Welcome to Max Bushell's Blog

Hi - had a break from the blog but an update to follow

2012-01-16T22:58:00.000Z

Eventful Twelve Months

2010-10-10T18:48:00.004+01:00

During the winter of 2009/10 Max continued to train through sometimes arduous and icy conditions with his hard work resulting in his selection in representing Great Britain in the World Festival on the Beach, Mondello, Sicilly in May 2010. Along with two other windsurfers who were also selected they competed in a team event and an individual regatta with nine other nations. Light winds caused the team to slide from the lead to fourth place where they remained. Max was pleased with his result in the individual competition leaving him again just out of the medals in fourth position. Max spoke of this being a brilliant event and an excellent learning experience. Unfortunately Max sustained an injury taking him out of the racing scene for some eight weeks.

Max has undergone a huge growing spurt which is not unexpected but was the reason for his injury being told that his muscles and tendons could not keep up with his bone growth causing his knee to dislocate when put under pressure. He was not able to windsurf during this time but under the guidance of two Sports Physiotherapists an exercise regime was developed. Because of his recuperation Max found missing a number of events and National Squad training frustrating being keen to get back onto the water. An event in Bridlington in June saw Max commence competition again but under strict instruction not to exert himself finishing in fifth place. In July and just before the Worlds Max found his form once more in attaining second place in Mumbles, Swansea Bay, South Wales in the 6.8 meter Techno fleet.

Knowing Max’s fitness was back we travelled from South Wales to the South of France for the Techno 293 World Windsurfing Championships at Martigues with excitement. The weather conditions were extreme with very high Mistral winds for three consecutive days and a couple of days with no wind at all limited the time on the water to compete. Max was pleased to qualify for the gold fleet in eighteenth place out of ninety-six boy competitors but the last day saw him slip down the fleet with the Russians exerting their strength in light wind sailing. Overall Max said that he was very disappointed with his results hoping that he would have made the top ten.

Following the Worlds Max has now moved up a sail size progressing to the 7.8 meter Techno fleet (under 17). Although Max has experienced disappointment this season with the affects of his growing spurt, missing out on a number of events and his disappointment with his performance at the Worlds, he is delighted to have been reselected for the National Junior Windsurfing Squad once more. Since moving to the larger sail Max has been exerting is dominance in the fleet finishing 5th in the 2010 RYA UKWA National Windsurfing Championships held in Weymouth recently. Max was awarded the annual Robert Cartwright Memorial Trophy for his performance and general attitude, progress and commitment throughout the year whilst recovering from the injury affecting his season and also personifying what windsurfing meant to late Zone Squad sailor Robert Cartwright.

Mondello, Sicily Day 2

2010-05-22T09:59:00.008+01:00

More youtube clips...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAR4Z7kYu54&feature=player_embedded

Mondello!

I went to Mondello in Sicily because I was selected to go for the team racing and individual racing representing Team GBR. I was selected to go to Mondello from my results in the races at the Team GBR National Techno Junior Squad training. In these races my overall position was 1st 6.8 Techno. Also there were two other people from the same squad as me, selected to go, who where Saskia Sills and Imogen Sills.

In Mondello there were the top 9 nations in the world. The event happened over 5 days, but also during these 5 days we had 3 days private coaching with the National Junior Techno Squad Coach, Oli Woodcock. We had 3 days of team racing and 2 days of individual races – a total of 28 races. In the team racing Saskia, Imogen and myself (representing team GBR) finished 4th overall. And in the individual racing I finished 4th 6.8.

This was a brilliant event and very enjoyable but at the same time a very good learning experience.

World Festival on the Beach, Mondello, Sicily Day 1

2010-05-21T18:38:00.003+01:00

Check this youtube clip out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwUpER4VcWc&NR=1

Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy Webcam - click on the link

2010-04-01T19:58:00.005+01:00

Webcam view of the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, click on the link...

http://www.weymouth.gov.uk/home.asp?sv=1308

Sports Award Successes

2010-03-26T19:45:00.003Z

The following artical taken from North Lincolnshire & Humberside Sailing Club website and the RYA Yorkshire & Humber bulitin ...

