The Wakestock champion prepares for the European/African Championships

UK wakeboarders don’t have the good fortune to experience all-year-round practice on their home turf, given the unpredictable and frequently awful weather conditions that we’re treated to here. So what else is there to do in these chilly months but chase the sun and seek out the world’s best spots? Last year’s Wakestock and Chill And Ride champion David O’Caoimh fills us in on his trip to Spain with the Irish Wakeboard Team as they prepare for their next big contest.

Prime riding time at Xtreme Gene

With snow and hail and icy water in the lakes in Ireland it was time for the Irish Wakeboard Team to find some slightly warmer weather to train in before the European/African Championships in South Africa next month. Five of us headed off to the beautiful waters of Embalse de la Brena, just outside the city Cordoba in southern Spain. Xtreme Gene plays host on these waters to Europe's premier wakeboard camp and has been the spot to get your warm weather riding in for almost 10 years.

After a dodgy drive up from Malaga airport (in a Volkswagen van with the wrong gearbox!), we all managed to get a set on the water before it got dark. With sunshine most days, and the usual quality of banter that comes with any wakeboard trip, we were set for a good week.

Practice makes perfect

With the European/African Championships in South Africa just around the corner, everyone worked hard on their riding. David Coates was nailing his trademark Whirly 5, and working well on switch toe 7s. The girls – Aisling Deegan and Lindsay Whelan, both still in the under 14s division – made huge progress, learning tantrums, scarecrows, 360s and toeside backside 180s.

Ireland’s number one woman, Sian Hurst, was killing it with her usual array of big tricks, but also getting super close on a wrapped roll to blind. She also scored crash of the week with multiple ‘double-boot ejections’ (huge front-edge stacks) while manning up and trying her hand at Air Raleys. Major lad points to Sian!

Pushing the limits

As with any week of training at this level, where there are a good few riders pushing themselves hard, there is a good chance of injury. Unfortunately for Brian Deegan, it was his knee that took the brunt of the intense riding. Fingers crossed he’ll be fit for the Euros.

Everything was feeling really good with my riding – I locked down a whole bunch of new tricks and secured my regulars. The week has left me really amped and incredibly positive about not only the Euros, but also the whole 2012 season to come. Massive thanks to all the crew at Xtreme Gene for yet another awesome training trip.

Roll on South Africa!

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David O'Caoimh

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Wakeboarding

Quote that inspires me

'The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.', Muhammad Ali

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