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Red Bull Storm Chase

October 23, 2018 Created by Chris Yates

The world’s toughest windsurfing contest returns – the 2018/19 Red Bull Storm Chase waiting period is now open!

Red Bull Storm Chase, the world’s most challenging windsurfing contest, happens only in Force 10 winds (89-102kph) and huge waves. Starting now, the hunt is on for those unique conditions – this time with a focus on Northern Europe and extended contest window.

Beginning on October 20, 2018, the Red Bull Storm Chase waiting period is open. The unique format means competition happens only when and where conditions permit. For two winters, patience has been tested – no proper storm appeared during the contest window.

During the 18/19 winter season, the waiting window has been extended creating a better chance for the world’s toughest windsurfing contest to come together. “We are stoked to include autumn in the waiting period, as a short 2018 PWA season leaves more space this year,” says Sports Director Klaas Voget (Fanatic / Duotone). “Storms from the Atlantic start coming now and we are ready to take off! These weeks usually offer the best mix of strong wind and mild temperatures in Northern Europe, so we hope to get our perfect storm soon!”

The previously nominated riders remain – when the contest is called on, they’ll mobilise to chase the storm and battle it out to see who is truly the best storm windsurfer in the world.

The expert judge’s panel – including Professional Windsurfing Association Head Judge Duncan Coombs – will look for jump height and trick difficulty, stylish wave rides, and timing-critical moves as the riders take advantage of over mast-high waves and up to 100kph winds.

Key Facts:

-  The world’s toughest windsurfing contest

- Contest window: 20/10/2018 to 15/03/19; holiday break 10.12.18 to 06.01.19

- Riders judged on jumps, wave riding, and execution of tricks

- Four riders are pre-qualified; four more selected last-minute from a pool of ten

- Event is confirmed only 72 hours before the start of competition

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sailors

The four finalists from the last Red Bull Storm Chase (Leon Jamaer (JP / NeilPryde), Dany Bruch (Bruch Boards / Flight Sails / AL360), Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing, and winner Thomas Traversa (Tabou / GA Sails)) are automatically entered. The remaining four competition slots will be filled from the list of nominees below.

Nominees

Jaeger Stone (Starboard / Severne / SWOX / Shamal Sunglasses), Australia

Ricardo Campello (Brunotti Boards / Point-7), Venezuela 

Adam Lewis (Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX), United Kingdom 

Antoine Martin (NeilPryde), France 

Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde / SWOX) , United Kingdom 

Philip Köster (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins), Germany

Kai Lenny, USA

Camille Juban (Quatro / Simmer), France

Victor Fernández (Fanatic / Duotone / Shamal Sunglasses), Spain 

Jules Denel (JP / NeilPryde), France

Location and Safety 

As stated, the mobile and reactive nature of the contest means the location is yet unknown. However, priority will be given to locations that offer: a likely combination of Force 10 wind and waves; close proximity to an international airport, adequate medical coverage and emergency services, and an absolute guarantee of adequate water access. During the given weather window these conditions are most likely to form in the Northern Hemisphere. Full safety crews consisting of watersports and medical professionals will be onsite to assist in the event of an emergency.

Event Coverage and Timing

A ‘watch’ alert will go out approximately 120 hours before the event, and confirmation will come just 72 hours before the event, at which point, riders and event crews will travel to the selected location. Pre, during, and post-event, updates will be available online at facebook.com/redbullstormchase.

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