my blog

Sutsu

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:53:23 +0100

I’m pleased to say that I have a new sponsor, and that is Sutsu!!!

Sutsu is a UK based clothing brand with sound ecological foundations. I’m really chuffed to be on board as they not only produce don clothing, but are also a slick, grassroots company with cool people behind it.

I’m looking forward to wearing the gear and like to thank the guys at Sutsu for their help and support!

www.sutsu.com

Eastbourne Extreme '09

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:26:48 +0100

Well, I was there helping Brian from Gun Sails UK and chilling at another sunny, windy event.

Great atmosphere, loads going on and a nice local event for people around Eastbourne.

Really happy to now have young Charlie Holman on the UK Gun team, his sailing is improving daily and a great edition to the Gun team. We are hoping to bring young talented individuals to the UK Gun team and Charlie is the perfect example of the youthful enthusiasm that windsurfing and Gun sails needs.

Charlie is also a pretty skilled drummer, these boys were playing at the eastbourne event and were easily the best band of the weekend. Check them out HERE and HERE

Current UK Champion

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 11:22:28 +0100

Well, things have gone pretty well results wise!

After the first 2 wave events of the year I finished 1st and 2nd which leaves me ranked no.1 overall. I’m unbelievable happy with this as they were good events, both with howling winds and decent swell. The picture above is from the Ireland prize giving, I was all Hollywood and turned up late but was forced to read the gayest possible speech as my punishment! I look like a man who is not totally convinced by his prize giving speech!! I think I might have broken records for the speed of reading what was put on that sheet.

Ireland was also a real success as I had been unable to sail, through torn ligaments in my right knee, for the 2 months before the event. Luckily I got out to there early on a good forecast and scored some great days.

Now I am back at home and working with Umi finishing a project for Kauli Seadi. I’m hoping that its going to be finished asap then i’ll be moving onto a film for Alex Mussolini and friends. I’m fully into the video editing and its great to work with friends on projects that are good for windsurfing and to be able to be creative. From September time onwards we will be filming a UK and Ireland based film, this will be Umi’s first directed film and is looking really promising at the moment. Its pretty obvious that you have to create your own exposure in this sport. The UK and Ireland are incredible places for windsurfing and only get a slice of the recognition it deserves. The magazines don’t seem to fully appreciate what the UK can offer. I mean, 2 pages covering 2 of the best UK wave events in years, come on. It’s wasn’t only the best events for conditions but for the numbers involved, including amatuers and the younger guys, some even came back from the Canaries to attend the events. Everyone puts in a lot of effort to go to these events and its certainly not for the prize money.

Anyway, I will have more news soon and will be spending the Summer in the UK for now and look forward to September to spend some more time on the water.

Fingers crossed for more wind soon!!

Where to start

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 11:37:47 +0100

Well, it has been a very long time since my last update!!!!

I have basically been ridiculously busy over the last 6 months. I spent some time in Cape Town over the winter months and unfortunatley wasn’t able to update anything as everything was on my home computer and stupidly forgot to take the file that I needed to update the site from my laptop, complicating and boring.

Anyway, had some great days windsurfing and all my new kit has been working really well.

I have mostly been working with a friend of mine with Umi Pictures. I have been editing some projects which you will see very soon!!!! There have been some web clips released over the internet by Umi as tasters for what is to come.

I got some great shots whilst in Cape Town from Liz Metcalf who is ‘THE’ Cape Town photographer. There is also an article in Boardseeker at the moment from my time in Cape Town which is pretty cool.

I’m going to be heading to Ireland soon for the first UK competition and have a list as long as my arm with deadlines to meet. I will be uploading a couple of Umi teasers to my video page soon, so check back.

Oh yea, checks out umi’s website designed by my friend James Cox. Loads of great images and info on there;

www.umipictures.com

All pictures from Liz Metcalf from;

www.capesessions.com

I’d also like to thanks all my sponsors for their continued help especially now while the economy is tightening up.

Cornish dream weekend

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:54:49 +0000

Last weekend had to be the best UK’s windsurfing I have had for a very long time.

