Windsurfing & kitesurfing travel

Windsurfing in Cantabria, to live an adventure ...

2009-06-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

It is said that sometimes need outside eyes to assess our situation, but at the same time, nothing more annoying to hear the chance of a divagación guiri, right?. I will not bother if you pass directly to the next story, but I am not the typical tourist, except when I forget sunscreen before a long session of windsurfing and just red lobster.
I'm Justin, Frontier Productions, Californian resident in Cantabria and producer of television programs broadcast on National Geographic Channel and other television channels such as the World Ski Championships in Alaska and the Far programs of world records apnea, sailing, surfing, windsurfing and climbing. I arrived in northern Spain because my wife is now Cantabrian and so is our son, and I think this is one of the best places in the world to live and do all kinds of outdoor sports.

The north

As a foreigner, I noticed a peculiarity in many Spanish: dream of traveling to other countries, but many do not know either their own land. It is known that Spain has some of the best waves in Europe of which, many arriving on the Cantabrian coast, but there are few who know the conditions for windsurfing to offer these beautiful shores.

The north of Spain, though not very extensive, is geographically one of the most diverse on the planet. There are few places in the world with mountains of about 3000 meters near the sea, where you can ski and surf waves of first quality in a single day. It is a harmonious mix between snow-capped mountains, green pastures, dramatic headlands, protected bays and spectacular white sand beaches, not to mention the cultural, historical and gastronomic.

As an exclusive destination for windsurfing, it may not be the right place. However, it is a great place to complete a trip and usually if you live in Cantabria you can enjoy over 100 days per year of wind power with four or more.

The winds of Cantabria

We know that it rains a lot in the north but, as a result, the fields dressed in a stunning, green, nothing to do with the arid landscapes of southern Spain or the Canary Islands volcanic. I read that in Cantabria is an average of 200 rainy days a year. Can this be possible? I think not, but these are the storms that allow us to practice our sport in the winter, and it is during this time that we take the big waves that brings the Galician, the cold wind coming from the northwest. In addition, these storms also generate the warm south wind coming from the ground. Both directions of wind can exceed 40 knots ensuring a spectacular windsurfing. Depending on the temperature, if not below zero or no hail the size of chickpeas, you can browse for hours, as long as one has a flexible schedule and a thick wetsuit.

Unfortunately for many, fellow tied to inflexible work schedules tend to arrive in Santander Hazard to parking on the beach of the Magdalena, at lunchtime, just when the beautiful south wind is dropping and shifting to the west, bringing and the cold and rain. All those who have not yet gotten run across the bay to the beach Pedreña, where the wind just rolar south-west, blowing with all its intensity. Sheltered from the big waves and bad weather, Pedreña is a secure site with flat water and little depth, and also a perfect introduction to freestyle. In these days of pure winter, the view from Santander is a spectacle of sea and mountains, where you see the candles at the foot of the sail Cantabrian mountains covered with snow. In recent years I have sailed with a suit of 2 / 3 mm every day, sometimes with bad visibility, and when it clears, the beach is white with a thin layer of snow. I do not mind the cold because I have Viking blood and I see it as a tribute to my ancestors. The only problem after so cold is expected to regain the sense in the fingers and the number one body.

When spring arrives, the wind changed again to the opposite direction. The northeast is a prize for us windsurfers and a scourge for those who are not. The heat comes from the northeast regularly almost every summer afternoon, ruining the enjoyment of swimmers, surfers and those addicted to the sun, but for those who want to surf without clothes in water, is enjoyed, especially if you've suffered a hard winter with the unpredictable winds or south Galicians.

With a light wind from the NE, within the bay of Santander can escape from danger or Pedreña with ease and enjoy all day coming and going with a table of formulas. However, it is a perfect guide for the northeast wind with waves to surf down the line, pure shore side, is the beautiful beach of Liencres. When it works, is surely one of the best waves of the peninsula, with the face of the wave hollow and clean, where you can make lots of money followed with an impressive speed. Take very good waves within a nature reserve with spectacular sand dunes, cliffs and beautiful estuary is an exceptional experience. Unfortunately, nothing is perfect and often needs to use huge waves of material: tables of 90 liters or more and 6.5 meter sails catch the wind loose. Almost twice the size used in Tarifa or Pozo. Sometimes the wind does not have enough power to spend the break near the shore, making a good day in quite expensive. In the first two bathrooms this year, 50% of those who put their broken masts and sails. The day's biggest percentage last year was 100% destruction, or a survivor.

The disadvantage of Liencres during the summer, apart from the car park full, is to learn to navigate among the dozens of surfers and swimmers that plague the peak of the small beach. The truth is that it can be very dangerous if one of us falls over them. It should be mentioned that pure waves for surfing requires a perfect knowledge of the preferences of way. We do not want an accident and causing the closure of the beach to practice our sport. Perhaps therefore the most comfortable and safe surfing on the beach is great, where there is more space, less people and wave to everyone.

The other best-known spot of Cantabria, where he sailed with the wind from NE, is the beach at Laredo. A mainstay of huge white sand, full of apartment blocks in the summer, come here on the northeast shore harder than the rest of the coast. The impressive Mount Santoña to the left of the beach, a venturi effect with the cliffs on the right rib that condense the wind direction to the beach. With little swell and a long journey along the sand between Olita, Laredo is a wonderful place to do slalom or freestyle, but shared with an armada of kites. And if yours is the Formula, the bay is an ideal training for any wind direction, including Galician. But if you are willing to surf the waves with the wind side shore from the right, go to the nearby beach Berria in Santoña, where conditions are similar to the Northeast when Liencres blows with enough intensity.

Completely opposite in appearance to Laredo is located in one of the most western Cantabria is the historic town of San Vicente de la Barquera which has a long beach with magnificent views of the Picos de Europe. In addition to this well-deserved reputation is known for being the people of Operation Triunfo David Bustamante. When not seeking his autograph, go to the beach where you can sail with wind waves in NE and NO, not anyone else.

If you do not like to surf alone, Come to Santander, again, to the beach Sardinero. NE wind goes well with side conditions and on small but powerful waves. From the water, views of the casino and luxury hotels with thousands of people walking, makes everything seem like a century ago. The only change is that now is full of kite lovers. If you want to avoid being decapitated by the strings of their kites, escape to a sailing trip away, where the wind beats stronger, to the island of Mouro where stands a lovely lighthouse on sharp cliffs.

Making a board a little further, you will land on the beach of Somo, one of the longest in Cantabria, which is renowned for its waves and surf culture. He also sailed in her during the winter northwest side shore wind. It is one of the few sites that can jump high in the province, but the wind is quite strong Galician hard by rain, streams, and a dangerous break with the wind gusting. Another ideal place to break material because, as I see in the sequence of photos, it's easy to lose control easily.

Despite the fame of Cantabria rainy, the truth is that we have many sunny days and hot, but it is also true that the weather is very changeable, and changing very fast. During the summer, the clear sky can move quickly to a rain cloud with fine calabobos here or call chirimiri, which creates a fog pretty bleak. Day without wind forecast NE to remove the cloudy weather of the coast, you can upload the new road to the plateau in a half hour at the reservoirs of the Ebro and Aguilar de Campo. You'll find back to the sun and a thermal wind formed by the fresh breeze of the coast and the interior heat. Flat water and good environment for all Sunday, you only need to friends, a car full of toys and be on the sunny side of the reservoir.

An adventure at home

Speaking of comfort, in Cantabria, almost all of the windsurfing spots are chosen for their access, not for its potential. There is much untapped potential here and is always looking for interesting new sites to test the perfect wave.
The truth is that many of the famous sites in the world of waves, where photographers get great pictures of professional windsurfers, access is difficult. Many good times to reach peak using a boat out on the rocks or walk a distance to find a position outside of the ordinary. I recorded several videos windsurfing and I know that photographers, like the pros, they suffer to get good pictures. In an interview for a program I'm producing now, Josh Angulo told me that the wave of Punta Preta, known to many as the best in the world, it is customary to go swimming to the peak just to catch the wave in its glassy state and clean. If we keep that mentality here in northern Spain, where we have great waves, discover new spots impressive. Going down the cliffs or arriving in a zodiac, Cantabria offers a multitude of peaks. With all the beaches, coves, bays and surf that is combined with the three directions of wind, much remains to be discovered.
Something like that is happening now with the tow in surfing in northern Spain: surfing dragged behind a motorcycle to fetch water from large waves. In the past two years have been the first major attempts to catch huge waves at a global level. My friends from California and Hawaii who have been surfing this way more than ten years, are impressed with what is happening here. Congratulations to the Spanish tamañeros surfers! Now we just need some windsurfers wanting to improve our level of windsurfing. I'm expecting a visit from Victor Fernandez coast where it can escape its obligations in the PWA tour.

Many thanks to something in Cantabria. My greetings to the first to get here as Gelo and Maza, who discovered the spot where he now spent many windy days. However, there was a recess period in the sport during which many windsurfers prefer easy access or comet rather than adventure. We have now found a new motivation for exploring the coast and stunning photos promise for next year.

Swamp Secret

I will tell you a secret about a spot that is the windiest of all Cantabria. This is a dam with 500 meters height over the Ebro and Aguilar. As in all the high peaks, where there is wind ... ¡Sharp sticks!. There seems to be much in the photos but I assure you that sailed that day with 4.0 meters, with a south wind of force 3 force in the bay and 4 in the Ebro reservoir is secret and if I tell you where it is, we need to kill you! !.
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Holy Thursday epic

2009-06-10T22:27:00.000-07:00

The anticyclone was well placed from the third day of April, so I prefer to spend Easter at home. As in August with my friend Miguel del Toro, but this time the title would be: Galicia, a spot in seven days. The conditions, as always, very good side right off the waves and half a meter and half the day. Since Tuesday I knew that Holy Thursday we have something special, and leave the water, I commented to Manel (ratilla windsurfers sailed to 100% of days). The forecast was for sun, wind and swell sluggish Northeast Northwest of three meters.

Tomorrow at ten o'clock began to enter my phone calls. Alejandro (the pilot) I'm at the airport of Vigo, how do you see? Victor (of Waira) Here in Vigo, calma chicha, what do I do? Manel (Network) ¡¡uff! Que buena pinta, go up to San Jorge?. My answer to all was: ~ Syo climb to San Jorge and I think it will be a day not to miss ~ T. Thereby encouraging more colleagues Victor de Vigo, like Manolo or Roberto (Pumuky) and Alejandro (the pilot) and the Dani Lanzada. I called Caesar. The one we were all in the water along with other friends in the area: Javi Tena Quinito, Zambo, Carlos and Fernando de Gijón. The meeting was a ten. Wave singles. I left, and surf virabas alone. Six hours without stopping, each with a different style, from the tombs at the bottom of Zambo, wanting to fly from Caesar or the Pilot, the Manel control of the spot or we descend olona Roberto Dani and me. I really realized how good it was the day when out and fall under the right looked like Victor and Manolo superglass caught waves with emerald-green sea. It was not a day of jumping, but sometimes you run the square and the vertical wall of two meters backloops allowed so perfect that you become a spectator of the maneuver. Burst finish, and while desmontábamos, my obsession was to see the photos that had Maru (official photographer), 360 in total, reflecting all the details. Manel, I also had the smile of the winner and Dani said: what a day!.
In Galicia, are few sessions like this magic, so I went to celebrate with my wife and my son Lola Sebas recommended by Javier Tena, a seafood dinner at the fish-hatchery Albariño de San Felipe. The next day, I just wanted another day of waves that did not come, but on Saturday, this time in another perfect left-wing spot north of San Jorge.
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Dakhla: Windsurf Challenge

2009-06-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

After the success of the event first played in Madagascar in September last year, where Victor Fernandez won the remaining nine riders acomplejantes their guests with combinations of jumps, Windsurf Challenge organizers have launched this year by three waves of testing in exotic spots: Dakhla, in the Spanish Sahara, Sumbawa in Indonesia (no wind during the month of May) and again in September, Madagascar. In this report, under the pretext of talking about a test waves, you can see what the Atlantic in the winter gives each spot located 15 minutes from the school of Rachid Roussafi ... The windsurfer got a Moroccan kiter Dakhla we had sold as a flat water lagoon!
Morocco. February 2006.
By Fanny Lestelle
Photos of Julien Schlosser / Taka Productions

I know that is not original but the story begins in an airport: Last call for flight to Casablanca ... Where the hell are the Brazilians? Kauli, and Ricardo Brownzhino (Marcilio Browne) is managed for the lost billing and the gate. The temperature in Paris is 12 degrees below zero, but even so, I appear at the end of the hall to enjoy ice cream each. Nothing happens in any case, the porters are playing Tetris with boardbags of our friends, trying to place them in the belly of the plane. The output will be delayed. Already on board, and Ricardo Brownzhino vie for the seat in front. Interestingly, the youngest, also did not have the best seat in the boarding card wins. Marcilio to 1-0. Also flying with us and the French Victor Fernandez Fabrice Beaux and Baptiste Gossein. Moroccans Boujmaa Guilloul, Fettah Ahllamara and Rachid Roussafi ahead in our destiny. At Casablanca. The first Tagine of meat with vegetables, cakes first, the first tea, typical tables and chairs, mosaic ... Welcome to Morocco.

Arriving in Dakhla
Tea in the village and Ricardo has already taken his revenge with the seat. It is impossible to keep the account because they are all the time with one another by picándose nonsense, sometimes almost with violence ... until they erupt in laughter again. If you take the trouble to try to find out how fast speak Portuguese, you discover that the topic of conversation is always the same: girls. It seems that the prettier sister Kauli is one of the recurring topics of the other two, which bothers the champion of the world ... Worse than boys.
But back to Dakhla. The name of this fishing village in the middle of the Sahara is beginning to be known by many windsurfers, especially in Europe, but will become much more in the future as it surely deserves. Is a few kilometers from where Rachid has mounted his camp beside a large lagoon. From here, the nine windsurfers will be moved to wave spots in the area. For some, the atmosphere reminiscent of Punta San Carlos in Baja California, while others enjoy life desoccidentalizada, though without giving up their laptops.

Foum Labou
Is the name of one of the spots the wave of Dakhla, Fabrice Beaux opened as soon as I arrived, still out of competition ... I did not expect a wave so close to Europe. Is comparable to that of Punta Preta. While water comes out, Victor admits that just take the right longest of his life ... The magic of discovery is here. In addition, the wind is side off, perfectly designed, and no one else in the water. As Kauli says, is like a water park: no running water is clean and beautiful, the weather is excellent, long surf ... Every day you can surf, surf, and if you are forces to surf again in the afternoon. Until the water park, running before the competition, can be reached by road. It is not the most environmentally friendly way to travel but the only one to reach the beach from the camp today. In addition, drivers are an inexhaustible source of experience and conversation, though, for fear of laughter from some and others seem to manage better the kettle that the steering wheel. Between sitting and sitting, teas loaded with sugar substitute to the best energy drink in Europe.

Passes
After a few days without wind surfing who took as if there were no tomorrow, the wind is back, and with it the competition. First round: three sleeves of fifteen minutes and three riders on each. The first ends with Baptiste Kauli and Victor, although both have an option to repechage. The judges were unanimous in the other two duels: Fabrice ahead of Ricardo and Rachid and surprisingly beat Boujmaa Marcilio Fettah and, through a better selection of waves and the introduction of several Flakes in the middle of the surf. Second round: it's time for the repechage in which the two disposed of each sleeve in the previous round. Rachid gives way to Victor, whose surf demolisher convinces judges, and Kauli Marcilio, commented that the benefits of this system of competition in which riders are judged each other ... Who better than them to know what is truly radical or not?

The repechage
Continue the sleeves, but now the waves are not so perfect and good positioning is crucial. Spend the repechage, in addition to Victor, and Boujmaa Ricardo. We have six participants who will make the final thirds, since the final three. This time Brownzhino unable to repeat the gesture of the first round and was taken by Victor. Beaux from the sleeve and Boujmaa is much tighter but the Moroccan knows how to impress the judges and the press machine in full sleeve. As for the battle between Ricardo Kauli and the latter gives greater speed and fluidity in their bottom turns and rollers while Ricardo inexplicably refuses to introduce his incredible skills freestyleras in the waves, leaving the road to final for Kauli.

Victor in absentia
The slow wind and the night is coming, but a little rosy forecast for the next few days they decided to proceed with the final between Kauli Victor and Boujmaa. A controversial decision ... Victor, with 75 liters and 5.0 meters of sail, the greatest thing that has been brought because it was assumed that the Windsurf Challenge takes very good condition or not, is clearly lacking in power volume and to select good waves and good points but pulls in getting grip, leaving a half-sleeve. Almería, about fifteen pounds more weight than their contestants, do not agree to hold the final with a wind and waves stunted ... Regarding Kauli despite being overrun by a terrible virus that prevents you from breathing normally, it's like another planet. Knows exactly how to organize their breadth and surf without any hitches two waves from the peak to the edge: two aircraft, three or four rollers, and attempts to Taka Goito ... Benefits unconditionally plantearte do if you really needed to come to Morocco to designate the winner.

The cartoon crisis
It is worth commenting on the visit made to our children of secondary school in the village. In a long meeting, in English class, introducing the students and vice versa, the conversation ranged from the wind and the lives of the competitors in each country to big issues: the crisis of the cartoons of Mohammed in world in full swing, the kaulis do not hesitate to touch upon, to the nervousness of the teachers who seem to prefer to extend the conversation about aseptic windsurfing. But everything goes so smoothly and was really surprising to see them so interested in politics. Marcilio also concerned, but in this case you would go to jail for trying to link with a Moroccan girl. While the answer is no, it is debatable whether the idea in a country where its citizens need permission to talk to tourists, one of the many contradictions of this charming Morocco.

Surf against calories
In the last few days in Morocco, to escape the wind, the main activity was to catch waves, building to discover the many peaks surrounding quality of the area, until the time came to leave the quiet camp and Rachid, to Ricardo, pay your account chocolates: 250 dirhams. Finally, at the reception hosted by the Director of the Center for Local Investment in the presence of the Governor of the region, do not miss anything: barbecue, fresh fish, camel, kefta, couscous ... The authorities showed great interest in developing tourism in the area and in particular by the wind and, therefore, our riders were treated to desharrapados body of the king.
Now back in Paris, the Brazilians have to spend a night in the French capital before flying home. Ricardo, asking questions as always, this time to Nicholas, the organizer: I get time to buy chocolate?, Can we go to the Eiffel Tower?, Can we at least go to McDonalds? Windsurf Challenge While this has been more rewarding than a typical PWA competition, there are habits that do not change so easy!

Dakhla practical as Víctor Fernández

How to get there. By plane: we must fly to Casablanca and then take a direct flight of Air Maroc, Casablanca, Dakhla. By road: caravans and many European Van roam there. Are 2000 km and an area between Morocco and Casablanca Dakhla we must pass through escorted by the Moroccan army, as the Frente Polisario should not walk away.

Accommodation. In Dakhla village, which is five minutes from the spot, is the four star Hotel Sahara, as well as many other simple accommodation. In the spot, the best option is the field of Rachid. You will stay in igloo type tents for two people or more within a Jaima giant. The stores include the mattress and you provide them. The sleeping bag so you should bring. The price of accommodation in Rachid \ 's Place includes meals (rich and diverse Moroccan food), water (bottled) and take up the spot of waves on a daily basis. In addition there is another big Jaima that serves as a lounge, dining area to be (when you're in the water). There are toilets, shower rooms, mobile phones and coverage ... is less radical than it may seem from here. If you want tailored to your van, you can also get closer to the waves with her and sleep walk to spot, more than interesting choice for the more fortunate.

Epoca. The wind is the same trade winds that of Cape Verde, being the best months for surfing waves, not only, in January and February (and there is time to go to plan). Freeride in the lake almost every year to surf and waves from autumn to spring.

Material. Rachid is headquartered in the wind and kite saltwater lagoon at the foot of camp where you can also rent equipment. If you want to surf the waves of the magnificent place, they take you by car to the water, about 15 minutes of all-terrain (assuming you're staying with them).

Internet. www.dakhla-attitude.com
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Koku Maui Classic: U.S. AGAINST THE WORLD

2009-06-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

Following the cancellation of the test wave to be held on Maui in the Schedule of the PWA, and the local organizers, who had already done preparatory work, they decided that I wanted to go ahead, despite I had a disastrous time at the head of a displaced European windsurfing mecca for allegedly entering the excellent surf in winter. Thus, Tristan Boxford, the British settled on Maui for years, brought forward in miracle plan, this Koku Maui Classic, presented by Naish Sails. He himself tells us:
1 to 2 April 2006
Hookipa Beach. Maui
Presented by Naish Sails
Photos: Julia Deutsch

Koku means something in Hawaiian as well as charity and the idea of this test was to return to the island of Maui and its people part of what it has received a wind over the years, as well as provide a benchmark for youth of the island and for the future of windsurfing, both locally and globally, setting an example that worthwhile to pursue. In addition to these important messages, or mixed with them, they were offered a show in the form of competition between some of the best windsurfers on the planet, in this island in the Pacific at this time. With these objectives in mind, we got to work to make this a reality Maui Classic Koku.
Despite having a good winter in Maui, the months of February and March were a real test for the nerves of the premises, with 40 days of warnings by heavy rain and flooding on the islands. As you can imagine, with only two scheduled days of competition, we were a little anxious, to say the least. As the date approached, there was a part of trade winds, but did not stop raining. Thus, the decision whether to proceed or postpone the event rather than a difficult one. By an act of faith, we decided to continue and risk ...

Clean beach
On the morning of day one, when we arrived at Hookipa, we received a good rain and a bank of clouds stretching from the coast to the horizon ... The only consolation was that they were there the waves, glassy and size, perfect for surfing, but not exactly for windsurfing. Despite this outlook, which had espabilar and, at eight o'clock, we get together with the enthusiastic windsurfers smaller island to clear the beach of Hookipa in partnership with Surfrider Foundation. The lads were Majis cleaning with enthusiasm and determination, and thus an example for those coming behind.

USA against the world
Again, Maui was at the height of his magic and after a few hours, the time covered and rain became a radiant blue sky with a wind that completed along with the waves already established, the perfect to begin the feast of windsurfing.
We decided to divide the 16 invited pros, into two groups: America and the rest of the world, forming two squadrons equipped and incredibly talented. The exception was Josh Angulo, who although American, was part of the rival team, to be established for years in Cape Verde, his land of adoption. On the other hand, and the next day, compete children, infant sports stars who will have to fix all the attention in the coming years.
As they prepared on the beach, each team must choose a captain. No surprises, Robby Naish was chosen by the U.S. but more striking was the choice of captain Josh Angulo as the rest of the world ...
The format was teams, so that each sleeve compete for half an hour, several members of each scoring maneuvers each participant separately. Finally, the sum of points awarded to each team would win one or the other. In this way there would be no individual winners, but they would make the USA or the rest of the World.

The first emphasized the breadth of action Brauzinho Marcilio Browne, whose impressive array of powerful, sweeping turns and maneuvers included a perfect Goyta that put the team into the provisional lead. But in the next, Keith Teboul took the best waves in the hose to the foam, and so things returned to their site but for a little margin. The fight would be tough: 282 points against 281.5 in the world USA!
In the third sleeve loosening the wind was slightly but the series, more than good, coincided with the simultaneous action of Kauli Seadi and Nik Baker. The British showed that despite spend fewer hours in the water Hookipa in recent years, has not lost one iota of its competitiveness and Kauli proved that World Champion is something: Air Taka perfect, and one of the Goito Table tops folded over have ever seen. With deployment of this seemed difficult for the American team to keep pace. Then came the turn of Mr Robby Naish and Matt Pritchard to try to recover positions for his team, while navigating Josh Angulo and Scott McKercher. With the series decreasing in size and frequency, something that was more difficult for these four legends of windsurfing, and despite the efforts of the Americans, an impressive array of surf from Scott in the last five minutes of the piece and a consistent performance of Josh Angulo, who had the advantage for the rest of the world becomes the unattainable.
The rest of the World had won, at least among boys. Should await the next day to see if the Americans gave the victory to his country.
I could not continue writing without a mention of the judges except for those that enjoy this event: legends as Dave Kalama, Mark Angulo, Matt Schweitzer, Luke Hargreaves, Doug Hunt and Rob Funk. Thank you all for your time and dedication.

Sunday. Children's Day.
Undoubtedly, we were lucky the wind was again to the event, while a bright sun and a small but quality waves. The stage was ready for the 12 boys and four girls aged between eight and 16 years received the first lessons of Robby Naish and Josh Angulo on how to compete in waves, and surf Hookipa and as a manga face competition to win it. Both Josh and Robby commented it is gratifying that convey their experiences motivated these young aspiring champions.
With these ideas fresh in your memory, the kids went to the water to face each other in front of Robby and Josh, now would be the judge of emergency. The water level was phenomenal, with air, good jumps and spins in chains as common currency. Exciting to see so much talent in such young lads. This is an advance look at the future of our sport.

After two closely fought sleeves, there are six kids in the very best in the world of windsurfing. With the participation of Jaeger Stone, the ripper of Australia, Kai Lenny is going to be difficult to continue their winning streak after last year's Aloha Classic. Also choose the first post is Skyler Haywood, son of legendary sprinter Fred. Also Connor Baxter, Zane Schweitzer, son of Matt and Jake Golm. In the end, was the day of the Australian, with its impressive array of good in the waves. Kai stayed behind and Skyler. It should be mentioned that the huge Bandt Roediger, just nine years, sailed Hookipa in a way unimaginable a few years ago.
The girls also showed their level and in other highly competitive manga was Sarah Quitte of Aruba who won, followed by Pauline Pease, Kristin Orth Stott and Kansas.

The words of Scweitzer Zane, the daughter of the legendary Matt Schweitzer, who admired Hookipa surfing waves in the 80s:
Koku the Maui Classic has been phenomenal. We were so lucky with the wind and waves, followed 40 days after raining, everyone was anxious to give us water to navigate. It was the time that more children have competed in a test wave in Maui, coming from Australia, Aruba, France, Spain and Maui. As always, Kai Lenny did phenomenal, making even a planenado Forward landed on his sleeve. And Jaeger Stone finally was able to demonstrate their high level at Hookipa. Last year, in Aloha, was injured before the event and could not even touch the water. We were surprised Sarah Remove from Aruba, won the other, when he had never actually surfed the waves of Hookipa. It was fun having a class with Robby Naish, Josh Angulo and Daida Ruano. Robby made us feel fortunate to have as many friends as you navigate, when he started, he was more that just one in Kailua and beyond had to use adult material, now when we have special equipment for children, adapted to our size, super lightweight, and most importantly, a lot of friends who get to sail and have fun together. It was also good that Robby and Josh told us we had to do if we were going to the rocks (something quite common in Hookipa). Now we all know we have to paddle fast lane to the entire team gathered. He had come as no effect went up in the rocks this time. (Last year, the Aloha waves were huge and I went up to them twice. It's not a good experience!) All the boys were pulled Tristan contentísimos that the event even though it had been withdrawn from PWA calendar. Gave us the opportunity to watch the best pros compete to give us before we also water. I hope that next year we are even more.

USA against the world. Girls
Finally it was the turn of the girls to express their talent. We enjoy a great show by Iballa with its attempt to double-Forward, the incredible air of Anne-Marie Reichman and the stylish surfing Tatiana Howard. Again the rest of the world took the cat to water, winning ahead of American.

The end
The objectives of the Maui Classic Koku were clear and managed to carry out: to mount a good show with which to teach the world what is the wind today, show a commitment to conservation of our beaches and support to young windsurfers that are the heroes of tomorrow. In addition we were able to bring together the legends of sport with the reigning champions and stars of the future, to share what unites them all: the wind.
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Raphael Legouvello. Windsurfing in the world

2009-06-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

There are moments where you understand how well you feel you can reach browsing, the minutes of absolute fullness deslizándote between the sea and the sky that compensates for all the suffering ... and it was during one such moment in the middle of the Pacific, when the idea of traversing the index to close the circle I appeared as an evidence ... While it is true that those moments are rare.

On June 8, the French windsurfer Legouvello Raphael came to the island of La Reunion from Australia after having traveled about 6300 kilometers in 58 days on your table size. In reality, this meant crossing the Indian Ocean close the circle begun in Senegal in 2000 due to Martinique (crossing the Atlantic, about 5,000 kilometers), followed by crossing the Mediterranean (1,000 miles) in summer 2002 and of the vast Pacific (7,500 miles from Peru to Tahiti) between August and November 2003 ... 20,000 kilometers only solo contacting with the outside world through a global phone ... achieved around the world for the first time in wind ... an incredible gesture for anyone but Raphael, 46, a veterinarian by profession, looking fine and very easy on the other side of the phone, explained as if it were the most normal thing in the world ... Again, as in the case of many great explorers, in the end everything is a matter of coconuts.

Reading your daily chronicles epic seems that in the end, there are few moments of quiet navigation in such voyages super ... Would you say that is?
There are many difficult moments but also some good. Sometimes it is a pleasure and sometimes not. When you're planning amid the waves, for example, the sense of harmony with the ocean could not be better.
So, you plan on the table?
Yes, when the waves low, sometimes the table plans.
On the philosophy of the trip, apart from slogans such as sustainable development, solidarity and education for children, surfing the conservation of the planet ... Is it also the spirit of adventure or sporting challenge which motivates you?
The main driver for me is to throw on an adventure to surf and be in harmony with the sea. Each trip is unique and motivations have changed from one to another. When I made the Atlantic the great challenge was that everything was unknown to me, when I did the whole Mediterranean was much calmer and the Pacific was a matter of distance and time for the index had gained all the experience and this has meant being able to enjoy more of the unique moments and not have to focus on the technical side of the every day, dedicating more of my commitment to spreading the conservation of nature.
Crossing over the water or bureaucratic journey before leaving ... What is harder?
The main problem is the funding of the trip. Everything else is achieved on the basis of work and always know that with persistence, you'll achieve. However, if you do not have the support of sponsors, there is nothing to do.
Are you happy with the impact that your journeys have been in the media?
Yes, I am happy for my sponsors but more for me. Personally, the recognition is not something that I value so much.
Do you know the people on the street in France?
A little ... One of my sponsors is TF1, French TV, so I've left enough on TV.
On April 15, just four days after leaving Australia, you have a good scare with a merchant that you are missing huge over in the middle of the night, was that the time of tension over the entire trip?
No, actually I saw a few in the Indian ships, and only at the beginning and end of the voyage, while in the Atlantic saw the time.
How to react to the alarm wake up the receiver?
I caught the radio to communicate quickly to the boat my position. When the merchant changed its course.
It is said that we can control our minds but not our dreams ... Remember I used to dream of the sea?, A repetitive dream?, Any nightmare?
No, things always dreamed but never more earthly nightmares.
So, you sleep well?
Yes, I am a person who sleeps well, anywhere. It is something your body needs to start again the next day.
During the first days under constant dizziness and gastritis and in newspapers is that, lying at the bottom of the table, barely swallow three grains of rice and drink some water in which you dilute a bit of jam ... The scene seems quite disturbing, sick and abandoned in the world ... How important then is the moral support through the Iridium phone?
It is essential for me. Both for the help of the doctor for emotional support. When you are going wrong, it is important to share it with you with others. Need to know what happens and you notice the mood of those on earth, not only friends but also the general public.
What the hell am I doing here? ... Do not you ever done this type of question during the voyage?

Not at all. Such questions do not help anything and create more anxiety. Before starting a journey that's important to have a good mental preparation in order to analyze the problems and react. One way, for example, is difficult to think of similar moments in other crossings and remember how to fix it. It is important to analyze the causes of a bad situation, which may be due simply to the physical fatigue without you being aware of it. If so, we need to know to stop to rest.

Never do you put these crossings with someone else?
Yes, initially I was looking for someone to accompany me but did not find anyone.
Did not find anyone or you are not convinced that the candidates?
Yes there was someone, a champion in sailing, but I saw that was not motivation enough, so I thought maybe even it would be easier to go by myself.
Can you conceive of a voyage and without the daily telephone contact only with a GPS, charts and a beacon for ransom in an emergency?
The telephone contact is vital, in that it is not technically necessary, but I can not imagine traveling without this contact. It's something I've wanted one.
But sometimes, for example encontrándote sick at the beginning of the journey and having to speak with a journalist, is it not this more an obligation than a pleasure?
Well, it depends on the journalist. With some I felt more comfortable and less.
When there are waves of four meters and 35 knots of wind, having to keep resignarte within the table, sailing adrift amid the storm ... One must feel very small in there, right?
Yes, you feel very small, is a humbling but at the same time, in these extreme conditions I felt good, happy for myself.
Do you speak with the board, with the sail, the sea, with the wind?
Yes .. Neither much! It is something spontaneous.
What say?
I talk to the sea or the table is never anything but aggressive. If you are moving apace in the sun, I tell the table that this is magnificent stuff.
An hour to rig and one for desaparejar ... every day should be drawn around the bow locker and then save it in the afternoon ... This routine, as you start the day and finish after completing the day, were special moments?
Yes, when a ritual is very important ... It is also a time of hard work and that we must pay close attention to do everything well. In the morning you have to choose the appropriate candle confused because if you almost miss the days of losing ... In the afternoon, supposed to end the day, you did and it's time to rest. Sunset times were really magical.
The days of calm or storm, the entire day within the table ... Are endless?
Yes, they were very difficult days.
The overturning of the table, which happens a few times during the voyage, it seems very serious, but listening to you think that you take it as a minor incident ... ¿Both rely on the latter's air bag system to give back to the table?
Yes, that is. We tested this system many times during tests at sea and had full confidence in that work, as it was. Dump did not represent a crisis very important to me.
But in crossing the Atlantic does not bear, is not it?
Do not bore the table but was much heavier and it was not overturned.
What other differences or improvements included in the chart for the Indian (2006) over the Atlantic (2000)?
Basically, the Indian board is much lighter and more fluid than the Atlantic. After all the electronic navigation and communication was also much improved.
At night, always closed the hatch before you fall asleep?
Sometimes, when time was real quiet, I could choose to leave the normally closed but open.
Were there moments of silence?
Never. He was always the sound of water against the hull.
Not a wing in two months ... Finally, I do not think there are so many sharks in the Indian!
There are sharks, but obviously not in the same density in the ocean close to shore ... anyway, no I did nothing to attract them!
Is it not rather have seen a shark during the voyage?
Yes, I was prepared for it. Really bothers me that you have not seen.
When you say you were ready I guess you mean these pictures where you go diving with sharks in an aquarium ... What sense was this?
In these photos I am an expert in diving with sharks and explains how they behave and how important it is to keep quiet so as not to draw attention.

Somehow, these pictures are not a marketing coup?

No, mine was an idea that was part of the mental preparation.
During the voyage will not wash unless you fall from the table ... Are you afraid of bathing in the sea?
Usually not, but when you have 6000 meters deep under you ... challenge anyone to bathe there ... And then we talk!
How does it shield the anti sharks?
It is a South African invention that has been marketed in Australia. Is a device that you atas to the leg and emits an electromagnetic wave that repels sharks.
Always you were tied to the table?
Always less when I was absolutely within the table.
What about the time of pee?
Yes, if I had to leave at midnight, I tied a wristband with a place of safety.
By crossing with a Formula board, after ten minutes on the same board feet start to hurt, did not have this problem?
Yes, I had to do stretching from the foot every hour and half and tried to switch Socks occasionally.
And hands, how are you?
I had no problems because he had used creams and gloves. Anyway, I needed the first fifteen days to get your hands really tanned.
How does the drinking water from salt water?
It is a reverse osmosis system, a kind of filtering water at high pressure. Electricity for its operation occurs with the solar panels.
Was it good water?
Yes, perfect.
What security had that was not going to spoil all of a sudden?
Like carrying a spare and another independent manual operation.
On May 7 announced a wind against which the West will desandes a handful of miles traveled ... Remember how bad you hit this discovery?, Was a hard blow?
Well, I knew that that could happen, I was prepared for it. The ability to read the forecasts with time you can anticipate and know how to react mentally.
And how to react?
To sail across from north to south and from south to north. It is always best to stay navigate within the table.
How to pass the time during the voyage?
Time is more dense.
What do you mean?
Obviously the feeling time is not the same as when you're on land. Living with the sun and the moon. We live more intensely.
What were you thinking during the hours of navigation?
All, but if the conditions were a little hard trying to concentrate on navigation. The six times I fell to the water was being distracted, not to pay attention to navigation and think about other things.
The May 20 encounter a sailboat after about forty days without seeing anyone ... What does this encounter?
It was the first time you saw a person in a long time ... people are social animals and we all need to interact with others but at the same time being something completely unexpected, it was somewhat difficult to digest, something that broke my rhythm.
On June 8 to get to La Reunion ... Was the expected end of the journey or the end of a dream?
It was the end of a cycle crossings which closed the circle. Basically he was happy to see the whole world and be able to take some time to turn the page.
What are your plans for the future?
I'm not thinking about it but sure to be something in there.

Source

Kauli in Jaws

2009-06-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

Kauli Seadi is not a usual Jaws as Kevin, Robby, Polakow and Stones Rundle and other residents of Maui. Actually happens or not half the time them on the island and this was the second time I table (the first was years ago, on a cloudy day and smaller) ... Began to swell hit the North Shore of Maui on the morning of April 9, a little late for this season is that waves in Hawaii, and was supposed to reach its maximum size at midday, but anticipated the waves and then took off the wind, so that when they started the same evening rular photos of Kauli among residents, more than one hair is pulled from seeing that the Brazilian had made a super session alone in front of their noses. John Carter tells us.

Kauli see that the whole world would know what that was all well planned ...
The day before at night and gave us in the nose was going to be working but thought it would be really great. Maintained under the prediction of waves past two days and the maximum size would be for the following afternoon. Since we were halfway through the photoshoot of Quatro, Hookipa had left at 10.30 pm to arrive before the lot of people. There were big waves, but information is scrambled, like a storm, and it was best to take pictures. We were stopped, deciding what to do, when they arrived a couple of great series that broke away from Turtle Bay to Lanes. Seeing, Keith (Teboul) and I said: Follow the photoshoot in Jaws! . So we discard the plan and Hookipa went to prepare for jet skis Keith. We did not have time to go first to Jaws to see how it was, so we decided to take everything and go over there, risking that it might not work.
Now what of the bike ...
Yes (laughs) ... the bike had stopped a long time and the battery had discharged. Put it to charge for an hour but Keith did not thank you very much the idea of leaving the battery to the load that would be olona. We had a time of downturn, the feeling that the matter would not come out well, but Keith began calling people to see if someone left another battery. When we went to leave, Maxi, a friend brought us a brand new battery. The truth is that I felt frustrated so far. I wanted to surf Jaws, but it seemed that everything was being twisted.
What were you when you look at the port of Maliko salisteis?
We had too much weight on the bike and we were fatal. After turning just outside and was afraid that no re-boot. We were three on the bike and I had to go all the way back in the skate. In fact I trip on the road. I was nervous and, to cap it all, we started down the material ... The truth is that it was all a bit botched, especially to go to surf the biggest waves of my life ...
And they lost the mast of Keith ...
None of us realized that we were draining the bumper on the road. It was a bad round because he was the best gigs he was getting up there and suddenly had no neck, like a nightmare. I could have left the mine after it was short sail to sail. Keith was mad about sailing but I knew that Maliko back to take the car to go home to pick up another stick and again until there was a move impossible to do. So the loss of the mast meant that I was going to have to sail alone ... Even just browsing in my home in Brazil I do not like, but just be Jaws with waves of 20 feet ... I do not mind admitting that he was cagado.
How was the bathroom?
Amazing. The best session of my life big waves. Undoubtedly the biggest waves I've ever caught. I was super focused on my surfing and not thinking about anything else. He was very clear that he did not want to fall. I knew that photographers were on the hill and that Keith was on the bike, but I was only focused on the water around me. Was a single bathroom. Adrenaline was 100% and I love that feeling ... ¡Aaaaaaah!
How did you know where to take off the (starting to get off the wave)?
I started with great care and really do not risk a lot in no time. Look no further vertical downspouts of my life, if you mean that. He had a new table in order twin (two keels) that had not ever used, had no experience with it. If you are honest I was quite scared. He had a Boxer 4.5 meters and the table was a small 7 3 shaped by Keith. I was amazed how well the table was so big in those waves. Actually, not so much a twin who was so inadequate, but that was so cortita clearly too short to split this size. The only thing special about wearing a wetsuit was made by Mormaii with added buoyancy in case.
Anything in particular that of the wave that you remember?
I caught two in the huge bathroom. In two series was clearly larger than all others. The only thing that I thought was to throw straight and not commit any error. In the second I could hear the water of the bike shrieking with excitement to see me get off that. It was huge! At least three tall masts, and could notice all that power behind me ... In fact, I was crying too ... It was probably the biggest wave of my life. I was scared but it was enjoying the most amazing bathroom in all my years of windsurfer. However, it was impossible to hit the lip, I admit.
What happened at the end?
I made a decision. The wind was away and got too close to a cut back. It was a small section over and I fell over without problem but the next wave broke my neck. At least I am still alive after the bath. That is what is important. After the flow of the canal and pulled me out desaparejé to go.
How did you feel afterwards?
We went home to celebrate ... I like getting tested. In a way this meeting was something I was missing in my career that I have no doubt. I mean these were the biggest waves I've ever caught, and just surf Jaws is quite unusual. As for Keith, I was annoyed at not being able to get good but not that it had been at home watching TV. I did a lot of questions on the table and I think she enjoyed seeing how well it was in its new shape such as a wave.

Source

Cabarete: Famous Windsurfing and Now Kiteboarding Paradise.

2009-06-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

Cabarete is a small tourist resort town located just 20 minutes from the Puerto Plata airport, on the north shore of the Dominican Republic.

Dominican Republic occupies just over half of the island of Hispaniola, sharing it with Haiti on the west. The country is still poor, even by Caribbean standards. Safety is still a concern in the Dominican Republic, but it shouldn't discourage you from planning a vacation there. Crime consists primarily of theft, robberies, and muggings, and most of it is limited to Santo Domingo. Follow some simple common-sense rules, and you'll be fine.

The greatest threat to the Dominican Republic these days comes from hurricanes, which periodically flatten and devastate entire towns. The hurricane season is usually July to November.

The people of the Dominican Republic are among the friendliest in the Caribbean, and the hospitality here seems genuine. Most local people speak Spanish, although all hotels have staff that is fluent in English. Some locals in the tourist’s areas may surprise you with their excellent German, Swiss, French and Dutch.

It is impossible to forget that, this is the land of the meringue. You will become accustomed to hearing the sexy Merengue everywhere. This music gets your hips moving and your heart racing. Dancing to the Merengue is easy and lots of fun; you should definitely try it while you are there.

The town became famous in the past 20 years as an excellent windsurfing, surfing and now kitesurfing destination. It attracts professional sailors, as well as amateurs, who come to learn and improve their sailing skills. The perfect blending of the location, the offshore reef, the trade winds and the low-lying hills behind create an unusual combination of wind and wave conditions.

There are endless night clubs, bars, restaurants and beach parties. The night life doesn't stop here until sunrise! (Thank god the real wind also "sleeps in" to the early afternoon.)

When to go:

There are two windy seasons in Cabarete: winter and summer. The winter season stars from January to March. The summer season is from June to August. The best waves are in the winter and the best wind is in the summer season.

The months of April and May, and the period from September to the end of December, tend to be less reliable in terms of wind and kite surfing conditions. They can vary from not that great, to excellent, depending on the weather systems moving through the area.

Conditions:

The trade winds and thermals make for strong and consistent conditions. The wind blows easterly, which gives the place perfect side-onshore sailing conditions most of the time. Generally in the morning there is little to no wind. At around 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. the thermals pick up and make the wind a lot stronger reaching its peak (up to 22 knots) at about 4 p.m. Then the wind remains consistent until around 6:00 pm.

Cabarete can accommodate sailors of all levels of expertise. Beginners in the morning. Intermediate to Expert sailors in the afternoon. In the winter season there are great conditions to learn and practice wave sailing. There is also a world-class wave sailing on the reef. Consistent winds blow at that time averaging 13 - 17 knots. In the summer there is mostly flat water sailing. The winds average 13-22 knots.

The water is warm all year round averaging about 26°C (79°F), so there's no need to bring your wetsuit.

Cabarete hosts an annual weeklong windsurfing tournament every June. Only amateurs are allowed to participate. The Master of the Ocean competition aims to find the world's best overall water-sport athlete, with competitions in surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Qualifiers take place at Cabarete Bay (27-28 February), before the finals at Playa Encuentro (29 February, 1-2 March).

Cabarete is an incredible place for families with kids. There are many activities to keep your kids entertained. For the smallest windsurfers, late spring and summer offer the best conditions. There is also a kids windsurfing camp in Cabarete.

Beaches to go:

Cabarete Bay. This bay is home to a wide variety of incredible windsurfing and kitesurfing. From one launch, you will find everything from flat water cruising to down-the-line wave sailing, depending on the season and the time of day. This 2 km (1.3 miles) wide bay has a nice sandy bottom. There is only a few spots of bare reef in the inner bay that are quite easy to avoid. The wind is usually side-onshore. All rentals, lessons, shops and other facilities are right here. There is probably the best selection of equipment anywhere outside of Maui! Shop around for the best selection and pricing of rental equipment before committing. You'll find an endless number of shops right on the beach.

The kitesurfing area of the bay is called Kite Beach. It is located at the west end of the bay. Kitesurfing schools and rentals are located at the Kite Beach.

Playa Encuentro beach is further west (10 minutes drive) and is a primarily a surfer’s destination. You can try your luck there as well. Be aware, that according to recent information a resort located at Playa Encuentro has privatized part of the public beach and has closed public access to part of the beach area.

Jericoacoara, windsurf in paradise

2009-06-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

Each trip, each destination is different. In Jericoacoara, Jeri once you get there, we will not find in South Africa as waves, wind or a ruthless as well, not the wave of Moulay surfeable, but an almost magical combination of constant wind and paradisiacal setting. In August four windsurfers Spanish at different levels, we saw a spot that is accessible to all and that allows, from the start to satisfy the most expert. Our trip took us through Cumbuco to Jericoacoara and Paracuru. These two beaches are located between Fortaleza, which is the nearest airport, and Jeri, which is about 250 kilometers of roads in poor condition.
By Marius Solà.
Màrius is sponsored by Sailboards Tarifa, windmania.com, Ezzy, Aquapac, Doctor-X and Navman

TRAVEL

Go to Jericoacoara is expensive for the ticket, but is cheap for the stay and meals. Well deserved punishment for going over a week. Three weeks of our trip we were cut, but care must be ready to sail every day with sail 4.0 to 4.7 meters. Whatever the combination of flights, our destination is Fortaleza. This town has little interest and a late walk by us was enough to see that the fame of the Brazilian Girls do not just come here. Fortaleza 4x4 hire a taxi to move to Jeri. What's 4x4 is essential at least in the final stretch, as there is no road to get there. This sounds strange, but true: we have to drive on the beach and is part of the charm of the place. It is also possible to catch a bus that leaves daily from Fortaleza. When the road ends you come to a kind of all-terrain truck with wooden benches and experiencing what is driving the Paris-Dakar. If you bring your own material is interesting to rent a taxi to navigate Paracuru, a spot sure to please lovers of the waves and in which there is no rental charts.

COMBUCO
This village of beaches is only 20 kilometers from Fortaleza. Here the wind blows for 4.7 / 5.5 meters and no wave. I could open in the water and ride the 4.7 meters with the illusion of added brand new Ezzy 2006. Windsurfing in just three kilometers of beach, enjoyed a ¡!. Here we met Esperanza Benitez, Jaume Oliveras and me. Xavi Valls is
join the group in Jeri. James came with a surprise, the table (a brand new angle) got lost on the flight! A few days later he received directly from Jeri. And while, to share my table.
Why are but friends?

Paracuru
As anticipated, the half past seven 4x4 us a taxi was waiting at the inn Cumbuco. It turned out to be a Land Rover Defender full team ready to cross rivers, dunes and so necessary. Direct Paracuru to navigate. Driving Rodney was exciting in itself.
The beach where surfing is not the front Paracuru people but there is one kilometer to go, where there is only deserted white-sand beach and a restaurant. At half past nine and the wind began to rise and decided to mount the 5.4 meters of Jaume my table. Along the wind, grew a good side-shore wave. In a few hours already to 4.7 meters and the wave was important, very good for jumping and surfing. It was a surprise match Jordi Ibars company and in fact there was no one else, a couple of riders and we ... At three p.m. logged convinced we were the happiest people on Earth.
We loaded up the 4x4 and to Jericoacoara. The roads are bad and are 200 kilometers long. The entry by the spectacular beach at night, our driver dominates the situation but we do not have as clear. Finally, we come to Jeri.

JERICOACOARA
The first thing that stands out is that there are no tall buildings or asphalt. The street is where we enter sand beach. In fact, the whole town is built on sand. There are no cars, few booguies, the cottages are well maintained and is full of charming restaurants and cute shops. Soon we realize that we have reached a very special place.

A day in Jeri
It would explain the very long three weeks of daily wind, because it found not a single day excursions booguie, the wonderful dinners, the capoeira, the sunsets ... etc. So I will just have a day in Jeri.
The day begins early, at about ten. Sunglasses are a must, and a breakfast. They are so abundant and rich with snacks during the day, stay for dinner.
Session sunscreen, the temperature is ideal to go swimming. Earlier wind is soft and leaves Hope to sail with starter material. Before the people the water is flat and does not cover, ideal for beach first start.
Already 12 and Xavi is entering the water with its freeride, in a short time and has learned to put their feet in the planning and flip footstraps racing toward the area of the flag, where the castañote to 4.7 meters.
It is now up to James and me. The wind is strong and the tide rises a half meter Olita in front of the flag. This is an indicator that put the club into a rock Dosventos strategic. We get to 4.7 meters and take the ramps to jump. As each day began with the routine training maneuvers to get new ones. Falling far is the only way, but with the water so warm, it's a pleasure!
They are three in the afternoon, we met all to rest, hope lies in a hammock under a palm tree on a coconut water. We sat down with her and ask some pizzas while a girl with a guitar sings with a voice soft. Everyone commented on the navigation, each at their level, joked. This is life.
The pizzas are completed quickly and with fresh batteries, each one returns to his saddle. The beach before the tide of change is different. In water there are some local lads with a very high level boards and sails PROAS cut and colored tape americana. Impressive. Two board upwind, James and I are going to mesh. This is a beach where waves are more, but messy. We can surf any wave and jumping.
It's five and the sun is going down very fast. Jeri happens every day in one of the best sunsets in the world. From the water we can see that people go up to the high dunes to watch the show. The sun sets at half past five and leave the water a little before, wrapped in golden light. Another great day.
But here after the sun is a long days ahead. And hung with the material, went to take a skewer. Some grandmothers are on the main street with a cart and a barbecue skewer and you cook the most delicious thing you remember, chicken or cheese. The bar makes Brazilian music, you go to the people, here the level He is much better!

And seven and we are devastated, we retire to enjoy a siesta, the Brazilian style.
Two hours ... and nine hours for dinner. We put good-looking, that is, to go barefoot and went to go swimming with a shirt, shorts and flip flops. However, duchaditos.
Dinners here are delicious and economical. The quantity and quality of restaurants is very high. Today we call for the most typical dishes, the native Peixe. Each dish is always for two people and every time we go bust.
Are 11 and this time we must be on the main street. The posts are complemented pinchitos now posts on everything from cakes and drinks. Caipirinhas cocktails and all kinds of kids that you prepare when squeezing fresh fruit and moving the shaker vigorously. Two have enough to start the night and dance the Forró or whatever, until five o'clock. Morning re-start this wonderful routine ...

PRACTICAL
Wind and waves: From February to June there is wind blowing in August to climb to 4.7 meters and is reinforced from September to November, like the waves.
In August is low season and there is no need to book the inn, but for rentals.
Accommodation:
In Cumbuco: Pousada da Praia (085) 3187451.
In Jericoacoara: Pousada Isabel and storage room with breakfast included. Rental tables. (88) 6692069 www.jericoacoara.it
To organize the climb by Jeri Paracuru:
Koala: (55) 8588384115 www.koalapasseios.com.br
Northeast offroad: www.nordesteoffroad.com
Rental of material:
Dosventos Club. http://www.clubedosventos.com/
www.velawindsurf.com/jericoacoara/
Source

Kitesurf in Santa Pola: over the Costa Blanca

2009-06-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

Santa Pola on the expertise of the more daring kite surfers will leave you in awe. On June 7, on July 5, the August 2 and September 6 participants Kitesurf Championship Racing Santa Pola overflew the coast of this city of Alicante with the goal of rising to win this competition autonomous. The rules of the regatta will be specific to this mode of regulation as RFEV and AEK.

The popularity of this sport is not just those who practice it. Kitesurf increasingly attracts a good number of visitors to the shores of Valencia in order to enjoy their acrobatics, incredible jumps and colorful print that draws in the sky.

Santa Pola in fact is, nowadays, a standard for kite enthusiasts. If you're one of them, Come next weekend and visit the Castle of step-Fortaleza de Santa Pola and its watchtowers, declared Bien Cultural Interest. Enjoy this beautiful city and used to admire the natural park of Las Salinas. ¡Irresistible!

Source

Reporting trip to Hawaii Windsurfing Chile 2009

2009-06-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

3 years ago I travel to California in April to make orders for FLOW snowboard. Whenever I get bored waiting in the airport to see many flights to Hawaii, and it was during those waits when I lit the light bulb and told me "Next year I escaped safe." Time passed and we were with Nico Orrego (film director) recording the National Formula Windsurfing, along Cometocino (production company) when I suggested going to Brazil, to which I replied "For Brazil to go to if we can go to windsurfing mecca: Hawaii. We look and we realized that it had the potential to make a documentary Chilean travelers to the holy land of wind and wave sports.

Short story began to work on the project, send the invitation, and the response was incredible, more than 60 interested then let natural selection in 30 of whom arrived finish 15 "characters" off the boat, all characters with a lot of windsurfing motivation and expectations are rarely seen on a trip by boat.

I personally traveled with Enrique Letelier few days before work on the Flow and night before taking the plane got together with Oliver Bertens, another reason, with whom to inaugurate the holiday we went to film in Hollywood, thinking all the time in the dream vacation came to us.
The next morning when you take the plane from Los Angeles to Maui. We had ... the atmosphere of the world N ° 1 Antoine Albeau (speed champion, Formula, Slalom and former freestyle champion) was in first class ... had told us that the photo shoot for the catalog and JP Neilpryde of 2010, we asked Chile and told us by its interest in visiting our land ...

We arrived in Maui, Green went to the rental and gave us a talk of the places and conditions. Leave at the beaches: the first was Hokipa; got two minutes and we have the legend Robby Naish, after which we welcomed, we take a few photos with him and told us they were doing a photo shoot with Naish, so we would see all week and weekend to come to background wind. With this prediction by the environment and hallucinations continue touring beaches and shops on the outside, to get an idea of where we came.

The First Day of navigation equipment removed from rental; why we are all Chileans: Rodrigo Cabrera, Benjamin Brenner, Gonzalo Belimmi, Claudio Munoz, Eitel Von Mühlenbrok, Antonio Plume, Nicolas Orrego, Yerko Radovic, Ignacio Castro, Nicolas Ramirez and Daniela, his wife. Kihei leave at a beach south of the island, with a small reef but almost no wave, all Chileans sacándonos vein by browsing, then the whole team came Neilpryde: Antoine, Campelo, Swift, Peter, a rich mine, among others. In 2010 all teams were launched to take photos and video with the classic yellow helicopter which followed the videos to 2 meters of water. The wind was between 15 and 18 knots and the beach was filled with pro windsurfers as Gonzalo Costa, Gabriel Browne and Argentine, Brazilian. Sail until we were hiccups.

Group Chilenos After a roast

The second day, same spot, a little less wind, we decided to save energy or Hokipa or Kanaha beach with waves. The third day we got up, went to Kanaha which initially had good conditions. All Chileans to water, wave 1 to 1.5 meters but the wind was dropping, was marginal and almost all went to Kihei, but with Kike and Oliver ... bet we were working, with improved wind and we found the shovel , I personally navigate to the other side is very difficult, hopefully jump-style survival in the surf and did not know either as stand, we must highlight the virtuosity of Kike, adapted and pulling air sweeping cuts, jumps, everything . We went to relax after a session of almost 2 hours and when we got to the second session, the first wave Oliver injured foot. Chancho screamed as well and the team that released the trailer onto the beach. I had to wear as potato sack in the car while yelling "Fracture exposed!" ... We had to leave the launch Kike (no cache at all). Oliver took to the doc ... I returned to find Kike, 2 hours later at night and I find it mind cagado a kind of fear that you made indecent proposals ... fortunately Kike seals and threw him out. Among cagados of fear and laughter, the day ended with Oliver's foot with two dislocated fingers and holds the title of Kike male tested

Fourth day zero wind, full rest and walk around the island. It is amazing of all, is very diverse: beaches that seem virgin jungle, cliffs, volcanoes, malls, road, cruisers arrive, finally, the environment is a paradise for all tastes. Windsurfing shops were a show, have everything and the things of past seasons at very good prices, actually purchased several Chilean products.

Fifth day: The wind forecast was a black ... even though it is almost the best date, neither the statistical nor the prognosis of Robby accompanied us, and we began to venture into alternative sports: paddle surfing. At the beginning with little enthusiasm, we went to Kanaha, but surprise, after a while because we were addicted to the board and paddle. I was in love with the sport that always looked to egg and could not understand how entertaining ride standing on a table with a paddle ... Before I wondered. Where was the emotion with speed, "I can not explain but after a while you're enjoying paddling as mono concentrated long as when jogging and running waves very easily, up the other day full of Stand Up Paddle (SUP) no wind, dedicated to tourist travel. With Dani, my polola, we take a dive tour: we saw turtles, whales, dolphins, et. One day I was in and Kike in SUP surfing we saw a giant mantataya; boy! Fright!.

So for now, the 2nd and final chapter is the next public soon with more pictures and adventures from this trip, I will relate but I can assure you that the documentary that made estña with Nicolas Orrego Cometocino will show Maui in-depth interviews in addition to the legends of windsurfing and the adventures of Chileans.

Cesar Zavala
Windsurfing Chile

Source

Mauritius

2009-06-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean. This island is almost surrounded by magnificent coral reefs, where you can find an abundant and unique marine life.

Travel to Mauritius Island, the perfect destination and one of the best in the world to kite, in its spectacular clear-water lagoons and protected from the waves of the Indian and the white sharks, constant wind and white sand beaches, the most experts outside the reef, wind and waves to enjoy and for those who do not kite, nothing happens in paradise, enjoy it .... simply unforgettable.

ACCOMMODATION

Emeraude Hotel 3 *

Located in one of the best beaches and lagoons of Mauritius, only 1 hours drive from the airport on the island.

Is on the east coast. The beach of fine white sand, protected by a coral reef. It has 2 swimming pools, barbecue, Italian restaurant, spa and many facilities for water sports. Double rooms to support a 3rd adult.

All rooms have 2 beds, bathroom with shower and window, tv, telephone, individual air conditioning. Very well located with respect to the spots and kite trips

The kite-skiing in Norway

2009-06-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

The kite skiing, also known as snowkiting or skikiting, is the latest craze in sports with high-adrenaline in Norway. Some skis or a snowboard, helmet, harness, kite, rainwear and some practice is all it takes to reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour.

Instead of using a lift chair to climb, skiers committed to using the wind to push them up the mountain to the deep virgin powder snow. There is no better place for this fun activity that the impressive mountain plains of Norway.
Kite skiing with sea views

To have a truly exotic experience of skiing with kite should visit Varanger, high up in the North of Norway. Varanger Peninsula, located along the mighty Arctic Ocean, offers a unique opportunity to go skiing with kite watching the sea, which is an unbeatable combination. The wind was strong and steady here gives a tremendous speed.

Another unique feature is that the open landscape, there is hardly a tree in sight. Not surprisingly, Varanger was the place chosen as the venue for the World Cup skiing comet of 2005. For more information about the practice of this sport at this site, contact the tourist information office in Varanger.
One of the best

Hardangervidda is considered one of the best places in the world for skiing with a kite. This high mountain plains, home of a World Cup, offers excellent conditions for kite skiers with all levels. During the winter courses are organized almost every weekend. If you want to go, contact the Tourist Center of Haugastøl.

Another important point for skiing with the comet is renowned mountain Geilo. This small city has been hosting the World Cup and World Cup skiing kite. Here you can arrange for the entire season of winter classes with experienced instructors.

The World Cup was also held in Tyin / Filefjell, an excellent place to practice the kite by its spectacular location in the middle of some of the highest mountains in Europe.

Safaga windsurfing

2009-06-10T03:01:00.000-07:00

At 50 kilometers south of Hurghada is the most democratic, the Egyptian resort of Safaga. In contrast to the noisy beach-offs of Hurghada and romantic nastoreny lightly El Guny, where the mountains can be seen only from afar, to Safaga, they fit close to the sea, creating a microclimate. Shallow lagoon turquoise waters stretch along the beach, offering excellent conditions for windsurfing and Kitesurfing lessons learning. Safaga spot universal and suitable for the novice rider, as well as for the expert.


Where to live? (CERF hotels and prices)


In Safaga not expect Arab luxury mishlenovskie restaurants and sophisticated service of local staff. The main advantage of Safaga hotels - their beaches. Long, sandy and mostly uninhabited, they can not be better to resemble serfovyh vacations and holidays with children than with the pleasure enjoyed by the European serfyry. To recommend suitable accommodation Menaville 4 *, Lotus Bay 3 *, Holiday Inn 4 * and a simple but comfortable Shams Safaga 3 *.



Where to learn Kitesurfing lessons? (kite school and prices)


The bay in front of the station at the time of high tide to become a better place for learning Kitesurfing lessons. Waves ostanavlivayutsya 150 meters from the shore, so shallow water level is particularly useful for beginners kayterov. After several lessons can be improved in the high seas, or go by boat, which departs from the station in Kiriyazi. Refined kayterov in Safaga waiting for even the wind and the miles of desert and sandy beaches. Wind from the shore is convenient for kite trip to the island of Taba, in the 3.5 km from the coast to the kite at the station. Refined kayterov in Safaga waiting for even the wind and the miles of desert sand and nice beaches. Available to students and spacious lagoon experienced Riders, can diversify their skating in the surf safari to the island of Taba. In contrast to the noisy-offs spots of Hurghada and romantic nastoreny El Guny, where the mountains can be seen only from afar, to Safaga, they resemble closely to the sea, creating a microclimate.

Where to learn windsurfing? (surf school and a price)

Windsurfing. Spot on which the station is convenient for teaching windsurfing and water starting in the shallow lagoons. An advanced rider will love surf trip to the island Toubia, which adds variety to the usual skiing. On the way you try different conditions kataniyaa to consolidate. Here you try to jump or ride the waves normally. To surf trip to possess the skills necessary to start the water. The north wind blows in Safaga, on the very morning. Morning, from the shore on the left side in the direction of side off shore (at an angle from the shore) during the day changing the direction of side shore (along the coast)

Visa

Visa. Single entry visa for tourists is issued on arrival at any of the Egyptian port of entry into the country. To enter you just need to have passport, expiry date of not less than two months from the date of completion of travel. In some cases, border guards may be required to submit a voucher and medstrahovku. The airport visa pasted in the passport stamp, valued at $ 15. For children, the parents entered into the passport, entry is free. Children have their own passport, pay the same amount as vzroslye.Srok act tourist visa issued on arrival - 1 month from the date of entry.

Climate

I S M A and M and A P O N D
22 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 27 27 25 24
Water ° C
20 22 23 25 29 31 33 33 31 29 25 22
Air ° C

Climate. Safaga climate is hot and dry continental. The hot season from May to October, when the air temperature is warming up to 35 - 40C, and water up to 24 - 26C. The coldest month of January - February. In winter, daily temperatures can climb to 25 - 30C, and at night drop to the 10s and below. Average water temperature in the winter of 18 - 22C. In winter and spring often be dry and hot wind «Hamsin», the temperature at this time povyshatsya to 40 - 45s and the humidity falls below 10% and sand storms occur periodically. Rainfall less than 200 mm per year in most parts of the country there are periods of 2-3 years, when rainfall does not fall at all.

Windsurfing HURGHADA

2009-06-10T02:43:00.000-07:00

While alcohol is not illegal in Egypt, it is hard to find, and therefore expensive, especially in the hotels. It is illegal to import alcohol in Egypt, but a good, and legal thing to do, is to buy a few cases of beer, or hard alcohol at the airport in the duty free when you arrive. Make sure that you hide them in your luggage before going to the hotel, as most hotel specify that it is not allowed to bring in food and beverages.Especially for women, but applicable to men also: Egypt is a mainly muslim country (there are about 20 million cristians) therefore it is nice to show respect. When in the vincinity of the hotel or surf center you can dress any way you like, but when leaving these premises, please respect other people's religions and wear decent clothing, women should at least cover their shoulders and legs at least to the knees. Men can wear anything, but a t-shirt and a pair of pants is recommended.If you go and visit the archeological sites, remember that it is these people's history and that also people will come and visit these sites for many years to come, scratching your name on a nice statue is a very nice sign of stupidity. When visiting tombs and other places that have been closed to light and normal air for thousands of years, DO NOT TAKE FLASH PICTURES as the extra light will cause the hieroglyphs to lose their sharpness and colour and also DO NOT TOUCH THE WALLS, this will also cause the hieroglyphs to fade and even crumble, these things are extremely fragile. I know it sounds stupid to warn you now, but despite all the warnings and the signs, during our visits people were still touching and taking flash pictures, it does not only get the local guards and guides mad, it is a blatant sign or retardeness, stupidity and disrespect. If you want pictures you may take as many non flash ones (for a fee), or buy postcards, they are better anyways than any picture you could take yourself.Bargain: when buying anything (almost) you should bargain, it is expected from you and will definitively lower your budgeted expenses, it may take time, but is enjoyable. Remember to bargain in a friendly and civilised way.We were a week to Hurghada, I and a friend, to do windsurfing.
We start from the hotel, the Melia Pharaon, one of a thousand hotels that devastate the landscape desert ..... The hotel was very clean, the rooms look nice, but otherwise poor: food cooked and absolutely incommestibili male, all with a single unpleasant taste .... lAmmetto to be accustomed to eating well, but I have always adapted to the strange cuisines, this is not strange because it is international cuisine, is simply obscene .... In addition to meals, the hotel offers little, little animation, beach spacious but "pretend" (and get into the water must travel a long wharf planted in the middle of the sand ...). The hotel also is huge, from the lobby to the beach on foot it takes 15 minutes.

For wind, we found the beach at Tommy Friedl, wonderful! A real beach! Across sand with huts made from palm leaves to cover themselves from the wind, bar by the sea always in palm leaves and videos chiill out. Surf center equipped with latest Neilpryde Sails and F2 and JP boards in + there are also two Egyptians who carry the equipment in water! For the wind we were very lucky, it was always left with 7.4.

Hurghada town is a classic Arab town, very poor and devastated tourism.

ADVICE: Always contracted prices! For taxis contracted before the price rise (do not pay more than 20 Egyptian pounds - 2 euros). Do not drink water from the tap or even ice, and bring back medicines type Imodium for diarrhea. The bottled water is rich in minerals and salt, and this seems to not drink more in no way effects our diuretics comer .... A water like ours is that Nestlé is in the market at Hurghada. The Italians were good then you are smiling with the Egyptians and treat well. Bring sunscreen, sun li no joke! The temperature is around 45 degrees, but dry and not sweating and not suffering from the heat, but watch out that our physical tires before. For more information contact me via mail also.

Jericoara, windsurfing and Brazil

2009-06-10T02:38:00.000-07:00

Windsurfers and lovers of giant waves, the ideal place to spend a few days of pure adrenaline is in the state of Ceara, Brazil. Hundreds of miles of deserted beaches on which blows a constant breeze. The most exclusive place for the serf is Jericoara, a small paradise hidden in the dunes and reached by a jeep. E 'a place that anyone who knows him, fortunately deemed abandoned by God, pure, pristine and wild. In the small town there are no roads, walking on the sand, clubs and cafes are constructions of natural wood. E 'a paradise for surfers who enjoy the day to challenge the nature and the giant waves in the evening and relax on the large dune participating in the collective ritual of sunset, dancing the capoeira circle. The evening is even more beautiful. We can relax on the beach and drinking colorful cocktails. To sleep, if you want, you can go to the pousadas. There are many, the most charming is undoubtedly Vila Kalango (www.vilakalango.com. Br). Ce a pousadas Italian Pousada Casa de Areia. So there's nothing to do. Brazil is the birthplace of fun and happiness. Advantage to have fun putting to the test with your passion for surfing.

PWA World Tour '07 DVD is out now

2008-06-02T22:40:00.000-07:00

Tonix productions proudly present the story of the 2007 World Windsurfing season. Follow the best windsurfers in the world as they tour the globe's best windsurfing spots, and fight for world titles in wave, freestyle and Slalom.

Eyewitness life threatening mast high Cape Verde swell, set alongside slalom racing in over 40 knots of wind, and jaw dropping freestyle only meters away from the beach.

The golden season for the elite world tour included the historic Cabo Verde World Cup, in addition to 10 other events, 4 brand new stops, 3 disciplines, 6 world titles and 100% wind.

Kicking off on the Island of Sal, the year had a perfect start beyond the wildest dreams of the stars and fans alike. Powerful waves peeling down the Ponta Preta break stunned the outside world and set the tone for the season. The wave tour also took in beautiful Guincho in Portugal, wild Gran Canaria, a fresh stop in Brazil, the traditional German windfest in Sylt, and the ultimate cultural experience in Scotland.

Fast and furious slalom racing gripped the public in Korea, Lanzarote, Cataluña, Fuerteventura, Pozo, Turkey and Germany before the twists and turns of the Freestyle fleet whipped up a new world champion in the final seconds. Tune into all the tension and drama of the almighty 2007 PWA World Tour with this awe inspiring release.

To order your copy and check out the DVD trailer, navigate to the homepage and click on the PWA Tour 2007 icon in the DVD section on the left hand side of the page. DVD's will start shipping on the 3rd of June.

SOURCE: PWA

PWA Lanzarote scheduled for June 23/28th

2008-05-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

The Spanish town of Costa Teguise, on the Canary island of Lanzarote, will welcome the PWA to their coasts for the second encounter of the men's freestyle, and the first clash in women's freestyle discipline.

The dates have been confirmed, and the action will take place between 23 and June 28. Expect to see all the big names of men and women freestyle pull down anything in the light breezes, a 40 knot trade winds and mast high surf. If last year is anything to go, this case will go off.

Tune in pwaworldtour.com to keep up with all the action of this epic freestyle, including impressive photo and video galleries, interviews with sailors, and daily summaries of the contest.

Application forms are available at the PWA office, or if you have any questions regarding this event, e-mail info@pwaworldtour.com.

10.000 athletes to compete in the Asian Beach Games '08

2008-05-26T22:03:00.000-07:00

Indonesia will make history from the 18th to October 26, 2008, when it hosts the first games of beach Asia in the world. Bali will become the venue of this international event which will see 45 countries participating with more than 10000 athletes, officials, media and all volunteers who come to the Island of the Gods for this world-class event.

At a press conference held in Puri Santrian Hotel in Sanur, President of The National Olympic Committee of Indonesia (Koni), Ibu Rita Subowo officially announced and informed the press about the ongoing preparations for the 2008 Asia Games beach, marks the largest event ever hosted in Bali.

"Through the Beach Games Asia 2008, Bali will become the focal point of Sporting Tourism in Asia. In addition to strengthen Bali as one of the known tourist destinations in the world, but also the independence of Indonesia as a of the major sporting nations in Asia. "He said the Governor of Bali, Dewa Made Beratha BPK.

IBU Rita Subowo added: "It's a great honor for Indonesia to be selected to host this historic sporting event. Bali is the perfect place for the Games of Asia and beach as this event is the first of its kind in the world, Indonesia is ready to show the world our true hospitality by welcoming all athletes, officials and everyone involved in our great country to witness the spirit of the Beach Games Asia 2008. We are confident that all people attending were impressed and hope to leave a lasting impression in the minds of everyone. "

More than 50000 people are expected to support the countries participating in 13 sports will compete for the first time this case commissioned by the Olympic Council of Asia. The areas of Kuta, Sanur, Serangan Pulau, Tanjung Benoa Jimbaran and have been selected to serve as the headquarters of each sport. Beach Volley Ball, surfing, jet skiing, sailing, windsurfing, Takraw Beach, Beach Hand Ball, beach football, Para Gliding, Dragon Boat Racing Triathlon, Marathon Swimming, and the new sports are wooden ball sports that will be competed on.

The Beach Games in Asia is a multi-sport event held every two years among athletes representing countries in Asia. The games celebrate cooperation and unity despite differences where athletes from a wide variety of nations are able to travel, meet new people, and bring back memories for the rest of the world to their nations of origin. The Beach Games in Asia forge unity and friendship among its member nations to join the athletes, coaches and officials together.

Many beach international sporting events are organised each year in Bali. But games such as beach games in Asia, requires a specific plan with the participation of concentrated efforts governmental and non-governmental sectors for its success. To address these diversified activities, in Asia Bali Beach Games Organizing Committee (BABGOC) was formed in March 2006.

BABGOC, under the sponsorship of Koni and the city of Bali, in close cooperation with the Government of Indonesia, is working diligently to meet the schedules and expectations of preparation stage and sustainably exploit Beach Games in Asia, leading to a long-term legacy.

"We also hope to raise awareness of youth in Indonesia and sports enthusiasts and those across Asia through improving the quality of life, instill pride and achievement of international prestige and recognition through sports beach. " Said Ibu Rita Subowo, chairman of Koni.

KPWT Tours heads to Paros in Greece

2008-05-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

Paros, one the beautiful Cyclades Islands in Greece, will be the theater of the Paros Kiteboard World cup, scheduled in July, 19th to 25th This exciting event is the result of a co-organization agreement between the Paros Kite Pro Center, major actor of the sport in Greece and the KPWT, international circuit of the world cup of kiteboarding since 1999.

This is also the opportunity for the KPWT to come back in Paros, where the team held a stage of the 2001 and 2006 circuit. Located in Pounda at Paros Kite Pro Center, which offers top riding conditions, the event will gather the top pro international kiteboarders's competition board to be further announced - for 6 days of relentless competition with a 30,000 prize money at stake, and points for the freestyle, course racing world title. A Kiteloop super session, Hang Time World record !!

Needless to say, Paros being one of the most attractive european location for summer holidays and KITEBOARDING, the event is sure to attract crowds who will attend the competition show and enjoy with the athletes the various enterntainement activities that will be organized in this leisure and pleasure place.

RIDERS

MEN
Sander Lenten (HOL) Abel Lago (SP) Erik Volpe (ITA)
Mitu Monteiro (Cabo Verde) Victor Borsuk (POL)
Antoine Auriol (FR) Giusseppe Esposito (ITA)

WOMEN
Ainhoa Garcia (SP) Kristin Boese (GER) Marine Sudre (AUS)
Hélène Barrière (FR) and many other riders

DISCIPLINES

Freestyle
The winner will gain points, taken into account
in the world overall ranking
€18 000

Course Racing
A speed race from one point to another
€8 500

Best Kite Loop
Riders will loop the kite while in the air on way up or at the highest point

If there is time, there will be Hang Time (KPWT World Record 10"08) and Best Tricks for fun.

SOURCE: KPWT

Guincho '08 stage postponed due to lack of funding

2008-05-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Regrettably, the PWA, in conjunction with Club Overpower, has been forced to announce the postponement of the Guincho World Cup, previously scheduled for early June.

Due to reorganization of the Portuguese Tourism Authorities, it has been impossible for Club Overpower (the event organizers) to get confirmation of the event funding in time for the event to take place in June as had been planned.

Club Overpower, in collaboration with the PWA, are now looking at possible rescheduling and / or relocation of the Portuguese leg of the tour for dates later in the year. Further details of dates, locations and disciplines will be announced as and when available.

The existing relationship between the PWA and Cub Overpower will continue and the event will be back in the future.

SOURCE: PWA

'The Windsurfing Movie' to be shown in London

2008-04-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

National Windsurfing Week are appreciative to advertise the aboriginal UK Premiere in a British cinema of The Windsurfing Movie.

"The Windsurfing Movie" at The Prince Charles Cinema abreast Leicester Square in London, on the black of Tuesday 29th April. This will be the first, and apparently only, befalling to see what abounding feel to be the best blur anytime fabricated about windsurfing on a big screen.

Tickets for the assuming are £10 each, and can be appointed in beforehand by calling the box appointment on 0870 811 2559, or purchased on the aperture accountable to availability.

All profits will be donated to the RNLI.

Doors accessible at 6.00pm with the blur actuality credible at 6.45pm

The Windsurfing Movie is assertive to be windsurfing's defining film. Directed by accolade acceptable cinematographer Johnny DeCesare of Poor Boyz Productions and featuring the best riders in windsurfing history—The Windsurfing Movie conveys the adorableness of Windsurfing in ablaze 16mm film.

How does an 11-year-old kid from a baby landlocked boondocks in Oregon become admired as the best freesailor in the world? The Windsurfing Movie activity follows Red Bull amateur Levi Siver in his decade continued advance to the top of windsurfing. Using never afore credible footage from Levi's childhood, The Windsurfing Movie will bang a bond with anyone who has anytime dared to dream—and watched that dream about-face into article more.

What will bodies bethink about Levi Siver's windsurfing career? Contest results, a Apple Title—we don't know. Siver likens himself to a artist whose music withstands the analysis of time. Every beachcomber credible in The Windsurfing Movie is a adventitious for Levi to appearance what windsurfing can be!

Jason Polakow's resume includes acceptable aback to aback Wavesailing Apple Titles in 1997-98. But those achievements are overshadowed by the access of Polakow's appearance on the action itself. Polakow revolutionized the windsurfing apple with powerful, tweaked aerials and is amenable for the actualization of the pin appendage as the appearance of best for windsurfing boards. But one moment can change everything—and no one knows that bigger than Polakow. After a abominable motocross crash, doctors said Polakow may never airing after a limp, let abandoned windsurf again. A year after Polakow won in the finals of the PWA Hawaii Pro adjoin Apple Champion

The Windsurfing Movie< activity is a adventitious for Polakow to analysis the boundaries of wavesailing. Polakow's sites are set on windsurfing the best able after-effects in the apple and Poor Boyz Windsurfing will be there to abduction the images.

At 12 year's old, Kai Lenny is windsurfing's beneficiary apparent. Not back the again 13 year-old Robby Naish won his aboriginal appellation has there been a added heralded adolescent windsurfer. The affiliation amid Lenny and his idol Robby Naish is undeniable—with identical accessory and absolute talent.

Lenny afraid assemblage at this year's Aloha Classic as he rode behemothic after-effects with a aplomb able-bodied above his years. Kai's accustomed adeptness is guided by a admiring ancestors and molded by the sailors he's developed up with. His appetence for windsurfing is catching and scenes from The Windsurfing Movie will draw kids to the sport.

Any acceptable windsurfing adventure charge accommodate Robby Naish. During the common bang of windsurfing in the 1980's, Naish was absolutely dominant. His account of achievements includes 24 apple championships and rivals any ability in sports history.

Naish's windsurfing career started in his, and the sports adolescence—his aboriginal titles happened in a time back windsurfing booms were fabricated of wood! Back asked to accompany The Windsurfing Movie project, Naish had one capital condition—that the blur isn't a attendant "Robby Naish Story." Robby capital an befalling to windsurf in the best locations and captain with his friends. After lugging accessory about the apple for two decades, area does Naish appetite to go? Mauritius, Cape Verde, Japan, and Tahiti to name a few…

PKRA '08 heads to Leucate in France

2008-04-17T03:32:00.000-07:00

The next stop of the PKRA Kiteboarding World Tour will be the city of Leucate, located in the southwestern coast of France.

From April 12 to 18th, more than 50 world-class kiteboarding athletes from all over the world will be competing at the renowned Mondial du Vent, the most prestigious kiteboarding event in Europe. This is the first time that the PKRA World Tour competition will be held in France and the addition of Mondial du Vent to the ever expanding realm of the PKRA solidifies the Tour's credibility as having the best kiteboarding events in the world.

More than 160,000 people are expected to grace the event with a full week of fun-filled and exciting kiteboarding and windsurfing actions.

The best kiteboarders in North and South America, Europe, Australia and other parts of the world will be battling it out for a chance at the €45,000 purse and will be competing in three disciplines - Freestyle, Course Racing and Long Distance.

Freestyle is an exciting kiteboarding discipline where riders are rated by a full panel of international judges based on technical difficulties and hard core style. Course Racing brings the best kiteboard racers in the world challenging each other in a series of racing events on a preconfigured course.

In the Long Distance event, riders start in a pack and race to the finish line in a format of 20 kms.

Reigning Freestyle World Champion Aaron Hadlow (United Kingdom) and last year's runner-up Kevin Langeree (Netherlands) are once again expected to give an all-out performance for a shot at this year's world championship title.

Also among the roster of world-class professional kiteboarders competing at the second PKRA tour stop this year will be Alvaro Onieva and Cesar Portas who both hail from Spain, Rui Meira (Portugal), France's own Etienne Lhote, Sebastien Garat and Florian Daubos.

Current long distance world champion Bruno Sroka, Kitespeed world record holder and French kitespeed record holder Alexandre Caizergues, as well as Fabienne D'Ortoli and Sjouke Bredenkamp will be competing for the Course Racing and Long Distance events.

PKRA World Champion Gisela Pulido (Spain), Jalou Langeree (Netherlands) and Bruna Kajiya (Brazil) are also expected to compete in the women's freestyle event.

The Mondial du Vent 2008 is organized by the Office de Tourisme de Leucate in partnership with the Professional Kiteboard Riders Association.

SOURCE: Extreme Elements

Surfers block Russian oil tranfer

2008-04-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

Good news and a campaign victory from Scotland! Following pressure from several environmental groups, including SAS, Forth Ports have made the decision not to allow Russian tankers to transfer oil in the Firth of Forth.

The decision came only a few weeks after Shipping Minister Jim Fitzpatrick told the House of Commons that the Government would be bringing forward a consultation on regulating ship-to-ship transfers of hazardous substances in UK waters – a move welcomed by SAS.

Because of its twin role as plc and harbour authority, SAS believed it entirely inappropriate that Forth Ports had been both promoter and regulator of SPT Marine's scheme to transfer up to 7.8 million tonnes of Russian oil into ultra large crude carriers en route to the United States and the Far East. They were also set to benefit financially from the contract.

The Russian export blend crude oil had been described as very dense, thick oil, making it particularly persistent in the event of a spillage and a big threat to the Firth of Forth.

A Scottish Green Party investigation had previously found SPT were responsible for spilling around 35,000 gallons of oil in the Gulf of Mexico - but failed to disclose the information when providing official evidence to the Scottish Parliament. In written evidence to the parliament the company, SPT Marine, claimed an "excellent" record on ship-to-ship oil transfers by only referring to incidents dated after the shocking oil spill in 1995.

SAS campaigners were involved in several actions against the proposal and were on hand to present a petition to Forth Ports at their agm last year calling for them to say 'NO' to the proposal. We also made a 'Star Wars' inspired campaign film called Forth Wars that was watched by hundreds of people including some of Forth Ports shareholders!

The Firth of Forth is an exceptional marine environment and is highly valued by its many recreational water users, many of which use the water all year round and all of whom will delight in this decision!

May the Forth be with you always!

SOURCE: SAS

MauiSails completes team with Dan Ellis

2008-04-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

The MauiSails team is now complete and ready for action with the recent signing of Dan Ellis from the UK. Dan has been part of the strong UK contingent for the past few racing season's, winning the Asian Windsurfing tour, and finishing strongly in the PWA Racing events.

Dan is now spending the majority of his time on Maui during the off season and will be assisting with testing, and will be able to join in the Team's vigorous training sessions on Maui.

Dan had this to say about joining Maui Sails: "I'm really excited to join the MauiSails Team. At the end of last season I packed up all my belongings in England and moved to Maui so I could train and be in the best possible environment for success.

At today's PWA events you need the best possible equipment to make it to the top, and MauiSails provides that. The chance for me to work alongside Barry Spanier and Phil McGain, two of the best race technicians in the sport is what excites me the most.

They have been making world beating sails for longer than I've windsurfed and I'm looking forward to joining them at the beach, testing and making a contribution to the development".

Dan's first event on MauiSails will be the DEFI wind long distance race in France, then after that he'll be off to Korea for the PWA racing event.

SOURCE: Maui

Portugal to host 2008 Windsurfing Grand Prix

2008-04-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

The 2008 Portugal Windsurfing Grand Prix will take place in Sines, between the 6th and 10th May.

This is an important year for windsurfing. The Formula Windsurfing Grand Prix series goes global. Where better to start the world tour than in Portugal, home of so many international events and championships.

At this years Sines-Portugal Grand Prix we will be unveiling our bid to represent olympic windsurfing in 2012: the Formula One-Design.
Overpower have consistantly delivered quality events; and we look forward to a long association with the municipality of Sines.

Check out the NoticeOfRace

SOURCE: IWA

Günzlein Normen conquers the Toro Andaluz

2008-04-01T23:21:00.001-07:00

Tarifa, often called the European capitol of windsurfing didn't disappoint us at all. What more an you wish for the first event in a new season? Nothing!!! Sure a second double elimination would have been great, sure a bit more stable condition would have made it easier but as windsurfers we're used to life with compromise and what we got here again was just perfect!!! No doubt…

Normen takes home a lot of points for the overall title, that's for sure. He is the one that the guys will be chasing now but as the young German is a pro he will handle the pressure for sure. Competing for many years on the tour, having a lot of experience he will take good care to stay in leading position.

Kevin Mevissen (RRD) on the second place is fully on fire, coming to Spain he had not much freestyle practise on his account, you might say none. His awesome performance on the water infected him again and its clear that we will see him on some other efpt stops as well.

Antxon Otaegui (JP/NP) takes the third place, amazing start for the Spanish rider. Coming from the cannaries you can't say that he's a local so it was not easier for him at all to compete here and the third place shows how well Antxon is prepared and motivated to go on tour this year.

The man of the event has to be Steven van Broeckhoven though, almost unknown to European riders he kinda appeared out of nowhere, eliminating big names all over the ladder. The Belgian magazine cant wait to get him close for some interviews and reports how he did but we can tell you straight away: GREAT!!!

The first event of a season is always a good place to see what to expect over the rest of the season. In this case Tarifa was amazing, the well known riders in the event have to watch out for the newcomers and also know now which moves they need to get in first positions.
so the next weeks before Podersdorf will be full of practising and preparing for that one, especially as it will be a combination with the PWA.

We sort of had a foretaste of what to expect, Raimondo Gasperini (Starboard), who was practising in Jeri this year started a project to support young talents and he brought some brasilian hotshots as well as Italiian styler to the Andalusian beach. The X-Ray project is fantastic; supporting riders to give them some event experience is just great. Although the brasillians cant become European Champion obviously they still improve their contest sills and push the level massive…

Wow, we had a immense competition fleet and its so hard to mention all riders, 35 riders from 15 nations hit the water leaving impressed spectators behind. Moves like double flaka, ponch, switch chachoos, super high shakas seem to become standard and if a rider is not able to do it at the beginning of the event he practises them between the heats and shows (or tries to show) it in his next heat. The excitement in this competition was amazing so if you have the chance to visit a event near you, that's definitely something you should do.

As the forecast for the last day was not good the complete (and it was complete) efpt family met at the "café del mar" in tarifa city. A super nice place, stylish as hell so it was just the perfect place to celebrate the start of the tour and the end of the event. The group went crazy all night and could only be stopped by the fact that the police shut down the place in the morning hours. Nevertheless the guys continued in tarifa downtown and surprisingly were all present at the today's super session at one pm. For the last time in this year they showed the crowds on the beach what first class freestyle is all about!!! Smiling faces all over the place showed once again that they're not just amazing competitors but a bunch of good friends who live for this sport, travel the continent and just want to know who will be the best in the end.

Hard to say our "good buys" once again to the friendly people who organize the event and support us with all we need to run the competition. But gypsies as we are we have to go and can only promise to be back next year…

As great and fantastic it was the stories told around the world about tarifa and the region of Andalusia will be just the best. We highly recommend this place to everyone in Europe and around the world. Every windsurfer and kitesurfer who wants to have a good time, great conditions and stay in a place which is fully addicted to water sport will be damn happy to come here!!!

RESULTS:

01 Günzlein Normen GER G-186 JP/NP
02 Mevissen Kevin NED H 79 RRD
03 Otaegui Antxon ESP E-169 JP/NP
04 Van Broeckhoven Steven BEL B72 F2
05 Roßmeier Michael AUT AUT 256 Exocet/the Loft
06 Popretinskiy Egor RUS RUS-11 JP/NP
07 de Weerd Remko NED H-23 Tabou/Gaastra
07 Paskowski Andre GER G-2 Fantic/North Sails
09 da silva danilo menez BRA bra 83 Fanatic/North Sails
09 Olandersson Andreas SWE S-66 Fanatic/Simmer Style
09 Stråhlén Niklas SWE S-4444 RRD/Simmer Style
09 Sumereder Michael AUT AUT-9 RRD/North
13 Akgazcyan Nicolas FRA F 400 Starboard/Gun Sails
13 Kosmowski Jakub POL POL 288 Tabou/Gaastra
13 souza de pedro edvan BRA bra 250
13 Žan Andraž SLO SLO 49 RRD/the Loft
17 De Rycker Roeland BEL B67 The Loft
17 Dixon Colin GBR k 99 Tabou/Gaastra
17 Forstenlechner Lorenz AUT Aut-7 F2
17 Janssen Kenny BEL B34
17 Kruse Stefan GER G 360 F2
17 Petrisie Ruben/Bang NED NB-50 Exocet/the Loft
17 Slabe Tine SLO SLO 6 F2/Naish
17 Spadea Nicola ITA I 44 Starboard
25 Alvarez Mauricio AUT AUT 86 Tabou/Gaastra
25 Caers Jelle BEL B 47 F2/the Loft
25 Caers Rolien BEL B74 F2
25 Pollet Arthur FRA BRA218
25 scheuble pete SUI sui 969 JP/NP
25 Seyss Alexander AUT aut-61 Naish/Naish
25 teixeira francisco samuel BRA bra 64 Starboard
33 Cervero Rafael ESP E-13 The Loft
33 Gasperini Raimondo ITA i 157 Starboard
33 Van der Eyken Dieter BEL B35 Starboard

SOURCE: EFPT

Kite Gen to compete with nuclear power

2008-04-01T23:14:00.000-07:00

Kite Gen is pioneering a revolution on how to produce clean energy from wind, with the aim not only to compete within the current wind industry but, as still too rarely happens with renewable sources, to move the battlefield into the territory of fossil fuels.

Today's technology is just capable of scratching the surface, in few favourable points, of the enormous energy field contained into the wind (see Wind data). Wind turbines cannot reach higher and touch altitude wind, they are already close to their dimensional limits: difficultly hubs can be positioned at more than 100 m above the ground, the holding structure grows exponentially heavier, more unstable and above all more expensive with the height.

This situation may be compared with what happened in oil drilling, where only after having found better and better solutions it was possible to move away from the ground - downwards, in this case - and to reach the deepest and most profitable fields. To help visualizing the existing unexploited potential, just consider that the flight prohibited area over a nuclear power plant can easily get to contain 1 GW of wind power, equal to the power of the plant itself.

To reach altitude wind and exploiting its higher kinetic energy, the Kite Gen project starts from a radical change of perspective: no longer heavy and static plants like current wind turbines, but instead light, dynamic and intelligent ones. In the air, to subtract energy from the wind at an altitude of 800 / 1 000 m, power kites, semi-rigid automatically piloted high efficiency air foils. On the ground, all the heavy machinery for power generation. To connect the two systems, high resistance lines transmitting the traction of the kites and at the same time controlling their direction and angle to the wind.

SOURCE: Kite Gen

Kitesurfers fighting against Power

2008-03-22T22:33:00.001-07:00

Kitesurfers feel that OÜ Nelja Energia puts their lives at risk.

The company has set in place kaytserferov favourite, on the northern cape Ristna in Hiiumaa, with the mast anemorumbometrom. Against the mast no one has danger fastening ropes, which may add kite surfers.

If someone still does not know Kite Surf - so if simplistically say, when people dressed in suits on the board for surfing on the waves slide and pulls his kite, or air snakes.
"First of all, it's dangerous so long straps that can be entangled in Dublin tether mast, and then the kite becomes impossible to manage. He can draw on track for a "ropes - has expressed concern kaytserfer Yaano Martin Ots.

In a more three-page treatment steam tens unions investigates why when installing masts not taken into account the requests and suggestions of experts on safety surfers.

Power workers argue that they did not receive any offers, the more so that the mast is installed there, for two years, and its installation consistent with the service of environmental protection and township government. Try, razberis those rights.

"We contacted the Estonian Union Kitesurfing lessons and trying to find a compromise, especially on the issue of security - noted director of the company has approved the mast Martin Kruus. -- As one of the steps we are prepared to reduce the period to one year of measurement, and to enhance the security necessary to install warning signs. "

"It is clear that the responsibility for the safety of himself kaytserfer, evaluating potential risks. Our mast is a factor that must be taken into account. Other facilities located on the bank of trees, rocks, buildings, electric lines, parked cars, even when other people have also provided a threat "- adds Kruus, who hoped to find a common language with surfers

Kitesurfers fighting against Power

2008-03-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

Kitesurfers feel that OÜ Nelja Energia puts their lives at risk.

Maui Sails Team

2008-03-20T22:56:00.000-07:00

February has been an intense and happy month for all the members of the Maui Sails Team.

Josh has been flying in and out of Maui to pick up all his new babies: sails, masts, extensions, etc… Lucky guy, he managed to get some of the best Hookipa sessions in a while, allowing him to test his new wave sails, the Legend and the Global. He scored one of the biggest sailable days at Hookipa in a long time. Only him and Alex Aguera out, getting flash backs from when they sailed Jaws for the first time on their own. He also started tuning everything for his upcoming season in Slalom, in which he we'll be using Tabou Slalom boards.

Back in Cape Verde he rushed around between flights to Boa Vista, Sao Vicente, just like a proper businessmen, organizing the last details for the Cape Verde PWA event. At this moment, Josh is second at the Cape Verde event, with still the double elimination to run, so he could still have the victory in his first event sailing with Maui Sails.

