No wind for the nationals? That blows!
By Tim O?Connell
With Wellington having a reputation for being the windy city, the opportunities are usually plentiful to enjoy all forms of sail related pursuits. However, Murphy?s Law came into effect last month, as a national windsurfing competition was called off due to-of all things-a lovely calm day. The windsurfing freestyle nationals were set to be held over the weekend of March 10-11 at Eastbourne. However, in a cruel twist of fate, Wellington produced a fine day with little wind at all-pleasing everyone in the city except those who had travelled from around the country to compete, not to mention those co-ordinating the event. It was probably the first weekend all year that it wasn?t windy,? said an exasperated organiser of the Freestyle national competition, Tom Taylor. But while he is disappointed that the event could not run this time around, Mr Taylor is hopeful of rescheduling the event for later on in the year. ?It could be a wicked event, we just need that Wellington wind to play ball,? he said. Within the confines of Wellington harbour, or exposed to the elements off the coast of Porirua, the sport of windsurfing attracts hundreds to the water each weekend, or on a cheeky day off. Away from the Hutt, the northern Wellington coastline offers the perfect environment for all levels of skill. While the secluded haven of the Pauatahanui Inlet gives novices and low key enthusiasts to try their hand, Plimmerton has also proven a location for windsurfers to enjoy the challenging blasts of air blowing in from the Cook Strait. For those looking to get involved with the sport or just keen to see some serious air being achieved, the Wellington Windsurfing Association holds regular open days on the first Sunday of each month at Day?s Bay in Eastbourne.
