The South West (North) RYA Team15 junior windsurfing series got under way at Cheddar Reservoir on Saturday, with four teams from Somerset and Gloucestershire taking part. Almost 40 competitors aged 10 to 15 arrived to for the first event of the season.
The home team, the Axbridge Animals fielded a large number of
enthusiastic entrants; so many that they exceeded the maximum team size of fifteen and entered as two teams, 'Axbridge Animals A' and 'Axbridge Animals B', causing some entertaining local rivalry.
Hampered by a lack of wind, the event started with paddling races while the competitors waited for some power. Inevitably, the wind arrived just as they were tucking into a huge supply of hotdogs from the barbeque and a stack of sticky buns at lunchtime.
In the afternoon, a short course was set for the more experienced
windsurfers and a race was completed. Meanwhile, a simple course was set for a number of beginners who had come along, some of them having only windsurfed a few times. One of them, Jessica Rycroft, was awarded a special merit trophy for overcoming her nervousness and entering an event so early in her windsurfing career.
Once the scores were compiled, the Axbridge Animals B team, led by Rosie Hodgson of Blackford, won by a single point over the Croft Farm Flyers team from Gloucestershire.
T15 provides youngsters, up to the age of 15, with the opportunity to learn all about windsurfing and windsurf racing in a friendly club environment.
The weekly training sessions are run at RYA approved centres and clubs with RYA trained instructors and T15 coaches. All safety aspects are taken care of and equipment is provided.
Kids benefit from a great social scene as well as learning a new skill. If you fancy giving T15 a go or would like more information check out the website by clicking on the link above.
T15 thanks sponsors Neilson, Tushingham/Starboard, Ultra Sport/Bic and Windsurf magazine for their support of the scheme.
Remaining events:
30 June Event 2 Croft Farm
04 August Event 3 South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre
18 August Event 4 Durleigh
06/07 October Champions Cup Final Rutland Water (Whitwell)