windgirls waterworld

2010-07-27T16:05:00.002+02:00

From now on will blog directly to www.worldofwindgirls.com !
See you there.
Andy, windgirls.com

This blog has moved

2010-04-19T22:56:00.001+02:00

This blog is now located at http://windgirlswaterworld.blogspot.com/.
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2010-04-12T23:39:00.002+02:00

Greta Benvenuti in El Medano

2010-03-30T08:22:00.002+02:00

Nayra on Maui

Frank Berthuot of Mauiwatershoot took this awesome pic of Nayra Alonso, who just arrived on the island - and obviously hurt her thumb recently. Ride on, Nayra!

2010-03-24T00:35:00.002+01:00

Accident Evi Tsape. Questionnaire.

Greek top wavesailor Evi Tsape recently survived a very severe accident during a session in the Korinthian Gulf. The good news: "I had the worst injury there is, but got away with it with the minimum damage." Read Evis breathtaking report here.

The International Windsurfing Association (IWA) has started a women windsurfing Campaign to boost women in windsurfing some months ago in order to improve the position of women in windsurfing in media, at events or have a better market position. In order to further develop this campaign the IWA has taken the initiative to spread a questionnaire to all the female pro-windsurfers. This questionnaire includes questions about: How do you feel about the position of women in windsurfing ? How do you feel about trainingcamps ? And what you would like to see in such a camp?

Filling in this questionnaire will also help to make one of the projects of the women windsurfing campaign a success: The trainingcamp that will be organized prior to the Texel World cup in June. You can have a say in how this event is going to be organized! Fill in the questions and help womens windsurfing! Filling in the questionnaire takes about 10 minutes. The IWA will give away 25 Women Windsurfing Calendars among the participants.

2010-03-10T10:05:00.003+01:00

Butterfly Effect Fiji

The Butterfly Effect Fiji Expedition
~June 19th- 26th, 2010~

The B.E. Fiji Expedition will be a trip not to be missed!
The all inclusive package will take care of all your needs once you arrive. It is completely hassle-free and friendly, and will be way too much fun! The package will include the following and a whole lot more:
7 day accommodation
All meals
Transportation (on land and boat)
Clinics
Training Sessions
Photos
Video
Non-wind activities ( Snorkel, SUP, fishing, wake, waterski)
Down-winders
Boat trips
And so much more!
The package for all the above is only USD $1,190 for all Butterflies (A.K.A. water women!). Airfare sold separately.
(Packages for couples, kids, families and groups are available upon request)

Please contact us for any questions and to reserve your space!

Hope you are all out in the water enjoying every moment!

Much Love and Aloha,
The Butterfly Effect crew

www.betheeffect.com

2010-02-24T23:19:00.003+01:00

PWA Women Marketing

After a big disappointment (the PWA wave event "cold Hawaii" in Denmark will be men-only) PWA Womens Marketing and Event Manager Marion Raisi has unveiled a pdf-presentation in order to raise female participation again.

Marion writes that women ... "play a great role the PWA World Tour by giving a smoother touch to this world, mainly composed of men. They had to adapt and to find themselves a place, that they finally found by using their talents to seduce the public, the media and the sponsors." Whether we tend to agree or not is not the point. :-) But Marion is certainly right when she points out that "the implication of women riders in the windsurfing world is a great value added to any event today, and this is time to make it burst to everyones eyes."

The presentation offers short portraits of some of the top girls as well as fresh ideas for event organisers like fun races, clinics, SUP demos and more. If you are interested in the file, just leave us a note, eg here or on our Facebook page.

2010-02-22T21:58:00.000+01:00

4 Girls join Fuerte Wave Classic

Top pro riders Daida Moreno, Iballa Moreno and Nayra Alonso, together with local rider Nicole Boronat, will join the FWC! The four teams which will now be formed by 4 guys/1girl. All riders, girls and guys, will be competing against each other in the same conditions making for an amazing contest.

"The participation of the women in this event has been a long time project of the organisation and now that is finally done we are sure that not only enrich the great spectrum of the professional windsurfers taking part, but also make evident the importance of the female rider in a minority sport, such as windsurfing. We hope that with this addition, the event will prove to be more well rounded and will not only serve as a media to promote the island of Fuerteventura, but also to continue the development of the female side of the sport."

Find interviews here (pdf)!

2010-02-13T11:45:00.001+01:00

Kanza Stott wins Australian Nationals

photos: Colin Leonhardt/birdseyeviewphotography.com.au

Kanza Stott, 16 year old Naish Windsurings Teamrider, (see also www.windgirls.com/youngmauiwindgirls.html) officially finished all of the windsurfing competitions that Australia has to offer. She placed 2nd in the Lancelin, 1st in the Greenhead Competition, sending her to Nationals in Margaret where she took home 1st place in the Womens Divison!

The forecast predicted a large swell for the day of the competition and the day before sets were peaking at 15 feet. Luckily it calmed down a bit for the event and the waves were a little over mast high. (source: Naish)

2010-02-02T13:01:00.000+01:00

Moreno Twins on Starboard/Severne for the first time!

2010-02-01T08:56:00.001+01:00

Yoli de Brendt Female Athlete of the Year

Venezuela. At Sunday the 31st of January the price giving for the athletes of the year of the Island of Margarita took place at the University of Margarita in the City of El Valle at the Island of Margarita. For the first time Yoli de Brendt could win the price for best female athlete. Winning every single national Windsurf Competition in 2009 and her third place at the Fuerteventura Worldcup and the fourth place overall at PWA in 2009 were reason for the Jury to announce Yoli de Brendt as winner.

2010-01-27T21:15:00.005+01:00

Sarah Quita Offringa from NP to Gaastra

Official Press Release: "Gaastra Sails are proud to announce the signing of womens PWA Freestyle World Champion Sarah-Quita Offringa! At just 18 years of age, she is one of the new-school up-and-coming freestylers that has made history by dominating the womens tour. Sarah-Quita will be working to defend her Freestyle title as well as get her feet wet on the PWA Slalom tour... "
Read the full interview by Gaastra team manager Matt Pritchard on the Boards Magazine website .

A little bit more background is offered in a short interview with French windsurfjournal.com, where Sarah is quoted that "leaving Neil Pryde"..."is a decision that has been imposed on me". translation
As we think - also an incomprehensible decision by NP, that makes this brand (with rare exeptions like beautiful freeride model Carine Camboulives) even more a "boys-only"-show...

2010-01-24T12:56:00.003+01:00

Why (should Girls) windsurf?

Greta Benvenuti from Italy just opened her GIRLS CORNER at her sponsors (Point 7) Academy. Here is her first article:

"Lots of girls are windsurfing or at least tried at leat once in their life; many of them have started because their father, brother or boyfriend\husband were active windsurfers themselves. I also ended up more then 1 time with a sail and a board in my hands over my teenage time, but never understood why it actually took time before I really got into it and understanding what wonderful sport this is.

I live by the ocean and it has always been an important part of my life from when I was a kid, I loved dreaming to be a fish, learned swimming, and learned a lot of different sports but was never really into any, till one day... a classical late summer afternoon, I saw all these windsurfing sails speeding and jumping around my home waters, I was flashed by the beauty and action they were offering.

I could not understand why I never realized of that magic. So I decided to go to the first course, and at the age of 19 I was first time in love with this amazing sport and lifestyle of windsurfing."
more at Point7

2010-01-21T18:03:00.002+01:00

Nikola Girke North American RSX Champ!

Nikola Girke (CAN-17) reports:
"After three days of racing in a wide array of different conditions, we were able to get 7 races completed. There was only 6 of us girls but we raced with the guys fleet so we had more competition to race against, but we also are on different size sails and fins so it was definitely more challenging. Although there was only 6 of us, it was really tight racing - the group included two of my training partners that I was in Mexico with and the British Bronze Medalist from the Beijing Olympics.

Saturday started off really windy, 20-25 knots. Our race committee was having some sort of problems with our course area and thus we ended up waiting for over an hour before they got the first race under way. We eventually did and it was a long race - two times windward leeward (2 laps of up and down). I led to the top mark but lost my lead to the British girl on the downwind, but with another good upwind, I regained the lead and kept it this time on the downwind... to cross the line first. After this first race we all got sent in for lunch (we sailed to an island and they provided lunch for us). By the time we were back on the race course, the wind dropped a lot. We were able to get two more races off in the late afternoon in these light to marginal conditions (not my strongest condition), but I fought hard and finished 2nd in both races!

Sunday once again started off with strong winds as a front was moving through. The sky was ominous and the clouds over to the right side of the course looked very threatening. Thus, the right side of the course looked very favoured to me, so I decided to do a port tack start (see the picture attached). My timing was a bit off... about a second or so too early but I was committed to crossing the fleet... Yikes!! The over early flag went up, I knew it was me so I exonerated myself by going back to dip the start line. Then it was catch up time! I was doing my best when the wind did over a 90 degree shift to the right and thats when the race committee abandoned the race and sent us to shore. Those scary clouds were now above us and were about to cause havoc. Heavy rains soaked us on the way in. We waited onshore for the weather to clear and then were sent out for two more races. Although the weather had settled, the wind was far from stable. My position changed numerous times throughout the race, but managed to finish in 3rd and 2nd.

Mondays forecast did not look promising, but luckily we did manage to get some wind and were able to get two tricky races off. I was leading the first race on the first lap, but got left behind in a puff that didn't reach me. I quickly went from first to a distant 4th. The next race was not much easier... the race was won already on the first upwind and there was no chance of catching up. I finished 4th once again.
Having managed to sail a fairly solid regatta, I finished 2nd overall to Bryony Shaw of Great Britain... and claimed the North American RSX Womens Title!
Now for a bit of rest, recuperation and some more training before the World Cup - Miami Olympic Classes Regatta starts next Monday the 25th."

2010-01-13T12:28:00.003+01:00

Sponsor Roundabout

New sponsors for some of the worlds top "windgirls" for 2010:

photos courtesy of Naish, NP/Jerome Houyvet, Severne

French Speed Queen Sarah Hebert, who had been riding Naish sails for three years now, will be on the Naish board line as well in the future. Sarah Quita Offringa will be leaving Neil Pryde for her part, (unconfirmed) rumors say. Iballa and Daida Ruano Moreno, in recent time sailing with North Sails and - remarkably enough - with no board sponsor at all, will be on Severne Sails from now on!
Iballa: "I am personally really happy to join this new team. I feel very motivated to train hard and keep defending my titles as well as promoting the sport in any way I can. Severne is a sail brand that suits us perfectly and the fact that they support top women of the sport really gives them extra points. We will work really hard to promote what it is now the best windsurfing sail brand." This means the twins will be in a strong team with Karin Jaggi, Nayra Alonso and others. One question is obvious: Will they manage to get into the Starboard team, too?

