ENCORE
Now it was time for the much anticipated jump ramp, all I can say is rather them than me. Earlier in the morning the girls had their first practice and you could tell by their ashen faced look they were all petrified at the prospect. Flying down the pool for a freestyle move or to race is tricky enough but throw in trying to steer towards a solid hunk of metal and plastic knowing if you miss, (a) its going to smash your board and (b) it could result in a serious injury, and that is a far more daunting prospect. In the morning session, Sarah Quita, was first down the ramp, she badly timed her run up, smashed straight into the slot and flew over the handlebars. Luckily she survived unscathed, but that was enough for her. Justyna Sniady and Arrianne Aukes were next up and both chose to avoid the ramp completely at the last second. Courage gradually built and after a few nervy straight jumps, Amanda Beenen threw down the first forward. Now the bar had been set, Justyna, Lena Erdil and Arrianne started to charge and despite a few close shaves, nobody was hurt!
“ This shows how cool windsurfing can be, colours, radical action and a stadium with over 20,000 people watching ! ’’ Ricardo Campello