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I met Simon in the hairdressers where I worked. He seemed
an unassuming chap, so much so it took him a decade to ask
me out! In the whole time I’d known Simon he had never let
on that he fancied me or that he was into windsurfing – talk
about poker face. It was fairly soon into our relationship that
Simon’s passion began to rear its head and my house
became littered with all of its paraphernalia – not always ideal
for a neat freak like me.
I wasn’t always enthusiastic about tagging along to events
because when it’s really windy it’s not all that comfortable to be
spectating but after some negotiations we have managed to find
a happy medium (a nice bolthole for me is a must ). I love
Marazion (Cornwall) and Tenby (Wales) because they offer lovely
coastal walks along with some history and they both provide no
shortage of places to grab a cream tea or glass of fizz.
Being comfortable is a big thing for me. I hate being anywhere
worse than my own home and calling it a holiday, so I don’t
travel light. I pack some nice cushions and a throw for the van,
download some music or a film and a book and feather my nest
for every eventuality. Not forgetting ample snacks for me and
Simon. Once settled I can then go off and amble if the weather
permits. I’ve normally scoured the web for places of interest.
All of the sailors are friendly without being in your face. I think
most of them are pretty absorbed in the chat and banter for me
to really figure, which is how it should be! One of the first people
to welcome me in to the fold was Leigh Kingaby. He has the
enthusiasm and energy of five men which is hard not to like.
My fellow windsurf widows are all lovely. Some will keep
themselves to themselves while some are happy to chat. If I
can organise a mutiny to a nearby pub I feel my weekend
away has been all the more worthwhile. Sarah Sibley really
welcomed me on a particularly windy weekend in Tenby. Her
passion for the sport was clear and she frankly puts me to
shame with her support – top marks Sibbers for your
dedication.
Windsurfers clearly love what they do. This is the case with a
lot of niche sports. Windsurfers help each other along with
shared knowledge of hot spots and rigging tips – it’s
heartening that competitive people aren’t all about throwing
you under a bus.
There’s been a lot of talk about windsurfing dwindling but I
don’t think that’s true. The numbers seem to have increased at
BSA events which is great but there could always be more. The
most obvious thing to me is the blow your own trumpet thing on
social media. Just about everyone has some kind of account so
no excuses. A great picture and a hashtag are all that’s needed
and something everyone can do whatever the skill level. This
may help getting numbers to swell #tryit #itreallyworks. The
BSA could do with an Instagram account. Andy Stallman is
always at large snapping great pictures, hint hint…I think less
uk
WIND
SURFING