West Wittering Action shots – December 2012

Posted on by Emile Kott

Wow what a December -West Wittering has been kicking off for nearly 10 days in row – Santa definatly delivered this year!!

If you had a chance to get out its been warm, wet and windy – plenty of decent sessions some great wave riding and jumping – some heavy southerly sessions -and supercharged sessions on flat water. Watched a few people taking some proper beatings out the back even had a few myself –great to be out on the water.

Good to see the kite lords getting down early Ross, Ross’ dad, Chris, Adam, Larry, Chris, Paul Rothwell Innes, Barry, Kev, Rich and Tony Philips. Also Mike Black, Mike Stewart, Rick Giddings, Jamie Hawkins, Will Mackie and Stu Holland.

On the windsurfing front – there has been some decent wave riding to be had -Justin, Grahame and Phil seemed to be there every day, the odd showing from Lord Lucan even saw Jonny Wilson out of retirement. I watched James Randall ripping into the lip with some heavy top turns – Paul Simmons has been out all the decent days, good also to catch up with Paul Hatton who escaped the relatives on a decent heavy duty West Wittering day. Tim and Mark Perry have been out a lot Timbo has been tearing a few sails in the process as did Toby on the way out in a big southerly. James Mellor, Martin Edmead, Patrick and Tim Guilland and Mark Twist all have been out there enjoying the festive gales.

If you have any pics then please send them to me and I will add them to the site simon@2xs.co.uk Sorry only took a few its too good out there to stand around taking pics… Lets hope 2013 is windy not so wet season –Happy New year to every one, we hope to see you all on the beach……

2012 BSUPA Paddlesurf Nationals Watergate bay

Posted on by Emile Kott

We took a trip down to Watergate Bay last weekend to compete in the British Stand Paddlesurf Association National for surf and distance. Matt Argyle, Holly, Neal Gent, Emile Kott and I were all entered in the heats. The draw had already been made during the week so it was up to the forecast to deliver the goods. Neal and Emile pulled out before they got to the comp due to injury and illness.

Holly myself and Matt had arrived there Thursday morning as the wind picked up by the end of the day it was 25 knots on shore – we made it out the back for some punishing paddle surfing and not much riding. Friday I had some coaching to do with Gareth Grant again in 25 knots which was not ideal paddlesurfing conditions.

Holly and Matt made it out the back on Friday evening when there was some huge sets rolling in – it was still windy but have to say it was the biggest surf Holly has been out in and she didn’t back off. Matt reckoned he had the biggest hold down in 15 years of surfing!

 Over the comp weekend the conditions on Saturday were tough still very windy with loads of foamy white water and not many gaps between sets – the 20 minute heats were punishing for competitors 19 minutes of paddling out with a very short ride if you were lucky. I had pulled out the comp due to my back but Matt good through 3 heats of 20 minutes and retired out just before the last 3 heats. Holly’s heats were postponed until the Sunday.

There was some very solid paddlesurfers out over the 2 days very impressed with Aaron Rowe who certainly looks set for the No1 spot in the near future, Jim Richardson was really on fire, Defending champion Gareth Grant rode some very impressive waves during the event, Andre the eventual winner was Mr consistent all the way through the event. Matt Smith had an epic heat and was showing some full on power surfing. There is a very high standard of riding at the event making the competition much tougher this year.

On Sunday morning the Battle of the paddle was run in what looked perfect windless surf –Charlie Grey was the eventual winner with Ryan James and Mark “da bull” Slater close on his heels. Holly’s heat with ladies started as the wind picked up again –she was knocked out of the first round and was frustrated with the judging results –but she still managed to be junior national champion so we will see what happens next year.

Good job for Rich Marsh and his team for running the event.

RESULTS: Mens Open Surf
• 1st Andre Le Geyt
• 2nd Jim Richardson
• 3rd Arron Rowe
• 4th Titou Minster
Womens Open Surf
• 1st Maria Buchanan
• 2nd Abigal Barker Smith
• 3rd Kath Jones
• 4th Mi Richardson

Jnr Boys Surf
• 1st Arron Rowe
• 2nd Ollie Laddiman
• 3rd Louie Harrow

Jnr Girls Surf
• 1st Holly Basset

Battle of the Paddle – Men’s 12’6″ Class
• 1st Charlie Grey
• 2nd Ryan James
• 3rd Oliver Shilton

Battle of the Paddle – Mens 14′ Class
• 1st Matt Smith
• 2nd Andrew Peterson
• 3rd Tim Rowe

Battle of the Paddle – Women
• 1st Maria Buchanan
• 2nd Lizzie Bird

Rapanui Wave Expression Session
• 1st Gareth Grant
• 2nd Matt Thomas
• 3rd Will Rogers
• 4th Jim Richardson

