Cloarec is currently in Cape Town, South Africa, studying and sailing and the other day he scored some epic, if a little daunting conditions at the infamous Crayfish Factory. Luckily, Tom Deburchgrave was on hand to capture some of the best of the action and it’s well worth a watch.

You can see Baptiste Cloarec at the Crayfish Factory @ vimeo.com/311105254

Albert’s latest video is filmed 100% in slow motion and while it is packed with great moves do you think there can be such thing as too much? What are your thoughts on slow motion? Let us know in the comments.

You can see ‘The River’ @ vimeo.com/311030879

For a full recap of how the event unfolded you can click here, while you can now see the full video highlights @ vimeo.com/310986405

Intro: “On November 26th 2018 The WSL Canceled the "Peahi Challenge" (Big Wave surf contest at Jaws, Maui , Hawaii) due to too much wind, Camille Juban, Kai Katchadourian & Rudy Castorina seize the opportunity to windsurf one of the biggest day ever ridden at the world famous big wave break: JAWS.”

Filmed by: Jace Panebianco, Si Crowther, Aerial Video Maui.

Music by: Sleep 

Track: From Beyond

Album: Holy Mountain”

Photos: Lyle Krannichfeld

One of the latest destinations fo the young Italian was a return to Chile and in his latest video Morisio explains why he loves the South American country so much…

Federico Morisio: “I’m crazy excited and happy to share with you this new video about my latest trips to Chile! I seriously fell in love with this place, as I explain in the video, because of the incredible conditions and the awesome lifestyle that it provides! 

Hopefully it will bring you some real value convincing you why Chile is so great, why you should go and how to enjoy it the best once you're there! 

Enjoy it and please let me know your thoughts in the comments and subscribe on my channel for many more videos to come! ;)

Follow me for daily photos and videos on:

- Instagram: @federicomorisio 
- Facebook: @federicomorisio 

You can see Federico Morisio’s ‘Why I Love Chile’ by visiting @ youtu.be/ml-BA7VEfNk

9 heats of slalom were completed during an intense day with east winds (Levante) on the second day of competition. On the last day another two races were completed, this time with west winds (Poniente). The conditions were not good enough during the competition period to run waves.

The event marks its second successful edition, proving that the spot Almerimar is a suitable location for many windsurfers. The young riders have shared an incredible week of windsurfing and participating in other activities in the Spanish town of Almerimar.

The junior fleet was divided into four categories. 

Benoit Merceur from France (S2Maui) was able to take the win in the category U20  and the Spanish champion  Regina Villegas (Duotone) in the women's category. The Frenchman Armand Genevais has been unbeatable in the U17 category, he won all eleven races.  Mar De Arce (Loftsails) took the win in the women's division and ocal rider Noelia Fuentes stood out in the female U15 category. The winner in the youngest category, U13, was the local rider Miguel Mirón. 

Victor Fernandez: "The 2nd edition of the Víctor Fernández PWA Youth World Cup Almerimar has exceeded all my expectations. We were able to improve our organisation compared to last year. We had incredible food, fun no wind activities and a very good infrastructure in general. We have the help of a lot of local volunteers and we were able to build a good relationship with our sponsors. That’s why I am already able to announce the third edition of the Victor Fernandez Windsurf Festival, which will be held from 27th to 30th December 2019 with the Spanish Championship followed by the PWA Youth World Cup from the 2nd until the 6th of January 2020."

The Victor Fernandez PWA Youth World Cup was the first stop of the 2019 PWA Windsurfing World Tour, which will continue in Japan, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Hawaii in the disciplines of wave and slalom events have to be confirmed.

You can see a quick highlights video @ vimeo.com/309865379

Result U20 Boy’s Slalom - Víctor Fernández PWA Youth World Cup Almerimar 2019 

1st Benoit Merceur (S2Maui)

2nd Jose Casanova (Fanatic / Duotone)

3rd Marino Gil (Goya Windsurfing)

Result U20 Girls’s Slalom - Víctor Fernández PWA Youth World Cup Almerimar 2019 

1st Regina Villegas (Duotone)

2nd Elena Canton 

Result U17 Boy’s Slalom - Víctor Fernández PWA Youth World Cup Almerimar 2019

1st Armand Genevais (S2Maui)

2nd Lennart Neubauer (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)

3rd Nicolo Spanu 

Result U17 Girls’s Slalom - Víctor Fernández PWA Youth World Cup Almerimar 2019

1st Mar de Arce (Loftsails)

Result U15 Girl’s Slalom - Víctor Fernández PWA Youth World Cup Almerimar 2019

1st Noelia Fuentes

Result U13 Boy’s Slalom - Víctor Fernández PWA Youth World Cup Almerimar 2019

1st Miguel Miron

2nd Ancor Sosa (Point-7)

3rd Javier Quinta

The Belgian headed to Maceio, Brazil, for the first part of his winter training in November and early part of December last year and his latest edit is well worth watching as it is packed with monster air moves.

