Boating-sailing
Windsurf
Move On Up
JUMPINGOne of windsurfing’s greatest sensations is feeling the freedom and excitement of flight. In this month’s technique piece I will look at the various aspects of jumping, with tips and strategies for different conditions, fault analysis and the motivating factors for making your first flights.
4 min |
Issue 379 - September 2018
Windsurf
2018 Winter Travel Guide
Swapping thermals for t-shirts and boardies in the depths of winter is a treat that never gets old. The joys of a winter break are easy to sell, but did you know there’s a great body of scientific knowledge out there but that definitively proves that going away windsurfing when the rest of the country is freezing their blue bits off is actually good for you? Leading Professor of madeupology, Candice B. Fureal, said “We’ve looked at a cross-section of windsurfers and they all said the same thing, carve jibing in shorts improves your suntan and appetite.” So there you have it, whether it’s studying your tan lines or ordering your post sail burger from the beach bar, winter travel is beneficial to you and your body, fact. Fortunately we have a handy winter travel guide this month to help you research further this often neglected field of medicine as Jane Faughnan from Sportif Travel and Marcus Bull from Planet Windsurf pick their favourite winter getaways and we provide micro-guides to a selection of windsurfing hotspots. So in the interests of further non-rigorous medical analysis and the benefit of mankind, read on and book a winter break before the fake news police catch us!
8 min |
Issue 379 - September 2018
Windsurf
Don't Be Fooled By Randomness
To be happy in our sport, you have to embrace the unpredictable, explains Peter Hart.
4 min |
Issue 379 - September 2018
Windsurf
108 HOURS
Norwegian windsurfers, Oda Johanne Stokstad Brødholt and Håkon Skorge hit the road in continental Europe, following forecasts and checking out new spots in their self-converted camper van. From Norway to Portugal via Switzerland and back to Norway, taking in Spain and Sweden on the way, it was 108 hours of driving. Was it worth it? Read on and decide as Oda documents the highs and lows of their ‘Euro’ trip.
10 min |
Issue 381 - November/December 2018
Windsurf
Amazing Amado
Jack of all windsurfing trades and master of them all, Amado Vrieswijk is one of windsurfing’s ultimate all-rounders. From incredible double air culos in freestyle to being one of the top foil racers in the world, his skills are not confined to one discipline. Born in Bonaire, he continues to keep up its tradition of producing world-class windsurfers. The talented Dutchman tells us more about his life.
8 min |
Issue 381 - November/December 2018
Windsurf
Move On Up
THE DUCK GYBEThis month I urge you to get into and improve the duck gybe as it feels great, looks cool and is another fantastic milestone in our sport. It is also simpler, in some ways, than the carve gybe and will actually help you improve these too. It may actually yield your first planing exit in a gybe!
6 min |
Issue 381 - November/December 2018
Windsurf
BOSS BEACH
Cotillo – the very name used to strike fear into mast manufacturers. Its notorious waves gave birth to many fledgling pro careers and death to many rigs in wave sailing’s formative years. Located on the NW shore of Fuerteventura, it’s a beach break with a reputation as one of the heaviest in the archipelago and deservedly so – when it comes to Canarian beach breaks, Cotillo is the boss. On their final day of a four-day stint in the Canary Islands, John Carter and Timo Mullen on a high from an epic session with current men’s world champion Philip Koester in Jameos Del Agua in Lanzarote decided to go 2 for 2 and sail with women’s world champion Iballa Moreno and take on the challenge of Cotillo! John, Iballa, Timo and Corky Kirkham tell us more about the session and their relationship with the island.
10 min |
Issue 387 - August 2018
Windsurf
Journey To The Med
Our last update from Jono Dunnett and his epic round Europe windsurf expedition was in our April 2018 issue where we left the adventurer off the coast of Spain. We catch up with him this issue as he heads out from Galicia, NW Spain and back to the open ocean, heading down the Atlantic coast of Spain and Portugal, bound for the Mediterranean.
