North Volt 5.9m 2014 Test Review Report

THE LOW-DOWN
The Volt – termed as a ‘wave-freestyle’ sail sits next to the Curve ‘crossover’ sail and four wave sails in the North range. Available in either regular monofilm construction or in the full HD, x-ply. The Volts are designed to work best on RDMs but are compatible with SDMs too.

BRAND POSITIONING
‘The second generation of the 5 battens bestseller convinces with extremely high draft stability and a very wide wind range, especially in overpowered conditions. The ideal partner for classic single fin boards! Maximum energy and electrifying handling: The smaller sizes of the 2014 VOLT are again oriented towards the requirements of the wave riders, the larger sizes towards freestylers. The result is a sail line that can confidently be called the ultimate all-in-one freestyle wave range.’ (Sic.)

PERFORMANCE
After their first few runs, all the testers on this trip immediately remarked that the Volt felt like a much smaller sail in terms of it’s handling and light feel in the hands. The power delivery is super smooth and a lot softer than many earlier Norths that traditionally have a solid and quite stiff profile thank to the hardy battens. The tough epoxy battens (unbreakable they claim!) are still there, but are more forgiving and the Volt does fill earlier at the bottom end, which has definitely widened the range at the top end and is good news for heavier sailors who might usually pick a size up. At the other end of the scale the added softness hasn’t reduced the upper limit and this 5.9 was settled and well-behaved in over 30 knots. The drive is low and forward and helps pin the board down well in gusts and rougher patches of water and really helps engage the rails well approaching and throughout carving moves. North include the Volt in their wave collection, but to all intents and purposes we think it’s a highly capable high-wind freeride sail as well, with the speed being highly competitive for those looking for a change-down sail for inland or flatter water use. Manoeuvrability-wise the Volt is somewhat of a misnomer. It feels like and allows you to throw it about like a much smaller sail, but in the big scheme of things it’s actually one of the tallest and higher aspect outlines in this group. In those turns the Volt goes nice and neutral and with some good depower that the tricksters liked before popping the board. A genuine Swiss Army Knife windsurfing sail.

THE VERDICT
In a sea of versatile crossover sails the Volt is definitely a standout in manoeuvres and multipurpose handling. Feeling like much smaller rig, this 5.9 has epic wind range, positive speed and could work on any type of water or board.

www.north-windsurf.com

Other sails in this test:

ATTITUDE SOURCE 5.8

EZZY LEGACY 5.8

GAASTRA CROSS 6.0

GOYA NEXUS 5.9

NAISH MOTO 6.0

NEILPRYDE FUSION 6.1

POINT-7 HF 2G 5.9

RRD MOVE 6.2

SEVERNE GATOR 6.0

SIMMER IRON 6.2

VANDAL ADDICT 6.0

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Goya Nexus 5.9m 2014 Test Review Report

THE LOW-DOWN
Goya are another brand offering a sensible multi-size, adaptable freeride/crossover range that spans nearly all wind strengths to cover a wide range of bump and jump, freeride and, to some extent, wave conditions. Sitting alongside their dedicated wave sails, it’s their only flat-water offering, yet still displays many characteristics from the hard-core sails, such as scrim construction, leech cutaway/’reduced head’ outline, Kevlar panels and x-ply and carbon stretch control tendons. Most sizes are both RDM and SDM compatible.

BRAND POSITIONING
The new Nexus comes with lavish scrim body panels and carbon stretch control tendons. This upgrades the new Nexus to embody the best materials available, delivering uncompromised freeride and freerace performance. The new Nexus is significantly lighter, stronger and faster. You can expect magnetic low end power, easy handling with a massive high wind range and unlimited speed potential in any flat-water to bump and jump condition. The Nexus is all about simple speed. This sail has no cambers, making rigging a dream. The scrim body panels provide a quiet, supple ride. The smaller 6 batten sizes are cut for maneuvers then speed, while the larger 7 batten sails are cut for speed then maneuvers.’ (Sic.)

PERFORMANCE
We’re familiar with testing several sizes of the Nexus and always enjoy the quality build and trademark handling. This 5.9 has a lovely clean foil with good progression outward from the depth in the main body and the shape’s held very well by the 6-batten frame. The bottom-end power was positive and we all noticed a really smooth, refined acceleration up to full speed. Many Goya sails have the ‘reduced head’ outline in the top, which is designed to reduce head ‘wag’ and they claim the sail is ‘quieter’ in the hands as a result and easier to hang on to for longer. We’ve previously found positive turning ability in this line – and this 5.9 was beautifully soft and neutral in manoeuvres, especially in gybes. But, we did occasionally experience some leech flutter and disruption up high at the top of the range, mainly when sailing upwind. In fairness that upper limit was at around 33 knots, so there can’t be too complaints in that department for a 5.9 that will serve you well from around the 14-knot mark upwards. Many people nowadays are sailing larger wave or FSW boards in the surf with smaller sails, but we think that in scenarios involving a lot of cross-shore drift, onshore wind and current, that larger, manoevrable sails like this are perfect for driving floatier boards around to score some jumps and rides as well as for enjoying some sea-breeze blasting on flatter days. The tuning range is nice and wide with the twin outhaul rings offering a definite change in sensation from soft to more direct.

THE VERDICT
An excellent coastal crossover sail that’s super flicky and grunty enough to power larger boards in onshore situations. Notably wide tuning and wind range.

www.goyawindsurfing.com

Other sails in this test:

ATTITUDE SOURCE 5.8

EZZY LEGACY 5.8

GAASTRA CROSS 6.0

NAISH MOTO 6.0

NEILPRYDE FUSION 6.1

NORTH VOLT 5.9

POINT-7 HF 2G 5.9

RRD MOVE 6.2

SEVERNE GATOR 6.0

SIMMER IRON 6.2

VANDAL ADDICT 6.0

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Vandal Addict 6.0m 2014 Test Review Report

THE LOW-DOWN
For a crossover sail test we probably should’ve received the Vandal Venture, (spanning 4.0 – 7.2) another product that will be of much interest to the budget-conscious purchaser. The Addict sits between the Vandal wave sails, the Venture and the Stitch twin-cam freeride sail in their compact range. The Addict is compatible with both RDM and SDM masts.

BRAND POSITIONING
‘Now with more power thanks to new deeper profiles, better handling from the new Dacron Luff panels and the awesome looking coloured monofilm for ultimate UV protection. This no-cam Crossover Bump and Jump sail delivers greatness no matter what the conditions. At Vandal, we know that every rider secretly wants to rip a trick here and there, so we put a big emphasis on maneuverability, to compliment the ADDICT’s proven stability and top-end potential. The slightly concaved leach design eliminates leach flutter, and delivers perfect perimeter tension.’ (Sic.)

