Bristol Wet Dream I The end of November this year saw Bristol and UWE University’s wet dream event going down like a flaming airship. Windsurfers from all over the country rolled down to Bristol, for a weekend in which despite the wind gods deserting us, a life changing experience was had by everyone.

Friday night kicked off in Bristol’s student union bar, and quickly moved down the road to a bar on Park Street, with tearful reunions between good friends running alongside the making of many more. Although there was a smaller attendance from some of the clubs that classically dominate the SWA series, it was great to see many of the smaller clubs there representing instead. Altogether, we had guys from Bath, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham, Exeter, Kings College, Leeds, Nottingham, Southampton and UWE; so a massive thanks to all the presidents who brought people down.

Saturday morning saw the standard bacon sandwich and cup of tea providing some relief from the hangovers achieved by nearly everyone. On arrival at the fantastic Axbridge Lake windsurfers watched in horror as marginal planning conditions quickly became an exercise in determining where, if anywhere the wind was actually coming from.Nevertheless, many hit the water for the individual racing, which represented yet another Cardiff whitewash. Seb Willis from Cardiff took the lead in the men’s advanced racing, closely followed by Matt Yates from Southampton and Goody from Cardiff. The advanced girl’s racing was narrowly won by Nicky from Cardiff, in a race in which she was the only entrant. Boy’s intermediate racing saw Bristol’s only win by Matt Parry, followed by Adam from Leeds and Dan from Nottingham. Intermediate girl’s racing saw a Cardiff one two by President Leah and Natt, followed by Vicky from Bath.

After all hope of wind had been abandoned, students saddled up for a ride back to Bristol and their host’s houses. After several powerful traditional pre-party fancy dress/drinking games sessions across Bristol, everyone met up at the fairytale themed party venue to find a magical castle constructed out of cardboard in the corner. In a party with fancy dress ranging from Gingerbread men (Rich Holman from Bristol,) to alarming pink male fairies (Albi from Nottingham,) with a student union priced bar, jousting competition, and windsurfing DJ’s, how could you fail to get as drunk as Ollie from Exeter did?

After a late start on Sunday morning, even worse conditions were found on the lake. Windsurfers combated their hangovers out of the rain with the budget pasties and pizza provided by Axbridge, while a plan was formulated. Despite the utter lack of wind, beginner racing went down, with a men’s one two three by (you guessed it) Cardiff, with Jason taking the first followed by Max and Jarrod. The girls beginner racing saw a victory by Becca from Exeter, followed by Jess from UWE and Tess from Bristol. The freestyle competition was confined to a turf dog due to the horrible weather, and was won by Matt Yates from Southampton.

The day was finished off in a hilarious fashion with an open jelly wrestling tournament, some of the highlights being a girl on girl wrestle, and a president’s grudge match between Steve (Bristol) and Ciara (UWE,) the two hosting Presidents.

To finish up the weekend a prize giving, featuring awesome prizes by Boardwise and Windsurfers World in Bristol, saw Katie from Cardiff scooping the coveted Taff Osborne prize for outrageous behaviour. Massive thanks go to the guys at Axbridge, Mark from Boardwise, Windsurfers World, Bristol and UWE committees, Cardiff for all the beginner kit they brought, the SWA, and all its sponsors; AHD, boardseeker.com, Tushingham, Starboard, Tabou, Gaastra, Turfdog, Fanatic, Goya, RRD, Ezzy, Severne, Spartan, Naish, Boardwise, Club Vass, and Plasma. Also thanks to anyone and everyone who was involved or rolled down and made the weekend such a massive success.