Many island windsurfers will be aware of Hayling resident James Dinsmore. A regular face during windy spells and organiser of the Hayling Slalom Series; Dinsmore is also a class racer in his own right.
Having competed on the British circuit for a number of years and held his own during international events against the worlds best James hard work and dedication paid off when he was crowned champion after the final event in Weymouth on November 10.
Throughout the tough year where windsurfers jockeyed for the number spot James managed to stay on top and keep Lady Luck on his side. Juggling a full time job and managing to squeeze in training travel to events and being a husband hasnt been easy but his determination has now paid off.
Slalom windsurfing is a tricky beast to master as conditions are never the same twice; understanding how to tune your kit and develop a tactical brain is also key to success. Unlike conventional sports reading the weather and how small nuances affect the race course is the only way to get that top podium spot.
Having now won the British Slalom Association Championship James intends to set his sights on improving international standings. His aim will be to compete in the first overseas event of 2014 in Margarita Venezuela. Hell also continue to be a regular on the UK scene and Haylings local racing nights when they return next Easter.
Fellow Severne team rider (and National Watersports Festival organiser) Allan Cross managed to catch up with James for a brief chat after the Weymouth event. James said: To be honest I can hardly believe it. I have been doing the championship for quite a few years; long enough to realise how hard it is to come out top at the end of the season. There are some fantastic competitors in the British fleet who I have a great deal of respect for. It is that which makes winning special.
You can find full results listings by visiting http://boards.mpora.com/news/epic-final-bsa-and-dinsmore-crowned-champion.html
Pic courtesy Alastair Campbell
