the Armed Forces and there’s always healthy Formula competition between the RAF, the Royal Navy and the Army.

From racing novice to seasoned pro, the UKWA 2010 calendar brings windsurfers the opportunity to compete in exciting, competitive fleets. Pre-entering events offers significant discounts so check out the pre-entry page http://ukwindsurfing.com/events/entry/

The full racing calendar is available at http://ukwindsurfing.com/events/