Back in July after an immense month in Tenerife I started my University placement year at NewVoiceMedia in Basingstoke and relocated to Hamble.

One of the main perks of the job is that weekends are always free. As a result Josh and I have sailed some new spots (for us) along the South coast including Poole, Kimmeridge, HillHead, Netley, West Wittering and Hayling.

These places have had a lot to offer and I have never lived so close to a windsurfing spot (the sea is 2 minutes’ walk from the house!).

The waves in Cornwall have also been calling so we have made a few 3 day weekend trips down to Gwithian, finding a really well priced and great apartment super close to the beach (www.gwithianholidays.com). At the end of September, it was a bolt Easterly forecast so we headed for a session at Praa sands. The waves were pretty intimidating; head high and closing out extremely quickly, but I headed out on my new 4m rock, managing to scare myself silly on a few waves!

However, it was great fun and certainly pushed my limits! The main learning point I took away from that session was that it is often not as bad or intimidating as it looks and after the first big wash all is fine!

Aussie Kiss

Last weekend saw the long anticipated, annual student event – Aussie Kiss 13! Now in my second year as marketing manager for the SWA, I was in charge of organising all sponsors, clinics etc for the event. We had a great turn out and the sun even shone on occasion.

Unfortunately the weekend clashed with the BWA, so I was not able to compete at Gwithian. However, I couldn’t resist getting out for a wavesail on Sunday, so we left Bude with the Cardiff guys on Sunday morning to head to Daymer Bay. It was full power 3.7 weather (for me) when we arrived. Annoyingly I didn’t pack my 3.3m, so was stuck with a 4m which meant some very high jumps and overpowered wave riding. The sets were coming in nicely though and there was a decent period in between. After lunch it dropped off slightly, and allowed for a few hours of awesome conditions. I felt like my wavesailing was progressing for the first time in ages and we were all loving it!

We have booked another four day trip to Gwithian this weekend, so hoping to make the most of the wind, waves and mild (ish) temperatures!! It would be great to get some more use of the go-pro and start manning up a bit more on the forward front!

I am also looking forward to trying out some new waves boards over the next few months as my 2011 Evo is in need of an update!

See you on the water!

Jo

Authors: jowright