As we wave goodbye to 2024 it its time to reflect on the year that has passed and celebrate all the best bits the past 365 days have delivered. What a year it has been here at The Official Test Centre (OTC)!
OTC Team Rider James Faley was crowned National Foil Champion for a second year.
Inspirational OTC Team Rider Emma Wilson became a two-time Olympic medalist, jetted off to Hong Kong, continued to inspire youngsters across the UK, we all lived and breathed her Olympic campaign and as she sat there on her board contemplating, we all wanted to reach out and give her the biggest hug as we are all so proud of her. The highs and lows reflect just how much it means, here's to LA28!
OTC Team Rider Scott Norman placed second in the foil fleet and competed on the world stage in Denmark. The UKWA introduced the new 'One Hour Challenge'.
OTC Team Rider Lilia Yelland competed at the 2024 Bonaire Youth Slalom PWA World Cup and came back with U21 second.
Our Pro-Rider Scotty Stallman carried on his quest for world domination on the PWA circuit but in a cruel twist of fate an injury sealed his destiny.
Wellbeing Windsurfing gave youngsters a voice and therapeutic benefits of time on the water were all soaked up by youngsters who took part in the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF).
2024 has been packed with events including; Weymouth Speed Week, the RNLI Paddle Board Race and The Harbour Dash.
We hosted the HONU Demo Day, Blue Peter, Armstrong Foils Open Weekend and OTC Club Nights.
We attended the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show and Le Defi Wind.
We welcomed legends Peter Hart and Dave White, we welcomed those looking to get RYA qualified and those looking to learn from the enthusiastic coaches Simon Winkley and James Hardy. There was slalom, winging, foiling, Fliteboarding, a record breaking attempt to 'Foil around Britain', sunset sessions, smiles, laughs, achievements and memories that will last a lifetime!
What a swell year for The OTC, in this blog read about our round-up of another extraordinary 52 weeks of on the water magic!
RIP Farrel O'Shea 1963-2024.
By Emma Nicholson.
Kerry Knight, The OTC Windsurfing School's Project Manager, said: "It’s been a pretty busy year on the water for our well-being groups and its with a huge big thank you to our sponsors, we’ve supported 42 young people from Weymouth and Portland schools through our programmes this year. I never imagined that two years ago when we started out with this project that it would become the success that it is today.
"A special mention to The Will Mackaness Trust, The Will Houghton Foundation and The Chesil Sailing Trust for making it all possible. We are currently in the planning stages to run our programmes again in 2025 which is very exciting.
"On a personal note, I have finally cracked Wing foiling this year and thoroughly enjoy spending time with my like minded friends in our ladies only wing foil group called “just winging it”. Weather permitting we will continue throughout the winter but, can’t wait for spring to come around."
Scotty Stallman, The OTC Pro-Rider, said: "2024 has been an interesting year for me in many respects. I’ve had a great time travelling to several overseas events.Unfortunately due to equipment damage followed by a foot injury, my PWA season was cut short. Nevertheless, I was still able to gain further experience and spend time on tour with some great guys.
"Back home in Portland, we’ve had some great sessions both out wing foiling and windsurfing with my close friends. Also, we must not forget those dreamy summer sunset sessions at HQ here on Portland. I will be spending this Christmas with my girlfriend in Germany and look forward to seeing you all on the water in 2025. Merry Christmas!!"
Callum Blackwell, OTC Instructor, said: "2024 has been a blast! Highlight for me has to be starting my role at The OTC! The team have all been amazing and really helped me settle in to the swing of things! Excited for more in 2025!"
OTC Director Tris Best said: "There have been plenty of highlights and achievements this year, but to list a few - changing the dynamic down the centre and in the unit, so that the whole team have cleaner workplaces and more focus.
"Watching the downwind journeys continue amongst the team, and their abilities progress on both wing and paddle. Watching Scotty push his speed-sailing on the world stage. Windsurfing overpowered on a 3.4m with a best mate in Moulay, Morocco, or going on a family holiday to a part of Greece I’d never have entertained before winging and foiling existed, and still getting out on the water five out of the seven days. Watching our wellbeing programmes flourish and seeing the difference it continues to make to local childrens’ lives.
"The Harbour Dash and watching a Moth smash it … foiling has again changed the script! But I think one of my more cherished moments is winging with my youngest daughter, and her determination to windsurf on her own at five; there’s hope yet to avoid horses! Ha. Thanks to all the team for their hardworking this year and to everyone that came to visit in 2024. Hope to see you again in 2025!"
All of us at The Official Test Centre wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year! Thank you to each and every one of you that has supported us this year, without you the centre and SurfDoctor would not be what it is. Thank you for being part of The OTC/SurfDoctor family.
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