Being on the road as a pro windsurfer can, to many people, seem like the dream life. And in some occasions it is, but before the reward, there is really hard work. And before you can get to enjoy amazing conditions somewhere out there in the world, there is all of the work you put in to make a trip happen, be it for a travel story or a world cup!

As many know, during the European summer, the world cup season is at its high, and I have taken out a week in August when making the trip down to the town of Alacati in Turkey where the warm weather and constant make it a perfect place for a sport like windsurfing.

The story begins back in Copenhagen a couple of weeks earlier. I am sending out emails to friends from the tour to hear about going down to Turkey about five days before the event to get used to the conditions there. Some days later, we are a group, and through contacts that we have gotten over the years we are lucky to find a place that can accommodate all of us at the same time.

I remember just having gotten some new sails and boards in, and I decided to pack all of it. The main sponsor for the event is an airline and we have an amazing equipment deal through them, so I don’t think too much about what I am packing, everything goes in the bags; five windsurf bags and two normal bags later, I am ready to fly the friendly skies. In the summertime I base myself out of Copenhagen as I have a great set-up there and it‘s easy to fly around Europe.

Bags in airport

Not long after I hit the airport terminal, I am already in the air and ready to take on this new trip which will be a mixture of good friends, good times, good food and of course lots of fun racing! For events like this, it is very rare that I travel with others as no-one else usually flies out of Copenhagen, so the first bit is always a bit quite before hooking up with the rest of the boys. A nice little quite time is good before hopping on to the windsurfing bonanza of world cup for a whole week.

Flying high

Today the destination is Izmir, the closest airport to Alacati, unfortunately there is a stop in Istanbul along the way, but it will give you just enough time for some Turkish coffee and sweets before taking the last flight down to Izmir. After exiting the flight and making it down to baggage claim, I am met with a big pile of equipment, which means one of the boys made it here before me. It was Finian Maynard who had beaten me in bringing the most amount of bags by far. He had built himself a small fortress in the arrivals hall and was waiting for the rest of us. We were all flying in within a couple of hours of each other. The next person I see at the baggage claim is Peter Volwater who, like me, has not gotten his bags yet. It usually takes a little while at this airport so we join Finian on the floor for a bit of chilling out. It will be a while before our bags and the other guys arrive, so there is nothing to do other than to just relax for a little while.

Pile of bags

Turkey is great at this time of year but it is also amazingly hot and I remember us talking about the wall of heat which will be hitting us once we hit the airport curb outside the doors.
After a while we see our equipment coming out and we give the airport staff a little hand dragging the heavy bags out. By the time we had dragged out our bags, Gonzalo had arrive together with Marco Lang, and we were now just one guy short of being ready to leave for Alacati.

After some more time of chilling and a little coffee session we were now ready to leave the airport. We had arranged a big truck to come for our gear and a mini bus to bring us all into town.

Packing up the truck

About an hour later, we are at our hotel and we finish of this crazy day with a round of cold  beers. May the week begin!

View from the hotel

The first order of business when you wake up on a morning like this, is to try and find your space to set up for the week. So even though it’s early we all head down to the beach and try to set up our equipment somewhere for the whole period of time we are there. After some heavy dragging and carrying, we are all set and it’s lunchtime. Once you are set up, things are easier really. You have much less stress. You are already there, your equipment is set up, and now is finally the time where the fun can begin: you can start hitting the water.

The next couple of days, there were really just one objective, to spend as much time on the water as possible. We had been joined by some of the French guys who had decided to come down earlier as well, so there were lots of guys on the water, and as the days progressed, more guys showed up. It is fairly normal that most guys show up a couple days before an event starts.
Most of the time we tested out our bigger equipment making sure that it working out in the marginal conditions, which we compete in sometimes. Especially at this spot, it is not unusual to do many races on the biggest equipment we have.

We also managed to squeeze in a Fanatic boards presentation with the whole racing team and the Turkish distributor as we had just gotten the new 2013 slalom boards, so everybody were pretty excited.

Preparing the big sail

The evenings are spent, either at our hotel eating dinner and hanging out, or at one of the local restaurants. I simply love the food here, and it’s incredible how much it boosts my motivation having amazing food. Everything from breakfast to dinner. After a couple of nights, we found a place really close by with great food, so we eventually ended up just spending the evenings there, before heading back to the hotel for some computer work, emailing, organizing etc.

