Mistral Magic

Check out this funky new feature, designed to get you planing earlier. Mistral designer Mark Nelson tells us all about it.

Explanation of the perfect trim:

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Mac [4.85MB]

Spotlight on an Pro: Nikos Athanasiou

Name: Nikos Athanasiou (GRE-9) Hometown: Athens, Greece Local beach: Varkiza, Athens We introduce one of the few Greek sailors who compete on the EFPT Tour.

Freestyle trickery:

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Why did you get into windsurfing?

I saw someone do it and asked my father, ‘What is this thing moving that fast
in the water?!’ He explained and then told me that he was a windsurfing instructor in his youth which I had no idea about. I then spent all my time at Varkiza which is a wonderful flat water beach just south of Athens.



What do you do for a living?

I am a student at the University of Peireas in Athens where I am studying Statistics & Insurance Science. I also work part time in the evenings; call centre operator, running a Bowling Café, barman…you name it, I’ve done it! Long term I would like to make money out of windsurfing. I have just launched my web site (www.gre9.gr) and I am trying to get some sponsorship.

How often do you get to go windsurfing then?

In the winter time I mainly sail at Varkiza about 4 days a week. The wind is pretty good as my biggest sail is only a 5.4m. In the summer, there are plenty of windy beaches to choose from around Athens depending on the wind direction. I am also planning a trip to South African or Margarita this winter during University holidays.

When did you enter your first competition?

In 2004 at the EFPT event in Rhodos but I wasn’t ready for it. I went away and trained hard and this year I entered the EFPT events in Mykonos and Rhodes and came 17th in both. Not bad but room for improvement!

Does Greece have a national freewave circuit?

No, only racing including the Olympic RS:X class. But Greece has now hosted two EFPT events in Mykonos and Rhodes and there is talk about setting up a national circuit – we certainly have the wind!

What’s your latest trick you’re learning?

A flat water shaka.

Who is your windsurfing hero and why?

Kauli Seadi because he is by far the most complete windsurfer.

And finally your sponsors……

I really want to thank my sponsors for their big support – Fanatic, North and West Surfing & Infinity

2XS Launches New Website!!

The brand new 2XS Website has just been launched! The new look, easy to use site is up and running just in time for the summer and contains lots of new features including customer product reviews as well as the latest '07 RRD and Ezzy gear. The site has been developed by Ed Texier and his team at Herringbone.

Red Card Ricardo

Not content with just competing in the Freestyle and Wave disciplines, World Champ Ricardo Campello decided that he might like to sail across the slalom finish line, whilst out training on his freestyle kit at the Pozo PWA event.

Unfortunately the slalom fleet, who were racing at the time, were non to pleased and Ricardo got fined 250 Euro's by the PWA for his efforts.  In his own unique style, Ricardo told them where to stick the fine and ended up getting it doubled to 500 Euro's!!

So you would think that on the following day, Ricardo would be extra careful and stay well clear of the finish line.....mmm, well of course he didn't!

Nick Dempsey Interview

Shaw of a Gold

		Unpredictable winds, a new format and plenty of controversy…

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Ok, more news about the ‘fun’ racing:

The dreaded word – competition – don’t be daft, this is going to be fun. The races start and finish on the beach so those that can run quickest over sand will definitely have the advantage!

You can enter individually or as a team of four. Feel like a Pro & try and get your local shop to sponsor you.

Each race is sponsored by an importer or shop so plenty of product prizes to be won.

There are even prizes for racing on pre-historic kit (circa 1985).

The ultimate freeride winner will win a Water Sports Holiday for Two courtesy of Fat Face.

Entry is £20 for a whole day’s racing and of course you get to keep the stylish rash vest and goodie bag – bargain!

Don’t forget the night time activities – Power FM party, Night Windsurf Freestyle/Super X Competition and of course, a firework display.

Be there!

For more info on the Night Series: nightseries@fatface.com.

To support the event: Contact Allan Cross at WindandWaves68@aol.com

» Visit Fat Face website

SWA: Morrocan Motion

Bendy Booms

Everyone wants a stiff boom right?! To date, Neil Pryde have led the way with the X9 carbon boom, unrivalled as the stiffest boom on the market. North were about to launch a new system onto the market that they claim would be stiffer than the X9, but just before they did.....they stopped!

Why? Well, they conducted a boom test of all the rivals and guess what they found....the fastest boom on the market is not actually the X9, but an old Arrows boom!! They found that at high speeds it is actually faster to have flexibility in the front end as it acts as a shock absorber, increasing control and hence speed.

Don't believe it? Well neither did we until we saw Dunkerbeck and Finian Maynard on the Fuerte speed course using old booms. Check the pictures of the guys competing in Pozo to see for yourself!

SAS: Not in my backyard

The Wave Hub debate

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