The weekend before last saw the final event of the British wave tour held in Cornwall. The conditions at this Cornwall Wave Classic proved to be pretty epic with logo to mast high waves and cross-off wind: an ideal forecast for Gwithian Beach. Tabou/Gaastra teamrider Jamie Hancock won the event and checks in with his sponsors to celebrate.
What have you been up to recently?
“It has been a hectic period for the last few months. I have been in Denmark and Germany for the PWA events, then straight up to Scotland for an event in Tiree and then back home for a few days before heading down to Cornwall. I have been pretty lucky lately in the UK as it has been going off. There is nothing I love more than getting out at home spots with my mates!”
What can you tell us about the event?
“The Saturday had a building swell with good wind so we managed to finish a single elimination. Unfortunately the Sunday never quite had enough wind, but bigger swell. It was a strong fleet amongst the British competitors and am really happy to have come out on top. I knocked out both the Horrocks brothers on route to the final followed by a close final with Timo Mullen, Ben Proffitt and Adam Lewis.”
What gear did you use?
“I used the 75L Pocket and a 4.0m IQ sail. The wind was quite gusty and I used a 4.4m Pure in the early rounds, but by the final the wind was howling.”
What was the most memorable moment of the competition?
“Chasing my sail down the beach after letting go whilst running with it. I was in a rush as it was during my heat and I was trying to change down in sail size. It was a total rookie manoeuvre and I must have looked like an utter kook. My opponents were out racking up the wave scores while I was chasing down my rig!”
Yet you still managed to win that heat?
“Yes, somehow I did! It was a first round heat and because of the gusty winds and gap between sets, the heats were run at twenty minutes with two waves to count. So the five minutes I missed running after my gear was okay and fortunately I made the most of the time I had left.”
Move of the day?
“I think I witnessed it firsthand. I had just stacked it and was in the impact zone swimming after my gear, on the next wave Timo Mullen did a massive aerial but was heading straight for me in the water. Luckily he saw me and aborted last minute. It looked impressive from where I was and felt a bit bad as I was in the way.”
What are your plans for this winter?
“I am heading to Cape Town in a week’s time where I will train with Ross Williams for next year’s tour. Peter Munzlinger will be out there developing some new Gaastra sails, so will be sure to help out where needed.”
Find more from Jamie’s sponsors at www.gaastra.com / www.tabou-boards.com
