Boardseeker Windsurfing Magazine » slalom windsurfing | Boardseeker Windsurfing Magazine

Introducing the Gaastra Phantom

Editor — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:20:32 +0000

Gaastra’s latest offering claims to be more than capable of winning races, so if that sounds like your thing then read on.

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SPEEDING BULLET!

The Phantom is the cambered sister of the Savage and the little brother of the Vapor. It features 7 battens and 3 cambers and a moderately wide mast sleeve. A Drop tack makes it easy to close the gap, drop clew with outhaul pulley and pronounced cross batten drop are standard features for this high performance sail.Two big race cams and one small cam at the foot batten lock in shape and stability. The Phantom much like the Vapor have an aerodynamic boom cutout closure with neoprene to keep water and air turbulence away. The top half of the mast sleeve is made of KI05 aramid laminate, which is light and strong and due to its flexing properties produces our SAS system (Shock absorption system), a dynamic twist that absorbs the chop and produces instant acceleration. This sail is more than capable of winning races!
Rig and Rip! The Phantom is tuned and ready to go straight away. Easy to rig and fast to blast. Watch out racers, the Phantom is coming.

More info
http://www.gaastra.com/sails/2013/slalom-race/phantom
http://www.gaastra.com

http://www.facebook.com/gaastrawindsurfing

VIDEOS: NORTH Release Their New Freeride Range

Editor — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:26:25 +0000

North sails have officially released their new freeride range which consists of the Racing RAM F13, the Performance S_Type and X_Type as well as their Crossover sails; the Natural, the Curve and the Drive.Grom. We’ve got some fresh new videos for each so for all the slalom racers, the freeriders and cruisers, then this is right up your street.

If you want to find out anymore about the range then you’ll find plenty of useful information over on www.north-windsurf.com

RAM F13

S_TYPE

X_TYPE

If you really want to see the smallest of details then download the PDF by clicking the link below and put the kettle on.

PR_NS_FREERIDE_2013

VIDEO: The 14th Fun Cup in Vietnam

Editor — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 10:33:32 +0000

The Jibe’s Beach Club in Mui Ne hosted the 2013 Vietnam Fun Cup for their yearly windsurf and other watersports gathering. Check out all the action in the video below and head over to the Starboard website to read more about it.

Full report – star-board.com

Philip Köster to Attend the 2013 DEFI Wind

Editor — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:05:19 +0000

It’s official! Two-times PWA Wave World Champion Philip Köster has just announced he will participate in this year’s edition of the Défi Wind
from the 8th to the 12th of May in Gruissan, France. The long distance race, now in its 13th edition, will get 1000 windsurfers together on the
starting line for the most exciting race in windsurfing! Click here to find out more and read up on the Défi!

A thousand windsurfers will attend the Défi Wind in Gruissan this year. No matter if they are pros or amateurs, the goal of this unique 4-day event is to enable the largest number of windsurfers to compete and share their common passion for windsurfing! Be ready for this once in a lifetime experience!

An established concept
1000 windsurfers on the same starting line, at the same place and at the same time, sailing full-planing on a more than 20-mile course. And for 4 days! This concept, introduced in 2001 by Philippe Bru and Wind Magazine, has clearly evolved over 10 years. With a very windy, idyllic spot and an usual race format, Défi Wind has quickly become the most popular windsurfing event worldwide. Make sure you sign up quickly before registration ends!

A challenge
This race is a true gathering of wind tamers. Windsurfers come first to battle with the famous Tramontana wind … but also to exchange and share their passion together.

An organization straining
The necessary framework for this marathon is worthy of the greatest sporting events worldwide. With such a large number of participants, the organization must face rigorous logistics to ensure the security and allow everyone to compete in the best conditions. Not less than 250 people stand ready to make this thirteenth edition that of all records! The rankings are a real headache for the organization. Technology comes to the rescue thanks to a partnership with Microsoft and MyGeoLive. On this edition, no less than 500 windsurfers will have the latest GPS system, to follow the race live and in real time on the website!