The forecasts were always good for swell but the wind had too much westerly all up until the Thursday night where it began to show signs of more southerly, ideal for cornwall. So 11.30p.m I call everyone I know to share a lift down to the south west , luckily Chris Murray was keen.

Friday morn we left at 6.30 and got there in time for some good waves but light winds. I managed to get a couple of waves but put my fin through my wetsuit.

Saturday and Sunday was perfection. Plenty of waves, lots of wind and my kit was insane!!!

Monday night we decided to head to Ringstead for a sail first thing Tuesday. We had Simon Crowther on hand taking photos and we met up with James Cox and Brendan Pyatt. Brendan was once again filming for the UK dvd.

Basically we made the perfect call, wall to wall sunshine, 4.2m weather and head high waves breaking on one of the south coasts only and best reefs. We have some great shots that will be going in the mags and joy footage. It was great being at the beach for the sunrise with every minute getting brighter we could see how good it was.

Can’t show anything on here but everything will be coming out soon!!

Thanks to Simon and Brendan for trusting our call and coming up with the goods.

Photos,

Classic Gwithian
Pics from ‘The Bluff’
“”

Tiree Wave Classic

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:15:42 +0100

I have just got back home from spending near on a month on the Isle of Tiree. And what a month it was. The conditions delivered the goods and sailed pretty much everyday.

Apologize for not updating sooner but Tiree is a pretty remote place and I was a bit shut off from the outside world.

The competition went ok for me, finishing in 5th place but I had hoped to do better. In the single elimination I made it to the last 4 with John Skye, Phil Horrocks and Ben Proffitt. My first heat was against Phil to decide who goes to the winners final and losers final. I had an ok heat and thought I had it but the heat went to Phil by 0.5 so it was off to the losers final against Ben. Unfortunately went all out and didn’t get the decent wave scores and Ben was ripping so that was that, 4th place.

The double elimination was held at Balephuil and I had another close heat with James Cox who was on fire making his way up through the heats. Again it was close, we had identical scores from the judges. Head judge Duncan gave it to me, Mark Hosegood gave it to Coxy and Steve King had it as equal so they took the highest wave score which gave the heat to Coxy. Despite ending in 5th position I still had a good heat and enjoyed the sailing in the fun conditions.

The best part of the trip was getting to grips with my new boards. They are helping me to improve my wave riding and got me thinking a lot more about style and technique and is starting to make a difference.

Congrats to Skyeboy who clearly deserved the 2008 title.

Photos courtesy of JC and Boardseeker;

1 + 2. Balevullin Aerial
Ben Balephuil Aerial
My semi final heat

Fat Face Event + New Customs

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:31:08 +0100

Just got my new ’09 boards and they look incredible. Have 2 customs and a production for the ’09 season. I have got 2 twin fin shapes by Keith in 65 and 74 litres along with a 72 single production board.

A week or so ago I was at the Hayling Island night windsurf event which was great fun and decent to see soo many people at an event. I think there were about 1000 spectators throughout the event and they weren’t disappointed. With the 6ft shore dump and over 300 competitors, there was carnage everywhere. The wind was strong enough throughout the day time to have a good sail with a few waves and still enough to run the night event. Great party after too.

At the moment I am waiting to leave any minute up to Tiree as soon as the forecasts come together, which looks like this weekend.

Photos courtesy of Fat Face

Night Windsurfing
Guy getting punished (not Guy Cribb, that was later)
The daytime Hayling crowds
New Boards

Summer Wind and Waves

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:50:27 +0100

The last couple of weeks have been none stop. There have been great UK low pressure’s pumping in some swell along with the strong winds. Even so that it was worth a trip down to the South West for some down the line business.

Gwithian was 4.0m, side shore wind and a rising swell, peaking at mast high in the afternoon. Had a great session in the morning for a few hours then as the day went on the waves got a little messy so we moved up wind to the bluff. It was smaller there and a little more off shore, great for wave riding. As the tide was low, they were closing out a bit but good for aerials, but as the tide was coming in they lost a bit of ‘punch’ but great for longer rides. I think we timed it perfectly and sailed til we dropped. Thanks to Murray from Zero Gravity for driving and great to see all the cornish guys ripping.