You can see Yentel Caers latest edit @ youtu.be/rCDhGTL7X5s

Photo: Julian Robinet 

However, a short spell of rehabilitation the Aussie is back on the water testing out his ankle…. And by the looks of his latest edit - by Two Goat Media - his ankle passed with flying colours as he busts out his usual explosive and stylish repertoire of manoeuvres.

You can see Jaeger Stone testing his ankle @ vimeo.com/309701937

However, after a long road to recovery the 21-year-old was still able to bounce back to record 3 top 20 results from the 6 events completed in 2018, while ranking also recording his best overall result  - 24th for the year - despite such a massive setback. And as a former PWA Youth World Champion he obviously has the skills and aspirations to challenge for top honours - especially after another season under his belt, and more crucially an injury free one. We recently caught up with Ethan to become the latest sailor to feature in our 20 Questions feature…

1. Why are you so passionate about windsurfing?

Well this started a long time ago. In the past I liked so many sports that I did like 8 sports in a week and that was basically my life besides school, but once I started windsurfing all my other sports slowly decreased and windsurfing increased and I guess it’s because of the amazing wind conditions we have in Aruba and the freedom you have on a windsurfing board. I can’t imagine my life without windsurfing every week.

2. What quality do you like most in other people?

I always look to positive, respect and being yourself. I don’t have really one that I like the most…. Well maybe I do, but let’s just keep that a secret! haha.

3. What annoys or frustrates you the most?

Well one of the things is waiting… All windsurfers know about this. Travelling, waiting for gear etc, always get a toll on you.

Another one is probably when people can’t do there job right and they act/do like they can.

Last but not least getting lied to. I think many people can relate with this.

4. What do you most like in yourself?

Haha well I don’t like to talk about myself. I always prefer that people get to know me and they tell me what they like. I like my all! I feel good in my body.. ahaha. Does that count?

5. What do you dislike in yourself?

Well this I can answer. Sometimes I can block myself and nothing matters anymore.

6. What has been your best moment on tour?

I have had many great moments on tour, but if I should choose one moment in 2018 that would be PWA Fuerteventura winning the losers’ final for the first time! It felt so special, because exactly one year after my injury at the same location I could succeed and just give it my all. I will never forget that feeling. First time in my windsurfing career that I screamed so loud after the finish line. Love it!

7. What has been your worst moment on tour?

Many people would think that it’s my injury moment (Fuerteventura July 2017, but I don’t feel like that’s my worst one.

One of the worst ones would be PWA Costa Brava 2017 and PWA Korea 2018 I just really hate it when I try everything possible to race good and just nothing works. You keep losing and losing. I really don’t like losing haha.

8. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself when your career started?

Waw this is a good question… I would have given myself a bit more space to breath and enjoy a bit more. I was always so serious and making small things, big things. That would be the only advice I can say. As I’m growing older I’m finding my way and what works for me and this was difficult for me to see when I was younger. I always thought there was one way and that was it.

9. What is the best advice you have ever been given?

The best advice is always given by my dad. I don’t know which one is the best, because all of them are the best ones! hahaha.

10. What would be your perfect day?

A perfect day would be around the 30 knots some waves, sunny, warm waters, friends sailing, good food and to finish the day with an amazing sunset! I like it simple… hahaha

11. Do you have any superstitions?

Knocking on wood will bring good luck.

12. Which living person do you most admire?

My mom by far!

13. What is your greatest fear? 

Not being able to give it my all.

14. What is your most treasured possession?

Gifts from my mom and of course all my special fins that I collect during all these years from F-hot!

15. Where is the best place you’ve been?

Every place has it’s thing. I just came back from my Peru trip and I loved it! Amazing place to be with good people and good food. I will also never let Turkey, Alacati go. I really loved competing there and it just feels like my second home. 