2010-01-08T21:46:00.002+01:00

Jeri with Sarah & more!

Great freestyle action in Jericoacoara with Sarah Quita Offringa and more top sailors. Found on C7/YouTube.

by Cometocino Producciones CR. Cam: Yoyo Salfate / Yeiyei Ferreira. Music: Fernando Lasalvia, DJ Dero.

2009-12-31T16:17:00.003+01:00

Iballa Ruano rips !!

Olya and Sveta had a nice clinic with the Russian ladies down in Dahab. theiy are the ...
...WINDSURF BEAUTIES!

2009-12-08T23:39:00.002+01:00

Eva in Paradise

Wave windgirl Evi Tsape is happy about new sponsors (F2, North), as she told pwaworldtour.com these days. The Greek loop queen - one of not too many girls pulling incredible push loops - also unveils her plans for this winter. And she shares some impressive moments in her Pozo 2009 video!

Evi: "As well as supporting me with all my equipment, North Sails, F2 boards, and ION wetsuits, we discussed the windsurfing camps I have been organising in Greece these past few years, and they want to support those as well, which is great for the sport. This decision turned out even better when Dani Aeberli from F2 offered to send in 3 boards for me. It is the first time I have had such a good deal, I have had to pay for all of my boards up until now. So I would like to thank Dani too! ... Overall it is great to receive all this support and the whole renewal is also great… New colors, new feelings, everything new!"

Evis plans for the winter ahead:
"As you might (or might not) know, besides competing on the PWA tour for 4 years now, I also have a normal job in Athens, where I live. I work for my father, in a ship management company. Of course I can go sailing here as well, but I also have work to do every day, and when it is not windy I stay at the office really long hours. So I do not have the possibility to be away from Athens all winter, as most sailors do.
However, Athens is not the best place to train for waves, so I will have to go away if I want to improve. It is ok to stay here if you want to maintain the same level of sailing, but if you want to improve, you have to go away. My plan is to stay here for autumn and beginning of winter, and after Christmas do a trip or two somewhere, not sure where yet. I have been to South Africa twice, in February 2007 and 2008 and it was really great, but I think I would like to see and sail a different spot now. I think I might fly on a good forecast to the Canaries or Morocco, and for sure I will try to sail at more spots here in Greece. So many of the Greek islands get good conditions in wintertime, like Crete in the south of the Aegean, where I have never sailed, or Rhodes, which both have a few degrees higher temperature in winter, it would be awesome to go there. I think I will focus more on my training as spring gets closer."

2009-12-03T00:26:00.003+01:00

Olympic Stunt(Wind)Girl in Wavesailing Heaven

A lot has happened in Nikola Girkes life recently. Here is her report:
"It sure has been a really busy time for me. I came home to an incredible end of the summer - it got me outside doing all sorts of exercise, mainly biking but also got some Vancouver short-board windsurfing in! Between trying to stay fit, working, doing some school talks, getting fitness tested, started up a new fitness program and trying to organize/plan my next years leading up to London 2012... I had my hands full.

It was about mid-October when I was asked to audition for a stunt-double part in a movie (for a sailing scene). I got the part! It was only supposed to be a two day ordeal, but I quickly learned that's not how the film industry works. We went up to Port Renfrew, on the west coast of Vancouver Island to do the shoot, which ended up being a 6 day adventure. Attached are a few pictures of where we were and what we were doing - check out the nice surf spot! On the boat there was a total of 6 of us - 5 guys doing all the work and then hiding for when the helicopter came to take the shots of me sailing the boat "solo". It was a treat to sail on this Open 50 racer.

Early November I flew to Maui for a bit over two weeks. I have not been back for many years so it was so wonderful to be back to my old stomping grounds. Before I started 470 sailing in 2001, I had lived in Maui for 1.5 years to pursue my windsurfing goals and dreams. Needless to say, there was plenty of catching up to do with my friends and trying to cram what seemed like 8 years of not really short-boarding and surfing into two weeks! It was part of my "cross-training" plan to go and play there - to get back to why I started windsurfing - jumping in the waves, wave riding and surfing. Luckily, even after so many years went by, I could still do it. I guess it is like riding a bike... kind of. It's great training for when I get back on the RSX - as there are so many parallels, one must be more precise/sensitive on a short board as it's not as forgiving as the RSX (big board & big sail). I arrived at a perfect time - for my first day on the water I was greeted with mast high (4m face waves) and wind. I was in wave-sailing heaven. I guess that's Maui - I did not get eased into it....rather I got absolutely launched into it. I loved it.

My next stop was Toronto. I was elected to be the Female Athlete Rep for the Canadian Yachting Associations Board of Directors, thus, needing to attend the AGM. The night I arrived to Toronto, November 20th was also the Canadian Yachting Association 2009 Rolex Annual Awards Banquet. I was honoured to receive this years CYA Female Athlete of the Year Award. This award really means a lot to me. Although I have received this award twice before (2001 & 2004), both times was while I was sailing the 470. Changing sports from sailing to windsurfing in 2005 was a really daunting task, full of challenges, many pride swallowing moments and some doubt. Slowly and surely though, my hard work and determination has started to pay off. A 17th place finish at the Beijing Olympics left me with unfinished business - my goal is to bring home a medal from London 2012. Being the recipient of this award means that I've been doing something right and that I am on track towards achieving my goal! Thank you to all those who have helped me get to where I am today.

I am home for two weeks before I head off again - this time to Mexico for a training camp with 4 other RSX girls. Looking forward to getting back on the board!"
Nikola Girke (www.nikolagirke.com)

2009-11-26T22:22:00.002+01:00

Sarah Quita reports from Jeri

Hi all!
Right now I am in Brazil, Jericoacoara for some freestyle training. It has been one of my biggest dreams to go to Brazil and now it has finally come true! I love it here! The language is so beautiful and the people are all very kind. I still have to get used to the fact that it's windy everyday! I have sailed 10 days non stop. I even broke my board one day but they fixed it and I was on the water the next day already.
Jericoacoara has one main spot that is usually very crowded so Monday we decided to go to a lagoon where we could sail on flat water. We were supposed to leave at about 10:30 but there was a misunderstanding so we ended up going 2 hours later. It was all worth it though! I went with Anxton Otaegui, Steven van Broeckhoven, Damian Portier, Jelle Caers and Dario. I was fully powered on my 4.3 and loved every minute of my session. I finally learned to do the normal stance Kono's so I was really happy at the end of the day! (source: Starboard)

2009-11-12T21:25:00.004+01:00

Zara Davis wins Speed European Championships 2009

After a very frustrating week wind wise, the result from ISWC European Championship held in Dungarvan Ireland was down to the 11th hour, the wind all week had just not been enough to race till the final day when a chance came midday, Zara was ready with her new Simmer race sails and Mistral boards and hit the start when the flag when up. Little did she know the wind was to last only 10 minutes out of a 90 minute round. She managed to get the two runs in that see needed to take the Womens 2009 European Speed Crown.

Zara said: "I was very lucky to be ready for the start and got my two runs in, a lot of riders did not get the second run in the time, I took my Mistral Slalom 95 and Simmer SC4 7.0m which was a bit big but I wanted to get two safe runs in then change down, but I did not get the chance. The site has definitely got potential with the right wind." (source: Pete Davis)

2009-11-01T22:22:00.001+01:00

Baby, get shaky

Nayra Alonso presents her latest video - lots of nice wave rides and really clean backloops!

2009-10-22T19:59:00.001+02:00

New Video - Butterfly Effect Dominican Republic 2009

Visit www.betheeffect.com to be a part of the next event!

Butterfly Effect Cabarete 2009 from charly on Vimeo.

2009-10-04T21:35:00.002+02:00

Hard. Hardcore. Sylt!
Iballa wins. Daida takes wave title.

photos: PWA/Carter, text: PWA, windgirls.com

Daida and the beast...

The 2009 PWA tour just has come to an amazing climax, with storms pounding over the North Sea with up to 40 knots and powerful, sometimes masthigh waves - including the infamous Sylt shorebreak of course...
While the men had come to the beautiful, rough islands in the north of Germany to compete in no less than 3 disciplines (slalom, freestyle, wave), the girls battled it out in the waves only. To make it short: Iballa Ruano Moreno sailed perfectly in these challenging conditions and was able to win the double elimination and thus the event. This ment that Iballa and twin sister Diada stood at equal points for the 2009 wave ranking and would have to go out for one last and decisive heat in the stormy Sylt seas. If only... both had showed up on the water...

Daida twaked and sailing better than many men

But no Iballa in sight (later it was said that she had suffered an injury...), so this meant Daida Ruano Moreno was - without additional struggle on the water - could be crowned the (more than worthy!) PWA wave champ for 2009!

Iballa - queen of Sylt 2009

And this is how it all happened on day 8:
Iballa Ruano Moreno (North) was sitting pretty at the top of the single elimination, so by the time it came to her first heat she had barely sailed. Her sister Daida Ruano Moreno (North) on the other hand was already in tune with the conditions having sailed against Nayra Alonso (Fanatic, Severne) to defend her position. Daida upped the level and actually sailed a better heat than most of the men did in their early rounds, landing huge tweaked push loops to beat her sister. This meant a second final would have to take place to decide the event winner. Second time round, both of the Moreno twins were pushing hard and getting some excellent jumps and riding in.

Nayra had not needed to "shit my pants" :-) - 3rd place!

Iballa however pushed the sailing a notch higher and landed a huge push loop followed by a high scoring ride, which just edged her out in front, winning her the heat, and the event.
All of the women sailed extremely well in the tough conditions but some better than others. Evi Tsape (Fanatic, NeilPryde) stood out in the early rounds with some great forward loops and an excellent riding style, but she was halted in her tracks by an on form Alonso. Alonso was hitting heaps of sections with plenty of power, and going for some frighteningly high push loops. Laure Treboux (Fanatic, North) also looked more comfortable in the port tack conditions and was unlucky not to progress further.

Results

2009-09-18T00:00:00.005+02:00

PWA: Fuerte Video and Rumors
WOWI celebrates Birthday

Watch Sarah-Quita freestyling and talking about her formula of success, her smiles...

There have been rumors about a women only slalom event in France recently...
Source: www.windsurfjournal.com

The Women of Windsurfing Ireland celebrate their 10th birthday - congratulations!!

2009-08-29T09:43:00.003+02:00

SURF MAGAZIN Girlscamp Naxos !

sept 6-13 and 13-20!
Info: www.flisvos-sportclub.com

2009-08-14T11:51:00.002+02:00

World Windsurfing Day:
Introduce new Windgirls!!

