Windsurf MagazinePURAVIDA SWA WAVE SERIES | MARAZION

Ben Page reports:

The winter is coming and that means the time has come for the Puravida SWA Wave Series to go on tour. Competitors travel to the UKs premiere wave sailing destinations in pursuit of glory, both on and off the water.

Plymouth University hosted the finest athletes of the student windsurfing community at the first event of the year; PlymEx. With easterly winds forecast, the beach of Marazion was chosen as the stage for the contest. Light winds on Saturday meant no competition was held, placing the emphasis on Sunday. The sailors arrived promptly at the beach, after all sensibly getting an early night and not going to the pub at any point, at all.

The event was greeted by cross shore 5.0m weather and small waves ideal for port tack jumping. Two waves and one jump were to count. With the ramps being small the forward loop was the weapon of choice for most of the top sailors. Seeing so many loops got the fire burning in a few of the other competitors, there were some ballsy attempts being thrown down in their quest to impress the judges. The most impressive of these and a worthy winner of the best wipeout award, was an effort by Adam Palmer of Exeter Uni. A full speed take-off with plenty of height turned into a feet over head catapult which sent him like a cannonball towards his rig. Fortunately the only thing damaged was his pride and he lived to fight another day.

After the thrills and spills of the semis the final lined up with Sara Kellet of UWE, George Norcott of Plymouth, as well as Bristol boys Louis Morris and Ben Bulson. Conditions were becoming tougher with a drop in the wind, head judge Ian Ross decided to extend the heats to twelve minutes. It was a close battle for third, with George Norcott’s advantage in the air beating Ben Bulson back into fourth. At the top it was a faceoff between the two Severne riders. Both had high scoring forward loops but in the end it was Louis’ ability to carry more speed through his wave rides that carried the day for him. Sara Kellet finished in second. It was an impressive display from all the sailors and overall a very successful event.

It’s all to play for as we go into the New Year and the next event on the SWA Puravida Wave Series at Rhosneigr on the 3-5^th February. Louis Morris will be looking to cement his place at the top to get his hands on the prize of his choice of an ION wetsuit! Tickets will be available through the SWA website as usual. If you missed PlymEx then get involved! See you all there.

The SWA Puravida Wave series would like to thank Duncan Wallace and K38 for the safety cover, Dale and Ian Ross from RB sails and Ben Page for judging and Jan Bowden for taking the photos. A big thanks are also due to Adam Palmer of Exeter and Charlie Williams of Plymouth for helping to organise the party and accommodation end of the event.

The SWA Puravida Wave Series is supported by RB sails, Funsport and ION accessories.

The final results were: