It’s time to decide who will be the windsurfer of the year. “But how on earth do we decide? So much has been happening!” I hear you cry, well that’s right, so the UKWA bods have been hard at work, furiously whittling down the contenders into four mighty qualifiers to make it that bit easier for you. So where do we go from here? Well, the deal is that you guys get to put your two pennies worth in and decide just who, out of the prodigal sailors displayed on this humble page, will receive the accolade of being UKWA Windsurfer of the Year.

Robby Swift

Robby’s success and rise through the PWA ranks has been well documented, however after two foot injuries that necessitated a long period of absence from sailing and training, it has been in 2008 that Robby’s made his come back on the world tour. Scooping a surprise fourth place in Cape Verde, Robby’s transition from freestyle to slalom has not been easy, however he’s stuck at it and currently lies in 5th place overall in the PWA Wave Championship.

Ross Williams

Never one to seize the limelight, Ross Williams has been thrust into it this year after a stunning series of international results. Competing solidly in the PWA wave tour, he pulled a 15th out of the bag at Cape Verde and has climbed irresistibly up the slalom ladder, from 16th in Costa Brava, posting a 4th and 5th in the Canaries, to reaching the podium and 3rd place in the last slalom event at Alacati. Lest you forget, a consistent formula competitor, Ross is also European Formula Champion 2008…

Farrel O’Shea

Legendary Simmer importer and speed sailor, Farrel boasts that he was on the water when the 20knot barrier was broken and few doubt that he’ll still be on the water when the 50knot barrier becomes history. After Dave White held the UK National Speed Record for twelve years, it was in 2008 that Farrel struck back to post 44.34knots and seize the record for himself.

Andy ‘Bubble’ Chambers

Only 25 years old, Andy ‘Bubble’ Chambers has steadily been building up his freestyle repertoire working for Club Vass and sailing at some of the best freestyle locations in the world. Despite the level of freestyle having rocketed this year once more, Bubble has managed to keep up, carry on learning and post a 10th in the PWA Freestyle competition in Fuerteventura. Still young and fast learning, he may yet end this season on even more of a high.

Voting

I know! I know! It’s a tough one and before you ask, Bryony won last year’s award, preventing her from being nominated this year. The three ways in which you can vote are

1. call the Windsurf number: 01993 811181 and post your vote with Sarah
2. email sarah@windsurf.co.uk
3. Vote online, coming soon.

Please only one vote per person, voting closes at the end of October and the winner will be announced at the UKWA ball in November. The honour will be bestowed on the winner by none other than last years winner and bronze medallist: Bryony Shaw.