The conditions today in Ireland are looking sunny and windless, the perfect conditions for a final day on the Emerald isle as we have now completed all competition. There will be no more competition for any fleet and the final prize giving will take place at 12noon today.
We would like to make an amendment to the results and ticker from yesterday, in the amateur fleet it was Niall Mellon that beat Jonny Price to advance through and take third position. Apologies for this, especially to Niall!
Congratulations to all the sailors, organisers and judges for a very long day at the beach. It was very impressive to be part of a smoothly run but very busy day of competition, getting a double elimination in for every fleet on one day is no easy task!


Read the full article - Reporting Live from BWA Ireland: Day Five

It’s an early start today with a briefing at 8.30am and first possible start at 9am. Many sailors are already down the beach preparing for a full day on the water, with strong winds (approx 20 knots) and enough swell predicted it could be a busy day on the water for all fleets.
Boards will be following all the action very closely, with live ticker and images coming live from the beach through the day.


Read the full article - Reporting Live from BWA Ireland: Day Four

Morning from another morning here in Brandon Bay. The wind is blowing a little, there is the promise of some swell on the horizon, so today looks to be a potential day for competition. First skippers meeting will take place at 10am and after a fantastic night of live music and a few Creans we hope the sailors are ready!
More news and info from here in Ireland to follow very soon, there may even be a few shots from last night’s antics too.




Read the full article - Reporting Live from BWA Ireland: Day Three

Are you making plans for the bank holiday weekend??

Please join Puravida Boardriders at Ferry Bridge Marine Car park & Beach with Weymouth Watersports for the FANATIC/NORTH Windsurf & SUP Demo!

This is being hosted by the legendary*Nik Baker*&*Jay Jsup Manning*-*offering*coaching and kit set up tips and advice across all windsurfing and SUP levels. *You will be able to try everything from*free ride*to race and make sure it’s tuned up just right!

There is no charge to take part and all the gear is free to try on SUNDAY & MONDAY from 10am

From all the team at Weymouth Watersports & Puravida Boardriders – look*forward to*seeing you there!



Read the full article - Weymouth Bank Holiday Demo with Fanatic & North

Phil & Danielle from*GetWindsurfing.com*have teamed up with the OTC and will be running a GetWindsurfing coaching weekend in Weymouth and Portland Harbour.
This is the perfect opportunity to get some top quality coaching at a fantastic location this summer.
More details on this awesome coaching weekend below.