PERFORMANCE
The overriding impression on sheeting in the Addict is that of a really crispy-handling sail. There’s good speed from the nice and tight skin and lightweights and medium-sized rider enjoyed the acceleration and low end particularly. This 6.0 was excellent fun to gybe and throw around, feeling light and weightless/neutral in manoeuvres and the film construction gives out surprisingly little noise or flutter when rotating or pushed to the higher end of the wind range. (The top-end lived up to the rest of the group’s astonishing ability to span 14-33 knots during this trip and the heavyweights loved the pace this size was capable of.) This Vandal’s construction is interesting. Sure there’s no fancy spec and expensive fabrics and fibres involved, (there is x-ply and Dacron here and there though), but the shape is up-to-date and solid and all the key areas have more than adequate reinforcement where you need it. The Addict is definitely more of a blasting sail than a wavesailing – specifically wave-riding –  pick, but it does cope with rougher water states very well thanks to inherent stability. Another benefit of the minimalist construction is the weight. The lack of heavy-duty materials adding to the filmy crispness and taughtness. The Addict is also super easy to rig, something we always approve of for entry-level customers often put off by the hassle of assembling fiddly rigs.

THE VERDICT
An outstanding performance-to-price-ratio choice for light-to-middle-weight freeride and bump ‘n jump use. The sharp, stable handling and good speed will appeal to many wanting a modern performance sail at amazing value for money.

www.vandalsails.com

Other sails in this test:

ATTITUDE SOURCE 5.8

EZZY LEGACY 5.8

GAASTRA CROSS 6.0

GOYA NEXUS 5.9

NAISH MOTO 6.0

NEILPRYDE FUSION 6.1

NORTH VOLT 5.9

POINT-7 HF 2G 5.9

RRD MOVE 6.2

SEVERNE GATOR 6.0

SIMMER IRON 6.2

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RRD Move 6.2m 2014 Test Review Report

THE LOW-DOWN
The Move – made largely from nice quality custom-printed x-ply –  sits in between the two RRD wave models and the Evolution rotational freeride and Fire no-cam freerace sails in the RRD sail range. RRD are really pushing to be a main player in the sail market with quality items across the board. The bold colours might not be to everyone’s taste but there are distinct handling qualities throughout the collection and the super quality masts also represent excellent value for money. All sizes of the Move are designed for use on RDM masts.

BRAND POSITIONING
‘For the Move we stepped back and analyzed exactly what a rider wants in each size of sail. This changes massively from 8.0 down to 4.2, so the Move is designed to fits the needs of every free-style wave and free move rider. The 6.7, 7.2 and NEW 8.0 all feature 6 battens and a more blasty orientated ride. The 6.2 and 5.7 offer fun maneuver based performance, whilst the 5.2, 4.7 and 4.2 become bump and jump and even wave orientated. Whether its jumping, gybing or blasting, for someone that wants to have maximum fun no matter what the wind, the Move does it all with Style.’ (Sic.)

PERFORMANCE
Similarly to the other 2014 Moves that we tested (See October 2013 issue for 5.2 and Nov/Dec issue for the 4.7), this 6.2 delivers a nice upright, agile stance that the freestylers really appreciated. This is one stable, smooth and easy to handle sail, with particularly impressive top-end control. Again, it also flies upwind and absorbs gusts easily, with the upper area of the rig working noticeably efficiently to regulate the drive, aided by a smidgeon of built-in flex. Also of note was how well this foil powered the wider board outlines with ease. Amongst the group this was probably the most true ‘freestyle-wave’ sail while, many others in this selection really display more of a high-wind freeride nature to their handling and suitability. If you’re a coastal sailor with a floaty freestyle wave or large wave board this 6.2 would really deal with lighter onshore conditions well, without feeling too big or tall for higher performance wave riding action. In terms of rigging we preferred this 6.2 set with enough downhaul to allow most of the leech to breathe and maintain a good surface tension and minimal positive outhaul. You can tweak the wind range using both but we mostly found a fuller outhaul setting to be the most fruitful in most wind strengths.

THE VERDICT
An ideal coastal bump ‘n jump an onshore wavesailing option. Stable and smooth, The Move delivers positive speed, early-planing, acceleration and upwind performance for hassle-free zip around the park to reach ramps early and prevent losing ground.

www.robertoriccidesigns.com

Other sails in this test:

ATTITUDE SOURCE 5.8

EZZY LEGACY 5.8

GAASTRA CROSS 6.0

GOYA NEXUS 5.9

NAISH MOTO 6.0

NEILPRYDE FUSION 6.1

NORTH VOLT 5.9

POINT-7 HF 2G 5.9

SEVERNE GATOR 6.0

SIMMER IRON 6.2

VANDAL ADDICT 6.0

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The post RRD MOVE 6.2M 2014 TEST REVIEW REPORT appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

Point-7 HF 2G 5.9m 2014 Test Review Report

THE LOW-DOWN
The HF (for ‘Have Fun’) is Point-7’s ‘classic freeride’ offering, sitting in between their mega-grunty race and freerace lines and [also mega-throaty] wave line! The foot’s cut quite low for crossover use and the general build is quite light with low-end power and easy handling in mind. Point-7 have tried to keep things nice and basic and good value here and although there’s just one clew cringle option and a lot of film involved, the rest of the specs are rudimentary but effective. (Such as the solid tack fairing for example.) We also liked that the specs were printed on both sides for when rigging and tuning.

BRAND POSITIONING
‘Keep it simple, and make it good. The HF features a very light construction, early planing, easy handling and demands very little of its user to work optimal. The HF is the ideal choice for the beginner to intermediate windsurfer as well as for the windsurfers who are looking more towards easy handling and light wind qualities over high wind performance.’ (Sic.)

PERFORMANCE
Although the film build’s nice and light, it’s also very stable and fills well for early planing power. The profile makes for a sensation somewhere between a crisp monofilm feel and a slightly softer ride, largely we thought down to the forgiving batten stiffness. There is a good turn of speed here and some acceleration quality when reaching and heading slightly upwind. It’s in the moves that the light weight plays another main role with a featherlike feel in the hands during transitions which will suit improvers looking for a balanced, un-inhibiting behaviour when cracking carves or mastering tacks. Regarding top end, there are better performers in this group, but, as we mentioned in the introduction, the upper limits of most of this selection from the modern crop of crossovers has really gone to a new level and the HF displays good behaviour right to the higher edge of the ‘traditional’ wind range window. Over 27 or so knots there was some flutter from the film, especially upwind, but to span 14-25 knots or so with one sail is pretty darn good anyway, plus, in relation to intermediates, the high 20s is probably not the time to select a 6-metre sail regardless. As a crossover sail the HF is probably limited in the wavesailing department, but for everyday bump ‘n jump and freeride blasting you can’t go wrong. All in all, when you cost in the attractively-priced masts, the HF represents very good value for money as a potential rig package pick.