Gabriel Browne (BRA-50) has now signed with the brand, and at only 17 he is one of the hottest up and coming sailors in the PWA Slalom 42 fleet.
Gabriel comes from a long line of Champion Windsurfers. He is Marcilio Brown's brother (Brawzinho), current Freestyle World champion, but also his dad and his uncle were Brazil Windsurfing Champions.
He is now in Maui, training and testing together with Barry Spanier, how says about Gabriel "We have been looking for a young racer for some time and Gabriel fits the role. He has shown some promising results over the past 2 years and we look forward to supporting him as he grows into a premier racer".
This season Gabriel will be focus on the PWA Slalom 42 and some specific Formula events. He is stocked about been with Maui Sails, saying "Joining the Maui Sails team is a dream for me and now I have great opportunity to learn more about windsurfing from some of the best people in the sport. I'm looking forward to some serious training on Maui over the next few months and then heading off to compete on the PWA World Tour Slalom 42 events. I now have all the support I need and together with my effort I'm looking forward to an exciting year".
So far, he took part in the Calema midwinters, and the young sailor finished 5th on the event (quite impressive as he was fighting with big names like Antoine Albeau, Jimmy Diaz, Gonzalo Costa) and he was really happy about the performance of his rig

At the same time, on the other side of the World, Martin van Meurs was recovering from a broken leg, wishing he could be out trying to break some speed records. But while he was recovering, his team mate Dirk Doppenberg was breaking the Doutch speed record with a 44,57 knots blast.

For both Barry Spanier and Artur Szpunar, it was an intese and happy month. With loads of testing and really good feedback from the testers, new materials to try and test and loads of motivation towards the new 2009 Maui Sails Designs.

Source

The Pritchards

2008-03-20T22:53:00.000-07:00

Since a while ago, Kevin Pritchard has been blogging a lot, sharing his life with all his fans, showing his pictures and even getting in trouble for being too honest (good on you, it is your blog, say what you want).
But now the two brothers have just release their new website. There you will find a lot of information about renting gear in Maui, accommodation, how to get private lessons (for real, with Kevin or Matt!). Even they give advice about training and how to get fit for the upcoming summer season. Check it out here.

Kauli Seadi wins PWA Cabo Verde '08

2008-03-19T04:40:00.000-07:00

Kauli Seadi kicks-off the season with a critical victory over local favorite Josh Angulo and wavesailing legend Jason Polakow

The historic 2007 Cabo Verde event set the bar to an all-time high for PWA wavesailing, so it was a full house once again for the top names in the sport on the island of Sal.

A strong forecast for early in the event stayed true and a good swell with mast-high waves reeled down the racetrack at Ponta Preta on day 1

Single Elimination

The crew made no delay in getting the single elimination underway, and by sunset the judges had filtered-out four riders for a final that would go ahead on day 2.

A trend was also set on the first day for some impressive performances from riders making it through from the qualifying contest.

Dany Bruch (F2 / Gaastra) and Francisco Porcella (Mistral / Simmer) stood out from the trialists on day 1 with superb wave-reading skill and expertise to knock out some top players from this 32-man limited entry event.

The final was completed on day 2 in slightly smaller surf, and much lighter wind.

25-yr old Brazilian Kauli Seadi (JP / NeilPryde) thundered into the lead with a skilled display in tricky, light wind conditions, to give an instant return on his new sponsor's investment.

During a 40-minute heat, counting the best two waves rides each, the fluky wind truly tested the finalists' fitness and ability to catch waves and not get caught inside on the razor sharp reef.

Jason Polakow (JP / NeilPryde) went for it with his aggressive vertical attack, but paid the price for pushing it with a couple of trips to the rocks.

Polakow's big-wave partner Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde) pressured his team mate hard for third position with a smoother style, but in truth he also struggled in the smaller swell.

Josh Angulo (MauiSails) was also always going to be a major threat here after his historic victory last season.

'It was a total battle out there' he explained. 'I tried to go for a really powerful and vertical attack and look for the shorter rides and big hits on the main peak where I was hanging out.

Everyone was scratching around to catch the good sets and outdo the other to lock into a decent wave.

I know it was close and I didn't even look at the scores. It's tough you know.

You always strive for first and it kind of tastes a little strange to come second, especially after last year.'

Seadi chose different tactics to Angulo to wrap-up the victory, including one spectacular aerial over Swift who was swimming in the impact zone.

'I tried to go for the ones that opened-up into longer blowier sections and to do a mix of turns and connect the ride all the way down the reef', said the 2007 World Champion.

Double Elimination

As soon as the double elimination got started some big names spewed out by up-and-coming talent.

Levi Siver (Quatro / NeilPryde) was the first victim of an on-form Jonas Ceballos (Fanatic / Simmer), and Marcilio Browne (Mistral / Gaastra), who fully made-up for a stuttering start in the single elimination.

Next to fall was Nik Baker (Mistral / North) who had a tough time in the fading conditions against light wind specialists Thomas Traversa (Tabou / Gaastra) and Camille Juban (Quatro / GUN).

Boujmaa Guillol (Starboard / Severne) was also ejected in that heat despite throwing some outrageous Goytas right onto the rocks.

But Traversa scored wave of the day with perfect timing and a flowing rhythmic groove connecting all his turns together.

The remaining second round heats had to wait until day 3 when the event moved up to the west coast to a spot known as 'Little Ho'okipa'.

25-minute heat duration was set with the best 2 waves counting and the best 2 riders advancing at a time.

The action was hot once again and competition was tight for spots in every following heat.

Trialist Kai Katchadourian (Quatro / Simmer), a regular Cabo Verde visitor, really got the chance to show-off his knowledge of the islands breaks.

The American survived a tough encounter against Scott McKercher (Starboard / Severne), John Skye (F2 / Naish) and Ross Williams (Tabou / Gaastra) before getting on a roll to reach the top 8.

Things got serious in the third round when more top names fell by the wayside.

Both 2007 season runner-up Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Simmer), and former world champion Kevin Pritchard (Starboard / Gaastra) were axed by fiery performances from Thomas Traversa (Tabou / Gaastra), and Marcilio Browne – the reigning freestyle world champ.

Traversa shone brightly with his radical vertical riding style, which that saw him launch tweaked airs and show aggressive gouging of the steep head-to-half mast-high wave faces.

And Browne pulled a perfect air taka and looks set to fulfill another prophecy to reach the top of the wave sailing rankings just as he has in freestyle windsurfing.

But the star of the day had to be Alex Mussolini (RRD / NeilPryde) who clocked a 9.0 for a Goyta and big aerial back-to-back on the same ride.

But fading light and dropping breeze brought the day to an end before 6 agonizing days were spent on hold waiting for new swell and wind.

Eventually time just ran out and Kauli Seadi breathed a sigh of relief.

'It's the perfect start to the season for me', grinned Seadi at event HQ today.

'New year, new gear and a win to polish it off.

I'm especially happy that I can pay my new sponsors back so soon for their faith in me, plus it means a lot to beat someone as talented as Josh in waves of such quality.

Runner-up Angulo was instrumental once again in organizing this event in his back yard. 'I'm glad we got this event together again. It means everything to me to have riders of this quality here, plus I'm happy for Kauli as he's an exceptional sailor, so I'm just looking forward to seeing the contract signed to have the PWA back in 2009.'

Our special thanks go to the event sponsors and the people of Cabo Verde for welcoming us back once again, and our congratulations to Josh, Kauli and Jason for their achievements.

The 2008 Cabo Verde PWA World Cup Results

1st    Kauli Seadi (JP / NeilPryde) Brazil
2nd   Josh Angulo (Maui Sails) Cabo Verde
3rd    Jason Polakow (JP / NeilPryde) Australia
4th    Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde) Great Britain
5th    Thomas Traversa (Tabou / Gaastra)
5th    Alex Mussolini (RRD / NeilPryde)
7th    Kai Katchadourian (Quatro / Simmer)
7th    Marcilio Browne (Mistral / Gaastra)
9th    Peter Volwater (F2 / North)
9th    Kevin Pritchard (Starboard / Gaastra)

SOURCE: PWA

KPWT or PKRA?

2008-03-19T04:36:00.001-07:00

You have probably asked yourself why are there two governing bodies in kitesurfing/kiteboarding?
KPWT stands for Kiteboard Pro World Tour and PKRA for Professional Kiteboard Riders Association.
Their goal is exactly the same - working out a world kiteboarding tournament.

An easy Google search will help you understand why KPWT and PKRA are running in different paths.

There a lot of kitesurfers looking for those answers.

The question is: having different competitions and ruling formats, wouldn't it be possible to join both 'brains' and bring up the best competition ever made like ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) has been doing for a long time?

The sponsors would get a focused attention, the running custs would be cut to half, the KPWT/PKRA would strength one unique tour brand, the merchandising turnover would rise quickly and the public eyes would be focused on one single tour. Oh, and by the way, the professional kitesurfers would certainly be sure that they would be trying to be the absolute best athlete of their sport.

Not the X or Y champion in a determined category.

Joining KPWT and PKRA is not easy. But, isn't waveriding a tough challenge by itself?

Regards,

Luis MP
editor@surfertoday.com

Close call for Hawaii Kiteboarders: Proposed 200' Kite Ban in Hawaii Deferred

2008-02-20T01:57:00.001-08:00

The Hawaii Senate Committee on Water and Land deferred a proposed bill this afternoon that would have banned windsurfing and kiteboarding within 200 feet of swimmers and surfers. According to the bills sponsor, Senator Les Ihara Jr, the move "effectively dismissed it from further consideration".

Senator Ihara says he introduced the bill at the request of a constituent.

SBC Kiteboard contacted the senator to find out more and he informed us, "while the legislative idea in SB 2091 seemed worthy of consideration, many valid concerns were raised about the bill even before the hearing. As a result, I suggested to the committee chair prior to today's hearing that unless the concerns were adequately addressed, it may be wise to terminate consideration on the bill."

Hundred of windsurfers and kiteboarders from around the world flooded the Committee with emails and letters when word of the bill spread the day before todays hearing.

Thankfully clear heads prevailed, and the rights of windsurfers and kiteboarders have been protected for now.

Kiteboarding and windsurfings safety record with other user groups has been extremely good. Was the desire to keep windsurfers and kiteboarders off of "surfers wave's" the motivating factor behind this latest attempt to limit windsurfing and kiteboarding? Very Likely. One thing is clear, we as kiteboarders will always need to work together to protect our rights to fair access.

A big thank you to everyone that made sure their voices were heard.

We at SBC Kiteboard believe that the oceans are one of natures greates

Source

Golf De Roses

2008-01-27T02:25:00.000-08:00

Golf De Roses, established in the province of Roses in Costa Brava, offers excellent summer shortest path destination. At 2 hour flight from the UK, Gerona airport followed by only 1 hour taxi ride or drive. In rural areas in this region of Spain is a stunning, picturesque cottages and farm houses dotted around the lush and fertile rolling landscape. The coastline here is a mixture of rocky outcrops and beautiful bays and gulfs, some busy than others.

Golf De Roses is the ideal place for families with children of all ages, as well as those travelling with non-surfing partner or friends. There is a massive amount to do here, as well as windsurfing, it is an ideal place, such as mountain biking, snorkelling, sailing, horse riding and walking. There is also a good range of children's institutions on the proposal close to the windsurfing centre.THE SPOT

There is really only one place to Windsurf in Golf De Roses, and this is the main place where Skyriders / Club Mistral center is based.

KEY BAY The centre is located in the middle of the Gulf, and has a clearly marked area for windsurfing, kitesurf learning and free kiting. In areas not particularly great in mid-summer month of July and August, and care must be taken not roam in the area of public beach. If you are not under the supervision of an instructor, it is best to move directly from small start, and then stop about 50 metres from the beach, where there is a lot of space.

WIND

There are 2 types of wind in this resort, but Tramontana be that the spring and autumn wind and heat the middle of summer.

Tramontana is a bit strong and gusty wind that comes from the north side to the next, to shore on the left. This, it is generally best to windsurfing and more kiters own, and the average wind force of about 25 knots. Temperatures - during the summer months, from June to September, the wind changes direction aside, on the south coast wind on the right side. Heat wind super consistent and perfect beginner to intermediate windsurfers promising practices. This is pure wind makes the stunts and overall progression much easier, and it is indeed a pleasure ride! UNITED WINDSURFING

Golf De roses suitable for all levels windsurfer, although certain times of the year, better than some others. In spring and autumn, when the wind blows strong tramontana, there can be fair-sized waves creating favourable wave freaks here to get a good run for their money. After the wave passed, the site offers a medium altitude wind swell on the left and freeride possibilities are endless.

In mid-summer thermal wind is very reliable and builds up in the morning. In the morning, the place is ideal for young people, with appropriate children's gear (boards and rigs), nothing prevents them from their boards. But in general, during this season, it is ideal for beginners to intermediate. When the thermal wind blowing, the motto of freestyling and freeriding. Directly in front of the club Mistral centre is a fine, sandy beach, which falls to leave gently and is about 80m worldwide. In the shallow-water area in the water extends to 30 m, ideal for moving from the beach to proceed to begin to deal with water or power gybe.THE OTHER ACTIVITIES

Golf De Roses has many different activities on offer for all ages, the ideal place for the whole family. This is a very proactive, everywhere you look you will see people running, mountain biking, race cycling, swimming and much more.

The area is also famous for its "center of skydiving! You should try it, if you have the nerve !!!!!! TO KITESURFING

Golf De Roses equally good kitesurf destination, Skyrider kite school on the site with all the latest 2007 North kites and boards, as well as a full range courses.THE NIGHT

In the evenings, there are many charming restaurants and cafes / bars dotted around during 10/20 minutes away by car. For those seeking a little more "action" has several large nightclubs and bars in the nearest main town in about 30 minutes away.THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

As a member of the EU, there is no entry requirements, in addition to the full UK passport with the full 6 months validity.

Bay of Roses - in surfing spot in North Spain

A place defined by winds from the Pyrenees, the tramontana with his steady and thermals garbi blowing during the summer months. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are ideal conditions here, whether or garbi tramontana (two prevailing winds) is a blast.

With winds of force 6 to 8, tramontana very strong wind (though not as strong as in the neighbouring southern coast of France), offers ideal conditions on the left side of sideshore club Mistral centre. On good days, a fair-sized waves to create here, which allowed a wave of freaks to get a good run for their money. After the wave passed, the site offers medium height windswell on the left and freeride possibilities are endless. Whenever tramontana not reach a force 6 wind, he lovingly called "tramontanetta" at the local Catalonians. In tramontana prevailing wind is in the "cold" season, ie, spring and autumn. During the summer months, we treat moderate heat and the constant wind, which are cross-ground with the right club at the Mistral centre.

Heat wind is very reliable and builds up in the afternoon from June to September. In the afternoon, the wind often turns toward the coast of the law - this is garbi blowing from the south. In the morning, the place is ideal for young people, with appropriate children's gear (boards and rigs), nothing prevents them from their boards.

When the thermal wind blowing, the motto of freestyling and freeriding. Directly in front of the club Mistral centre is a fine, sandy beach, which falls gently and leave at about 80 m in width. In the shallow-water area in the water extends for 30 meters, ideal for moving from the beach to begin to water start or practising power gybe. Location Club Mistral centre and the wind direction is absolutely safe to do so many places where you never drift in the sea. Nevertheless, our rescue boat is also there in case of emergencies. In windsurfer and kitesurfer zone marked signs and buoys and is located directly opposite our house. We, therefore, there is a huge stretch of beach to ourselves here, because bathers mainly on the left side of the zone, 2 kilometres from the beach camping La Ballena Alegre.

Golf de Roses, Spain background "

In Costa Brava is a coastal strip stretching about 40 kilometres north of Barcelona along the entire coast of the province of Gerona. This is an area with extraordinarily beautiful scenery with lots of heavily Valley, interspersed with small bays offering fine sand. The huge gulf Roses with its fine-grained sand, only 30 kilometres south of the French border, it was well known, windsurfers and kitesurfers for many years. In an exciting and safe places where everyone will have fun - a wave of enthusiasts, the free acrobats, freeriders, children, and kitesurfers so!

At the southern end of the Gulf of Roses, "Mistral Golf Club de Roses" Center opened its doors for the first time in summer 2004. The two prevailing winds, the Tramontana and Gharbi, dominate the region around the Gulf of Roses, turning it into a first-rate sport of surfing.

The vast expanses of sandy calls important episodes from history to mind, the rule of the Romans to Napoleon occupation. Roses is expected to be in the same location as the old Road, a colony established by the Greeks in the 5 th century BC Today's population makes it lives mainly at tourists and fishing trade. The picturesque alleyways of the nearby village of L 'Escala, often filled with the hustle and bustle. There is certainly no shortage of attractions worth visiting in the region, as well as cozy cafes and restaurants invite visitors to stay when they feel like taking a break.

Our insider tips:

∙ Culture on your threshold: the Dali Museum in Figueres, worth a visit, and all who are interested in that house Daly should definitely take a trip to the picturesque village of Cadaques.

∙ The ruins of Empuries can be reached on foot, with its sandy beaches and small bays enticing provide an opportunity for swimming

∙ You may want to try the local wines and liquors in one of the numerous bodegas (wineries), and some of your favorite bottled wine for you. W L 'Escala you will find the best anchovies.

∙ A balloon trip early in the morning, with the sun rising over the mountains, it is fantastically romantic experience. If you want, you can enjoy a glass of "Cava (Spanish champagne) at the same time.

∙ If you are in the lookout for action and adventure, Ampuria Brava, which has one of the best in Europe and the world parachuting centres is very place. Just the right thing for adrenaline junkies: 40 seconds of free fall.

Bahia Feliz

2008-01-27T02:13:00.000-08:00

Gran Canaria was the home of international windsurfing elite in the past few years. Stars as Bjorn Dunkerbeck, Marcos Perez, Vidar Jensen and Moreno sisters lived here since they were very young, or even born on the island. Others, like to come here by train. This is not surprising, since the conditions perfect. The trade wind blows almost constantly throughout the year!

Club Mistral centre will be located directly behind the glorious Gulf Bahia Feliz, which adjoined a holiday resort, in the garden, which is more like a park. In winter, Bahia Feliz is one of the best places in the Canary Islands. Sideshore wind blowing from the left and inside the bay, with its flat water conditions are suitable for practicing beach and the water starts or gybing. In addition waves of newcomers will find swell, with waves that are just right for jumping. It is not only an advanced user will receive this place; newcomers, too, will generally find some calmer conditions in the morning, which made its first attempt at windsurfing.

In summer, the trade winds are stronger and more permanent - but they mostly increasingly from the north, so the Bahia Feliz often in the wind shadow of the island during high summer. However, we have used our imagination, and now offer surfing excursions in the very center of the bus during the summer, the high wind sites in the vicinity of the famous places in the Pozo Izquierdo, Salinas de Arinanga or ketchup.

Gran Canaria in the mountains, which up to 2000 meters high, beckoning you to go mountain biking and hiking. Beautiful scenery of dunes, strange rock-arrays, fertile valleys and subtropical forests alternates, all in a very small distance.
As you can see, there is quite a variety, and this, coupled with pleasant temperatures year round.

Our insider tips:
Most fresh catch of the day can be found in one of the many fish restaurants directly on the fishing port Arguineguin - 15 km away from the Bahia Feliz
An excursion to the remote mountain (2000) on the rental car or helicopter
Mountain bike tour across the island - Happy Biking offers a wide range of guided tours
One of the interesting and pristine environment for shopping, tourist, or feast awaits you in Las Palmas - 45 km von Bahia Feliz

Fuerteventura guide

2008-01-15T08:13:00.000-08:00

In Fuerteventura, Canary Islands paradise is far less busy than some of its neighbours. He is proud of the longest stretch of beach on the island chain, in its superb outings striking volcanic landscape, and some of the best windsurfing in the world.

Getting there

The airport is located to the south of the capital, Puerto del Rosario, and receives mainly charter flights from Europe, mainland Spain and the other Canary Islands. Of more abroad, flights go via Madrid or Barcelona. There is a local bus service, which connects the airport and many island destination. Those on package holidays, as a rule, get a free transfer. Taxis can be, but very expensive. Ferry services linking the capital with Cadiz, and the other Canary Islands.
Information on the key attractions Fuerteventuras

On the beaches here are among the best in Europe, including around the capital, wide, flat beaches of Jandia (south), and the beautiful golden sand dunes of Corralejo (north). Several excellent trails occur in Corralejo, offering exciting prospects. Walking through the El Cotillo is awe-inspiring, and for the less active, the walk along the quay in Corralejo, winding through large sand dunes, (Las Dunas) is excellent.
Out and about

In the former capital of the island, Betancuria, easily accessible by car, and many attractions. It also offers excellent walking tours, as soon as you get into the city. In brilliant Betancuria Museum and paeleontological impressive archaeological exhibits, and the nearby early 15-century church of Santa Maria also impressive. The huge botanical garden displaying some of Fuerteventura in the beautiful flora. Of the cities in the Mirador de Morro Velosa has outstanding views of the island landscape. For another interesting disc, on the road between Corralejo and Lajares, accessible by jeep, is the next best alternative tours, and shows leave Fuerteventura in the magnificent natural beauty.

Relax to the

For those interested in the islands, water sports, Sotavento, in the south, is a world of speed and slalom windsurfing event, and there are jet-skiing, windsurfing and sailing on the Jandia and Corralejo. Betancuria has many trendy cafes and restaurants, while Jandia, the capital of Corralejo and all of us have a lot of bars and pubs.

Be careful when driving or hiking through the volcanic landscape of the area. Visitors are more susceptible to accidents when in unfamiliar environments. Water sports are also a potential source of danger and visitors should remain alert and vigilant. We strongly encourage you to take out travel insurance for you and your family when you visit Fuerteventura.

It is always in the Canary Isalands Spring. Temperatures vary only a few seasons through 6C. On average, per month ranges from 18 to 24C, and the sea nicely warm all year round. Because of the geographical location of the islands subtropical climate. At the water temperature ranges from 22C in summer and winter 19C. Many people want to spend the winter here because of the pleasant climate.
Security

Windsurfing in Essaouira, Morocco

2008-01-15T07:36:00.000-08:00

Essaouira is a top class surfing location with good conditions all year round. This little fishing town boasts long, white sandy beaches and some of the best conditions for windsurfing in the whole of Africa.

This is the place to go to when you want to just kick back and relax. It still remains relatively unspoiled. It's more popular with independent travellers and holidaying Moroccans than package tours.

Promoting itself as the "Windy City Afrika" Essaouira hosts a number of major national and international windsurfing competitions each year. The most popular places to go windsurfing are Diabat, Sidi Kaouki and Cap Sim. Over the years, it has built up quite a reputation for itself as one of the best spots. The hippies have gradually moved out and the windsurfers have moved in.

Essaouira's main bay offers mixed conditions. The water close to the town fairly flat. In the mid bay area there's quite a bit of chop. It's ideal for beginners. Just half an hours drive from the town, there are two full on wave spots.

During the summer you normally get flat conditions with a slight windchop in the morning. The waves build in the afternoon.

In spring and autumn the best wave conditions (between one and two metres) can be found on the southern side of the bay. From mid-June to August they don't get much bigger than one metre.

The waters off Morocco's Atlantic coast are not nearly as warm as what you'd find in The Caribbean (17-20°C), but there's plenty of space to sail and completely reliable winds in the main season.

Windsurfing in Essaouira

2008-01-15T06:48:00.000-08:00

Windsurfing holidays in Essaouira
The ancient fortified city of Essaouira offers a unique blend of culture and Atlantic sailing conditions. This is a fairly whitewashed town was a prosperous port of fifteen centuries, and with a rich history offers interesting and fascinating rest.

Essaouira has become a magnet for poets, artists and craftsmen from the eighteenth century, in the tiny streets crammed with the local pottery and handicrafts. In the evenings fisherman to return to port in their brightly painted boats, their nets bursting with sardines, and people jostle to buy fresh fish berth. You will not be able to find anything fresh for lunch! ON SPOT

Main Gulf in the form of sand crescent bay Essaouira offers a mixed environment with a flat shallow water closer to the city, crushed in the middle of the bay, and the waves downwind. Ideal for all levels, as well as the wave of newcomers.

MOULAY BOUZERKTOUNE: In sideshore wind stronger than Essaouira, where the Atlantic and the Northeast bidding meet, Moulay offers one of the best wave spots just outside Europe. In winter with 2 - 5 meters waves this place for sure just wave sailors.

SIDI KAOUKI South of Essaouira is 5 km beach again with a cross shore wind and waves good winter. The conditions here may vary, with different entry and you will find the right waves for beginners and more advanced wave sailors. WIND

In the wind (north-east trade wind) blows offshore side to side to the right. In the summer months, that is in June - August, in thermals created much difference in the land and sea temperature accelerates trade winds averaging bft 6 - 8, but because of the massive beach area, it is always safe, even for less experienced.

Autumn and winter winds can during the tour, and comes from the left and it is easy to an average of about bft 4 - 6. It is also the primary season with light waves wave sailing spot in the main by about 1-2 meters, but completely in the wake of navigation in the main wave spot at the end of the main bay and Mulay. In WINDSURFING

Essaouira offers windsurfing opportunity to swim in a whole different conditions. During the summer months, you can count on finding minor windchop in flat conditions in the morning, with waves building in the afternoon at the end of the wind-down day Gulf. Wave conditions particularly well on the south side of the Bay in spring and autumn (-4 m 2), but lower for the period from mid-June to August (0,5 to 1 m) for beginners wave sailors.

Water temperature is typically 20 ° C in summer (shortie) decreased to about 15C in the winter (full 5 / 3). Typically, the conditions are suitable for all levels, in the summer sailors and waves in winter. Other events

With wave surfing spots nearby are very popular in this area. You can take a boat trip to the Mogador islands and bird sanctuary at Purpuaires lies. For more active quad bike is very popular.

Old Town is well explored - in a maze of streets and alleyways always like to throw new look or sound at every turn. On a hill Safi is potters quarter, in which you will find dozens of famous potters creating their difficult work. Along with carpets, glassware, leather goods, etc. This silver shoppers paradise! In KITESURFING

Courses and sets are rolled in Mistral centre. The conditions are usually ideal for beginners, in the morning. In the long sandy bay and curved cross shore winds, these very safe teaching conditions. In NIGHT

Stores are open till late at night to a bustling city and takes on a new aura after nightfall. There are several excellent restaurants offering local seafood and delicious tagines (casseroles). In Morocco predominantly Muslim, you will not be served alcohol in restaurants, but you will find a few bars. Made claims

UK / EU passports Full 10 year passports are valid until at least 6 months after the date of return. No visa required. Other passport check with the Moroccan Embassy (020 7581 0719). HEALTH ADVICE

There are no mandatory vaccinations when travelling from the UK, but we recommend to check with your GP for the last council.

Windsurfing Down Under

2008-01-15T06:25:00.000-08:00

By Pascal Bronnimann

Swiss-born Pascal Bronnimann has been travelling the windsurfing world for over twenty years. His latest trip took him 'down under' to Western Australia, home of the infamous windsurfing beaches of Margaret River and Gnaraloo.

I was leaving Honolulu on January 12th and already met some Australians before even taking off – easily recognizable by the first words I heard: "no worries, mate!" – Three words I would hear daily during my trip, a great and easy-going attitude towards life!

Arriving in Sydney for a one night layover (after going through immigration and dragging my bags through the airport) I found Sydney airport all shut down by 11 p.m. – an advice for all future travelers: bring some food with you to Sydney, everything is closed until 6 a.m.

Arriving in Perth I had a friend who picked me up and drove me to the car rental place ClubRedcars – I got a very affordable deal as well as a great and reliable station wagon, a Ford Falcon – I was able to store all my gear inside the car without a problem.

The same day I drove up to Lancelin where I hit the water right away and found myself all of a sudden in the middle of the Australian nationals – competitors were going off, throwing double-forwards and ripping the solid mast-high waves, impressive! Scott Mc Kercher ended up winning the contest with Peter Volwater coming in second place.

I stayed a while in Lancelin where I met more Swiss windsurfers than I've seen since leaving 8 years ago – Western Oz must be a much liked destination for the Swiss. Driving up to Geraldton, Sunset Beach and Coronation it was the same, Swiss in an incredible abundance.

I wasn't too satisfied with all the spots mentioned before because most of them have very similar conditions: Good steady port-tack wind and ok waves but no unreal down-the-line wavesailing which I like most. Those spots are great for beginning- to intermediate wave sailors or just for great jumping.

I therefore decided to head down to Margaret River and to hopefully find some faster reef waves. I was rewarded with mediocre to epic conditions and stayed most of my time in Margaret River.

Margaret River is a small town who has a vibrant surfing- and windsurfing community, people are living for wind and waves and plan their lives accordingly, very similar to Oahu's North shore. But this is not all, Margaret River lies in a beautiful landscape with plenty of eucalyptus trees, vineyards, farms and amazing caves – there is always something to explore if there shouldn't be any wind (or waves – which barely ever happens - there was swell every day, from head-high up to one-and-a-half mast! The wind wasn't as consistent as further North up the coast but surfing can be fun as well!).

My wife joined me in February and we drove up north once more, passing Lancelin, Geraldton and ending up in Monkey Mia to check out the famous dolphins – Monkey Mia is a tourist trap, you have to pay to see free living dolphins being hand-fed – but it is still amazing and well worth seeing! Monkey Mia is located in the Northeast of Shark bay (there are plenty of sharks besides dolphins, manta rays, pelicans, turtles and other great wildlife). A tip for Monkey Mia: sneak in before sunrise and you won't have to pay admission and also come to enjoy a wonderful sunrise.

I always wanted to windsurf Gnaraloo which is even further north and is known to be one of the best and longest lefthanders in the world. The swell was unfortunately not cooperating (Gnaraloo's season starts early in the Western Oz Summer) and we therefore decided to drive back to Margaret where we spent another round of quality days sailing and exploring! I didn't drive down to Esperance neither – another magic spot in South western Oz that didn't work too well while I was there – and was a mere 900 km's away…

Time was up at the end of February and we went to visit Byron Bay on the Australian east coast for one week. It was a welcome change to Western Oz - feeling like having landed back in the tropics – it was hot, humid, not much wind but some great surf spots! Byron Bay had an incredible vibe – most people were either surfers and/or hippies, hippies being in the majority.

Now the time came to head even further South, to New Zealand! Arriving in Auckland we rented another car and drove down South to Taranaki, windsurfing hot spot in New Zealand. Taranaki is like a peninsula with the volcano Mt. Egmont (Mt. Taranaki in Maori) being in the middle of it, reinforcing any winds that pass along. In contrast to Western Oz where the wind is mainly a sea breeze due to extreme temperature differences between the desert inland and the ocean, the winds in Taranaki originate from passing high- and low pressure systems coming from the West. I was surprised of the abundance and quality of spots. You can find perfect point-breaks with side-offshore winds on most days, a dream come true for down-the-line sailing.

Make sure to ask some of the friendly locals about which spots and tides – the locals are eager to help out and not to sail all alone those perfect conditions. Most spots work best in certain wind directions and tides – tides having large coefficients of up to 4 meters. Launching at low tide at some spots can be a real challenge, big boulders and crashing waves… booties recommended but not absolutely necessary, the locals are mostly barefoot.

After scoring some epic conditions at Pungarehu (THE spot with good swell and south-easterlies) and at other spots it was time to head back home to Oahu on April 5th.

Thanks to all the following for supporting me:
Da Kine, Blue Planet Surf Gear, The Loft, CarbonArt, Proflex footstraps, Zeal Optics, Chinook, Brad + Mary of Wetdreams Australia, Gail and Spencer Lewis, John Clark, Mike + Chris etc. A big mahalo and respect also goes to all the Ozzies and Kiwis I met during my trip!

