RICARDO CAMPELLO – PERSPECTIVE
All at Sea
// Ricardo Campello is much famed for his double loops on port tack but when it comes to starboard tack he throws the sickest tweaked table tops. Thow in a washed up fishing boat on the reef in Denmark and these two elements combined to make a shot we just had to run as a double page!
Photos JOHN CARTER
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OVERVIEW
Vandal (from the people behind GA/Gaastra) sensibly make solid wave and freeride designs in more economical constructions to appeal to those watching the wallet a little more but not wanting to compromise on performance. The Enemy is a bit like the older Gaastra Poisons and is both RDM and SDM compatible.
BRAND CLAIM
‘The Enemy comes once again with two versions with a 100% xply material throughout the Enemy HD and a mono film window introduced for the standard Enemy. The Enemy is our hardcore wave sail designed to cope with everything there is to be thrown at it. For 2015 we have adapted the concave panel layout to create a better profile for better stability and overall performance. There is the lightweight 2 ply material in to the upper body of the sail to ensure a low swing weight and lightweight feel in the hand.’ (Sic.)
PERFORMANCE
Our early test sessions were in super marginal wind and this is where the Enemy instantly stood out with the most grunt, plenty of drive – none of it energy-sapping to handle or access – with a nice backhandy, throttly feeling and overall good stability and balance. The raw power delivery is continuous and really does smooth gusts out well when the breeze picks up. There is a sensation of this size feeling a tad heavy – but this is most likely downwards drive rather than sheer physical weight and we did lessen it with increased downhaul. It’s also true to say this size at least was not the most manoeuvrable or throwabout of the bunch despite the nice low clew position, but the stability and positive acceleration make it interesting for your common or garden marginal onshore day. The riding position is nice and locked and we noticed the profile likes to be raked back a little too, which complements the draft-forward, freeridey feel. In small waves the Enemy’s probably not the compact, radical beast you may desire (that could be their Riot wave sail), but in real world setups, where solid torque, stability, upwind ability and acceleration are critical for getting out through white-water and picking off waves among strong current is vital, then a lot of boxes are ticked. The Enemy is also a strong value-for-money option with quite a strong-yet-rudimentary build to this standard version that’s also available in a full x-ply HD option.
THE VERDICT
Superb value-for-money if you’re looking for a stable, well-built powerhouse to cope with testing, onshore wave situations.
Other boards in this test:
The post VANDAL ENEMY 5.3M 2015 TEST REVIEW REPORT appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.
The concept of a wave exhibition at night, without wind in what essentially is a huge swimming pool, initially sounds ludicrous. But when you throw in a Red Bull jet ski, a tow rope, a five-foot artificial wave and the likes of Ricardo Campello, suddenly the possibilities become endless!
Report & Photos John Carter
(This feature originally appeared in the September 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!)
Five years ago Danny Bruch proved that a windsurfer could be towed into the Siam Park wave by Jet ski and actually pull-of some pretty radical jumps after a few trials and tribulations of perfecting his idea. Then, in 2011, Bruch took the theory a stage further and held a local competition along with the likes of Alex Mussolini and Iballa Moreno, which was pretty successful but nowhere near the scale of this year’s project. With Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Dunkerbeck-Eyewear) on board as sponsor of this year’s Tenerife, the latest master plan was somewhat ambitious, with a super session after the main event that would allow 11 riders – E11=eleven guys – (not SUI-11 then? Ed.) to compete in the pool at Tenerife’s infamous Siam Park waterpark. The smart sailors with their heads screwed on soon realized the media possibilities of qualifying, so went off in the super session in order to secure their slot for the night show. On the practice night, half of the riders could barely make it into the straps. At the point I had to leave to go shoot the official event closing ceremony, but rumour had it they kept the pool open for two more hours and by the end of the session some crazy moves were going down. Come the main event, everything was hanging in the balance. Would windsurfing emerge out of this looking cool, or, if the riders couldn’t cope, it would be an enormous flop. The pressure was on from every angle. We were banking on the skill of ‘Vilayta’, the Jet ski driver and the eleven chosen riders to nail some huge moves for the crowds and put on a show. Any doubts were soon cast aside after the first few jumps when the likes of Bruch, Mussolini and Campello were launching rocket airs and huge crashes just metres away from the fever-pitch crowds in awe on the poolside. The show just had this instant electric atmosphere with the sailors pumped up, the audience going crazy and a multitude of ridiculous moves going down. Even without wind, it really felt like windsurfing was alive and kicking! Robby Swift nailed one of the craziest moves of his career, while Campello lapped up the attention and delivered some new wild moves to take the event victory. Here is what the ‘Lucky 11’ had to say about the night!
ALESSIO STILLRICH
Just the concept of practicing our sport in a swimming pool and being towed by a jet ski with an artificial wave as a ramp sounded sick, so I wanted to be in on it for sure! The top eight from the Expression Session in El Medano (plus three wild cards) three days before would qualify for the Siam Park exhibition, so I really knew I needed to make the top four of my heat so I had to go big. Luckily I made second with a one-handed, tweaked pushloop and into Siam Park. So the idea was to train in the pool the same day as the Expression Session finished, but there were some difficulties with the insurance and the agreements between event organiser Danny and the Siam Park. In the end it all worked out and we could go to practice the next day after the pool closed to the public.
