Windsurfing in Cantabria, to live an adventure ...


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


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




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


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


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


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.


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

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


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


 

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


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


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



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


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.