16. Where would you most like to go to that you haven’t been to yet?

I have many places! Western Australia, Dahab (Egypt), South Africa (Cape town), Brazil (Jeri), Rhodos Greece and many more! hahaha

17. Who would you most like to have as a dinner guest, dead or alive?

Would be nice to have a dinner with Alberto.M and Peter.V for the last time.

18. First App you open in the morning?

This depends a lot on what messages I get on my phone. It could be my mails, WhatsApp or instagram. One of those three.

19. Most visited website?

Probably my gmail or Facebook!

20. A phrase you live by?

Live Life.

Thanks, Ethan. Enjoy the rest of the winter and see you back on the tour next season.

You can stay up to date with all of Ethan Westera’s latest news and adventures via his Social Media Channels:

- Facebook: @EthanWesteraAru4 
- Instagram: @ethanwest4 

Leon Jamaer: “In October my partner Mercedes-Benz and I set out on an adventure trip exploring the Scottish Outer Hebrides. While camping for ten days I encountered rough weather, welcoming people and incredible windsurf conditions. I had no fixed schedule or particular plan and was free to follow the low pressure systems and enjoy the islands raw beauty. A film team led by BSP Media captured some of these moments and produced an V-Class advertisement which you can watch by following the link below (English version without branding). I also attached some pictures by Florian Breitenberger. A longer trip-video will follow later this month.”

You can see Leon Jamaer’s stormy adventure to the Isle of Lewis @ https://youtu.be/3N75XDDh9n8

Severne statement: The recent success achieved by the Moreno twins could not be explained without the strong support shown by Severne during the last decade, which has allowed them to maximise the competitiveness of the professional women's windsurf circuit thanks to the use of sails, masts, booms and components. developed with the latest generation materials.

For this reason, Daida and Iballa Ruano are proud to expand their relationship with the Australian brand and become part of the Severne 2019 boards program. This historic milestone marks a new turning point in their sporting careers and will allow them to unite, in a global way, the name of Severne to the legend of the Moreno twins.

The CEO of the brand, Ben Severne, stressed that it is an honour to have Iballa and Daida Ruano in the team, because "their professionalism as athletes and commitment to the promotion of women's windsurfing are an inspiration for all those who love windsurfing", for this reason, the Morenotwins hope to contribute their bit in the international evolution of the brand and continue to achieve success on this new stage.

CCfilms: “United by the passion for windsurfing we, the gringos, met in Brazil to chase the elements of “mother nature”.

As team “gringo” we travelled around the northern part of Brazil to get the best conditions in order to show you some state of the art freestyle windsurfing.

Obrigado for watching.

The gringos”

If you missed the earlier link you can find it again here @ vimeo.com/308414784

1. Why are you so passionate about windsurfing?

I think there are many reasons why I love windsurfing so much. I think the connection to nature is a really big part of it. You feel the power of the ocean the difference in every wave and session. You never know what nature is going to throw at you, that’s what makes it so exciting. Also, I love how much windsurfing brings you into the moment. You’re enjoying so much, that you forget everything around.

2. What quality do you like most in other people?

I’d say honesty. It takes the strength of character to look into someone’s eyes and tell them what you really think and it is even more difficult if it’s criticism. But I think it’s a gift if someone is honest to you and it gives you the opportunity to work on yourself.

3. What annoys or frustrates you the most?

If people judge other people without knowing any background. Everyone has their reasons why they behave in a certain way and it takes time and effort to understand that. But I’d say the world would be a better place if people wouldn’t judge too fast. 

4. What do you most like in yourself?

Probably my confidence. I usually see the good part in whatever I’m experiencing and even in the bad things, I can see the chance to learn from it and do it better the next time.

5. What do you dislike in yourself?

I don’t know if there’s a part of me that I really don’t like. I know I still have many weaknesses, many things that I can work on and remind myself of acting in a certain way, but that’s probably an ongoing process that will never end.

6. What has been your best moment on tour?

There have been so many great moments and I’m happy for every single one of them. One very special moment for sure was our women’s semifinal on Sylt this year. Steffi Wahl, Iballa Moreno, Sarah-Quita and I probably had the best conditions of the whole ten days in our 15min heat and all of us four were showing our best within that time. I remember cheering for the others and hearing cheering for myself too. The vibe on the water was so fun and we were all enjoying it so much. Also afterwards people on the beach and other windsurfers were telling us that our heat was exciting to watch and thrilling to see who would win until the end. And even though I didn’t make it through, that heat was one of the most special moments for sure, for all of us.