On August 16th 2009, windsurfers around the world are invited to head down to the beach and introduce a friend or two to windsurfing, as Starboard introduces the World Windsurfing Day!

Jim Drake, inventor of windsurfing: "What a great idea! Celebrating this young sport with a day devoted to recruiting new windsurfers. ... Actually, they do not have to be all that young, I was almost 40 when I first stood on 'Old Yeller' the first windsurfer! ... And there is another attribute I would urge be used in selecting and organizing these firsttime sailors. And that is that each group contain roughly equal numbers of boys and girls -- men and women, if you prefer. This, now, makes the experience a social one, maybe even a dating one. And everyone will be trying their very best. Finally, it never hurts to have a fire laid and ready to light with chilled or warm liquid refreshments nearby. Bon chance."

All we can add: Bring on the new windgirls and show them our great sport - and please spread the message!

2009-07-22T16:24:00.002+02:00

Anne Marie and Tiffany on a Quest

Tiffany Ward and Anne-Marie Reichman travel to a secret spot, searching for the perfect wave. As seen on "Ballistic TV"!

2009-07-05T22:16:00.002+02:00

Sarah Quita unbeatable in Lanzarote !

Sarah-Quita Offringa took the honors in the first PWA freestyle event this year, in Lanzarote, performing at to date unseen level of women freestyle windsurfing. Althought the conditions have been quite Pozo-like sometimes and perfect for high flyers like the Moreno twins, the reining freestyle campion just left silver and bronze respectively for the likes of Junko Nagoshi and Daida Moreno. Results here!

PWA video of day 5 and price giving:

2009-06-28T10:13:00.003+02:00

Winner to Wavesailor DVD

Lars Petersen is proud to announce, that "our eagerly anticipated and last film in Feed Your Soul Instructional Trilogy is finally complete! The name is WINNER TO WAVESAILOR. Our aim has been clear: To create a wave sailing instructional masterpiece!"

Info: www.fym-productions.com/w2w/

Lars: "Winner to Wavesailor is the most comprehensive wavesailing instructional DVD ever produced. Its aim is to guide people to be the best wavesailors they can be. From first day getting out in the waves to first loops, from down the line in cross off perfection to making the most of cross on waves, this movie has it all. Rotations are covered both backwards and forwards right up to doubles.
Forward loops, back loops, push loops and more are covered in depth and from all angles, with special live coaching sections by our instructional Guru Jem Hall. The red-hot action demos are by the JP/ Pryde international team including Kauli Seadi and Jason Polakow in footage from Brazil, Chile, Maui and Europe."

The DVD will be going out to the shops around mid July. Watch the trailer here! (24 MB!)

2009-06-23T01:20:00.003+02:00

PWA Costa Brava

Valerie Ghibaudo and Antoine Albeau are crowned as the 2009 Costa Brava Champions, both taking decisive wins to establish their positions at the top of the PWA Slalom World Tour. Round 3 of the PWA World Tour Slalom took place in the beautiful Costa Brava region of Catalunya, Spain.

Race 1
The standard of the womens fleet has risen dramatically and this event saw 16 competitors of the highest level. Even more impressive is the amount of youth in the fleet showing how promising the future looks for womens racing. First round standout was Alice Arutkin (Starboard/North Sails). She blasted into 1st place ahead of World Champion Karin Jaggi (F2/Severne). At just 17 years old she is definitely a hot tip for the future. Unfortunately for her a timing mistake in the final meant she eventually finished 6th.

The losers final was won by fired up French woman Morane Demont (Starboard/Severne). Demont had an over-early in the first round, but made no mistakes in the losers final. Celebrating her 16th birthday midweek, she is surely another high hope for the future. Cagla Kubat (Starboard/North Sails) looked very comfortable on the water and took 2nd. A winter in Maui, training with Jimmy Diaz, was clearly paying off. In 3rd position young Turkish hope Lena Erdil (Starboard/The Loft) was fuming. She had been leading an earlier heat when it was cancelled and in the re-run things did not go the same way. Sometimes racing can be very cruel.

The final was a more traditional affair with Valerie Ghibaudo (Tabou/The Loft) and Karin Jaggi both fighting it out for the top spot. A minor starting error from Karin opened the door for Valerie and she made no mistake taking advantage dominating the race from start to finish. In 3rd place was a surprised Marta Hlavaty (Starboard/MauiSails). More at home on the Olympic RSX board, she used her light wind skills to work through the lulls and move into the final podium position.

Race 2
On standby for much of the afternoon, Womens heat one hit the water between the two mens semi finals. In an almost identical repeat of the Race one results, Alice Arutkin shot into the lead off the start, leaving Karin Jaggi trailing hot on her heals. The young French girl extended her lead in the light breeze, winning the heat comfortably. Karin cruised into second and Marta Hlavaty continued her consistent performance in third. Taking the final qualifying spot was Fanny Aubet (JP/NeilPryde) who held off a strong challenge from the flying Turk Lena Erdil.

After some days of waiting Valerie Ghibaudo and Antoine Albeau took the Costa Brava Champions title, both celebrating back-to-back victories and cementing their positions at the top of the ranking. When asked how she felt, the answer was typical of the French speed queen. Valerie Ghibaudo: "appy, appy, appy. It is my second win and puts me in a very good position for the overall tour. Last year I did really badly in Costa Brava, so it is nice to come back this year and win." (text & photo: PWA)
video reports here!

1st Valerie Ghibaudo (Tabou/The Loft)
2nd Karin Jaggi (F2/Severne)
3rd Marta Hlavaty (Starboard/MauiSails)
4th Sarah Hebert (Starboard/Naish)
5th Lise Vidal (Exocet/North Sails)

2009-06-19T14:07:00.003+02:00

Girls Camp Rhodes!

Laure Treboux reports about her recent girls camp in Greece.

Report & photos here!

2009-06-12T21:11:00.001+02:00

New Yoli Video!

2009-05-31T18:19:00.001+02:00

Girls Camp Lake Garda

Info: Greta Benvenuti

2009-05-25T13:57:00.004+02:00

Ghibaudo wins in Korea

The 2009 PWA Ulsan World Cup proved to be a showcase of French windsurfing talent, as Valerie Ghibaudo (Loft Sails / Tabou) and Antoine Albeau (JP / NeilPryde) delivered outstanding performances to claim victory in their respective fleets.

Arutkin, Ghibaudo, Jaggi, photo: PWA/Carter

Competing from the 16th-22nd of May, racing took place on the waters off Jinha Beach, in south eastern Korea. Over the course of the week long event, there were two full days of racing, powered by the local south western thermal wind, which was gusting up to 22 knots both days.

The women's fleet were first to christen the race course, with Sarah Hebert (Starboard / Naish) setting the early pace: "The first race was really light, but I got a good start so I was leading from the beginning. After that I managed to stay in front and make some good gybes. I was pumping a lot to make sure I was going fast. It's the first time I've won competing against Valerie (Ghibaudo) and Karin (Jaggi)." The second women's clash saw Valerie Ghibaudo muscle her way to the front of the pack to claim her first race win: "I got a really nice start, but it was hard conditions. Sometimes it was really light and then there were really strong gusts. Luckily I managed to hold on and win, but I think I made a lot of mistakes." However, stealing the show was Karin Jaggi (F2 / Severne), who displayed composure to win the remaining two races and in turn take the early event lead.

The subsequent three women's races saw utter domination from Valerie Ghibaudo, as she executed back to back wins to firmly cement her name at the top of the women's rankings. Chasing, Karin Jaggi and Alice Arutkin did their best to pressure Ghibaudo, but had to settle for the remaining podium positions as toppling the on-form French sailor proved to be impossible. The mens competition was won by Antoine Albeau in front of Micah Buzianis and Bjoern Dunkerbeck. (source: PWA)

The 2009 PWA Ulsan World Cup results - Slalom Women
1 Valerie Ghibaudo (Loft Sails / Tabou Boards)
2 Karin Jaggi (F2 / Severne Sails)
3 Alice Arutkin (Starboard / North Sails)
4 Sarah Hebert (Starboard / Naish Sails)
5 Lena Erdil (Starboard / Loft Sails)

2009-05-20T23:59:00.002+02:00

Laure Treboux - Girls Camp in Rhodes

The procenter in Rhodes, Greece organises a Girls Camp with Laure Treboux from june 5th to june 10th and they still got some free places!

Girls Camp wih Laure Treboux (SUI4)
Learn2windsurf, find the balance between the wind, the surfer and the equipment. Laure Treboux will show you this new method during 1 week witch will help you to get faster to your success. Level: all levels, from beginners to freestyler - 6 days of 4 hours training including theory, video analyzing, evening program with 1 B.B.Q, surfer party, 1 evening dinner in a Greek tavern included. Price of the week & equipment rental 370 Euros.

Accomodation:
- Double room sea View Hotel blue Horizon**** 7 night/ Half board 273 Euro
- Studio 2 person 7 night 224 Euro
For more info, contact us per mail. info@procenter-rhodos.com

(source: Bertrand Crausaz (ManagerF2 Procenter Rhodos)
www.procenter-rhodos.com
0030 694 642 3006 , 0030 22410 96177

2009-05-16T09:24:00.002+02:00

Roxy Training Camp Tarifa

2009-05-08T16:17:00.004+02:00

Girls Camp in Greece

Evi Tsape and her sister Irene will be doing their 2nd Girls Windsurf Camp (23-24 / 30-31 May, Moraitis Sports Center, Schinias Beach) for "windgirls" of all levels! More info here!

2009-05-06T09:22:00.000+02:00

Nayra Alonso Winter 09

2009-04-29T14:48:00.003+02:00

Yoli wins Copa ONA

With the Copa ONA another exciting contest of the fast growing Venezuelan national Windsurf Tour took place in El Yaque from the 24th-26th of April. In women Freestyle Yoli de Brendt had to win against former Freestyle Worldchampion Colette Guadagnino, who had already won the women Slalom Event. In even more gusty conditions Yoli managed to perform her Shaka, Eslider, Spocks and Switch Moves to win her third Venezuelan Competition in Freestyle.

Freestyle winners Yoli de Brendt & Gollito Estredo

Already in Heat one of the mens competition, Cheo Diaz went into a sick Double Forward Loop on Flatwater, just couldn't hold the sail in the landing. Also Douglas Eduardo, Deivis Paternina and Co were on fire in meanwhile pretty gusty and difficult wind conditions. Massive Airflakas, Ponches, Forward Loops, all kind of Switch Moves were not enough in the end to beat actual Freestyle Worldchampion Gollito Estredo, who saved his victory in front of Cheo Diaz with various Double Moves and Cana Brava Combinations.

