A 21-year-old professional windsurfer from Silsden is preparing for the next leg in his attempt to be crowned UK champion.

Sam Neal is in joint fifth so far this year, with two events left to go in the BWA (British Wavesailing Association) Wave Tour.

Next, it’s a trip to the remote Scottish isle of Tiree, on Saturday, October 8 to Saturday, October 15.

Sam says it is one of his favourite spots in the world.

“It’s fantastic there,” he said. “Even though it’s quite a small island, there are so many beaches – at least seven or eight – and the conditions can be amazing.

“One minute there can be huge waves with wind from the left, and the next waves can drop and the wind will be coming from the right – it’s so exciting.”

The Tiree Wave Classic is the most prestigious and longest standing windsurfing event on the British calendar.

This year Tiree celebrates its 25th anniversary by hosting Britain’s best riders in pro, amatuer, masters and women’s fleets with a fantastic prize fund guaranteeing the top pro £1,000.

Sam, who took up the sport when he was just nine, came fourth in last year’s BWA Wave Tour.

Andy Groom, who is back on the event team and was the founder of this Wave Classic way back in 1986, said: “It will be great to have guests like Farrel O’Shea, Nik Baker and Duncan Coombes, among other past legends, there this year. “To see such a great event and the standard of sailing that we’ve had over 25 years has been amazing.”

Simmer rider Ben Proffit, the 2010 BWA champion, said: “I absolutely love taking part in this event – for me its one of the highlights of the year and can deliver any conditions.

“The championship could be anyone’s at the moment and I’m keen to win here and have another shot at the title.”