Gather windsurfers old and new, boy, do we have the article for you. Here is everything you need to know in order to have your knowledge show.
Okay, I can’t think of any more rhymes so welcome to ‘What to Expect from AK22’!
First and foremost: What is AK?
AK (or Aussie Kiss) is the world’s largest student windsurfing festival hosted by the Student Windsurfing Association. We offer two full days of on the water training for all ability levels as well as two incredible nights of partying, one of which is fancy dress.
Where and when is it?
This year AK is based at the beautiful Llandegfedd Reservoir in (hopefully) sunny South Wales with camping a short drive away at Hallets Cidery. Your university clubs will organise transport for the event, so if you have any issues talk to them!
It will be taking place the weekend of the 20th to 22nd of October.
How do I buy a ticket?
First, you’ll need sign up for an account on our website and buy your SWA membership, for only £5 you’ll be registered for every event of the year. Then your club will need to register you for AK, give them a quick message when you’ve paid for membership and they’ll sort it for you.
Then go to the ‘Events’ tab and select ‘Buy Tickets’. Following that, select which ticket you’d like to buy (beginners, intermediate/advanced, party or instructor), and any add-ons you’d like, such as a food or t-shirt. Pay and that’s it! You’re on your way to AK.
What’s the theme for fancy dress?
Our theme this AK is ‘Rhymes Without Reason’, think rhyming pairs that make no logical sense together like crime and wine, or diary and fairy. Each club will decide their own rhyming pair and claim it through the Facebook event page (link here) so definitely join that to get an idea of what people are going as!
What should I expect?
Fingers crossed, the windiest and best weekend of your life! There will be something for everyone from complete novices who heard about the sport for the first time three weeks ago, to crazy keen windsurfers who spend most of their time out on the water. You will be offered expert training from our army of instructors, can free sail and practice tricks, or just chill by the lake listening to tunes provided by psyberfunk_music and getting to know members from other clubs.
During the nights we’ll be having a right old boogie with psyberfunk_music back on decks so you can dance the nights away. A great opportunity to make friends and get involved in the community outside of just windsurfing.
Whatever you want to get out of the weekend, you can!
What do I need to bring?
If you’re brave just yourself but preferably some (all) of the list below.
Clothing:
Warm clothes (it’s officially October so it can be chilly, especially at night)
Waterproofs (a nice waterproof jacket is probably a must as we can’t guarantee the weather will hold)
Wellies (you may have heard about the muddiest AK, if not just trust us)
Fancy dress!!!
Wetgear:
Swimming costume/shorts
Wetsuit and boots (don’t worry if you don’t own your own, your club will provide them)
A towel
Harness (again clubs will provide one if you don’t already have one)
Camping Gear:
A good quality sleeping bag
A good roll mat or air mattress
A tent (don’t forget poles and pegs! If you don’t have your own talk to your club and they should be able to help)
Toilet roll (we’ll try to keep them stocked but you never know)
Other:
Water bottle (there’ll be places to fill up and their no glass allowed in the party tent)
Food (needed for dinner and especially important if you haven’t bought a food ticket)
Portable charger (there are very limited outlets available so we recommend you bring one or two chargers unless you want an unplugged weekend)
Toiletries
Sunglasses (fingers crossed for good weather)
Alcohol- No glass (Hallets will be opening their cider bar but you may want to bring your own)
What’s the plan for the weekend?
It is going to be a busy old weekend so here’s a little breakdown so you know what’s going on.
FRIDAY
18:00 - 21:00 - Arriving, registration and set-up
21:00 - 01:00 - Standard sesh
SATURDAY
07:45 - The wake-up call
08:00 - 08:45 - Breakfast time
10:00 - The briefing
10:30 - 16:00 - Windsurfing!! There is more information about the lesson times to come
18:00 - 22:00 - Teatime and costume prep!
22:00 - 03:00 - Party time!
SUNDAY
07:45 - The wake-up call
08:00 - 10:00 - Breakfast time
10:00 - The briefing
10:30 - Team, team racing and freestyle sign-up
10:30 - 15:00 - Windsurfing!!
15:30 - Prizegiving!!
16:00 - Pack up and home time
FAQs
Will it be windy?
We hope so but unfortunately, the only thing we can’t do is control the weather.
Will there be food?
Yup! When buying your ticket you will have the option to buy a food add-on. This will give you two breakfasts (the SWA classic bacon/vegan sausage sandwich with an optional egg) and two lunches at the res (BBQ). Dinner will be organised by your club. This is optional though so feel free to bring your own food too!
Do I have to drink alcohol?
Not at all! If you don’t want to drink you are still more than welcome and we regardless want you to have a good time in our community.
What kit will I be using?
Your club will be bringing its own kit along as will our lovely sponsors at Boardwise. There will be plenty, so don’t worry!
What happens after AK?
Now you’ve got a taste for what the SWA is all about you’re ready to join our full events calendar. This term alone we will be having a wave event hosted by Exeter (3rd to 5th of November), a core event in Liverpool (17th to 19th of November) and another wave event in Southampton (date in December TBC).
We look forward to seeing you then!
Any further questions, feel free to message us on Facebook or Instagram.