2009-04-24T22:48:00.003+02:00

Bryony Shaw joins Climate Project

Bryony Shaw, 26, currently the British number one in the RS:X class and winner of the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympic Games, has joined a growing number of world-class athletes as an ambassador for The BLUE Climate and Oceans Project. The BLUE Project was founded in 2007 by triple round the world yachtsman, Conrad Humphreys with the aim to use sport, adventure and human endeavour to inspire people to lead more active lives and contribute to the health of our "Blue" environments.

Bryony: "My sport has gifted me with a connection to my environment which helps me really appreciate truly beautiful places. Being involved with BLUE gives me the opportunity to increase the awareness of windsurfing within the environmental community. I spend my sporting life traveling to beaches and harbours to compete at Olympic Class Windsurfing Events. As a windsurfer we often see first hand the effects of the damage that is being done to our water environments through pollution and damaged coastlines. If we can encourage more people to interact with the oceans, I am sure they will want to do more to protect them."

www.bryonyshaw.com , www.theblueproject.org/bryonyshaw

2009-04-13T22:50:00.001+02:00

A different Kind of Speed Record...

The Ecotricity Greenbird driven by British engineer, Richard Jenkins has recently smashed the world land speed record for wind powered vehicles and clocked 202.9 km/h !!!

2009-04-05T09:16:00.001+02:00

Butterfly Effect Maui

2009-03-28T00:40:00.003+01:00

Hardcore Wave Fuerte

Watch the boys in pretty dangerous conditions at the recent Fuerteventura Wave Classic Event (official video teaser on Vimeo, images copyright FWC/Alfie Hart & FWC/Steve Palier):

2009-03-19T16:05:00.002+01:00

Video Action!

Don't forget to check our video section, eg. the latest freestyle action (eg with double spock!) by Laure Treboux. Amazing action & great style - don't miss it!!!

Italian windgirl Greta Benvenuti for her part displays this video at YouTube:

2009-03-16T15:13:00.012+01:00

More Multi Media !

VIDEO: Xenia Kessler training in Bonaire...

MUSIC:

Ruben Petrisie has announced the release of his new track titled "ARU-91" dedicated to 2008 Freestyle World Champion, Sarah-Quita Offringa!

The song can be found on Rubens MySpace page (or start the player directly here!).

PHOTOS: Some beautiful shots by pro photographer Dani MIGUEL: Iballa paddeling. Anne Marie bodydraging. Nayra Airial. Daida on fire. Iballa beautiful light. Source: 60knots.blogspot.com , azuldeultramar.blogspot.com

2009-03-11T22:09:00.004+01:00

Allison Shreeve cares for Coasts

Allison (far left) and her "Life on the Edge" colleagues

Australian top racer Allison Shreeve is planning to windsurf 240 kilometers across Bass Strait (south of Australia) for Coastcare as an ambassador for the "Life on the Edge" campaign by the end of March 2009. "Life on the Edge" is an effort to do a collective lap around Australias 36.000 km coastline, where each participant contributes his or hers non-motorised activity like walking, running, cycling, surfing, canoeing, swimming, scuba diving or - like in Allisons case - windsurfing. Find a nice little TV report here!

Allison is still looking for sponsors to support her efforts, as she needs a support boat on the open ocean. - Your chance to get your name on the windsurfer by donations through Paypal of $20 or more to aus911@ozemail.com.au.

2009-03-05T09:32:00.005+01:00

Girls Camp with Laure!

(click pic to enlarge)

Laure Treboux will be doing two camps very soon!
Laure: "In June I'll be in Rhodes for the Girls Camp organised and hosted by the Pro Center. Girls, don't miss out! You can be a total beginner or ripping on the water, it doesn't matter, the camp is for all of you! You'll learn everything you need during the hours of teaching on the water, the video debriefs, theories, etc. I'll be teaching to all levels and make sure you'll all enjoy your time on the water. For more information and bookings please contact funboard@jerrycan-travel.ch "

The 1st edition of the "Elevate Windsurf Camps" will take place in Dahab in May, with 2 different courses: "Special Intermediate" & "Open Week". Both are full time courses including theory, video feedback and of course time on the water. They will take place at the Planet Windsurfing Center. During the 3 days "Special Intermediate" course, you will learn how to sail along and plane comfortably using the harness and footstraps, to waterstart, turn around without falling in, and everything else you need to know to fully enjoy your time out there!
The "Open Week" is a 6 day course open to everyone, whether you have never windsurfed before or you want to learn to plane, duck jibe, spock...
Don't hesitate to contact me for any further information and bookings: laure@lauretreboux.com

2009-02-24T15:39:00.003+01:00

Anne-Marie Reichman on Starboard SUPs

Starboard welcomes Anne-Marie Reichman to their SUP "dream team."
Anne-Marie: "I got in contact with SUP about 1,5 years ago. I saw the sport grow on Maui and got curious. The challenge it gave me (it looked much easier) was instant addiction. The sport literally balances you, and the diversity of its nature is great. Taking waves, cruising flat water- in nature and cities (going for a walk on water) and doing down winders with oceans swells to ride is purely a blast! I can see a lot of people get into this sport, enjoy it, feeling challenged, balanced and healthy like I do."

Anne-Marie had proved herself to be a great ambassador to the new sport even before her move to Starboard. Watch this report on Dutch TV about her "11-cities tour" and her new YouTube video.

Anne will work with Starboard on some research and development in order to offer more to lightweight riders. Anne-Marie: "I want to show people how joy, health, fitness and spirituality can be a perfect combination. Making the link between how you feel after yoga and how you feel on the water, fact that you feel balanced/focused (you are out of your head) fit/healthy and "alive" on the ocean is something a lot of people get stoked about. I am so grateful to the life I am living. It is a choice to have this lifestyle and I am happy that it gives me a chance to motivate and inspire other people to discover or follow their dreams and passions in life."

2009-02-20T00:37:00.002+01:00

PWA Cabo Verde: Josh Angulo wins!

more info: www.caboverdeworldcup.com

2009-02-14T01:15:00.003+01:00

Hommage a Dora Bria

Just found this online tribute to former Brasilian champion Dora Bria (one of our readers by the way), who died a year ago in a car accident...

2009-02-07T11:12:00.004+01:00

Campello wants the triple loop
Yoli will manage his new Center

Some news from Ricardo Campello: "Right now I am on the airport on my way to the first event of the year which will be Cabo Verde . I am coming a bit eariler to train and have some fun surfing. This year I decided not to compete in freestyle, my goal this year is to be top 3 in waves and also complete the triple loop and for that I will need full time wave sailing.

On the other hand you might not have heard of me lately because I have been working really hard on my new project which is a windsurf center in El Yaque, called CAMPELLO WIND CENTER. We are still not ready but if things go well in about a month we will have our first clients on the water. It is going to be a full 2009 JP and Neil Pryde Range from beginners to experts, also for the kitesurfing people we will have Cabrinha kites as well as other activities like snorkeling, wakeboarding, bikes and more... We will teach from beginner all the way to experts and on some special ocasions I will give some special freestyle clinics.

Yoli de Brendt will be the manager of the center and she will be taking care of all the clients and giving some special tips. There is a Website on the way soon which will be www.campello.com.ve !"

2009-02-03T14:55:00.003+01:00

Karin Jaggi joins Severne Sails

photos: John Carter

It's official now: 27 time windsurfing world champion Karin Jaggi will be on Severne Sails from now on. Her plans for the up-coming 2009 season are to defend her Slalom World title, compete in as many PWA Wave events as possible and, if her schedule allows, defend her current Speed Sailing World Record of 41.25 knots.
Karin: "I am super happy to be on Severne Sails. I plan to spend lots of time in Western Australia and this will allow me to be very close to testing and development of the sails. At the same time I can tune them in some of the worlds best sailing locations. Now I have everything in one spot and it is really only up to me to make the best of it. Most of the other Severne Team members spend the whole summer in Western Australia and this is another big plus for me - it's a lot more fun and so much easier to figure things out together. I have known Ben for 10 years and followed the progression of Severne Sails since the beginning. I am really looking forward to be on his sail designs."

2009-01-27T23:56:00.004+01:00

Young Guns Camp Fuerte
Bring the Girls!

Don't leave it to the boys: From 27th June to 11th July 2009 the successfull Freestyle, Slalom and Speed camp for the next generation will once again be organized by the Pro Center Rene Egli in Fuerteventura.

The number of participants is limited, so don't lose time and tell our younger sisters!

All info here!

2009-01-18T12:10:00.002+01:00

Lancelin Ocean Classic

Another 2 great shots from Down Under: wave winner Laure Treboux & the marathon fleet...

2009-01-14T14:30:00.008+01:00

Competitions...

Laure Treboux just won the ladies wave competition at the Lancelin Ocean Classic, whilst Karin Jaggi took the honors in the marathon (results: http://www.lancelinoceanclassic.com.au)
.
Laure: "The wave event started on Thursday and I entered both the ladies and elite fleets. The wind was pretty light but some nice head high waves were coming in. They sent all the girls out at the same time for a 25 minute heat. We were all loving it out there, catching waves, smiling and having fun. I landed a few loops, shove its and so on, got some nice riding, and won!"
.
Morane Demont for her part (left photo, by severnesails.com) won the ISAF Formula Experience (boys AND girls under 17 !!) in Peru. More info: http://fe.internationalwindsurfing.com

2009-01-07T21:33:00.005+01:00

Lancelin Ocean Classic 2009

Following 23 fantastic years the Lancelin Ocean Classic will be running the 24th annual event from Jan 8th-11th 2009: www.lancelinoceanclassic.com.au. Todays appetizer: The YouTube Vid (by www.deepfried.tv) of the 2008 event!

2008-12-30T11:29:00.004+01:00

Wind Surfing, REALLY Cool!!

Have a look at this excellent website from Finland, featuring almost any kind of windsurfing on ice and snow!

Including construction tips for sledges and infos about the Winter Windsurf European Cup 2009 in Scandinavia, the Baltic States, Poland and the Czech Republic (photo: Marcis Baltsk):

www.winterwindsurf.com

2008-12-27T10:44:00.005+01:00

Alice Arutkin PWA Rookie Of The Year

Alice Arutkin and Philip Koester are awarded the 2008 PWA Rookie of the Year titles. Unveiling one of the most prestigious accolades to be awarded by the PWA, Jimmy Diaz, the associations President has formally awarded the 2008 Rookie of the year awards to Alice Arutkin (Starboard, North Sails) and Philip Koester (Starboard, NeilPryde). This time-honored tradition recognizes outstanding achievement by newcomers to the Professional Windsurfers Association.

Jimmy Diaz personally wrote the official citations.

