Lou Brown - Wind Surfing Success

article from This is Bristol web site:

Lou crowned national champ

AN 11-year-old Bristol schoolboy is celebrating after winning a national windsurfing title.

 Lou Brown, who lives in Bishopston and attends Cotham School, triumphed in the 5.8-metre class at the RYA National Junior Championships at Whitwell on Rutland Water.

The championships are open to windsurfers under the age of 17 – with the 5.8-metre class usually competed for by 11 to 13-year-olds.

 

In addition to his national title, Lou also won the Junior Rutland Marathon, a race open to competitors from all the different classes.

 

Lou's father, Andy, said: "I sail and Lou had sailed a little bit with me, but his interest really started when we went on holiday to Brittany a few years ago. It was a windy day and he saw a windsurfer out on the water jumping the waves and said: 'I want to do that.'

 "We bought a second- hand board and it went from there. He discovered he could really do it when we went up to Croft Farm lake at Tewkesbury and it was blowing a gale, yet Lou stayed out on the lake all day."

 "His achievements in the National Junior Windsurfing Championship were fantastic – and he trains really hard all year round. We are very proud of him."

 

"We are also really grateful to Geoff Pook, a coach from South West Windsurfing, who has been really supportive and a fantastic help to Lou."

Alan Barnstable - 21st July 2010