UKWA Slalom round
1
19/04/04
Last weekend saw the UKWA visit my local beach of Hayling Island with the first
round of the UKWA Slalom series. The forecast looked like there would be no
wind on Saturday and nice and windy Sunday - so I made the decision to spend
Saturday cathing up with my wife and dog after registering for the event. While
we were walking in the New Forrest I noticed that the wind had appeared to pick
up - uh oh and I later discovered that 3 rounds of slalom had taken place on
Saturday afternoon. D'oh.
The wind then increased to gale force over night - so I hit the beach at 7am
the next morning and scored 45 minutes on my 5.0 Boxer and 250 Supercross in
some small but classic Hayling waves before the wind died completely.
During the afternoon the wind picked up sufficiently to cause a rigging frenzy
and get us all out on the water - a chance to recover from my position of last
place! Unfortunately the wind was not consistent enough and didn't behave to
give us any more rounds and a couple of fun races were held.
I spent the afternoon on kit that I had never sailed before - a 7.0 Stealth
and a Titan medium - and had a great time going fast! Plus I got to try out
the Hybrid 110 - which is awesome - a real unique riding experience and super
quick - I am looking forward to getting out on it again!
So the first round of the Slalom competition ended with Dan Ellis in second
place and Aaron Williams taking 1st in an excellently run and exciting event.
Shame I was not there for all of it!