Alice Arutkin: "Your commitment and dedication to competition this year has been admirable and your performance, particularly in the Slalom discipline, has been exceptional for a young sailor, especially when you take into account the level of competition you were up against. To do so well whilst also putting in a strong performance in the Wave discipline is to be congratulated!"

Philip Koester: "Through your performances on tour this year, you have displayed not only incredible natural talent, but also incredible courage and confidence in tough conditions. To find these attributes in such a young sailor is unusual to say the least, but to find them in someone so unassuming and courteous is a true testament to your character."

Following a string of podium finishes on the French national windsurfing circuit, Alice Arutkin made her PWA debut in 2007 at the Sylt World Cup. Fuelling her thirst for competition, she went onto compete full time on the World Tour in 2008. Defiant from the outset, her immense natural ability coupled with a mature and tactical approach to competition, steered her to fourth position overall in slalom, and ninth position overall in waves. Sixteen years old, and her name has already been firmly carved into the world of professional windsurfing. At just 14 years old, Philip Koester is undoubtedly one of the most exciting new windsurf talents to emerge in the last decade. Having honed his sailing in the relentless winds of Gran Canaria, this young prodigys fearless yet calculating approach is already having devastating consequences on the world tour. After finishing ninth in the Pozo wave Grand Slam, and having already defeated the some of the PWAs most respected wave sailors, Koester has shown he is an opponent to be taken very seriously.

After hearing of their awards, the newly crowned rookies commented:

Alice Arutkin: "I am really happy and very honored to receive this award alongside Philip Koester, for whom I have a real admiration. He is really talented in waves for his age, and seems to have a big will to succeed. I have so a lot of satisfaction to have been chosen this year, especially to join the likes of previous champions; Junko Nagoshi and Sarah-Quita Offringa."

Philip Koester: "I feel astonished, proud and very happy. It's a real honor to get this title. My first reaction was, 'why me?'. I feel I have achieved something very special in my life." Our congratulations to both athletes, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds in store for them.

source: PWA / Andrew Buchanan

2008-12-13T01:00:00.006+01:00

Sylt 2008 Slideshow (photos by Anne-Kathrin Stevens)

Newsflash: Anne-Kathrin Stevens (G-200) from Quatro to Exocet

Anne reports: "Because I do not have many chances to visit big wave spots like Maui, it was suggested to deal more with boards which are designed for European Windsurfing spots. Exocet is exactly the label which offers me boards like that. I'm pretty stoked that I will be able to use Exocet boards to rip the waves of the Atlantic and the North Sea as a new team member from now on. Not only my board Sponsor has changed, you will also find my homepage http://www.annestevens.de/ in a new look."

2008-12-03T14:07:00.003+01:00

DIVA Clinics 2009

Jo Scott has been a windsurfing coach at various global locations for the last 9 years and is one of the very few female RYA qualified "Advanced Plus" instructors around. Jo pioneered her Diva weeks, a dedicated girls-only, windsurfing programmed, which has gone from strength to strength over the last 5 years and has recently started running girls youth camps as well.

Jo's Diva Clinic Locations for 2009 include...

El Yaque, Margarita - 18 Jan 09
Sotavento, Fuerteventura - 21 Apr 09
Golf de Rosas, Spain - 20 Jun 09
Samos, Greece - 17 Sep 09
Mauritius, Indian Ocean - 27 Sep 09
Marsa Alam, Red Sea - 18 Nov 09

Each clinic is tailored for individual progression, in clinics for all abilities, from beginner to advanced wave rider.All arrangements are organized and can be booked through Sportif on 01273 944919.
Call for more details or look online at sportiv.travel.

Jo's Diva clinics are an entire week experience based around windsurfing tuition and her philosophy on windsurfing is "Fun, fun, fun!" Not only does she deliver top quality coaching tailored to your specific needs but she also organizes extra activities such as yoga, biking or horse-riding. Your sailing will come on in leaps and bounds and the week will be a blast with cocktail evenings, meals out and organized trips. It is a great week to learn from one of the best instructors in the business who has pioneered all girl coaching weeks.
Info and source: http://www.star-board.com/2009/pages/news/news.php?readmore=463

2008-11-17T22:15:00.003+01:00

Astrid Muldoon - French Wave Champ 2008 !

Astrid reports: "Carnac signs the last competition of a nice season filled well between World Cup and championship competitions in France. To finish this last competition on Brittanys coast with very good conditions of sailing was a true happiness for all the competitors. The organization of the Yacht Club of Carnac was extraordinary allowing us to express ourselves under all colours of Brittany: the wind, the waves, the rain and the sun! Every day was filled well with battles in the water. For my part I had a lot of pleasure race in slalom in an absolutely grandiose frame.
A great wave day was announced and we ripped in side on-shore conditions in 2-3 meter waves. The heats are advancing and I make it to the finals. As the wind turns more onshore, I am wave riding and looping on my JP Twinser 76l (what a great board!) and my Zone 4.7 and I win this wave competition.

After the finals we pack up the equipment and as the wind is getting stronger and the ocean grows , I go back out sailing along with Julien Taboulet, Regis Bouron and Bastien Ribaucourt, using my 68l Twinser and my Zone 3.5. This day will remain in my memory.
This victory, along with the one in Carro in the beginning of the year, also gives me the French Champion Title in Waves 2008! At the same time I am respectfully on the 3rd step on the Podium for the overall result 2008 (combined result of waves & Slalom)."

2008-11-16T00:44:00.002+01:00

Kyra online

Kyra Koester, 17 year old rising star and promising windsurfing talent from Vargas, Gran Canaria, has a website now:

www.kyra-koester.de

2008-11-10T23:28:00.003+01:00

The 2008 PWA World Tour - part1

2008-10-23T00:14:00.002+02:00

Taranaki Wave Classic
October 25-27 2008

The Taranaki Wave Classic is New Zealands premiere windsurfing event.
Held at 4 possible locations around the legendary coastline of the Taranaki peninsula, the Labour weekend event will sample some of New Zealand's best wind and wave conditions.All skill levels are welcome with fun being the main focus, or you can come along, chill-out and watch the action. Barbies, bands and a few beers will be provided for your after session entertainment.

If you have any questions deepfried.tv has an active forum about the event. You can also check out the local accommodation options on the TWC website.
Visit www.taranakiwaveclassic.com for more info.

2008-09-29T21:28:00.001+02:00

The girls in Brazil...

2008-09-26T14:14:00.002+02:00

Interview Marta Hlavaty

2008 Formula Windsurfing World Champion and MauiSails Team Rider Marta Hlavaty, POL-111 in an video interview:

2008 FW Worlds, Portugal from MauiSails.com on Vimeo.

photos: Monika Rhode

2008-09-18T17:37:00.002+02:00

Daily SUP

Looks like riding a SUP board (in this case Naish) becomes one of the most popular promo activities around. :-)

Anne Marie Reichman for example just has finished the 220 punishing kilometers of the 11-City Tour in just 38 hours (split up over 5 days) on her Naish 12'0'' Glide Stand-up Paddle board. Escorted by her family and boyfriend, Anne Marie fought headwinds, muscle pain and cramps during her challenge, but kept going thanks to a steady regimen of snicker bars, raisin bread, bananas, power endurance drinks and massages. She commented: "It had always been a dream of mine to do this tour, for it has a lot of history and emotional value for me and now I have!" (Photos: Dan Fiske)

Tatiana Howard, Marion Raisi and the other girls of the "Butterfly Effect" event in France (actually in La Rochelle last week-end, during its famous boat trade show) suffered a lack of wind and made the SUPs their choice, too. Eight women riders started from the beach of the water sports village with their boards to paddle
down to the harbour where were exposed the most beautiful boats of the tradeshow. Marion: "There wasn't that much wind but we just decided to do it with stand up paddles so that we could go into the harbour, into the heart of the event. It was a lot of fun though."

2008-09-16T18:48:00.003+02:00

Formula Worlds, Sveins Letter

Starboards Svein Rasmussen has written an open letter with respect to Omympic windsurfings future: http://www.star-board.com/2009/pages/news/news.php?readmore=413

The 2008 Portimao Formula Windsurfing World Championships have come to a successful end. 100 athletes have been present at the Alvor Beach, coming from 22 nations, providing for a wonderful celebration of Formula Windsurfing. Just at the end of the competition Marta Hlavaty managed to recover the first place, with just one point ahead the second racer, Allison Shreeve. Info: www.overpower.net . The results after a total of 11 races:

1. Marta Hlavaty POL 111
2. Allison Shreeve AUS 911
3. Olga Maslivets URK 9
4. Agnieszka Pietrasik POL 19
5. Sarah Hebert ARM 1
6. Verena Fauster ITA 31
7. Maarja Niinemets EST 84
8. Jozefina Rudzinska POL 1381
9. Morane Demont (FOD) FRA 59
10. Maria Anders Castro ESP 2

2008-09-13T12:40:00.002+02:00

Formula Windsurfing World Championships

On the third day of competition of the 2008 Portimao Formula Windsurfing World Championships, the weather conditions managed to overcome all the expectations! The wind blowed constantly and generously and the shining sea showed itself very weak in waves... providing for the setting of the ideal scenery for a fierce competition of the Formula Windsurfing.
For the Women division, 4 races were done, completing a total of 8. As far as the Men are concerned, a total of 9 races were accomplished during the three days of competition, having 5 of them taken place today. So, each competitor of both divisions can now put off his or her worst result, once that is allowed for the second time after the 7th.

As to the results, in what concerns the Women division, the Marta Hlavaty from Poland defended her position in the first place, whereas the Australian Allison Shreeve kept her second place, but very close to Marta, so we look forward to see if this positions will be the same tomorrow! As for the third place, it also stays the same, occupied by Olga Maslivets, from Ukraine. So, the Classification Top 10 in the Women division is the following:

1. Marta Hlavaty POL 111
2. Allison Shreeve AUS 911
3. Olga Maslivets UKR 9
4. Sarah Herbert ARM 1
5. Verena Fauster ITA 31
6. Agnieszka Pietrasik POL 19
7. Maarja Niinemets EST 84
8. Jozefina Rudzinska POL 1381
9. Maria Anders Castro ESP 2
10. Morane Demont (FOD) FRA 59

In the Men division, a new leading figure appears, the Poland Wojtek Brzozowski, who surpassed Gonzalo Costa Hoevel in the dispute of the title. In third, Ross Williams from Britain, kept his position.

2008-09-03T21:20:00.003+02:00

Anne Marie: Eleven Cities Tour!