THE VERDICT
A light, easy to handle and extremely good value-for-money option for entry-level freeriders and moderate-to-strong wind blasting. The film construction and batten profiles deliver both stability and some forgiving spring. Superb pick for first-time gybers.

www.point-7.com

Other sails in this test:

ATTITUDE SOURCE 5.8

EZZY LEGACY 5.8

GAASTRA CROSS 6.0

GOYA NEXUS 5.9

NAISH MOTO 6.0

NEILPRYDE FUSION 6.1

NORTH VOLT 5.9

RRD MOVE 6.2

SEVERNE GATOR 6.0

SIMMER IRON 6.2

VANDAL ADDICT 6.0

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Naish Moto 6.0m 2014 Test Review Report

THE LOW-DOWN
Naish have three camless freeride/crossover offerings, the Vibe (as tested in the Oct 2013 issue), which they bill as a wave/bump ‘n jump sail, the Moto – as tested here – for ‘freeride/bump ‘n jump/light-wind wave use – and the Cruz: a more traditional rotational freeride line. The Dacron upper construction is unique and is complemented by Kevlar ‘airframe’ radials. The 6.0 fits RDMs and the two larger sizes are designed to work with SDM only.

BRAND POSITIONING
‘The Moto is an easy to handle, all-around sail with a light feel for riders looking for wave, bump & jump and freeride versatility. Designed with a forgiving, soft-twisting leech and slightly deeper foil, the Moto delivers solid power and early planing.’

PERFORMANCE
The biggest standout in terms of the Moto’s behaviour is the super-forgiving nature, which, along with hassle-free rigging, makes it a compelling proposition to newcomers looking for an easy-to-use crossover solution. But it’s not just for entry-level riders at all. The Dacron fabric in the upper section gives an amazing, light sensation that’s quite hard to put your finger on. We all noted that it felt stiff and positive, yet at the same time soft and spongy as it breaths. It’s like the frame is rigid, but the skin is flexy. This 6.0 was very stable and light on the fingertips indeed. Needless to say this made gybing a joy, with the neutral on-off reaction being subtle and refined. The draft isn’t exactly locked-in like a film sail, yet the shape is noticeably forgiving to misdemeanours, such as slightly inaccurate line placement. On the water it didn’t ‘feel’ the fastest, but head-to-heads proved otherwise with the Moto showing surprising competitiveness in burn-ups. The biggest revelation was amongst the larger sailors who tend to like the idea of a soft sail, but are usually put off by the lack of transmission of power into drive that softer sails typically fail to deliver. To their delight this is something Naish has solved impeccably. With the deep foil pulling forward and high, the early-planing is exceptional – again much noticed and appreciated by the larger testers – and the freestylers in the group also enjoyed the instant depower action as they got setup for tricks. It’s not the most compact outline, but that didn’t seem to harm the throw-about-ability and we also think this ‘go neutral’ characteristic will lend itself well to turning in the waves too.

THE VERDICT
A totally unique soft-feeling sensation that will thrill sailors of all sizes and abilities. Excellent early planing, handy depower and the distinctive, light handling make the Moto standout as a mouth-watering alternative for some all-terrain fun.

www.naishsails.com

Other sails in this test:

ATTITUDE SOURCE 5.8

EZZY LEGACY 5.8

GAASTRA CROSS 6.0

GOYA NEXUS 5.9

NEILPRYDE FUSION 6.1

NORTH VOLT 5.9

POINT-7 HF 2G 5.9

RRD MOVE 6.2

SEVERNE GATOR 6.0

SIMMER IRON 6.2

VANDAL ADDICT 6.0

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Neilpryde Fusion HD 6.1m 2014 Test Review Report

OVERVIEW
The Fusion is NeilPryde’s ‘freemove’ sail, sitting between the wave/FSW and freestyle lines and the four-model freeride collection. The Fusion line’s aspect rations vary from the taller and thinner, manoeuvre-oriented small sizes to the larger, more compact freeride-focused sizes. All sizes (bar the 4.3) will fit on one 430 mast. (We used the FX100 430 RDM.) Available in regular build or the extra-tough HD construction as-tested here.

BRAND POSITIONING
‘Fusion is the ultimate all-rounder – use it anywhere, in any wind strength, on any water condition. Learn the basics, jump, catch a wave, try a freestyle trick or get into freeride mode and leave your friends behind for speed. With forgiving handling and optional full HD construction, the Fusion is suited to all types of windsurfing. Fusion features the revolutionary Forceline Frame construction for dynamic load and shape control and even more durability.’

PERFORMANCE
We always say it, but it has to be mentioned how the NeilPryde power delivery is often so smooth and refined. Feeling very similar to its Atlas (wave sail) sibling, the drive is ever-present – but not to arm-stretching levels thanks to a slight element of forgiving spring. There’s a good turn of speed on tap and the acceleration is pretty rapid too. The pull keeps you nicely up on the toes and agile, ready to anticipate hazards ahead or for preparing to pounce just prior to moves. We liked the level of throttle available and how the backhand can help control turns – something those that will ride the occasional wave on a sail of this type will appreciate, especially in onshore scenarios. That on-off switch is quite subtle as the foil is quite defined and relatively deep, but the profile has enough softness to help control the power and go more neutral. The wind range is definitely a bonus too. Our larger testers enjoyed the low-end power and we were all aghast at how these sails can easily cope with wind in a band spanning F4-7. Also of note was the slick transitional nature from boom-to-boom with very little stall or sticking during and after transitions. Tuning-wise we stuck with a quite full setting overall and then tweaked the outhaul to suit, although, even near the top-end we preferred to keep even the outhaul quite full to assist in pinning-down the more lively boards.

