2013 was another roller-coaster year for windsurfing, with highs and lows including tragedy and loss, new World Champions, signs of growth for the sport - plus the end of the year, in northern Europe at least, definitely howled itself out in style!

Of course there was also tonnes more juicy new gear released! (And plenty more 2014 windsurfing equipment reviews to follow!)

THINGS WE EXPECT TO SEE MORE OF IN 2014

• 3-batten wave sails and S-bending batten profiles á la HotSails KS3, Point-7 SWAG and Challenger Three G. More weight-saving leaps forward in wave sail  shapes are definitely on-the-cards! (Expect to see wider luff sleeves on wave sails too.)
• New PWA event venues (including Margariiiitaaaaaa) and another stunning Aloha Classic!
• A fitting finalé to the Red Bull Storm Chase.

THINGS WE HOPE TO SEE  IN 2014

• The emergence of 3D printed products, for more affordable components and spares – and maybe even some usable boards!
• More new faces breaking through in all disciplines, but especially in slalom racing.
• Windsurfers returning to Egypt to get their annual fix of warm water and wind.
• Twin-fin freeride boards and the return of Wave-Slalom!
• An injury-free Robby Swift.
• Wind at Pozo – we missed you this year Gran Canaria! (one year off in 25 is almost acceptable, but no more – OK?)
• Dave White land a double in competition and more fifty-plus loopers.
• More people improving their sailing with longer harness lines and booking themselves on clinics.
• A new World Speed Record. (Preferably one that’s faster than a kite.)
• Wind dammit – and loads of it.
• OK then, more gear focusing on lighter wind performance and more hours on the water.

Thanks for reading in 2013, here’s wishing you a happy, healthy – and windy 2014!