The UKWA is a dedicated Association, which promotes recreational and competitive windsurfing across the UK. The benefits of membership are numerous, from the free insurance to the opportunity to compete with and make new friends with fellow members. The UKWA operates right across the disciplines, Slalom, Wave, Freestyle, Speed and Course Racing. It boasts a voluntary team of skilled Administrators, Race Officials and Safety Crews dedicated to the sport of windsurfing. However, its greatest asset is the members: friendly, helpful and perhaps competitive, but always with the time to advise and welcome newcomers.

2010 will see the formation of a new Slalom group. The BSA, British Slalom Association, will run under the umbrella of the UKWA, its aim being to further develop the already successful concept of ‘full-on’ Slalom Racing whilst including the simplest format of racing: ‘off-the-beach’, out to a buoy and back. JP/Pryde, Starboard/Tushingham and Fanatic/North will come together to run events and promote the Series. The UKWA will also continue to support and encourage the Regional Slalom groups who have done so much to promote Slalom as a fun and easily accessible discipline.

Freestyle will see a welcome relaunch in 2010. Four exciting events are planned which will welcome the Pros as well as the Amateurs. Beginning in May, with the final event in September, the Freestyle Tour is well and truly back. Once again we will be amazed by the spectacular array of tricks and manoeuvres demonstrated close to shore by the Freestyle experts. This spectator-friendly discipline is open to all and, with a little practice, many sailors will be amazed at how quickly they can pick up the basic moves from the ever-helpful Pros.

A highlight of the year will be Weymouth Speed Week. Many UKWA competitors take a week’s holiday every October and make the annual trip to Speed Week. The flat water in Portland Harbour and strong winds blowing in over Chesil Beach attract many top International sailors who compete for ‘top speed’ of the day and of the week. Perhaps its greatest attraction is that anyone can take part, with any kit; and just perhaps that lucky gust propels you along the speed strip quicker than anyone else and straight to the top of the rankings.

The highly prestigious British Wave Title will be awarded by the BWA (British Wavesailing Association). The BWA remains under the umbrella of the UKWA, but this new development will see an enhanced Series with new initiatives for 2010, supported by both the UKWA and the BWA. Wave sailing will continue to amaze the recreational sailor. The skills demonstrated by the Pros make Wave sailing the most spectacular, photogenic and spectator pleasing of the all the disciplines. Whilst the Pro Fleet will amaze, the Amateur Fleet is open to all; and a sure way to improve your skills is to mix with and learn new tricks from the top UK and International competitors.

Course Racing will continue to be the backbone of the Association. Working closely with the RYA and Class Associations the UKWA will continue to put on the best Course Racing events available. Five Inland events will decide the National Inland Champion. Run by the Regions, our Junior fleets & classes are especially welcome. The Coastal Cup Series will have a further five events, plus the RYA Youth & Masters/UKWA British Open. This year will see the re-introduction of the UK leg of The North Sea Cup, attracting Techno sailors from across the continent. During 2009 we saw a doubling of the Raceboard fleet, further expansion of the RYA pathway classes, Techno and particularly RS:X; whilst, for spectacular excitement, the Formula Fleet continues to excel. Course Racing continues to prosper across the regions, welcoming newcomers and experienced sailors alike.

2009 saw some outstanding achievements by British sailors. Many World and European Champions have been crowned. As we get closer to 2012 pressure will grow for the two places, one male and one female, for the honour to represent our sport at the Olympics. However, the UKWA welcomes all participants, regardless of ability, age or chosen discipline. Thank you again for joining us, if you require any help or further information please contact us or keep an eye on this website for up-to-date information.

Bob Ingram – Acting Chairman