I must note that at this time, I had not gotten myself out of here first as I was thinking of spending a couple of days more sailing here before going back to Denmark. Next stop for me was the Danish championships and with great sailing here, I was trying to organize getting into Denmark just a day or two before the next event!

The inevitable day came and we were now to compete. This first day always bring great excitement. Gonzalo and I were sharing an equipment tent, and we had it top tuned and organized for the first day. It was really just like a windsurfing center. Just grab a rig, downhaul and go. This brings great peace of mind, so we were pretty chilled on the first day.

Chilling out at beach

After a couple of days, the competition was really on a high. It was getting close to the weekend, and more and more people were turning up on the beach to check out the action. I had had some good races during the week and was fairly happy with the level I was keeping.

View from the beach

In the morning, while I was taking my rigs down to the beach, I saw someone’s sails flying around by the beach thinking “amateurs”. By the time I got to the beach I realized that it was actually my 6,2 and 7,0, which had been taking a tumble through tents and stands, and my 6,2 was damaged. Instead of having a quite morning, I now had to drag the 6,2 back to my tent to repair it. It all worked out well though, and the sail was back on the beach after a short little while.

Carrying sail down

This year, like the previous year brought lots of wind, but also very shifty wind, so I had everything from 6,2 to 9,5 on the beach ready to go. It was all in all just amazing racing. The atmosphere here is really relaxed on the beach which also gives you a relaxed feeling out on the water.

When the days are done, even the crew will hit the water for a blast around the bay.

Racing from above

Proffitt rigging my sail

More people had now found their way to our usual evening spot, and before we knew it, it was the chocolate brownie heaven, and boy were they good! I like it when the boys get around for a little bit in the evening just to talk about the day and the experiences out there before going back to bed and recharging for a new day.

Brownie time

The last two days of the event were a bit more funky wind wise, so there was time to mess around on the water, take some pics and just generally keep it cool on the beach and stay out of the scorching sun. During events, there can be lots of downtime. When you first start doing events, you tend to stress out a bit, but after a while you become a champion chill-out master being able to sit anything out, and this is what we do every now and then. I spent this extra time talking with some of the other guys about staying here some days longer and finally got to the decision that I would not be leaving after the last day of racing.

Gybing mast cam

The last day of racing is always a bit crazy. We race, and then we pack up getting ready to leave the place. There was lots of stuff to pack up, and as I now had decided to stay longer, I decided to divide up my bags a bit, and keep only a little bit of my equipment, and send the rest home with some of the Danish boys who had decided to come down for the racing also.

This is not an easy process. Gonzalo and myself had made a quite extensive mess during the week. Slowly and sweaty things were coming along, and after a good hour or two the gear was packed, and it was now time to end this day with a beer with the boys.

Beer time

The day after I decided to go for a little exploring up the beach with my buddy Sean O’brien and more friends, and we found some pretty amazing places which definitely are worth checking out. Its amazing how you keep finding places that take you by surprise. The first part of the day was spent chilling, swimming and playing beach tennis here before going back for an afternoon sailing session when the wind had finally picked up.

Hidden coast

Cruising gang

We once more finished off the day with a session at the local place with talks about what was about to happen the day after. Apparently a long distance race was being organised, so we decided to try it out. The next day we signed up for the race, but realized it would be a little hard for us to win, as there would be guys racing on formula gear, and the first half of the race was upwind…hmmm… we still decided to do it. Hours and hours later I was back on shore, and I had no idea what place I had come in at, but it didn’t really matter. It was a nice little race, and I headed back out on the water for a testing and tuning session with Gonzalo and Ben Van Der Steen who also had decided to stay

Time was slowly running out. There was only another day left of sailing before I would head back to Denmark. I of course spent the day on the water testing out the new Fanatic boards and doing some filming with Sean. It was just another amazing day here at Alacati. In the evening we went for one last dinner at our spot, and the next morning we were all out of there. I met Sean in Istanbul where we spent some hours together before going our separate ways.

