New To Paddlesurfing?

Posted on by Emile Kott

The first thing that you may have noticed is that being a new sport, no one has actually fixed a name for it. You may see it called SUP, SUPing, stand up paddling, stand up paddle surfing, paddlesurfing, paddleboarding, stand up paddleboarding: it’s all the same thing!


I want to have a go

There are a number of places in the UK to try paddlesurfing. It is a great idea to start with a lesson that will take you through the basics of the sport. It is important to learn at a BSUPA recognized club. A course include:
• Where and how to stand on the board

• How to hold the paddle
• Safety
• How to turn around
• How to paddle

A great place to start is at X-Train, West Wittering. We offer a Learn to Paddlesurf Course covering everything mentioned above. It lasts 2 hours and costs £45. We provide all the equipment, including a hot shower and tea / coffee. All you need to bring is a towel! X-Train is run by Simon Bassett who is a BSUPA head coach. As well as running paddlesurf courses, X-Train trains BSUPA instructors.

Why Paddlesurf in West Wittering

West Wittering is one of the most scenic beaches on the South Coast. Placed right next to the mouth of Chichester Harbour, it offers stunning views across to Hayling Island and is the only beach with white, soft, clean sand for miles around!
West Wittering is ideal for learning to SUP. The sandbars create tidal lagoons so that complete novices can go through the basics of the sport without having to worry about waves throwing them off the stand up board.
Chichester Harbour was designed to be explored by paddleboard. It is probably one of the most relaxing things you can do in the area. The peacefulness from the water really does make you wonder if you are in fact in the UK!

Once you have progressed past the basics and are ready to catch some waves, the sandbars in West Wittering once again can come in handy. At high tide, when there is a decent swell, the sandbars provide perfect paddleboard waves that are ideal for getting to grips with basic riding and turning.

Why is everyone taking up Paddleboarding?
Most importantly, paddlesurfing is not anywhere near as condition dependent as other sports. For windsurfing and kitesurfing you need wind, for surfing you need waves, but paddlesurfing can be done in flat water, waves, wind or no wind. This means that it lends itself very well to the UK’s changeable weather conditions!

The boards are fairly large and so it’s easy to learn the basics without taking too many dunkings. Also, the large size makes it easy to catch very small waves – once again, perfect for the UK!

Paddlesurfing gets you very fit. The paddling motion gives you a great core workout – when you come in after a long session, you can definitely feel it, and let’s face it, it’s a lot more fun than going to the Gym!

You don’t need much equipment: 1 board, 1 paddle, 1 wetsuit, done! Compare that to windsurfing: board, sail, mast , boom, extension, base, harness, wetsuit, not to mention lots of rope, footstraps etc…. This keeps paddleboarding affordable.

What size board do I need to start?

It helps to start on a fairly large board (around 12 foot) – the 11’0 NSP at £425 for instance is a great choice. Don’t think for a second that these large boards don’t perform – the shaping makes them very agile in the biggest of waves!
What paddle should I get?
Full carbon paddles like the Kialoa shaka pu’u are great. They are very stiff, light and offer a lot of performance to your paddling. However, you can save quite a lot of money when you start if you go for an alloy paddle like an Ainsworth paddle at £55.

X-Train, RRD and F-One Wave Kite Demo (Saturday 29th May)

Posted on by Emile Kott

If we have more than 15mph of wind, this Saturday, 29th May, we will run a Wave Kiting demo at West Wittering between 3 and 6pm.

Neal Gent (RRD and 2XS Team Rider) will be at West Wittering offering free demos of the new RRD Religion wave kite.

We will also have RRD Obsession and Passion kites and RRD Placebo, Venom, Fatal Wave and Poison boards for everyone to try.

We will also have a Bandit and Surf from F-One to try out

Please note that due to insurance reasons, you must be a member of WWWC to kitesurf at West Wittering.

Simon Bassett’s Maui Trip 2010

Posted on by Emile Kott

Going to Maui is always a good plan it’s windsurfing mecca. In late march we all went for our pilgrimage to the No1 windsurfing spot in the world.
Having had little windsurfing in the UK before we left, we arrived to find the hammer was fully down on the wind front for the full 4 week trip.

