Frosty SUP Session – 24 February 2013

Posted on by Emile Kott

We’ve had a couple of very decent SUP session at West Wittering over the weekend – small swell, 10 secs, off shore winds and a half meter swell.

The sand banks at West Wittering beach are throwing up some great surf, loads of peaks mainly lefts but plenty of rights. The sand bars were reeling just before and after high tide – Berties Reef was ripping outer banks were starting to work as well as the Hayling Bar.

This makes the multi million pound Boscome reef look like a farce ours is all natural and cost nothing! Holly, Matt ,Adrian West, James myself and Tez all made the most of a very cold session -sea temp was hovering 4 degrees c and air temp 1 with a nasty wind chill.Have to say we all managed a couple of hours in the water –took a while for the feet to thaw out. Luckily hots showers at West Wittering Windsurf club and few cups of tea made the morning feel perfect. Pics of Matt ,Holly, Tez taken by Simon Bassett –who stood in freezing offshore wind on the beach …

Simons’ Review of the new Ezzy 2013 Legacy Sail

Posted on by Emile Kott
Ezzy Legacy 5.2 – 2013 Sail Test

I tested the new Ezzy Legacy last weekend in El Medano Tenerfife – firstly it was great to get back into a shorty and sail in air temperatures of 24c in full sunshine, it ensured leaving the 3 degree UK air temp was no hardship!

The Ezzy 2013 Legacy is Ezzy’s first take on a price point orientated sail, though first impressions I definately wouldn’t put it into this category but knowing Dave Ezzy well it didn’t surprise me. He’s not a man to cut corners on performance and quality just to save a few dollars, he’s even been able to keep the look sharp with clean graphics for a cool looking sail.
With a profile and dimensions which appear to be similar to that of the Panther 3 / Tiger, you’d easily mistake the Legacy as a flagship model if you’re coming to Ezzy from some another brand.

With time on my hands I took the unusual task of reading the instructions before rigging on the recommended Ezzy RDM mast, rigging the sail using the wind setting dots on the leach of the sail as my guide I found it very easy to tune the downhaul even though the Legacy comes with a pulley less D-ring.

Popping on a boom and setting the outhaul to the recommended max for a super windy El Medano (4.2 – 4.5 weather) I noted the omission of setting marks in the boom cut out area, and no built in mast pad. Looking closely there’s a new lighter luff material and a difference in the amount of seaming in the sail, a little less batten reinforcement compared to the Elites and Tigers and no neoprene piece by the head cap.(You can buy the extra mast pad, pulleys for the Ezzy legacy if you want them )

On the water the vision through the Legacy is incredible, the translucent see through nature gives a full 360 view of the water .I really liked the forward and solid centre of effort, no pulling or moving in the gusts -the sail is very stable and it felt good to be back on a 5 batten sail.

Cost savings normally hit performance first yet I’m not only surprised but happy to report that Dave Ezzy has been able to produce the sail without effecting your performance on the water.

The 5.2 Legacy felt good wave riding, stable, smooth and easy to de power yet, was spot on when you switched the power back on.

So good was the performance, shut your eye’s and it would be fairly hard to decide if you’re on a Legacy or Tiger!

If you want to test a Ezzy Tiger, Elite or Legacy call the UK Ezzy test centre on 01243 513077 or contact Simon and book it in simon@2xs.co.uk.

Ezzy owners are used to wind range and the Legacy continues that trend, if the wind drops reduce the downhaul, tune the outhaul and the Legacy will have you heading out for a second session.
I’ve yet to test the bigger sails but if the 5.2 is anything to by then I look forward to a few light days.
So with the 5.2 Tiger costing £505.00 compared to £375.00 for the 5.2 Legacy Dave Ezzy has produced something special for the wallet on a budget, and as that’s not saving enough, you can reduce the number of masts you need to rig the range.

You can BUY the sail here

See the Ezzy Legacy on the Ezzy website here

Gear used Ezzy 5.2 Legacy, 400 Ezzy RDM mast, Streamlined carbon boom, Streamlined carbon extension and RRD 83 cult quad.

Pics and test by Simon Bassett 2XS/X-train

Go Pro Pics taken with Carbon Mast Mount>>..

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