Where:*Weymouth & Portland Harbour at the OTC (Official Test Centre)
When:*20th & 21st*July
Who:*Intermediate & Advanced windsurfers.
How much:**Only*£75 for one day!
or
£100 for Saturday & Sunday!
What you’re getting.
-Professional GetWindsurf coaching with Phil Richards & Danielle Lucas.
-Video feedback sessions. See yourself on the water & compare your technique with others.
-Safety cover
-Use of the Olympic Sailing Academy facilities
-Trial of the latest windsurf equipment with the OTC.
About the OTC
The OTC provides the unique opportunity to try and compare the boards and sails from all the major windsurfing brands, just as the equipment’s designers*would have wished them to be used. This means that all the sails are rigged on their desired high carbon-content mast, and the boards maintained to the*highest standard, racked by brand for easy distinction. There will be in excess of 85 boards and 100 sails stocked in the centre, providing more than enough to*go round for beginner, intermediate and expert sailors, even when the centre is running at capacity.
Can I bring my own equipment?
Yes of course you can!!
If you have your own equipment we recommend that you bring it along. Its always nice to use your own stuff and this weekend will be a perfect opportunity to ask the experts on rigging and tuning.
About the location
Flat water windsurfing arenas don’t come much better than Portland Harbour. It has some of the*best wind statistics*of the south coast of England,*is accessible in*all wind directions and tide states, and can cater for*all abilities, from the complete beginner to the seasoned speed fanatic or*freestyle maestro. The legacy of Weymouth Speed Week – one of the longest running annual windsurfing competitions in the world, is testament to*just how special a stretch of water Portland Harbour is for windsurfing. The location that has it all, making*windsurfing applicable for everyone.
The other stuff…….
Weymouth and Portland have a great deal to shout about, from the*only World Heritage Coastline in the UK*with breath-taking coastal paths, to vast*sheltered family beaches … and a whole host of activities to keep the most energetic visitor coming back for more. A short trip from London,*Portland Harbour played host to the*sailing classes of the 2012 Olympic Games, and is sure to provide a lasting legacy for the area for many years*to come.
About Your Coaches.
Phil Richards.
Phil has been coaching windsurfers for over 12 years. Coaching and training for many seasons in the UK as well as some of the best wind & wave locations*abroad.
Phil coaches all abilities from beginners experiencing their first time on the water to the highly advanced windsurfers looking to improve their gybes through to*learning the latest freestyle and wave techniques.
2011 and 2012 has seen Phil participate in both PWA and UKWA competitions, giving great experience riding alongside the best windsurfers in the world, as*well as a hunger *to continue to push his coaching & sailing to very best level.
Danielle Lucas.
Danielle began windsurfing in 2005, fast-tracking to instructor level and being lucky enough to spend her first teaching season in windy Egypt. *Since then*Danielle has taken her windsurfing to the UK and further afield including Tobago, Cape Town, Morocco, Greece and multiple Egyptian locations bringing her*personal and coaching levels to the highest standards.
Danielle also competed in the PWA and UKWA freestyle events during 2011 and 2012, UK Ladies Freestyle Champion and ranked 7th PWA Ladies Freestyle!
The GetWindsurfing Coaching Style.
Phil & Danielle deliver a friendly, relaxed & encouraging experience for windsurfers developed through years of dedicated work on the water.
With use of their vast experience and modern coaching techniques, you will soon be rapidly progressing and looking to push your windsurfing to new highs.
There will be lots of visual feedback sessions through the use of detailed video and photographic analysis, allowing you to compare your style and technique*with others and letting you see what you are doing right and wrong on the water.
Sounds amazing, I’m so keen! How do I secure a place?
Send a email to*getwindsurfing@gmail.com*to book your place and find out hot to pay you’re deposit.





Read the full article - GetWindsurfing Mega Weekend in Weymouth!!!

Simon Crowther shares his best shots from each day at the BWA in Ireland.
Day One…
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Read the full article - BWA Ireland Galleries

Photographer Simon Crowther has been busy snapping away, catching the riders off guard in Wales. Here’s the best from the day and night time shenanigans at BWA Rhosneigr.
The Hawaiian themed Saturday night party….
2013-05-Rhos-BWA-04102013-05-Rhos-BWA-04082013-05-Rhos-BWA-04042013-05-Rhos-BWA-03822013-05-Rhos-BWA-03482013-05-Rhos-BWA-03752013-05-Rhos-BWA-03772013-05-Rhos-BWA-03812013-05-Rhos-BWA-03212013-05-Rhos-BWA-03002013-05-Rhos-BWA-02942013-05-Rhos-BWA-02852013-05-Rhos-BWA-02772013-05-Rhos-BWA-02692013-05-Rhos-BWA-02542013-05-Rhos-BWA-02522013-05-Rhos-BWA-01752013-05-Rhos-BWA-02272013-05-Rhos-BWA-02362013-05-Rhos-BWA-02432013-05-Rhos-BWA-01672013-05-Rhos-BWA-01652013-05-Rhos-BWA-0164And the best tosser is…
2013-05-Rhos-BWA-01222013-05-Rhos-BWA-01212013-05-Rhos-BWA-01112013-05-Rhos-BWA-01072013-05-Rhos-BWA-00962013-05-Rhos-BWA-00912013-05-Rhos-BWA-00902013-05-Rhos-BWA-00872013-05-Rhos-BWA-00822013-05-Rhos-BWA-00732013-05-Rhos-BWA-00642013-05-Rhos-BWA-00552013-05-Rhos-BWA-00392013-05-Rhos-BWA-0036

