Gwent based windsurfers the Reservoir Dogs came out on top in the first ever inter-club windsurfing competition held in Wales.
There were five clubs taking part at Llandegfedd Reservoir from all round Wales, with representation from the home team from Gwent, Cardiff Bay, Dale from West Wales, Menai Dragons from North Wales and Mumbles Mutineers from Swansea.
It was the first of four events to be held over the summer, with the winners going forward to the T15 national championships in Northampton.
However it was the home based Reservoir Dogs, sponsored by Neil Pryde, who came out on top in the first such event held in Wales as organised and safe windsurfing, under the T15 banner, has taken a huge leap forward.
It was a wonderful life for 11-year-old James Stewart when he managed to beat his 13-year-old sister Chloe in the third race of the day - “That was absolutely brilliant,” was his reaction afterwards.
The overall winner was clubmate Ben Marshall, aged 14, who put his greater experience to good use.
Organiser Scott Harrison said, “Chloe and James Stewart from Reservoir Dogs had only been windsurfing for six months and this was their first day on the water this year.
“They both did spectacularly well considering that. James was keen to beat his sister and was rather excited when it eventually happened in race 3. They were both great kids.
“Ben is from Cardiff and clearly had more competitive experience, but he still put in plenty of graft to take the winners spot which was a really good effort from him.
“The weather tested everyone to the limit, with the wind shifting around – some of the changes made the course virtually unsailable it was so tough.
“However everyone got really stuck in and made the most of the challenge – it was great to see so many smiling faces on the water.”
Chloe Stewart had the last laugh, winning the 3.5m class, Morgan Robinson won the 4.5m class and Ben Marshall the 5.8m class – all Reservoir Dogs.
Supported by industry leaders Tushingham/Starboard, Windsurf magazine, Boards magazine, Neil Pryde and Boardwise, T15 was set up by the RYA to help make windsurfing more accessible and appealing to youngsters at a grass roots level.
Fun and informal training sessions take place at T15 clubs all over the country for kids up to the age of 15, which are run weekly by specialist RYA coaches. The T15 inter-club championship takes place regionally over the summer adding a competitive edge and race training for those keen to hone their skills. Kit can be borrowed from the clubs and the cost of sessions is kept low.
To get involved with Team15 and locate your nearest local club visit www.team15.org.uk or contact the RYA 0845 345 0400.
Image details: Morgan Robinson, Ben Marshall and Ryan Blackwell from the winning Reservoir Dogs team preparing for a beach start.