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UK young windsurfing talent competes on Isle of Wight

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

For the first time ever, the Isle of Wight has attracted the up and coming windsurfing talent from around the UK this week to compete against and train with each other as part of the RYA’s Team 15 squad.

This year, the RYA Team 15 squad selected 22 young windsurfers to compete at UKSA in the White Air youth week. One of these lucky youngsters, Rob Pearce is from the Isle of Wight, which is something the Island should be proud of. Rob is from Thorley, and goes to Carisbrooke High School. He became interested in windsurfing at a young age because his parents both windsurf, and is really enjoying the Youth week:

He said; “I have picked up loads already, I’m improving my skills, learning loads from the instructors and I’m really loving it!!”

Nigel Howell, White Air festival organiser said “It’s really important that we get local people involved early on so they become the next generation of champions – we already have some of the top sports people in the world – Ross Williams the current European Windsurfing Champion has grown up and learnt his skills here on the Island”

The Team 15 UKSA youth week, offers the young windsurfers the chance to compete against each other, meet the World Windsurfing professionals such as Arran and Ross Williams and gain coaching from the RYA’s top instructors including Will Satterly from UKSA.

Will said “We are teaching the young people new techniques and skills, and this competition gives them real experience at a high level. So far we have been really impressed with the talent, and it’s a great feeling that these kids may go on to become top professionals. They are all really lucky to have this opportunity.”

Many of the talented youngsters are hoping to be selected for the RYA’s National squad, and they are aged from 12 – 15years.

Mike, the RYA Team 15 Zone coach is working with the young windsurfers all week said; “It’s great that this competition is based on the Isle of Wight – it’s fantastic and the Island really offers a host of great venues for windsurfing. Most of the kids sail inland so this is excellent way to push their skills to the next level.”

The Youth Week organised by the RYA Team 15 and UKSA is sponsored by the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership and Wight Link ferries.
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