On my first practice, it was really hard to pull my sail quick enough out of the water and squeeze my feet in the foot straps. I literally had a couple of seconds before being faced by a two-metre ramp with a lot of speed! After a few tries I finally managed to get it right and face the wave for my first jump. The first day I actually just tried backloops and pushloops. They didn’t go that well, especially the backloops. It was so hard and felt different to rotate without any pressure in your sail but I still managed to turn around two or three tries.
The next day the competition was on and I felt nervous from the moment I woke up. We arrived at the Siam Park a little bit before all the other attractions were closed so we took the chance to at least go down a few rides to get our adrenaline pumped up for the show. Each of us had two warm up runs. We also had our starting order and I was in the middle and could watch the first few guys before my turn. The park was crowded with spectators and the ambience was amazing with the music and commentator right by the side of the wave. After everybody had put down a solid show at the warm up, the serious stuff started. In the first run the most impressive moves were the double ponch from Swift and the pushloop shaka from Ricardo. I made a tweaked pushloop and I was happy. In the second run, Ricardo made an absolutely sick double air-flaka and the crowd were going nuts. The action was so close to all the riders you could see perfectly what everybody else was doing. The Judges and their scores were visible just after making your move – a bit like ‘Come Dancing’ in England – so that was really fun too! I knew I was in 4th place and by my third run I really wanted to get that double ponch to put myself onto the podium, but it could not be!
ROBBY SWIFT
It was the first time I’ve ever tried tow-in (or is it tow-out? Ed.) windsurfing in the pool. In the beginning it was a lot harder than it looked. The first two attempts that I had in the practice session I wasn’t even able to make it into the middle of the pool. The third attempt I made it into the middle, but when the ski accelerated it ripped the rope out of my hand so I didn’t make it to the wave. On my fourth and final practice jump, I made it to the wave and did a little goiter and that was all the practice I had. On the night of the actual competition I almost didn’t want to do the jump at all with all those people there. I thought it was going to be a complete embarrassment. I had two more practices though and managed to do a pushloop and a small goiter so I had a little more confidence for the main event. The first jump I had in the main event, the ski driver pulled me really fast and in the perfect position and I tried to do a goiter but it turned into more of a pushloop and when I finished the first rotation I was still about 10 feet in the air so I just held on to see where it would take me and spun all the way around a kind of goiter crossed between a shaka and landed pretty much perfectly! I came up from under the water almost not believing what I had done and had to claim it with all those people cheering.It was a real one-off night. It was so exhilarating to be in that closed arena showing people how spectacular windsurfing jumps look close up and it was great to see Ricardo flying through the air like a madman – and all the other boys too. There were plenty of hard crashes and insane jumps pulled off and I think all the riders were buzzing at the end of the night.
Thanks to Bjorn and Christophe, the owner of Siam Park, for putting on the event and of course Danny Bruch and his partner in the Tenerife event, Jose, for inviting us back there for the fourth and by far the best edition so far of the El Medano PWA.
ADAM LEWIS
The whole pool experience was a lot of fun, but not without a little stress. We only managed a quick practice session before the big day and it was quite a lot harder than I imagined. I had done some freestyle tow in before, but with the wave coming at you, the pressure and difficulty went to a whole new level. Come the big night with all the crowds, it came to my turn for my first practice run and I was peeing my pants. It was pretty nerve racking. There was some mega crashes from everyone and I was pretty sore the next day. I think Leon had the best one – a double flip straight onto his face. Ouch! Ricardo was totally on fire the whole time, it’s almost a sport designed for him in every way. He has so much control in the air, with or without wind, so he was on a whole different level to anyone else. The pushloop-into-shaka was just epic! Big respect to Danny, Jose and Bjorn for the event because I think it was a really positive promotion for windsurfing to have the action that close to the spectators. Put it this way, it felt so sick to be a part of it. A lot of the guys that came weren’t even windsurfers and I think they were blown away by the action.
JONAS CEBALLOS
It was such an awesome experience be part of the Siam Park show and be able to qualify for the entry in the super session. I felt like I was ‘back’ and to feel I was part of this show was just an amazing feeling for me. It was very tricky just to stand up and my board was too small which made it even harder. Thanks to a really good jet ski driver and I did manage to do a few decent jumps and help make the show happen. It was an awesome show for the people who were watching at the sides of the pool area with an amazing background, incredible atmosphere and even some new moves came out. For sure it was a great help for the sport to get more media and bring windsurfing up. These kind of shows are what we need. It’s similar to Red Bull’s motocross X-fighters – people like that. I just hope to be part of it next year again, to try new crazy moves again on a bigger board!
ANTOINE MARTIN
Siam Park was an amazing new experience for me. We had one training session before the main event. We could already feel the atmosphere. When you rig your sails on the edge of the pool between the buildings, and you don’t even see the ocean, just a huge, big jet ski and the massive pool. It felt like another sport. During the event, all the boys were impressive to watch! There were so many new rotations. The few attempts I had were not enough! It was really addictive! Next year, I hope we will do it again and the event will be bigger and even better. I would like to thanks a lot the organisers, the volunteers, the sponsors. Moreover all the spectators who have made this event feel so amazing!