THE VERDICT
A true go-anywhere sail with enough power to dig you out of the holes, the NeilPryde Fusion supplies sophisticated power with a slight element of softness to aid control. A strong match for freestyle wave and bump ‘n jump boards and occasional wavesailing use.

www.neilpryde.com

Other sails in this test:

ATTITUDE SOURCE 5.8

EZZY LEGACY 5.8

GAASTRA CROSS 6.0

GOYA NEXUS 5.9

NAISH MOTO 6.0

NORTH VOLT 5.9

POINT-7 HF 2G 5.9

RRD MOVE 6.2

SEVERNE GATOR 6.0

SIMMER IRON 6.2

VANDAL ADDICT 6.0

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Severne Gator 6.0m 2014 Test Review Report

THE LOW-DOWN
With a reasonably compact outline, the Gator sits between Severne’s three-model wave range and the NCX and Convert rotational freeride/race sails. Famously used by jumping powerhouse Boujmaa Guilloul, the Gator is the only crossover sail regularly and genuinely used in wavesailing conditions in the windsurfing media. As an 100% x-ply beast, it’s tough as old boots with all the usual Severne attention to detail and longevity  – all without sacrificing much in the way of weight. The Gator works with both RDM and SDM masts. We used a Severne SDM and also tried it with a Gaastra RDM and were not disappointed. (Severne’s often work well with the Gaastra bend curves  – and vice versa – which is worth remembering if you own items from both brands.) In our experience the smaller sizes, up to around 6.5, work way better on RDMs.

BRAND POSITIONING
‘The Gator is a single sail range that covers any windsurfing conditions, anywhere on the planet.  From high-wind bump & jump, to 8.0 freeriding on a lake, the Gator has it covered. The core principles are durability, manoeuvrability and a consistent feel across all sizes. PROGRESSIVE GEOMETRY: -The smaller sizes feature a higher cut foot and geometry biased towards wave and high wind bump & jump. Larger sizes have a lower cut foot to generate more drive in lighter winds but still maintain the light, throw-about feel.’

PERFORMANCE
Setting with a lot of draft and a pretty loose, progressive leech, the Gator’s armed to deal with whatever you throw at it. The depth – and to some extent the nice light weight – delivers plenty of early-planing power, feeling almost like a camber-induced sail it’s so grunty, while the leech works superbly to vent excess air when hammered by heavy gusts. The result is a super constant level of drive that lets you concentrate fully on where you’re heading and what you’re doing rather than controlling the power. Considering the level of draft, we preferred it set with most of the leech activated and a small amount of positive outhaul. In stronger wind we’d recommend instead using the lower/inner double eyelet for added control rather than adding extra tension. Perhaps surprisingly, that draft is no hindrance in depowering the foil as you approach moves either. Speed and acceleration-wise the Gator is strong and will reward you by reaching top gear early in time to reach those critical inside ramps swiftly. This size is a dream to throw about as, without a massive dropped clew to slow flicking the rig down, the transition from tack to tack, such as in gybes, is slick and unhindered. The foot is also low enough for ducking moves, but it’s that power delivery which makes it a winner for those that love to get airborne and achieve some rapid acceleration and speed into take-off.

THE VERDICT
A super grunty-yet-controllable engine with impeccable power control and handling, the Severne Gator 6.0 regulates the gusts and loves to be pushed hard in a true burn and turn environment. Jumping addicts will love the acceleration and speed on tap and those that live in shifty, inland locations will appreciate the glide and low-end power through the holes.

www.severnesails.com

Other sails in this test:

ATTITUDE SOURCE 5.8

EZZY LEGACY 5.8

GAASTRA CROSS 6.0

GOYA NEXUS 5.9

NAISH MOTO 6.0

NEILPRYDE FUSION 6.1

NORTH VOLT 5.9

POINT-7 HF 2G 5.9

RRD MOVE 6.2

SIMMER IRON 6.2

VANDAL ADDICT 6.0

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Gaastra Cross 6.0m 2014 Test Review Report

THE LOW-DOWN
Gaastra have re-worked the Cross range for this season and thrown quite a lot of expensive materials and tech into the re-worked profile. Sizes 6.0 and larger are both RDM and SDM compatible. The Cross fits alongside the Pilot (entry-level) and their wave sail collection in the Gaastra range.

BRAND POSITIONING
‘The Cross has been redesigned from scratch. With a new luff curve and more shape we realised more power in the low end and we made it lighter and more user friendly. With one less batten in the sizes below the 6,4, the Cross is the perfect multipurpose sail, it combines the maneuverability of a wave sail with the stability and speed of a freeride sail. Its skeleton is combined with normal and tube battens giving an incredible amount of control in the gusts and at higher speed making it the perfect bump & jump sail with tons of speed and turn ability.’ (Sic.)

PERFORMANCE
As promised by Gaastra, as soon as we’d completed our first runs it was the low-end – and notably the acceleration – that struck us most. That and the added softness that the one less batten and the new material spec provide. The big boys usually like the more ‘locked’ and solid sail profiles for these types of all-terrain, ‘scrambler’ types of sail, but were loving the way the Cross filled early and seemed spongy without sapping any of the usable power away. We sailed this size between 14 and 30 knots, mainly over chop and flat water and thought the newer, softer feel dealt with harder gusts very well indeed, although we’re not 100% convinced that it’s as fast as some of the more rigid foils on offer. Head to head the speed seemed pretty good still too and generally the ride is quite forgiving and lenient to the odd misplaced harness line or sketchy rig control in rougher water. However the real joy with this sail is in the manoeuvrability.  It’s super light and flicky in transition and, in terms of gybing and carving, has a lovely backhand element to it – rather like a powerful wave sail – that allows awesome control over turns. Ideal for all shapes and sizes, we think this 6.0 would pair perfectly with a larger FSW board for coastal sailors dealing with strong currents and moderate breeze or inland sailors looking for early planing, acceleration and control for dealing with erratic gusts and holes in the wind.

THE VERDICT
Soft and forgiving, but with heaps of low-end power and acceleration, the Gaastra Cross is a superbly manoevrable and versatile sail with a rich mix of freeride and wave-sailing characteristics.

www.gaastra.com

Other sails in this test:

ATTITUDE SOURCE 5.8

EZZY LEGACY 5.8

GOYA NEXUS 5.9

NAISH MOTO 6.0

NEILPRYDE FUSION 6.1

NORTH VOLT 5.9

POINT-7 HF 2G 5.9

RRD MOVE 6.2

SEVERNE GATOR 6.0

SIMMER IRON 6.2

VANDAL ADDICT 6.0

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READY FOR ANYTHING

6.0m Crossover sail test 2014

Crossover sails probably have the most demanding brief of all brands’ development programs.

As the clichéd ‘Swiss Army Knife’ rig of choice, they have to, in the 6.0 range, ideally, span wave use – probably in more moderate wind, onshore environments – be fast enough to enjoy some drag-racing and bump and jump action, (most likely as a change-down size for inland sailors), have enough manoeuvrability to enjoy some freestyle – as well as being a sensible and popular choice for entry-level freeriders. 

That’s a tough call so it’ll come as no surprise that there is a little bit of a spectrum ranging from the blastier, more freeride-oriented end to genuine onshore wavesailing powerhouses.

This test was originally published in the July issue.