From there we came back and I sailed locally at west witterings. Nik and Ant Baker were there with Pearchy so sailed with those guys for a bit.

Managed to get some decent mast mount shots with JC which will hopefully feature in a Windsurf mag soon. Also got a cover story in the Portsmouth news about myself and the UK’s Wavejam events. Got a good shot on the front cover in but they made some blunders with some of the others shots. Can’t show it yet though incase JC’s shots are used in mags.

Photos courtesy of Alan Williams;

1. The Bluff
Jack ripping
Shiny
KA 1111
Me
Andy King

Summer Joy

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:50:33 +0100

The south coast has been classic the last weekend and the next 2 days are looking even better.

I sailed at Witterings Saturday and over in Eastbourne on Sunday. It was great to see so many people on the water and getting the weather we all deserve.

I’m going to be heading over to Bournemouth today to go sailing with a few chums and perhaps a little further west for the Wednesday. It is absolutely howling outside right now with the sun shining, just waiting for the swell to pick up later. I have a plan to do some filming the next couple of days with my camera and make a short video again but it doesn’t always work out that way. No doubt Brendan will be on hand filming in HD for his UK DVD if not so nothing should be missed.

Can’t wait

Another New Movie

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 03:12:58 +0100

I have put together a short movie from some old and new footage of myself.

I have just got Final Cut Express so it was good to put it to the test. The song is by Kula Shaker and works pretty well. Oh yes, and if you would like to sponsor me then all support is welcome!!! enjoy

New Podcast Loaded

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:51:09 +0100

It has been a while but have loaded a new podcast. Its from Jack Hunt and is from his last winter in New Zealand. Jack and I have been sailing together for years and have had many epic sessions, here are some of his....

It is an 18 minute video so it may take a while to load, probably best to load it as a podcast

Eastbourne Extreme

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:01:32 +0100

Last weekend I made my way to the Eastbourne Extreme event. It is alamost a local event there for me as I am usually there once a week when in the UK. The shores were packed all day along with it being warm and windy.

There was a strong junior fleet and a couple of youths at the freewave event and plenty of racing fleets, most complaining saying it was ‘too windy.’ The freewave guys were ripping and I helped out by judging for the day. I was really impressed by the standard, not by my level of judging, there was too much going on everywhere.

It was sunny all day with 20 - 25 knot side shore winds, although pretty gusty. I managed to get a sail late in the day with Trevor Funnell which was good fun and long overdue.

It was a great showcase for windsurfing with everyone getting on the water. I think with better organisation and plenty of luck with the weather, we will see a very strong junior side to the sport. I hope my advice helps the guys at the weekend and land those moves at the next event!!!

http://www.theargus.co.uk/whatson/events/weekendevents/3216283.Eastbourne_Extreme__Eastbourne_Seafront__July_19_20/

Ireland

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 10:55:05 +0100

Well for the last 2 weeks I have spent a lot of time on the road and have hardly stopped. 10 of those days were spent in Brandon Bay, Ireland. The forecast was looking really good and for the summer you got to take what you can get. It is a lot of travelling to get to brandon bay but always worth it.

Simon was ready to fly over to get some pics and Brendan was trying to get alex and thomas over before the Pozo began. Unfortunately the conditions never became ‘epic’ but still got on the water everyday and great to be back in Brandon Bay and in Spillane’s after a good session.

I have just got back home and have been sailing almost everyday again. Sunday had 60 people at Pagham which was a bit manic, but fun. All the new kit has been working great, everything is feeling good and can’t wait for the coming comps.

I did get a little footage from Ireland but not too much in the way of windsurfing, mainly as there were 2 of us and the conditions were very on / off. Maybe able to put something together.

All in all its been great to get on the water again and have had some good days training, also have been making a few taka’s.

Summer Time Missions

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:13:40 +0100

Well its been a difficult time in the UK to get some time on the water. With that in mind I have been looking to do a trip with Phil Horrocks, Brendan Pyatt and Simon Crowther anywhere there is wind, UK or abroad.

Easier said than done. Firstly, when Simon realizes his passport has run out of date, it rules out anywhere overseas. So then plan B. Well, maybe not. Not when Simon’s van then explodes.