We stayed on the beach at Camp One between Sprecks and Kanaha with friends Frank, Sandra, Alex and Georgia. A place as perfect as it gets to windsurf, lay about on the beach and to go swimming or snorkelling.

Alex(12 years old) was ripping out on the water

We had planned to stay for three weeks and had wind and waves nearly every day – the day we were leaving the volcano erupted in Iceland and our flights were cancelled and guess what? We had an extra week accompanied by even more wind and swell… How inconvenient!

United Airlines were epic in sorting out our flight problems – my buddy Ray Mcgee United UK and Jeff Tarpey in Maui really helped us out.

Maui is full of the best surfers, windsurfers, kiters and paddlesurfers on the planet. In the “Antonys” coffee shop in Paia the stars of our sport queue up for their caffeine fix like the rest of us -it may be Laird, Pete Volwater, Antoine Albeau or Pete Cabrinha sat on the next table.

On the water it was quiet compared with our last visit 2 years ago – so each day we would see the pros in action on the 2011 gear shooting for next years brochures . Skye boy, Timo and Finn Mullen, Jamie Hancock, Phil Horricks, Swifty and Richie Page were all out there ripping alongside the usual Maui
locals.

Dave White, the new editor for Boards was out there at the same time, working hard. Here you can see him enjoying an “apres work massage” after going for double forwards at Hookipa! He was joined by Nicky Boy and Pamela, who were on their honeymoon, sharing a pad with Dave White and Paul Griffiths from Boards Mag!

Whitey, as always is full of enthusiasm for windsurfing and was constantly emailing or dropping in to drag everyone out on the water. He tried to drag me out at Ho’okipa but I bottled it although he did manage to drag me up to the Quattro shop to order a custom quad!

When we were at the factory, I had a really good chat to Francisco and Lalo Goya, as well as Keith Taboul. On the last day at Sprecks, I had the chance to sail with Francisco – there were only 3 of us out at the time and it seemed like sailing with a few buddies at Wittering, with the exception of the odd Goya 40ft backloop thrown in for good measure.

We were given some tickets to the Oxbow VIP Clothing Launch at Maui Neil Pryde store from Shawna (Cropas) and Gus and we were lucky enough to meet up with Laird Hamilton, Jason Polakow and Levi Siver. Great evening, good food and had a chat to Laird about my forthcoming Channel Crossing – he said “You need to watch out for the ferries and tankers!” He also told me it took him 7 hours to complete the crossing!!!

Nik Baker was also in Maui and very kindly let me try out some of the new exciting 2011 kit that he had in the back of his van – the new Fanatic Quad and the North Shox XTR mast extension system – I only had about 30 minutes on the Quad, but really liked it and look forward to getting on the 79 when it comes out in the UK. The new Shox system was amazing at taking the impact of chop out of the rig but I think it definitely suits a slalom/freeride board more than a wave board.

Dave Ezzy left an Ezzy 2011 prototype with me to test – one of the sails he is working on for next season. You can see some sneak preview pics here, you will see the new version on the shelves Jan 2011.

We were not the only Brits “on the rock” – Francis Goodwin, Justin, Jane and all the Goodwin tribe were out to celebrate Francis’ win of the “Golden Ticket” they were accompanied by Grahame and Michelle Pettit, Jack and Jenna who all made the most of the conditions and windsurfed every moment of the
day.

Paul, Nikki and Amy Simmons were on their first trip to Maui and I caught up with Paul at Sprecks a number of times through the trip – he was sailing really well.

Got to get some work done now to save up for the next trip…..

Sneak Peak at 2011 Windsurfing Kit in Maui

Posted on by Emile Kott


Simon has just returned from a windy and wavey holiday in Maui where he got some photos of some of the latest 2011 toys from all the manufacturers!


JP and Neil Pryde
You might think that Pro Windsurfers have the best job in the world. These guys were ready to go at 8am and finished at 6pm every day. Sometimes sailing 3 or 4 beaches to get the best shots. I have to say that they did work extremely hard and it was good to see some British talent (Robby Swift, Phil Horrocks and Andy Chambers) in the waves.