Two of our most successful windsurfers won awards at the North Lincolnshire Leisure and Cultural Awards earlier this month.13 yr old Emma Labourne, pictured receiving her award from Nigel Adkins, Manager of Scunthorpe United FC, won the award for Young Female Sports Achiever 2010.Emma, who is now a member of the RYA National Youth Windsurfing Squad, is an outstanding windsurfer and her successes in 2009 would do justice to anyone five or six years her senior.

Also receiving an award on the night was 13 yr old Max Bushell a fellow member of North Lincs & Humberside Sailing Club and the RYA National Youth Windsurfing Squad. Max was runner up for the Young Male Sports Achiever Award. Both youngsters show a fantastic combination of talent, enthusiasm, skill and commitment to their sport.

Photo - Tim Labourne

Article for my School

2010-03-22T19:25:00.003Z

Hi, my name is Max Bushell, I am 13 years of age and I have been asked to talk about my sport which is competitive windsurfing. The kit I use is the Bic Techno 293 one design windsurfing board, it is a bit bigger than a surfboard you may have seen at the beach but this has a large sail fixed to it. I have the Bic T-Rig one design 6.8 meter sail; the kit is one design throughout the world for all under 15 competitors.

In the summer (2009) I took part in the Techno World Windsurfing Championship and out of 68 under 15 competitors I came 21st in the world. I finished last season by getting 3rd 6.8 under 15 Inland Series which consisted of 5 weekend events all around Britain and in these events you race on inland lakes. Also I achieved 2nd 6.8 under 15 in the Sea Cup Series which consist of a further 6 weekend events around Britain and in these events you race on the sea. At the start of this season I found out that I had been selected for the National Junior Windsurfing Squad which consists of the 18 best under 17 windsurfers in the United Kingdom.

Since I have been in the National Squad I have been to a number of training events. The first event I went to was a Land Day at Chichester University which is where we have fitness tests, weighing, measuring of height, core stability testing, nutritional training, sports psychology and goal setting. I have trained at Hayling Island and Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy twice. When I went to Hayling Island we only had one days windsurfing because it was way too windy for anybody to go out windsurfing on the first day. But we did go out on the Sunday but while I was training I sailed towards the breaking rolling waves and while windsurfing a 12 foot wave came over the top of me and broke on top of me. The damage was so bad that I could not use that sail again, it was wrecked. When I last went to Weymouth it was so cold on the first day that there was only me and two other people left out on the water from our group till the day ended. On the second day all we did was raced and over the time of 3 training weekends and 7 races I am currently 1st 6.8 under 15 boy.

I have been training in between these times but over New Year the lake at North Lincolnshire & Humberside Sailing Club was totally frozen over making it impossible to go use the lake. I spend a lot of time training using a Swiss Ball which improves my core stability and fitness, I use a rowing machine and ride my road bike, but again the snow has stopped me using my bike at times. Fitness and the types of food I eat are very important as well as time on the water what ever the weather.

At the start of this season I found out that I had been selected for the National Junior Windsurfing Squad which consists of the 18 best under 17 windsurfers in the United Kingdom. Since then I have been busy training with the Squad at various places in the UK and at North Lincolnshire and Humberside Sailing Club at Barton where I am a club member. I have sailed or trained every weekend throughout the winter even when it snowed except for one when the lake at Barton was frozen!!

I have still got a few more squad training weekends to attend away from home but am now looking forward to the new racing season which starts in April and to competing again especially when I take part in the Techno World Windsurfing Championship in July which is being held in Martigues, South of France.

Check these photos out

2010-01-22T18:41:00.001Z

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/bessyboo3

31 December 2009

2010-01-04T22:00:00.002Z

Sports Grant Aid - North Lincolnshire Council

2009-12-03T20:53:00.004Z

Thank you to North Lincolnshire Council for a Sports Grant Aid of £250

Youth & Masters Oct 2009

2009-11-21T00:33:00.009Z

3rd 6.8 - Youth & Masters

Adam Percell receiving the Robert Cartwright Memorial Trophy

Whitwell October 2009

2009-10-13T21:23:00.004+01:00

Celebrating 3rd place in the UKWA Inland & Cup Series

Trying out my 4.7 sail - birthday present

North Lincs are the Team 15 National Champions 2009/10

RYA Techno National Junior Squad 2009/10 - CONGRATULATIONS!

