World Cup and Homes France 2008

The Flying Squad was in fine form last week at the World Cup in France. It was held along side the Home Internationals so there was a lot of competing to be had during the week. There was a great atmosphere amongst the competitors and the first few days saw some great waves. Team England were fantastic and had some awsome results which saw them win the Homes. We were then becalmed which gave the lads a chance to dig big sandy holes and launch themselves across them. The Saturday however saw the competition take on a serious note again with places in the final of the World Cup at stake. There were some great waves to be had although quite a lot closed out so choice was important. The finals saw some great surfing from everyone. Sam and David had a close battle with Sam coming out on top to take the junior title. In the Men's Edu and David (he must have been tired by now from all the heats!) also had a great contest with Edu winning the Men's title. I was in the final against Alisa and eventually came through to win the womens title. I had a great time at the event and was well pleased to have won the world cup. Mention also to be made of Robyn who surfed brilliantly through out the week although did not make the semi finals. Thanks to Team Mega, I love my Reflex!!, Jon Watson for being a great team manager, the Homes organisers, Pete and Stu and finally Rusty for running the World cup. It was a week to remember.



Tamsin

Quackers Charity event at Alnwick gardens

Last month I was privileged to be asked to help out in a local charity event held at Alnwick gardens.
A duck race was held at Alnwick gardens to raise money for Grace House childrens hospital and over £22000 was raised by selling ducks in Sainsbury's throughout the North East. These ducks were then released into the fountains at Alnwick Gardens and the lucky ones were picked out by myself sitting in my surf boat at the bottom which was a laugh and surprised a few visitors.

It was great to be part of this event and do a bit for charity.

More can be seen here

http://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/news/Ducks-do-battle-in-quacky.4426394.jp

Tamsin

BRITISH PLASTIC SURF KAYAK CHAMPIONSHIPS 2008

I arrived at Skern Lodge on Friday evening after having travelled non-stop for 12 hrs, Chris Hobson enjoyed the fact that it was a lot shorter on the plane!!! Anyway, I enjoyed spending the evening with John Watson, Malcolm and Sue and after an early breakfast on saturday morning it was straight to the beach at woolacombe.


The juniors kicked off the day by trying out the plastic boats down the sand dunes (christened the hill of death when walking back up to the carpark with a boat over the shoulder) Sam Davenport and Jack Horwell started off, Chris Hobson got a decent blunt and Dave Speller actually got air!!


The main competition started off with a strong cross wind which made surfing conditions difficult. There were a lot of popped decks, some swims ( I actually got sucked out in one of the heats), Robyn's leg injury (going well up until then) and a few good old fashion hidings.

As the day progressed the surf got bigger and better and reaching the semis we had 6 juniors and 2 seniors left in the competition. The final was very keenly contested and everyone surfed well. Darren Bason comming in 1st place, Steve childs 2nd, Sam Davenport 3rd and Dave Speller 4th place.


After the competition,it was straight on to Cook Island to celebrate Malcolm and Sue's 25th wedding anniversary. It turned out to be a great night with a great carvery, music from DJ mastervibe and an unbelieveable raffle with 2 composite and 2 plastic boats up for grabs along with the many other prizes, we all left with plenty of goodies.Thankfully I had nothing to do with anything concerning stickers!!!! (we know you knew all along Malcolm).


The weekend ended with an expression session on sunday morning. Shaun Holmes, Steve davies and Steve Childs were ripping it up on the skis and Philip Watson and myself also got among the prizes for best moves. Malcolm also had his new Ski available which is definitely worth a look.
On reflection of the weekend I would say the competition was well run, good to meet up with old faces and some new, RAIN, friendly people, great party, prizes galore, Hill of death. I would recommend this weekend to beginners and experienced surf kayakers and hope to be there again next year. Yeah, and before I go Chris did manage to mention before he left that there was a big time difference in travelling to Ireland between van and plane.