TRENDS – WHAT DID WE FIND?
Well, compared to recent seasons we reckon this category has seen a massive increase in the upper end of the wind ranges. On this trip we were more than happy in over 30 knots of wind on 105L FSW boards, which equated to a effective wind range of 14-33 knots. That’s not a ‘we could hang on in 33 knots’ statement. We’re talking excellent control and comfort in most cases. Considering some of these sails are more expensive than others, it’s worth bearing in mind that you definitely need less of them these days so budget can arguably be less of an issue than in the past. Bear in mind though that all our test findings are only relevant and in context of what else we had on the beach at the same time. If  a sail isn’t the earliest planer in this group for example, it doesn’t mean it’s not got good low-end, it’s just that we can only state what its performance is like compared to what else we were trying on the same days in the same conditions.

PRINCIPAL TEST TEAM
James Randall 70 kg. Med. Height.
Julian Da Vall 83 kg. 1.95 Tall.
Toby Gibson 87kg. 1.90 Tall.
Brian McDowell 100 kg. 1.90 Tall.
Thanks also to: Kevin Salmon 85kg & Kevin Pijl 70kg.

READ MORE 2014 EQUIPMENT TESTS

WHICH ONES SHOULD YOU BUY?

FOR BLASTING AND SPEED: The Vandal Addict, Severne Gator and the NeilPryde Fusion are probably your best bet in a drag race.

MANOEUVRABILITY: A tough call in this multipurpose category but the North Volt, Attitude Source, Severne Gator, Gaastra Cross and Pryde Fusion stand out as the most throwabout picks.

GENUINE WAVE PERFORMANCE: The compact Attitude Source, RRD Move, Simmer Iron, Severne Gator and, to some extent. the Naish Moto will all serve well in cross-on wave environments.

WIND RANGE: The widest overall range came from the Naish Moto, Gaastra Cross, North Volt and Severne Gator. For bottom end grunt it’s the Simmer Iron, Goya Nexus and Gaastra Cross that will power the big boys, wider boards and deal with current and patchy wind best.

BUILD QUALITY: The Naish Moto, Pryde Fusion and Severne Gator both display the techiest materials in the lightest packages. At the budget end of the scale the Attitude and Ezzy will be hard to beat too. For techy, cutting-edge materials it’s Pryde and Naish that stand out most.

EASY RIGGING: The straight-luffed Ezzy and the Vandal are probably the easiest to assemble without breaking into a sweat!

VALUE FOR MONEY: There’s the most bang for your buck in the Attitude, Vandal, Point-7 and Ezzy.

FOR ENTRY-LEVEL USE: The Point-7 HF and the Vandal Addict are hard to beat.

FOR HEAVYWEIGHTS: The Gaastra Cross, Severne Gator, Simmer Iron and Goya Nexus will haul your ass best.

FOR LIGHTWEIGHTS: The Vandal Addict and the Point-7 are probably best for ladies, kids and lightweights.

SOMETHING NEW & DIFFERENT: Naish have produced a unique feel with the ‘Fusion’ construction used in the Moto. The Dacron skin is nice and flexy but the frame is well tensioned and locked. You have to try one to experience it!

THE BENCHMARKS: This large group makes it a tough call. If a new crop launched on the market tomorrow, we’d probably take the Severne Gator as the most representative of this selection to measure them by. A sort of ‘Desert Island’ sail if you like. That said, we all liked the Moto’s unique feel. However, nobody would complain if they were given the Attitude for Christmas. Darn it we’d like them all for Christmas! Amongst the various size testers the Ezzy, Gaastra and RRD were all very popular across the board too.

* Also consider: Tushingham submitted their long-standing Storm to this test but have since released the Bolt, a line that changes throughout the sizes to suit most conditions in any given wind strength. We aim to find out the wave credentials of the 5.5 on our upcoming wave sails test trip.

Read on and see which ones stir your burn and turn juices!  

Special thanks to Harry Nass Centre Dahab, F-Hot/Dave White for the loan of their mast mounts, I Love Meet and Greet Airport Valet Parking Services and North Sails for adjustable outhauls for our test rigs.

THE LINE-UP 

ATTITUDE SOURCE 5.8

EZZY LEGACY 5.8

GAASTRA CROSS 6.0

GOYA NEXUS 5.9

NAISH MOTO 6.0

NEILPRYDE FUSION 6.1

NORTH VOLT 5.9

POINT-7 HF 2G 5.9

RRD MOVE 6.2

SEVERNE GATOR 6.0

SIMMER IRON 6.2

VANDAL ADDICT 6.0

TEST OVERVIEW PAGE

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What better way to keep warm on these cold days at the beach, than with the new Procella Commit. This limited run hoodie has a printed front chest design and an embroidered Procella logo on the right arm.

Made from 100% organic brushed 3 ply cotton and printed in England using water based inks.

Visit www.procella.co.uk for more information.

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AFFAIRS OF THE HART – GOT TO KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON

Staying fit is one thing but the more basic concerns for most windsurfers are: is our sport threatening to an aging body? And what can I do prolong my windsurfing life? Harty elicits some expert help to answer 

big questions.  

So how long can you really keep doing this?” is an annual enquiry from my wife who is trying to reconcile the increased financial demands of growing children with the earning power of a husband in his mid 50s who does a sport for a living. I don’t really have an answer but, as I pop another painkiller, I state in all honesty that I feel pretty good and still relish the prospect of a ‘big day.’ Yes I have a wonky knee, but I can’t imagine a time when I won’t windsurf.  Lighter, more efficient kit places a lot less strain on the body, so we can keep on kidding ourselves that we’re getting better and more vital. But are we actually kidding ourselves? Is windsurfing bad for the body and should we all be just a little but more sensible and take up aqua-aerobics?

While I was skiing this year I met a friend of a friend who, given the chance, I would have locked in a room and interrogated for hours. David Boyd, from NZ, has a background in skiing as a competitor, coach, instructor and guide. But for the past 30 years his day job has been in the area of musculoskeletal medicine. His company Foot Science International manufactures medical devices for the orthopaedic market, particularly total joint replacement in the area of hips and knees. And so through his work, he’s frequently working with athletes from a huge range of sports and activities. And joy upon joy, he’s also a keen recreational windsurfer, ever in search of the perfect gybe, so if ever there was someone who understood our sport on a physical level…  First of all, he fitted some of his company’s customized footbeds into my ski boots. Apart from alleviating pressure points, their main purpose is to increase prioperception. The more of your foot you have in contact with the boot, the more messages you receive from the ski. I at once made a gybing parallel. One of the main errors is to gybe too much on the toes. The more foot you have in contact with the board as you bank over, the more information you get. David said he had been experimenting using their foam to make footpads for slalom to give the ultimate foot-to-board contact. But because they mould so well, the problem was getting the feet out.
We digress. How does he view windsurfing and windsurfers from a physical standpoint?

