The Uniwake Winter Jam was booked to be held at Liquid Leisure in March, the beginning of spring in the UK, so not really  'winter' but with the weather patterns changing like they have over the past few years it was anybodies guess what the conditions would it be for the100 or so student riders wanting to hit the water in this the first big event of the Uniwake competition calendar for 2011.

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Before we get into the report fully check out the video from the day, more of a compilation than an edit as we were trying to photograph and take stills all at the same time with only one guy on the ground.....it makes thing a little difficult.

Waking up to a very cold 5am start the van was loaded with all the kit as we hit the road for the 3hour drive to Liquid Leisure in Dachett just outside London. Traffic wasn't too bad and we arrived at 9.30 to be met by Pierre Petit, Uniwake President, who was busy setting things up before the rest of the students arrived.

So, before we get into the report, here's  a couple of pics to give you a giggle. Whilst you're laughing, spare a thought for the poor stooges, oops, students who made it possible; air temp 6 degrees, northerly wind making it feel about 0 and water that was literally frozen last week!

It wasn't long before the teams started to arrive from all around the country and filled the Liquid Leisure reception with board bags and bodies as they fumbled around looking for space and somewhere to get changed.

With a quick test run by pro's Jonty Green and Ben Hitch the cable was opened up to those brave or stupid enough to enter the water! With a Northerly wind biting and a lake recently thawed out this was not an event for the fainted hearted. As the free ride sessions swapped and changed, the students kept running into the hut to bask under the heaters which were working over time thawing everyone out.

The sun came out creating some difficulty at times, as the set up at Liquid Leisure means that to get some of the best angles you have to shoot into the sun or get in a boat. So we took to running around the lake to change positions, which to be honest warmed us up a little 

The competition started properly around 2.00pm. With men's beginners followed by the ladies beginners out first, it gave the more advanced riders time to warm up and hopefully get some feeling back in their bodies before they went back on the water!

The riding level of the students has increased massively over the last few years and this was very obvious as the intermediates and advanced riders left the dock, s bends, blind judge, mobes all now part of the repertoire giving the spectators something to watch. Obviously not quite at the pro level yet but some of these guys are not far off and with a bit more consistency there are a couple of riders that could possibly make the transition with some hard work and dedication.

However the competition isn't just what Uniwake is all about; its about promoting the sport, getting more students involved in wakeboarding and general riding with like minded people. And of courses there's the parties, but you'll have to wait a bit longer for those piccys!!!!!

Relentless Energy Uniwake Winter Jam wakeboard pictures are now onlin