LEON JAMAER
It was a pretty unique experience having the pleasure of being towed with a ski straight into a breaking artificial wave and launching into massive jumps in front of a huge crowd. As there was no real wind we could rotate in almost any direction we could think of, which lead to a couple of insane new tricks. Ricardo especially mastered this discipline straight away. He was out of reach for the rest of us. I made a couple of sick jumps, but also crashed quite a lot. The next morning I could hardly walk!
RICARDO CAMPELLO
I’m standing there waiting for my turn, one guy holding my board straight and the rope in my hand. Then I hear the big thud as the wave machine starts to thump out the next wave. Time to go. The ski starts to accelerate, the rope pulls tight and I’m off. A nano-second to get my feet in the straps, arc around and accelerate towards the wave at warp speed. It’s night time and the lights are blinding, but I manage to hit the steepest section and fly into the air. As I rotate, I can just about make out the silhouettes of the crowd as I spin towards the water. With no wind it is impossible to land, but I manage to get as close as possible to nailing a pushloop into a shaka – wow! Now I hear the crowd screaming as I swim my rig back out of the pool, talk about an adrenaline rush, that was awesome!
Its was so cool and different sailing on a wave pool. I mean, even if you see the pictures and videos, the colours of it are just amazing! The crowd was really into it, really excited and we were all pumped up. I really hope we can come back next year and do it again!
BOUJMAA GUILLOUL
The pool experience was lot of fun at the same time kind of special in a way. Most rotations had no feeling without the wind. I think to make it into the straps and be towed full power behind the ski just needed experience and after a while it was easier. Even though the distance was short to get comfortable it was still doable. It was a lot of pressure with the crowd, but still fun and I think it was great for the sport to entertain so close to the spectators, which gave them an idea about how crazy the sport is and they can have a better view of how radical windsurfing can be. Anyway, windsurfing in a pool in my opinion looks more radical than any other sports in pools!
ALEIX SANLLEHY
To nail a big jump your timing had to be absolutely perfect. It was very important to let go of the rope at the last moment to obtain the highest speed possible at the wave to grab the maximum height. Once you’re in the air you have the feeling of jumping without wind, which was weird but occasionally we landed upright. I think it was a sensational show, with a unique atmosphere. Every time one of us made a sick jump we were screaming, jumping in the air and going crazy. I hope this event will continue for many more years because I think it was an amazing experience!
ALEX MUSSOLINI
I have to say that Ricardo is the master, he is crazy and he has so much to offer, not just on the ocean. I tried my best, but I just couldn’t get the same feeling as him in the air. In the last jump I wanted to go big, but I just lost control and I had to let go. The feeling of jumping in a pool without wind is just so different compared to the ocean.
DANNY BRUCH
I reckon this year’s PWA event was the best so far and to finish this great success with the show in the Siam Park was the cherry on top of the cake!
When my friend Vilayta, who was the ski driver in this event that I did this tow out jumping session with back in 2010, we knew it had potential to make an event out of it! We tried a smaller version in 2011, but now with the support of Bjoern Dunkerbeck Eyewear we could finally include it into an official PWA event and we could show the world how sick this show can be! The way it turned out with such an incredible atmosphere, I was super stoked about it! The show was just spectacular, but especially Ricardo, who was on fire! He loves this kind of exhibition-type windsurfing and was the most natural one for sure! Congratulations to him! We are hoping to repeat this show every year from now on! Who knows how far the limits can be pushed! Don’t limit your challenges! Challenge your limits! JC
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WINDSURFING PE’AHI (JAWS) JANUARY 21, 2015
The crew from www.xensr.com bring us this sick clip of Jaws from last week. Heavy drops. big turns, insane aerials and a huge wipeout ! – riders include Levi Siver, Kai Lenny, Marcillio Browne, Morgan Noireaux, Jason Polakow, Robby Swift and Robby Naish. Check out more at http://www.xensr.com
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End of December 2014 the Canary Islands were under storm warnings…when that happens, Dany Bruch and his mates are always searching were to go to score some epic conditions. This time they went to an outside reef called “Las Manchas”, in the Antequera area, near the Anaga Rocks, north shore of Tenerife. Waves were mountains moving around, massive, but nothing epic really as the strong wind was kind of onshore…Dany still needed to give it a shot and go down a couple of white water bombs!
Quality of the footage is very poor, but still you get a taste of what was going on out there!
Thanks to Alexander Zirke for capturing this with his GoPro.
Thanks to Vilayta for the water rescue and support.
Thanks to Aito for taking pictures!
Music: Elephant-Tame Impala
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OVERVIEW
The 2015 Vogue is billed as “pure wave side shore” and has reduced to a 4 batten design from 4.7m and below with the bias towards control, whilst the 5.0, 5.3 and 5.6 remain with five battens and more power emphasis. Available in 2 versions: Vogue HD with full X-ply construction and the Vogue Pro as tested here. The RRD range now spans the new 3 batten Gamma, the 4 batten Four, which is the lowest aspect of the line-up and the multi-functioning Move, which really proved itself to be a widely favored sail in Medano’s variable conditions. We think that the side shore title might be underestimating the Vogues all round abilities a touch and the sail really stood out more as a tool to tackle any job it was given.
BRAND CLAIM
The Vogue is all about control. Light in the hands, neutral feel and perfectly balanced in all conditions, the Vogue MK6 offers unrivalled control in a radical hardcore wave sail.