7. What has been your worst moment on tour?

The worst feeling for me is coming off the water after a heat, knowing I didn’t sail to my potential. Losing is fine, but knowing I could have done better makes me feel disappointed with myself. It happens every now and then. But with some time I can usually see how I can learn from it.

8. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself when your career started?

Have fun and don’t try too hard. I think that was the mistake I made in the first year. I didn’t enjoy during the heats and didn’t really think about what I was doing. Even now, the heats I enjoy the most, I sail the best.

9. What is the best advice you have ever been given?

For windsurfing heats probably: “breathe and think about what you’re doing“ haha. And personally probably to try to not judge too hard, neither with yourself nor with others.

10. What would be your perfect day?

Wake up before sunrise (not being tired haha), straight from the pyjama into the wetsuit and a glassy surfing session with friends. Afterwards a nice breakfast with good coffee (!!) and nice music. 

For the afternoon a good windsurfing session with friends and waves both for jumping and riding until sunset. Then we would have a BBQ, everyone being happy from the good session we had. We’d sit together talk and laugh. Also, I really enjoy music and dancing so if we’re not too tired from surfing and windsurfing we might still have a little party or sit together and sing :).

11. Do you have any superstitions?

Hmm no, not really. I think I’m a very matter-of-fact kind of person.

12. Which living person do you most admire?

I don’t think I can name a single person. I love the different qualities in my friends. Each of them is so different and has got at different things they’re good at, I love that. I love the variety.

13. What is your greatest fear? 

I think we sometimes forget how valuable our health is. So I think, not being healthy.

14. What is your most treasured possession?

I think my van. It carries me and all my windsurfing and surfing gear wherever I navigate it too. That’s such a gift and the possibilities are endless.

15. If you weren’t a professional windsurfer, what would you like to be?

I wouldn’t call myself a professional windsurfer. More of a professional student and passionate windsurfer haha. As I’m studying medicine I’ll probably do something in that direction one day.

16. Where is the best place you’ve been?

There are so many places on this earth that are amazing, most of them I haven’t seen yet. And I think it’s a gift that we have the possibility to see so many of them.

I loved Western Australia, the nature, the relaxed people and the high quality windsurfing there. Seeing the pictures from people travelling there in the European wintertime makes me anxious to go back. 

17. Where would you most like to go to that you haven’t been to yet?

For windsurfing probably Chile. The pictures from there look amazing. But I would also like a non-windsurfing trip to a totally different country, maybe like Tibet, Iran or Canada. Anyway, I’m excited for all the places I will still get to see.

18. Who would you most like to have as a dinner guest, dead or alive?

Maybe Christoph Waltz or Emma Watson. Both of them are really inspiring personalities, intelligent and have interest into so man different directions. But there’s a lot more persons I could think of. For sure, the discussions would be really interesting, hmm difficult question.

19. First App you open in the morning?

I usually try to not use my phone in the morning until I actually need it. Until then I use the App “Analog Life“ haha.

20. A phrase you live by?

Don’t forget the value of the moment.

Thanks Lina. Good luck with your studies and see you back on the tour in 2019.

Adam Sims: “Stoked to finally bring this one out. A 3 part docu-series about my spinal surgery two years ago. Initially planned as a movie, I decided to break the production down into 3 episodes. There will be one a week, starting from 28/12! Presenting - A Shot in the Dark!

Facing one of my biggest fears and not knowing how to return was a serious mental challenge for me, and unfortunately still is. You’ll learn more about it whilst joining me for some of the best sessions of my life over the next few weeks. Locations include: Cape Verde, South Africa, Mauritius, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, Greece and more..

Be sure to stay tuned to my social channels and subscribe to see it first 

And join the ‘LIVE Launches’ where I’ll answer any questions during and after each episode. #windsurfing #passion #travel #adventure #ashotinthedark #windsurf #surf #recovery #surfing #surfer #documentary #videographer #photographer #storytime @patrikwindsurf @sailloft @quiksilver @dakineshop @adamsims_productions”

If you missed the earlier link you can find it here. 

