Fanatic: “A boys trip is always a good idea. Our Wave Team with Victor Fernández, Marc Paré Rico, Klaas Voget, Arthur Arutkin and Fanatic boss Craig Gertenbach enjoyed a team training and R&D trip to Cold Hawaii pre-lockdown with bsp media behind the scenes. Here is a little edit from their journey.”

Klaas: “It’s been great to re-connect after a long summer without any contests! We had all the toys there and we’ve been in the water pretty much every day surfing, foiling, winging and windsurfing – testing each others boards and making the next round of protos. It’s always great vibes hanging out with the team!”

You can see the Fanatic Team’s Cold Hawaii highlights here.

Thomas Traversa: “I am officially starting a new chapter in my life. I will run a YouTube channel with a new series called “GUIDED TOUR”, where I will share stories about trips and special sessions. I’m not very sure about what I am doing but let’s see how it goes. 1 episode every 3 weeks, until I run out of footage. The first 3 episodes will be about Reunion Island.”

Iballa Moreno (morenotwins): "Taking advantage of the storm Filomena at home #canaryislands @anfigroup @severnewindsurfing @vwcomercialescanarias"

You can see Iballa Moreno's latest video @ https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ-sqsCJtA-/

Balz Muller: “Ain’t no snow stops us from riding Swiss lake waves! actually it almost only happens in winter. Good memories from an epic snowstorm last year.”

You can see Balz Müller enjoying the freezing Swiss lakes @ youtu.be/UVRwps5BaYo

Just a few days ago, Nico Prien (Starboard / NeilPryde) announced on social media that he would part ways with board manufacturer JP Australia after 5 years of partnership.

His announcement was followed by the windsurfing scene responding with assumptions about joining various other brands and even rumours about him starting his own board brand. Prien later denied such assumptions, and a few days later went on to announce his new partner, Starboard Windsurfing, including a rather surprising move by the young 26 year old.

Nico Prien: “I’m ecstatic to not only ride Starboards from 2021 on, but also work on supporting the brand in the management aspect. Starboard being the only windsurfing company that genuinely and actively considers the environment in all their actions, is the perfect match for me. I’m thrilled to work closely with Svein Rasmussen and Tiesda You who both have shaped the windsurfing world in the last decades.“

Even though Prien, who has built himself a reputation with frequent and engaging videos around windsurfing on his YouTube Channel, will have a great deal of new tasks; nonetheless, he stays optimistic about taking part in competitions and publishing more videos. “Realistically this will probably mean that I’ll take part in competitions less compared to the previous years. Of course, I will still want to be the fittest and best version of myself and do well in certain competitions; being able to compete on Starboard’s iSonics and foil boards will help tremendously with that.

On the other hand, a lot of interesting new things will come my way with this move that I’m more than excited to document and share on YouTube.“

It’s still unclear what implications this move will have on the sail brand he will be on from now on.

Quick questions:

How did it happen?

Since I’ve been digging into sustainable economics for a while, Starboard obviously has been on my radar. When Svein himself gave me a call to see whether I’m interested, it was clear quite quickly that this is the only logical step for me to take.

What will your tasks be?

Next to my activities as ambassador I will work in the Brand Management for Starboard. That means that I’ll be involved in the whole process from developing the product, up until the launch and everything that comes along with it, such as marketing.

What does that mean for competitions and your living situation?

I will spend a lot of time in Starboard’s Headquarters in Bangkok. My main hub will remain Germany and Europe though.

You can learn about Nico's move via his latest YouTube @ https://youtu.be/EMpCkaTwRGM

Yesterday Koerdel released a video on his Facebook page - confirming that he would be joining the Severne revolution - you can hear more from the 30-year-old here about his move.

Thanks to everyone for filming, my sponsor Severne for keeping me going this year and may 2021 return slowly back to normal with more travels, more competitions & a lot more windsurfing out there!”

You can see Dieter Van der Eyken's autumn antics @ https://youtu.be/dUhl4_6v2oQ

Boujmaa Guilloul (Goya Windsurfing): “Greg and Pierre made a beautiful clip while locked down in Moulay, we weren’t lucky enough with a session down South but we made almost the most out of what we had. This is the result and it's minty.” 