Aloha,

Pascal

BoardRiderscard.com

The Surf on Fuerteventura

2008-01-15T06:21:00.000-08:00

The most consistent surf is found on the north/NW coast with many spots 'unridden'. There are waves to suit most standards of surfers but also some absolute gems for the more adventurous.

The surf is pretty much divided into two main seasons - Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer - much along the lines of the rest of Northern Europe.
Autumn/Winter

Swells come out of the Atlantic hitting the West and North coast with regularity. Occassionally large swells can wrap around to the island's North East and South coasts.

Your biggest consideration at these times will be swell size, wind directions and the size of your balls.

As the swell wraps around the North, wave height diminishes slightly. So if El Hierro is maxed then there will be surfable waves at other spots further East such as El Muelle (The Harbour) or even Punta Elena (Rocky Point).

When everything is maxed head to Flag Beach at mid to high or El Burro (Glass Beach) where occassionally the point can be small but fun.
Spring/Summer

Traditionally the Sailing season, has now seeing the explosion of Kite Surfing.

The Atlantic swells are often affected by a dominant high pressure system with a low over the african mainland heralding the North Easterly Tradewinds.

This season's surfing is not nearly as consistent as Autumn/Winter but there are still fun waves to be had predominantly on the East coast and at times the Cotillo region.

Best for surfers who want a quick, warm, easy destination. Water Temperature can reach 22 degrees Centigrade.
North Coast Surfing

Some of the best surf areas on the island are to be found along the dirt road known as the North track.
This road starts near the Bristol Playa Apartments in Corralejo, continues to the lighthouse near El Cotillo taking just over an hour to drive.
The track is not the best of surfaces and beyond the small village of Majanicho it isn't really suitable for small cars. So if you're sensible you'll hire a 4WD jeep.

Another thing to remember before you set off along the North track is that there are no shops etc, so be sure to take a good supply of water and some food!
Rocky Point - Punta Helena - Corralejo

Right hand reef break.
One of the island's most popular breaks. When the other breaks start to close out it can get a bit crowded.
El Muelle - Harbour Wall - Corralejo

Left hand reef that wraps around for a long fast ride, occassionally barrelling but beware - at certain times the barrel section is very powerful and shallow.

Click to download a short video of Harbour Wal

Caribbean Playgrounds

2008-01-15T06:18:00.000-08:00

Windsurfing and kiteboarding the northwest coast of Puerto Rico
by Gina Bradley

To find some of the best kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing the Caribbean has to offer all you have to do is get on a plane and head to Puerto Rico's Northwest Coast, Aguadilla. This coast can be windy, wavy and the cliffs that surround the bays create dramatic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and coves. From mast high waves to flat clear waters, it is the perfect place to go if you do multiple water sports, ensuring that no matter what the conditions, you are going to spend plenty of time in the water on your vacation. The best part about going to Puerto Rico is that the island is vast and varied, so if for some reason you feel you need a change of scene, different conditions are just a few minutes to a few hours away. However, most of the time once people discover this coast, leaving is never an option.

Puerto Rico is a United States territory, so you don't need a passport to get on or off the island. Most everyone speaks English there and if not, there is always someone around to help out. They use the American dollar, so there is no fumbling with money or figuring out currency exchange.

Getting There and where to stay

There are multiple direct flights out of the New York Airports to Aguadilla, (BQN is the airport code) on major airlines and charter companies. The airport is small, it has only a few flights a day so there are never excessive lines or waits for flights, all the rental car agencies are right there at the airport. Since it is such a "board intensive" destination they are really good about dealing with board bags and I have never lost gear.

The best place to stay is in the town of Isabella, which is about ten minutes from the airport, at a beach called Shacks beach. There are great apartments to rent through Villa Tropical 787- 872-7172. It is run by Mike, who has been living on the island for over twenty years and keeps his places in amazing shape. All the units have outdoor decks and ocean views and some are so close to the beach that you feel like the ocean is part of your living room! There are other hotels closer into town that may have cheaper night rates like the Hotel Parador La Cima 787-890-2016 or the Sonia Rican Guest House 787-872-1818. For those with unlimited travel budgets is the Villa Montana, also right on Shacks beach, 888-780-9195 and if you don't stay there, then plan on a meal or two at their beachfront restaurant.

Where to go to get wet:

Shacks Beach

Shacks Beach is probably the most popular spot for intermediate to advanced kiteboarders and windsurfers. On any given day there can be as many as a dozen kiters out on the water, but the place can handle more if need be. The winds blow side/off shore and there is a current that pulls in the same direction as the wind, so it is important to have your upwind skills perfected before going out. There is only about fifty yards of protected water to get yourself launched and moving before heading out to the reef. The bottom is mostly coral reef and there are plenty of sea urchins, so booties are a must. If the swell direction is right, waves can break perfectly on the reef making for some of the best wave sailing and kiting surfing around, but definitely for experts only as the wave is fast and hollow; this makes for an unforgettable, gear and body crunching experience in the whitewater if you fall. Shacks Beach is curved inland, making a large inner bay downwind from the launch. If you can't get back upwind, you can always land on a beach downwind and walk back to the launch site.

Surfer's Beach

This beach is a very popular surfing spot, and when the winds are up it gets blown out and makes for a decent sailing spot in North East winds. The reef here is not as shallow as the one at Shacks and therefore is a more forgiving place to sail. It has a rock and sand bottom which is much nicer on the legs and feet. If the swell is not too big, this place is fine for intermediate sailors and kiters. The launch can be a bit tight for kitesurfers, so make sure you have an experienced person launch your kite for you. Unlike Shacks, this beach has a jagged and rocky coast line, so getting caught downwind can make for a very painful walk back. Surfers Beach is about a fifteen minute drive from Shacks Beach and it is located inside the Ramey Airforce base; it is easy to find if you ask for directions once you get to the shopping center. Don't miss the Ramey Bake Shop if you find yourself there.

Jobos Beach

By far the most forgiving site for kiting and windsurfing is Jobos Beach. It is just east of Shacks and is a nice walk (without gear) from one to the other. Jobos is a very popular surf and boogie boarding spot, and you will find plenty of kids in the far corner by the outcropping of coral heads, surfing the waves there. Since it is a fairly large bay, kiters and sailors tend to sail in the middle away from the surfers. There are lots of restaurants and bars along the beach so it is the perfect spot to bring family and friends.

Gear

It is best to bring your own gear as the closest shop is in San Juan and last I checked, they were happy to sell stuff (and would deliver it to me in Isabel) but not rent it, unless I was going to sail there in San Juan. The same goes for kite gear.

The wind is always the best at Shacks. It is usually the most windy spot on the Northwest coast, especially in the winter months. For windsurfers your sail size can range anywhere from a 6.0 to a 5.0 depending on your size and a wave board. Kiteboarders would do well with a 9.5 to 11.5 Naish size equivalent. I have seen some strong winds blow through, where a tiny sail or kite would do, but then it is usually only the hardy who would brave the white water that comes along with the strong winds.

Other Activities

If the wind disappears, there is still plenty to do along the North West Coast. Some of Puerto Rico's best diving can be found right at Shacks Beach. It is recommended that you go out with someone who knows what they are doing because it is a tricky but very exciting dive site. There is also great boat diving to be found all along the coast heading south, try Aquatica Aguadilla Underwater Adventures, 787-890-6071. For those who like to snorkel, you can do so inside the reef at Shacks Beach, but make sure you check with a local about the currents and conditions before heading out. There are all sorts of reef fish and coral formations that come very close into shore, but once again, check with locals about tides and currents. Tropical Tours is located very close to Shacks beach and offers horseback riding on trails, the beach, and in the jungle. It is well run by a husband and wife team and the tours are worth checking out (787-872-9256).

This area of Puerto Rico is also famous for it's world class surf break; starting in the Northwest Corner of Isabella, all the way to Ricon, and a few points further south from there. All the windsurfing and kitesurfing spots double as surf spots when the wind is down and the waves are up. The best place to go if you are just learning to surf is Jobos Beach because it has the most gentle of breaks. Any local surfer will give you the low-down on where to go based the swell direction and your skill level. There are plenty of surf shops all over the area to buy, rent or repair boards.

Probably the most wonderful thing about coming to this remote spot in Puerto Rico, is that you can also do nothing but sit on the beach and enjoy the solitude. The beaches along this coast are long enough so that you can find your own private spot if you are willing to walk along them for a few moments. Pack a picnic lunch and make sure you bring beverages for when the sun goes down; here you will find some of the most dramatic sunsets in the Caribbean. Like the Northwest coast, these are not to be missed!

Discuss this article in the Windsurfing Forum

Bonaire

2008-01-15T06:16:00.000-08:00

My girlfriend and I spent a week kiting in Bonaire this past November and I have been wanting to write a review for all the kiters out there looking for a great new place to go.

I have been to Bonaire now 8 times now and would generally windsurf or scuba dive as itâ€™s an excellent place for both. My girlfriend and I are still beginners at kiting, climbing that learning curve for our second year now and would highly recommend Bonaire to anyone looking for a great place to kite on a vacation and/or for lessons.

The guys at Kite Bonaire, Stephan and Roan, are exceptionally helpful and simply great people to kite with. The Locals are extremely friendly.

The beach where kiting is allowed (Atlantis and Pink) is off shore wind, so be sure to get help from KiteBonaire if you are not an expert. The beach and the island in general is never crowded and even during peak season, but can be a bit more expensive in the peak season for hotel. Scuba diving is the main tourist draw there so if you dive too, itâ€™s in my opinion, some of the best diving in the Caribbean.

Boniare has excellent food / restaurants and great hotels. ( The Belle Fonte is the my favorite place to stay). On a budget, check out the Lizrard Inn. You will likely want to rent a car even though the island is small, everything is pretty spread out.

Check out the park (Washington) on the far side of the island if there is no wind one day, really nice but takes a whole day to get through (and you need a truck).

If you live in Europe, KLM flies direct there almost daily.

IF you live in the US, it is not easy to get there and generally takes multiple flights as American / Air Jamacia have cancelled their flights there last year. Continental flies direct through Newark, NJ and I think Houston TX, starting in 2006.

If you are considering Aruba to Kite, (Iâ€™ve been there to kite as well) Bonaire in my opinion is far better. Fewer crowds, more low key, and less expensive, more beautiful. If you like the wild nightlife , gambling, sandy beaches, etc..Aruba is probably the way to go though. Bonaire is very quiet.

Happy travels

Kirsty Jones Kiteboards from Lanzarote to Morocco

2008-01-15T06:11:00.000-08:00

On May 13th, 2006 world wave champion kitesurfer Kirsty Jones from Wales UK, broke the kitesurfing world record by kitesurfing 140 miles from Lanzarote to Morocco, land to land. It took 9 hours, non stop.

She left from the beach in front of Lanzarote's grandest hotel, hotel Salinas in Costa Teguise, at 10am on May 13th and arrived in Tarfaya, Western Sahara, Morocco at 7pm. Her route took her up towards the Northern Sahara then down wind towards her final destination.

Kirsty had encountered very light wind 4 hours into the challenge which slowed her down and caused her to become sea sick because of the choppy sea and swell then luckily the wind picked up and she hit speeds of 40 kms. She was forced to change tack and angle to the wind on a few occasions to ensure she arrived at her destination making the journey even more tiring and difficult.

Kirsty believes the "wind gods" must have been smiling down on her and she says "I was also expecting the wind to drop as the forecast had not predicted the wind to pick up so I was feeling doubtful about even making it half way. Instead of dropping, the wind picked up, the sun came out and I saw dolphins - this was when I realised my luck was changing and I had a real chance of making it."

"Although I didn't see land for 8 hours, every hour seemed to be different. At the beginning of my journey I encountered a big fin ahead of me which turned out to be two pilot whales, I had flying fish fly over my board, and saw pods of dolphins. I felt very happy and emotional when I began to recognise the coast of Morocco and the landmarks of the village of Tarfaya."

Kirsty used a 12m Flexifoil Iron Kite, a custom made 'Wave' board, and an S-Core 3mm wetsuit.

Kirsty's motivation was to raise money, equipment and awareness to a disabled charity in Morocco while bridging two continents, rich and poor through her passion for kitesurfing. Kirsty along with Youths United (an extreme events company who supported Kirsty in her venture) bought with them donated surf and windsurf equipment to give to a small club she helped to establish for the people in the village of Tarfaya to have the opportunity to learn water sports.

Kirsty would like to say "Shocran" and "Diolch yn Fawra" - thank you in Arabic and welsh to Youths United, her support boats, "The Friends of Tarfaya Association," the people of the Sahara and her sponsors Animal, Flexifoil, S-Core and Da Kine. "I could not have achieved this without them."

Discuss this article in the Windsurfing Forum

Byron Bay beginning of April.

2008-01-15T06:05:00.000-08:00

April is not the best month... either summer or winter are good. Autumn gets a lot of westerlies - offshore. That can be OK at the Pass (faces west) or in Ballina River but pretty gusty. April winds would probably be better further north up into Queensland -- not sure tho.

Byron at the end of Feb is usually still good. After hot still humid days, the wind kicks in from the north or NE... 15kn average. Often get a couple of days change from the south - stronger wind... good then at Flatrock or the open beaches. Sometimes get the tail end of a cyclone swinging down from Queensland, so big swell days (sometimes)...

Tallows is a great kiting Beach - but strangely I'm often the only one there... most tourists stay in Byron Bay itself. Tallows is accessed through Suffolk Park a little to the south. Plenty of space. Good waves. Good on a NE (summer pattern) or SE (winter pattern).

Watch out for turtles - they are lucky to have survived already. Check the dolphins... you probably will see some - there are 2 local pods.

Please please please show RESPECT. We do not have kiting restrictions here... but if someone starts smartarsing-kiteloop-mobe-bigair-speedkiting through swimmers or surfers at main beach, that will be the end of that freedom. Please keep your distance - both rigging - and kiting. Main Beach is only for experienced kiters... it gets too crowded with picnicers, swimmers, surfers, etc. to risk injuries from beginners.

kite Instructors - there are 2 I know of - will try to post links if I can find them.

Have fun, see you round, please ALL show Respect, thanks
Greg

byron-bay.com

Kiteboarding Romantico

2008-01-15T05:57:00.000-08:00

eсor Castro and the Cuban dream...fat cigars and even fatter cars...rum, Romantico and the only way to go to Varadero...beach that is...back to the future and lost in the fifties we lived, The Real Cuban Dream!

At the customs desk while entering Cuba, via La Habana, the customs agent began with the usual barrage of questions.

"Citizenship?"

"Canadian!"

"You speak Spanish?"

"Yes!"

"Why?"

"Because I'm a photographer and I travel a lot?"

"Why do you have so many stamps in your passport?"

"Because I'm a photographer and I travel a lot!"

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm a photographer, I travel a lot?"

Her lack of hearing had caused me to answer like an automaton! Oh well, at least I didn't have to pay anything at that desk, or so that's what the sign I read said. I was in Cuba to travel around with Franz Olry, a man quickly becoming a legend in the young sport of kiteboarding, and take some of the first kiteboarding photos in Cuba. I was more than a little excited to see what Franz had checked out already. He had been in Cuba for a few days, supposedly scouting out some good locales...Like I say...Supposedly.

I picked up my luggage and cruised out to the passenger pickup where Franz and his entourage of extended family (his girlfriend is Cuban) were waiting for me. After quick greetings and introductions we headed out to the car, a 1956 funky, red, Buick-something-or-other. The symbol of American post-war opulence still surviving in one of the last truly Marxist states. The irony of it all still makes me chuckle; in a country where most people can't afford to fill up one of these cars with gas, these behemoths still live on. Some of the cars are modified to a certain degree; the one we were in was fixed to run off either gas or kerosene...Kerosene?

As we settled into the long drive from Habana to Perico..."Perico?" I asked, not being familiar with the town after all my perusals of Cuba's coastal towns.

"Uh yeah," Franz said "Perico is kind of in the middle of Cuba."

"So you're going kiting on some lakes then?"

"I don't know, maybe hunh!"

"Que?" I was perplexed.

"Ahh, don't worry we'll go to the coast, it's only about an hour and a bits drive either way!" he answered.

"Oh, is that all!?"

Visions of getting completely skunked popped into my head...Oh well, at least I figured I could get some cool photos of the cars.

Roughly fours hours after leaving La Habana we arrived in Perico, a sleepy little hamlet almost dead in the center of Cuba.ЙAt least I could still get photos of the cars, I thought again. Since it was Sunday night, the last night of the disco for the week, we showered, changed and headed out right away. Party we did!

I woke up the next morning as if in a dream. I felt as though I had been thrown back in time, to somewhere in the late fifties...the hairstyles, cars, barber shops, and fashions were all of a fifties sensibility. A little coffee and oranges woke me up enough to remind myself that I was just in Cuba.

While not actually in the fifties, Cuba certainly is surreal. Life seems to have slowed down so much that it still feels as though you're living in another time—a strange kind of Rip Van Winkle effect on the entire country. When Franz and I went for a walk around the town it was hard to feel like we had any chance of blending in. We were a bit more like two kids from the future running around in the past, much like Michael J. Fox in the movie Back to the Future. Our flashy surfer-wear didn't quite blend in with the straw hats and faded blue Guajiro style of the locals. I decided to ask Franz again if we were going to go kiting at all while in Cuba.

"Yeah, I think we should, hunh...Maybe tomorrow we'll go to Varadero...It's nice here in Perico, eh, I like it!"

While it certainly was nice there I was afraid that if I stayed too long I'd be pomading my hair and smoking fat cigars before long. Luckily we did go to Varadero the next day.

As we drove to Varadero we passed by endless fields of cane, orange trees and rice, those being some of the staples of the Cuban economy. For what seemed like hours on the road, our old cruiser lumbered along while our host family, including the mother and boyfriend, and sister and boyfriend of Franz's girlfriend, and I, listened to endless amounts of the local favorite music...Romantico.

The name says it all really, as this type of music has nothing to do with the sweet melodies of the Buena Vista Social Club and is somewhat more akin to listening to a distant cousin of Julio Iglesias trying to sing his songs. When we arrived I felt more than just a little relieved. The Romantico music was finally replaced with the soothing sounds of the Atlantic Ocean waves breaking upon the golden sands of Varadero beach. As luck would have it the winds were steadily filling in.

While Varadero beach itself wasn't quite windy enough, the lagoon side of Varadero was already pumping a perfect 15 knots and it was only 10:30 am. So, we opted to do a little shooting/sailing on the lagoon side, then head over to the open ocean later on in the afternoon.

Almost immediately after hitting the water, Franz busted into a huge one-foot grab, floating above the trees as a group of Cuban school kids watched from the shore. It was, most likely, their first time ever seeing a kiter and who better to introduce them to the fantastic new sport than Franz. For the next couple of hours he put on a show for the Cubans by throwing out all kinds of loops, grabs and one-footers imaginable.

After a couple of hours of this, we decided to take a break, grab some food, then head over to the ocean side for some killer wave-riding action. During lunch Franz actually discovered he had a few fans in Cuba. A vacationing Cuban, who now resides in Canada, noticed Franz and had him sign his latest Kite mag with Sr. Olry on the back cover. He also suggested a good place for us to go kite. So, we finished eating and headed over to the open ocean side of Varadero beach.

The first thing you notice when you hit Varadero is how clear the water is, being an almost metallic shade of bluey-green. Then you notice that the sand is so fine you feel as though you are walking on a beach of flour. Varadero itself is a long spit that juts out to the east, leaving great ocean waves and slightly off-shore winds on the ocean side as well as creating a funnel effect on it's lagoon side wind. Pumped up, Franz headed out for a few more hours and proceeded to launch rocket airs off the inside break and worked on his wave-riding skills, something Franz is definitely one of the best in the world at. Although the waves were generally only about head-high, Franz was able to do some huge off the lips and deep gouges of the wave face.

After kiting until sunset Franz, the rest of our entourage, and I packed up the big old beast and set about driving back to Perico. The Romantico music was turned on almost as soon as the engine turned over, so I leaned my head out the window, soaking up the countryside of Cuba, trying to tune out the cacophony the sister and mother joining in with the terrible music invading my eardrums. The next day I tried to burn a few of my cooler CDs in hopes that they might make their way into the stereo before the Romantico.

We headed out to Playa Larga and began to see a bit of variation in the Cuban topography. Lagoons, fabulous massive trees resembling the African Baobab and endless expanses of rice patties replaced the cane and orange fields to the north. I excitedly began snapping off countless pictures from my window seat until the clouds became too apparent to allow for any good shots. Doom, I thought! If we hit the coast and it's cloudy and windless it would be quite a waste of a drive.

We drove into Playa Larga and passed some fine examples of fifties resort architecture on our way to the beach. Surprisingly, it didn't seem as though a soul was occupying them. As we ate lunch I sat and stared at the sky and ocean...barely a stitch of wind and clouds everywhere. Both Franz and I were a little glum. However, our fears soon changed after a quick swim in the ocean. Miraculously the clouds cleared and the wind kicked in perfectly. The gods were definitely on our side this time. We spent the next few hours kiting and taking photos as the onshore winds kicked up some nice chops for Franz to loop to his heart's content.

The ride home was much the same as the ride there...only darker and this time I felt satisfied already knowing we had gotten some cool photos. Now I could really relax and take some cool photos of old American cars.

When it finally came time to leave we packed up the car one last time, turned on the Romantico tunes and headed off. During the four hour cruise to Habana I thought of all the contrasts that make up Cuba: the old American cars, the smiling and friendly faces lost in time in all the villages from Perico to Giron, the pleasantly complete absence of racism, the run down beauty of all the towns and the incredible hospitality of all the Cubans, despite making next to nothing. I thought of my prior thoughts on Castro's Cuba; while it may not be my ideal place to live, a few of the problems that plague much of the rest of humanity have been virtually eliminated in Cuba, and for that one must give Castro at least a little credit.

Our adopted family left Franz and I in Habana. We stayed in a hotel and flew out early the following morning. We both sat back and thanked our lucky stars a) for being so fortunate to be brought up with so much and b) for being so lucky to have had such a great Cuban experience!

While kitesurfing magazines aren't necessarily a place for political issues, this might prove helpful to know: With Fidel Castro just celebrating his 75th birthday, the Cuban people are looking at an unsteady future. When Castro dies it is commonly felt that a second revolution could happen on Cuban soils. While many Cubans are pro-socialism and pro-Castro, another group is looking to something more, better relations with foreign powers and a chance at a more prosperous economy...in short, capitalism, to some degree. So, for those wishing to visit Cuba, now is the time to see one of the few Marxist states in existence before the second revolution comes. Whether it will be a bloody or peaceful one, or whether it will improve the lives of Cubans or not, only the future will tell.

Best Bets

Best place for kiting: Varadero beach; this long spit has countless spots on both the ocean and lagoon side to hit the water and has endless potential for the all-round vacation for the whole family.

Best time of year

Like much of the rest of the Caribbean, Cuba doesn't begin to receive regular trade winds until mid-January, which continue straight through until the end of August, by which time the hurricane season begins to push on through until November. A calm period follows the hurricane season until mid-January.

Best Drink

The Mojito. Made famous by Ernest Hemingway, the Mojito is a rum, mint and soda concoction that both refreshes and stimulates the system...best had in La Habana for the true Cuban experience.

Best Cuban Music

Anything by Campay Segundo of Buena Vista Social Club fame.

Best to avoid

Cuban fast food joints. They're really cheap, but you definitely only get what you pay for.

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Spring too Early.Lookig for conditions Beta

2008-01-15T05:50:00.000-08:00

We have had temps over 55 above 10,000' for over a week.

Snow pack is devastated.

We are looking for Conditions Reports for Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, etc.

Much appreciated, we are thinking of getting out first thing next week.

Here are some Pictures from some recent sessions here in SW CO

Thanks !!

Adios

Forrest

Seadi Takes First at Brazil PWA Comp

2008-01-15T05:48:00.000-08:00

Brazilian windsurfer notches his first win of 2007 season.
by Brian McDowell

Kauli Seadi's dreams come true as a sensational win on his doorstep continues the 2007 trend of home advantage. This crucial victory marks the Brazilian's first event title of the season, and protects his grip on the tour lead.

There was no doubt in the crowd's minds as to who'd won as a throng of supporters carried Seadi from the water's edge to the podium before the decision was announced.

The judges seemed to agree and a unanimous 5-0 decision awarded him the victory.

Final Results

1. Kauli Seadi (Quatro / Naish)

2. Nik Baker (Mistral / North)

3. Levi Siver (Starboard / NeilPryde)

4. Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Simmer)

5. Kevin Pritchard (Starboard / MauiSails)

6. Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde)

= 7. Klaas Voget (Fanatic / NeilPryde)

= 7. Jason Polakow (JP / NeilPryde)

= 9. Ross Williams (Tabou / Gaastra)

= 9. Julien Taboulet (F2 / Naish)

= 9. Vidar Jensen (North)

= 9. Josh Angulo

You can review the event at www.pwaworldtour.com to check the elimination ladders, daily news summaries, results and browse the sensational photo galleries.

Brazil Kiteboard Comp Kicks Off

2008-01-15T05:44:00.000-08:00

PKRA's KiteXtreme draws some of the world's top kiteboarders.
by Kiteblogs.com

Discuss this article in the Kiteboarding Forum

The biggest kiteboarding competition in Brazil kicked off to another great year with the start of the KiteXtreme Brazil 2007 in Coqueiro beach located in Luнs Correia, Parnaнba – some 450 km away from Fortaleza. Located on the northeast coast of Brazil, Coqueiro will be the home of some of the world's best kiteboarders for five days which will run until the 23rd of September, 2007.

The French Connection

2008-01-15T05:39:00.000-08:00

Find out what makes "fly surfing" in Tahiti and New Caledonia one of the best kiteboarding locations.
by P. Media

There are few islands in the South Pacific that have the beauty, charm and awesome windsurfing and kiteboarding conditions of Tahiti and New Caledonia. The women, the bread, the food, the wine, the climate, the beaches and the wind are all awesome.

Tahitians call the sport of kiteboarding "fly surfing" because of their French affiliation. For reasons only known to them, (when you boost, you FLY?) the Tahitians have been using flysurfing as their term of choice on the islands since day one. Overall, the kiteboarding, kitesurfing, kiteflying, and flysurfing conditions on Tahiti and her islands are excellent, but they vary from island to island.

The Society Islands of French Polynesia are commonly referred to as "Tahiti" by many, although that is a misnomer because Tahiti is really just one of over 130 different islands of the 5 separate archipelagos (group of islands) that comprise French Polynesia as a whole. The island of Tahiti itself just happens to be located in the windward group of the Society Islands archipelago.

In fact, Tahiti is the largest and most famous, and the other Society Islands include Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Maupiti, Tetiaroa, and a few others. Tahiti is the island with the most consistent kitesurfing conditions in French Polynesia on a year round basis. Good old Venus Point is a mainstay of the best kiters on the island, but there are many other islands, spots and conditions worthy of knowing.

Winds: No matter where on the globe you're talking about, the WIND is the first and foremost key to any windsurf and kiteboarding destination. Similar to the Hawaiian island chain, the French Polynesian islands get a steady flow of "South Pacific tradewinds." Depending on their direction and the season, these "tradewinds" are called either the Toerau or the Mara'amu. The Mara'amu are commonly thought of as being best for kiting but the Toerau can be good too - it all depends on the mood of the wind.

Best time of year? The best tradewinds for kiteboarding are the south-easterly blowing Mara'amu and are USUALLY most consistent during the Polynesian winter months (dry season) of June through September. When they blow, average winds are between 15 and 25 knots/ hour, so it's recommended to bring a quiver of 2 kites or more.

Most of the island's kitespots are in the lagoons, well protected from the deep open waters of the Pacific. This means there are no waves, no sharks, (really - well not big ones), and in most kite spots, the lagoons are a perfect non-intimidating depth of between 3 and 15 feet. On super powerful days, you'll get some chop, but not much. If you WANT waves you'll have to venture out to the passes where the surfers are, but that isn't really recommended for most kiters unless you're extremely confident due to the inherent dangers of mixing coral, waves, wind, kite, and lines.

New Caledonia

"The Largest Lagoon in the World" - New Caledonia is situated in the heart of the South Pacific, 1500 kms east of Australia. This land of contrast is composed of a group of islands, The Main Island, Loyalty Islands, Isle of Pines, Belep and a myriad of small islands. The barrier reef stretching 1600 kms and encircling the mainland island is the world's largest lagoon, and one of the most beautiful.

Cooled by the Pacific Ocean and the trade winds, New Caledonia enjoys a soft, sunny climate. From the central mountain range to the warm tropical waters you will discover flora and fauna which people come from all over the world to discover. With an incredible mixture of ethnic groups, New Caledonia is a land with many traditions, customs and different cultures. The blend of Melanesian and French cultures enhanced by Polynesian makes an exciting yet harmonious lifestyle.

Climate: "Land of eternal spring," New Caledonia is blessed with a pleasant semi-tropical climate all year round. The east coast of the island is a tropical area with a more humid climate, while the west coast features a drier, more temperate zone. The warm season, from September to March, has temperatures averaging between 25-27C, with short occasional rains. The cool season, from April to August, has temperatures averaging between 20-23C, but water temperature stays warm enough for swimming. January to March is the rainy season, while September to November is the dry season with October having the least rainfall.

New Caledonia is a windsurf and kiteboarding culture - each day the wind comes up and the water becomes populated. From right in the heart of the city beaches to out in the more remote villages the wind blows.

New Caledonia offers good quality wind conditions all year and there is an abundance of local talent - both on and off the water! If you haven't been - you should.

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Beat the Autumn Blues

2008-01-15T05:21:00.000-08:00

The best places to go windsurfing and kiteboarding in the fall...
By Gina Bradley

Thanksgiving at Long Beach
Photo by Danny Sitt
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When summer ends and the days get shorter and cooler, panic sets in for windsurfers and kitesurfers. It is a common affliction in northern areas, as we watch with dismay as the jet stream dips south bringing in the cold Canadian air. We are forced to forget the glorious hot days of summer, the warm southern winds and late sunsets. The wind season is winding down, but it is not over. Fall sailing is great, the waters are usually warmer than in the spring and when there is wind, it is strong. The only downside to fall sailing and heading to a destination is that the winds can be fluky in this season and you may find a week of great wind, followed by a week of the doldrums. So, if you are going to take a trip in search of wind it is always best to go to a place that is easy to get to, less hassle once you are there and has plenty of other things to do, just in case you get a few days of no wind.

So where does one go during the fall and early winter months? If you ask around to fellow wind junkies, you will get lots of varying answers. So I picked four places that had to fit the criteria of: easy to get to, good winds, and lots of other things to do other than sailing.

New York City and Long Island, NY

This might come as a surprise to some, two hours driving from New York City, you can find some extremely challenging and exciting windsurfing and kite surfing spots. If you watch the weather maps, maybe even get a subscription to iwindsuf.com, you can pretty much get dialed in for long weekend or even a week. This area is better in early fall (late September through till October), as later in the season it can get really cold!

Where to go

In Long Island the best spots are Napeague Bay and its outer waters, Gardiners Bay. For more variety you can try Hecksher State Park (located in the middle of the island), or Peconic Bay. The Shinecock Inlet (also known as The Bowl) and Ditch Plains make for superb ocean sailing when the wind is side shore. Places closer to New York City are Plumb Beach (about 30 minutes) and Sandy Hook (in New Jersey).

Gear Situation

The Long Island area has places to rent gear, but off-season you have to make the effort, meaning that you may have to pick up and drop off the gear from the shop and have a vehicle that can haul it. The two places on the East End are Hampton's Windsurfing: (631) 283-9463 and Main Beach: 516-647-0678. Hampton's Windsufing and Main Beach both have kite gear for sale and kite lessons available. There is also a local kitesurfing instructor, Skatoor, who supplies gear with all his lessons: 203-984-1097.