2009-09-16T08:45:00.005+01:00

Congratulations to both Max and Emma whose base is North Lincolnshire and Humberside Sailing Club for successfully gaining places in the RYA’s Techno National Junior Squad for 2009/10. They are part of an elite squad which recognises their past success and windsurfing potential. The purpose of the National Squad Programme is to feed talented sailors into the Youth and Olympic Programmes.

Duck Gybe & a Hellitak on the mast.

2009-09-04T20:32:00.004+01:00

Juice Boardsports Demo Day, July 2009 at Grimwith, Yorkshire Dales

2009-09-04T18:34:00.008+01:00

These piccies are from Gumpy’s demo day at Grimwirth. It was a really cool day trying the kit. My favourite sail was the Ezzy Wave Panther and my favourite board was the Starboard Isonic. The best kit together was the Starboard Isonic and the Severn Gator. Jem Hall’s talk was useful with his blast and control and carving tips. Thanks Gump!

IWA Windsurfing Championships, August 2009 - Weymouth

2009-09-04T16:10:00.006+01:00

I took part in the International Windsurfing World Championships held at the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy at the end of August. I entered the 6.8 Techno boys fleet, there were 68 computers from all over the world. We should have raced over 4 days and 1 rest day and doing up to 12 races. Unfortunately we had 2 days were it was too windy so it would have being dangerous to send us out on to the water to race so in the end we only 9 races in the end. When the event ended I finished 22nd.

North Lincs Invaders are North Zone Champions crowned at Covenham 12 July 2009

2009-07-13T20:22:00.006+01:00

How cool is that, we are through to the Team 15 Championships again this year. I was really proud with my results in the 6.8 Techno Fleet as I came 1st. Well done to Emma, Robert, Luke & Joe who are all excellent competitors.

Check out the results http://www.team15.org.uk/page0609v01.htm

UKWA Inland Series held at Derwent on 04 & 05 July 2009 was not such a good event for me this time. I had a few OCS's and needed to go round the pin and shifty wind conditions... not good.

Check out the results http://www.results.eskdale.org/

Latest competition results

2009-07-02T11:26:00.005+01:00

Team 15 Event held at Derwent Resiviour on28 June 2009 http://www.team15.org.uk/page0607v01.htm

Event held at Christchurch over the weekend of 20 & 21 June 2009 http://www.results.eskdale.org/

Cool shot of Ian Roberts

2009-06-11T22:19:00.000+01:00

Blue Peter Filming

2009-06-11T21:18:00.006+01:00

Ali Yates and me get our Blue Peter Badges

Filming took place at Barton

Ian Roberts - my coach, Ali Yates - my coach, Andy from Blue Peter & me

Andy & me having finished the filming for the Blue Peter ‘Take Me On’ feature which was shown on Blue Peter on the 10th June. I helped teach Andy to windsurf and he then took me on at racing at the end of the day.

Blog up date

2009-06-11T20:10:00.010+01:00

Ian Roberts pulling off a cool jump

Trying out my new Bic T-Rig at Weymouth - provided by KEYO

Gary & Ali - my sponsors. Second 6.8 at the Zone Squad Championships

It has been a long time since I last posted anything on my blog as I have been busy training and competing.

In April I went to Weymouth to the Zone Squad Easter Training Camp at National Sailing Academy. I had 3 days training with others from all around the country with all the top coaches.

We had the first Team 15 event held at Pugneys near Wakefield in April. I was pleased getting 1st 6.8 as we have a lot of good windsurfers in our zone. Our Team won the event.

Next I went to Pittsford to take part in a 2 day UKWA event and I came 15thout of 36 competitors (6.8 & 7.8).

The next UKWA event was held at Weymouth, I came 22nd out of a fleet of 45 (6.8 & 7.8)

The Zone Squad Championships held at Rutland Sailing Club where I finished 2nd 6.8 just 1 point behind Emma Labourne who came 1st.