PERFORMANCE
From all the team, the same positive reports kept coming back for ease of use, direct useful power without feeling powerful and solid acceleration.
Maneuverability and lightness of feel improves as you move away from the light wind settings and we were never unsettled at the upper end. The consensus was of a neutral handling, mid to slightly forward pulling foil that was great to use around the break. Really great acceleration and upwind ability that RRD have underplayed on their website. From 95kg to 70kg riders the sail is consistent in performance and rivals the Banzai for the feeling that you can forget about the sail and concentrate on your riding. This sail can really do more than you might expect from the marketing assault. It has good speed for a 4 batten sail and lower backhand pressure than its Move and Four counterparts. In the test group its early planning drive was class leading. The Vogue look and graphics are very striking but the HD version features a subtler look if you prefer it. Other build quality refinements and details have been applied as per the Move, and comments regarding the tough well-finished look were commonplace. RRD sails have performed very well on test with this seasons revisions and they certainly have everyman appeal. Rather than the dedicated cross shore performance listed in their marketing for the Vogue we feel it offers a great package for all abilities and wave types while having all the ingredients to deliver on those epic down the line days too.
THE VERDICT
Although billed as a “side shore” biased sail, the Vogue rivaled the Banzai for “invisibility factor”. It has an all round easy nature, even pull and solid blend of acceleration and control making it suitable for all sizes and abilities. Very easy to like and keenly priced with mast to offer a good value package.
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POINT 7 THE BLACK KNIGHTS SLALOM VIDEO
Wow something very different but very good from the Point 7 team – Slalom action with a classical soundtrack !- filmed in Japan
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Whilst a few keen windsurfers got out on Saturday, conditions weren’t suitable for the contest, and everyone met at Funsport for a set of clinics run by head judge Farrel O’Shea, Jim Brooks Dowsett and Ben Page. Sailors were given tips on how to compete and impress the judges as well as a look at some latest kit courtesy of O’Shea and Simmer Style. There was also a chance to demo the kit, which is always a great opportunity for everyone from experienced to entry-level wave sailors.
Saturday night saw a Scottish themed party (a nod to the Rhos-Ness Monster). Fuelled by IrnBru cocktails, the SWA engaged in much merriment at the host of Bangor University. Thankfully, having a Scottish flag on your face in Wales isn’t nearly as dangerous as an English flag, and everyone woke up (more or less) alive in the morning
The forecast for Sunday looked promising so Skippers was called for 10am, conditions were good with most sailors well powered on 5.2-4.7. With ten minute heats and two waves and two jumps to count it was a hectic day on the water as the sailors sought to impress the judges.
There were one or two upsets: Matt Cox – who ranked 2nd after the first event – lost to wildcard Sara Kellett and tour leader Louis Morris in the semi’s, whilst Leo Calnan , 3rd at PlymExe, lost to Ben Page coming back strongly from an injury that kept him out of the first event, and Nick Welsh of Exeter in the second round. Once the smoke had cleared from the early rounds, Tom Bennett-Lloyd of Bangor, Ben Page of Southampton, Sara Kellett (UWE) and Louis Morris (Bristol) reached the final to fight it out for the event win. It was a closely fought contest with forward loops, tabletops and rocket airs. On the wave riding side it was Tom Bennett-Lloyd who stood out thanks to his powerful riding and solid wave selection.
Tom’s superior riding got him a well-earned first place. In a close second was Sara Kellett with some huge forward loops backed with smooth turns on the wave. In third was Ben Page who was unable to find two good waves to back up his strong scores in the air. Current tour leader Louis Morris completes the top four and cements his place at the top for the overall wave title. With Matt Cox missing out on a top 4 finish, and Ben, Tom, and Sara missing out on the first event, Louis holds a small but significant buffer going into the final event in Cardiff in two weeks’ time.
A huge thanks to everyone who helped make this event possible, the Bangor University committee, Jim Brooks-Dowsett and Puravida, Farrel O’Shea, Dave Buckland and Funsport, guest judges Steve and Ollie Laddiman, and of course, everyone in Bangor Uni windsurfing club for providing quality flooring and sofas for everyone to sleep on.
Thanks also goes to AntoniosKyparissis – part of the new SWA Media Team – and Jim for the photography.
After the event, the SWA took a chance to ask this weekend’s winners for their thoughts.
SWA: “Sara, you were a new face on the Tour this weekend, but showed up in style. What did you think of the event and the atmosphere of the SWA?”
Sara Kellett: “Rhos Ness monster was my first SWA wave event, but I must say that I am very pleased I made the trip up there. The best thing about all the SWA events is that you are guaranteed a good time one way or another just because of all the lovely, like-minded people who turn up. As well as being a great opportunity to see, be and party somewhere different!
Having some proper wind and waves on Sunday meant it was even better. The whole atmosphere is pretty relaxed, with loads of people giving the competition a go even if they’ve never really been wave sailing much before. This was great to see and is the way it should be! It has confirmed in my mind that windsurfing is getting more popular again. Hopefully it inspired even those who just watched. I think it makes windsurfing seem a lot more exciting than racing round a course on flat water!
Tom Bennett-Lloyd’s wave-riding stole the show, but a big congrats should also go to the other girls- Esther and Rose!
Ben and Louis showed some impressive skills too. I envy both of their forward looping consistency skills. Don’t know quite how I managed to beat them both, but will try my best to do it again in Cardiff!”