With no photographer and travelling on forecasts that aren’t really happening it is becoming almost impossible to get on the water.

But the next two days could be different. There is a low coming over and I plan to sail til my arms fall off.

JC has called the Isle of Wight while he is back from his PWA duties. Hopefully it will come together and will head over there. The IOW can get some good waves and JC knows it like the back of his hand.

Will hopefully get some good days in!!!

Pic : Niton, 2007 - Simon Crowther

Not A Sausage

Tue, 27 May 2008 12:48:35 +0100

Unfortunately being back in the UK usually equals no windsurfing and that has been no exception in May.

I haven’t managed to get on the water since returning from Maui which is a nightmare, especially with all the new gear to try out.

I have just come back from being in Cornwall for 2 weeks hoping to get some wind and waves but no luck.

I am planning on heading over to Ireland or Scotland for some summer sailing but the forecasts are not even happening there. Fingers crossed for something soon!!

Back Home, Great Trip

Tue, 6 May 2008 08:37:44 +0100

I have finally made it back home after a really good month in Maui.

It was a bit stressful on the last day when Martin broke his ankle in 2 places just hours before supposedly getting on his flight home. A total disaster, we ended up having to leave him in Maui. It worked out ok for him though as he stayed in a $900 a night hotel and got a first class ticket all the way home courtesy of his insurance.

For me, I am now a Quatro team rider, it was great to meet all the Quatro guys and now represent the brand. The boards really are something else and those guys seriously know their stuff. Really happy to be on board!!!

I have just arrived back to the UK’s National Windsurfing Week. A great opportunity to promote the sport and get on the water. Unfortunately there isn’t a breath of wind but I’m sure that won’t stop people trying. I am hoping to do something with the local newspaper if nothing has been issued to do with windsurfing.

Will be heading to Rhoseneigr this weekend for my first UK competition of the year, fingers crossed for the wind!!!

Maui On Fire

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:01:46 +0100

Apologise for not putting something in sooner but for good reasons!!!

Maui has been firing on all cylinders with strong winds and good waves. I have been out sailing trying out new boards and sailing til my arms fall off.

Yesterday I organised a photoshoot which went really well and hopefully have some good shots that will reach the mags.

The wind has been coming in for 5 day stints then none for a couple of days. Have been playing football, stand up paddle boarding and surfing. The highlight of the no wind activities has to be the annual mistral vs fanatic game. I joined in the Mistral team and whooped the fanatic boys.

Had some great days of late and have been punishing myself a bit with trying a few doubles etc. Had some heavy crashes but am still in one piece.

Havn’t been very good with the video footage so far as havn’t actually done any as everyone has been sailing. But will hopefully get some before the trip is up and put something together.

Photos - Arthur Lockhart

No Wind So Far, But Looking Good

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:25:09 +0100

Well since I arrived on Maui the wind has decided to go onshore and drop to about 5 knots and pretty much rain everyday.

Not good but was able to sail today and the forecast is really looking up for at least the next week.

Have had a serious case of ‘Maui blues’ but just got to try a new twin fin shape today which I can’t wait to try some more.

Photos -
no wind at beach
mat wemms
bbq night

Made It To Maui

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 17:56:12 +0100

Its always a long journey to Maui but always worth it. I was very lucky to make it though.

When I arrived at Heathrow there were hundreds of stranded United Airlines passengers. 4 out of 12 flights were only going and everyone else had to go home!!! carnage.

Fortunately I slipped through with no excess baggage costs. I am staying at a hostel for a few nights and can’t wait to get on the water. The hostel is decent but on Maui you get a lot of funny people. I arrived to people doing yoga on the driveway.

There’s a good swell on the way, just hope the wind plays its part.

Gwithian Wave Jam

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:40:38 +0100

Last Saturady brought some great conditions to the cornish coast. Plenty of sailors braved the long drive to the wavejam and definately got it good.

It started with me picking up my new kit for london on friday night then to leave home at 5.30 am to make it down to cornwall. It was a great chance to check out my new kit.

It was 3.3m and some really nice waves, great to get a good UK days sailing before shooting off to Maui for some training and to discuss a new possible board sponsor.

Photo - Russ Tetlow