Saturday 12th October - Registration Day
Jim Brooks-Dowsett - Event Organiser from Puravida Boardriders reports from a stunning and sun drenched Isle of TireeSet to a stunning back drop of Sunny Tiree the first day's registration and briefing was under way. You can hardly believe it's October in some kind of heat wave, with Ben and Bubble paddle boarding from their headland house across to the briefing!In the absence of Mark 'Sparky' Hosegood, Cornish ripper and now very experienced BWA Judge Ian Ross has taken the hot seat to lead Chris Yates and local legend Willy Angus for this years judging team. Ian will be joined over the next few days by Bubble and Ben Proffitt to offer all the Amateur riders some valuable pro coaching.With this years youth development group from RYA Scotland heading over to get a taste of Wave Classic competition, we are pleased to see a record number of total entrants just beating the 25th Anniversary year in 2011.The Professional fleet has attracted a lot of the top British names and many of our PWA stars! - defending champion Ben Proffitt will be looking to battle current tour leader and PWA Star Ross Williams to try and retain his title for a 4th time! Last years BWA vice champion Phil Horrocks is also hot on their heels and a serious contender for the top spot. Freestyle legend, Andy Bubble Chambers is one to watch as he's taken the BWA Wave tour by storm since coming across from the Freestyle events and sits in 4th place going into the competition. Never count out Timo Mullen…..if the conditions go big, so will he! 13 Riders in total.Perhaps one of the most exciting riders to look out for this week will be Albert Pijoan from Gran Canaria as the Tiree Wave Classic wild card entry, being a PWA professional sailor with some good results under his belt, the other pros will definitely be keeping a watchful eye on his performance this weekA record number of youth entrants (14 in total ) thanks to local RYA Scotland initiative with a newly appointed regional development officer Robin Nicol. Founder of Scottish 'Windfest', annual event in Ayrshire Robin Nicol has brought across a group of up and coming windsurfers to give them a taste of the sport at the Tiree Wave Classic.There are 12 Amateurs, 8 Masters and 6 ladies all set for a very well matched competition with any number of riders in the running for the top 4 places! Follow all the fleets and results online in the windsurfing press and at www.tireewaveclassic.co.ukWith a total number of competitors 53, this sets a new Tiree Record for us beating the 25th Anniversary event in 2011 (52 competitors)Ian Ross, Head Judge says -'We are going to enjoy a nice few days relaxing into island life on the sundrenched and beautiful Tiree. A few of the professional sailors will be offering some Pro coaching clinics for the other competitors tomorrow and Monday. Everyone is excited about the stormy conditions predicted for the middle of the week, with strong Easterly winds and a big South westerly swell.'Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said: “This year marks almost a decade of our support for Tiree Wave Classic. Over the period that we have supported the event, Tiree has become a popular destination for visitors and water sports enthusiasts. Tiree Wave Classic showcases this thrilling sport and the stunning landscape of Tiree to an international audience and demonstrates that Scotland is the perfect stage for events.”With essential support from EventScotland and the Argyll & Bute Council, Puravida is committed to run the 2014 event once more as part of the British Wavesailing Association tourTiree Wave Classic is Hosted by Puravida Boardriders, Funded by Event Scotland with Argyll & Bute and supported by Tiree Lodge Hotel, Oshea Clothing & Wetsuits, Wild Diamond, Calmac, Firebird Restaurant, Beachbum Beanbags, Aeron, Maverex, RYA Scotland and the BWA