The continuation of light winds ensured Weymouth’s record books remained unchanged, not that the competitors lost any of their determination or enjoyment and for me it was a great time to get some practice behind the lens, thought I’ve got to keep the best for next months report in Boards. As if I didn’t have enough pictures for this week I stayed for the race weekend.
I know some people worry that windsurfing is shrinking because the shops aren’t rammed every week and while I feel for the retailers plight I think we’ve all making things last a little longer. I for one would like to upgrade a lens or two, I did update my camera last month but had held off longer than I would have liked but I just think that’s the way of the world at the moment.
So for those who think our sport is shrinking I say take a look around, Speed Week was fully subscribed and the race weekend saw numbers that surpassed those seen in the early 90’s. Slalom has never been so popular and while the master blaster was intended to be just a way to get locals into racing, many have followed the tour round the country.
Doubting Thomas’s always add “what about the future of our sport, where are the kids” again I say look around, team 15 has ensured there’s groups of kids all over the country getting out on the water and if any of those I’ve met this year are to go by, then windsurfing not only has a bright future but the UK is going to be a name to be reckoned with.
If we look after our sport now the trade will feel the affect once money starts flowing again, after all, just because the clothing industry is not selling they don’t think we’ve given up wearing clothing.
