Windsurfer of the year - last stretch

The voting for this years UKWA windsurfer of the year is well underway. The nominees from all aspects of our sport are once again well represented and being supported by there fans, friends and family.

Its early day’s with over a month to go before the voting closes and the winner is crowned. The current position of the runners and riders is close and every vote from you the general public counts.

So with a month to go the positions of the nominees were:

1. Jenna Gibson (Slalom)
2. Adam Lewis (Wave)
3. Finn Hawkins (Racing)
4. Nic Hibdige (Freestyle)

If you are undecided who to vote for, we asked the nominees for a few words on what it meant to be nominated and why they think you should vote for them. This is what they had to say.

In no particular order

Q: What do you think about being nominated? 

Adam Lewis

It’s really an honour, when you see the names of the WOTY nominees its just amazing to be considered. To podium at a PWA world cup, UK champ and then to be nominated is just ace, I'm chuffed.

Jim Crossley

I was stunned to be nominated to represent the speed category for the third time!  I am so happy just to be in the running for this award. 

Nic Hibdige

I am very happy to be nominated for windsurfer of the year for the 2nd time in my career. It’s an honour to be up there representing UK freestyle.

Jenna Gibson

It’s an honour to be nominated for windsurfer of the year. I have been voting for WOTY for about 6 years but I never expected my name to come up!

Finn Hawkins

I’m very happy and honoured to be nominated for the Windsurfer of the Year award, there are so many great names on this trophy and it would round off a fantastic year.

Q: Why do you think people should vote for you?

Adam Lewis

Well good question, I think any of the sailors are really deserving of the vote. I guess if people did want to vote for me I’d hope its because they think I try my best to do a good job as an ambassador for UK windsurfing internationally and above all in competition and of course I'm a nice bloke, haha. 

Jim Crossley

Each year I have been speed sailing I try to push to be faster than before.  This year I have again achieved that with a full set of PB's in the region of 1.5knots faster than 2017. Each year these gains become harder to achieve so I'm working to improve equipment and setup.   I was British GPS Champion with a 47.77knot 250m at West Kirby.  In Namibia I reached a peak speed of 53.26knots with a 500m of 50.36knots, working out as an official measured 49.63knots. This year I know I can push harder and would love to take those numbers higher.  This award would mean a lot to me and I'd love to see speed sailing achievements recognized overall.  Your vote would be appreciated.  

Nic Hidbidge

2018 has been a great year for me, making some top 10 results in international competition. This has been a goal of mine for the past few years and has now lit the fire to go further in competition! I think people should vote for who ever they feel deserves it, as the other nominees are more than worthy themselves. 

Jenna Gibson

Having had my first taste of slalom in 2015, but then having some time off, this was my first year of really pushing hard in my racing. I was so fortunate to be able to compete at so many races on the international circuit where I exceeded all my personal goals, and even came away with a senior and a youth world title. 2018 will definitely be a year I will try to replicate in years to come.

Finn Hawkins

This year I have podiumed at the 2018 RYA Youth Nationals, U17 RSX Worlds in France, U17 Techno293 Worlds in Latvia, 5th in the RSX Europeans in Poland and 5th in the Techno 293 championships in Athens and my windsurfing highlight for 2018 was to win a Bronze Medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aries.  I’ve been swapping between Techno293 7.8 and 8.5 and then onto the RSX, with the qualification for the Youth Olympics, my parents have made an extreme effort for me this year carting me around the world and I know every trophy I win goes a little way in showing their commitment and dedication has been worth it, thanks mum and dad.  I would be delighted if you would vote for me, it’s a special award and one that I would be honoured to win.

If you haven’t voted yet or you want to support the candidate from your discipline, please share, like and vote.