At first when I was asked if I wanted to go to the Tiree Wave Classic I was a little sceptical, will I be good enough, will it be massive, how cold will it be, these were all questions I had in my head. I hadn’t been to a BWA event before and Tiree seemed the most ‘full on’ of them all. Luckily I’m easily persuaded as I had the best time with the nicest people in brilliant and not crazy conditions! 

Sam Ross was traveling up for the RYA youths coaching week and offered me a lift up. When we arrived we realised that myself and Sam would probably be on different beachs and that I would need some form of transport. Job number 1 would involve making some friends! Luckily that was easily done and I buddied up with Ben Page, his dad Andy and mate Phill who very kindly let me and my kit hop in the back if their van.

Day 1. 

Jumped in the darkness of the back of the van and reappeared at a spot called the maze to watch the pro’s do a little bit of there single elimination before the wind dropped to below a level to compete. I decided to rig up and test the spot out but the wind dropped to nothing. So back in the darkness to re-appear at the lodge for beers and an eary night!

Day 2.

Hopped in the ‘magic box’ at the lodge to reappear 15minutes later at the maze again for a chat from head judge Sparky. Officially released for the day, but enough wind and small waves for us to get out and enjoy some waist high float and ride. Rigged up my 5m Bolt with medium downhaul and medium outhaul for easy pumping and nice neutral pull – the perfect float and ride sail. Light and powerful paired with a 82ltr Kode, fantastic for my skinny build! Had a great time on the water and came in when the wind went away. Back to the car park and into the magic box to reappear at lovely little surfing beach called Balephuil. Shared some clean small waves with more seals than people. Back to the lodge for a couple of beers.

Day 3.

With the forecast looking like a large swell coming in later on the (Tuesday) evening and staying until early Thursday we chilled in the morning waiting for the waves to arrive. Later on at Balevullin the swell arrived we had a brilliant ‘head and bit’ high session until it was too dark to see. Was really fun surfing with everyone involved with the comp.

Day 4. Mega day.

We went to several different beaches from first light to finally decide on the Maze as the contest beach as it was cross shore 15 knots and head to logo high sets were rolling in. I rigged my 5m Bolt and 82 Kode ready for contest. My first heat in the single elimination was against a chap called Ruben and I went out to see what I could do. I got a few decent waves and tried to make the most of them as much as I could. My opponent had the better of me here and beat me, that was the end of the single elimination for me! With rumours of a double elimination and a chance to go again I headed off downwind for some training. When I got back to the main breach for the double, I realised that I had left my watch in the van and had wayyyyyy over done it training so was shattered! My first heat was against Tris and George and I was determined to make it through! Thankfully I did well and went straight back out into my next heat full of fire. I was sailing against Tris, Ruben and Mike, and waited for the best waves of which to my advantage really opened up! Being so light the conditions really suited me and I was able to win this heat! After watching a heat I was back out on the water, now with legs and arms full of cramp, and did my best against Tris to see who would windsurf against the finalists from the singe. After a fair few workings (the Bolt is definitely well indestructible) I was beaten by the better sailer and that was the end to my windsurfing for the day! Safe to say that after my first day of competition I was pretty stoked about finishing 6th!

Day 5.

Another early start to finish of the super final between Ben and Scotty for the ams, and Daniel and Graham in the masters, it was a joy to watch the brill sailing from all! There was still enough swell and wind to go out for a sail. There was only 5 of us out despite being head high clean and 10knots cross shore, perfectly float and ride-ably. Had a brilliant time, a great final sail for a fantastic week! Back to the lodge for a couple of beers and packing. 

I have to say I am very, very glad that I accepted the offer from Sam to go up for the event! And it really really goes to show how kind and welcoming the windsurfing community is! Big thanks to everyone especially Ben, Andy and Phil for the lifts!! Cannot recommend the week highly enough! Bring on the next one!!