Cornish Coldwater Classic – Horrocks Shows Style and Substance

There’s something special about the Cornish Coldwater Classic — and this year was no exception. While conditions may not have matched last year’s wild benchmark, the event still delivered quality competition across all fleets.

For Phil Horrocks, it was an event of high performance, tactical decisions and undeniable style.

By Emma Maguire.

Phil Horrocks aerial back loop at the Cornish Coldwater Classic

“It was a great event for all fleets, definitely not as wild as last year’s but I don’t think we’ll be able to replicate that again for a long time!”

Dialled-In Equipment

Phil felt the conditions were slightly lighter and smaller than ideal, but he made the most of what was on offer.

“It was probably a bit lighter and smaller than I’d have liked, so I was on my 5.3 Black Tip carbon sail throughout paired with the 90 Flywave G7, it’s big enough to float me and small enough to still be able to rip turns.”

The setup proved effective, allowing him to blend power with precision — something clearly visible in what many described as the best rail turns of the event. Phil’s surfing style stood out, with clean lines and committed arcs drawing attention from spectators and judges alike.

Phil Horrocks has all the manoeuvres including front side/backside riding, bottom turn, cut back and lip bangs

Early Momentum, Final Frustration

The early rounds went to plan.

“In the early rounds it went pretty well as I scored solid waves early in the heats and was able to relax.”

Phil goes down the line making the most of the wind and swell

But finals day brought a different dynamic.

“In the final it was a bit different. I was up against three others who were all on their game and seemed to be pretty mobile. The waves were a bit slow at the beginning and everyone else scored waves whereas it wasn’t until about seven minutes gone that I actually caught a wave! Plan A was to wait and catch the big ones — I was very much on Plan B by this point!”

Cutback to find the ideal wind direction for his wave riding

Wave selection proved decisive.

“In the end I had middle-of-the-road waves but turned well on them, it was close, but not quite what I was aiming for!”

Despite narrowly missing out on the top spot, Phil’s performance reinforced his reputation for technical rail work and powerful turns in critical sections.

Phil launches the board off the lip

Looking Ahead

There’s no dwelling on near misses — the focus is already forward.

“Plenty of windsurfing in Rhosneigr ahead I hope! Great to have the next round of the series on my home spot!!”

With the tour heading to his home waters of Rhosneigr, Horrocks will no doubt be looking to convert style into silverware next time out. If the Coldwater Classic was anything to go by, he’ll be one to watch.

Having a swell time!

photo credit John Carter @windsurfmagazine

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