To see this powerful new movie visit @ vimeo.com/496262043

You can find out more about the transfer @ https://youtu.be/zwx4HcX03ns

Nic Hibdige: "What a ride it's been! 4 years for Tabou Windsurfing Gaastra Windsurfing international, traveling and competing with the best crew. I am forever grateful for the support from the beginning, through the ups and downs and multiple injuries. Best team out there to be riding with, thanks for the opportunities and good times!"

Balz Müller: "Christmas can't be better than a full day of action in playa chica with my @severnewindsurfing santa sail lots of fun with @stevenvb72, filmed by eva @mb_boards @silvaplana.engadin #windsurfing.”

You can see the crazy antics from that session here.

Antoine Albert: "Short clip from an afternoon spent in the caledonian lagoon earlier this year 2020 testing the new Goya Windsurfing 2022 freestyle board prototype, with some freestyle and wave action.
Rider: Antoine Albert
Camera: Gill Chabaud
Music: Brieuc Albert / Sound of the Dirty Streets soundcloud.com/brieuc-albert"

Ricardo Campello: “It’s been  a while since I’ve uploaded a full video of action at Ho’okipa, this is the last monKey show of 2020 and it has some really good action, no Jumping as the we've got some pretty good waves and I tried to focus on my wave riding!

If you're patient enough theres a little surprise and the Real end of the video! 

Merry xmas and thank you once again or your support!”

You can see the final episode of the Monkey Show for 2020 @ youtu.be/6j7gnCDFfLc

Morgan Noireaux: “A session at Ho'okipa on the best day of the season (so far). Fingers crossed for the rest of the winter!

Gear used: 
JP Australia 83L Ultimate wave.
Neilpryde windsurfing 4.5 Combat 
Black Project Windsurfing 14.5 and 9 Quad set.”

You can see Morgan Noireaux’s day at Ho’okipa @ youtu.be/Af02gWO0Irw

Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins): “Top tips for Kono: The best konos are when you duck perfectly and can translate the speed and power in your sail into major lift.

- With konos if you carve too much upwind after ducking the sail you will lose speed and power in your sail. So after you’ve ducked the sail rather than pointing the nose of the board too far into the wind, find the point where you’re just pointing a slight bit more upwind from when you started ducking. 

- Then try to get your sail behind you so that it’s in the power zone once you start pushing out. That way you get maximum lift. 

- Once you start pushing out with your backhand, don’t give in to the sail, keep your front arm straight and counter the sail’s power as hard as you can.

- You’re upside down and flying now captain!

- To ensure a safe landing on your feet and not on your back remember to pull in with your backhand so that you come upright again.

BOOM!”

Antoine Albert (Goya Windsurfing): “Prerequisite: basic freestyle (spock and flaka variations), normal stance duck, clew first backie might help you as well. The duck has to be a bit lower than for a bob/culo variation, but not too much otherwise you lose power and speed to lift off. 

- Flat water is easier in the beginning. Lift the sail with both arms and not only by pushing on the backhand, as all the other moves, stay on your front foot otherwise the mast will catch the water.

- Top tips -> after the first 180 degrees, bring your body back over the base by pulling your front leg under you and at the same time, let go of the back hand and throw the sail forward with the front hand.

Riccardo Marca (Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins): “It’s really important to duck the sail right, so make sure to do this first part well. 

- Try to not lose speed during the ducking otherwise you will not manage to take off.

- Once you have ducked the sail bend your knees before jumping. 

- Don’t put too much pressure on your backfoot otherwise the board will spinout even before jumping.” 

John Skye: “A few clips from South Africa and the Canaries. 2020 was obviously a very strange year, hardly leaving home, but consequently scoring most of the good days here, which very often I miss completely.

As we live in a modern era where content is used every day, most of these clips have been seen before in some form or other, but I still wanted to throw them all together in an edit to a good tune. Hope you enjoy!

** As a side promotional note, 90% of this footage was with the Compact Vogue, our complete rig that folds in a back pack. Showings it’s full no compromise potential.**

You can see John Skye’s 2020 @ vimeo.com/486513235

This autumn that happened and Marc Paré (Fanatic / Duotone) was there to score a few amazing sessions. With strong winds and massive ramps on offer the young Spaniard goes absolutely massive, while delivering his typically aggressive wave riding!