 “There seems to be a lot of old buggers, but there is a relatively low incidence of serious injury from windsurfing. But there is a high incidence of injuries or complaints brought into the sport, which windsurfing may aggravate.”

 So assuming we have reasonable technique, is windsurfing bad for the body; and if so, which bits? 

 “In comparing windsurfing to other sports I don’t think that it is particularly hard on the body. Apart from wear and tear on soft, office hands, it does seem to place particular strain on shoulders and the lower back. The shoulder strain is most likely specific to the sport. Our stance places a particularly narrow range of motion on the shoulder joint. Optimally the shoulder joint requires equal strength in about 5 different directions and windsurfing tends to only occupy about 2 of them. Therefore, the more we do, the more imbalanced our shoulder becomes and the more likelihood there is of an overuse injury. 

With regard the lower back problems. There is no doubt that we do, from time to time, damage our backs specifically during windsurfing. But it’s often because we have a relatively sedentary occupation involving computer hours, and that windsurfing is an aggravator rather than the cause. The same goes for hips and knees.”

 But what about those happy folk without a condition, who want to remain that way? 

“In terms of prevention of injury and chronic conditions, my suggestion would be not to underestimate the benefit of good long-term aerobic fitness – it’s what helps you have enough strength and muscle control when you suddenly really need it. In terms of avoiding those soft tissue/shoulder/lower back injuries I would suggest developing a habit of frequent exercises for improving upper body posture and opening and strengthening the upper thoracic/chest. Since 95% of what we do in life tends to be in front of us, our chest muscles are naturally stronger and we develop a hunched over stance that is exasperated by our increasing use of computers,
tablets and cellphone devices. Yoga is probably the best all round activity to get involved in.

STARING AT IMMORTALITY …
This is the Peter Pan generation, determined to redefine every passing decade. 40 is the new 20 etc. etc. Since the 1980s, the over-50s category of the New York Marathon has grown by 78%. 90-year-olds have completed an Ironman. On my wave course in Tiree last year, ages of the candidates ranged from 19 to 65 and the 65-year-old was the fittest. Is this just a stubborn refusal to lie down, or are these just genetic freaks? Apparently it’s up to you.

Epidemiological studies have stated that from the age of 40 we begin an inevitable shuffle towards frailty losing about 1% a year of muscle mass (sarcopenia) and respiratory efficiency. But that was until they realised that all of the volunteers for the study were inactive. When they stuck their probes into habitual sporting folk, the results were very different. For example, 65-year-old runners were found to have the same motor units in their muscles as 25-year-olds.
So the message seems, quite clear, even if it does feel a bit achy – use it or lose it. And then take a pill.

PH 14th April 2014 #335

 The human skeleton – specifically designed to windsurf.

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Nice clip from Scott Mchercher, life involved with Starboard R&D in Windsurf and Stand up paddle boarding. Cross section of sport and life interwoven

Aquatic Biodiversitiy from scott mckercher on Vimeo.

AQUATIC BIODIVERSITY

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SEVERNE REFLEX 5 7.8M 2014 TEST REVIEW

BRAND POSITIONING
‘The REFLEX5 is the latest version of our pro racing sail.  Based on the success of last year’s 12.5 Reflex4, we have transferred the 9 batten layout to the smaller slalom sizes.  This enables us to rely more on the batten skeleton for stability, and less on the mast.  The reduced luff curve allows for faster sail response, and gives a much lighter, slippery feeling’. (Sic.)

PERFORMANCE
Like a lot of Severnes, once you pick this baby up you realise it’s actually pretty darn light for a 9-batten, 4-cammed 7.8 race sail. And once rigged and on the water it’s also dynamically-not-just-physically light as well too. Using an older Gaastra hard-top mast, (usually the closest characteristics to Severne) we found the Reflex 5 super easy and forgiving to sail. With soft and tolerant handling and fingertip-light control, it’s surprising as the level of power on-tap is right up there at the gruntier, ‘tractory’ end of the spectrum in this selection. Is this a sign of refined power delivery, or is it actually just soft and all sponged away? For us it’s definitely an unprecented level of sophistication as we’ll explain in a second. With a tall and medium-length-boom profile this size was remarkably easy to gybe – the approach is forgiving, without too much pressure to ditch, which helps you get set up and to concentrate on the task at hand.
Exiting the gybe there’s super, strong acceleration available instantly too. Across the wind the Reflex is cruisy and comfortable and we thought, compared to the rest, that it sucks you upwind pretty nicely too. But it’s when super-broad and in dirty air that the answer comes – which is that you should probably sail this model ‘one size up’ than the rest. If it’s all too easy, change-up! In a pure racing environment you’ll be able to fly through dirty air like a trooper and gain another level of acceleration away from the pack by accessing the low-end power of the larger sail in the lulls. In other words, this 7.8 can easily be used in what’s 7.2 weather on most other sails  – while still giving the power of the larger rig. We speak so often of the ‘spectrum’ of sail power (fast because they’re easy to use ranging to fast because they’re pure powerhouses) but hardly ever of sails that offer both. Yet surely that’s the whole point? We think Severne get this more than anyone else and have provided an accessible tool that can be sailed to-the-max by actually quite a wide range of abilities. We think it speaks volumes that a bunch of punters like us were happy enough, vastly over-finned in approaching 30 knots and a challenging water state.

THE VERDICT
What Severne have done is produce a powerful sail that’s so easy and soft to use that it’s possible to use it a size larger than most of its rivals. Easy to gybe, amazing low-end torque, acceleration and excellent lightweight control make it easy to keep up more canvass for longer.  By far the most accessible of the pure, unadultered, power race sails on the market.

www.severnesails.com

READ THE OTHER REPORTS 

GAASTRA VAPOR 7.9
NEILPRYDE RS: SLALOM 7.8
NORTH WARP 7.8
POINT-7 7.8 AC-1
RRD FIRE 7.8
SIMMER SCR 7.8

TEST OVERVIEW PAGE

BACK TO TEST INTRODUCTION

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PRESS RELEASE:

It’s Aberdovey demo time!

Boardwise Aberdovey Demo
It’s that time of year again, this time it’s the

Bonfire Bash! All the suppliers will be there in force with the latest kit to try out plus we’ll be taking our own demo vans full to the brim of the latest gear! You can expect all the usual fun and action on the water with Windsurfing and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP). The demo weekend will take place in the beautiful setting of Aberdovey, the perfect flat water bump and jump location in mid-Wales. For those wanting a bit of wave action there is a sand bar just out of the estuary mouth for you to get your fix on. The demo starts at 10am Saturday and will finish about 4pm Sunday.  Here’s a map if you’re not sure where Aberdovey is

.