The last North/West Zone training weekend took place in May First day we did half a day doing board handling in about 15- 20 knots. Then at dinner time it picked up to about 25 knots and Ian let us all go short boarding. Probably because he had some bran new RRD and EZZY kit to use, so we had a great day short boarding. On Sunday we were on techno again. It was a really good last Zone Squad for the year.

The next UKWA event was held at Bridlington, this was a 3 day event. I was pleased with my place of 12th overall out of 29 competitors and 6th 6.8

In June I took part in UKWA event at Whitwell which was a national squad indicator event. I came 4th 6.8 and 13th overall out of 53 competitors. I think this was my best result this season. I missed out on 3rd place by one point.

Zone Squad Training at Carsington, Derbyshire 14 & 15 March 2009

2009-03-19T19:34:00.003Z

NEW - Footage recently in

2009-03-09T21:57:00.003Z

This footage recently in shows Team Astbury venturing out on the water for the first time this year. However, sources close to the team stated that in fact it was a member from their arch rivals North Lincs Invaders who was the first to dip their board into the enemy waters. Sorry Ali!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;-)

CHECK OUT THIS LINK…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1e5UFpVlaA

Sunday 08 March 2009 at Barton

2009-03-09T21:05:00.005Z

Barton 07 March 2009

2009-03-07T18:21:00.005Z

07 March 2009 at Barton

2009-03-07T18:08:00.005Z

Wind was 15 to 25 knots - good day!

Carsington, Derbyshire 22 February 2009

2009-02-26T20:25:00.003Z

Today it was the 3rd day out of the three that I was training with Adam. Friday we were at Carsinton, Saturday we were at Astbury and on Sunday we were back at Carsinton. We did a lot of training every day doing about 3 hrs or 4 hrs at least. It was greate training with a National Squady.

Inter County Cross Country

2009-02-14T11:46:00.003Z

On Saturday 7th Feburary I was running for North Lincolnshire. I finished 33rd overall and i was 3rd from North Lincolnshire.

Zone Squad Training Jan 09

2009-01-26T20:43:00.004Z

On Saturday it was about minus 5 degrees and about 5-8 knots. If we dropped our sails they just froze, we were working in 2 groups Ail's group were not allowed on he water, but Ian's group could go on the water. I was in Ian's group and we were working on starting and upwind. To practice upwind we got a partner and did upwind tuning.

On Sunday it was about 5 degrees and a lot windyer, it was about 25 knots gusting 28 knots and I was on 6.8. We were working on upwind again and carve gybes.

3rd December Cross Country at Central Park, Scunthorpe

2008-12-03T21:12:00.003Z

On the 3rd of December I got to go run at Central Park, Scunthorpe after winning my school cross country. I was the most hopeful chance from the year 7 boys from Baysgarth and was running out of all the top 16 runners from all the schools in North Lincolnshire. I had to finish top 20 to be selected to run for North Lincolnshire at the Humberside Cross Country County Championship on the 7th February 2009. I did do well by finishing 17th out of 190 + year 7 boys and I was the only year 7 boy to be selected and I can't wait to run for North Lincolnshire in February.

29th and the 30th November Frostbite series Whitwell

2008-12-03T20:57:00.004Z

On the 29th of November I went to Whitwell for the Frostbite series 3 and I was 2nd on the first day out of 8 people. On sunday the 30th I did all the 4 races in very cold conditions and I manged to battle it out and got 1st 6.8 Techno and 1st 6.8 and 7.8 Techno. I was very happy with my result.

Practicing my jumps

2008-11-18T21:39:00.004Z

Me having a blast on my short board

2008-11-18T21:11:00.003Z

02 November 2008 Midlands UKWA Whitwell

2008-11-17T21:43:00.004Z

Hi, I took part in the one day Midlands event at Whitwell. There were 23 in the 6.8 & 7.8 fleets, I came 8th overall and I was the 4th 6.8.

