ONKWAVE 2015 DUTCH OPEN WAVE CHAMPIONSHIPS
ONKWAVE 2015 DUTCH OPEN WAVE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Dutch are calling for entries from the UK and around the world – check out their 2013 video below and read on for more about the comp
ONKWave 2015: Open Dutch Championship Wave Performance Windsurfing
No wind in 12 days of the waiting periods saw no ONKWave in 2014. Even with so many waiting days, you need a bit of luck. But it is the nature of our sport, and the way ONKWave works. The call only goes only goes out if it is blowing old boots, and the waves are up. This year, ONKWave 2015 should have a bit more luck. The autumn waiting periods are moving back to October(after PWA Sylt, usually a good month on the North Sea), and there will be an extra waiting day. So everything is set. Fingers crossed and we can look forward once again to two events and two spectacular days of competition at two of the best spots in The Netherlands:
- The Essential Cup,(WV) Zandvoort.
- Aloha Wave Classic, Wijk aan Zee.
ONKWave is delighted with the continued support of the Essential Store who together with the event organiser Watersport Vereniging Zandvoort (WVZ) covers half the waiting period; the Essential Cup at the quint-essential Dutch spot. This year, ONKWave also welcomes a new sponsor and a new spot – one that promises to become a Classic. Aloha beach bar and restaurant is back better than ever after a terrible fire in 2014 and will host, what else; the Aloha Wave Classic, Wijkaan Zee.
The waiting periods are:
Month |
Day |
Location |
Remark |
|
| May | Sat | 16 | WVZandvoort | |
| May | Sun | 17 | Aloha Wijk aan Zee | |
| May | Sat | 23 | WVZandvoort | If there is not a round in Zandvoort already |
| May | Sun | 24 | Aloha Wijk aan Zee | If there is not a round in Wijkaan Zee already |
| May | Sat | 30 | WVZandvoort | If there is not a round in Zandvoort already |
| May | Sun | 31 | Aloha Wijk aan Zee | If there is not a round in Wijkaan Zee already |
| September | Sun | 27 | Aloha Wijk aan Zee | If there is not a round in Wijkaan Zee already |
| October | Sat | 10 | WVZandvoort | If there is not a round in Zandvoort already |
| October | Sun | 11 | Aloha Wijk aan Zee | If there is not a round in Wijkaan Zee already |
| October | Sat | 17 | WVZandvoort | If there is not a round in Zandvoort already |
| October | Sun | 18 | Aloha Wijk aan Zee | If there is not a round in Wijkaan Zee already |
| October | Sat | 24 | WVZandvoort | If there is not a round in Zandvoort already |
| October | Sun | 25 | Aloha Wijk aan Zee | If there is not a round in Wijkaan Zee already |
ONKWave is recognised and supported in 2014 by the NederlandsWatersportverbond via the Nederlands Vereniging van Wedstrijdsurfers (NVW).
Because the most important ingredients – wind and waves – are so uncertain, and Holland is not so big, competition days are organized as ‘flash mobs’. Competitors are kept up to date via social media and mail alerts. Organisers follow forecasts closely in the days running up to each waiting period date, if it’s going off, it’s ‘ON’. The buzz on the beach does the rest.
News and all information about the event, including a back catalogue of photographs and videos, can be found on the website: www.onkwave.nl. Make sure you like the Facebook page or are on the mail alarm list to automatically stay up to date.
Email: info@onkwave.nl
ONKWave Windsurf Community
Windsurfing has changed a lot since it birth in the 1980’s and the mega events of the 90’s. But one thing hasn’t, the passion of windsurfers and the windsurf community. The achievements of Klitmǿller’s local windsurfers speak for themselves. In a similar vein, although focusing on the Dutch national championship, ONKWave has also been (re-)built up by local windsurfer volunteers and windsurf and watersport clubs. An important additional step was made this year by starting up a Jury Poule of experienced windsurfers willing to help out and able to judge at the highest level. Thanks to you. You know who you are. Thijs van der Meer, Principal Race Officer of the Professional Windsurf Association, helped us launch the initiative with a very well received and attended Judging masterclass in April at the WVZ. With everyone mucking in, we are going from strength to strength.
What can spectators expect?
Competition wave windsurfing is a jury sport. Sailors are scored wave riding skills and tricks and jumps. Because you will be watching the Dutch Open Wave Championship, expect to see some of the most radical moves in the most radical conditions. In 2013 the event was held in approaching storm force conditions and aerial acrobatics from 32 men and 8 women. A video summary is available at:
http://www.onkwave.nl/onk-wave-2013/
But while it is a pleasure and a privilege to watch the best windsurfers, windsurfing is about the ‘stoke’ and when the wind is blowing you have to get out there. For this reason, there is also a ‘downwinder’ organised alongside the Essential Cup in Zandvoort for spectators who also want to get wet.Downwinders are a great way to ease into sailing at spots – like most Dutch spots – with stronger currents.Wijk has plenty to offer the active spectator, but the Aloha Classic crew also have something extra in store; and a great Aloha BBQ waiting when you’re done.
Downwinder?
‘Downwinders’ are a great way to get used to wave sailing and the currents along the Dutch coast. Get a buddy with a beach buggy, drive up-wind and up-current, get out, get in the water and surf and sail downwind riding the best waves. You can spend a couple hours sailing, arrive at the competition area, and kick back, and watch the action for the rest of the day.
Downwinder in 2013 Zandvoort
Do you want to compete?
The ONKWave 2015is an open event (all nationalities) for men and women.Due to time restrictions, and preference if possible to runs some double elimination, there is a limit to the total amount of competitors who can join and a seeding system may be applied. Competition experience gives you an advantage, and 2013 ONKWave ranking may be used, but is not necessary if conditions permit enough participants.
The ONKWave 2015 will once again be held as ‘tour’ over two competition days. This helps us ensure a large number of waiting periods and hopefully at least one competition day. With luck, however, there will be wind and waves enough for both events. If both competition days can be held, both will count towards the overall championship.
What does it cost?
There are registration costs for both competition and down winders. Competitors are asked to pay 20 Euros but this sum also includes a one-day official ‘racing licence’ from the Dutch Watersport Association. Downwinder registration is 10 Euros. Competition registration includes a drinks voucher and on the Down winder there is always the chance of some ‘goodie bag’ stuff.
What conditions are needed for a ‘Go’?
ONKWave like all wave windsurfers kicks into life if the wind or wavesare there. The ONKWave 2015 will only take place if the conditions are good enough to run the events. Usually, this will mean a solid day of around Beaufort 6 and above. But the wind limit will be determined based on wave conditions. So light wind to medium wind with good waves and the competition is on!
Registration for the ONKwave 2015
The preparations for ONKWave 2015 are well underway. We already have the first competitors. In total, we expect at least 32 male competitors and 8 female competitors (please note ladies, the minimum necessary for official championship recognition!). (Pre-) Registration forms are available on www.onkwave.nl
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