As always Meir impresses with his radical style, while combining new school with some older school moves. The Israeli was unable to compete on the 2018 PWA Freestyle World Tour, but he remains one of the most stylish and radical freestylers on the planet. 

You can see Yarden Meir in ‘Puffer Fish’ @ vimeo.com/307263269

Now the 28-year-old has dropped a sick new edit from Maui, which features action from both Ho’okipa and Pe’ahi (Jaws) - when Juban headed out after the WSL Big Wave Contest was called off.

Camille Juban: ”One of those moments" its the beginning of some videos where i will try to share the key moments of my career! this is "Maui part" where i wone the aloha classic 2018 and a lifetime session at jaws after the World Surf League called off the peahi challenge! 

Filming: Amanda Beenen Cantor | Si Crowther | Jace Panebianco 

music: lemaitre- closer (feat jennie A) 

Sponsors: Quatro Windsurfing LONG HORN Energy Drink OXBOW MFC Hawaii Surf Excellence DAKINE

You can see Camille Juban’s ‘One of Those Moments’ @ https://web.facebook.com/120131021380178/videos/264489134246545/

Photo Credit: Lyle Krannichfeld

1. Why are you so passionate about windsurfing?

It’s the greatest sport in the world! It’s an unmatched mix of freedom, power of nature, speed and unlimited creativity which gives you an addictive feeling! Conditions are always changing and the progress never really stops, which keeps the excitement up over so many years.

2. What quality do you like most in other people?

I like people with honest kindness.

3. What annoys or frustrates you the most?

Intolerance.

4. What do you most like in yourself?

I’m quite patient.

5. What do you dislike in yourself?

I can be quite stubborn at times.

6. What has been your best moment on tour?

Finishing second at the World Cup Sylt 2009. Unforgettable moments!

7. What has been your worst moment on tour?

That must have been the moment when I got the message of André Paskowski passing away. I was in the restaurant of the competitors hotel on Tenerife with many other riders and the scenery turned into deep sadness within a few seconds.

8. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself when your career started?

I would do it again the way I did it, finish your education first, then try to make a living from windsurfing. The sport is too small to live from it without a “regular” job afterwards.

9. What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Hard to pick a single one. Contest wise it was Bernd Flessner telling me to always check the score sheets. I found simple mistakes on 2-3 occasions where I ended up in the top – things might have gone different if these mistakes would have just been unnoticed. I made my first podium on Sylt thanks to that. Nowadays there is not many mistakes, as the calculations of the scores are made automatically.

10. What would be your perfect day?

A good surf in the morning, then an extended breakfast with my family. Then epic down-the-line sailing with 4.5m sail and 5m swell with a handful of friends. Then some more kids-time and BBQ with everyone!

11. Do you have any superstitions?

Not really

12. Which living person do you most admire?

I quite admire Kelly Slater’s achievements. Unreal how he dominated the surfing world over so many years and still rips so hard at his age. Good inspiration!

13. What is your greatest fear? 

That something bad happens to my family.

14. What is your most treasured possession?

My kids

15. If you weren’t a professional windsurfer, what would you like to be?

I probably would have turned into a doctor like my parents and both brother’s. Windsurfing at that time made me study sports science instead of medicine.

16. Where is the best place you’ve been?

I like many places, but for me Chile and New Zealand stand out, as the people are just so friendly and welcoming and the Nature is stunning. I’ve had some of the best sailing of my life in Chile. I also like Cape Town and Maui a lot, the best is the mix of different places – and there are still quite a few for me to discover.

17. Where would you most like to go to that you haven’t been to yet?

Indonesia / West Oz / Tahiti

18. Who would you most like to have as a dinner guest, dead or alive?

Barak Obama – alive ;-)

19. First App you open in the morning?

Mostly WhatsApp

20. Most visited website?

I think that must be fanatic.com – it’s mostly open for work.

Thanks, Klaas. Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year! 

The title race to become U17 World Champion came down to the wire between himself and Marino Gil (Goya Windsurfing), but ultimately Sugi pulled it out of the bag in the final event of the year to win the prestigious Aloha Classic and with it take the title on tiebreak with Sugi and Gil tied on 29,800 points. After becoming U17 World Champion we caught up with Takuma for an interview:

Hey Takuma, congratulations on becoming the U17 Wave World Champion - how does it feel?