SWA: “How would you say the SWA Wave Tour compares to other events you’ve done before?”
Sara: “I was impressed with how smoothly the competition ran. Thanks to Jim, Taffy and the Funsport guys, I thought it was just like the BWA events, so a great introduction for people thinking about giving that a go one day.”
SWA: “The next event is Cardiff Wave in two weeks’ time. Will we be seeing you there, and what are your predictions from what you saw in Rhosneigr for the final event?”
Sara: “I will do my best to be there, especially since it is only down the road from my university. I hope a few more people will be persuaded to come along and give it a go!”
SWA: “Congratulations on your win here in Rhosneigr Tom, how did it feel to get your first win on the SWA?”
Tom Bennett-Lloyd: “Thanks! I’ve not done much windsurfing recently so it was great to know I’ve still got it in me, especially as everyone was sailing really well!”
SWA: “How did you find conditions out there? What do you feel was the secret to your success?”
Tom: “It was great fun! I really like port-tack cross-on, it wasn’t the easiest conditions to get a good score though, and there were some big lulls so it was pretty hard to stay upwind! I found it pretty hard to pick out a wave that would hold up for more than one turn so a bit of local knowledge certainly helps. Also, thanks to everyone that got involved and all the volunteers that make these events happen! It’s great to see so many people keen for wavesailing!”
Keep an eye on www.studentwindsurfing.co.uk for details about the final event hosted by Cardiff University on 6-8 February, and email dan@swa.co.uk for any enquiries.
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ONE MONTH TO THE GOYA PRO CABO VERDE
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AT A GLANCE
Vela has been creating and perfecting the windsurfing resort experience for nearly 30 years. With Vela, you’ll discover exciting and challenging windsurfing destinations along with all of the necessary ingredients for a fun relaxing vacation. The best equipment, professional instructors and amazing locations helps to ensure your windsurf vacation will be the best it can be.
Where to you want to go?
CONTACT
Vela Windsurf Resorts
www.velawindsurf.com
011-541-387-0431
info@velawindsurf.com
ARUBA
One of the windiest places on the planet, Aruba’s warm, jewel-blue water is truly an experience in itself.
TOBAGO
One of two islands known as the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The island lies outside the hurricane belt and is blessed by strong consistent wind.
BAJA
The famous “El Norte” winds sweep the Sea of Cortez attracting windsurfers from around the world with ideal conditions for all levels.
BELIZE
Varied spots and just 22 guests mean plenty of space. A nice beach launch into the lagoon. Surf break immediately accessible off the front point of the island.
BRAZIL
Combine two windsurfing paradises in the same holiday at the windiest and most beautiful beaches in Brazil: Icaraizinho and Jericoacoara. Enjoy two unique destinations that are only 100knm apart.
CABARETE
The reliable side shore winds, along with warm Caribbean water, make Cabarete a paradise.
HOOD RIVER
Big Winds, to provide you with an absolute premium source with which to plan the next windsurf vacation of your dream.
MAUI
The ultimate destination: side-shore trade winds blow year round, extreme surf in the winter and flat-water in the summer. Novice or seasoned veteran, you can be guaranteed a great experience.
ST. MARTIN
Orient Bay, voted the “best beach of the Caribbean” for white sandy beaches, clear waters, Marine Park and fine hotels. Wave-riding addicts to first-timers students, it’s is a perfect spot!
PHILIPPINES
Located at the Kingfisher Beachfront resort which doesn’t normally accept walk-ins and day trippers to use the beach, preventing it from EVER getting crowded. Fantastic wave riding!
The post FEATURED AGENT : VELA WINDSURF RESORTS appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.
AMANDA BEENEN CHOOSES POINT 7
Escaping to Maui and Canaries from the Netherlands. One mind set: Improving her wave riding skills and aim for the podium in the waves. Amanda Beenen, has left aside her passion for horse riding after a bad accident, and decided to ride the ‘safer’ waves. Now choosing Point-7 and the support of Intersurf Sneek to continue her dream, here is a quick first interview from Amanda.
I am from Holland
No, to be honest I have sailed there once in the past 2 years. I do really like it; I just don’t have the time.
What is easier for the girls to learn? I love riding but since I learned better jumping, I also really enjoy this! As for girls, I think it is easier to learn riding – it’s a mental thing.
I learned it at the Dutch lakes about 10 years ago. I had a pretty bad horse riding accident and after it, I started windsurfing.
I guess I got addicted quick after I started! I had a fun group of windsurf friends! At one point, I went to Pozo and learned some wave sailing. I absolutely loved it and It was in 2009 I did my first national competition. In 2011, I joined the PWA World tour.
For the next two years, I hope to get on that stage in the wave tour and I want to develop myself into riding some bigger waves!
Where do you think you push yourself over the limits more? A heat really makes me tired. However, I think that sailing with friends pushes me more to do new stuff.
I love to surf and be active in general. I love hiking into the nature. Snorkelling, swimming, you name it I love it all!
The Black Team definitely is well represented by some very talented sailors in Holland. You can get all the P7 products at Intersurf Sneek.
Yes! Rob helped out big time and I am happy he stepped up to get me into the team!
For the next few months I will train in Maui. I hope to improve my port tack side and get myself used to bigger and more powerful waves! In addition, I intend to also have as much fun as possible!