Opening of the registration February 8
The first windsurfers are expected from Wednesday, May 8th and the first race is scheduled for 12:00 the next day along the “Vieille Nouvelle” beach. We pray for wind and hoping for Tramontana to honor the “Défieurs”…

Kurosh Kiani Signs to Maui Ultra Fins

Editor — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:18:12 +0000

The season of 2013 has many new and exciting changes ahead for the Danish windsurfing pro Kurosh Kiani. For this upcoming season, Kurosh Kiani has signed a sponsorship deal with Maui Ultra Fins.

Now with a focus on the racing and freeriding scene, Maui Ultra Fins has taken on Kurosh onto their team of exceptional international sailors. Kurosh will be heading the Maui Ultra Fins development cycle towards creating top level racing fins which are to be released during this upcoming season.

Kurosh has already been working together with Rick Hanke and Olaf Sutor of the Maui Ultra Fins team on new models which are aimed towards top level racers and freeriders worldwide. Excited about this addition of supporters Kurosh comments: “I´m ready to take Maui Ultra Fins to the next level. We will be working together closely on bringing out some fins which guarantee not only performance but a high level of sailing experience which is one of the most important aspects for the end user, amateur and pro alike. I will also be the link between the brand and the general public. I´m super happy and excited about a new partnership where we can work towards common goals!”

Rick Hanke of Maui Ultra Fins comment: “We are very happy to have Kurosh heading our race fin development. Despite his young age, he is already a seasoned PWA racer with a strong technical focus. Kurosh is always willing to share his vast experience with our customers getting them the best possible G-10 and carbon fins possible for the 2013 season.”

Keep an eye out on the release of the new Maui Ultra Fins racing line during this season. To see more about Kurosh Kiani, click over to his website www.kiani.dk and check what he´s been up to lately.

All photos are credited to: Olaf Sotur/Everaftermaui

2013 Gaastra International Team

Editor — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:14:51 +0000

Gaastra International are proud to announce the team ready to take on the best of the best! With a number of new events on the PWA Tour, now more than ever the combination of man and machine are bred to take no prisoners. Over to Gaastra -

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On the racing side of things we have a new edition in the likes of Ben van der Steen who will join Ross Williams and Cedric Bordes to race and develop the Vapor range of sails. New to the team is Sebastian Kordel and he will be learning the program ready to input his impressions. These guys are all good friends and will team up with designer Peter Munzlinger to set a new standard on the racecourse! Valerie Arrighetti and Sarah-Quita Offringa will show the women’s side of the fleet how to get it done! Keep an eye out for the Vapors up top of the podium.
The formula class sees Ross Williams the 2012 World Title holder back on a mission to defend what he worked so hard for. The Vapor racing board has been on top of the podium since its inception and will be hard to beat. As the formula sails continue to evolve, there is nothing to stop further domination in the formula world.

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The Wave Warriors are a strong force to be reckoned with. Thomas Traversa who just advanced into the Red Bull Storm Chase 2nd stage looks to back up his victory in Denmark and continue pushing the sport to new levels. His friend and team mate Alex Mussolini who ranked 3rd place on the PWA Tour has his sights set on the number 1 slot for this year! Jamie Hancock and Phil Horrocks continue to raise the bar in the UK while showing the PWA guys they have talent that can be deadly. When it comes to the Canary Islands, local boy Dario Ojeda is capable of taking down anyone. Watch these guys as the PWA WAVE TOUR looks to be a good one for 2013.

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Our dominant freestyle team continues with Tonky Frans, Kiri Thode, Antony Ruenes, Davy Scheffers and of course the women’s Freestyle World Champion Sarah Quita Offringa. Utilizing the revolutionary PURE freestyle sails the team continues its quest to be the best!

As the 2013 season approaches quickly, watch out for this friendly and powerful team.

gaastra.com/team-gaastra/international
gaastra.com
facebook.com/gaastrawindsurfing

Photo Credits: John Carter (RedBull/PWA), Magaly Boulogne, Jose Pina, Eric Ballende, Tim Hendrics

VIDEO: Starboard Around – Sylt, Germany

Editor — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:21:54 +0000

The Starboard Around series is certainly taking off. Produced by Sean O’Brien the Episodes have included Latvia, Turkey and Italy so far, now it is the turn of Germany, in particular the well known PWA Word Tour stop of Sylt. We join Oliver-Tom Schliemann as he shows us around the island, which is famous for its long sandy beach and amazing windsurfing conditions.