Stay over for the Bonfire Bash
On the Saturday night there will be a big Bonfire on the beach kicking off at 6.30pm with burgers and hotdogs from the local firestation. Fireworks then start at 8pm after that it’s time for the pub with all the usual suspects! Parking is right next to the beach and as long as the correct fees are paid, camping in vans overnight is allowed on Friday and Saturday nights. If your looking for somewhere to stay check out the Aberdovey website for a list of guest houses or cottage rentals in the area. There are also several campsites along the coast road with the nearest one being just 5 minutes up the coast road towards Tywyn.

What if there’s no wind?
Even if there’s no wind you can have a go at Stand Up Paddle Boarding there will be loads of boards to try out on the water. There’s loads to do around Aberdovey town and in the area there’s: amazing mountain biking, golf courses, climbing, walking, fishing etc. etc. So you won’t be short of something to do if it doesn’t blow!

Aberdovey is a beautiful town with loads to do so bring the whole family along for a great weekend

More information at 

www.boardwisecannock.co.uk

LATEST OFFERS

<ENDS>

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DIANI BEACH MICRO GUIDE

Opened first in December 2012 with the Chui Adventure Centre – a multi activity centre at the award-winning Leopard Beach Resort & Spa, Sand and Sea Water Sports Centres offer a wide range of activities to suite every interest and level of experience. In July 2014 Sand & Sea Water Sports Centres are opening their second custom built base at the Forty Thieves Beach Bar in conjunction with Airborne Kite Centres. With wet and dry storage facilities, and a dedicated team to help set up, launch and pack up, this centre will be dedicated to windsurfing and kitesurfing. With a wide beach, quiet lagoon and the promise of a cold Tusker Beer or exotic cocktail at the end of the session, Forties offers the perfect location for an epic holiday.

With Sand & Sea Watersports Centres.

Season: Mid December to end of April, June to October.

Why Go? With 300 days a year of constant cross-onshore winds Kenya is a dream holiday destination for windsurfers. No crowds, beautiful warm waters and long white sandy beaches.

Something for everybody. Hot sun and easy beach access.

Wind Factor: Kenya has two windy seasons historically called the trade winds. The Kaskazi, which blows from November to April and the Kusi, June to October. In the morning there is a gentle on-shore wind which turns into strong,constant wind in the afternoons.

Riding on Offer: Long, wide sandy 5km beach with shallow waters so great for learning – stress free. Nearby reef makes great playground for free riders too.

Where to Stay: Diani is blessed with a wide range of accommodation options suitable for all budgets. Flamboyant, with 12 en-suite, sea facing rooms offers calm and serenity after a day on the water. Family run, Flamboyant offers all inclusive services with seafood orientated cuisine highlighting the local coastal specialities. The multi award winning resort – Leopard Beach Resort & Spa – offers all the facilities you would expect from a world class holiday resort. Set in large, colourful, tropical gardens with en-suite rooms for every budget; from garden view, to beach front to luxury villas; 6 restaurants catering to every taste. Stilts Backpackers offers simple tree house accommodation aimed at the adventurous traveller; set in 7 acres of tropical forest and just a short walk from the beach. Set in amongst the tree tops, it has a relaxed atmosphere in a convenient location.

Flight Factor: Flights to Mombasa International Airport – 8 hours from UK.

Equipment and Tuition: Use up to date Fanatic equipment for windsurf lessons and rentals. Rental packages available. Lessons per hour and are offered in English and German

Flat Day Fun: Stand Up Paddle, Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Fishing, Sky Diving, Snorkeling, Mt Biking, Safaris.

Contact:

Joan – +254 708 358 095,
info@watersportsdiani.com
www.watersportsdiani.com
Facebook: watersportsdiani

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HARRY NASS OPENS CENTRE IN HURGHADA

On the first February 2015 Harry Nass will open a brand-new centre in Hurghada, Egypt.

Somewhat forgotten in recent years, we rediscovered a top spot leeward of Magawish with its shallow turquoise water, white sandbanks and cross-shore wind.

We are delighted to announce the opening of a new professional Harry Nass Windsurf and Kite Centre.

Quality driven and working in conjunction with the 4 star Hotel Mercure in Hurgarda, which is directly behind the centre, this new world-class venue will boast leading kit from JPAustralia, NeilPryde, and Cabrinha Kites.

The newly built Harry Nass Centre offers the latest windsurf and kitesurf equipment, a warm and welcoming multi-lingual team, excellent rescue services incorporating two rescue boats and walkie talkies for each customer.

Beginners and Intermediates can enjoy our complementary boat shuttle service to the shallow sandbanks situated upwind.

The spot stands out with its all-round areas, cross shore winds, shallow water with mild chop,and flat water close to the knee-deep sandbanks. Carribean-coloured water a short hop from Europe!

Highlights at a glance:

– 10 minute transfer from the airport
– Great 4 star hotel directly on the spot
– New Harry Nass Centre with proven quality
– Quiet location guaranteeing space on water without crowds
– Multi-activity spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers
– SUP use for free
– Frequent daily flights from many airports in Europe
– Opening 1st of February 2015
–

For further details please contact info@harry-nass.com

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2014 BWA CORNWALL CLASSIC THE FINAL APPROACHES – 5 days and counting !!

The 2014 BWA  Cornwall Classic in association with Puravida and RB Sails.

The final BWA wave event of 2014 is now only a week away and all this recent wind promises to deliver a fantastic comp once again.
Since BWA first ran this event in 2009 it has become the most popular and reliable event with Gwithian and Marazion delivering heart stopping conditions every year. This is a not-to-be-missed event and will conclude with the BWA crowning the British Champions of 2014.

PRO FLEET
The PRO fleet is provisionally scheduled to run Fri 31st Nov Sun 2nd Nov and this year the organisers are watching the forecast closely with the option of either starting a day early (Thu) or finishing a day late  (Mon) for the PRO fleet. Watch the BWA site for updates: http://britishwavesailingassociation.com/
Pros must pre-enter before closing time which will be 9pm on evening prior to the event start. If you are unable to pre-enter you must call Nigel on 07977419283 before 9pm on same evening.

AMATEUR FLEETS
All AMS fleets (Ams, Ladies, Youth & Masters) will run Saturday 1st Nov & Sunday 2nd Nov only. Pre-enter to ensure you don’t miss out.
Due to previous over-subscription we recommend pre-entry to ensure a place and get the discount. If you are unable to do this there may be an opportunity to enter on Friday evening 8pm-11pm at the Bluff or call Nigel 07977419283.