You can see Marc Paré’s latest edit @ vimeo.com/489961002

Miguel Chapuis: “Here is a small clip from a few sessions that I could have on camera from my trip to Reunion. Filmed by Jean Bernard Chapuis at the spot of Ravine Blanche. Such an amazing place and can't wait to go back there!”

You can see Miguel Chapuis’ new edit @ youtu.be/lMGQsg0JO7A

Balz Müller: “Tutti frutti finstyling. As much I love foiling I can‘t resist slicing fruits and water with my freestyle fin - fun sessions with Oda Brødholt (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) and Eva Nora.”

You can see Balz Müller's amptly named Tutti Frutti Finstyling edit @ https://www.instagram.com/p/CIlouZiDx5o/

You can see Baptiste Cloarec’s new edit @ youtu.be/nW5o4nbUhaM

Team lovely holiday: “After Denmark we decided to drive down to Italy. Little did we know the issues our van would have. Everything that could go wrong did!

It took us 5 days to get from the North of Denmark to the South of Germany. We discovered a different issue with the van every day. 

From a leaking tyre, to the car pulling to the right and having to replace all four tyres, to a leaking coolant tank and finally the whole engine needing to be replaced. 

Instead of windsurfing we unexpectedly found ourselves doing some euro sightseeing and spent a week in Munich with Adam [Sims] and Alina. (Thanks for saving our butts!) Which in the end was a highlight of the trip as the summery days lingered around that week. Surfing in the Eisbach, cruising the pump tracks and skate bowls, indoor surfing and exploring Munich!
Before we knew it the van was ready and we were on our way to Sardinia. We drove through snowy mountains in Austria, the Norwegian was unimpressed while the Aruban was killing herself taking video’s. We made a quick pitstop at the tour of Pisa before jumping on the bumpy ferry ride. We were one day late for the storm in Sardinia but felt the waves on the ferry ride. 
Sardinia was incredibly scenic and two weeks was not enough to explore the whole place. We had some power freestyle in Sa Barra & Porto pollo, kitesurfed at Punta Trettu. Caught some waves at Funtana Meiga and Marina de la Rossa. The scenery was amazing on the windless days, and we suffered another van breakdown. All in all it was a road trip to remember! But hopefully next time we’ll get to explore Sardinia for longer and with that new engine that van will live a looong life!”

You can see Sarah-Quita Offringa’s & Oda Brødholt’s latest edit here. fb.watch/2eFooRJG93/

Hey Maciek, how's this strange year been for you? 

Hey Chris, first of all I hope you and the rest of the PWA staff are well and staying safe. I guess we’re all in a similar boat missing the tour and maybe now realising how cool it actually is to be a part of that travelling circus. Having said that my year was actually relatively normal in terms of training, preparing for events, competing etc. Sure, it wasn’t major events and there was less of them, but after not knowing if we’re ever gonna be able to do our job again in March, competing internationally in the European summer felt like a breath of normality. And then the extra time I’ve had due to less events I could put into other projects which I always have a huge list of – some of them already came alive and others still need a ton more work! 

If you can cast your mind back, in July you won what would turn out to be the only event on the world tour for 2020 - how was that event for you as a whole and how pleased were you with your level of performance having not raced for the entire year beforehand? 

Damn, it feels like ages ago already and it was only July! Going to Croatia I had no idea what to expect. Who would even show up as travelling restrictions were in place and also what my level of performance would be. I spent the 3 prior months at home and as great as the foiling scene is in Poland, it’s pretty hard to get good “fin slalom” training. But the event was good, Toni the organiser is a legend and makes sure everyone feels at home in Bol, we scored epic conditions and as a cherry on top of the cake I took the lead the first day and then never really gave it away, so it was one of my best performances. I also had no idea how it’s gonna be with racing on foils, but it turned out my gear was good and racing was just like “normal” slalom.

Your rise up the rankings may have taken a little longer than some may have thought - having been crowned youth world champion in 2010 and then again in 2012. However, last season you made a major breakthrough - cracking the overall top 10 for the first time and also winning your first eliminations on tour - how much of that success would you attribute to your move to FMX Racing? 

