We just about had every condition during the week; storms winds or a light breeze there was always something happening on the water. I didn’t get to try any different windsurfing equipment, but started to feel the difference between kites by getting on the water with five different kite brands. While I’m still unsure of which is the right direction, I’m convinced I’ve met the coolest windsurfer on the planet.

I’m sure everyone has there own candidate, but if windsurfing had a top gear style cool wall, Anders Bringdal would certainly be on it. Couldn’t put my finger on it, but  to me he has a great way with people, and despite taking the new harbour record, along with just about every other days racing he was down to earth.

For those more cynical amongst us, you could say I was biased, he’s my new team-mate. Anders has signed up to Spartan wetsuits. Think the sharp change in temperature during the week may have been the final catalyst, but then, that’s where Spartan’s reputation has always been.

Trying to do everything had its drawbacks, with windsurfing, kitesurfing, catsailing and taking pictures, it seemed I was never on the water at the right time. On the other hand I did get a chance to learn a lot about kitesurfing, or at least the kites.

Not having a speed board to use on this direction I stuck to the twin tip I’ve been learning with, figured it was better to have a one consistent while I tried out several different kites. I’ve still got a few more to try, but at least I have a better feel for what I do, or more importantly, what I don’t like.

It wasn’t the right time to do the same for windsurfing kit, that I’m leaving for Boardwise demo at Aberdovey next weekend. While it won’t be such a learning curve, I’m looking forward to finding out how different brands feel.

The biggest surprise of the week for me was the sailing, boats that is. I’ve always been the black sheep of the family, I must have spent more time on a cat this week than I have since I was ten. That said I wasn’t surprised we ended the week winning the boat section of Weymouth. I’m not being big headed, far from it, my brother had developed the boat and my nephew was on hand to master it.

Henry may only be just out of his teens, but his experience belies his years on the water, with him onboard we could have hardly come anywhere but first. While the speed was a lot less than windsurfing or kitesurfing, it felt a lot fast to me, probably from not being in control. The cat doesn’t have a name as yet as its going through its final testing before going into production, but if the response form the boating boys was anything t to go by, my brother should be happy.

As for my three discipline challenge, it was a 1,2,3 finish. 1st in the boats, second in kitesurfing, and third in windsurfing, as for the photography, I’ll leave that for you to decide.

for all the pix click here