2012 Watergate Bay Waterman
• Andre le Geyt

X-Train Autumn Coaching

Posted on by Emile Kott

Although its October we are still busy teaching down at X-train, West Wittering – we are still running kite courses with Phil right the way up to mid November if you would like some extra kitesurf lessons, Chris is also on hand to help with more 1:1 coaching. If you fancy trying a kite surfboard for waveriding Chris is your man to help you with that.
(http://www.x-train.co.uk/tuition/kitesurf-lessons/private-kitesurf-tuition )

James Randall just back from the OTC Tenerife – his waveriding, looping and freestyle is pretty “full on” – if you fancy some 1:1 coaching from carve gybing to forward loops or to tune up your wave riding he is available.
(http://www.x-train.co.uk/tuition/windsurfing-courses-lessons/private-lessons )

Simon will be taking paddlesurfing courses through the next few months – if you would like an introduction to waves, or just a paddlesurf lesson – give us a call. Alternatively if you would like to become a paddlesurf instructor then we have courses on over the next month.
(http://www.x-train.co.uk/tuition/surf-sup/waveriding-advanced-sup & http://www.x-train.co.uk/tuition/instructors/sup-instructor )

Sam Ross and Jamie Drummond are running the popular Rippers Freestyle Wave Camp over the weekend of 27/28 October – James Randall will be assisting. Should be a great course – check out last years action – we still have places available.
(http://www.2xs.co.uk/news/article.asp?newsid=235)








2012 Demo Kit Up For Grabs

Posted on by Emile Kott

We are busy putting together the Demo Kit Sale List for all the 2012 Kit we have down at the beach at West Wittering.

To reserve an item we need a 30% deposit now and you can collect your new “toy” at the end of October when we shut down.

Sails:

Ezzy Wave Tiger 3.7m (x2) £275
Ezzy Wave Tiger 4.2m (x2) £285
Ezzy Wave Tiger 4.7m (x2) £295
Ezzy Wave Tiger 5.2m (x2) £305
Ezzy Wave Tiger 5.8m (x2) £315
Ezzy Wave Tiger 6.3m (x2) £325
Ezzy Cheetah 7m £350

Boards:
RRD FSW 96 Ltd £929
RRD FSW 90 Ltd £929
RRD FSW 84 Ltd £915
RRD Firestorm 138 Ltd £1049
RRD Firemove 110 Ltd £949
RRD Firemove 100 Ltd £899

SUPS:
RRD 11′ Wassup 2011 £499
RRD 11′ Wassup 2012 £550
Fanatic All Wave 8’10 2012 £599
Fanatic All Wave 9’2 2012 £625
Nah Skwell 9’7 2011 £600
Drops 8’6 2012 £699

Booms:
Chinook 135-197 Pro 1 Alloy Wave Boom 2012 (x8) £99
Chinook 150-212 Pro 1 Alloy Slalom Boom 2012 (x1) £99

Kiteboards:
RRD Asso Pigliatuttu 2012 £450
RRD Style 41 2012 £499

There is more to follow – masts from Ezzy, kites from RRD will be posted up next week.

Either call Chris at the beach on 01243 513077 or Jane at the Office on 01243 512552

Demo Frenzy this week @ West Wittering

Posted on by Emile Kott

Laylo Goya will be coming to West Wittering today, Monday 10 September with the 2013 Goya boards ,Goya 2013 sails and Quattro boards we have wind so if you fancy coming down for a test drive please let us know –we will also have the latest Goya range of of quads, thrusters and freestyle models plus the new Banzaii.   If want to organise a demo please call Simon 0774 775 8883 – we are expecting him midday at the beach .

On Weds this week- Dave White will be turning up with the new 2013 RRD cult range plus RRD sails – we have here the new Ezzy Elite’s again if you fancy a test drive please call me 0774 775 8883

Chris and I will be on the beach so see you there –we will also be having a Dan Sweeny RRD kite demo and Chris Martin from Cabrinha and Nik Baker from North Fanatic. ..

X-Train Rippers Freestyle Camp – Sat 27th Sun 28th October @ West Wittering

Posted on by Emile Kott

X-Train Rippers Freestyle Camp – Sat 27th Sun 28th October @ West Wittering

We are happy to announce the Freestyle X-train Rippers Camp will be running for its second year.

The WWWC beach venue offers one of the UKs best flat-water freestyle locations at low tide and then a fantastic wave spot at high tide. This weekend has been selected to get the most out of the tides and so should offer the best and greatest range of conditions for aspiring freestylers and wave sailors alike.
Between Sam Ross and Jamie Drummond they bring a host of experience with almost 2 decades of windsurfing coaching between them as well as competing and judging on the PWA world tour, instructor training and UK titles between them. Trevor Funnell and Julian Duvall will also be on hand on Sunday –with practical advice on competing in the UKWA freestyle tour.
X-Train also has additional equipment to help young sailors make the most out of the weekend as well as showers, kitchen, changing facilities and rescue cover on this exclusive piece of the south coast.

