Adam Hoey, a Year 9 student at Withernsea High School, will be representing Great Britain in the Techno 293 World Championships next week. The competition will see windsurfers from more than fifteen countries participate in a week’s worth of racing in Limassol, Cyprus.

After securing a recommendation by his British Youth Sailing Team (BYST) Coach, Adam will take part in his first international competition as one of twelve entrants under the age of fifteen to represent Great Britain, and only one of six who will be doing so with the full support of a training package and equipment provided.

Due to the high technical standards involved, and the overall physical nature of the event, the training package will also extend to pre-event guidance on site, plus support at sea during the races.

For the past two years, Adam has competed in the British Youth Sailing Regional Junior Championships. Last year, he won gold in the boys’ 5.8m fleet and this year secured gold in the 6.8m fleet. In September this year, he also entered the UK National Championships where he came fifth in his fleet (6.8m) in Great Britain.

Adam’s continuing success has been part of a remarkable four-year journey, which has seen him hone his skills around the UK. Explaining how he first got into the sport, Adam said: ‘In the summer of 2018, I first became aware of windsurfing at Welton Waters Activity Centre. I had been due to take part in a Cub Scout sailing event, which was unfortunately cancelled. Seeing how disappointed I was, my parents took me down to Welton anyway to see what it was like and maybe have a sailing lesson. However, I saw the windsurfing and wanted to have a go at that instead. I had some lessons there and had a really good instructor who took me through the RYA Youth Windsurfing Scheme.’

Earlier this year, Adam was also selected for the North Windsurfer British Youth Sailing Regional Training Group for the third time. Identified as one of the sailors with ‘potential within the Windsurfer Class’, Adam joined a group comprising the twelve best windsurfers in the North of England.

Sailors within this group are required to attend and compete at key national junior events, with the objective of getting sailors into the elite youth teams where many of the current Olympic squad started their sailing journeys.

With so much training on the radar, and with opportunities opening up all the time, just how difficult is windsurfing in general? Commenting on the complexities of the sport, Adam said: ‘It is easy to learn the basics, but you really need to practise to learn the more advanced skills and get faster. 

There are lots of different types of windsurfing, including Freeride, Wave, Techno, Raceboards and Slalom, and you need specific kit - board and rig - and skills for whichever you choose. 

Once you know the theory, the main thing is time on the water. You also need to learn sailing etiquette and, if you want to take part in racing, you need to learn all the rules and tactics. I get out on the water whenever I can and I use a different board or sail size depending on the conditions and whether I am inland or on open water.’

Adam’s continuing passion for windsurfing, and the success he is accumulating, is a great source of pride for his parents, Alison and Martin, who commented: ‘We are very proud that he has maintained his enthusiasm and commitment to the sport and to be able to represent Great Britain in something he loves is fantastic.

It was incredible for Adam to be told that competing was within his capabilities, so this is about being part of an event of this scale and enjoying the ride. We've been told by parents that have been through previous World Championships that it will be stressful and emotional, but that the participants get so much from the experience so it's 100% worthwhile.

This is quite possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity which should give Adam an amazing experience and lasting memories.’

ABOVE: Adam mid-race at the National Windsurfing Championships at Rutland Water. [Photo Credit: Watershots_UK]

ABOVE AND BELOW: Adam wave-jumping off the coast of Withernsea