The shape of the beach seemed to be the worst thing, with the slight curve and shallow areas trapping you in. If you sailed over the river and did a big tack out you were fine, but if you tried to stay in front of the judges and save time, you never seemed to make any ground upwind. Standing around between heats you’d soon seize up, so a pair of boots and a ‘Dryrobe’ was a good idea. It’s super important to know what’s going on and what you need to do by checking the notice board. This was one of my failings in Cornwall. My trips to the notice board seemed to slide when there were friends you’ve not seen for months to talk to, dogs to throw balls for and some rad windsurfing to watch.
The last time I asked the judges what they are looking for was about 20 years ago, another of my failings in Cornwall! I knew having the two freestyle rippers (Andy Bubble Chambers and Nic Hibdige) in my heat would be a tough ask and when all I managed was some freestyle swimming after my kit I knew that was game over. A big stalled forward from Andy and a big stomped backie from Nic were pretty impressive given the bolt onshoreness in which I could barely get off the beach! For me winning an event is a tad optimistic against the real pros but it’s great to be in the mix now and then. The craic is always epic so it’s a good weekend without fail.
“ After the Cornwall event I have a whole new respect for the guys competing in Sylt!. ”