Will be, Pozo gran Canarias – around half July?
Single
I would say a non-windsurfer – because than they cannot interfere with your windsurfing! And since they don’t have to be cool for their “windsurf friends,” you can teach them to caddy! – Because they have no clue!
The most difficult is I guess, making a living off it – But I get so much in return that I do it for the love! Of course, the easiest is that I can do what I truly love!
www.facebook.com/AmandaBeenen – yes everyone, like me & follow me!
Yes! I am so stoked about this! I have already seen some cool development. I can tell you all that it looks like the girls are in for a treat next year!
Andrea Cucchi commented
“As we were building up the #point7girl team Amanda came to us at the right time, proposing a lot of exploding ideas. So we made space on our team page to make her fit. She is living the dream, by working her way to achieve as much time on the water possible, and we will support her to get there to the top rankings.”
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SAINT BARTH FUN CUP 2015 RESULTS AND VIDEO
Big result for Taty Frans, taking down some major names !
Résultats Saint Barth Fun Cup 2015 : 1. Taty Frans (Bonaire), 2. Antoine Questel (France), 3. Cyril Moussilmani (France), 4. Pierre Mortefon (France), 5. Alexandre Cousin (France), 6. Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Suisse), 7. Benoit Moussilmani (France), 8. Amado Vrieswijk (Curacao), 9. Pascal Toselli (France), 10. Sébastien Bonhomme (France)
http://www.saintbarthfuncup.com
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NWF SPEED CHALLENGE 18/19 APRIL OTC PORTLAND
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OVERVIEW
The Rock continues in Tushingham’s range for 2015 as a 5 batten control orientated sail complemented by the new, softer, multi-tasking 4 batten Bolt, launched recently and tested last month in its 5.25m size. We have had the pleasure of testing several sizes of the British brand’s wave weapon and have always found the Rock a solid performer and worthy of Tushingham’s continuity of design. With the aforementioned attributes, the Rock stood as a benchmark in test to measure both the style variations of its counterparts and equally importantly, the changes in the Test Team’s feel after a season on the latest board and sail combos under our collective belts. Reliable performance is what you can count on with the Rock.
BRAND CLAIM
Super light in the hands with an extremely locked in centre of effort on the wave face and in the air, ideal for spotting ramps and sheeting in as hard as you can.
PERFORMANCE
The Tushingham is the only sail here to feature a tack cringle rather than a pulley block. It’s also way easier to attach the boom before tightening up the down haul as the cut-out is very taught when loaded. The build quality is still solid and the Rock’s durability credentials are firmly stamped all over it. We were all interested to feel how the Rocks would fare amongst the group of sails on test. The 5 batten design is extremely stable and whilst 3 or 4 batten designs may be more manoeuvrable, the Rock’s stability make it great for blasting round the break with a draft forward feeling and little backhand pressure. As mentioned, this trip was light on the 25 knot days which are the staple for most 4.7s. So as our usage was more at the lower end, we initially set with minimum downhaul. This certainly boosted the low end- drive and provided more backhand pressure when tuned with the outhaul to balance and extend the natural range of the sail. The Rock is Peter Hart’s sail of choice and he has remarked on the benefit of a slightly lower boom/shorter line set up when sailing them to put you on your toes and give a more connected feel to the fin. In this regard the Rock really woke us up to the fact that we adapt more to what we sail than we thought. In conclusion the Rock is still a great sail that is a very good partner to FSW and faster more directional boards and will please those sailors looking for a no nonsense sail that won’t break the bank either.
THE VERDICT
Rock by name and Rock by nature. Tushingham’s well trusted design keeps going, doing exactly what it says on the tin. Offers great value for money with the Tushingham mast and good availability in the UK. Stable with lots of top end control and speed for jumping, well suited for directional boards and typical UK conditions.
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Sportif have announced they are featuring the new Harry Nass centre is opening in Hurghada this month the Southern Red Sea, Located on the beach in front of the luxury All Inclusive 4 * Mercure Hotel it will have a selection of the latest 2015 JP Neil Pryde windsurf as well as SUPs and Cabrinha kitesurf equipment. Sportif say “you can stay and sail right on the spot in a first class hotel offering excellent value and facilities.
Here’s their resort report sent by the centre to give you the latest information.
Sportif are offering 1 week at the 4* Mercure Hotel from £599pp all inclusive including return flights, transfers and Visa.
For more details see www.sportif.travel .
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OVERVIEW
The Mutant contrasts many of the sails here by achieving its abilities from a reduced luff length, although not the only sail in this group to set on a 370 it is still a full 20cm shorter than the rest.
Maui Sails wave range comprises of the 5 batten Global, Legend and Ghost-CS (Technora Legend) and of course the 3 batten Epic. The 4 batten Mutant is the shortest luff length of the bunch and we had been itching to get our hands on one for some time. The 375 luff length and clean set really tickled our fancy and marked the Mutant as the most squat in the test group and one of the most compact sails available..
BRAND CLAIM
Our revolutionary Mutant 4-batten, ultra compact wave sail has proven itself over the past couple seasons as a lethal tool for both competition wave sailing (2 x AWT champ) and dedicated wave sailors alike.