Dutch

Anne-Marie Reichman is also a dedicated stand up paddler, and is planning to paddle a distance of 220km in the "Eleven City Tour" of Holland. The tour originated 99 years ago as an ice skating event, but has grown to include walking, running, biking and now SUP thanks to Anne-Marie. She's been training in Friesland for the last couple of weeks and will follow the exact route of the original ice skating tour. She started August 27th in Leeuwarden and will go through Sneek, IJIst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker, Dokkum and end up back in Leeuwarden by Sunday August 31st. The Naish team wishes her all success with this endeavor!
(text & photo: Naish)

2008-09-03T01:18:00.003+02:00

The Butterfly Effect France & Brasil

2008-08-24T19:18:00.005+02:00

Beijing - it's over...

Jian Yin wins the RS:X Womens Gold medal! photo: Richard Gladwell

Results: http://www.sailing.org/olympics/resultscentre.php

Nikola Girkes final report:

What seemed like the never ending regatta, ended today. We finally got one last race in today to complete our 10 race series. I'm a bit confused as which days we raced and which ones we didn't as for the past few days we've been having two races in the morning, then postponed on shore until further notice with the intention of completing a third race later in the day. So, the waiting game continued.

Yesterday the wind was great, that was at least the case before our start. At about 5 seconds to the Starting gun, I was coming in fast on starboard by the committee boat and got struck down by the Chinese girl. In front of me there was a pile up, as one girl fell, the next couldn't do anything but fall herself and it was a bit of a domino effect where I ended up getting the Chinese girls' sail falling on mine. So, as everyone started racing, I was swimming. With the strong current, I was sucked behind the committee boat and in a no wind zone. Once up, without wind in my sail, I fell back into the water. Ugh!!!! I tried to stay calm and focused on the race but with the rest of the fleet minutes ahead of me, I was in for a long uphill battle. The wind dropped quite a bit and I must say I had to take some risky tactical decisions to try to catch up, but they didn't work either...

I did beat a few boards but about 5 meters before I crossed the finish line, the time limit was up and I was scored a DNF (did not finish). Our race target time is 30-35minutes and this race ended up way over an hour. Needless to say, that became my new discarded race and I was exhausted both mentally and physically.

Race two of the day didn't really go my way either - I did get a good start but just wasn't able to make anything out of the race. I finished 18th. We then got sent ashore for a rest before the 3rd race of the day was supposed to happen. We finally got sent out later in the afternoon - the wind was dying and the current increasing. The guys fleet started but when they got a 50degree shift, the race committee abandoned the race and then blew off the day for all of us and sent us in... which meant we had to finish off one last race today.
I was going to make it a good one... And for the most part it was. I had a great start but failed to tack quick enough when I had the chance. The Chinese girl who I started next to went on to win the race while I was mid-pack. Some gains and some losses had me finish in 15th today, which kept me in the same position of 17th overall.
Tomorrow is the medal race for the top 10 girls. Unfortunately I missed out. I will enjoy my first day of not being on constant stand-by to stand-by as we have been in full racing mode for the past 9 days and that is pretty exhausting in itself.

Will write more once rested. Thank you for all your supportive emails! It was great to receive each and every one of them - they are one of my sources of inspiration!

2008-08-14T13:39:00.005+02:00

Olympic Windsurfing

The Opening Ceremonies were amazing. We were flown to Beijing arriving mid day on the 8th. We had all day to check out the Athletes Village - it was huge and very well done and it was really neat to see all the different athletes too. Checking out the Athletes gym was quite amazing, seeing all the different body types doing all their pre-games prep. At 6pm all of us were herded together to take buses to the Stadium to wait....there were over 300 buses waiting for us. It was an unbelievable sight of just rows and rows of buses. First we got taken to the Stadium where they hold the Gymnastics events. We were to wait there until Canada was called to walk into the Opening Ceremonies (63rd country). While I was waiting I walked around, traded pins and met lots of athletes. Perhaps you might even recognize a few of them on the pictures??? A long wait later we finally got to walk into the stadium. The roar of the crowd was unbelievable and there were so many distractions of where to look in amongst all the excitement. A few of my teammates and I got to pole position in the Canada line up and made several pictures in newspapers. I carried my big Canada flag that had lots of good luck wishes on from the West Van Community Day, friends and family!!! You guys were all there with me! Thank you! We stayed the night in the Village and left the next morning back to Qingdao. Full VIP service, the plane stopped on the tarmac, we walked off the plane straight onto the buses that were waiting for us and were shuttled back to the front entrance of our village. That was very welcome after a very short and tiring night.

And now for the racing... 4 Races under my belt!

Yesterday we waited on shore for a few hours due to lack of wind. We were finally sent our around 2pm and luckily the wind filled in nicely... to a maximum of 7knots or so. I had a pretty good first race - I ended up finishing 13th. I had a great start near the 3 up from the pin but then the right side ended up coming out ahead. I did not round the top mark very well, but fought back, had a super second upwind beat and was able to make a massive comeback from 18th place.
The second race I had a super start on port at the committee boat end. I was at the top mark in 9th and throughout the race I had lost a place, then regained that place, then lost a few then made a huge again....and I was 9th at the second last mark, then on the downwind I lost a bit and unfortunately let a board get inside of me at the last mark to the finish. This caused me to be on the outside of the rounding and the gap was open for another board to come through. I was getting rolled and there wasn't much I could have done. I finished 14th in that race - a bit disappointing after working so incredibly hard to be up there.
I do have to say that I have been consistent in my results so far and with only 4 races sailed, much can change and consistency does pay off :-)

Today is our rest day!!!!!!!! A much needed one as I am in need of rest.
Thanks for your support,
Nikola Girke

2008-08-05T21:20:00.001+02:00

Beijing Opympic Games

The International Sailing Federation ISAF has just launched its own online Olympic Competition microsite. This will probably have the most up to date results, pictures and news: http://www.sailing.org/olympics/Olympicshome.php

The Canadian Yachting Association features RS:X lady Nikola Girke of Canada here (photos and 2 vids): http://www.canadiansailingteam.ca/sailboat-class/team-rs-x-women-3.html

2008-07-22T19:57:00.001+02:00

Tricktionary II

The Tricktionary is a comprehensive windsurfing training book of 292 pages devided into 9 chapters, which show beginners how to start, intermediates how to improve and experts what to train.

After the successful "Tricktionary - The ultimate windsurfing bible", which was published in May 2006, it was now time to upgrade the book. The publishers organized two photo shoots, one month in Dahab / Egypt and another month in Maui / Hawaii, to produce even more and better images than for the first Tricktionary.

The new version unites the whole first Tricktionary - remodeled and upgraded - and a lot of new features, such as a huge, complete wave chapter, a lot more intermediate tips, a special fitness part for windsurfers and of course all the new freestyle moves.
With every level taken in consideration the Tricktionary tells beginners about the equipment and guide them through a complete beginner course with all the additional info you'd otherwise have to learn the hard way by yourself. While intermediates can improve their jibes, tacks and 360s - freestyle-enthusiasts will be finally able to follow and learn even the most difficult moves. Windsurfers who want to sail in waves, will find everything they need to know. No matter if you are starting to get into it or if you are already a wave-guru - there is always something to learn!

On high quality photo sequences you can retrace every single movement. Explaining text as well as pre-exercises, problems, proper solutions and Hot tips hasten your learning process!

Video trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksMPGgRTDe4

TRICKTIONARY 2 INNOVATIONS:
A complete Basic Windsurf Course (written by Simon Hurrey, and performed by Marco Wedele, both experienced windsurfing instructors),
A lot of equipment knowledge (including timm-guide and board tuning)
A special for "how to get fast" (Slalom, GPS)
Brand new windsurfers fitness and health pages (with Dr. Aly Sabri)
A big new Wave chapter (written by John Skye)

Details and orders: http://www.tricktionary.net/

2008-07-20T21:57:00.001+02:00

Angela Peral - Girls Kitecamp Fuerte

2008-07-06T18:07:00.007+02:00

Green Games?

Yummy Green stuff... here are snid-bits from the news about it... and definitely watch the video!

Chinas latest Olympics nightmare is a vast algae bloom that covers one third of the sea where the worlds best sailors are supposed to be competing in just over a month. China scrambled Thursday to clear tonnes of algae that is covering a third of the Olympic sailing course and causing huge embarrassment for authorities trying to promote a "Green Games".

An estimated 20,000 people and 1,200 vessels have been mobilized to tackle the huge algae bloom threatening the upcoming Olympic sailing event in east Chinas Qingdao. Up till now more than 100,000 tons of algae has been weeded out. Statistics showed that as of Saturday the algae had affected a total sea area of 13,000 square kilometers, four hundred out of which was covered by the foreign stuff.

To make it worse, more than 32 percent, or 15.86 square kilometers of the guarded sea area for Olympic sailing competition, was also covered up.

Water quality has been a concern for the sailing events, given that many coastal Chinese cities dump untreated sewage into the sea. At the same time, rivers and tributaries emptying into coastal waters are often contaminated with high levels of nitrates from agricultural and industrial runoff. These nitrates contribute to the red tides of algae that often bloom along sections of Chinas coastline. But officials in Qingdao said pollution and poor water quality did not have a "substantial link" to the current outbreak, according to Xinhua. Instead, scientists blamed the bloom on increased rainfall and warmer waters in the Yellow Sea. Algae are now blooming over more than 12,900 square kilometers, or 5,000 square miles, of the sea, according to Xinhua.

ABC news report: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPxeJtePu-k

Well.... all I can say is Im glad Im not there at the moment, but Im sure theyll have it sorted by the time the Olympics come around! Yuck!
Nikola Girke

2008-07-06T18:07:00.002+02:00

The Future of F2

After the F2 International GmbH had been adjucated insolvent back in april, the creditors union has accepted the offered quote now. This makes F2 fully operational again now! The new operating manager is Gerald Pascher. The processing of orders will be transferred to the MAG AG, the new owner of F2 International GmbH. The developement of the Windsurf range 2009 has been finished and will be introduced soon. Multiple windsurfing champion Karin Jaggi will be responsible for marketing.

2008-07-01T23:42:00.000+02:00

Offringa dominates in Lanzarote

After five days of high wind and no holes barred competition; the sun sets on one of the most memorable freestyle events to date. In its wake, Sarah-Quita Offringa and Jose Estredo emerged as the dominant forces, taking home the event win.

