Jenna Gibson from Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club is not only the PWA World Champion, but now also the women's World Speed record holder.
Windsurfing world speed record holder
Jenna made history in Namibia at the @luderitzspeedchallenge hitting speeds of over 47.48 knots - that's over 55 mph in real money. The windsurfing speed strip has been specially prepared for those daring and talented enough to give it a try. The only half-humorous local advice is to, "try and stick to the wet bits". The challenge is particularly pressing at the end where stopping in time involves a gybe with the mast parallel to the water. For the speed challenge, much of the kit including the fin is asymmetrical and only designed to go one-way.
The travelling support team included Jenna's Dad, Andy - himself a top competitive windsurfer and Jenna's partner, Simon Pettifer. Simon too was hitting record speeds. The team are regulars on the beach at Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club, and Andy rarely misses the weekly windsurf racing.
Windsurfing for total health
It is generally felt that windsurfing is one of those sports where the best way to improve is to just get out on the water and do it. Windsurfing is an all-body activity that requires total health, however, provided you have reasonable base-line, a "windsurfing for total health" approach can be adopted to build every aspect of well-being, from strength, balance, flexibility and mental outlook. Most people who do sport are aware of the 'runners high', however, when you are also in-tune with wind shifts, water, tide, motion, weather and the environment - something else happens.
Anyone interested in learning can contact their local sailing or surf club, and if they have any concern over their initial level of fitness should speak to a doctor.
Board skills
Hythe Bay has forged some of the top windsurfing talent in the world. National and international champions include Marc Carney - European Champion, El Carney European Champion and Olympic Coach, Andy Gibson National Champion and the Granddaddy of windsurfing, Graeme Fuller (Author of the original text 'Let's Go Windsurfing').
Windsurfing the Bay
The talent was developed in the unique environment of Hythe Bay. The wind is predominantly so’ westerly. Hythe Bay forms the final stretch of southern coast at the thin end of the French-facing funnel before squirting under pressure into the North Sea. Wind, wave, tide and swell focus on a shingle shore break. Perceived wisdom has it that, if you can launch and sail here, you can sail anywhere. It is this that makes Hythe perfect for the pro’s. Gibson understates, “last week it was blowing over 30 knots on-shore at high tide. I didn’t mind the waves breaking over the top, but the irregular angles and patterns made finding the best wave to gybe on a bit difficult.” She explains, “For top speeds part of the skill to compete is to try and maintain constant contact with the water without taking-off, and the sharp waves off Hythe can present a particular challenge. Holding the rig down here, the practice provides excellent shape for low-flying skills anywhere”.
Pic credit: Donald Beck - featuring Simon and Jenna - pictured in Hythe Bay.