I attribute quite a lot. Boards are very fast and suit my style well, they ride high and loose and I’d always rather have too much power than try to create lift. But first let me stop you, cause I feel like cracking the top 10 sells me a tiny bit short. It was really a season of two halves, in France we had only one elimination and I got crashed into and in Korea no discard either and some bad decisions from me. So after 2 events I was out of the top 20. From there though I managed to find my groove a bit and build. Fuerte was really fun and I started to realise like “shit I can actually race the big3”, in Denmark like you say, first win and a podium overall, and in New Caledonia I was even leading the event! So 7th is pretty low for my late season form and it could easily be 4th or 5th, but the beginning of the season really held me back. And yes obviously gear is mega important and the FMX/Challenger combo is a match made in heaven. But I’m pretty sure a few years ago I wouldn’t be able to utilise that gear to the max, so timing is critical here. Also I probably matured a bit and that makes the rider-brand communication much better which is crucial in any relationship, but even more while developing products. Especially from scratch like the slalom foil board which was something totally new. There needs to be an almost telepathic understanding between the designer and rider. Finian and myself worked that out, he knows exactly how it is to race for a living and I start to understand when is the time to push and when I should just focus on myself. I feel really comfortable at FMX Racing and I feel our mission is far from done yet. 

And what do you think some of the other major factors were which allowed you to make such a big jump? 

Well first of all we can’t forget the sails. Challenger is so underrated I can’t even put it in words. I’ve seen some designers work but Claudio Badiali is just on another level. This year every prototype we had was an improvement! The guy just doesn’t get it wrong and even with all that skill there is no ego trip like “I’m the designer I’m gonna do my thing, you just race”. Again there’s a chain of communication and since I got there in 2018 we managed to improve at a crazy pace. And for sure I’ve developed as a windsurfer and as a person. Every year I try to look back, analyse the data I gathered throughout the year, talk to my coach and tweak certain things either in preparation or even the mindset on race day. It’s endless and I love that process. 

You've created a great podcast together with Windsurfing.tv - how have you enjoyed that experience and is that something you want to continue to do in the near future? 

Yeah I’ve been telling Ben Proffitt for years now – man you should do the podcast. And I guess he was over listening to me and just gave me the job! Seriously though it’s a privilege to be able to pick the brains of some of the most successful people in our business. I probably wouldn’t have had the chance to talk to Robby Naish for more then 30 seconds and now I got him 1-on-1 for 2 hours! It’s really fun and yes if time allows I will keep doing that! Check out The Windsurfing Podcast! 

Now, back to the racing - What are some of your goals for the future? And how do you think your relationship with FMX Racing can help you to achieve them? 

Well I think anybody that races, races to win. I’m no different. But in the short term I try to set goals that are more about the performance rather than results. Even in Croatia I could’ve done a few things better, and the previous year even more. So if I continuously improve on my performance I’m happy – let’s not get into the measurements of that cause we’ll run out of space here. And as for FMX it’s just that our timelines are correlated. Already I think no newcomer has ever been so successful as a brand and Finian very much like me wants to win. We drive each other towards that every day and I have the utmost confidence moving forward I have the best tools available and that once the flag goes up it’s all in my hands and feet. If I perform, results will appear. 

Looking ahead slightly, hopefully after a turbulent 2020 things will return to normality in 2021 - do you already know which weapons you will be choosing for the race course next season and what is your current favourite setup? 

Yeah, so next year it’s still 4 boards and 7 sails. So we’re looking at a foil slalom design, the Hyperion 178, and then 3 fin slalom sticks, Invictus 138, 118 and 98. For sails it’s 2 foilslalom designs Aero+ 9.1 and 8.1 and then 5 slalom, Aero+ 8.4, 7.7, 7.0 6.2 and 5.4. As for my favourite combo I won in Denmark, NewCal and a couple in Croatia on 138 and 8.4, but if I had to choose one it would be 98 and either 6.2 and 5.4. There’s nothing like high wind racing! 

You also just signed a new contract, right?

Yeah, I’m super excited to announce that FMX Racing and myself have reached an agreement on a multi-year contract extension. From day one this was a great match, our goals align and we will continue to build towards achieving them together. New boards are on the way… cant wait to get my hands on those puppies! 

And finally, if things return to relative normality will you be returning to Tenerife for your annual winter training?

Yes!

Thanks, Maciek and congrats on the new deal.