25/26 October UKWA Event at Whitwell

2008-10-30T15:36:00.003Z

25/26 October 2008 UKWA Event at Whitwell, Rutland results... http://www.results.eskdale.org/

This was a good result. On the Saturday the wind was really strong with a better wind on Sunday. I came 3rd out of the 6.8 fleet in the tower to tower race and 6th out of the 7.8/6.8 fleet overall. I was really pleased.

Techno Training & North/West Zone Squad Selection Weekend 18/19 Oct 08

2008-10-23T22:37:00.003+01:00

Champions cup runners up 2008 - North Lincs Invaders

2008-10-10T20:26:00.007+01:00

Results of the 6.8 Techno Fleet... http://www.sailracer.co.uk/sailwavepreview.asp?status=0&usr=sr&event=3797

Champions Cup 2008 final results:

1st - West Kirby Warriors Windsurf sponsored team
2nd - North Lincs Invaders Windsurf sponsored team
3rd - Roseland Waveriders Bic sponsored team
4th - Hythe Hotshots Boards sponsored team
5th - Loch Insh Monsters Loch Insh sponsored team
6th - Oxford Zoomers Tushingham sponsored team
7th - Axbridge Animals Bic sponsored team
8th - Alton Water WipeoutsTushingham sponsored team
9th - Carsington Comets Boardwise sponsored team

The Drifters my ripstick video

2008-10-09T21:28:00.007+01:00

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=eOd0PkYywdE

By Max Bushell, Luke Raistrick and Adam Purcell.

Scaling Dam 27 & 28 September 2008 North Zone Championships

2008-09-28T20:34:00.004+01:00

I was pleased with my result in this competition as I came 6th in the 6.8 fleet out 13 competitors. I am working my way up the fleet with very good windsurfers. I feel that I am achieving what I set out to do when I started on 6.8. The wind on Saturday was about 14 knots which was perfect for me and we managed to get 4 races in. Unfortunately my baton snapped on my sail. My dad had to take my sail to Surfstore near Darlington to get it repaired. On Sunday the wind was very light and we could only get one race in.

This competition was the first selection weekend to get into the North/West Zone Squad - hopefully I will get in to the Zone Squad.

Team 15 21 September 2008 Winning Team, North Zone - North Lincs Invaders

2008-09-28T20:30:00.004+01:00

Youth & Masters, Weymouth 13 & 14 September 2008

2008-09-18T22:12:00.009+01:00

UKWA Event 25th July 2008 at Pitsford, Northamptonshire

2008-08-12T21:03:00.008+01:00

UKWA Event 25th July 2008 at Pitsford, Northamptonshire. I was able to get 8th in the 6.8 & 7.8 fleets out of 18. I was very pleased with this result as may of the sailors were in the National Windsurfing Squad.

From Monday 28th to the 30th July I took part in a 293 Techno Training Camp also at Pitsford. The top coaches were there along with about 32 other youth windsurfers. This was a great training camp. It was good to learn lots of things as well as being with my mates. This is me looking relaxed no handed.

UKWA Event at Derwent Reservoir 12 th & 13 July 2008

2008-08-12T20:12:00.009+01:00

UKWA Event at Derwent Reservoir 12 th & 13 July 2008. Check out the results http://ukwindsurfing.com/results/2008/inland4_derwent

Team 15 Event at Covenham 05 July2008

2008-08-12T19:56:00.010+01:00

This was a one day event held at Covenham which is near Louth, Lincolnshire. Check out the gallery http://www.team15.org.uk/page0341v01item152.htm and the results http://www.team15.org.uk/page0084v01.htm. I came 4th in the 6.8 Fleet.

Presentation of Bic 6.8 T-Rig 07 July 2008

2008-07-07T21:13:00.018+01:00

Hi, this is me getting my new Bic 6.8 T-Rig from my sponsors Mark Van Den Bos and Gary Baugh, Managing Directors of KEYO Agricultural Services Ltd. I really like the new sail and I would like to thank KEYO for helping me.

I have found the jump from the 5.5 sail to the 6.8 a big change and it is taking me a little time to get used to it. I have had the sail about four weeks and I have used it in number of race events.