VIDEO – Wellington Windsurfing Movie

Editor — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:13:20 +0000

Wellington, New Zealand. Far from the maddening crowds of Europe this place provides a whole host of different spots for those wanting waves, slalom, freeride and more. Check out this 12 minute feature film from the locals, featuring the locals.

VIDEO: Luderitz Speed Part 1

Editor — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:09:25 +0000

Luderitz became pretty famous just a few months ago when outright speed records were smashed daily and the fastest watermen on the planet blasted down the narrow trench at speeds reaching near to 100km/h! Well a quality series is about to hit our screens with footage captured from unique unseen angles as well as a more in depth look behind the scenes. Enjoy part one and tune back in soon for the next episode.

VIDEO: Neilpryde RS Racing evo 5 vs speed boat

Editor — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:57:13 +0000

Here is a cool clip of the new Neilpryde RS Racing Evo 5 vs a top spec speed boat. Watch on to see how Neilpryde’s wind power fairs up against such a machine…

Margaret River Show Down 16/17th

Editor — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:15:54 +0000

For our readers currently in Australia or those who have an urge to drop everything and head to WA now then this weekend will see the Margaret River event kick off. A wave sailing event that will include freestyle and racing this year, should the forecast allow. Check the poster below for more details and here is the link to the facebook page – www.facebook.com/WindsurfingWA.

VIDEO: Starboard: AROUND Teaser with Steve Allen

Editor — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:49:24 +0000

Sean O’Brien recently hooked up with top Slalom windsurfer Steve Allen during their photo-shooting and testing at Steve’s home on the east coast of Australia. Here is what Sean had to say – “Quick teaser from a new episode of my ‘Starboard: AROUND’ shot with Steve Allen at his home beach on the east coast of Australia”

VIDEO: Explore and Play Ep.5

Editor — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:42:57 +0000

Explore and Play grew in popularity a few months ago when the first episodes were released. Now the fifth episode is out and ready for our viewing pleasure. Although the Moussilmani brothers were plagued by light winds on this trip to Tunisia this is still a great travel video and very high quality. Tune back soon for episode six where we are sure to see them hitting the water, more from the brothers on facebook – www.facebook.com/Lesmoussbrothers

Explore and Play – épisode 5 – Tunisie por Lesmouss

VIDEO: Grevelingendam

Editor — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:55:47 +0000

One for our freeriders and fans of the harness mount. Local to Grevelingendam in Holland, Theo Boudewijn takes us on a ride across glassy flat waters.

Defi Wind Registration Now Open

Editor — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:23:16 +0000

Registration for the Defi Wind event has now gone live. Expected to be bigger and better than ever this event is growing to a vast scale, over a 1000 windsurfers will be seen on the water, whilst 250 helpers will ensure the event runs smoothly. Read all about the event below and head over to www.defiwind.com for more.

St Barths Fun Cup – Final Report

Editor — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:18:13 +0000

Event organiser and event winner Antoine Questel is obviously super happy with his performance and the event outcome itself. Finishing ahead of the likes of Bjorn Dunkerbeck and Taty Frans, he showed an outstanding level of windsurfing and will certainly be one to watch out for this season. Check out his words below.

Antoine Questel:

From the 1st until the 3rd of February, St.Barth saw its second edition of the Fun Cup in the magnificent spot Saint-Jean Bay, with ideal conditions. A steady twelve to eighteen knots allowed us to race five races altogether.

Just like the previous year, I organized the event but since this was its second initeration, everything went a lot smoother, allowing me to focus on my racing. A big “thank you” to all the volunteers who handled the registrations and made sure I could compete 100%.

Very thorough preparations made it possible for me to stand up to a very high field of competitors, with three other PWA heavyweights in the mix. Consistent speeds ensured me four out of five victories in the end, so when the dust settled, I had conquered both Taty and Björn (41 world champion titles!), showing me that my wintertraining has paid of and I am all ready to charge at the 2013 season.

I’d like to mention at this point that I am very satisfied with the organisation of the St.Barth Fun Cup, allowing me to promote the sport i love to both locals and a bigger audience worldwide. Ultimately, I’d like to give this event that legendary “season kick-of” status where the International windsurfing circus comes out in full force. We’re well on our way because the 3rd edition has already been announced for January 2014!