As we get into the cold winter it’s left to the most hardcore and dedicated of the SWA to battle it out through the most extreme conditions.
It’s now time for the Puravida Wave Trilogy. With the ever improving skill level and the epic standard of events, the pool of potential is awesome this year. The atmosphere is different to core events. The smaller size means that an elite following and some dedication is required (as well as a nice thick wetsuit). The best and brightest attend. Not necessarily meaning that everyone comes along to compete. Far from it, loads of people do a“Taffy” and go along for the party.Waking up in the morning on a cold hard floor half in your sleeping bag and feeling the hangover, knowing that you are soon going to be competing against the guy still passed out on the floor on the other side of the room.
As the first cups of tea arrive and the beacon sandwiches start flowing the deathly hung-over silence is broken by talk of where you are heading to get the waves. As everyone realises there is some windsurfing to be had, that groggy feeling rapidly fades and everyone piles into vans, cars and minibuses to get to the beach.
The series is aimed at aspiring pros as much as bouncy castles are aimed at pensioners, (roughly translated as not at all). The series is a great chance for anyone interested in trying wave sailing or getting into competitions to cut their teeth. As much as we know, the top level riders who are already competing will most likely win the prizes, but it’s encouraging the learners that we care about.
The places we choose to hold the competitions will be aimed at getting as many people to take part as possible. Support from the industry like Puravida, Fanatic/North and K3D gives even greater opportunity for first timers to give it a gol.
Who to watch?
George Bolwell finished 2nd in last years series.
Jony Price trained in Tenerife over summer.
Tom Bennett-Lloyd, new to Bangor University, finished 3rd on this years BWA tour.
Will Jones, Cardiff hotshot, not to mention SWA president.
Carl Lobato, Portmouth local spot ripper.
Tom Jhonson, Olly Acton and Adam Chubbock – freestylers with the potential to throw down some competition winning moves.
Alex Powell, Jo Wright, Rach Ince are also worth keeping an eye on.
Dates to note
7th-9th December, Portsmouth
8-10th February, Exeter/Plymouth
22-24th February, Cardiff
