Freestyle 1 Report

 The first event of the all new British Freestyle Tour was held at Branksome Dene Chine, Poole last Saturday & Sunday. Full report from Trevor;

Photos by Michelle Roche Photos

UKWA FREESTYLE TOUR 2010.

Event 1. Branksome Dene, Poole, 5/6 June.

A small but keen entry for the first Freestyle Tour event of the 2010 season met me at Branksome Dene for my return to event organization. We were alongside the JP/Pryde Slalom and the two disciplines fitted together well.

Saturday was as bad for us as for the slalom guys, standing around chatting in and out of the rain with a very light northeasterly, it wasn't interesting anyone at all in going out to do any spinning.

Sunday dawned brighter and breezier and the youths and juniors showed their enthusiasm by being first on the water for an expression session.

As the wind filled a little more we managed to run a full round of freestyle for all fleets. The wind was on and off but some very good skills were shown by the sailors, with both planing and non planing moves going down.

The first Pro with an excellent performance was Adam Sims, Al Bentley did well in second and Sam Neal was a creditable third in conditions that really didn't suit him at all.

1st Amateur & 1st Youth showing great potential was Alex Mitchell, 2nd Amateur was Nick Bentley, 3rd Amateur & 1^st Junior was Oscar Carmichael. The only lady was Maeli Cherel who battled hard against serious male competition.

Thanks must go to JP/Pryde and Animal for their support and some nice prizes, also to the UKWA beach and boat crews for all their hard work.

It's really good to be back, meeting many old friends and making many new ones. Let's see a lot more freestylers on the water for the next UKWA Tour Event at Hunstanton on July 10/11.

For all Youth and Junior's, don't forget the European Freestyle Kids Tour Event with classes for all age groups at Hove on 5/6 June.

Trevor Funnell.