Freestyle: Andy Chambers (K540), Olya Raskina (RUS-14) and Yegor Propretinskiy (RUS 11) sailing the new 2011 JP Freestyle Boards and Neil Pryde Firefly sails at Spreckelsville, Maui:






Wavesailing: Ricardo Campell V111, Kauli Seadi BRA253, Jason Polakow KA1111, Robby Swift K89, Morgan Noireaux HI 101 and Phil Horrocks K303 on the latest 2011 JP Twinsers and quads and Neil Pryde Fly 2011 sails at Camp One and Ho’okipa Beach Park in Maui::















The boys were also checking out the brand new 2011 Neil Pryde Atlas:



Ezzy 2011 Prototyping
Simon met up with Dave Ezzy and tried out the latest Ezzy Wave Panther 2011 prototype:


Naish 2011
Kai Lenny (US 1112) was truly amazing to watch, out-shredding people double his age!

Simon also checked out the new range of SUP boards at the Naish Pro shop in Kahalui:

Fanatic and North 2011
Fanatic have completely changed their look for 2011 and the new North colour schemes look interesting too.
Here is Nayra Alonso, Craig Gurtenbach, Peter Volwater and Nik Baker on the new 2011 Fanatic New Wave Twin and Quad:













Starboard and Severne 2011
Boujma Guilloul M1 and Timo Mullen K69 were out at Ho’okipa riding 2011 Starboard quads and 2011 Severne














Others

Gaastra Manic 2011 with Matt Prichard:

Hot Sails Maui 2011 with Jeff Henderson:

SUP World Record Attempt: Channel Crossing

Posted on by Emile Kott

Simon Bassett, owner of 2XS and X-Train is crossing the English Channel on a paddle board to raise money for Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).
The crossing is from Dover to Calais (dodging the ferries) and is set to be on the day between 18th and 25th June that has the best tide and weather conditions in which to make the 21-mile crossing. The crossing should take around 5 hours and if the paddlers are successful they will be the first ever SUP team to have ever crossed the English Channel.

Simon will be joined by 4 other paddlers: Elliot Dudley (UK longboard champ), who is going for the outright distance world record, his team mate, Matt Argyle (BSUPA chairman and ranked no 2 BSUPA WAVE champ), Jock Patterson (UK BSUPA overall champ) and Claire Blacklock (BSUPA ladies champ). Both relay teams are going for the relay distance record.
They could also potentially break the record for the fastest channel crossing too:

The Guinness World Record™ for crossing the English Channel by  prone paddleboard currently stands at five hours and nine minutes, and was set by US paddler by Michael O’Shaughnessy in 2006.

Simon will be using a 14 ft Bark expedition board with support from www.2xs.co.uk, X-train, Prosport Sunscreen, Dakine, NPX westuits and Kialoa paddles – you will be able to see updates on www.supglobal.com and the 2xs site. Bigsalty.co.uk will also be supporting the crossing.
The event has been put together by SAS with the support of BSUPA, and the paddlers aim to raise at least £10,000 in sponsorship money to support SAS’s campaigns to protect surfers and waveriders, waves and beaches around the UK.

Simon is currently beasting himself with plenty of gym work and a personal trainer. He has also, just returned from Maui, where Laird Hamilton gave him some advice.
Simon:

After my recent trip to maui extented by the volcano and cancelled flights had a month of windsurfing every day and downwinders on a SUP.training for the channel crossing is still on target the new bark 14 ft expedition has just arrived and have been out testing the beast. Have been checking out some fin options for the board to see what the fastest combination will be.
While I was on Maui-Hawaii we met up with Laird Hamilton at the Oxbow clothing launch in Neil Prydes store .We had a chat about the channel
crossing- and he told me he took 7 hours to do the crossing after he ran from london- then cycled to Paris-  his parting comments was to watch out for the tankers and ferries.Laird seems a real nice guy and had plenty of time to talk loads of people at the Oxbow launch in maui.


Da kine have delivered me a whole pile of new sup leashes paddle covers rashies will get the go pro attached to the board soon so look out for the video footage.

Please support Simon’s cause by sponsoring him at his Just Giving page.

BSUPA Round 1 – 15th & 16th May

Posted on by Emile Kott

The 2XS/BSUPA Event – Round 1

First of the UK national series for surf and distance. The event will comprise of a surf event in heat format (subject to surf conditions) and a down wind distance event.