Non-Wind Activities

There is some really great single track mountain biking at Hither Hills State Park and in the Northwest Woods; maps can be found for the areas at all the local bike shops. The fishing season is great all fall and you can find boats in Montauk, Hampton Bays and Bay Shore. Golf on any of the state courses on Long Island is available and there is one right in Montauk called The Montauk Downs, rated one of America's top 50 public golf courses. There is always a wave for surfing at Ditch Plains in Montauk.

Maui, HI

Maui is a Mecca for windsurfers and kitesurfers. When you drive around the island you often see cars loaded with gear valued more than the cars themselves! Professionals and amateur windsurfers and kitesurfers flock to this area year round, but early fall is a great time to go, since the winds tend to be strong and the waves are just building for winter. If you wait until late November and December the trade winds are less of a guaranteed, but you will still probably find yourself sailing at least half of your time there. Like all fall season spots, the winds on Maui can shut off for a week and then come back strong, but the great thing about Maui is that there is so much to do other than windsurfing on the island, so it takes the sting out of getting skunked. The trick with all the spots on Maui depends on the wave direction and size. If there are no waves then almost all of the sites are a bit easier. If there is a big swell, then check with locals about conditions and the best place to sail based on your level.

Where to sail

Maui is just epic all over but the popular spots are Kanaha, Spreckelsville and Ho'okipia and all throughout Kihei. Kiting is only allowed at this point at Kite Beach, just down from Kanaha. There may be other locations where it is allowed so check with your local shop.

Gear Situation

Unless you are really attached to your gear, it is best to pack light and enjoy some of the newest gear of the season. Maui boasts the world's best and most comprehensive gear rentals and they are right to do so. It is the home to many of the board tests, so the shops keep abreast of new innovations and always have the latest gear at reasonable prices. There are so many great shops that you cannot go wrong in your selection. It is best to choose a shop with the brand of gear you want to try out, or test out a brand you don't normally use so you can see for yourself how your sailing is affected by different shapes and designs.

Non-Wind Activities

Maui offers so much to do from mountain bike tours and bike rides down Hana to just exploring the lush island. Surfing is always a great option on the leeward side and they have great instructors if you are just starting out. Maui also has great towns like Paia, Kehei and Lanai to explore.

Hatteras, NC

Hatteras is the best bet if you live in North East and want to enjoy the varying conditions and simplicity of launches. Hatteras gets just about the same winds as the New York area, but you can sail or fly well into November and December as it is much further south. It is a windsurfing and kiting hotspot and should not be missed if you are an avid sailor or kiter. The great thing about this area is you can rent a house and sail right out your back door! Between the sound and the ocean, Hatteras can accommodate all levels of sailors and kiters in all types of winds and swells. If you pick the right day with a small swell and a side shore breeze, the ocean can be the perfect place to try wave sailing with your kite or on your windsurfer for the first time.

Where to sail

Canadian Hole is probably one of the most popular spots and worth checking out, but by far not the only one. On the ocean side there are plenty of places to get into wave sailing like The Cove, Ego Beach and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. You might also check out Nags Head, Hatteras Island, Rodanthe, Avon, and Frisco Woods. A four wheel drive vehicle is your best bet as it gives you ability to drive on the beaches and have even more options for launches.

Gear Situation

If you are driving down (or up) to Hatteras you might as well load up your gear, although there are great shops for rentals from Nags Head to Hatteras. Search the web and you will find plenty of shops and you can call ahead to reserve gear. For kite boarding questions, lessons and gear, I recommend Realkiteboarding (1-800-realkite) as they have been around the longest and have the most competent school.

Non-Wind Activities

Hatteras has a lot do when the winds quiet down or your hands are just too raw to sail another day and you need a break. Hatteras has some of the best surfing and fishing on the East Coast. There are also golf courses to the north in Nags Head and one in Frisco. There is wakeboarding, sea kayaking and even horseback riding, all worth checking out.

Miami and the Keys, FL

Not always considered a windsurfing and kitesurfing destination, Florida has over 2,000 miles of coastline, which makes finding sandy beaches, easy launch sites and warm water year round a pretty good bet. Its sheer size of water access alone makes Florida appealing for those in search of wind. Unlike New York and Hatterass, Florida gets better wind later in the fall (around mid-November) as hurricane season winds down and the winter trade winds pick up. All of Florida is great for windsurfing, but I recommend Miami and the Florida Key as this area is easy to get to and offers plenty to do when the winds don't blow.

Where to Sail

In Miami, if the conditions are right, you can sail right at South Beach and fly your kite right there too. Another popular spot is Rickenbacker Beach just off the Rickenbacker causeway. Further down the causeway is Hobie Beach, a great bump and jump spot and even further down is a great site at Virgina Key Beach. In the Keys, the best spot is Islamorada on Windley Key.

Gear Situation

If you are driving it is best to just take your own gear. There are plenty places to rent, but they may not be too happy to have you cart the gear away, so you will be subject to certain areas for sailing. However, there are a few places to rent gear in Miami. The most convenient is Sailboards Miami (305-361-SAIL) which is off the Rickenbaker Causeway on the South Side. They all have great gear and give great lessons. In the Keys on Islamorada there is Bump & Jump Windsurfing, but you should call ahead to check it out: 305-664-9447.

Non-Wind Activities

Miami the best place to get skunked. There is so much to do that one can take weeks to do it all! There is a full gambit of activities from taking in the scene at South Beach, to rollerblading along the beach walk, surfing if the waves come up, to exploring the different parts of the city. The Keys offer some of the best snorkeling and diving along the coast. Make sure you check out the John Penny Camp State Park, which is an underwater park.

Source

Saintes Maries delivered good conditions

2008-01-11T02:42:00.000-08:00

Saintes Maries/France, 06-01-2008
text:mos/pic: Ingrid Franchi

The best conditions of the day were at the beginning of the session from 11am until 1pm with winds of 35-knots with higher gusts of 40-knots and a good angle of 125. The 'big' winds that were predicted throughout the weather circles for the later afternoon unfortunately did not materialize and the normally fluid southeast was tempestuous and moody with wide scopes of change in the wind strength measured at the start, middle and finish by the race crew.

This made getting the right moment difficult. Hats off to Antoine Albeau for a very good performance and for being in the right place at the right time. His speed of 47.69 is the third fastest of all time. Record holder Finian Maynard had an off day as he was unable to find the right tuning, gust or pick the right gear in the constantly changing conditions.

Personal bests were attained by David Garrel (45.96), Cedric Bordes (45.94), Thomas Gaudiot (42.71), Markus Poeltenstein (40.40) and Valerie Ghibaudo (39.93). Congratulations.

"I beat my own record today" explains Antoine "the angle of wind was better than our last attempt. We simply missed still a little wind. I think that I can still go faster even if it is really not easy to gain 0,5 knots at this speed."

Text: mastersofspeed.com

Saintes Maries delivered good conditions

2008-01-11T01:32:00.000-08:00

Saintes Maries/France, 06-01-2008
text:mos/pic: Ingrid Franchi

Personal bests were attained by David Garrel (45.96), Cedric Bordes (45.94), Thomas Gaudiot (42.71), Markus Poeltenstein (40.40) and Valerie Ghibaudo (39.93). Congratulations.

Text: mastersofspeed.com

MauiSails agrees to Kevin Pritchard Departure

2008-01-11T01:21:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE;

MauiSails agrees to Kevin Pritchard Departure
(Maui, Hawaii, USA - January, 2008)

Phil McGain, President of the company, commented on the new direction for his sailing partner of the past fifteen years; "We wish Kevin the best of luck. We have all enjoyed working with him over the years. It's always challenging to end long partnerships, but sometimes change is invaluable and must be accepted with gratitude and appreciation."

Designer, Barry Spanier commented, "Working with Kevin and helping him to become a World Champion has been very satisfying and personally rewarding. His participation will be missed. But sometimes it's like Yogi Berra once said, `If there's a fork in the road, you have to take it.' I certainly wish him the best in his new circumstances."

MauiSails would also like to announce and welcome Norio Asano (J-25) of Led Iron, our new Japanese distributor. We are excited to develop our relationship with Norio, and look forward to years of his high level performance. Norio is the current slalom racing national champion and is a very accomplished wave sailor.

We are also happy to continue working with Martin Van Meurs, who will be our dedicated speed master, and we expect him to follow his amazing fifty knot GPS speed with higher levels of achievement and possible World Records. Martin will continue to administer the online Speed forum.

MauiSails is a windsurfing rig component brand. The MauiSails Team designs, builds and markets windsurfing sails, masts, carbon and aluminum booms, plus accessories. With global reach in over thirty countries world-wide, the company provides information on all things related to the sport at http://www.mauisails.com/forum

Masters of Speed 2007

2008-01-07T15:25:00.000-08:00

Saintes Maries de la Mer in southern france will open its Speed Canal again. The chase for records and the 50knots barrier will take place with a selection of competitors on a 1000M canal in Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, France. The event is slated to take place throughout the entire winter months of 2007/08 for a period of 5-months. This is the ideal time to harness the energy generated by the famous South-East and Mistral winds and the location is proven with eight outright world records in the past 20 years.

THE CANAL
The 'Canal', as it is known to the sailors, is the unmistakable location where today's windsurfing technology has the potential to explore the unknown depths of speed. The trench itself is 1,100 meters long with a width of 30 meters.
There are three overlapping, 500 M courses on each side accommodating the four quadrant wind directions. NW, N/NE, SW & SE. The two most favourable directions are the widely known 'Mistral', which blows from a N/NE direction and the 'Le Marin', which blows from the SE. This particular wind carries enormous potential to deliver on a grand scale.
The Canal will be moulded and cared for by Christophe Simian and Fabrice David, who are very experienced collaborating record attempts in Stes. Maries and all potentially fast times will be officially ratified by the WSSRC, who will have an observer on hand.

THE RIDERS
Finian Maynard (11): two-time outright world record holder, fastest current speed of 48.70-knots
Karin Jaggi (14): former outright world record holder, slalom world champion, Best personal speed 41,25 knots
Patrik Diethelm (ITA120): production speed world champion). Best personal speed 43,09 knots
Valerie Ghibaudo(444): speed world champion, Best personal speed 39,02 knots
David Garrel(22): former French record holder, Best personal speed 45,51 knots
Cedric Bordes (91): Best personal speed 39,78 knots
Marion Raisi
John Smalley(K42): Best personal speed 40,75 knots
Farrel O´Shea (K81): Best personal speed 39,07 knots
Andrea Baldini (ITA223): Best personal speed 36,64 knots
Francesco d´Urso (62): Best personal speed 39,55 knots
Markus Pöltenstein: Best personal speed 39,08 knots
Henrik Klagges (111): Best personal speed 37,88 knots
Thomas Gaudiot

Interview by F2.com
Pascal Maka (Organiser):
"Masters of speed is on again!! This year our motivation has been really activated since kite riders have done good times in Namibia.
In mid of October we have started the hard work part with our excavator pilot to re shape perfectly the new streamlined banks of the canal, it is very important to get perfect wind in the bottom of competitors sails and also to have the right water level for a flatter water surface. Christophe and Fabrice have tuned the timing system. Our goal this time is to break the 50 knots barrier.
When I watch the video tape for the hundredth time Finian and Karin's world record runs on April 10th 2006, I can tell you now 2007-2008 MOS competitors have a wide range to break new world records: more than 50 knots for Men and more than 45 knots for Women...
We have extended the world record attempt to 5 months to get more chances to score the right wind conditions during the winter time.
Let's hope we make it again - but this time 50 Knots +!"

Finian Maynard (Outright Speed World Record Holder):
"I am very excited to come back to the Canal in France which is a location with a proven track record in the chase for higher speeds and ultimately the 50-knot barrier. This winter we are all putting in a very big effort in the form of a 5-month period and I hope we get the perfect day in which to realize windsurfing's true potential on the speed course. F2 is fielding a strong team for this challenge and we are after many different records! I hope we can achieve what we set out to do. Stay tuned."

Karin Jaggi (F2 Team Manager, Female Windsurf Speed World Record Holder):
"Just a few weeks ago I lost the outright women speed record to Sjoukje Bredenkamp, a female kiter. Many people asked me how I felt... All I can say is that I am soooooo much looking forward to a windy day on the canal! I always stated that the two days of record conditions I experienced at the "ditch" are some of my favorite windsurfing memories I have from 15-years touring the world. The beauty and force of nature – the raging elements – a team of friends gathering around the "ditch" – ready to brave the elements together in the pursuit of theirs dreams – I am getting excited every time I even think about it! And I finally have a goal and reason to be there again – thanks to Sjoukje!"

All the latest speed news, pictures and more at Mastersofspeed.com

Ultimate Windsurfing Accessory: The Cayman Yachts 50 foot RRD Windsurfing Motor Boat

2008-01-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

With all that recent worry about taking windsurfing kit on board those nasty airlines, it's about time someone came up with an alternative! Just head down to your local marina and load your kit into the custom built hold and off you go, cruising the west coast of France before heading to Portugal, Spain and across to the Canaries! Or why not have in permanently moored in some Caribbean Isle ready to do battle with the tradewinds every winter.

Features

Length: 50ft (15.35m)
Width: 14.76ft (4.5m)
Engines: 2 x Volvo Penta 575Hp
Accomodation: 5/6 people

The yacht actually comes with the following equipment:

2 x windsurf boards & rigs
2 x kiteboards & 3 kites
2 x wake surfboards designed specifically to ride the wake of the yacht!!

Now all you need is the price. For that and all other info go to: www.caymanyachts.it or www.robertoriccidesigns.com

The PWA pros give some top tips on travelling

2007-12-29T23:56:00.000-08:00

The pros top tips on air travel with windsurfing gear

Some trips are epic from start to finish, and some dream missions to search out perfect surf kick-off badly from the minute the ground crew spot you lugging giant coffins into the terminal buildings.
The PWA World Tour riders have more experience than anyone at negotiating huge amounts of equipment onto airplanes.
But the recent news that British Airways are banning windsurfing and surfboards on their aircraft has certainly black-marked them amongst the watersports world.
Some airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic, have reacted positively to the massive online protests, via communities such as Facebook groups, and wisely launched counter-campaigns such 'welcome-on-boards' in a bid to get your business.
But the general picture for travellers with bulky board bags is still bleak in the light of modern weight restrictions, which are designed a mixture of eco-friendlier fuel saving, and heightened security.
Brian asked some seasoned PWA journeymen to hand over their advice on having a smooth journey, lower excess charges and avoiding that trip from hell…

BOOKING TIPS

Alex Mussolini (JP / NeilPryde): "Check the airfares and compare the totals of the fair and baggage prices. The cheapest fares and cheapest excess prices are rarely combined with the same airline."

Anne-Marie Reichmann (Naish / Naish): "I call up the airline and tell them I am bringing gear. And then I ask if they can confirm, on my ticket, that I'm bringing some extra stuff."

Chris Pressler (Starboard / Severne): "Check the rules in advance and get in contact with the airport/airline management in advance, if you feel it could get critical".

PACKING SUGGESTIONS

Chris: "Go compact, and don't rock-up with heavy triple-board monsters.

Sometimes it's better to check in the boards one by one. Surfboards were free, and sometimes angling gear goes free, so you could say the rigs are for fishing…" Alex: "Take as many masts as you can, and take just enough gear to sail during the whole trip, like 3 sails 1 boom and your best board."

Anne-Marie: "Pack more bags, but lighter ones... don't put everything in one bag and make it mega-heavy...they don't like that these days. You can pack it in 1 or 2 bags, but be prepared to divide it up in 3 bags. If they are really strict about the weight, for example, you can always put some sails, a boom and a mast in a single board bag you have around one of your boards. But some airlines like less in total still... so ... always call the airline you travel with beforehand".

CHECK-IN CHARM

Alex: "Smile! And if things get nasty, just take it! Ha Ha…"

Anne-Marie: "Arrive and check-in early, so you have more change of less waiting in line, and you have time to negotiate. Be nice, keep your patience, and also have some receipts from earlier trips handy. That way if you have to pay excess charges, you can compare it to an earlier trip, and the airline can see what is 'normal'."

Chris: "Yeah, be friendly, keep an eye on co-workers (ladies), who are new, and never be the first in line, as in moments of hurry they often make better deals. Also, show up with any papers you can get from the reservations departments".

BE PREPARED

Chris: "I always have some power lines in my bags to fix the bags onto vehicles at the destination, and in some countries I use cable clips or locks".

Anne-Marie: "Always bring long straps which are useful for stacking stuff in the car, on top of the car etc. If I rent a car I ask for roof racks...even though it costs more. That way I don't damage the car and end-up paying a lot of money in damages".

EXCESS VICTIMS?

Anne-Marie: "Everyone is lucky and unlucky at times I guess..."

Chris: "In the old days the charges were perhaps even higher, mainly because the gear was bigger, thicker, longer, and heavier. But nowadays I would think that the Maui boys will pay the most with so many stopovers to Europe".

Alex: "I think that Ricardo, and Kauli get burned a lot. I heard a lot of stories about them having to pay huge amounts or having to change flights because of the extra charges. Ricardo lost all his sails coming to Gran Canaria once too".

THE LUCKIEST PRO TRAVELLERS?

Anne-Marie: "Ha! I'd like to tell you who that is, but I don't want to 'jinx' him... he has a lucky charm and will want to keep it that way…"

Chris: "Antoine is one of the pros who always arrives on time with his gear, but that's probably just professional preparation for you. The sneakiest? There are many 'players', on tour, but it can be a lottery and it's often hard to get your gear in time before competition starts".

Alex: "Seriously I've never heard of anyone ever not losing their gear on tour...but I am quite lucky though :)".

THE BEST AIRLINES?

Anne-Marie: "TransAvia is the best! They have been great with gear to the Canary Islands every time. You have to call them up beforehand, and it's never free, but you'll rarely pay more than 60 Euros for your equipment. Super cool!"

Chris: "It's a always a gamble, but I guess, out of my experiences, there are some nice ones, like LTU, Air Berlin, sometimes Thai, Turkish, yeah, for sure, Egypt were also fine…it's just Cairo Airport that's crazy!"

Alex: "Ryanair, and the SkyTeam airlines, are pretty reasonable I think."

Source

5 ways to overcome a difference in time

2007-12-25T00:52:00.000-08:00

Be you the business woman who is spending much time in travelling, or the tourist, loving to travel on the far exotic countries, sooner or later you will face a difference problem in time. The organism on the arrival of the plane in other time zone continues to function in the initial biological rhythm despite sharp change of day and night. Such mismatch of biological rhythms leads to a disease state - desync.

desync is an infringement of a daily rhythm of an organism, frustration of biorhythms in connection with flight through some time zones. It means, that crossing of a time zone breaks your synchronism with organism internal clocks. It is shown in infringements of a dream, appetite, working capacity decrease. So, you can feel at night sharp hunger or start to be sleepy at the important business meeting.

We take, for example, so favourite by all in a cold season Thailand, India or China. Here tourists long turn in the evenings in bed and cannot fall asleep, but in their morning from a gun will not wake and to have breakfast will not force. And the first morning excursions do not deliver any pleasure.

But to reduce adverse effects from flights round globe nevertheless it is possible:

1. The majority of travellers recollect a time zone of the country of appointment, only translating hours during a plane landing. But, planning travel in advance, it is possible to do without «time difficulties». Some days prior to a trip translate a watch for the period of other country and try to live, how much it is possible, on new time. Even if you will lay down to sleep on an hour earlier (or later) within three days, you and that will feel a notable difference. Try to accept food also according to new time.

2. Plan the flight proceeding from that, how much easily you fall asleep in the plane. If you with ease sleep during flight then try to buy the ticket aboard the plane, being in air when in the country of arrival night. But if you hardly fall asleep in transport or under the influence of new impressions then plan flight when in the country of appointment day, and after the arrival at once lay down to sleep.

3. Some conditions are not a difference direct consequence in time, but can worsen its displays. It, for example, dehydration. Dry air of the plane can cause dehydration and the general weakness of an organism. To support water balance, try to drink a water glass in each hour of flight. Prefer mineral water and juice. It is better to refrain from tea, coffee and alcohol as these drinks possess diuretic effect and dehydrate an organism even more. Remember also, that one dose of alcohol in the conditions of flight is equivalent to two doses on the earth! So, and adverse by-effects of alcohol will be shown in a double measure.

4. But if, despite all reasonable efforts, having arrived into place, all of you still feel drowsiness before the important meeting or excursion, to you will help … a sunlight. The natural daylight makes the strongest regulating impact on organism internal clocks, lowering level Melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone made by our organism at night and causing drowsiness. In the afternoon level Melatonin is low, and the person feels vigorous and vigorous. To lower level Melatonin and to "be stirred up" before the important action, it is enough to sit under a daylight of 15-20 minutes.

5. Will help at feeling of drowsiness and small gymnastics. It will give to an organism energy. But it should be not exhausting training! It is enough to descend on a half-hour in a fitness hall or to make some simple exercises (for example, knee-bends) and short jog. Approximately the same properties massage possesses also. Only it should be not weakening or calming, namely invigorating massage.

To have a rest it is necessary not less month in the winter

2007-12-25T00:42:00.000-08:00

The charter from our long winter, the gloomy grey sky, dampness and a dirt, would be desirable to run away for a week-other at summer, to lie down under the hot sun on gold beaches, to bathe in warm transparent ocean waves. But physicians warn: all is good in due time. It is better not to break a habitual current of year, not to deceive the nature and not to change a climate, as though it would be desirable it.

As it was good to our ancestors! If they were going to go at the height of winter on the south they had to spend for road some weeks, and even months. For this time the organism slowly and gradually adapted for new conditions, has acclimatised, harm to health was much less. Now even the farthest exotic islands are all at several o'clock to summer, and some tourists fly to Egypt almost as to themselves on a summer residence: the person suddenly throws itself from a frost in tropical, subtropical, equator a heat and, not having had time to be reconstructed, comes back.

Advertising of tour agencies promises «paradise rest on silky sand of magnificent beaches at ocean coast» and even promises salutary effect from climatic to "stressful therapy», as if tempering an organism. However, according to physicians, the fifth part of tourists tests those or other problems even at a climate minor change. That is, having arrived to Thailand for a week, having spent in total day on flight, the holiday most part can be spent to beds: the temperature rises, there is a cold, a fever, problems with a stomach can begin - usually acclimatisation symptoms are especially appreciable for the third day of rest.

Having reached a resort instead of allowing to a body to have a rest, we aspire to be in time all and we subject ourselves still большему to stress: at once we start to float in the sea, to make long pedestrian walks, we rise highly in mountains, we go down in caves - what only excursions will not offer tourists on any of resorts. Such physical activities by much of us are unfamiliar in a usual city office-sedentary life.

Suddenly received superfluous portion of a solar ultraviolet threatens to turn back skin diseases, to lead to development melanoma. Definitive blow on health puts transition to the exotic food, unfamiliar products, water of other chemical compound, not speaking about traditional abusing alcoholic drinks. And still there is a danger of stings of the exotic animals which poisons are not distinguished in our laboratories, infections every possible малоизученными viruses and bacteria.

Travel to overseas edges is connected and with crossing of several time zones. For accustoming to a new mode considerable time too is required: usually name the formula - two days and on day on each time zone in addition.

If it was possible not to be ill in strange lands, it does not mean, that rest has ended also to our health more threatens nothing. So the organism is arranged, that transition from a heat to a cold is more critical, that is why after returning we are expected by all delights of "return acclimatisation». The weakened immunity not in a condition to resist to usual viruses, and many fall ill shortly after holiday. More often tourists houses overtake sharp respiratory diseases, a flu, quinsy, every possible chronic illnesses become aggravated. What positive emotions, what advantage can be received from such "rest"?

People aspire not only to go to sunbathe in the winter, but also to give the chance to spend time well to children, aged relatives, not reflecting, that kids of preschool age and the older persons, which organism is reconstructed more slowly, make risk group. And precisely it is necessary to forget about winter travel to a southern direction to pregnant women, people with oncological diseases, illnesses of heart, vessels, thyroid gland dysfunction. It is not necessary to change sharply a climate that whom are capable to put to bed pressure or weather change in the homeland.

According to physicians that from winter holiday in the exotic country there were good memoirs, it should last not less than a month. Then it is necessary to have a rest week at home for returning in a habitual rhythm. Besides doctors recommend to consider residing conditions. If the usual life proceeds in a damp climate rest in desert of advantage will not bring. It is better to choose relatives on humidity, height above sea level regions. In overseas edges it is not necessary to abuse a local cuisine, heavy and fat food. Among the products raising a tone and helping to adapt for unusual conditions, name lemons, pomegranates, honey, , it is not necessary to forget and about vitamin complexes which need to start to be accepted in advance. Or, maybe, going on rest to Thailand or Indonesia, Vietnam or Malaysia, the Emirates or Egypt to reflect: whether the advantage of a trip of its cost is equivalent, after all to pay off it is necessary not only denominations, but also own health.

The publication

2007-12-24T23:29:00.000-08:00

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Red Bull Storm

2007-12-18T22:04:00.000-08:00

Red Bull Storm Chase is the most adventure-year vindserf-aktsiya place in the Atlantic, with the worst in the last 15 years of weather conditions. In hunting for the most turbulent and dangerous waves brought together athletes from 9 European countries.

Munich, November 15, 2006. "Are you ready to test themselves at the most extreme vindserf-shou ever?" This promising slogan-vyzov Útěchova trailers on the sides, appeared on the streets of Munich in May of 2006. Auto community owned Red Bull Storm Chase. Six months later, severe storms in the past 15 years hit the Severo-Evropeyskomu Atlantic coast, and won from 9 countries, in full combat readiness met 11 th consecutive shtorm-sorevnovanie. Then, after this most exciting vindserf-shou ever filmed, an explosive went DVD- video! But first was: "Motor, have begun!"

What is Storm Chase: the expectation of the strongest storms in the year (at least, that he was over 10 points) and 2 vindserfera from each team in the country. Participants were selected through internet-golosovaniya www.redbullstormchase.com on the site, where every active sailboard could register and submit to the court its expert committee spot corresponding to the stated conditions.
Since the beginning of June, 280 surfer, including professionals and amateurs, filed an application to participate in the selection round in their home country. 23 000 voters chose heroes Storm Chase, and it also identified those who were later engraved on the Storm Chase DVD.
In mid-August, 24 participants were enrolled in the official list of "pending storm." Storm-line indicator on the site kept in heaven tedious and tense anticipation. Daily weather watching has become an integral part of life for hunters formidable wave.

Great numbers of people from all over the world followed the developments on the site kontesta until the long-awaited storm came in the Atlantic. After several false alarms start byl-taki given 31 October.
1 November more than 50 cameras have been installed at various points in shooting the film and the future of more than 100 people, divided into 11 teams, were ready for the test. The boat operators, helmet camera, even a helicopter, all were ready.
Now the time has come-moving Atlantic storm named Britta at the speed of 70 knots per hour and threatened to swallow 24 vindserfera from 9 European countries… None of them had refused to meet face to face with Britta and participate in the most incredible and difficult battle-year Red Bull Storm Chase!

Naturally, we can not fail to mention the names of all the festival storms, of which there are fascinating and fearless girl:
England
Ben Proffitt - PWA wavesailor
Phil Horrocks - PWA wave and Super X sailor

Scotland
John Hibbard - PWA wavesailor, a nice guy and a strong personality
Stephen Moore, a lawyer and victim windsurfing
Team Quatro: Dario Ojeda - reckless driver and expert on the strong wind
James Cox-famous high jumping and fearlessness

Denmark
Robert Sand-PWA wavesailor, head of Plasma Boardriders
Mads Bjorma - PWA wavesailor

Ireland
Oisin Van Gelderen-champion Irish Wave
Timo Mullen is always in search of storm

Netherlands
Kevin Mevissen-fan Freestyle supreme, thick boards and big waves
Chris Nolles-traveler, lived in the world of many top spot, now moved to Peter Volwater, who was in Maui during the storm.

Norway
Hans Kristain Waarum-champion Norwegian Freestyle
Orjan Jensen is one of the best athletes in the world who specialize in jumping into the harbor. Participant Gran Canarian in Norway

Sweden
Kristoffer Living-jumping specialist in the harbor and with a happy face and the hot plume behind women themselves
Emma Johansson-Scandinavian blond-sensatsiya and PWA wavesailor

Germany (north)
Klaas Voget - PWA wavesailor and vindserf-puteshestvennik. The calm and generally a very nice guy
Torben Sonntag - German serfer-odinochka

Germany (West)
Matze Bade-Western realist, the ice man
Steffi Wahl-PWA wavesailor and she Coast Town (South Africa), one of the best in the world zhenschin-vindserferov!

Germany (East)
Oskar Hollmann, a resident of the city, the terminally sick windsurfing
Jan Mark Möde-father and husband, the oldest hunter for the wave rides on the board 32 years!

Belgium
Tom Scheirlinck-Belgian serfer-odinochka
Filip Loosvelt second-Belgian serfer-odinochka

photo Tom Körber, Stefan Bootz, Maarten Huisman, John Carter, Bevis Nickel, Magnus Peterson

Brazil - Jericoacoara

2007-12-18T20:58:00.000-08:00

In season 2004 I put spending every winter for myself behind the target on the training somewhere in warm countries. A year ago choice fell on Venezuela but unfortunately the lack of the scent the November and the December forced me to the different decision this year. It fell down on Brazil. I could hear many good stories about this place but somehow I never believed in it. It sounded too beautifully so that it was real. And however he can...

With the simplest way if only sie there to get there is a flight from Frankfurt to Fortalezy which is laid closest our purpose i.e. the Jericoacoara village. It is possible to find tickets on the TAP side air portugal which is a main operator on this odcinku.Cena wacha oneself between 800 and 1100 euro.

I turn out to be the most difficult task dolot to Frankfurt we can hit at least times very much good offers from bigger cities of Poland. If we already managed somehow around dolotem bądz with journey to Franfurtu next we must advise ourselves with sending the equipment. Of course if we decided to take the own equipment. At once he is informing there is only one recommendable Club school on the spot in Brazyli dos Ventos with Neilpryde propellers and JP boards. Of course there are also there shorter schools but about it later. Wracająć for checking in luggage. We aren't forced for earlier informing an airline of our equipment on the phone. He will be enough that we will turn up to the airport a bit earlier. As for the price there is most often this 100 euro behind the cover with boards and 50 euro behind sails. It is of course a price in one side. Yeah okay, we are already in the aeroplane of the mum so we are a sent equipment facing now 7 hours of the flight and we are on the spot. In Fortalezie a private organised by local boarding houses or earlier recalled already transfer is the simplest way to get to Jericoacoara Club dosVentos. The transfer from the airfield up to very boarding house in Jericoacoara lasts ok 5 hours. We are defeating the majority of the travel all over the beach and the desert. Hotels on the spot are very diverse. Starting from pięcio-gwiazdkowego of Blue Mosquito Hotel for room to lets at „miejscowych". Of course the ones are last cheapest but not always conditions don't fulfil our expectations. Devoting one day for finding is the best solution worth the accommodation. As regards the booking one should not unduly be upset if there the August, the September or the October because we are flying the season is being started there with the end of the November and he is finishing in January. Prices for the hotel or the boarding house are swaying between 100 euro and 500 euro for the month. I am telling Jeri in the Internet search engine to write the Surfing down and for us a few references will pop out to boarding houses certain włocha so which has three different types of accommodation napewno we will find something for ourselves. A breakfast is sometimes counted in the price. If we have the own equipment next we must find przechowywalnie it isn't of course a problem since the majority of hotels has specially prepared of it is of this purpose place. We are in the small village distant from the civilization about ok 200 km so we have everything on the spot and we have the majority of the thing organized. So to go to the time to water!