I’m really pleased. This year I won in two places, Tenerife and Maui, where the wind conditions are totally different and required different skills. So, I’m happy to be the U17 World Champion.

Out of the 3 events this year you won twice and came 3rd in the other… how happy are you with the level of sailing you showed this year? And where do you think you sailed your best?

I’m not yet satisfied. I wanted to win in Gran Canaria where I finished 3rd and I also wanted to perform better in the Pro class.

I feel that I got pretty lucky to be 1st in Tenerife, but the Aloha Classic was the best sailing for me. I made a big jump… the highest jump that I’ve ever made in the Pro division, so I was happy with that.

How did you originally get into windsurfing and what is it about the sport that you love?

My dad is a windsurfing instructor and he taught me how to windsurf when I was six. I live very close to the beach, so I went to the beach every day. I love to jump and do tricks. It’s soooo fun!

What do you like about competing?

I love the fact that I get to compete with/against many great riders, and that makes it even better when I win.

Favourite move?

Front loop.

Favourite setup?

Wave - 3.7m - Freestyle 4.4m.

Favourite conditions?

All conditions! I enjoy riding in any conditions!

Favourite food and drink?

I like sushi and Japanese Tea.

One thing that you don’t like or annoys you?

A lot of times I feel good about riding, but sometimes it’s not the case. I want to sail well all the time.

What are you doing for the winter?

Windsurfing at Omaezaki in Japan.

And finally what are your goals for the future?

Right now, not a lot of people are familiar with windsurfing in Japan. My goal is to make windsurfing a popular sport and to see more kids windsurf in Japan.

Thanks, Takuma. Congrats again on becoming U17 World Champion. Have a great winter.

You can stay up to date with all of Takuma Sugi’s latest news and adventures via his Social Media Channels:

- Facebook: @Takuma Sugi 杉匠真 
- Instagram: @takuma.sugi 

Photos: Si Crowther

You can see Browne, Siver and Lenny taking on the awesome might of Jaws @ youtu.be/qMHGu1Ti9wk

Video Credit: Matt Holton 

Lesauvage - now 18 - has stood out on the Youth World Tour, but has also claimed some memorable heat victories on the full tour and it’s only a matter of a time before you would expect to see him really make his mark on an event.

You can see Loïck Lesauvage’s latest video @ vimeo.com/305341441

The Spaniard, who finished 7th overall in 2018, recently visited Fuerteventura on an ideal looking forecast and he certainly found what he was looking for with world class waves. However, with the wind looking pretty light that meant that as well as delivering some epic hits, he also had some hard bailouts. 

You can see Alex Mussolini in action @ https://vimeo.com/305574827

I'm super stoked with not only the sailing but also with the style in which this Vlog was filmed and edited by my friend Ener. How do you like it and would you like to see more like this?”

If you missed the earlier link here it is again https://youtu.be/NE-cAFnCQJ0 

Stenta performed very consistently on the PWA Wave World Tour this year, which saw the Italian record 3 joint 9th places in Morocco, Gran Canaria and Tenerife respectively, while the 31-year-old recently enjoyed great success at the ISA World SUP and Paddleboarding Championships - securing a silver medal in the sprint.

Caterina Stenta about her latest edit: “Cape Town again and again! 5th winter spent in the Mother City and many more to come! Hope you enjoy my last edit of my 2018 winter months in the Cape Peninsula.

Thanks to Tom Deburchgrave for filming and Julian Robinet for the water filming!

Thank you GMM Productions for the edit and Maui Ultra Fins for the support.

Music: ODESZA - Higher Ground (feat. Naomi Wild).”

You can see ‘Down South’ @ vimeo.com/305309622

After four flights, a car ferry and a long taxi drive I finally arrived at my secret Indonesian destination after four days of travel. My first view of the ocean did not come until I was dumped on the road from the airport bus in a remote village. It was low tide and I could see about 700 metres of dry reef with tiny waves breaking on the outside.

The local people who help out surfers in this area were not used to all my oversize bags. All the surfers rent scooters with side racks for there surfboards but I needed something bigger. After walking with my gear along the road for about half hour, one of the local stores had a three-wheel motor bike with a loading box on the back that I later found out was used for garbage runs. It was perfect solution for transporting my gear and after negotiating with seven local Indonesians, I had my ride for the week.