Interneting with Sean

The day after I was in the car with my friends on my way to the Danish championships, and so it continues for the rest of the season. The summer time is packed, and its not unusual that the schedule will be like this for a long time before having some downtime. None the less, like any other trip, this was an amazing one, and I was happy to be able to make it down to Alacati for this stop of the world tour, and hope that I will be able to return to this and all other spots in my future time.

Driving off

World class sailors from around the world have enjoyed this years Lancelin Ocean Classic 3 day event, from the Spectacular waves competitions,to the kites, to the parties and sand boarding, to the Marathon event and the the beautiful weather and friendly locals have made the 28^th consecutive Lancelin Ocean Classic a weekend to remember.

For the 28^th year International competitors, amateur competitors and spectators have enjoyed the gorgeous WA coastline.

The first day of the Lancelin Ocean Classic today saw some spectacular windsurfing conditions ideal for the Waves competition with winds up to 25kmph and waves up to 11 foot high.  Windsurfers were in great spirits as they got ready for their heats.  This year there are 4 heats, Masters, Women, Open and Elite the pairs dual to be the champion of the waves.

The competition is judged by the ways in which the riders ride the waves and the quality of the jumps.  A late comer to join in the event was the legendary Peter Volwater which was set to spice things up a little.

During the 4 heats we saw some huge forward loops, back loops and push loops as well as some spectacular wave riding and the event really got exciting when Adam Lewis from the UK did an amazing 2 double forward loops which wowed the judges.

After some duelling heats, Dan Engdahl just beat Jonah Des-Forbes in the Masters,  James McCarthy Price beat Peter Tomsett to champion the Open and Karrin Jaggi beat world champion freestyler Laure Treboux to win the Female competition.  In the Elite division Ben Severne did some superb wave sailing to beat Peter Volwater and went onto face Ben Proffitt in the final.  It was a very close heat but Ben Severne took home the Macquire trophy at the presentations on Saturday 12^th Jamuary.

Ben said after the comp: “We had great conditions, way better than forecast.  In the heats I was against Peter Volwater I got lucky and it all came together, that’s as good as it gets.  After the long heats when I met Proffitt in the final my energy levels were low, I only have about 20 – 30 minutes worth of energy all I could think of was hanging on so I could get back for a beer”

The party in the park rounded off the first day of the classic, fun for all the family.

Sailors arrived at ledge point from 8am for the Lancelin Ocean Classic marathon, along with Jet Ski West who put on a an entertaining demonstration for the crowds of people waiting to see some of the worlds best windsurfers take to the waters.  Included in todays Elite line up is 41x world champion Bjorn Dunkerbeck, 10x world champion Steve Allen and defending his title is Peter Volwater 6 time LOC winner.  Pete is a WA regular and has a home here in Margaret River, Pete has come to Lancelin for the last 7 years to compete and brings his parents to this event to enjoy the beautiful weather and great conditions.

We also see the return of Jesper Orth who was close behind Pete last year, Blair Gavin. Dan Engahl and defending her LOC women’s championship title from last year was 29x world champion Karen Jaggi, who is now also a WA local.

In this years competition there was an Elite division, a women’s open, a men’s open, a masters, a grand masters and a junior division.  41x world champion Bjorn Dunkerbeck said “people keep asking why I come back to Lancelin each year, it’s a great event I like to do it, I can mix with international competitors and amateurs alike”  Bjorn visits WA a couple of times a year, the first was in 86, he travels up the WA coastline spending time in Mullaroo when he can “with the winds it’s a great spot” Just before the race Bjorn was helping people out with their sails and getting involved with all competitors on the beach, it’s a great inspiration.

Jet Sport West kept us very well entertained with motor cross style jet ski races from 9am as we waited for the wind to pick up and change direction.  Sailors were preparing to use big sails on the course today when in standard Lancelin Ocean Classic style at midday the winds came in SSW and built up to 24 knots just before the race.

The elites were the first released and Pete got off to a great start with one of the smallest sails a 6.8, it was a really close race between Pete, Steve, Bjorn and Jesper throughout the whole course.