Read the full article - BWA Wales: Galleries..Tossing, Partying and Posing

The first day in Ireland kicked off with some competition for the pros in tricky, light conditions. They are down to the final four, whilst the other fleets are yet to get any heats in the bag. Check out all the action from the first day of competition here.*
Skippers meeting will take place at 10am this morning, conditions are looking as predicted, a little lighter but with a bit more ground swell running. Today looks like there is a small chance of competition, but we could be looking at some surfing or SUPing action instead of windsurfing. However, you never know with Ireland, there’s always the potential of the west coast delivering!



Read the full article - Reporting Live from BWA Ireland: Day Two

Sailors and organisers have made their way over to the emerald isle, after a windless Rhosneigr hoping that the wind and waves will show themselves this week. Pros, women, amateurs, masters and youths will battle it out over the week for the first event win of the season.
This morning the wind is blowing a little, but the waves are yet to come through. As some had to travel overnight the morning briefing will be at 10am followed by *skippers meeting and then the competition could potentially get going this afternoon or evening.
Boards will keep you up to date with all the action right here.


Read the full article - Reporting Live from BWA Ireland: Day One

A fantastic night was had by all and now a few sore heads are surfacing in Rhosneigr. Unfortunately the conditions today are looking very light, so it is doubtful that any competition will take place today. All still have their fingers crossed, but we could be looking at no action until all the competitors reach the West of Ireland.
Boards will keep you updated to any changes through the day, keep your eyes peeled!



Read the full article - Reporting Live from BWA Rhosniegr: Day Three

Sportif have been sending families on windsurfing holidays for over 30 years. With a choice of 50+ destinations they can offer a beach holidays to suit all ages, tastes and budgets. Choose from private self catering villas and apartments in Spain or the Greek Islands with pools just minutes from the centre, all inclusive family hotels with kid’s clubs or luxury spa hotels. They have hotels with family rooms, connecting rooms and suites. There are hotels with free kid’s clubs and activities for teenagers to keep them busy* with range of dining facilities from buffet to private fine dining.* Sportif organise car hire or private transfers, so you’re not waiting around for everyone to arrive. Their ‘meet and greet’ service means you’ll be met at the airport with any visas taken care of and smooth your journey, so you’ll feel you’re holiday has already started as soon as you arrive.
Here are some of Sportif’s best picks for the summer with early booking offers available now for October half term and Christmas getaways:
If you’re wanting to introduce or progress your children’s windsurfing, Sportif recommend heading to a resort that has shallow water conditions such as Dahab or Safaga or in the Red Sea,* Alacati in Turkey. Rosas on the Spanish Costa Brava offers a mix of culture, superb dining options and many activities.*All of the centres offer children specific equipment and classes by age and there are family discounted packages for rental and instruction.
The Dahab Hilton

Dahab – Red Sea
If you stay at the 4* Hilton Resort directly on Dahab Bay, the* shallow water sailing area is conveniently in front of the hotel. The lagoon is protected by a sand spit so even the youngest windsurfers can enjoy their lessons in complete safety. Lessons are organised with a maximum of 4 children (6-11 years) specifically for children with ‘kiddy’ and junior rigs.
There is also access to the whole of Baby Bay and fantastic slalom and freestyle conditions for intermediate and advanced windsurfers, The centre is right on the beach in front of the hotel with sun beds, beach bar and restaurant and pool conveniently next door. Also on the bay you can waterski, wakeboard or go scuba diving or book a Bedouin dinners. Sportif recommend a boat trip to the Blue Hole, snorkel on the amazing circular reef and see the free divers.

