First time I sailed the event. I have sailed on and off since 1977 but don't sail racing gear. I have a rrd 105 with a 6.8 rigged on a 430 skinny. I told my wife that if I didn't get planing before the first mark to wait for me and I would return. I got over half way and never got close to planing and turned back and limped back to the beach. I wasn't bummed but interested to see the equipment people had and the quality of the organization of the event. I thought my gear coming from Gero was good for anything but now realize in this arena that I was on high wind equipment. To be serious at my weight I need a big board and an 8 m sail. I will consider entering the event in future but just hope that the wind favours my equipment which will stay the same.
I would like to congratulate everyone that finished as it was a tough event from my perspective. I would really like to thank the organizers. Finally I think that if you are into windsurfing that you should put this event on your calendar as whatever the wind you will not be disappointed.
I think the sponsors also need to be recognized as it would not happen without them. Ben Severne was front and centre and the only windsurfing company supporting the event. I don't sail with his equipment but I am now considering it as he puts his money where is mouth is and is from Oz (wa).
Where are all the other manufacturers? What about the shops? We also need to look to these businesses to help drive new windsurfers. Where are the schools?
After 35 years sailing I still enjoy sailing and wonder where all those years went.
Some shops do sponsor and understand the need to support the industry and advertise their brand.
WINDFORCE have kindly sponsored myself (5th elite) and Rowen (6th elite) and Shane (winner of the open division). Im very thankful for Steve M's help and support with starboards and Severnes.
Also i was over at the NZ nationals & Oceanic last year and spread the word about the Lancelin Ocean Classic and the winner of the Youth division was a young Taylor Boyd who did well considering he is starting year 11 this year. He told me before the race he needed a new 6.0m sail. Now he has a brand new 5.4m overdrive from a very supportive Ben Severne and Severne sails.
Everyone needs to spread the word and encourage the sport.
Last years event there was a lady in the registration line behind me who did the L2L for the first time. I am happy to say that i taught her to windsurf while working a summer job as an intructor in safety bay in 2005.
We need to take people under our wings and guide them to the windsurfing heavens 
Great to see some of the windsurfing community actually supporting the event. On that list I see a few- but they aren't windsurfing companies 
Thanks guys!
Setting up a circus on the beach looks like event sponsorship. Does that count?
What is it with the negative attitude towards some windsurf brands?
If you don't ride what I ride then you suck and sail like crap type attitude.....
Even though Severne sails aren't on the major sponsor list (does anyone actually know if they made a contribution or not?) they still did their bit for the sport and the event on the day.
For starters, it would be my guess that they played a fair role in getting the current world slalom champ Dunkerbeck over here which is great for the event.
They gave away a signed sail to the first junior over the line......that's an awesome thing to do for the future of windsurfing!
There was also a new sail for the winner of the juniors in the waves but no one signed up..... we should be more worried about this than our silly brand differences.
I know of a handful (theres probably more) of people who would not have even been able to do the race if Severne didn't lend them some kit.
If you needed gear and they had spare they would have lent it to you....awesome!
Ben was available all day before and after the race, helping people with rigging advice etc.
If you look in the wavesailing forum theres a guy who's building a sail. Ben has offered to send him anything he needs to build his sail!
These guys are a competitive company and are always going to be actively promoting themselves, but they are still doing some pretty cool things for the sport at the same time.
