A RISING windsurfing star is this week aiming to ride the crest of a wave to glory at a major competition . . . being held indoors.

Jamie Hancock, 19, of Litchgate Lane in Stubbington will pit his wits against windsurfers from around the world at the London Boat Show on a giant 70-metre indoor pool.

Wind blows from 24 huge fans that gust air at 40mph across water on the £2.5m purpose- built pool that has a jump in the middle.

It is the first time such a pool has been used in this country and Jamie has never surfed on one before.

He said: "It's fun to watch but very hard to do because the wind only blows at one level and only on one side."

Although some of the world's top names are competing, Jamie rates his chances of success as he believes that his low weight could be the crucial factor in harnessing the artificial wind.

He said: "I'm quite small and the wind gets less strong further away from the fans so I think my size might help cause an upset."

The teenager decided to take the sport seriously after earning a respectable finish in an adult competition on the Isle of Wight while still a junior.

Already with a clutch of awards under his belt, Jamie also won the UK Windsurfing Association's most improved windsurfer award last year.

He has a dream lifestyle, regularly travelling the world to competitions in scorching destinations such as Hawaii and the Canary Islands.

However, he desperately needs sponsorship to help pay for kit and travel expenses if he is to fulfil his dream of making it into the big time.

To sponsor him visit his website at www.jamiehancock.com