The next obstacle was trying to find a boat big enough for all my equipment and that could motor outside the reef. All the small boats stay inside the reef so I had to find a large fishing boat that would be willing to venture outside the reef and close to the surf.

After about an hour of paddling and chatting with the local fisherman we found a fishing-boat big enough that would accept my terms. The boat itself was super sketchy and probably about 40 years old. The guy would spray a fuel cocktail into the carburettor to get the old girl fired up and the captain steered the boat with two pieces of rope that were tied to the keel. I was loving it!

The next day before the swell we spent the day looking at passes in the reef and trying to figure out the best location to windsurf. By the end of the day I had picked about three possible locations including one of the main spots the surfers go to. We also had to consider where to put the photographers to keep them safe as the exposed reefs on low tide fill up with water quickly, especially with a pumping new ground swell. I went to sleep that night nervous and hoping it would all work out.

By first light I could see the swell hitting the outside reef. We motored straight to a location that was on the top of my list. A few surfers were already out and I could see instantly, there was no need to check my other locations. Perfect six- to eight-foot waves peeled for an eternity down this reef and there seemed to be three main sections to this wave. Surfers were getting sick waves but they had trouble connecting all the sections to this wave, primarily due to the speed and distance between each of the sections. I was basically looking at the most perfect windsurfing wave ever. I could not believe my luck. This almost never happens. I started to freak out on the boat and I could not wait to hit the water.

I rigged on the boat, jumped into the water and was in the line-up in minutes. I could instantly tell that it was almost straight offshore making conditions very gusty. This coupled with very light winds made this location a battle all day long to catch the right waves, but I’ve sailed many locations around the world like this, so for me it was just another day.

To consistently catch waves, I found that one of the best ways was to be out of my straps and wait right at the bottom of the breaking wave. I would get sucked up the face of the wave and as it broke I would then air drop down the wave and shuffle my feet into the straps. It sounds impossible but the wave itself was quite a soft wave, so doing this type of take-off was actually super fun. The only drawback to this was you had to be in exact perfect spot. If you were too far outside and the lip did not catch the board you would peel out the back or if you were to far inside you would get hit, resulting in a very long swim and even longer walk on the reef to get back out to the channel and into the line-up.

The best waves were the ones that had a long wall that looked like they would close-out. The best set-up was to catch them at the top of the reef and if your speed and timing was right you could make all the way down the reef, passing the three sections and gybe safely into the channel

I had my mojo going by midday and I was getting a few turns at the top section of the reef then I would blast about 100 metres down to the mid section where the wave had its best wall and shape. You could bust a few airs and hacks, then blast another 100 metres down to the last section where you would still have a good wall to air or slash off a few times. I had so much fun trying to time each of the sections perfectly so I would arrive at each part of the wave at exactly the right time.

Some of my rides were so long I was getting tired towards the end of the ride and once you pulled off into the channel the top of the reef was at least 500 metres away. Due to the offshore winds I could hug the line-up all the way to the top of the reef and tack at any point along the reef to catch waves that would pop along my journey upwind. It was actually so offshore I could sail from the channel to the reef starboard tack. Not ideal wind direction but still good enough for me to have a blast.

At one point during the day I was almost able to catch every big set and then get back into the line-up within minutes. This is one of the reasons I love windsurfing. We can catch so many perfect waves and put ourselves in the perfect spot every time. When you only get one epic day you want to maximise your time and windsurfing is the perfect tool for that job. Some of the view-points I had during my day would never be seen by a surfer. Being so deep and looking way down the line to your next point of entry is the best feeling in the world!

At times I was the only person in the line-up, watching these perfect waves go unridden. Equally as weird is catching any wave you want at anytime. I'm so used to jostling for position with paddle surfers, SUP guys and kite surfers it's really is a big component to what we do on the water. But here on this lonely reef all that is gone. It's such a great feeling to just concentrate on waves alone.

By the end of day I had put in six straight hours on the water and there was still enough light to catch more but I was just too tired. We all celebrated that night with a couple of Bin-tangs at the bar and very happy we scored epic conditions.

