A NORTH Cornwall A-level student from Launceston is on the crest of a wave after being voted UK windsurfer of the Year.

Sam Sills, age 17, who is studying at Tavistock College, was awarded the title by UK Windsurfing Association.

He has already won titles at European and World Championship level this year.

In August he triumphed at the World Youth Windsurfing Championship at Portland, Dorset.

Surprised

Sam's nearest practice lake is Roadford, but he is currently juggling his sport and studying chemistry, physics, biology and product design.

Surprised to be voted UK Windsurfer of the Year, Sam said he began windsurfing at the age of nine.

"I started sailing with my dad and saw windsurfers going fast and wanted to give it a go and have not stopped.

"I am a racer, so I course race, which is a bit like sailing so boards go pretty fast. It is so technical and so physical – it is an amazing sport."

Over the festive period, Sam's sisters are going to Spain for the European championships and he will also take the opportunity to do some training out there as well.

"I think going to Spain and revising for exams in January will be pretty tough," said Sam. Ideally he would like to take his windsurfing talents to a professional level.

"I want to go down the professional route, but want to keep my options open with my exams," said Sam.