Entry is avaible to all BSUPA members -membership is available on the day.
There will free test paddleboards for newcomers to try. And a chance to see the latest new paddles and paddleboards.

FREE SUP coaching sessions organised by X-Train from Jock Patterson BSUPA 2009 champ, Neal gent 2008 BSUPA surf champion & Simon Bassett BSUPA head Coach.

Competiors please be on the beach by 9am. Entry forms available at BSUPA or click the BSUPA logo below or call 01243 513077 to speak to chris, rosco or simon for more info, or to book a free coaching session.


National Windsurfing Week – 1st-9th May

Posted on by Emile Kott

NATIONAL WINDSURFING WEEK @ 2XS

2XS will be running a host of taster sessions during National Windsurfing Week:

2nd May Sunday
9am -10am session 1-kids only
10am-11am session2 –adults only
11am-12pm session 3-adults only

3rd May Monday Bank holiday
Same as above but starting at 10am though to 1pm 3x1hr sessions

8th May Saturday-9am-12pm same as 2nd May

9th May Sunday -10am-1pm same as 3rd May

Kids sessions should be 7yrs-12yrs with parent, adults from 14yr upwards full details will be released nearer the date

Full details will be released nearer the date. Contact us and mention National Windsurfing Week

2XS RRD EZZY TEST CENTRE -WEST WITTERING

Posted on by Emile Kott

If you fancy turning up to perfect beach set up with all the facilities- rescue, beach webcam, broadband, showers, changing rooms, great coaching and the full rental deal (like you find when you go abroad the 2XS RRD EZZY Test centre in West Wittering is the place to come.


We just have had delivered some of the new 2010 RRD and Ezzy gear for our windsurf test centre on the beach at West Wittering .We have the new RRDS in ltd freestyle waves, x-rides, wave twins, Cults, Evo and Easy riders.We also a have a full stack of RRD kitesurf gear including 2010 Passions, Obsession kites and placebo twin tips. This year we have kids boards from Fanatic and sails Hotsails Maui we also have some 2010 Fanatic New waves single fins on test. On the sail front we have 3.7 to 6.3 wave panther 2 and 7.5 Ezzy free rides.All our sails have all Ezzy carbon skinny’s and the 2010 Chinook booms and bases. We also have a full rack of Dakine harness on site as well surfboard from NSP, SUPS from Drops Gong and NSP.

West Wittering Windsurf Club opens from the begining of March until 30 October and is manned 7 days per week -membership is available for windsurfing and kitesurfing which starts from £260 for annual membership. We have a full hire package so you can switch between windsurf ,SUP and Kite surf gear all for £510 on top of your membership and you can use this every day through the season .We have a beach web so you can check the weather tides wave heights and temps here. The club has great facilities including showers changing rooms ,free tea and coffee ,broadband we have jet ski rescue and beach has lifeguard cover in the summer .West Wittering is also blue flag beach so the water quality is good.

X-train our tuition centre based at the club has been running for more than 10 years we are a full RYA,BKSA and BSUPA school and we teach windsurfing from 5 years upwards to advanced coaching ,we teach kitesurfing from 12 upwards to advanced levels ,as well as surfing and SUP where we were the first centre to paddle surfing on the south coast .We offer courses ,private lessons ,clinics and video coaching -we run a very successful kids program called Rippers from 5 upwards and have RYA Team 15 and the RYA Onboard school program for this season .We also work with top coaches including- Jem Hall ,Pete Hart ,Jim Collis ,Jock Patterson ,Andy Gratwick ,Neal Gent ,Emile Kott and Jamie Hawkins.

If you need to buy gear, the online warehouse is near by – so beach deliveries are easy to arrange and we stock all the small spares at the windsurf club.

The privately owned beach has been is very rural with a sandy beach and grassy car park ,cafe -great for all the family and has superb condition from waves at high tide and flat water chest deep lagoons at low tide .Car parking is cheaper than a day in Poole or day in most town centre car parks.
For more information please contact Simon Bassett or Chris rainbow on 01243 513077 or check out the website or email sales@2xs.co.uk