You can watch this epic new movie @ https://www.redbull.com/int-en/jason-polakow-windsurf-indonesia

Text and Photos: Jason Polakow / Red Bull

1. Why are you so passionate about windsurfing?

Not sure if I could explain that in one, but I just bloody love it. I guess when I was younger it was an amazing sense of freedom and such a great escapism. I guess that’s still part of why I love it today. It’s also such a challenge, a constantly changing environment, it’s like a bike track or a skate park that is brand new everyday, it impossible to get bored. 

2. What quality do you like most in other people?

Courage but kind

3. What annoys or frustrates you the most?

Probably windsurfing in general haha, I guess professional sports in general give you some of the best highs you could ever imagine but then it doesn’t half snap you sometimes too.

4. What do you most like in yourself?

I think I’m pretty good not staying bummed out for long, normally whatever the problem I’d like to think I could put my head down and overcome it. I’m pretty stubborn too. I would say that helps a lot with windsurfing. 

5. What do you dislike in yourself?

Always hard to judge yourself, I’ve got a horrific attention span and I am terrible at putting off things I’m not to keen on.

6. What has been your best moment on tour?

Winning that semifinal in Tenerife this year, I knew that put me in to the winners final and I’d be on the podium whatever… Hard to describe what that feels like, incredible.

7. What has been your worst moment on tour?

I’m not sure, in hindsight there doesn’t feel like any real bad moments. Losing feels like the end of the world at the time, but after some time you remember its just windsurfing. I guess that would be my least favourite thing about being on tour is how self absorbed you have to become to win.

8. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself when your career started?

Well I guess it would be more life advice in general but simply if you want to do something don’t wait for anyone else just get on with it.

9. What is the best advice you have ever been given?

For my career would be from John Hibbard and Nik Baker I believe when I attended a youth camp, they basically said if you want it to be your job treat it like one. I would say the same to any would be pros.

10. What would be your perfect day?

Wake up earlyish to glassy pumping surf, maybe over head, surf till you cant paddle, come in big buffet lunch, cheeky lie down just for the wind to pick up for some side/side off as walled up and bowly as possible. Couple of sunset beers and bed, do the same again the next day.

11. Do you have any superstitions?

Umm not really… I get a bit hung up when a few things don’t go my way the day of competing, but normally I sort of forget all that as I get all my gear ready! 

12. What is your greatest fear? 

Hmmm tricky one, I would say not being able to be active and in the water.

13. What is your most treasured possession?

Would have to say answering the question above, my health…. Or a surfboard ;)

14. If you weren’t a professional windsurfer, what would you like to be?

Well, I wanted to be a marine biologist when I was younger but I really don’t know. I started a plumbing apprenticeship just as I join the tour and then the tour took over. 

15. Where is the best place you’ve been?

I really couldn’t say. There are so many places that I love, they all have there own plus and minus points. Maybe North West Aus or Indonesia I love the back to basics you get from places like that, no internet just the wild and the sea, I love coming home to Cornwall. (I’m not sure I could say it’s the best place I’ve been though)

16. Where would you most like to go to that you haven’t been to yet?

I’ve just watched the Windsurf Project clip from Skeleton Bay, right now I would say there haha.

17. Who would you most like to have as a dinner guest, dead or alive?

Ernest Hemmingway, my favourite book is ‘The Old Man and the Sea.’ 

18. First App you open in the morning?

Normally WhatsApp if I’m traveling and away from my Girlfriend, pretty bad at browsing on Instagram in bed with a coffee in the morning.

19. Most visited website?

Stab Mag I think 

20. A phrase you live by?

Dunno all those phrases sound a bit cringy,.. Do what you love?

Thanks, Adam. You can stay up to date with all of Adam Lewis' latest news and adventures via his Social Media Networks:

- Facebook: @AdamLewisK516 
- Instagram: @adamk516 

Jason Polakow: ”I had dreams in my head on how would like this trip to turn out and it takes a lot of what I expect to be great: perfect waves, cross-offshore winds, no crowds and so on and so forth...It's really hard to get that but I managed to do it here for 3 days, so I'm incredibly stoked" - Quote from my upcoming Indonesia Video that is dropping on Friday, stay tuned!" 

You can see a little snippet of what’s to come @ https://www.facebook.com/JasonPolakowKA1111/videos/577771005991729/

Lina Erpenstein: “More than excited to share this really personal short clip with you! Windsurfing and DJing make me enjoy life to the max. Check out the link to find out how! Production: Julius Wenzel”

You can see Lina Erpenstein’s new edit @ vimeo.com/303286636