Conditions to swim in Jeri don't belong to simplest. I am not concealing that on the spot he can be times enough tłoczno. The wind is able to be very much szkwalisty but as a rule from the morning till the hour ok 16 is very decent. By the recalled earlier movement the sheet of water is irregularly wzbużona what sometimes can disturb less experienced windsurfers. But there is one thing which will never be missing in Jeri and it is a wind. He/she is blowing every day and about every time of the day. I was less more six weeks and blew practically all the time. Without the day of the break. Majority she used competitors of sails about the 4.2 m2 surface or 4.7 m2. People lending the equipment at schools maximally used sails about the 5.3 m2 surface. Wind conditions are every day the same. However phases of tides are changing. If we have the outflow water is flatter and then they are these are the best conditions to freestyle. When the rising tide is conditions are changing a little bit more on wave and then it is perfect spot for improving the first jumps and the learning of the real ride with wave i.e. at the wind gently from the edge rather than to the edge as it najczęsciej is visiting us in Poland and different „wave" spots. At the height of the season however we must naprawde because to pay attention to different people is of them then very much.

If we got tired of the crowd of windsurfers, salty water and mums willingness poplywać only with familiar we can choose it one of two close put lagoons. First „Lagoa de Paradiso" is more close but she is smaller and the wind is more szkwalisty. We can reach there wynajmująć so-called „buggy" too ok 10 euro. Second „Lagoa de Tatajuba" is distant at 40 minutes of the „buggy" ride but she is much bigger and conditions are definitely more better. The fresh water, the even wind and few people on water from this place a remarkable spot is doing the freestyle. After swimming in the lagoon we can come off to urczej restaruacji, suspended above water, to eat the meal and to come back to Jeri.

If we are going there for the longer time it is worthwhile taking some more cash because on the spot he doesn't have an opportunity to withdraw money. A possibility of paying by credit card practically in every shop is big facilitation. In Brazil this way they are called currency being in effect real'e which it is possible easily to count since 1 euro is 2.5 real'a. On the spot it is possible to say around it is quite cheap. Living the way earlier I recalled can be very cheap but also there are many places for people valuing comfort for oneself and administering bigger ilościa cashes. It alone concerns the restaurant. There are a few checked local places how „Sabor will give to Terra", „Espacio Alberto" or „Oasis" where we can eat the decent meal in the reasonable price. Also European restaurants are like „Chocolate" or „Sky Bar" which the food is expensive in rather than always so tasty as in of the ones smaller. Generally so the kitchen is also good and healthy we are not having .. as far as so much to pay attention to what we are eating.

The local population is very friendly and than aren't placed with hostility to tourists. A pleasant atmosphere is ruling in Jerico and it is safely. Of course it is necessary to think in bigger cities as Foraleza since it is already completely different history. Very much I am telling to shine a light one evening and to watch a bit their traditional „Capueira" dance. In Brazyli almost everyone are planting it. Local young people are in it to the truth good and he is able to make real beauties. It is only one point from their traditional culture and so it is always very rich there is some alternative for windless days, of which around the January or the February can be more. When isn't blowing bądz we are already this way worn out with swimming we want to do day of the break, it for ourselves local agency tourist offer a lot of attractive trips to nearby sand dunes, to the jungle or the different kind to the activity. Of course we can also venture into the chain of local shops and leave richer against for example pendants of different kind or T-shirts from the Brazyli logo. Certainly in the free time we will find there filling. In the evening in Jericoacoara after the supper it is possible to go to so-called Street San Francisco that is main street in the village, to sit down with one of bars on the beach and to savour Brazilian drinks as Caipirinia, Capeta and the like if we are feeling on powers and we will manage to persevere to 2 at night then we can go to one of two clubs where every day played jesdifferent t of the musician so napewno we will find something for ourselves. The local community is enjoying itself at such parties to 8 rather than when even 10 morning so if we want for them potowarzyszyć it certainly we must sie to combine with the lack of powers for swimming of the next day.

So that it is enough if it concerns the description of this place. Now as part of summing up, I recommend this place for średnio-zaawansowanych both advanced windsurfers which above all want to encounter the certain scent and permanent conditions. I don't recommend this space for people of beginners since wind from the edge at sometimes enough heavy swell can not only slow your progress down but also what behind it he is going to discourage entirely from this sport. With very important things about which one should remember it at the trip to Brazyli: fill of the cash (best of dollars), booking of the transfer from the airfield, decent flip-flops or flip-flops and of course cream with the filter UV. I wish well done rest and much wind! For seeing on water!

Tarifa - Spain

2007-12-18T20:45:00.000-08:00

For the first training departure I went to Spain but in more detail to the Tarifa small town. The best conditions are a summer here but the November and the December it is also possible to come across the good wind and the weather. I chose this place a bit by accident since canceled charter flights stayed in the last moment to Brazil and I had to choose something just enough quickly and close. Attractive prices of flights and flats helped me with it in this period of the year.

Around Polish it is possible here to get to a lot of ways. Norwegian Air is an only clearing which is flying here directly from Warsaw. I got out Alitalię on account of minimum prices of the transport of the equipment. Unfortunately I also had a problem and it is necessary to remember, that from there are new recipes now in relation to the weight of packets and they cannot cross 32 kg.

A booking of the hotel is a next step. Best it is to make to two ways. First it is a booking on the www.livingtarifa.com side of the flat which is answering us. For beloveds here a lack of the preview of the flat is a minus on "briskly" what can sometimes turn out to be the deciding matter. The other way it to arrive and only on the spot to go to the tourist office, of which it is here a lot and there we can already choose the flat meeting our requirements. There are few people in the winter period here relatively but all restaurants and shops are opened and he is in what to choose. Prices are about c 20% higher than in Poland.

If it is about places for swimming everything depends on the wind which at that particular moment is running away. If is blowing this way called "poniente" that is wind from the ocean it is best the place is "arte vida" or "valdavaceros". They are these are the spots distant at c 10 minutes of a drive in a car from the Tarify centre. First from them I am more close Tarify and he is friendlier for beginners around względu to the lack of any stones and rocks. We must also remember about the fact that in the winter waves are able to be quite big therefore I would advise of arrival here for beginners. The other spot is a bit farther and by this direction of the wind it is possible to start swimming with wave and basic hare's legs.

When a wind is blowing from the east that is the matter is "levante" more complicated. This wind is usually blowing through a few days from 2 to 7-8. Into the first days when wind oneself "is untwisting" best to swim close the Tarify centre. Next into the second or third day the wind is already too strong in Tarifie and best to come off to earlier recalled "valdavaceros".

Very much I recommend this space for the winter departure but rather a place interesting for people which apart from swimming want to see and to rest. The wind in this period can be but it isn't certain therefore if somebody is expecting on "sharp" swimming than I would look for the different place. If it is about attractions outside swimming he is of them here a lot, from Gibraltar, Cadizu'u after Tanger and north part of Africa.

Wind

In Tarifie two winds are blowing: strong and warm Levante which is running away by day and at night and cooler Poniente which is running away more strongly for afternoon. In the Straits of Gibraltar an occurrence of the "tunnel" is happening air, granting the amazing speed the wind. It is a main cause of the wildness tarifeńskiego of wind.

The wind from the south-east called Levante is warm, he/she is blowing day and night, and its medium power is 7-10 steps in the Beaufort scale. Levante is creating clusters of clouds above peaks of mountains. This wind is usually the equal through a few days, and the end is intensive. Levante in Tarifie is rather a wind from the earth (is blowing toward the sea), at least waves aren't high.
When it smells of Levante (8 and more knots), best d to manageabout Cańos. There you will find rough seas and a bit of a light wind.

In the summer he is overbalancing a light wind, Poniente which is running away from the Atlantic and he is bringing waves mainly with winter. Into warm and solar days the thermal effect is increasing Poniente in the area of the Valdevaqueros bay. He/she is blowing more strongly between 15.00 and 18.00 and he is stopping all of a sudden. He can happen, that such a situation will surprise you on the beach, when you already bring the entire equipment along... It is always possible to play the badminton...

Canaria Surf Trip grain

2007-12-17T21:05:00.000-08:00

As, that from the last sally into Aruba [ Aruba 1 , Aruba 2 ] it passed quite a lot of time, and in Poland a cold started slowly becoming, a plan of the autumn departure arose. We altered conditions and spear-carriers for Tarify, Egypt, Cabo Verde (next trip!) and after all a decision fell down on measuring itself with legendary Pose and pokatowanie of surfing. From the established plan managed to carry out only its second part - blew 2 first days around 14;) but one after the other. Entire organization after with angle of przelotu/hotelu/zarcia and many valuable pieces of information Kamil treated us from BpFly.pl to sum up - with the cheapest possible option an allinclusive trip with the take-off resulted from Berlin. There were anxieties of excess baggage as for the amount taken, but a sheet of paper as usual with the inscription: DEFEKT on the scale cheered up and ok 100kg of toys reached without the problem.

Hardware-based once again we got large reinforcements from boys from the Hydrosphere - great thanks! Apart from Exoceta USurf 84L (which Leszek Rutkowski patted Wave Session in in Lebie on;) we got "still warm" Hifly'a MaddWave 83L to 2008r, Aerotecha sails, 2 surfy HiFly 7"2, 7"10 and the entire palette of Infinity accessories. From the moment when we stood up barefooted with foot on GC it is possible to divide the sally in 2 parts:

Windsurfing

In spite of 2 days on 4.5, it isn't possible honestly to rank legendary Pose to captured spots. We didn't luck to entering swell, so the wave was poor - the best ~1,5m rollers fit into to very reef, what skonczylo oneself a few classical mielonymi.W every time managed to sail around bothwe have boards and conclusions everyone similar. USurf very much changed in porownianiu to the previous Universal Wave2 model - smaller bending slightly the beak, the wider and cut stern and the narrower beak - had zblizyc I with shape to the surfboard. It is hard to say whether USurf made a profit on it, because he is simply a completely different board... Still enough quickly he is launching, easily he is breaking away from water and he likes rough turns, but deciding differently is being conducted on the tack and an impression of the difficult, radical board is causing wave - heavily powiedziec how will behave on a heavy swell. Certainly wypor the moved to the back and taken in beak will be considerable facilitation for defeating the Baltic breaker. As for Hifly'a MaddWave - we had it emotions mixt up before on it we sailed ourselves - despite everything rather unpopular at us brand as well with the applied Twinser system (two small 18cm fins in the powerbox system). It turns out, around the trend at the part of producers of boards is visible as most justified! The latest model wave'owki Hifly'a very much positively surprised us - the board is very much latwa in the lead, very much the pane on the tack, great is floating sharply to the wind and perfectly he is carving roll-ups... Admittedly he is launching a little more slowly than USurfa, but fun from shaping wave is huge! Be too bad failed to travel around on some bigger rollers in Pose - but most probably a chance will still be an autumn to tests on our coast, because the board is really worth the attention.

Of the third day ktos he turned the wind off and windmills did alloy. Unfortunately we established, that of wind there will be a phote more and from the first days of not a mum of none: (to check Pojechalismy how matters are in Vargas, but according to what we heard from one thing around lokalesow: "Noooooo, Vargas doesn't work in winter";) from different we heard: "don't wait for of lifts, it surf" so a time came on...

Surfing

In the topic of the surfing landing on GC we knew so much, that Big around well hewed;) generally, what we could hear about the surfing, worked in the 100% - very difficult but after embracing mega play! It was so also with us - after the first days everyone were fed up with brine falling out in the evening with all possible holes, of burning eyes and feeling being defeated by the ocean... One thing is certain - of such washing machines for surfie on the windsurfing not zaliczylem never and nowhere! After these a few days it turned out, that little przesadzilismy around warunami for the beginning. Podsumowujac - into tubes for the beginning we don't recommend 3 one-metre long fast breaking horses!:) particularly when are entertaining sie on them malo of friendship lokalesi;) after doing arrears on the spot for surfing llamas in Maspalomas - we went back to check to Canteras Forest. Everyone did some step forward, everyone oneself incredibly from it cieszyl and everyone knows that it is only a beginning. In relation to boards to surfa, it is only what we can say, it, that pomiedzy a perceptible difference is 7"2 lengths and 7"10 at the research from bases, 7"10 was much stabilniejsza and we recommend particularly persons it for beginners.

Between it everything sneaked a bit tourisms, the thanks for what trafilismy above clouds on the highest peaks of Canarii Parmesans. To drive onto remarkable emotion from the nought on law 2000 of the m, where the temperature is dropping around 26 to 11.5 rank after breaking above clouds. It is worthwhile also losing a little of the time for travelling through tops narrow on one samochod with switchbacks in order to reach to intact turystycznie miejscowosci as San Nicolas, Tejeda, Teror whether polozony on the hillside of the Galdar volcano. Our attention zwrocil rowniez the state and the scale of developing tracks particularly in mountain areas, tunnels, flyovers really are feeling.

To sum up the departure turned out to be more surfing than windsurfing, but fortunately to it we were prepared and everyone caught the considerable pressure for the continuation of this adventure what most probably will follow on Baltyku and next exits. And Pose it is necessary to visit the determination one more time in the height of the season!

Trip Basque

2007-12-17T21:02:00.000-08:00

Severe autumn pressure in order to pick up a wavelength a bit on the surfing resulted in the exit to the south coast of France and north of Spain. Line-up of the expedition: Maciej Szematowicz around Ula, the Ant plus Mikolaj which ran up to us for four days.

In order to reach to the other side of Europe we spent 2 clear days in the car with the break to accommodation in German Bonn. Behind the circle Maciej turned out to be Termintatorem - didn't want to give the steering wheel back to nobody! When we passed Bordeaux, we decided to choose the road the shortest most possible to the beach. At dusk we reached to spotu about the name Cohot Grandee , where we made camp in the centre of forest. He was it is a good choice, because of next morning for reminding the passage through forest and the sand dune "nowhere's Land" we ranked completely pleasant surf on beachbreaku. After the afternoon session we pretended ourselves to seek one's fortune to the South.

Maciej Szematowicz

He was the next spot worth the attention l'Horny Old goat . Also beachbreak, as all spots in these surroundings, offered waves to the fairly good quality on the left and the law. On this reserved seat it was possible enough comfortably to break. We met here a few freakow. Among others of Marek – of the English thoroughbred which altered old Rovera Defendera Land on kampera which the almost half year is spending lives in. Fortunately he had the neat kitchenette to petrol. Our gaz-butla was so small that barely she cooked water. Thanks to the cooker of Marek, the Hive she managed to prepare the royal meal. However on this spot a couple of German-hippies was the most interesting object in old Volkswagenie which the inside longed as some chapel for. This two all the day dealt with worshipping stones. They didn't swim on the – surfing well all day long they looked at stones and they arranged them in different models. They asked us, where in Poland it was possible to find bursztyn…

The first campsite in the centre of forest

When we reached into Hossegor surroundings, unfortunately waves were missing. We became convinced by it that the small town was boiling over fairly good surfing lansem. On streets before numerous surfshopami doubles of top surfing competitors; -)

We pretended ourselves to collect Mikolaj from the airport in Biarritz. Unfortunately he brought a little of the rain with himself from Ireland; -)

We still ranked one spot in France - Hendaye . Nothing interesting oneself there however not zdazylo. To cross the time Spanish border. In Spain it was supposed to be more warmly, however instead of it a concrete downpour began. Since we carried boards on the roof without the boot, where belts crushed the gasket from the door, water poured itself into the car. We had to install the recipe earlier worked out in the form of 4 bags which cleared flying water away. Still in the downpour we reached the number ... piewszego spotu in Spain which Maciej and Mikolaj decided to squeeze something on around mega of small waves, however I made up my mind on skimboard.

Ant

In the meantime professions should take place in surroundings Billabong Pro . It wasn't given us to see famous left waves on Mundace because was completely plasko… Disappointments were transferred to nearby Bakio . When we arrived in place we found a few Billabonga flags and flat wode…

A chance encounter was a centre-piece around Mickiem Fanningiem .

In Spain she turned out to be the best spot which we came across Barika . We spent 3 days there campingujac on the cliff with the very picturesque panorama. In order to reach water, it was necessary to cover around 500 stairs into the bottom of the cliff. Waves were quite accessible – fun waves to the height of shoulders. At the bottom enough many rocks were what forced often to the slalom between them. With great plus of it spotu an also fairly good eatery in which we encountered the super concert was a reggae.

Mikolaj Molenda

Unfortunately the weather got worse. We put Mikolaj back on the airport in Bilbao. We still tried our luck in the spot about the name Ajo - very nice seat reservation around secret with spot in the small bay surrounded with rocks. What from it however if was completely plasko…? The rain and the lack of perspectives on wave in the closest days resulted in the fast decision: zawijka to Poland.

On the way back we stopped off at Munich in order to check as oneself is surfing on the river in the midtown. Quickly we became convinced that it wasn't as simple how it could seem. It is possible only to envy local townies, that they can train surf about every time of the day and the night (wave is being floodlit from the ground floor).

Surfing river in Munich

According to statistics, we should have far more better conditions in the first half of the October on surfa in this part of Europe. There is no what however to complain about the bad luck, because so trip it is always a fairly good form of escape from everyday life. A few good waves don't have how to wear flip-flops and shorts and to pick up a wavelength in the ocean!

It is possible to find described above spots on www.wannasurf.com

Of thanking for the company BILLABONG which supported the escapade!

Uh-huh - we wound a little video material, so expect the film from the expedition!

Ras Sudr - new spot kitesurf in Egypt

2007-12-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

This way a new reserved seat of Ras Sudr looks

The new seat reservation was already checked by a dozen or so persons and a potential looks like the fact that it is taking place. Of Ras Sudr lies about 300km from Sharm of El Sheikh. Unfortunately after about 4-ro flight an hour long with aeroplane we are still a coach hard time facing - also about 4 hours, so czes reaching and exhausting by the level is a road enough considerable, but in turn on the spot flat shallow water and the largeness of the place to kitesurfingowania...oraz traditional already Egyptian additions like for example Sheesha.

Description spotu: directly by the hotel Surd Green Department about standarcie a lagoon is 4* around perfectly with flat and deep water - good place to freestylu. Beside lagunki a small bay is situated around pltyka (knees, thighs) with water and with the belt on the bottom! If unfortunately low water just comes up, these 15 minutes of the road farther are an infantry next small bay in which water, but also small shells and a few stones are, so with it let alone sie are teaching foam shoes are recommended. It is the best thing, that in there are no Ras Sudr of coral reefs!

The principal small town of Ras Sudr is distant about 20 km from spotu and a determination is an Arabic small town with all its charms..

The New Year in Southafrica has too approached!

2007-12-14T05:53:00.000-08:00

on 1 January 2007.

Unfortunately feeling that today January 1 was not. Is that light Hangover reminder of yesterday's festivities. Outdoor summer, and we could not never realize that the year has changed, and nothing has changed around.

Having instead of Mount Calm, we equipment tied to a rack just one surf board and went to the beloved Big Bay catching a wave. Waves today is not, but the entire coast were filled Zulus. Zulu Old, young Zulu, Zulu family, zuluss children zuluss big bosom meager zuluss girls and boys, lie Zulu, Zulu seating, bathe Zulu and the Zulu tan… Where neither perfect, they are everywhere. And only at that point we realized that the New Year has come from the Zulu and output.

Returning home wait time, and by the evening of ated Olivier resolve all of this to dash there and back to Sunset, and suddenly we are lucky and there will be the wind?

We were lucky! Only we have come most recently when before sundown remained 30 minutes hours, and the water was at least sail 150.

Oh, what today was a wonderful baby buggy! Golf even, wave small and correct, cool beautiful sunset and warm water! Probably the most cool baby buggy ever! And even when the sun dropped into the ocean and the Cape Town lights filled evening, we take this evening until the last and went to the water already in the dark. Even words do not convey the full range of positive emotions that we feel. In short, had a wonderful first day of the new year!

January 2.

Today, we meet a second group of desperate heaven, flying in South Africa to subdue the ocean waves. This is one of the members of our club with Edik Natashey, Alik of Krasnodar and Danil from Moscow. All are first in South Africa and were even willing to sacrifice the New Year's Party sake arriving here. New Year's Day they had met on the train, then all day January 1 to sit in Sheremetyevo airport, then fly another almost daily. Instead, the first day they were lucky: the wind blowing, and we all had together ride at Sunset. The wave was not so different from shining a chance to unroll peacefully.

January 3

After her first baby buggy in Big Bay.

Natasha: I survived today COOL because the first lift at the wave spot. Although waves of the shore, and there were no problems with the passage of Surf I have not arisen, but, being in the ocean, where the huge mass of water under you walk in a huge Chop, and it appears that Bank of disappear watermarked wagon, I would like to speak softer … freake out. Start thinking about the attack whales and white sharks! And pity that nobody Hydro have not built napkin, it could plant the seed added sense of security. A lack of a pretty Midheda never left any chance of salvation. It is a pity that I did not lift until then in Anapa or wave zone in Dahab, then I would not have been so terrible. And even once, and I did not think to ask what there is ocean needs to be done when the eyes of say orbits, and the fear stifled traffic and only cover Head sobering wave! How then explained to me that you can come back and tray sail boat on the board, or just to equipment row ashore. After all, everyone knows that water masturbation start in cold water is not good, and how much force it takes. In short amount of time I was there and how to shore left really hard to remember! But with the words watching over me and hotel already go rescue me has been able to make water and start flying to the bank. The land under their feet just aroused a storm of happy emotion, I will not hide-even tears! Normally, I could not talk for probably another hour to one and a half. And only then, in the evening, guests at Makara in the company for mental delicious dinner and tequila, I began to return to life! Sheet metal tin! But there is much to be proud: myself back on the board with a sail! Plav Not! Sam! "" Well shit 1, scare people their lack of, well, who's not the case! Live! She even try!

4 January.

Today at Sanset skater. Catastrophically lacked wind. Waves reached small half meter, but it's very smooth and accurate so that riders on such a special wave was not working. But in the absence of Surf pass wind is a very unpleasant occupation. Every freezes all forces trying to sail and some miracle to stay afloat after the regular foam hit on you, so spend forces, and a bunch of Surf finally going slowly slowly you start to go, wishing cut, but there is no chance, just a lighter plane - is already well .. And it is facing a wave, in front of you, slightly pump sail, somehow drawn level with it, but the wind ended sharply… you start sinking and no longer have time to not something to sit on ahead of wave, but leave from the next. In foam, holding of the last equipment forces in the hands, you turned out to be near the coast, but meters by 100 below the point of launch. And on foot top again. Consolation that next to you just on the bank and its equipment proff works because there is no other option.

January 6.

Finally done it, why surfers from around the world come to ride in South Africa: the real ocean wave came. At the height forecast stood 4.7, in reality, it seemed to shore alarming huge 6 metr home, and people unhappy with the wind of the latest attempt to cope with the forces of nature. it was got not always sympathetic and curious crowd of spectators on shore watched as equipment balances, but for them and Nearly breathing surfer off Surf to shore. Just watched and Sniper. He was lucky not to be very tough spot Surf, where the wave is already collapsing and simply "bag" of water falling from a height obelisk on you and on the board and sail into the wind so little that the chances Runaway deploy or not. Then you Turned out to be in huge washing machine, try it be grouped inch head and hands, as though that would soften a possible clash with his same equipment, which has about saving, we are not talking only to swim itself. Then you for a moment as-to dive, doing long-awaited breath and mind meters in 20 of its equipment balances itself. Know that he needed to swim to it, and not force. Trapezoid somehow becomes close and not giving you breathe. In head spinning thought: "I have Why useful here, unfinished hero!" Brief, it is difficult to convey the words all thoughts and emotions that you go through have time to a few minutes of this bathing. Just not easy to describe the breathtaking excitement and ecstasy if you did conquered fear, has been able to Surf and ride on that wave.

Of all our big companies have already decided to go to water only Makar, Coach, Sniper and Alik. Winds really not enough, somehow blows at 5.4, so even went to Alik Kayte.

Trainer: Very cool baby buggy! Very frightening, but always want to go forward and win. I was very afraid, but I looked at Makara and walked behind him. And approve that all friends watching you and going.

Sniper: It is a pity, but there is no more mast. We want to go further, but not what.

Makar: After this baby buggy, I realized that all the previous days, we simply sporting to us, not just for those killed by the waves. Today, we are engaged in windsurfing almost without wind. Only when you are already upset with the waves, the wind fills this rig and it is sufficient if borne down on the progress of all. Now, I understand why make sails named PowerWave. I ride on MauiSails Glabal. Sail and tyaguchy so powerful that you can almost plane by pump and water do not start in full wind. But at the same time the wind remains light and maneuver on the wave.

In the beginning it was crappy. When you become a wave behind your sails above accounted minute head to see its top. Run I thought: must be reviewed at the Top "giant".

The waves were really big. The largest of those is that we caught in two seasons. After some time skiing and surveillance from the bank's other surfer appears more understanding of how to behave on the wave. It is very important to have the speed and constantly monitor it, because at some point wave looms over you and the water, which weighs much falls on you. But it is not happening overnight. First, it hangs on like a crest and you have enough time to down from there.

I really liked the ride with coaching. We were Surf and, in the ocean waited each other, to sit down at the same great wave. Then you have to follow not only the speed and wave, but for a Friend. We are not a bit lucky, because immediately waves crashing along the full length and did not allow them to sit for long. But sometimes met correct, and the long, flat wave, and then began waveriding present. It Was Got go right up to the vertical wall. By the evening, most skis and the wind was already difficult Runaway even with the wave. But the spectacle was excellent!

Certainly, it was the best day of skiing!

7 January.

Yesterday's armagedon recur. But this time it was more courageous. Olga has also decided to conquer a wave of almost ten, with the full lack of wind. On his impressions promised to write, but does not meet with the force ...

Alik today not lucky. He resigned as yesterday at the 12nd Kayte. But if yesterday in the form of big waves ahead unfold, and that he has the speed was driving to the shore, today, it was bold. Jumping on one of the waves, he flew to five meters, was unable it be grouped and removed him as a puppy on the water. Result: a broken rib!

By the evening waves became more and our raider already it be worn down, watched proff, which showed the highest pilotages wave as in the best surf video.

Windsurfing in , Scotland

2007-12-14T04:19:00.000-08:00

Tiree if trust statistics, the most windy and sunny place at all British Isles! Tiree most of the western islands of Internal Gebridskih can boast excellent swell Atlantic. Here you are waiting nine beaches suitable for windsurfing, where you will one day be able to go on perfectly smooth water, good waves and even jump for "porridge." Therefore, it comes as no surprise that it is taking place here windsurf most important event in the UK-Tiree Wave Classic.
Adam Cropper visited the island just before the start of the event to check wonderful here, as promised advertising.

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Wind: dependent on the variations of pressure throughout the year!
Wind: Any.
Most windy time of the year: From October to March
Estimated water temperature: 17 degrees in summer, 10 degrees in winter
Wetsuit: Suit with short sleeves in summer, winter "Dry" in the remaining months of the year.
Journey time by ferry: 4 hours of Obana
Time Zone: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Language: English and Gaelic (Scottish)
Currency: Pound sterling
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HOW TO REACH
Frankly, to get to Tiree quite easy, but it is a kind of "highlight" the island. To get to it, you have to get to the first-place Oban on the west coast of Scotland in about two hours drive from Glasgow. From there you can for four hours at the port until Tiree Caledonian MacBrayne ferry, which Strait Mall (Mull) comes to the island of Coll (Coll), and then to the shore nindzya Tiree. During the summer season (from April to mid-October) ferry runs every day in the winter-only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. A ticket there and back for two persons and the vehicle no more than 5 meters, worth more than 200 pounds in summer and 165 pounds in winter.

On Air
Yes, you can get to Tiree by air, using a ticket to aircraft, which departs the island from Glasgow International Airport every day, except on Sundays. However, the aircraft quite small, and your gear windsurf it simply does not fit. What if you have a very good friend who agreed to carry you for your machine clothing with the ferry, the aircraft-the fastest way to get to Tiree! Daily flights carried out by companies British Airways / Logan Air, and will cost you all of 95 pounds for a ticket and go back.

By car
Every mile that you drive on Tiree, can be considered a true achievement! During the two-week visit, we traveled the entire five miles! Gasoline on the island is very expensive (111 pence per liter in October of 2006), so you refuel at leading-in, which is before entering Oban. All roads to Tiree have only one lane with "pockets" to passing cars. Locals lead car or incredibly slowly, or quickly madly. Try to maintain a car with caution, yield road tractors, school buses and Willie Angus, which is traveling to the beach!

Wind
At Tiree generally the same climatic conditions as in the rest of the UK, but thanks to its geographical situation of the Atlantic island receives a decent brought. Therefore, the best time to travel to Tiree is spring and autumn. But even in August or in October may wind might not be here. Want storm-come in January. Thanks Gulfstream water is warmer than you might think, but still worth neoprene stock!

Water
The beauty Tiree that there is a smooth and water, and waves in the full sense of the word-you just need to choose the right beach. For example, in the normal southwest wind you will be able to ride good waves in Balvullin (Balevullin), in advancing (Maze), you will find an angle on the left wind on shore, in (Crossapol) - winds right angle to the coast, and in the bay Gott (Gott) - smooth water.

Specifications individual beaches
Tiree as if specially designed to heaven. Beaches look at all sides of light, and the island is so flat that nothing impedes the free flow of wind. In addition, there is a shallow lake with a sandy bottom, which is ideal for beginners as well as craftsmen. Beaches are located clockwise from the ferry pier.

Map Tiree

Gott Bay
Beach goes: southeast, southwest. This is a classic Bay S-form forms.
Better wind direction: All good wind-it all depends on what you want. Southeast wind is good for small jumps and skating in the upper left corner of the bay, where it is issued for the sea. While most Capo knows this place like the beach with the smooth water, more suitable for freeride. Southern wind brings real Americans "hump", northwest wind blowing from the shore, is the ideal option if you need the speed, and southwest winds, combined with a good swell simply gives excellent waves.
The worst wind direction: All good!
Features tidal: little excitement during the tide
Dangers: no
Appointment / level: all

Crossapol
Beach goes: south / south-east
Better wind direction: west winds
The worst wind direction: Southern and southeastern wind
Features tidal: During high tide raises wind shadow of the dunes in a westerly direction, the rest of the time, nothing prevents skiing.
What's on the bottom?: Sand
The risk: In the heart of Old Bay is the mast wreck during tide it is a risk.
Appointment / level: Suitable place for skiing in the not too big wave.

Balemartine
Beach goes: east
Better wind direction: North wind / northeast winds in the northern part of the bay
The worst wind direction: west winds
Features tidal: You can skate at any time
What's on the bottom?: Sand
Hazards: A few rocks midway Bay, but enough free space.
Appointment / level: All, but this is not the beach where you can smoothly on the waves ride

Balephuil
Beach goes: South / Southwest
Better wind direction: northwest winds
The worst wind direction: south or southwest
Features tidal: During high tide raises wind shadow of sand dunes and rocks
What's on the bottom?: Sand
Dangers: no
Appointment / level: Die Hard, when blowing Nord-West

Maze
Beach goes: West
Better wind direction: south or south-easterly wind
The worst wind direction: west winds
Features tidal: Wash decreases when the tide begins
What's on the bottom?: Sand
Dangers: rocks on the right side of the Bay, speakers from the water, and several reefs in the center, which in mid-tide sometimes hard seen.
Appointment / level: Clean, strong waves is a good check for the best surfer. Over the years there have been a lot of broken poles.

