Ben Page reports from the second round of the Student Windsurfing Assocation wave series.
With the country rebounding from storm Doris, students across the land set off for North Wales and the fourth Bangor Rhos Ness Monster; the second event in the Puravida SWA Wave Series. The event was a huge success with fantastic attendance from the length and breadth of the country.

Saturday morning dawned to reveal a stiff breeze tickling the tops of the leftover storm swell rolling into the bay at Rhosneigr. With two wave rides to count, the sailors hit the water to do battle with the Rhoss Ness Monster. Conditions were tricky, but four sailors stood out to claim their places in the final. George Norcott of Plymouth, Ben Bulson of Bristol, Sara Kellett of UWE and Shaun Ashmore of Manchester. With the tide pushing in and the wind building, the final produced the best conditions of the whole contest. With gaps between sets, wave selection was crucial to scoring well. It was Sara Kellett who took the early lead, picking off a solid set wave. Milking it for all the speed she could, laying down some really nice powerful turns. Despite George, Ben and Shaun giving it their best, none could match the former ladies national champion and when she backed up her strong first wave with a second, she secured her first place. The battle for second was a close affair with Ben Bulson and George Norcott tied on points. Thanks to his higher single wave score it was George who came out on top to take second place. Shaun Ashmore completed the top four. Commiserations to Charlie Williams, who was tragically struck down by an unknown illness in his heat. Fortunately he went on to make a full recovery, after drinking some water and having a little lie down.

Tired from their day on the water, everybody returned to the bright lights of Bangor and the legendary SWA fancy dress party. The students celebrated their victories, drank away their losses and toasted the ‘Celebs that couldn’t make the party’.

The next morning the students returned to Rhosneigr. Winds were light, so the day started with a waveboard chat from Jim Brooks-Dowsett of Puravida. After absorbing much useful knowledge, everybody rounded out the weekend on SUPs and surfboards, lapping up the last of the swell.

Final results were:
1 Sara Kellett (UWE/Starboard/Severne)
2 George Norcott (Plymouth)
3 Ben Bulson (Bristol)
4 Shaun Ashmore (Manchester)
=5 Adam Palmer (Exeter)
=5 Matt Duffin (Bristol)
=7 John Humphries (Imperial)
=7 Louis Coy (Sheffield)
=7 Alex Page (Sheffield)
=10 Jane Paddison (Liverpool)
=10 Charlie Williams (Plymouth)

At this stage in the year Sara Kellett is holding first place overall, with George Norcott second and Ben Bulson third. With 2.5 points between the top two, George would have to win the next event and Sara finish third or worse in order for him to steal the title.

The final event of the Puravida SWA Wave Series will take place in Cardiff on 3-5th March. With potential locations across South Wales, this one is set to be a cracker. Tickets will be on sale soon. Be sure to buy yours early, as Bangor sold out well in advance.

Particular thanks are due to Dave Horrocks and Varcity Living for providing emergency accommodation for us. Bangor Rhos Ness Monster was supported by Funsport and Varcity Living. Thanks to judges Steve Laddiman and Ben Page, beach crew diva Ollie Shotton, safety crew and sponsor Jim Brooks-Dowsett as well as photographers Ollie Laddiman and Nigel Treacy. The SWA would like to thank Bangor Uni windsurfing club for hosting such a fantastic event.

The Puravida SWA Wave Series is supported by Puravida Boardriders and ION accessories.