8 min |
Issue 387 - August 2018
Windsurf
The Long And Short Of It
Whether it’s the behemoths of long boards past or their modern incarnation, windSUPs, Peter Hart contends that, “There is eternal beauty in length.”
4 min |
Issue 387 - August 2018
Windsurf
Ho'okipa Breakdown
Ho’okipa is one of the most famous wavesailing breaks in the world and home to some notorious kit crunching rocks. But not every day is mast high plus and on flat days the famed spot can be ticked off the bucket list by a reasonably competent sailor. If you’ve ever fancied a go or want to know more about Ho’okipa’s nuances, then read on as Robby Swift gives a guide to the iconic wave and a breakdown on the ins and outs of sailing his adopted home break.
8 min |
Issue 387 - August 2018
Windsurf
High Winds
If you fancy windsurfing in the Swiss Alps, 1800 metres above sea level, then Lake Silvaplana is the spot. Located in the Engadin valley region in the eastern Swiss Alps, southeastern Switzerland, it is home to one of the ‘highest’ windsurfing clubs and longest running windsurfing competitions in the world. We caught up with Christian Mueller, co-founder of the EFPT and head of the Engadinwind event team and Italian freestyle young gun, Riccardo Marca, to find out more about the pristine alpine spot and its competition scene.
5 min |
Issue 387 - August 2018
Windsurf
The Rough Stuff
When the going gets rough, what do you do with slalom stuff? The 2018 Ulsan PWA World Cup in Jinha Beach, South Korea tested PWA slalom sailors to their limits with high winds and choppy seas. So how do they adjust their tactics and equipment to handle the rough stuff and what did they think of some of the most extreme slalom racing to take place in years. A selection of the world’s best racers share their knowledge and experiences.
10+ min |
Issue 387 - August 2018
Windsurf
Rediscovering Aruba
I remember the moment vividly, it was late May 2011, and I sat in the pristine white sand of “Fisherman’s Huts”, overlooking layers of turquoise as the sun set into the Caribbean Sea. I sat facing the dying rays, alone, feeling blue and oblivious to the beauty around me. My heart had already sunk somewhere deep inside me. I felt hunger, exhaustion, and yes I’ll admit it, I even felt cold. It was the end of a long succession of PWA World Tour competitions, and this last one in Aruba got to me. I windsurfed terribly, had one of my worst results, and I couldn’t recall a minute I enjoyed from the entire week. My confidence and motivation were trampled upon like never before. Not only did I hope to never compete in Aruba again, I also vowed to never return.
10+ min |
Issue 387 - August 2018
Windsurf
Father Time
A newborn baby inspires Graham Ezzy to reflect on his life as a father and son, as the Ezzy windsurfing dynasty continues to grow.
6 min |
Issue 387 - August 2018
Windsurf
The Kit Factor
However good and versatile kit is these days, bad choices are still the number one barrier to progress. Peter Hart offers some prime examples.
10+ min |
Issue 387 - August 2018
Windsurf
The Long Glide
“Still glides the Stream, and shall for ever glide; The Form remains, the Function never dies.” William Wordsworth.
3 min |
Issue 387 - August 2018
Windsurf
Pleasure And Pain
For every great gybe, jump or reach comes the inevitable crash, splash and fail. At Pe’ahi / Jaws in Maui the stakes are high and navigating the thin line between the ride or wipeout of your life is a mix of adrenaline, fear and extreme skill. Antoine Martin and Marcilio “Brawzinho” Browne tell how they manage the challenge as they recount a session from the beginning of the 2016/17 winter in Maui.
4 min |
Issue 362 - March 2017
Windsurf
Inside Arnon
Seasoned racer Arnon Dagan from Israel has been a stalwart of the PWA scene for well over a decade but he is a man of many talents - musician, tester for both RRD and Neil Pryde and a fresh role as a husband and father. John Carter caught up with Arnon for an insight into one of the professional tour’s most interesting characters and Israel’s foremost windsurfing competitor.
10+ min |
Issue 362 - March 2017
Windsurf
Anchor Point
Anchor Point is famed as one of Morocco’s best waves. Situated in Taghazout village, just north of Agadir, it’s along right hander with a rocky launch and rarely works for windsurfing. Boujmaa Guilloul did manage to score it though; John Carter finds out more about his session there and the life of the Moroccan wavesailing master.