Balevullin
Beach goes: northwest
Better wind direction: southwest wind
The worst wind direction: northwest winds
Features tidal: When is big water, almost impossible to ride because seething. But during the tide here very well.
What's on the bottom?: Sand and quite large rocks at the center of the Bay
Dangers: Scale cents in the bay and rather sharp stones on the left
Appointment / level: West wind deal allows jumping at an angle to the shore. Southwest wind gives big waves and foam in the northern bay. In Bay wind can be quite variable, but even he, in conjunction with good swell you satisfied with the present reprimand!

The Green
Beach goes: the north
Better wind direction: west winds, but sometimes had to be satisfied and onshore, if not brought strong. Sometimes it is generally the only place where there is a wave.
The worst wind direction: south wind
Features tidal: You can skate at any time
What's on the bottom?: Sand
Hazards: A few rocks, protruding in different ends of the bay. Also, keep away from farmers and livestock!
Appointment / level: Most famous are usually copes!

Balephetrish
Beach goes: the north
Better wind direction: here is not very good waves, but any wind blows on shore, some form of semblance even if anywhere on the whole island has no decent brought.
The worst wind direction: east wind
Features tidal: You can skate at any time
What's on the bottom?: Fine sand and gravel in some places.
Dangers: no
Appointment / level: any

Reefs Balephetrish
Reefs go: roughly northwest
Better wind direction: southwest wind
The worst wind direction: south wind
Features tidal: The stronger brought, the higher water level should be so that you can conquer Reefs! But even in spring, the water level will not help!
What's on the bottom?: The Rock-and quite a lot!
Dangers: wind direction and strength are constantly changing
Appointment / level: advanced level recommended

Lake-Bhasapol
The lake is the residence of the organization Wild Diamond Windsurfing, a recognized center RYA Level 5. It will take care of windsurers any level. Much of the lake is a sandbank with a sandy bottom is an ideal place for learning! Moreover, when the wind blows from the south, the lake becomes the most turbulent place on the island, which is substantially difference! It should be noted, however, that the lake is private ownership, and you have to pay a purely symbolic sum windsurf Tiree club. The money will go to the salaries of members of Wild Diamond Windsurfing.

About Mauritius!

2007-12-14T03:17:00.000-08:00

A couple of words about our trip to the island of Mauritius.

We start with the flight. Flying up to six hours to Dubai and the island itself eight more. Three-hour break in Dubai airport flew quietly hiding for endless storm and shops. Come rumors that the airport has even baths with a pool (I was not there, but family Semovyh She proves their existence). Problem with the advantage was not because we had only two at one middle kisa. But there is a gimmick to advantage, precisely two: on the rules of Emirates airlines serfers +15 kg divers +10, and their holes honestly earned +10 kg. So in serfs mints divings mask, and the normal head cap for golf…

On Airport. Mauritius is very much like Dahab, so three years ago. There, we met a Russian-speaking people from the travel agency and was told everything in detail. The road to the hotel and the cool spot, both on the island and in my life took about an hour, but observations of nature and lyptika 2 m Surf this hour passage unnoticed. The image of the local people is very much like Jamaica (bearing in mind that I was not there).

The hotel is very nice and big. Several buildings, gym, tennis courts, massage. In addition to the main hotel stolovki there are several restaurants. Beach healthy, but no matter how the wind blows it does not. Every morning special provision people walk on it and collect and green algae in their close handful. Thanks to them, the beach is always a white sand and blue water and tan girls… What more need for happiness !!!??? Of course baby buggy! Stations in five minutes from the most remote room. Better take those numbers that closer to the station (face-to-sea right), and is not on the ground floor! For madly wet on the island, so the rooms on the first floor of a cheese.

Hotel amusements addition, you can visit a bunch of restaurants, factories for the production of wooden naves, reserve, where you can be happy boot vigorous Wild boar and sleepy kangaroos and much more.

The station Mistral, so Nortsails sails. Of the 40 Capo, 30 people Russian and 5 trainers. In addition to a wealth of local tourists rides. We all gathered and quickly went to water… very warm water, air, too. Spot consists of two major parts: Short reef and reef Manaui. At nearby reef raises maximum meter diving board left by the wave of tack, but it is about one or two hundred meters to disperse chop and smooth sands. Gather momentum and fly off in heaven! Tock, be sure to come back, and then sometimes do not want again to the ground. Coral there soft, not like in Dahab. Depth at the nearby reef from 40 cm to 150, see Ibid not excluded waveriding for beginners.

Voltage kid and you can go to Manaui. There, in tide water depth of about 70 cm, and in less tide… fin. The peculiarity of Mauritius, as the spot is that if something has not, it can be so seconds for 5 to virtually flat. But while the extreme dozen! Want, in the U.F.O. hell, want, gently wave try side, not risking. Diving board left tack, waveriding-law. While the worst-you can break down the mast than the sake of such a baby buggy can be neglected. There is a danger tide. The fact is that there is a spot near the giant lagoon. At high tide it was filled with water, and the whole tide in the water with great speed away into the ocean. But nothing can stop you for such a baby buggy! There wave of meters before 4,5-5 m And this despite that, in any wind wave flat without Chop.

Sail on the island can stand in the way, but you want to go far. Boards can fix on the station. For 14 days, snow 11 and killed 3 sails, as a minimum.

In and of the trip for two was approximately 5,000 $. But for that, as a visit to the island could not humming heart… pay much more short-COOL!
P. S. Special thanks Semovyh family, who for two weeks have helped us to adapt to this new place, displaying and telling all that remained outside of the article, and only a small fraction of that you have read. And thanks Max Stanislav that ask me from school for two weeks.

Vargas Gran Canaria -windsurf video

2007-09-10T03:27:00.000-07:00

El Yaque 2007

2007-09-10T03:25:00.000-07:00

"The lady and gentleman, we wants arrive at our destination Porlamar del Carribe in a few minutes. Please fast your seatbelt!" The announcement of crew Cabin tore me from my dreams. Whether I at last have created it? Whether there was I on removal only a few minutes from Freestyleparadies El Yaque? Quickly I once again tightened my belt of a seat before the car on to the earth softly put on.
venezuela
At the introduction of a ladder of flight the warm wind blew at once to me on the person. Now I could forget definitively wet-cold weather in Germany.
I should get used only to warm conditions, nevertheless, I have tested just cold North Sea. However, at temperatures nearby 30 °C and to the dark blue sky I knew, why I took long road of East Frizsky islands to absolutely after El Yaque on me.

After I was welcomed in my first evening with a wonderful sunset in El Yaque, affairs went equally next day on water. Though water was really rough, but at temperature 27 °C and 30 °C temperatures of air I very, perhaps, I can not complain.
Impellent level on water in general was very high. It was resulted Gollito, Andre and Antxon which motivated me at once with its way of driving. When I observed a little 15-year-old Locals which learnt only in 3 weeks Moves, for what I required in one year, I definitively understood, why El Yaque crowned to Freestyleparadies.

As not only warm temperatures, but also a constant wind from January till May do it by ideal district of training. And as I had a wind for 5ого sails during my all stay every day, I can confirm only backdating windy statisticans.
After session on surfing which went mostly to a sunset, there was almost every evening an arrival to Happy Hour a bar. Spirits as Choco-Monkey or Caipirinha, were not only are very good, but also were favorable devilishly I always should observe, that I forgot a supper not completely.

As the tourist budget had its borders, quartierte I me at Mike in Elyaquemotion one. It was not only is very inexpensive, but also I am pure also felt made immediately friendly. The big roof-terrace on which we fed us every evening and which was a meeting of all inhabitants is Most especially worthy mentions.
That concerned a night life in El Yaque, I have been adjusted sceptically at first a little. As in Beachbar Gaby's Voodoo a hall the same music, and also Habana club which directly was in Elyaquemotion ran to billiards and Dart almost every evening, should not order much more.

Nevertheless, really good party in style of a reggae with Live music in Gaby's and solemn opening of reconstructed lot Piratas overpersuaded me, then, however. And in the next morning I became angry not too very much, that the wind always increased only at midday in force.
While we moved only in the evening in a bar direction, Margariteneos looked, first of all, on target already by noon sometimes a little too deeply in a glass. The car in the car stood directly on a beach then with rattling basses and passengers used Caipis and local polar beer.

It should be, perhaps, small first representation for Easter Semana Santa if before only dancing human weights some schools of surfing establish its enterprise.
In one week El Yaque it was necessary to change a preview trailer in time. I went on friends to a river mouth which offered absolute shoal, but badly smelt so as strongly foul place, that I pressed down a mouth and a nose before each leaving in despair.

Locals tried to convince me that the stench of seaweed would arrive, however, my stomach proved me some days something other. Though I completely have not been cancelled after these Sessions, nevertheless, I undertook better in search of new places to Freestylen.
I found a true ideal preview trailer then on a few days later in bushes to wood. At bottom of mountain CАН of Juan the huge lake of salty water which has been connected by small waterways with the sea was stretched.

And one of these mouths I pumped out me from squall to the following as dense bushes wood filtered all wind. As soon as I have reached, however, lakes, true Freestyleparadies extends before my eyes.
Türkiesfarbenes And, first of all, neutral under the relation to a smell the water framed bushes and rocks, allowed me and to my friends to true jumps of pleasures to decline. This preview trailer delivered us excellent conditions of training to Freestylen.

The it is more entrusted me a preview trailer and local were, which undersigned for reception of my not too good knowledge of the Spanish language always an affable smile, the put my departure came nearer to me more close. In 3 weeks strongly required material again developed and carried in the cart in an airport direction.

When then the car rose for dark night about Isla de Margarita in a direction of Germany, I rejoiced already to the moment if it is again informed: "Welcome on board on our flight to Porlamar del Caribe...!"

Kitesurfing in Gran Canaria Spain

2007-09-10T03:18:00.000-07:00

- Vargas
- The left well
- Juan Grande
- A curve
- Burrero
- Jinamar
- Edge Maspalomas
- A beach of the Eagle
Vargas:

The stone beach from a few sand in low inflow and outflow, the conditions similar to conditions of the Left Well, but usually with a wind is slightly weaker (for two metres of a comet).
The wind - side-shore a left-hand side and usually is more wave, than in the Left Well.
In low inflow and outflow it not the dangerous beach, but in high inflow and outflow is strong enough sorebreak which it breaks on stones.
It is a beach where usually is enough windsurfistas so a zone kite - half of beach downwards (lee side) as in this zone usually there is almost nobody doing surfing. There are no cartels which it would signal, but you convince that go half downwards.

To arrive it is necessary to go because of old highway and between Crossing Arinaga and sedge Thickets, you will see a rotunda (Mountain Vélez) with a sculpture which you are three sails of surfing (to see a photo) there take an exit in your right part and each rectum to a beach, it is not heavy to arrive and there is no parking problem.

The left well :

It does not become kite on the beach of the Left Well, it is not allowed to do kite on this beach so it is floated in the second blindage, also, called Whale Beach who besides is better for kite as the wind - side-shore and not on-shore as in the Well.
The beach of stones and the rock placed precisely under a gulf of the Left Well, it approaches close because of small highway which leaves fair opposite to Avaricious shop in the Left Well, and in the end of highway (500m aprox). There is a soil road which arrives to the sea.
The wind - a trading fortress both every day within summer and is less than wind and is more irregular in the winter (to see the Left Well in surfing section), sometimes there is a good wave for surfear, but there is strong enough current in the same direction, as a wind and also it is necessary to be cautious with hedgehogs.
Juan Grande:

The located beach of stones of 5 Km on the Well south, approaches close because of old highway and - the first settlement, that you go to the south, but it is necessary to take soil road a little before arriving to Lock Romeral, to see map*.
It is not heavy to arrive, but it is necessary to be cautious with car soil road.
This advertising film roller usually does not function summer months, usually trading does not arrive on the south in the summer, but yes in the winter and the coat so when the wind - is little bit more E (between side-shore and side-onshore a left-hand side), also functions with wind S (side-onshore the right party).
It not a dangerous place but if there are waves, in high inflow and outflow they very much orilleras, also it is necessary to be cautious with a wind (a coat in the evening) if it starts to be put very much racheado and with squalls almost without a wind the matter is that it will be very soon cut off, if you do not leave fast, you will leave floating.
Curve:

The stone beach placed after a beach Juan Grande and before Aeroclub, the conditions similar to conditions Juan Grande, auque a wind, maybe, a little more constant and is a little to enter and leave easier water as usually there is less wave also, than in Juan Grande.
Concerning intensity of a wind and directions which it enter, it is the same, than in Juan Grande.
To arrive, it is necessary to go because of old highway and in a straight line which was moved by Juan Grande (going with the north to the south) and before arriving to a curve which is eventually, you will see, that there is an exit in soil road which goes to the sea, it somewhere here, it is necessary to have a few cares with car, but there is no problem to arrive to park.
Equally as Juan Grande, not a dangerous place and besides a wave more softly also is less hedgehogs.

Burrero:

The stone beach in which it approaches close from Thickets of a sedge and undertakes an exit in Burrero, remarkable enough, approaches close easily and parks on a beach. It functions with wind NE.
The wind - side-offshore and usually is little bit less, that in the Left Well (as in Vargas) and with big sea N or coat NE is a good and fast wave though it is enough of it about coast and it is not necessary to jump.
It not a dangerous place (if only the wave was not big), but in low inflow and outflow it is necessary to be cautious with hedgehogs.
Jinamar:

Beach of the located sand of 5 km in the south Las Palmas, it is necessary to take an exit of an autosection car of the same name, once there to arrive to a beach not a problem and parks near to sand. At all it does not happen to you to leave nothing in the car.
It functions with wind N and with, side-onshore a left-hand side and side-shore the right party accordingly.
It usually does not function in the summer though it can N leave weak in any day, it is faster a winter advertising film roller.
There is no problem to enter leave, the wave breaks in a sandy shallow, in low inflow and outflow it can be enough bolt and though a beach long do not drop you much in a lee side, an exit because of rocks from here not a choice.

ADVERTISING SPOT KITE

GRAN Canaria - THE SOUTH
Edge Maspalomas:

Sandy beach of the big sizes (dune Maspalomas), which considers a zone limited to do kite (it is not allowed to do kite outside of cartels which differentiate a zone) that remains fair in which this edge of dunes, that the curve offers some possibilities of orientation to a being for each wind.
Dominating winds in this zone - in the summer thermal which comes from the south, usually too weak, but sometimes are considered sufficient by intensity and in the winter wind E, and S, with wind S if these aside N edges you be cautious as it offshore.
To arrive with car it not a problem (it is necessary to go to Hotel Riu Oriental carpet Maspalomas) and not to park also (excluding on Sundays of summer), but will concern then to you to pass 15 minutes to cross dunes.
Beach of the Eagle:

Sandy beach in a tourist zone in which buildings of apartments remain fair near to sand (with danger which it means).
It is floated by wind ENE and E, that side or side-onshore a left-hand side, this wind enters mainly winter months, besides in the summer the considerable quantity of bathers would recognise as unsuitable an input and a water exit.
To arrive there is no problem, the tourist zone was well signalled to a being and to park, eat a dark blue zone if you do not get ticket, there is a safe penalty.

4 weeks Vargas!

2007-09-10T03:14:00.000-07:00

I have created the most difficult task: to Convince my chief, that I require holiday in July of 4 weeks. As it was content since some time with my passion on surfing, he agreed also this time and I could plan - 4 weeks Vargas!

Last year I have spent there 14 days with 2 girlfriends, a combination from a foreign language lesson in first half of day and navigation in second half of day. I wanted it toppen, so I have once again reserved all program: the Small house in the Canary style located in beautiful mountain small town , plus of 4 weeks of a course of the Spanish language.

Accordingly 2,5 ч. Individual training in first half of day and a word study in the evening, meanwhile there was sufficient time for navigation. That I did not clasp my things on surfing at 7 forces of a wind on a roof, I afforded a small minivan in which I was able all simply reinwerfen.

It would clarify in droplet Canaria that are welcomed already at an exit from the pilot of a trade wind... And in 4 weeks of long airing also again accepts!

When I unpacked things on surfing in Vargas in the first morning full inspiration, again cleared up for me, that I was in Spain: Not the person on a beach or on water, simply too early. It is indifferent, all gulf for me. Outflow was on advancement, so excellent conditions as waves become is better then.
Approximately for 1 ч. Before outflow there are from my point of view the finest waves which can be gone round then really well. Training Aerial is optimum possible then. Only if at low level more and more Close raise breaking waves out of a fashion round number in a washing machine, it becomes labour-consuming a little.
After the first session on surfing my level of adrenaline laid down a little, it still threw back all and I had a super great pleasure.
Slowly Locals and some tourists came. Small greetings of a meeting and I felt me again completely is integrated.
If as the girl technically on surfing only on road, is already better it if once one looks after one. Locals, presents Canaries, super are pretty and ready to help - Locals without Localism!
2 especially well went, I could examine Frank and Juan Carlos, at them all program of maneuver and to take away some instructions. Marko Peres trains also almost every day in Vargas. Unfortunately, there were no many girls on water.
The present rare phenomenon is unconditional Nayra Alonso. As Local it went every day tirelessly and trained for competitions. In July it was even 4. In Freestyle on Fuerteventure.
Something in this sort also encouraged me. Not, as I wish to win competitions and as it simply cheerfully to push itself with other girls. Besides, Nayra it is very pretty and at all ambition to it simply notice pleasure in navigation. And, however, it always the most important!

In the end of the second week I have started to practise Backloops - for Frontloop courage still does not satisfy. Uncountable gossips of a back were result. I had a first correct success within last days my stay. At last, completely around, though yet did not admit, but looked already after Backloop.
My teacher of the Spanish language could examine then every morning my new wounds. My thin Shorty was very pleasant on water, but especial protection, just for feet, he does not order.
Dark blue stains and contusions were in the agenda. But if I am fair, only if it is impossible to move in the evening before a loud muscular pain and weakness reasonably there was a super day on surfing more! For not surfer, perhaps, not well.
Waves became all above and the wind again added all corner. With mine 3.5 it I was frequent completely überpowert. The pleasure has it nevertheless still-made, first of all if has not caught one of Shorebreak once. Unfortunately, the mast should trust in it, however, in the rest all remains safe.
Last week on surfing then became again little bit more moderate. Waves any more were not as are high also a wind were more constant.
Balance in 4 weeks Vargas: every day the wind, in 2 days even is too much. Mostly it approached 3.5ому or 4.2ому, only in 2 days I should tighten ' big ' 4.7.

Even last day - shortly before a start - there was still a remarkable session on surfing. Vargas was in any relation again full success: In Spanish qualified, the country and people familiarly and new maneuvers the skilled. All at approximately 27 ° to 30 ° Celsius and the sun.

Next year I come back. It is necessary to hope, some more girls then are more on water.

Tarifa 2006

2007-09-10T03:07:00.000-07:00

Tarifa
Almost 3 years pass now, since my old bus has resulted me first once after Tarifa and has shown to me, that there should be really higher waves and stronger winds than on lake of a dredge the house.

In the meantime I have transferred my residence in Germany little bit more close on the sea and my bus which could turn its last circles in the Berlin city centre, is, unfortunately, also history.
After the generous check of the most favorable sellers of flight our decision was established to start this time to temporary to less expensive trip to the most southern city of Europe by means of pilots. Last time this year temperatures Shorty needed to be found thus, of course, stimulus enough.
After arrival in Malaga ging’s with the small rent car and a chock-full roof in direction Costa del windy surfing. At first the wind kept waiting, unfortunately, still for itself, the casino and to devices of a bungalow which offered its compressed beauty on many kilometres lengthways Kyustenshtrasse was terrible, however, infinitely many made excavations in the earth to hotels.

Nevertheless, most later for Algeciras this picture changed and in 2 days of a wind was knocked also the Near East. Habitual 8 on Beaufort and weights in Valdevaqueros conducted us then then, nevertheless, at first after Canos de Meca which lays about 50 km to the West from Tarifa and is less strongly influenced by powerful winds in sea passage of Gibraltar.
After last streamer in a direction of the sea the moderate wind and small waves that could not keep, however, any from that he felt salty water under a board after the lapse of long time, at last, again as the autumn beginning was obvious not richly a wind in the homeland till now expected us, however, only.

Next days indulged us to constantly strong Near East so, at last, also small sails could come into effect. In 2 days in Canos we did in army territory the pier to which of us paid attention several Locals comes nearer to small town Tsaare. Kids, but from time to time abruptly breaking waves gave us the next successful day which was a little saddened only by the spoilt trapeze and my flying board (unfortunately, on stony sea a beach).
So restore on ambassador Tarifa, things cures it is made, to our camping visiting is made and is again free. Now our following purpose was having filled in Bolonia which is stretched behind a strong moving dune in Punta Paloma.

Here is available in coastal affinity at the Near East often best Freestyle conditions, as water to a moderate wave almost slippery. For this purpose it is possible to use to espresso or beer in an applied bar at the best point of view on succession of events.
In 5 days rich by a wind the prediction prophesied us some days of calm before, at last, Poniente it should be registered. The reason is enough for several walks after Algeciras and El Palmar, both that and another further away to the West from Canos is located and just at a northeast wind for its exacting waves .

They, the truth, did not remain to us it once kept anything to those contrary to it there was absolutely successful trip and who knows - possibly, we already soon come back. With by a boat sponsors Tabou, Gaastra, surfing were shop Berlin, Mogain Boardwear.

Canary Islands wind Tourism Guide

2007-09-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

Gran Canaria one of the localisation preferred for windsurfistas is.

The island was considered as one of the best points of a planet for practice of surfing, a condition of a wind and waves made during all year. Here it where it is spent Big Prix PWA WAVE.

You can go in surf in Big Canary throughout all coast, from the east to the south. Any of the most interesting places for surfing include the Beach of Stone quarries in Las Palmas, and coal northwest Gáldar.

For the most skilled, the Left Well - an ideal place where winds overcome 60 kilometres hour, or to Beach Vargas where are spent competitions PWA .

If you are a beginner, you should study in quieter waters which are in a zone of Puerto Rico and Port Mogán.

Lanzarote surfing and surfing

Water fanatics will be in paradise at coast Lansarote. Surfing of a head to Costa Teguise and Papagayo. kite surfing and surfing to check up waves on Famara. For a fine choice diving excursions of a head to Puerto Del Carmen and Puerto Calero.

There in some hot points surfing in Lanzarote. Upward surfing "hot points of a biodiversity" in the opinion of many is Famara the Beach near fishing enough village Kaleta de Famara. It still a low key of a round of this area, in Czechia of air, and in the majority of apartments and self-management a food habitation - large hotels here do not resort. Beach Famara is honourable a parallel rock and offering magnificent days off for skilled and beginning. There there is no shortage of schools of surfing, equipment for surfing of places for surfing and even clothes shops here. Even if you not to be in Famara if you on car rent Lanzarote you for certain wish to visit beach Famara at least once.

Others Lanzarote surfing "hot points" include La Santa areas which gives good enough waves all year long too. As Famara, it is a low key here from dispersion of the restaurants, all parking and surfing shops / schools and supermarkets, but we speak not full resorts. Near to La Santa also Caleta de Caballo which also has good conditions for surfing.

Surfing of visitors Lanzarote will familiarize also with fine condition surfing (and beautiful beaches) La islands Grasiosa only to the north to the West from Lanzarote (sections see our site of a detail La Graciosa boats how there to reach!). On La Graciosa to a West side majestic Playa de las Conchas a beach with its known left the break reeves. Unmissible for surfing on Lanzarote! You has not finished there or as beaches around Orzola to north, and nearby Jameos, El cartels, women Punta and La Garita nearest Arrieta - along east coast Lansarote to receive magnificent waves and whose offer beaches. Check up Lanzarote surfing the web reference the right to give more detailed information on condition surfing on these places Lanzarote. A coast Golfo ale to the south to the West from Lanzarote also opening is convenient for surfing.
Gran Canaria surfing and surfing

Especially favourite on water Gran Canaria is in swimming - a little sailing champions welcomed from island. Sailing the centres set of "hot points" in sailing Las Palmas, Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogan, Arguineguin and Pasito Blanco. Puerto Rico especially offers set sailing boats and possibility for having a rest. Surfing of "hot points" on Gran Canaria includes beach Las Kanteras in Las Palmas, island capital. They receive good winds and some useful waves for surfing too. Gran Canaria the largest surfing the centre in Poso Izquierdo hardly to the south Vecindario and Playa de Vargas (see the web reference on the right) where the big surfing grandiose prix is spent annually. There in much less cores focused on beginners of surfing follows about Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan too!

Surfers and bodyboarders necessity the north around Galdar areas and at northern coast to Las Palmas. There any good the beginner the user of waves on beach Las Kanteras in Las Palmas too. Diving of excursions is a lot of and easilly access Gran Canaria the basic resorts. Diving of hot points to include Arinaga and protected Playa Del Cabron and Ale Cabron a sea reserve (see diving of leaders on the right).
Fuerteventura surfing and surfing

The best surfing (kite and surfing), located on Fuerteventura to include Ale Cotillo and some in Corralejo in the north, around Costa Kalma, especially Playa de to Hay and de Playa Esquinzo, and on some Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura the largest resort. On the top of surfing and any a place should be Dose - a wind the most resolute here. However beaches around Ale Cotillo are less known, and, of course, to catch up! A flag the Scourge busques And Kitesurf the centre, general Linares 31 35660 Corralejo, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain. Phone: 34928866389 00 (their right the web reference for details see).

Surfing of hot points on Fuerteventura are focused on the north and approximately to the West from island, from good schools of surfing on the basis of Corralejo and surrounds. "Hot points" include a portal Playa de Majanicho and Caleta Del Barco to the north close Corralejo, Playa Bah the Negro at east coast nearby to Corralejo, more on the West in Los Caletones and Paso Chico, downwards on Dose to the south and is valid around Ale Cotillo in the north. For good surfing shop and surfing on the Internet to a board of acquaintance Northshore Surf Shop and factory, Fuerteventura, ES - 35650 Lajares. Bodies 928 86 83 21.
Tenerife surfing and surfing

El Medano and El Cabezo of a gulf and beach well-known among "hot points of a biodiversity" surfing to arena is the World Cup Surfing this beach. These are the Czech means - if it is possible to name this means - it looks more as raging Spanish to village, than means. It exaggeration will not tell, that Ale Medano really represents, where it on how much surfing (and some kite surfing is disturbed). A place especially favours average both advanced by surfing and front lines kite surfing which can deal reflecting numerous with surfing and rocks it is located in the end of a bay.

Moreover, El Medano two winsurfing swimmings areas both parties of its character of harbour to Walk and a pier. 5 minutes besides, located only from Southern the airport of Tenerife, one of the best markets to Tenerife (weekly on Saturdays in the morning) and to carry out selection of surfing shops, smart shops of clothes both fashionable bars and restaurants. (Fresh fish on Costa Silent a coastal site also to underline another - the majority, located at this coast has begun lives of Tenerife fishing villages.

The most skilled surfing will go in Northern bay area El Medano. You will find more intermediate on its southern water area of a gulf. It not only magnificent conditions surfing you here, are also a few surfing to arena which during year of decisions for meetings some to the big evening in city centre both live music and a bar arena to surpass all! A few means are dissipated on places as El Medano to Tenerife last years, and it shows. To issue there is enough flooring wood here various categories state art.

El Medano to is available to Hay and surfing and other hot points on any Fuerteventura. There are two cores surfing the tool hrie points here, including Fanatics Fun Factory on Northern bay, and another - Playa Sur. You can look at some from surfing and surfing is published on the detail right.

Windsurf trip in Maui

2007-09-10T02:55:00.000-07:00

Windsurf trip in Maui

I have gone in Maui two weeks, from the end of July prior to the beginning of August . This period is recognised that the period is poor waves, you will see in the photos taken in Ho ' okipa, that their sizes were instead of were insignificant, there were good series in 2m. On the contrary force of a wind corresponded to statistics, 4.2 surtoilé the first week and 5.0 last week. Conditions of navigation, a wind and waveof the announcements described in these pages - that I have met during my stay, they can cause a stir during other moment.
It is not arrived in Maui directly, should pass through island Oahu where there arrive the international flights . The main airport appears in Kahului which is the biggest city Maui. In this city absolutely deprived of appeal it is found more all by trade, namely surfshops. The Most part surfshops suggests to hand over a equipment, usual package is made created) from a float, and from two sails, with all completing accessories which go with (a floor-mat, a floor-mat foot...) . You can change a equipment during your stay, it is so much times, how many you want. Even if the choice is important in shops, do not expect you that run business, considering the euro, equal to dollar (that was my case during my stay), floats, for example, 20 - 30 % are more expensive than in France. It is not necessary to forget, that France remained the country where we sell more all matos surfing. To notice, that surfshops are opened Sunday (all the day long) as the most part trade however. You Also remind, that the term the short surfboard has not been borrowed in English-Saxon, this word completely is not known out of the French six-coal borders, I count up, that this invention of any French marketing service. In English windsurf the term appoints simultaneously short surfboard and Olympic surfing. To come to an end on shops, contrary to the American means guys in surfshops owing to very international clientele are rather opened.

Hawaiian Island Surf and Sports about any it boards, fixed on a wall

Contrary to new, the case market is very accessible and very active, we can get out therefrom for full quiver, the included float, for 300$. For those who come for long term, can be interesting to buy a second-hand equipment more likely than to hand over to (praise). It it is found in shops, and also on announcements as in Spreckelsville (announcements on mobile chiotte or plancheux which unpack the matos occas which should be sold).

It is important to know about some rules before to go to float, it is forbidden to answer to 11 ч all announcements, has begun morning, it is kept for surfers even if is not available waves. lifeguards force to observe carefully a rule. Even on beaches which do not watch as Ho ' okipa, behind a rule quite follow, if you pass, you will be involved blows of premises and you endanger the penalty on watched announcements.
The epoch when I have left, corresponds to summer in the Hawaiian island, was warmly enough and water it was to be able so to float in bathing pants, a naked torso. Nevertheless much plancheux used lycra which could serve in addition as protection against sunstrokes. The most chilly used shorty. Personally I have found at morning and in little bit fresh evenings, but all concerning, I compare in relation to wash residence to Tahiti! Besides always during this period, alizé rose early around 9 ч 10, reached the maximum force between 12 ч and 14 ч and continued to breathe almost before falling of night, that to me allowed to go to answer in Ho ' okipa in any end aprés midday when was available much less people on the announcement.
For the information a proportion of girls on water impressing enough, it establish 30 % of a battalion, even in Ho ' okipa are good. Their level should not anything envy in the man's people. I ascertain, that the more water of heat and is transparent, the there are girls in water more.

For aspect a shelter, rent of the car and matos, I am not transferred style fun*fly or away sports (is not spent) by the tax bearer, I was untangled with local contact (the shelter and logistics see page). To be able to lodge my rich bourgeois family, I have handed over both bungalows which possesses Robert Teriiteho on the magnificent property in heights Ho ' okipa! For the car I have chosen a large van to be able to attach simultaneously seven and matos.

Under external shower Robert.
My van on parking Spreckelsville with matos wave which I have handed over

For other information about Maui on places which should be found out in a case pétole, life cost, meal, I invite you to see page which I have devoted it in my section tourism.

In this section, you are going to find following pages:

- Page a shelter and logistics where are presented bungalow Robert Teriitehou and also the car and a material (equipment), that I have handed over, just as a way which I undertook to keep all it on distance.
- Pages about the main announcements of northern coast (North Shore) Maui, namely, Ho ' okipa, Spreckelsville and Kanaha.
- Page with some addresses useful the Internet to prepare a trip.
- And at last magazine of my sessions in Maui.

Still last information, a place Jaws which "did not go" during my stay, it is not specified on what tourist booklet, no more than it is specified by road. At departure from Kahului, the point of supervision of a wave can appear on left Hana highway right after branchings to Haiku as there is no index, a place found out on number of cars which appear on the low party!