I was going to start this with a clever quip or line but really the only thing that feels appropriate to say is a massive thank you. Truly this was the best AK in recent memory and that is down to you all, so, thank you all for making it such a memorable weekend!

Friday saw us all descend on a rather rainy field at Hallets Cidery in South Wales. Cars were expertly manoeuvred into place by Bristol’s Mike Nicholas (BIG thank you to Mike for your help). Before long tents were up and drinks were opened. Friends who hadn’t seen each other in a number of long months were together once again. Psyberfunk and DJ Axelle took to the decks and the party began, truly an awesome start to the weekend. After the familiar chants of ‘one more song’ everyone was ushered to bed for a big day of windsurfing ahead.

As always, the morning came too soon and we were awoken to the ‘calming’ and not at all annoying music chosen by Grace Main. Before long, even the most persistently hungover windsurfer was up and about, ready for the day. Soon kit was unloaded at the stunning Llandegfedd Reservoir and windsurf instruction was dished out both to beginners and more advanced windsurfers. People were out on the water freesailing and under the watchful eye of their teachers. Lakeside people relaxed and old friends had the catch up they so desperately needed.

Packed up and ready for some hot food before partying, many clubs opted for a Spoons dinner before getting themselves back to Hallets and adorned in their best Rhymes fancy dress. Once more we partied the night away supplied by cider from Hallets and tunes from Psyberfunk, DJ Axelle, and the ever-popular Sax-A-Dan. With not one, not two but three chants of ‘one more song’ the night drew to a close.

Those up early enough on Sunday were treated to the gorgeous sights of the sun rising over the campsite and were even treated to a rainbow. Slowly others joined them and the great pack-up began. With cars packed and tents put away, it was time to go to Llandegfedd once more for freesailing, freestyle and team racing. 

In team racing, the results were: 

• Cardiff 3rd place (Winners of Club Vass hats)
• Warwick 2nd place (Winners of Club Vass t-shirts)
• Southampton 1st place (Winners of C-Monstas)

In freestyle, the results were:

• Kyle Williams 3rd place (Winner of a Saltrock beanie and travel mug)
• Ben Millard 2nd place (Winner of a Saltrock t-shirt and travel mug)
• Nat Little 1st place (Winner of a Saltrock hoodie and ceramic mug)

Congratulations to our winner and well done to everyone who took part!

All too quickly it was time for prize-giving and to say our goodbyes. Thank you again to everyone who attended, to our instructors, to Hallets and Llandegfedd for hosting us, to our performers, and to everyone else who helped over the weekend. We’d like to also thank our sponsors, Boardwise, Buccaneer Sessions, C-Monsta, Club Vass, Dryrobe, Monster, and Saltrock, for providing support and prizes over the weekend.

Don’t worry about missing us too much though because Northern Monkey is right around the corner!

All Photos by Grace Main (@Graceemain on Insta)