PERFORMANCE
The Mutant looks intelligently put together and sets with an even amount of luff curve and just a little looseness in the leech between battens 1 and 2, and a hint between 2 and 3. In the wind, this is always a cleanly set sail that never looks out of shape with the downhaul as per spec, and 15-20mm of positive outhaul tension to balance things. It has a fine entry and with its low aspect ratio outline, the centre of effort is located a little further back than on a traditional sail, requiring your lines to be moved back a few cm for correct balance. Once your lines are right you can get on with challenging yourself to try some different moves, inspired by that short luff. Raking the rig over into a bottom turn you are provided with a different perspective as you look over the tip that much sooner than a taller sail. As expected the drive and bottom end are all there and easily accessed. The feel is noticeably different to the rest of the test and the manoeuvrability is smooth, not twitchy. It is a stable sail to be put where you want and can feel like standing on a simulator with a kiddy-rig being so chuck around. As some of the team commented, the draft position sets you square to the rig with drive between the feet, giving your body even pressure to manage the tremendous turning power it can generate. If you are coming from more traditional outline sails then take a little time to get your settings right and you will soon be away, enjoying the Mutant’s smooth power and manoeuvrability.
THE VERDICT
Toy like dimensions provide a great combination of drive and manoeuvrability for all rider weights. Four battens and a moderately firm leech provide lots of manageable power to tap into and exploit. Clean setting and calm in puffy conditions, this squat little fighter will help reveal the adventurous side of your windsurfing nature.
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I think I’m a fairly easy-going kind of chap. But as I get older, I seem to be less and less tolerant of doomsters. Life chucks enough detritus in your path without some glass-half-empty misery-guts taking the gloss of your day by pointing out the potential awfulness of apparently benign events. “Always look on the dark side of life – that’s what I say – then you’re never surprised or disappointed.” Oh p*ss off!
Just recently, as has been extensively covered in the pages of this magazine, we enjoyed a marvellous National Watersports Festival. The whole place simmered with a warm glow of optimism, not the desperate positivity of a trader with a warehouse of last years boards to shift, but the raw enthusiasm of people getting into it for the first time, coming back to it or just looking for the next thrill.
But one of the comments I kept hearing was: “but where are all the young people? It’s all old buggers at our spot. The sport will die unless you get the kids in.”
You know those times when someone is telling you something, which appears correct and you nod in agreement but which instinctively you know is … wrong. I look at the age profile of the people who attend my courses, even the wave courses which you’d imagine appeals to the young and athletic, and it is indeed mostly, although not exclusively, males between the ages of 35-60. It seems to back up the pessimist’s observation. It’s not until you examine the numbers and individual stories that you uncover the truth.
35-60 is the age bracket of people who get into high performance cars and motorbikes. They’ve actually always been interested in them and, no, it’s got nothing to do with this mythical mid-life crisis – it’s just sometime around that age, they might finally be able to afford them!
Here’s a typical story. Ben, aged 34¾, learned to windsurf as a boy c/o a fanatical dad. He was reluctant at first, because, well that was something his dad did so how could it possibly be anything but fuddy-duddy, dull and painfully uncool. But when he burst through puberty and stopped seeing the world through hormonal eyes, he realised he actually really enjoyed it.
But then life took over. He went to college. As a student you are by definition poorer than a church mouse. At his last year in college he’d saved up enough money from various evening bar jobs, to buy a car. That meant he was now a church mouse on benefits. Windsurfing was still in his sights but it wasn’t until he was 5 years out of college and into a proper job that he could tool up and re-kindle his passion. Move on 20 years and the poverty situation for the youth, is even worse. It’ll cost an 18-year-old 2.5k just to insure a heap of a car, if he gets a deal, which leaves very little disposable loot to fill it up with gas, let alone buy a freestyle board and a quiver of sails.
Adolescent Poverty
I do not see it as a ‘problem.’ It’s just what it is. You can only do equipment driven sports, wealthy and generous benefactors notwithstanding, when you can afford them. Or you need to be a bit determined, resourceful and lucky where you live.
Jack is 13 and sails off my local ‘secret’ spot of …sorry it’s a secret. It’s a not a gnarly point break, just a stony bay lying at the end of one of the legs of Chichester harbour that fills up a couple of hours either side of high tide. He’s there whenever wind and water coincide with time off school, not because a doting mum has bought him a lot of kit and acts as permanent chauffeur but because he saved his pocket money to get a serviceable 10 year board and rig for £70 off eBay; and because he built a trailer for his bike out of a set of old pram wheels. It also helps that he lives just 450 yards from the shore.
I was talking to my friend Harvey this morning, a sometime inhabitant of Tarifa, where kites can be counted in their thousands. He told me that this year he’s noticed a lot more kid windsurfing lessons going on despite the fact that it’s not a great place to learn, too choppy. The local youths kite however because they can strap a rucksack to their back and cycle to the beach. On a similar subject a friend told me of a young colleague at work who had to admit to him that she’s been on a holiday to learn to kite even though she knew it would wind him up. She said she would have preferred to try windsurfing and still has a mind to, but couldn’t see a way to do it at home until she’d found a place to live with a garage and could afford a car.
Look in the right places.