Family windsurfing in Safaga

Safaga – Red Sea
Safaga is an excellent choice in the southern Red Sea offering all inclusive and multi sport options for windsurfing, kitesurfing, SUP and diving. Choose from 3, 4 or 5* Hotels with centres and sailing directly off the beach. The Red Sea offers perfect weather – sunshine, warm water and, from now to October, at least 70% of windy days.* Safaga has a sheltered, shallow water area which is ideal for lessons and range of other activies from the centre including SUP paddle boarding, kitesurfing, snorkelling, diving plus camel rides galore!
Discounts are given for a combination of rental equipment and instruction for 2 sports.* Prices for a 1 week holiday at the 3* Sham Hotel all inclusive in Safaga starts at £499 including flights and transfer.
Culture and Cuisine
For the perfect mix of windsurfing, culture and cuisine, head to Alacati on the Turkish Riviera* or Rosas on the Costa Brava in Northern Spain . Both offer family friendly hotels or self catering accommodation
Alacati windsurf action

Alacati – Turkey
Alacati in Turkey is another PWA slalom location but also has very family friendly windsurfing facilities, quality hotel accommodation and great range of things to do and choice of restaurants to keep everyone happy.
Alacati Bay is almost landlocked making it super safe, with shallow water areas and super flat water. In the morning the winds are usually light, making it easy for even the smallest windsurfers to progress. The centre has chill out areas for relaxing, swimming off the beach, volleyball, fitness, WiFi and buzzing atmosphere at the waterside restaurants.
The small 5* Solto Hotel is around 10 minutes walk from the centre with a main and children’s pool, restaurant , pool bar, spa and a la carte dining. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi into Alacati town just 10 minutes away to explore the cobbled streets, browse the markets and enjoy a range of restaurants from traditional Turkish to Pizza, BBQ and steak houses to top of the range fine dining. When off the water, you can explore the local historic sites of Ephesus, Pamukkale, Troy, Assos with hot mud springs, local vineyards and markets to sample the best olive oils and local produce. Or just chill out by the pool and have a relaxing massage.

Golf de Rosas

Golf de Rosas – Spain
This PWA slalom venue also offers a great summer holiday spot with conditions to suit all levels, from flat to choppy* and very family friendly. The centre is set on the superb, 7km long sandy beach of Rosas with busy schedule of kids lessons for windsurfing all summer long.* There are 60% carbon Radz skinny masts in all junior sails up to 4.7m² and North sails from 1.0 to 4.7 m² – super light kit to make it easier!
When not on the water you can relax on the beach or explore some of the many attraction of the surround area including the Dali museum at Figueres or the Roman Ruins at Empuries. There are also great cycling routes around the pretty countryside or in the nearby Pyrenees and water parks.
Sportif offer a choice of self catering apartments and Catalan farmhouses or boutique hotel accommodation with spa, a la carte dining.* If you are a family with small or older children, self catering gives great flexibility when you need it, helps with the budget and then you can go out an sample some of the mouth watering menu a the many local bodegas and tapas bars. Delicious!
Sportif Family Packages:
Alacati, Turkey – Half Term Summer Holiday Family Specials
1 week at the 5* Solto Spa Hotel for a family of 4 starts at £699pp Half Board including flights and transfers in May half term where 1 child under 6 years goes FREE and 7-12 year old HALF PRICE.
7 nights in July starts at £759pp and 10 nights in August from £929pp.
Dahab, Red Sea – Family Specials
1 week at the 4* Hilton Hotel for a family of 4 starts at £799pp BB including flights and transfers
In May half term Sportif are offering* the following:
May Half Term Special Offer – Family of 4 Total Price £3,149.
4* Hilton Hotel – including return flights & transfers (2 adults, 2 children under 12)
Dep: 26 May 7 nights BB – 1 Bedroom Suite. Adults from £999pp, Child from £575pp
Dep: July* 14 nights BB** – 1 Bedroom Suite. Total Price £3,999
Dep: August 14 nights BB** – 1 Bedroom Suite. Total Price £3,999
Golf de Rosas, Spain – Summer Holiday Family Specials
1 week at the Boutique Catalan Farmhouse for four sharing a self catering apartment with pool with onsite restaurant and bar. 7 nights self catering including flights from £449pp in June, July from £475 and August from £649 and September from £419pp.* 2 weeks in June from £679pp.
Junior Instruction: *Prices start at £70 for 3 hours starter/refresher training including equipment or book a week’s course 5 hours. 1 hour per day recommended for younger children 11 and under so a week’s course would be £95 including all equipment. For older children, 12 to 16 years, choose from a 3 day (6 hour) course from £95 or 5 day (10 hour) course from £145, again including all equipment and a maximum of 6 students.
Surfing and SUP Paddleboard Instruction packages from £30 for 2 hour taster to £85 for a 6 hour course including all equipment.
Family Rental Discounts:
Adult Windsurf or Kitesurf Rental 1 week from £175pp.
Adult Rental – 4 out of 7 days from £130 or 10 out of 14 days from £240.
Kids and Youngsters – for children 50% discount on rental rate (6-15 years)
Double usuage – 1 adult and 1 child the child is free (6-15 years)
To book or for more information contact Sportif on +(0)1273 844919 or email info@sportif.travel
All Sportif holidays are fully ATOL protected and offer packages with and without flights.
Next time Boards will look at yet more family friendly locations that offer the total package for your windsurfing needs!