Situated on the east coast of Central Lanzarote, the popular tourist resort of Costa Teguise played host to the first outing of the year for womens freestyle fleet. The area is famed for its superbly consistent trade winds that blow throughout the summer months, and this event was no exception.

day 1, single elimination

Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard, Gaastra) emerged as the person to beat, and challenging her in the final was Daida Moreno (North Sails). Moreno fought hard, but when push came to shove, failed to match Offringas technical, and tactically brilliant routine, leaving Offringa to take victory.

day 2, double

Treboux had her work cut out to match Nagoshis slick clue first punetas, and had to delve deep into her bag of tricks to eventually defeat her rival with some super technical switch moves in the testing conditions. Advancing into the final, Treboux stood to challenge Offringas dominance. Offringa fired in with a hefty dose of super technical moves, including flakas, puneta diablos and esliders to name but a few. Treboux replied, but got caught on the downwind side of the sailing area and struggled to find the pace to match Offringa. The final decision was conclusive; Offringa had won hands down, securing a crucial first place victory in the first double elimination. Treboux took second, Daida Moreno third, and Iballa Moreno fourth.

Offringa (1.), Treboux (2.) and D. Moreno (3.) rip, photos: PWA/John Carter

day 3, Womens Single Elimination 2

The Morenos battled in their heats, but failed to match Offringa and Trebouxs more technical switch moves, setting up a rerun of the double elimination final between Treboux and Offringa. consistency of Treboux dwindled under the pressure of the final, while Offringa raised her game to a whole new level. In a run that included; a shaka, air flaka, eslider, funnel and a grubby diablo to name but a few, Offringa convincingly took down her opponent. Treboux took second.

day4, double

The final showdown pitched Offringa against Treboux in a rematch of the previous days heat. Treboux skied an awesome shaka to pile the pressure on Offringa. In response, Offringa dealt out a crippling blow which included a kono, a flaka, and a grubby diablo. On the final horn, Offringa had edged the victory, further reinforcing her event lead.

day 5, single 3

A womens final of Offringa versus Daida Moreno (North Sails) served up intense action from the word go. Turning up the heat, Moreno planed out of a perfect eslider and then nailed a flaka diablo to pile the pressure on Offringa. Unphased by Morenos attack, Offringa summoned a brutish assault consisting of a puneta 540, double flaka, shaka and even an attempted air chacho. Moreno dug deep, but failed to reply to Offringas sizable repertoire, and had to settle for second place. text: PWA / Andrew Buchanan, photos: PWA/ John Carter

results:

1st Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard, NeilPryde)

2nd Laure Treboux (Fanatic, North Sails)

3rd Daida Moreno (North Sails)

men:

1st Jose Estredo

2nd Kiri Thode

3rd Ricardo Campello

2008-06-30T23:42:00.000+02:00

Hot and Humid

Since the end of my Europe stint, I have been training at home in Vancouver. I was quite excited about coming home - to summer and to get stuck into a great training program. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate for the first week or so and sailing was pretty miserable. I trained for a few days with my team mate Zac and then was joined by Steff Williams from New Zealand for my training block. We logged many hours on the water, battling each other in a range of conditions, but mostly in light air with lots of current as that is Vancouver's specialty. Coached by Jason Rhodes, both of us made huge gains - which kept our training battles alive and well. Mid-June, Dave Hayes, Canada's Youth Representative at the last World Youth Championships and runner up in the Canadian Olympic trials then joined me in Vancouver. Dave's forte is in the breeze and is physically more powerful than me; I wanted to learn some high wind techniques and for me to learn how to sail more powerful - like a guy.

Vancouvers wind forecast was not the best, so the three of us ended up driving down to the Gorge (Hood River, Oregon) for a few days for the Gorge Cup Race. The weather patterns were quite unusual there as well - we arrived to humid overcast skies and not much wind - a huge contrast to the typical hold on for your life windy Gorge.. The wind never did come for Race Day and the races were abandoned, but all was not lost. The wind did eventually came up at 7pm and like the night before, we had an incredible sunset sail - getting off the water at 9pm. It was an incredible way to spend both nights there, having fun while learning lots.

My Vancouver training stint is now over... I am on my way to Mexico for the next training camp. My first ten days will be in Cozumel, followed by a 3 day State Championship in Playa del Carmen and then the final week in Cancun. I chose Mexico as part of my training program as it has similar characteristics of China... hot, humid, light winds, current, did I mention...hot and humid. It will be great acclimatization training for me, on top of the on the water training with Demita, the Mexican Olympic representative, her coach Adrien and my coach Jason.

Hasta luego de Mexico, Nikola Girke

2008-06-14T12:04:00.002+02:00

Catalunya Costa Brava PWA Slalom:

21 girls battle it out !

Although the Rosas event has taken place for many years, the women are competing at this 10th event for the very first time here. And they are here with many: 21!!! (among them 9 women from France alone, see photo below!). At camping La Ballena they are staying this week to compete against each other.

Womens Race One In the womens fleet, Valerie Ghibaudo (Tabou, The Loft) produced a stellar performance to win both the semi final and the final. Joining her was the ever-consistent Karin Jaggi (F2, North Sails) who took second place, and Japans Ayako Suzuki (Starboard, Gaastra) in third.

Womens Race Two In the second of the womens eliminations, Karin Jaggi fought hard against her rivals, piecing together an outstanding race that only years of competition experience could have summoned. In her wake, Iballa Moreno (North Sails) took second place, in front of ex RSX racer, Lee Korzitz.

Womens Race Three Finishing up the days action was the third women’s elimination. Age old rivals, Jaggi and Ghibaudo (Tabou, The Loft) showed their mettle, both winning their respective heats, and paving the way for an exciting final showdown. However, the final was to take an unpredicted turn, when Jaggi and Ghibaudo both went over the start line early, opening the door for Iballa Moreno to steal her first victory of the contest, with Lee Korzitz coming in second, and Frances Alice Arutkin in third.

With the current standings after three eliminations, Karin Jaggi leads the pack, edging ahead of Iballa Moreno and Lee Korzitz. Antoine Albeau leads the mens fleet, followed by Finian Maynard and Micah Buzianis. Current standings here!

Before the event began not all the women were there yet, but we had a nice dinner with all the women at the PUB of camping La Ballena. The photo at our start page shows almost all of the following female competitors in Rosas: Maria, Alice, Lena Erdil, Haruna, Valerie, Sarah, Marta, Karin, Ophelie, Lee-el, Cagla, Aida, Magali, Astrid, Olivia, Marion, Magda, Iballa, Ayako, Dominique and Lise. (text: PWA/Mara van der Schaaf, photos: PWA)

2008-06-10T18:19:00.003+02:00

TRAINING CAMP MORENOTWINS

Iballa and Daida Ruano Moreno are organising another Training Camp for 2008. It will take place in august (26 - 30) in the twins home Gran Canaria. The camp is supposed to be limited to 40 girls, registration fee is 200 euros.

More info + pre-registration here!

Read a report from last years camp here!

(photo: Nicky Cotterill)

2008-05-30T09:34:00.004+02:00

Development Initiative for Windsurfing

By Maria Lyness.
Earlier this year, when the windsurfing season was at its peak and Cape Town full of international visitors I stumbled across Peter Garzkes initiative for windsurfing with kids from the "townships". The townships are (often underdeveloped) urban living areas that, under Apartheid, were reserved for non-whites and till today are the home to the poorest South Africans. Peter had the idea to give some kids from these difficult circumstances the chance to learn windsurfing and to build bridges through the passion of our sport. I found his project extremely interesting and asked if he could do with some help for the next session. more

2008-05-28T09:34:00.000+02:00

Delta Lloyd Holland Regatta

The first race started in about 8-9 knots, I decided that I wanted to go right so I was fighting for the committee boat end of the line. I had a super start and was able to hold my own for the most part. I was about to round the windward mark in 6th or 7th, when the boat at the top mark signalled to me that I was OCS (I was disqualified because I was over the start early). A bit of a bummer - but at least I was pushing the line. I really did not think that I was over the line early, I was perfectly in line with all the girls below me but since I was the closest boat to the committee boat, I was all they saw.

Race two of the day wasn't anything special - I had a good start but wasn't able to turn that into a good result. I finished 11th or 12th, which wasn't enough to put me into the top 10 for the medal race, especially with the OCS in the previous race. So, it was unfortunate to miss out on the medal race, but it was pretty close and with starting the regatta with a DNF (did not finish) and then an OCS, it was pretty tough to make a comeback.

Today the non-medal racers (all but the top 10) had a race of our own. The wind finally came up - it was up to 25knots with very big chop and waves on our course. Somewhat challenging - many girls decided to not sail the final race. I, of course revelled in the conditions and won the race by "a country mile" the 2nd place finisher said. It felt great to let a can of whoooop-ass out finally.

I guess my next medal race will have to be at the Olympics!!!!

My regatta stint here in Europe is now over, I head home tomorrow!!! To say that the coaching I have received in the past two regattas from Jason Rhodes was incredibly valuable would be an under-statement. I have been on such a huge learning curve and we have figured out so many things that I only wish I could have learned much earlier. I will now be able to take home key aspects to work on - I have great faith in my program and I'm sure it'll all come good on the day.

Nikola

2008-05-19T17:49:00.003+02:00

Dora Bria

Happened already 4 months ago, but we just learned about her tragic accident: Former Brazilian windsurfing champion Dora Bria suffered a traffic accident in January. Online tribute

YouTube vid:

2008-05-13T17:04:00.002+02:00

Waiting... European Championships

Sorry about the lack of communication about the last few days of the European Championships in Brest, France. The last five days of the championship were very very long - mostly because we were postponed on shore for the majority of the days. Day 3 had us waiting onshore until 7:15 pm when the first and only race of the day was raced. The scheduled start was to be at 11 am, which means that I get there at around 9 am - so it made for a very long day..

Day 4 was a rest day where I went exploring along to coast to a really beautiful surf spot called Pointe de la Torche, about 45 minutes south from Brest. We were very lucky to have a beautiful, sunny and warm day (25 degrees). Unfortunately for our next racing day, day 5 - the weather changed dramatically, it was miserable - 8 degrees and non-stop rain and no wind. Once again we were supposed to start at 11am but were postponed on shore until about 5 pm when they finally blew the day off. Day 6 of the regatta wasn't much better weather wise, but luckily the wind collaborated a bit more and we were able to sail 2 races.

I can't say that I was very happy with the racing... it was horribly cold on the water and when hands are numb holding on to the boom become an issue. I had some very strong points in both my races but wasn't able to turn them into a result on the scoreboard. On the 7th and final day of the regatta we were supposed to have one final race and the medal races for the top 10 were to be held. Once again... no wind and lots of waiting around. 3pm was the latest they could start us, but there was still no wind so the regatta ended very uneventfully. I have never been postponed during a regatta as much as this one, the waiting around all day is almost more tiring than the racing itself as it's so hard to be on constant "stand-by" mode for hours on end. A bit odd for a place that is known for it's very windy and stormy conditions.