On 12th and 13th June I went to Farmoor Reservoir to a UKWA event where most of the top youth windsurfers were. There was not much wind and I came 25th out 29 6.8 & 7.8 competitors (Results). This was my first race in a big fleet and I was pleased with my place.

On the 28th and 29th of June I went to Bridlington for my first sea event. I have sailed at Weymouth in the big harbour but not on the open sea. I was a little worried but the sea was not too bad. I thought this was a great event and I really enjoyed sailing on the sea. All the top youth windsurfers were there and I came 21st out of 27 6.8 & 7.8 competitors (Results). I was really pleased with this position.

I would like to work harder and try to get better positions in the fleet.

Zone Squad Training 7th & 8th June 2008 at Carsington Water

2008-06-09T22:01:00.018+01:00

Unfortunately this was the last Zone Squad training event of the 2007/2008 season. This weekend we were working on upwind, downwind and mast track movement on a sausage course. The wind was minimal on both days but it was still really good practice and good fun.

On the second day during the afternoon there was hardly any wind, so we all tied our boards up and sailed across the lake in one big long line. This was a lot of fun.

I wish that there could be more zone squad training events because I have really enjoyed all of them. The activities were always fun, I learnt a load of stuff and I made a lots of new friends.

UKWA Midland Region Series continues at Barnt Green (nr Birmingham) Sailing Club on Saturday 31st May 2008.

2008-06-01T20:37:00.003+01:00

This was my first race event using my 6.8. I liked the experience of being with the bigger sail and the more experiences competitors. Even though the wind was very light which I don’t like as much as high winds, I still performed well coming 3rd 6.8 Techno. I was very pleased with my result and I hope in 6.8 I can get more experience and more results like this.

Trying my TK 6.8

2008-06-01T20:27:00.012+01:00

I have been trying out my TK 6.8 sail just lately getting used to it ready to race on. This is me on Thursday 29 May 2008 at North Lincolnshire & Humberside Sailing Club.

Report for Eric Twiname Championships 6 & 7 May 2008 and the National Windsurfing Championships 17 & 18 May 2008.

2008-05-22T21:45:00.009+01:00

Report for Eric Twiname Championships 6 & 7 May 2008 and the National Windsurfing Championships 17 & 18 May 2008.

Eric Twiname Championships 6 & 7 May. The Eric Twiname Championships were held a Rutland Sailing Club, Rutland Water. There was no wind at all on the Saturday so we had a sessions about the rules of racing and there were some organised games.

On the Sunday there was a little bit of wind, enough to get three races in. I tried my best but I would have liked more wind and I came 8th out of 16 racers in my 5.5 fleet. I was disappointed by my performance.

The National Windsurfing Championships 17 & 18 May 2008. This event was also held at Rutland Water but this time at Whitwell. I enjoyed this weekend more as there was more wind but I would have liked more. I came 4th in the 5.5 fleet this time which I was really pleased with as there were 18 other competitors.

KEYO Agricultural Services Ltd Sponsor Max Bushell

2008-05-08T22:53:00.002+01:00

KEYO Agricultural Services Ltd Sponsor Max Bushell

We would like to thank the Directors of KEYO Agricultural Services Ltd for taking an interest in Max and agreeing to sponsor him to pursue his ambition to become successful in his chosen sport.

19 & 20 April 2008 UKWA Carsington

2008-04-20T22:22:00.016+01:00

This is me with George and Emma all of us are from North Lincolnshire & Humberside Sailing Club having ended the two day UKWA event at Carsington. I got 2nd in the 5.5 fleet, George came 2nd in the 7.8 Techno fleet and Emma came 1st in the 4.5 fleet.

The rest of the pictures are me having a blast after the racing.

Zone Squad Training at Pitsford, Northamptonshire 12 & 13 April 2008

2008-04-17T22:02:00.006+01:00

Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy 26th, 27th & 28th March 2008 – Easter Zone Squad Training Camp.

2008-03-31T21:23:00.003+01:00

On 26th March to 28th March 2008 I went down to Weymouth & Portland Harbour for Zone Squad Training. There were about 50 plus other windsurfers from the English Zones. We started each day with an hours fitness training, games and warm-ups followed by on water training. On the water we put into practice what we had been taught, ending the days with racing.

