After a very exciting start to the wave tour in 2012, the BWA Championships will kick off once again in North Wales at Rhosneigr beach hosted by Funsport and follow directly across the channel to Ireland where Spillanes Bar will be hosting the week long competition in Ireland’s Brandon Bay area.
Last year we saw non-stop action with Rhosneigr delivering classic conditions, and stacks of wind. The competition was closely fought on all levels, and after an epic battle of our top world tour riders Ben Proffitt (Simmer Style/Oshea/Funsport) was nudged into 3rd by Tenerife resident Adam Lewis (Ion) and it was local ripper Phil Horrocks (Gaastra/Tabou/Funsport) that stormed the title on home turf taking him across to Ireland in the lead!
Phil said: “I was lucky to get some of my favourite conditions right on my doorstep and really enjoyed every minute of the competition! It was really tough though with all of the finalists on good form, a great start to the tour for me so far!”
In the Amateurs, Scotty McDowell clinched the Stena Line (www.stenaline.co.uk) prize of a ferry ticket to next year’s event as did ladies hot shot and newly signed Simmer Style rider Justyna Sniady.
The British Wavesailing Association Tour round 2 saw the adventure head straight on from Anglesey in North Wales, leaving the port of Holyhead to Dublin. With huge thanks to the support of Stena Line. Over in Ireland things kicked straight off with Mossies point break firing and some of the best conditions we’ve seen there in a comp for a few years. The professional riders were all sailing well in the epic conditions making it hard to find a clear favourite. After some of the best waves seen in an Irish competition John Skye (RRD) came out victorious with Jamie Hancock (Gaastra/Tabou) climbing up into 2nd ahead of Wales winner and team-mate Phil Horrocks (Gaastra/Tabou).
John said: “Wales was tough and I really wanted to win here in Ireland, especially in such world class conditions. So many of the guys were ripping and a few of the favourites didn’t make the final as the standard was so high.”
Ian Ross (Puravida/Simmer) took the Amateurs by storm in conditions just like his home breaks in Cornwall, as did fellow Cornish ripper Debbie Kennedy (Hot Sails) who collected their Stena Line tickets for the next trip.
As we get closer to the events for 2013 we are very much hoping for more of the same, and have every reason to expect an exciting two rounds of back to back competition.
The BWA Tour dates for 2013 are:
- ROUND 1: Wales (Rhosneigr), 17-19 May. Friday: Pros only, Sat and Sun: all Fleets
- ROUND 2: Ireland (Brandon Bay), 20-24 May.
- ROUND 3: Tiree Wave Classic, Tiree, Scotland; 12-18 October.
- ROUND 4: Cornwall Wave Classic, Cornwall, England 25-27 October. Fri Pros only, Sat and Sun all Fleets
Without the fantastic service from Stena Line between the various ports on the Welsh and Irish coast, this kind of ‘back to back’ competition just would not be possible. With their time table we are able to travel directly from Holyhead (15 mins from Rhosneigr) through the night, and drive across to Brandon Bay in good time to kick off the following day if the conditions are on! Tickets can be booked by visiting their website www.stenaline.co.uk and with a great variety of sailing times you have the flexibility to really make the trip your own.
Stena Line have been supporting windsurfing on many levels over the past few years and recognise the great links between our sport and the stunning coastal locations they can get you to!
There are lots of ferry good reasons to travel with Stena Line including no baggage charges or restrictions on what you can bring with you – great for the boards – and no lengthy airport queues. What’s more, the holiday fun starts as soon as you step onboard with free movies, games and Wi-Fi, as well as Curious George themed play areas for the little ones and a great choice of restaurants, comfy relaxation areas and bars for the adults.
Alexandra Smith, Route Marketing Manager, Stena Line said: “The BWA Championships goes from strength to strength every year and we are delighted to partner with them on rewarding the considerable skill of the competitors taking part.
“It’s great that we can honour the competitors but we are especially proud of our role in getting the spectators to the competitions every year on our Stena Line services and on behalf of all at Stena Line we would like to wish all of the contestants, and the organisers, the very best of luck.”
Please be sure to book your tickets in advance to make sure you get space on the ferry.
Stena Line is offering 30% off* Flexi and Premium motorist fares on travel between 19 and 25 May – when you book before 20 May. Log onto www.stenaline.co.uk/bwa using this special password – BWACOMP – to avail of this great deal.
From everyone at the BWA and Stena Line, wishing you a windy season ahead and look forward to an exciting first two rounds of the British Wavesailing Championships
BWA Wales is hosted by Funsport with support from Stena Line, Oshea and Coors Light.
BWA Ireland is hosted by Spillanes Bar with support from Stena Line, Oshea, Jamie Knox, Kathleen McAuliffe and Puravida Boardriders.