 
 
  
 
Last years camp was a great success with 17 young rippers enrolled all improving hugely over the weekend and a full wave and freestyle competition to finish. Read our new story from last years wave camp.

As far as minimum ability level you need to be planning in the foot straps we will divide groups up into their ability levels –please call us if you are unsure.
Check out the video online:

Booking: Please call 01243 513077 or drop us an email at info@x-train.co.uk.

Prices are £120 for the 2 days which includes a free Rippers Tee-shirt. If you need hire gear we can offer a 50% discount of our day rate. Sups and surfboards will be provided free if required.
Camp enrollment instructions are below.

Itinerary
Saturday
9:00-9:30- arrive Rig and Register
9:30-10:00- Goals, Groups and team warm up
10-13:00- Tacking transitions
13:00-14:00- Lunch
14:00-14:30- Getting into waves, getting out, getting in and what happens when you’re out there
15:00- 16:30- Taking off and tearing it up, getting airborne and wave sailing
17:00- end of day one plan for the following day
Sunday
9:00- Rig and ready for action.
9:30- 12:00- Putting your heat together, nailing the moves you’ve been working on and putting them together for best effect.
12:00-12:30- competition briefing
12:30-13:15 – Lunch
13:15- Competition time
16:00- Prize giving
Sailing Instructions:

This two day camp is aimed at Kids and teens who are already blasting around on boards of around 100ltrs and below on all points of sails.
Sam and Jamie will split the group according to ability but both groups will have the same overall aim. To dramatically push and improve these young sailors in a coastal environment over the weekend and have loads of fun.
The groups will be looking at a range of things from sailing on the sea more confidently, carving gybes, duck gybes and jumping. Too popping for freestyle moves forwards and all modern freestyle maneuvers.
With or without wind this camp is aimed at improving these young ripper’s all round waterman ship and so will be looking at knowledge, skills and etiquette within the coastal environment.
Surf, Paddlesurfing and Wind supping are all tools that the camp will make use depending on what the conditions are most appropriate for.
Sailors will need the following:

1. Windsurfing equipment appropriate for the conditions i.e.: a board around 100 ltrs or less appropriate for the conditions found at the coast. Larger boards will be available as part of the camp and small freestyle and wave boards are available for hire through X-train.

2. Warm Wetsuit

3. Plenty of warm and waterproof clothing.

4. Snacks, water, food and lunch.

5. Trainers for warm ups

Destination: Baja, Punta San Carlos, Mexico

Posted on by Emile Kott

Frank and Alex McKirgan returned recently from Baja Mexico from the perfect father and son windsurf trip to Punta San Carlos with Solosports. This place is a great wave sailing destination, and also good for surfing kiting and mountain biking.

Frank and Alex (14) joined Matt Pritchard on one of his wave sailing camps and then the second week the American Wave Sailing Tour in Punta San Carlos (Alex has been windsurfing since he was 5 years old and started out on one of our X-train rippers west Wittering)

You can see by the pics this was a epic trip; not only the master coach himself, Matt Pritchard, but also for legends of the sport including: Brazinho, Grahame Ezzy, Wyatt Miller, the king of Ho’okipa Levi Silver, Kevin Pritchard, Keith Taboul (Quattro) and Bernd Roediger.

Alex took some good beatings in mast high waves in the first week which unfortunately took him off the water with a suspected fractured arm – luckily after a quick flight back to San Diego all was good.

First look: RRD Cult Wave 2013

Posted on by Emile Kott

2013 RRD Cult Quad LTD at 2XS
Just had delivered the first in country 2013 75 RRD Cult quad ltd to the RRD test centre at West Wittering. Looks very different to the previous model – on first impression it is lighter, has a new fin set – (ultra fin style – more upright), a new outline – narrower rails and much thinner in overall thickness than previous cults. The new RRD cult Ltd 2013 has a flatter rocker line with more vee into a double concave and a narrow pintail.

You will notice each model is wider this season (approx 1 cm) so the concept here is thinner overall thickness for improved handling and early planning and a more surfboard thinner rail style for better grip and control.

Specs are as follows for 2013 models:
RRD Cult Wave Quad Ltd 75 Litres: 229×57, 83Ltrs X 230 X 57
RRD Cult Wave Quad Ltd 92 Litres: 231 X 61,100 litres 233 X 62

You notice the contest line is now called the LTD and is made in the super light contest construction. The RRP on these are £1650 and delivery is 15th September for the 92l, 75l, and 100l and then the 83l will be arriving 30th September.

If you need any more info please send me an email simon@2xs.co.uk

We looking forward to testing this board over the weekend as it look like it will be windy – call Chris @ the windsurf club on 01243 513077 to book your test ride.