On Thursday 27th March we met Nick Dempsey, the UK’s leading men’s racing windsurfer and Olympic hopeful who gave us tips and answered our questions. I found it very helpful to listen to him as I got a few tips and learned a few tactics when racing.

It was great to sail in this massive harbour, the wind was fantastic on the last day and I learned loads of stuff throughout the camp.

09 March 2008

2008-03-14T23:21:00.001Z

NLHSC 08 March 2008

2008-03-08T22:42:00.007Z

Me on my short-board jumping at my club.

Whitwell, Rutland 01 & 02 March 2008

2008-03-08T22:19:00.002Z

Connor Bainbridge with a cool finish to a race

2008-03-08T22:08:00.005Z

Zone Squad Training at Rutland

2008-03-08T20:06:00.010Z

On Saturday 1st March 2008 and Sunday 2nd March 2008 I went to Rutland for Zone Squad training.

On Saturday the wind was really strong about 28 knots gusting up to 32 knots so I was on my 4.5 and we were practicing upwind and upwind taking. First of all we all had a briefing about what we were going to be doing and a few tips on upwind and then we got out on the water, and started planing straight away but the wind was too strong and we couldn’t get upwind properly, so we all broke up for an early lunch because everyone was over powered. After lunch we all met up and decided to go in the creek because the wind was still really strong and in the creek there wasn’t a lot of wind at all but instead it was really gusty and the wind was about 9 knots to 16 knots which is more than enough to catch you out but I still went on my 5.5. Once we had all got on the water we got straight to racing a sausage course with an upwind reach buoy and a downwind buoy and we had 5 races throughout the afternoon.

On Sunday the wind was about 18 knots so the wind was a bit lower than Saturday but it was still strong so since the wind was a bit less than Saturday I decided to rig my 5.5. After we were all rigged we went to the briefing and were told what we were going to be doing. We were all racing with each other out in the main bit of the lake. After the briefing we all got ready to hit the water and got to the waters edge and there we were shown the course on the water. While we were waiting for Ian to get the boat ready we all went out for a blast and as we were out there the wind picked up and I dropped down to my 4.5. Over the day we had 5 races all together.

Team 15 Training

2008-02-24T11:53:00.009Z

On Wednesdays and Saturday I go windsurfing. On Wednesdays (as from April '08) it is Team 15 night (T15) and all the club members are all split into different groups, we have loads of coaches at the club, I'm coached by George Bowles. On Saturdays I'm always down at the club practicing if I'm not away at events or at Zone Squad Training.

Check out the link to http://www.team15.org.uk/

National & International Windsurfing Racing Kit

2008-02-24T11:49:00.007Z

When you progress onto a 6.8 and a 7.8 sails you have to have certain kit. The kit that you had to race on nationally was the Tushingham TK 6.8 and 7.8 sails, these sails are specially designed for racing. But this year the International Sporting Body have awarded Bic the One Design 6.8 and 7.8 rig. Bic have also have the National & International windsurfing board which is the Bic Techno 293, this board is also specially designed for racing.

You can see the new sail on this link - http://www.wind-surfing.pl/2008BIC.pdf

My Zone Squad Blog

2008-02-23T17:42:00.005Z

Hi I’m Max,

I’d just like to tell you about my recent success. I have just been lucky enough to get selected for the North Zone which is the youth GBR squad. This year and next year I’m really going to have to practice hard keep my place in Zone Squad. Zone Squad is all about National Coaches helping you progress to the next level. Unfortunately there are only six training events and there are sometimes little training events as well. The training events are all over Brittan this year they are at: North Lincs, West Kirby, Whitwell (Rutland), Weymouth, Chasewater and Carsington. In all the Zone Squad sessions you always learn something new whatever the Conditions. Being in Zone Squad has really improved my windsurfing and I’m always learning something new. I love every minute of Zone Squad and I can never wait to go to the next training events.

What is Zone Squad?