The winds were picking up which the sailors were not expecting.  Even coming towards the finish line it was one of the closest races we have seen in a while.  After a gruelling 25 minutes the winners crossed the line with Steve Allen in 1^st place in 24 minutes 45 seconds, Peter Volwater in 2^nd place in 25 minutes and Bjorn Dunkerbeck in 3^rd place in 25 minutes 30 seconds.  4^th was German Gunner Asmussen and 5^th was Jesper Orth.

It was Steve Allen’s first time at Lancelin Ocean classic, he flew in Thursday night so had a couple of days to test out the water wind and weather conditions before the marathon.  After the race Steve said “It was a tight course, Pete was ahead for the first couple of turns, I passed him before the third but was getting fatigued so lost it back to him until the last turn when I just went for it.”

Bjorn Dunkerbeck had a bad start to the race getting tangled and having to make a couple of jumps, and did a great job with an 8.6 sail in ever increasing winds to get to 3^rd place,  he is keen to have a better race next year.

Karin Jaggi was again champion of the women’s heats completing the course in 29minutes 40 seconds, in 2^nd place was Justyna Sniady in 38 minutes 18 seconds followed by June Hill in 42 minutes 58 seconds.

In the Male Open David Vitale took first place in 31minutes 20 seconds followed very closely by Jake Dallimore in 31 minutes 26 seconds and in 3^rd place was Aaron Gavin in 31 minutes 54 seconds.

In the Masters competition Matt Langer came in first in 28 minutes 35 seconds, followed by Peter Crommelin in 31 minutes 21 seconds and Adam Passmore was a close 3^rd in 31 minutes 54 seconds

In the Grand Masters John Grulich took first place in 32 minutes 53 seconds, followed by Craig Mann in 35 minutes 13 seconds and Tom Radis followed closely behind in 35 minutes 30 seconds.

After a long day on the beautiful WA coast the legendary after party is enjoyed by competitors, sponsors and spectators alike.  We have enjoyed some of WA best weather and had a very exciting 3 days!  As Pete says “What an awesome way to start the season”

This year event was sponsored by Eventscorp, kinetic IT, shire of GinGIn, Bendigo Bank, 92.9 and would not be made possible without the help of all the sponsors involved, the volunteers, the sea search and rescue and the Rock Lobster fishing vessels.

Ben van der Steen

Name: Ben van der Steen

Sail number: NED57

Disciplines: Slalom, Speed, Formula.

Best results: 3rd in PWA 2012, IFCA World Champion 2009

Sponsors: Gaastra, Starboard  Mystic, Different.

What made you decide to change for 2013?

It’s been great racing on the Lofts but the negotiations didn’t run smoothly and it was time for change. I was looking for a bit more off a long term thing to really work with a brand without the stress at the end of the season and with Gaastra we found a solution for a longer term agreement together with very good sails and this is the way to continue for me.

What new companies are supporting you, and how did their support come about?

Starboard with the windsurfing boards after a good season in 2011 they took me up in the team for racing and for R&D.

Gaastra with windsurfing sails booms and mast after two good years of solid results they picked me up into the team to race alongside Ross and I will work with the guys on the racing designs.

Mystic with wetsuits harnesses and all accessories; I have been with them for more then five years now and I really like what they stand for and their vision on the sports they support.

Different with sunglasses; I am currently working with them on my own model which will come out soon and will be something that’s never been done before

Ben van der Steen

Ben van der Steen

What are you plans for 2013?

Of course I will be doing the whole PWA slalom tour and some GPS speed where I can and maybe Luderitz if it looks like it will happen. I will be doing some clinics around Europe as well to help people with their rigging and sailing skills. Apart from that I am sure I will go to some promo events and visit some places and some shops here and there.

What equipment will you be using and why?

The Starboard 90 107 127 iSonic 2013 I will be

in the waves.

registering for PWA as these are the boards I like the most for my personal sailing style. For speed I have the speed-specials 49 and 44, also I have the formula 167 and for some wave riding the nuEVO 93 and KodeWave82. I will have the full quiver of the Gaastra Vapor for racing and speed and have a couple off the power wave Poison wave sails.

What are you goals for competition this year?

The goal with competition should be to win ! So I will do my very best on the racecourse!! The goal is at least the same as 2012 or better.

Ben van der Steen, sky high on Gaastra.