I finished 33rd in the regatta - a result that I'm not really thrilled about, but lots of good came out of the regatta. I had my coach, Jason Rhodes with me for the regatta and a few days prior to it. We were working on very specific technique changes and the goal of the regatta was to get solid starts, work on my strategy, especially for the first leg, while sailing with my improved technique. I can honestly say that I sailed quite well, but when trying to work on changing technique or working on something particular, the short term focus is lost a bit and the immediate results suffer a bit. Not to worry though... I am very confident that I am heading the right direction.

I write this from Medemblik, Holland - the site of the next regatta, the Delta Llyod Holland Regatta (May 21-25). I arrived here bright and early this morning (5am) after a 20 hour mission to get from Brest to here, towing a coach boat with a van that would need to be in 2nd gear up hills. Oh well - nothing a bit of sleep can't fix... luckily no dramas or break downs!

Greetings from a much warmer Holland!
Nikola Girke

2008-04-30T09:32:00.005+02:00

PWA Women's Windsurfing Manager!

The PWA has hired a women's Marketing / Event manager. Mara van der Schaaf is just getting started in this new job, basically to improve the position of the female riders in the PWA.

This is what she wrote about becoming the women's manager: "It is a great opportunity for me to represent such powerful female riders and work together with them on improving the position of women in windsurfing internationally".

She has been hired for this job because of her educational and professional background:

Education
The most interesting part of her studies ( pedagogy with a Specialism (specialty) in Sport Movement and Policy.) regarding women's windsurfing is the part where she has researched the meanings given to windsurfing and in what way they are influenced by gender. For example: in a pilot study she explored 'the identification process' of male windsurfers. In the thesis 'Dare to be different' following this study, she explored in what way female windsurfers challenge or reinforce dominant constructions, or discourses in sports.

In her free time she started Mara-sports (Maximum Adventure and Real Adrenalin - sports). The main objectives of Mara-sports are management, consultancy and research, specialized in ' lifestyle' sports for women. The name Mara-sports evolved from her being a role-model to other women, from 'just doing it' ( she is a passionate windsurfer), to take a role in stimulating, motivating and coaching other female windsurfers.

Profession
There are several challenging objectives expounded for Mara. One of them is to focus on researching and developing potential women's only events and contacting the organisers. Another objective is to get in touch with potential women's sponsors, in particular focusing on products and brands that may be specific to the women's market. And last but not least: promoting and increasing coverage of women's events to both the mainstream and the women's interest press.

Some additional information:
For her to get started in a good way, she booked a flight out to Maui. Not only is she there meeting some of the women that are training for the PWA tour, but also she will start brainstorming with them about the women's division. She already had the chance to see them out on Hookipa...

If you want to contact her:
Mara@pwaworldtour.com
Skype: marapwa
Phone: +31614044945

2008-04-28T22:42:00.003+02:00

F2 files for Bankruptcy!

Some windsurfing readers of Austrian business daily "wirtschaftsblatt" were quite shocked, others found their fears reinforced: Austrian based windsurfing and snowboarding company F2 International has filed for bankruptcy. Due to Austrian AKV (Alpenlaendischer Kreditorenverband, creditors association) the adjusted liabilities amount to almost 5 million Euros (source: AKV , German only). It is expected that the company will continue its operations after a compulsory settlement (the debtor can meet at least 20 percent of the simple claims obligations), but substantially downsize its business.

2008-04-28T04:34:00.000+02:00

Butterfly Effect Maui 2008

Visit www.tatianahoward.com for more pics

2008-04-24T08:53:00.004+02:00

Last Day of Racing

Racing was scheduled to start at 11am but due to no wind, and then very unstable winds, we were postponed onshore until 3:30 pm. Finally, us girls got off a start close to 5pm after 2 general recalls. The wind was quite light - anywhere between 4-6 knots.
My plan was to start near the pin end of the line, which was favoured but also super crowded. I ended up tacking onto port within 30 seconds to go, fought hard to keep my place and had a perfect start. Up the first beat I was in the leading bunch, but when the wind continued to shift to the left, a few girls were able to pass me on the inside. I rounded the top mark in 8th.

Through out the race I was able to keep my position for the most part, I only lost one girl on a reach as she went low (which I didn't think was going to be to her advantage) and another on a run (Chinese silver medalist in Athens) to finish 10th - which I am very happy with. It is my first time that I have finished top 10 in a World Cup Grade 1 event in these conditions.
I thought that the 10th place would pull me up in the standings a bit, but with the points so close and it just happened that the girls I was around in the standings also had a good final race, I only moved up one place to 22nd overall. I was 33 points out of the top 10, which when I look back at my races could have been attainable. For my first regatta of the season, I am stoked with my result and will continue to push forward for the upcoming regatta, the European Championships.
The European Championships are in Brest, France starting May 1-10. I will be driving there in the morning.
Thank you for your support and emails!
Nikola Girke

2008-04-24T08:53:00.002+02:00

Guincho World Cup Postponed!

press release: "Regrettably, the PWA, in conjunction with Club Overpower, has been forced to announce the postponement of the Guincho World Cup, previously scheduled for early June. Due to reorganization of the Portuguese Tourism Authorities, it has been impossible for Club Overpower (the event organizers) to get confirmation of the event funding in time for the event to take place in June as had been planned. Club Overpower, in collaboration with the PWA, are now looking at possible rescheduling and / or relocation of the Portuguese leg of the tour for dates later in the year. Further details of dates, locations and disciplines will be announced as and when available. The existing relationship between the PWA and Cub Overpower will continue and the event will be back in the future."

2008-04-21T09:53:00.002+02:00

French Olympic Sailing Week

Today was the first day of racing for the Semaine Olympique Francaise (French Olympic Sailing Week). I've been here in Hyeres, France for a week now training up for this regatta. In the 6 times that I've sailed this regatta, I've seen every condition - but it's mostly both extremes, either it's quite warm and no wind or it's absolutely windy from one of two directions... from the south it's windy with huge steep waves and generally rainy or from the northwest the "Mistral" blows, offshore, flat water and chop - days can be blown out from either of these directions.

The day started off sunny with great breeze of about 15 knots from the South. Racing was to get underway at 11am, but us girls waited around till about 11:50 before we started as we had to wait for two men's fleet got underway. I had a game plan to start on starboard near the pin end of the line, go out left to avoid the huge waves and be on my way. Unfortunately, right at the start FRA50 (on port) collided into me (on starboard). I had the right of way but it doesn't really help me when I'm swimming. So, up out of the water I got and continued to race - with the fleet already hundreds of meters ahead of me. I sailed really well, had great speed and made some great tactical decisions to finish in 17th place...not too shabby out of 60 girls and the start that I had.

Race two; I had a pretty lame start as I misjudged my timing and did not have my own lane...which forced me to tack out onto port and go right to clear my air. I was struggling now in the big waves as a squall came through and with wind against tide, the waves were now very steep ramps, launching us wave by wave. Needless to say, it was a graveyard around the course. I was in the water at least 6 times, until I finally moved my mast track more forward which helped control me a bit better in the waves. After being quite deep at the start, and albeit my many swimming sessions, I still was able to reel in over half the fleet to finish around 26th. The race was so tough that many girls ended up not finishing and going ashore early.

I am pooped after today...and it's only day one! It was super fun though and with at least 8 more races, many changes in the results can happen. (I sit in 22nd at the moment). Tomorrow it's forcasted to be much the same, but even more windy. Should be interesting with the waves as they will have even more time to build overnight.

Nikola Girke

2008-04-19T17:04:00.003+02:00

Morocco Video

Our new Morocco story has made you curious?

Iballa Moreno, Silvia Alba, Nicole Boronat and Stephane Etienne have been there, too.

And you can find a nice little video about that trip to wave-rich shores at the Moreno Twins' website!

2008-04-12T00:01:00.000+02:00

Butterfly Effect Maui

2008-04-04T22:48:00.002+02:00

Nayra Alonso recovering after Surgery

After breaking her right foot in South Africa, and after a surgery back home in Gran Canaria (plate with 5 screws) Sylt-2007-winner Nayra Alonso is on the mend: "It is healing well, still needs to stick a lot more, but it is going well. I can start putting some weight on it really gentle, so that is so f*cking good! Cant wait to put my foot on the floor! We start working tomorrow with the physio guys." All the best, Nayra!

2008-03-25T20:23:00.003+01:00

Young Guns Camp Fuerte

Already for the 6th time in a row the successful "Young Guns Camp" is taking place between the 28.06.2008 and the 12.07.2008 on Fuerteventura. Young talents can improve their Freestyle, Slalom and Speed riding abilities and are looked after 24 hrs a day. Trained by a professional instructor team, especially flown in for this camp.
Info: www.rene-egli.com

The 23rd (!!) Windsurf & Kiteboarding World Cup, organized by Pro Center Rene Egli & the local authority of Pajara, will also be held on Fuerteventura (Sotavento) from:
19.07. - 23.07.2008: PWA Slalom 42 Grand Slam
14.07. - 28.07.2008: PWA Freestyle Grand Slam
26.07. - 02.08.2008: ISA Speed Grand Prix

2008-03-13T00:07:00.002+01:00

Tenerife World Cup Postponed

The women-only-wordcup event in Tenerife will not take place the way so many women windsurf pros had hoped: A message from the PWA says:

"The 2008 Tenerife PWA Womens PWA World Cup has now been rescheduled due to changing requirements of the local organisation. The event, previously scheduled for April, is now expected to take place later in the year as a joint mens and womens event."

We will keep you updated...

2008-03-03T08:22:00.003+01:00

Butterfly Effect New Zealand Camp and Clinic

This past weekend we had a Butterfly Effect Camp and Clinic. It was great fun and a great learning experience for everyone. To see more photos visit www.tatianahoward.com/blog or CLICK HERE. Next time the Butterfly Effect will be in your windsurf area! Keep your eyes and ears open!

2008-03-01T09:47:00.004+01:00

"An Evening for Jacquline"

It has been ten months since we held our first fundraiser for Jacquline Steves, the 6-year-old Maui girl who was diagnosed last year with Ewings Sarcoma -- an extremely aggressive form of bone cancer.
Join us for another benefit show at Jacques Bistro in Paia/Maui on Saturday, March 15th at 8:00PM to support Jacqulines continued fight with cancer.
Live music will be performed by various artists, and 100% of your admission donation will go directly to Jacquline
Over the past year, Jacquline has undergone fourteen rounds of painful chemotherapy treatments to fight the cancer, which had spread to her lungs. She has also endured eight intensive surgeries, one of which involved replacing half of her pelvis to remove the cancer from the bone. Jacquline will celebrate her 7th birthday on April 16. She is an amazing little girl who has been through a lot this past year, and is truly an inspiration us all.
You can learn more by visiting Jacqulines website: www.4jacquline.com