2008-02-21T19:46:00.004Z

Max has been recognised for his potential in his recent selection for the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) North Zone Squad. Max was selected from competitors up to the age of sixteen, covering an area from Northampton to the boarders of Scotland, over two selection weekends, competing for eighteen places. Selection is made on an annual basis, therefore, places are much sought after, there being only 60 places nationally. Only a few racers are selected from the North Zone to then go forward to a National Squad representing Great Britain Racing (GBR) and from this squad our Olympic Champions are selected.

Check the RYA pathway out

http://www.team15.org.uk/page0010v01news111.htm

Chasewater Techno 293 Training 26/27 October 2007 - Zone Squad Selection Weekend

2008-02-21T19:37:00.003Z

Emma Labourne, Robert Griffiths and Max Bushell attended the Techno 293 Open Training Event held at Chasewater Sailing Club which took place on the weekend of 26/27 October 2007 to take part in the open training but also to show off their sailing abilities hoping for Zone Squad selection. There were some 38 windsurfers taking part in the event most seeking selection and others taking part in the training gaining valuable instruction.

The lake is situated in a country park on the edge of an area of natural beauty called Cannock Chase. There was plenty of water to sail on, limited rigging space but there was a good beach gently sloping off into deeper water to fine tune those beach starts.

On Saturday morning it was an early start for Robert travelling from Barton to Chasewater, Emma and Max had a lay in as they were camping near by - although I am sure they would disagree. Rigged and ready to go they set out onto the water receiving coaching from several National Coaches. There was a strong on shore wind giving ideal sailing conditions. The morning session included a warm up run, practicing on the water tacking and gybing and a session on the shore in trimming their rigs to get the most out of the sail according to the conditions. Following lunch our team took part in a number of races which were videoed and critically analysed at the end of the day in the warmth of the club house with the coaches offering valuable advice and training tips. A warm down session completed the day.

Sunday morning a gale blew hard bringing with it heavy rain. The on shore support crews (mums and dads) where feeling the chill and got absolutely drenched whilst our three experts where in the comfort of their winter wet suits, marigold rubber gloves (yellow being a popular colour) and testing balaclavas (it was pretty chilly). After an on shore warm up it was time to decide what sail size to use, selections made and out they sped. A sight to behold with all three plaining their way across the water at high speed, hooked into their harnesses and stepping to the back of the boards… fantastic! Again they were filmed to analyse later. As the day went on the wind fluctuated from being very strong, to a moderate wind. But the last race was near impossible for us to observe due to the amount of rain falling but more difficult to sail in. Reports after the final race from our competitors were that the rain was coming down so hard and with their speed on the water the rain was stinging their faces. There was a white mist on the water with the rain slashing back off the lakes surface; Max described that, “It was like sailing on thin air.” The day ended with a briefing and analysis and a warm down.

Whether or not our club members get selected for the Zone Squad, it was agreed that they represented our club and showed that they sail to a very high standard. Well done Emma, Robert and Max!

John Bushell

Zone Squad Training at West Kirby

2008-02-15T20:54:00.005Z

On the 19th and 20th of January Emma Labourne, Robert Griffths, George Bowles and Max Bushell all went across to West Kirby for Zone Squad training. There were three different Groups. On Saturday one group was run by Ian and Richy, and another group was run by Beth also there was a group run by Ali. I was in Ian and Richy’s group and we were practicing board handling, starting, stopping, reversing, 720’s, double helitacks, follow my leader and we did a little bit of low wind freestyling. Emma and Robert were in Ali’s group and they were doing taking and gybing.

George was with Beth’s group and they were doing board handling with Ian and Richy’s group.

On Sunday the 20th of January the wind was a lot stronger than Saturday and there were weather warnings of 25 knots for the West coast and it was going to hit West Kirby, so we were getting ready for some serious wind and planning. We were all rearing to get out on the water but we still had to have a briefing and more for mien and Emma and Robert’s groups and my group had to stay a bit more longer for a DVD that would show us what we were going to do that day but we finally got on the water and got straight to high wind pumping and some upwind practice we also got chance to do a bit of blasting and showing off for people passing by and for parents, we also did some racing at the end of the day as well as my group doing a bit of upwind downwind racing. And Emma’s group did follow my leader.