The first event of the year (after an abandoned Watergate Bay) promised a new location for riders from various disciplines. Would the weather be kind, and could the riders deliver. With Lewis Crathern not defending his title for a 4th year and a lot of the riders training out in South Africa over the winter who would take the win and would there be any surprises. Ian went down to see how the competition for the pro's progressed before leaving for another event in the wakeboarding world!

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The trip down was good and in convoy with one of the pro riders Ali Barrett we made good time. Arriving in Swansea around 10 pm ish we eventually found the car park where everyone was staying after a mini treasure hunt and several phone calls. There were a few people around but most were in bed as the weather was wet and cold. Funniest thing of the night was Joharra saying to one of her friends the camper roof is ok ..its just a small hole (you could fit a rotweiller through ! ) and then proceeding to tape it up with duct tape and polythene bags. The forecast for the morning was quite good but as the sun arose (behind clouds) the wind hadnt arrived. With a day of waiting ahead riders became frustrated and eager to get onto the water. Several attempts were made to no avail. In the meantime the landbaorders gave it a go and creted a stir with their crazy moves over land. Watched by several school children from teh local area who were trying the free learn to fly sessions by Flexifoil. Mid afternoon brought the wind....... and rain and mist and at times you couldnt see the other side of the bay. This didnt deter the riders who went out and produced some stunning displays in the sketchy conditions. At the end of day 1 we had the female finalists Hannah Whitely, Nicki Rudd and and two of the males with just the losers final to go to decide who would join Sam Light and Ali Barrett for the battle for first place. The following day saw the wind pick up to sometimes over 40kns the competition was eventually started around 11.30 with the pro mens losers final. tOBY raw rode well as did James Boulding but Toby's position in the area put him right infront of the judges and so cuaght their eye more than anyone else. Rick Jensen was ripping with the bindings on (not usually seen over here) but couldnt quite get the hang of the mushy water he was landing on so although his trick count was high he just couldnt land what he needed to. Jame on the other hand rode extremely well and was landing most of his trick but as previously said Toby stole the show with a well riden heat.Toby went through to the pro final ... The womens final was next and although the wind was strong and the women were slightly over powered on their 7's they again produced a good display. Hannah Whitely was revelling in the conditions after spending her winter in SA and as always her trick rate was high. Nicki and Sarah were struggling a little with the conditions and playing it safe with fwer trick of less technical difficulty than Hannah, however Nicki stole second place ahead of Sarah. The mens final brought 2 of last years contenderson to the water alongside Toby. Sam Light who has been away in OZ Ali Barrett just back from SA and Toby just back from SA all went out slightly over powered as the wind was beginning to fluctuate. Ali was way overpowered on his slingshot and as such just couldnt hold down the power whilst doing his trademark huge kiteloops to the raptuous applause from the crowds. Sam having been so consitent in the heats again pulled out an amazing run to the left of the area however it was Toby who again managed to stay in front of the judges that impressed with his routine. Toby took the win with sam second and Ali third. I just had time to take a few shots of 5x world champ Aaron Hadlow doing his stuff on Swansea bay before I had to head to Sheffield for another event.