However, if you are brave enough to face the cold then you can score some epic conditions and Paré’s latest clip, edited by Mads Bjørnå (Fanatic / Duotone), sees the Spaniard battling the elements armed only with a 3.4m.

You can see Marc Paré’s latest edit @ youtu.be/X0C7TR7MHME

Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing) was one of the few lucky enough to be tucking into some clean Ho’okipa walls, while the stronger trades at that time of year also made for some great jumping.

You can see the highlights from just a couple of those spring sessions @ www.instagram.com/p/CHyokaxBvh-/

Adrien Bosson (Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins): “For the ponch, I would recommend that you should be able to control perfectly the flaka because the approach is the same and the pop similar. The easiest conditions are with side/side off wind and waves, like this you can use the waves to pop and just work on the rotation or with onshore winds off the back of the swell/chop.  On flat water you will need a solid pop, which makes it harder to learn. 

For the first try it is better to not be too overpowered, it is important to have the timing with the chop/waves and to be sailing fully downwind to have no power in the sail. The ponch isn't a technical move, commitment and speed are the most important. With the speed you can pop and neutralise the sail and rotate with commitment. 

For the rotation, while throwing the sail upwind you will need to twist your body to put it above your boom. Important: your board has to follow your body otherwise you’re gonna stop the rotation, plus push on your arms to keep your sail stable without wind. You can look at the top of your sail, this will eventually help.

For the landing, be ready to bend your legs (the landing can be hard) and lean backwards (to the wind) to pull up your sail.”

Good luck on your ponch journey.

Federico Morisio: "This week's new YouTube video is about and it's about my last trip to the Middle East: yes, there are sick waves over there!

Oman has a special meaning to me because it's where 6 years ago I had my first real waveriding trip 

Last year, in July, I decided to go back to train pure starboard tack conditions for the upcoming International Windsurfing Tour events and also simply to enjoy to the max long, fun, uncrowded waves!

I also got filmed a bit by my dad and some friends, so I realized it would have been cool to show you more about those conditions!

Thank you so much to Nic Van Ysendyk that actually edited the video and motivated me to share it!"

You can see Federico Morisio's latest trip to the Middle East @ youtu.be/R2EevqWKyV4

- Who are you, how old are you and who is your sibling?

Hi, I am Marina I am 35 and Blanca is my little sis.

Hi, Im Blanca I'm 24 years old and we are 11 years apart.

- At what age did you start windsurfing?

M: When I was 11, and started to competite
B: I tried when I was 9 but started properly when I was 11 years old.

- Were your parents also windsurfing?

They don't windsurf, they prefer to stay on the beach or ‘en el chiringuito’.

- Did you both work towards competing at a high level in windsurfing?

M: We are training together most of the time, and is my favorite part of training.

B: We used to train together most of the time, until Matteo Iachino arrived in my life.

- How is it to travel to the same events all over the world?

M: Lovely, I love to share this big experience with my little sister, it always has been in my dreams, she is my biggest motivation and who pushes me to keep competing.

B: Lovely, I love to share this big experience with Marina, because we are really close.

- Are you helping each other during an event or are you focusing on your own event only?

M: We always help each other, we have the same equipment and always work together on the tuning and choosing equipment together.

B: First my own, if I’m free and she needs me, I always help.

- What’s a weird habit of your sibling?

Marina has a power nap of 10 mins before partying.

- What do you both have in common?

Almost everything, work, family, hobbies, humor...

Only one word answer possible, your siblings name or the word ‘me’.

Who is faster? Blanca

Who takes longer to get ready to go on the water? I take more time to get to the water (except when Marina have the influencer mode and she wants to do 1000 videos and pictures before going).

Who has more windsurfing gear?

I have more gear because I also have Matteo’s gear.

Who has won more windsurfing medals?

Marina has more medals.

Whose room is a mess? I will say depends of the day but we are both getting better at it.

Thanks Marina and Blanc's. 

The Belgian, 2015 PWA Freestyle World Champion, continues to compete on both the Freestyle and Wave World Tours and his latest clip is focused purely on wave sailing - shot in El Cabezo where the Tenerife PWA World Cup is usually held. 

You can see Dieter Van der Eyken's latest edit @ https://youtu.be/MlniYCVV9DM

You can see Nico Prien's latest tutorial @ https://youtu.be/ya1vCfzpvS0