Today is officially the final day of the 08/09 season and I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on some of the milestones.
On a whole, the Windsurfing Africa membership + database grew by almost 50% over the course of the season, sitting just short of 600 members now. The regional split is currently sitting at 4% for EC, 14% for KZN, 21% for the Inland provinces, WC 29%. Foreigners make up 5%. But unfortunately there are still some 27% with missing info… something to consider for next season.
We ran a tour for the first time since the Summer Sail Circuit back in the 80's. I think the WSA Tour worked pretty well this season and would very much like to thank everyone who helped put it together. There seemed to be very positive feedback from slalom and wave sailors alike, despite the many problems encountered in our first year. We are learning from the experience and are always looking at ways to improve the quality of the events for all level of riders.
The Tour will be our main focus for next season, with the Inland provinces looking to host a (Slalom) round at Sterkfontein Dam in September. This should give us 4 rounds next season, including both Wave and Slalom. Details on the Tour dates will follow soon.
The Inland, KZN and EC Regional Chairpersons that assisted us this season will stay on to ensure continuity. They are as follows;
Inland: Julian Field
KZN: Ralph Cromarty
EC: Eugene van Niekerk
The position for WC Chairperson is officially open for nomination. The main role of the regional chairperson is to manage and communicate with the riders, the event organisers and the invitation to host events, and, to keep in touch with the other regional chairpersons.
I would like to nominate Mark Derman as a first candidate (and has accepted). If anyone else would like to nominate themselves or somebody else, please do so. Nominations can be made to wc@windsurfingafrica.org or on this forum.
If there is more than one candidate, I will publish the names by no later than Monday 18 May. I will then invite WC riders to vote on those candidates. I will publish a list, on this forum, of all the WC riders on our database. Only they may vote. If you are living in the WC and are not on the list, please e-mail the above address and register to vote.
That's about it for this season. Looking forward to a better one next season.
And if you are living in the WC; nominate, register, and vote for change!