PRE ENTRY
Pre-Entry here: http://cornwallwaveclassic.co.uk/event-registration-form/
Pre-entry entitles you to a discount on the entry fee but don’t forget you will still need to register at the event before competing.
All sailors need to be a member of BWA/UKWA. This can be done here: https://ukwindsurfing.com/membership/

MORE INFO
All other event info will be here (due to be updated by Monday 27th October):http://cornwallwaveclassic.co.uk/
Any queries email nigel@britishwavesailingassociation.com)

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2XS WEST WITTERING DEMO 1st – 2nd NOVEMBER

10am–4pm on Sat and 10am-3pm on Sunday.

Come and try the latest 2015 windsurf, kite surf and paddle surf gear from RRD, Ezzy, Kialoa, Fanatic, North, Patrik, Gaastra, Tabou, Goya and Quatro.

Call 01243 513077 for further details or  go to 

www.2xs.co.uk

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GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – THE LAND THAT TIME FORGOT!

The Galapagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin and the unique wildlife he studied, remain one of the most pristine tropical island ecosystems in the world. 

Kauli Seadi and his fiancée Maria Fernanda Souza were lucky enough to be invited to this amazing location as guests on the Mormaii Catamaran. Of course the three-time World Champion went armed with his windsurf and SUP quiver to be primed and ready for action! 

Words Kauli Seadi // Photos Maria Fernanda Souza

(This feature originally appeared in the May 2014 issue of Windsurf Magazine. To read more features like this first, Print and Digital subscriptions are available. Prices include delivery globally for 10 x issues a year!)

REMOTE
Situated in the middle of Pacific Ocean, 1000 km from the west coast of South America and belonging to Ecuador, the Galapagos are the second most preserved and protected area in world. The Archipelago of Galapagos comprises of 19 volcanic islands, with 97% of it’s territory considered National Park and only 3% of it is habituated, with the population distributed on only four of the islands. The Galapagos are located exactly on the equator line, which makes it very special in several different aspects. Due to it’s geographic position the chain is influenced by three different main currents: The Humboldt current, which comes from Peru, bringing cold waters from the south, a current from the north, which comes from Panama bringing warm water – and the Cromwell current, a deep, cold, nutrient-rich stream coming from the west, originating near the south pole.  There are also two different winds that reach the Islands. All these different factors bring life and climatic conditions from different parts of the world. As Galapagos is extremely isolated, all the different animals had to develop and adapt in many different ways in order to survive the new climate. So, through the millions of years, many new species have been formed, famously allowing it of the most unique and endemic environment in the world. The penguins, the incredible marine iguanas and giant tortoises, and many others help explain why Darwin chose these islands to create the evolution of species theory.

My wife-to-be Maria and I had planned this trip together and it couldn’t have turned out in a better way, since we were lucky enough to stay onboard the Mormaii catamaran whilst exploring the islands. I was expecting it would be more of a fun safari trip and I imagined I’d be using my snorkel kit than my windsurfing and SUP gear.

SURPRISE SESSION
But on my first day on the Island of San Cristobal, conditions proved me wrong, because there were awesome waves with a north swell at Ponta Carola.  The break was just at the corner from harbour where we were anchored. The surf was really good and lined up over the volcanic rock bottom, with perfect right-hand waves – super easy and fun for standup surf, as the wave would end in a lagoon making it very safe. The locals seem to have only started surfing a few years ago, so there are not many out on the water and they still have that nice feeling of sharing and enjoying the ocean together.  After being on the island for a few days we checked out a good variety of spots to surf, especially on the south west point of Cristobal. The point was like a peninsula more or less, picking-up swells from north, west and south within just five minutes drive – perfect!

LA LOBAR
Once the north swell started to drop we went to check a beach called La Loberia that faces south. We took a taxi from straight in front of the pier at the harbour with the SUP board on the back of the pickup taxi and he drove us there for just 3 dollars. The waves were quite big compared with the other side of the island and I jumped straight in the water by my self with my paddleboard. There were some awesome lefts, very powerful, especially the drop that had an almost dry rock at low tide forming a little slab. I surfed for about two hours until the wind started to pick up so we raced back to the boat to pick up my windsurf gear.

Once I made it back to the beach the wind had dropped a bit. At this latitude winds are normally lighter as it’s a convergence zone of two different type of effects, where the northeast trade winds that come from the northern hemisphere meet the southeast trade winds and kind of kill each other making it a big calm zone. But I was so excited to windsurf that I went for it anyway. There was about an average of 8 to 10 knots side shore, but just enough to get moving and to catch the wave on my Hot Sail KS3 4.9 and my JP twinser quad 82. Once on the wave it was incredible riding conditions because the wave had so much power, providing some amazing speed down the line to ride.  There seemed to be some special localised conditions at La Loberia beach, with the wind accelerated more than the other beaches around the island.  A lot of other days we would leave the boat with almost no wind, or just a light sea breeze from the north and arrive at La Loberia with enough wind for windsurfing blowing out of the southeast.

“ THE WAVE HAD SO MUCH POWER, PROVIDING SOME AMAZING SPEED DOWN THE LINE ”

RESTRICTIONS
As Galapagos has it’s territory mainly as National Park, most of the beaches are protected by the Parks Authority and there are a lot of regulations of what you can and can’t do, especially when it came to windsurfing. We eventually we had to get authorisation from the port to be able to ride there and, even so, a lot of the park guides told me that apparently windsurfing wasn’t allowed there. I also tried to kitesurf one day in Isabela Island and I got pulled out of the water by the park authorities, saying that kitesurfing can disturb the birds! Raw nature is definitely really well preserved on the Galapagos Islands where you can experience windsurfing in a totally different way. It was a real joy to have seen so many wild animals like huge manta rays and sea lions while I was sailing and turtles and huge pelicans fishing next to me while I was surfing.

We spent such a unique and privileged time in Galapagos – a place and experience that we will never forget! KS

GALAPAGOS FACTS AND FIGURES

Straddling the Equator, the Galapagos Islands are located in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

The archipelago consists of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands and 107 rocks and islets.

Nearly 9,000 species are found on the islands and their surrounding waters, many of them exceptionally rare.

The total land mass is almost 8,000 km. sq. The Galapagos Marine Reserve surrounding the archipelago is 138,000 km. sq.

The Galapagos National Park covers about 95% of the islands.

Around 250,000 giant tortoises are thought to have lived on Galapagos before the arrival of humans. Today only 15,000-20,000 survive.

In 1835, Charles Darwin sailed to the Galapagos Islands on the H.M.S. Beagle. In 1859 he published the ‘Origin of Species’, which introduced the concept of Natural Selection.

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