8 min |
Issue 375 - May 2018
Windsurf
MAUI – THE BOX IS TICKED
Harty mentors a first time Maui survivor
6 min |
Issue 377 - July 2018
Windsurf
Starboard Freeride & Foil122
Starboard Freeride & Foil122
3 min |
Issue 377 - July 2018
Windsurf
Slingshot Hover Glide Fwind1 & Levitator 150
Slingshot Hover Glide Fwind1 & Levitator 150
3 min |
Issue 377 - July 2018
Windsurf
Life In Older Dogs
Encouraging news for those of advancing years – you may not be past your peak.
4 min |
ISSUE 380 - OCTOBER 2018
Windsurf
Mauritius Attitude Challenge 2018
The Mauritius Attitude Challenge (MAC) is an event inspired by the fun and party atmosphere of Défi Wind but with a Mauritian twist of turquoise water, trade winds and coral reef! The 2018 competition took place in mid July and was blessed with great conditions and a win for a team of British sailors! We hear from the organizer and a selection of competitors on what made it such a great event to be a part of.
10+ min |
ISSUE 380 - OCTOBER 2018
Windsurf
The X Factor
A perfect four firsts from four races gave Antoine Albeau a decisive slalom victory at the 2018 PWA Fuerteventura Grand Slam. Antoine’s track record in Sotavento’s choppy waters is phenomenal, winning eleven out of the last twelve years, a unique record from the twenty-four-time world champion! John Carter went round the pits to ask his rivals and the big man himself what gives him the edge over his peers at this legendary location!
6 min |
ISSUE 380 - OCTOBER 2018
Windsurf
Onshore Speed
Unless you’re blessed with consistent down the line conditions, for most of us wave sailing is about generating speed in less than ideal wind and surf. For the men and women of the PWA it’s no different when they have to compete in light and onshore conditions and this year’s PWA Wave World Cup event in El Medano, Tenerife was a prime example. John Carter went beachside in El Medano to ask the pros their tips for generating speed in typical ‘real world’ conditions, while Finn Mullen speaks to the designers of JP boards and Goya sails for their insight into the design parameters for speed generation.
10+ min |
Issue 380 - October 2018
Windsurf
2018 Waist Harness Buyer's Guide
If you feel like upgrading your waist harness for something fresh for 2018, then check out our buyer’s guide with some of the latest product from the brands and some expert advice from German ripper Klaas Voget.
5 min |
Issue 380 - October 2018
Windsurf
2019 Winter Travel Guide
Need help planning your great winter getaway? Life can be tough enough, let alone having to figure out what corner of the planet is warm and windy. It’s like trying to pick a favourite child …or biscuit. Fear not though, in your greatest time of need, we are here, sometimes, unless it’s above 12 knots then we are very busy finding excuses to leave the office. But regardless of our dodgy work practices, let us park your thinking cap and relieve you of your burden with our specially designed pages of winter travel information, wit and wonder. Well, maybe just information, but it’s the thought that counts. So if you fancy swapping your booties for board shorts then read on as Jane Faughnan from Sportif Travel and Marcus Bull from Planet Windsurf pick their favourite winter destinations and we provide micro-guides to a selection of windsurfing spots that don’t need seven layers of neoprene for a session in January!
10+ min |
Issue 389 - September 2019
Windsurf
Foil Racing UK
2019 has witnessed an explosion of UK Windsurfing Association (UKWA) foil racing; Rod Davis of the UKWA gives us an insight into the competition series.
2 min |
Issue 389 - September 2019
Windsurf
Stance
Getting your stance right is a bit like eating your vegetables. We know it’s important and done right could have a dramatic impact, but it’s maybe not as exciting as other things we could be getting stuck into! However, stance is the one bit of windsurfing that joins every single move together, so if you get it right it will allow a huge amount of progression. It’s also the most important thing for sorting your entry to moves, which is where most issues occur.
4 min |