The 2022 BUCS Windsurf Championships in Bristol were an unequivocal success. With weather like a Mediterranean holiday, the championships were set to be an enjoyable affair. The ten teams descending on Bowmoor Lake brought their best windsurfers to compete for the top team spot and, although the rivalries were mostly friendly, there were crucial bragging rights and BUCS points up for grabs.
Living up to their marine-based reputation, the University of Southampton came away with two spots on the team podium. Finishing first and third, the Southampton teams displayed incredible control and speed, as well as depth in their windsurf squad. Sandwiched between the Southampton sides, home advantage seemed to benefit Bristol as they picked up second spot. The University of Birmingham narrowly missed out on a team podium. However, as their training was disrupted by an outbreak of bird-flu in the run up to the championships, a fourth-place finish is very respectable.
The advanced races were scintillating to watch. With some great speed on show from some very accomplished windsurfers, the competition was stiff for the top spots. First place went to Ben Tweedle from Warwick university after an absolutely storming run. This victory is made even more impressive by the fact that he was the only student from Warwick to attend the championships. Kate Hatcher from the University of Exeter also took home one point after finishing in second place – another stunning run from a very talented windsurfer.
One of the most entertaining events from the weekend was the freestyle. With only six competitors taking to the water to show off their control and skill, the competition for top spots was tough. Leading the pack, however, was Quinn Squires from Southampton after a stunning display of freestyle ability. Isobel Roberts and Georgia Stolliday took second and third place respectively, rounding off the podium.
The intermediate race saw the most competitors battling it out of any event during the weekend. With 28 participants, finishing anywhere near the top was a tough feat. Joshua Davies from Bristol took home top spot – a very impressive result in such a competitive field. Reid Shrubsole also secured minimal points for Liverpool, finishing in a close second behind Davies.
The beginner race is always indicative of the depth within the university teams. The home side of Bristol enjoyed great success in this race, with Isabelle Martin and Benjamin Milne occupying the top two spots, resulting in just three points coming Bristol’s way. Liverpool and Sheffield should also be commended for their depth in this race, securing the next four spots after the Bristol one-two.
Overall, the BUCS windsurf championships were a huge success. The culture in the Student Windsurf Association makes it one of the friendliest and most inclusive environments of any sport on the university scene. Of course, there was also some fantastic racing and freestyle performances, making this one of the highlights of the BUCS calendar so far this year.