When people say they can’t see kids windsurfing, I have to tell them they’re looking in the wrong places. It won’t be in the shorebreaks of Bridlington or Llandudno. Go and look at a morning session in Vassiliki in July and August where the shallow waters are so full of little mites whooping and a-tricking you can hardly launch without copping a kiddie rig on your head. Visit any one of the UK T15 clubs on one of their sessions. I helped out one day at the club on Tiree, population not very many and over 25 kids were involved. And if you really want to get inspired, get yourself to the Bic Techno Worlds and not only see how many there are but how good they are.
Middle class parents seem keener than ever to expose their kids to as many activities as possible (some a bit too fervently but let’s not go there.) Although we try to let them make their own decisions, we secretly push them towards areas where we’d like to hang out. My boy plays rugby because I took him there because the bar was far friendlier than the one at the football club. You’re unlikely to get parents to take a kid windsurfing if they’re not into it themselves and like hanging around windy shorelines. The way to get kids into windsurfing is to get their parents into it. There are a lot of kids into windsurfing but you tend not to see them until they’re 30.
PH 26th Sept 2014
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KAULI SEADI INTERVIEW ABOUT HIS NEW BOARDS 99NOVENOVE
Text: 99 Media Team
Photo: Maria Fernanda Seadi
Hi Kauli, where are you at the moment?
I’m in Sao Miguel do Gostoso, Brasil.
So… you are working in your Windsurf Center in Gostoso, how is the season going?
Season has been really good , windy and sunny everyday, warm water and some fun little waves to keep practicing some wave and freestyle moves.
You have a big and unexpected news… you are going to leave JP and join 99NoveNove. Last year you changed NP to Hot Sails but you have remained in the JP team. All the world was curious if you would change JP for 2015 or not. Being anymore with NP brought you some problems or pressure by JP?
Time passes and goals change, on these last 2 years I have decided to invest more on free surf trips, to explore around the world windsurfing spots and I needed to have a break from competition on all those onshore spots on PWA. That choice of mine wasn’t really matching the goals of NP and JP, as they really like results on the PWA tour.
So back then Jeff from Hot Sails really gave me an injection of hope and supported me on my new goal , and now 99 also really likes the idea to work together and has designed some really good boards for my down the line tour… ahahah.
Many brands contacted you in the last months, why you decided 99NoveNove?
Because of the fact that the guys who created the brand are passionate windsurfers since many years and they know how the market is and they will not matter what because we love windsurf to keep improving and going to new stages.
CesareCantagallihas invented the first forward rotation in windsurfing, and you are one of the most important rider that has pushed the new era of multi fins few years ago. Now Cesare and you are in the same team… what can the world expect from this incredible union?
I believe he has alot of knowledge from all the experience over the years on windsurf and this definitely helps alot on the development process of the new shapes of the boards from all the line. Also Gianni is extremely talented and well experienced shaper and I believe he will be able to put my particular ideas on the shapes to make some amazing new boards.
Can you already anticipate us something about your new wave board developments with 99NoveNove?
They are a surprise for the moment, but theyare really going to be special wave toys!
Are you going to work on different set up fins for the new 99NoveNove boards?
I mainly ride quads, but thruster sometimes can be fun to ride , so maybe we do something multi-fin, so we can play around depending on the conditions.
Are you going to collaborate with Gianni Valdambrini for a new and different shape for the next 99NoveNove boards?
Definitely, already working on some protos, hope to try them in Cabo Verde.
And something new about your sails…?
Now sailsonly have 2 battens…, just a joke , still the KS3 from Hot Sails with the 3 battens.
We have been making some small modifications and growing the range on the bigger sail sizes, now we make a 6.4 on 3 battens that is really good.
I always tell Jeff and Tom thatthose are the best sails I ever had, they don’t need changes, they have everything you need, feel light, powerful, stable…
Are you going to Italy to meet 99NoveNove’s team?
Maybe later this year, but for the moment we have decided to meet in Cabo Verde instead of Italy, so we can already do some tests.
What is your plan for the next months?
AWT in Cabo Verde, Maui, Tahiti, Cook islands, Tonga, Peru and Aloha Classic in end of the year.
And what about your boat trip looking for new and amazing spots?
We are going to French Polinesia, where we will meet some friends on their boat and stay with them for 2 months until Tonga.
The AWT and PWA 2015 calendar is out,there are some interesting events for the AWT like Cabo Verde. PWA events are still the same. Are we going to see your come back in the tour or in some events?
I plan to do the good wave riding events!
Last but not least, you got married last summer. What’s up?
Married life is awesome, my wife is really good with me, we really support each other and she loves adventures like me.
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”This video took me so long to get online. Version 1 got banned because of a music issue, and then it took me 6 months to get V2 uploaded. Like always, its Maui and Cape Town, but there is also a bit from Mauritius too. Thanks to everyone that filmed bits and pieces!”
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MAGIC FRIDAY IN COLD HAWAII VIDEO
There are OK sessions, good sessions, great sessions, and then there are the rare MAGIC sessions! These are the ones where everything comes together perfectly. Friday, January 16th was one of these days. The best and most fun conditions I’ve seen since last winter!
The waves were not super big, but they provided super long and smooth rides. A real fun wave. Part of the magic was due to the side-off wind direction, which worked as a conveyer belt, bringing you right back to the starting point in no time. Of course the wind was a bit gusty, to say the least, but the down the line riding completely made up for this. This was for sure one of those days I will remember for a long time. The North Sea at it´s finest!
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