Read the full article - Family Friendly Windsurf Holidays with Sportif

The second day has dawned in North Wales and the pro competitors are joined by strong fleets of amateurs, women, masters and youths for the first stage of the BWA tour. Sailors are busy preparing for the competition, but so far the conditions are yet to play ball.
However, Boards will still be bringing you lots of news and latest info.
Below, you can check out the Simmer Frugal, which is their new wave board focussed on giving performance in less than perfect conditions. This is the 77litre, which has 5 fin boxes so you can choose your fin configuration; note the length, it’s only 2010 long!
The Tabou Da Curve also has 5 fin boxes, this one is 86 litre and it’s a completely new shape, it has a flatter rocker, is faster but still turns well. Thomas Traversa has been involved with the development and it will be available in September.
Tabou 3STabou 3STabou 3SSimmer FrugalSimmer FrugalSimmer Frugal

Read the full article - Reporting Live From BWA Rhosneigr: Day Two

Friday 17th May marks the first day of BWA competition in 2013. The first day is for the Pros only, with the amateurs, women, youths and masters joining the competition tomorrow.
Boards will be reporting Live from Rhosneigr, and Ireland, over the coming week so stay tuned for weather updates, live heat by heat ticker, photos direct from the event site and much much more.
Who will triumph in 2013?
Phil Horrocks in Chile Ben Proffitt. Image credit Colin Leonhardt www.windsurfingaustralia.com Jamie Hancock John Skye sam neal BWA Ireland. Image courtesy Tim Smith/BWA Chris Murray Andy Bubble Chambers backie sunset by Line Wittrup Timo Mullen ross_williams_wave_PWA


Read the full article - Reporting Live from BWA Rhosneigr

Straight after the BWA in Rhosneigr, Wales this weekend many competitors will hop across the Irish Sea for a whole week of competition on the West coast of Ireland. Brandon Bay and Spillanes host the event again in 2013, with the event running from the 20th to 24th of May. It’s sure to be a fun filled week both on and off the water, with the promise of epic conditions and a pint or two of the black stuff.
BWA on mass to Ireland with Stena Line!

If you’re thinking of making a last minute decision to head over to Brandon Bay for the competition, we have two words of advice: DO. IT. Stena Line ferries very generously offer a fantastic deal for all BWA competitors, so get in touch with Jim – jim@puravidaboardriders.co.uk 02920711946 / 07970420998 – to book your spot now.
Check out more about Stena Line and more of their great deals here.


Read the full article - Boards at the BWA: Last Minute Call for Ireland!

Turfdog, the on land windsurfing/skating machine, has gone from strength to strength since being developed by British windsurfers a good few years ago. The Turfdog is a great way to practice your skills on land, especially when there’s not that much wind around, or you don’t fancy getting your feet wet! Here you can get on board with great use of a K4 back mount…



Read the full article - Turfdog + K4 Backmount = …