Well, after making the long boat ride out to an outer reef in New Caledonia there was no going back for the 25-year-old, so he made the best of it and headed out for an afternoon wave sail without his harness. Looks like things didn’t turn out too bad…

You can see Antoine Albert’s latest edit @ vimeo.com/user5615076

Prerequisites 

If you can reliably pull off vertical jumps off of steep ramps in perfect control, then there’s no reason for you to delay the start of your backloop journey. With this in mind we caught up with a few of the top sailors in the world to find out their top tips for the backloop - a manoeuvre every wave sailor needs in their artillery.

Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing): “People do backloops in a variety of ways, but I like the backloops where it looks like there are two motions - going straight up, stalling and then coming straight down. You don’t want to be too overpowered, but you want to have good speed and find as steep a ramp as you can. It’s also important that it’s a nice clean ramp, don’t try to learn them off of whitewater. As you take off you want to think of a straight jump, straight up, but think about trying to bring your boom close to your hips. Aim to get as much height as possible and then when you are at the top just look over your shoulder and start to spot your landing. Try and point the nose of your board straight at the water for a soft landing and try to avoid landing flat as its bad for your knees and the board. When you first start to try backloops it’s better to under rotate a little bit until you start to get a feel for the rotation." 

Adam Lewis (Fanatic / Duotone): “I think one of the most important things is to have the right take and to have the right take off you need the right ramp. So first of all hunt out a nice steep ramp that is going to send you directly up. Once you are in the air make sure your hands are shoulder width apart and as you continue to go up bring the sail in towards you. When you are at the apex of the jump, that’s when we want to start to rotate so we just need to look over our back shoulder. Now there’s a couple of things that need to happen 1) we need to spot our landing and 2) slide your backhand as far down the boom as possible - this is really important as it allows you to control the rotation and hopefully avoid over rotating, which is a common sign that you don’t have your backhand far enough back. For the landing you should keep your backhand on the boom clip and really tuck your back leg up so you can guide the nose of the board into the water.”

Boujmaa Guilloul (Goya Windsurfing): “First of all you have to be able perform a normal high jump before you can start trying it. Landing a backloop is not easy - so be prepared to put in the hours of effort. It takes a while before you are able to land them all the time. When it’s really windy, it’s really important to try and get close to your rig - by pushing your chest close to the boom - once you reach the top of the jump bring your gear in front of you toward the landing area.”

Maciek Rutkowski (FMX Racing / Challenger Sails): “I was always rubbish at jumping - it took me ages to learn backies, so I went through all the phases of "almost getting it". First step would be going more vertical than you think is necessary. Forget the normal straight jump thing everybody told you - I never jumped so vert. The straight up and down ones are always the easiest to land. To do that just point your head straight to the sky and extend your front foot. Don’t rotate straight from the wave - you might land a few like this by mistake but generally they're hard to control and look rubbish. Take off with hands rather narrow, shoulder width apart and once you take off pull the boom in as close to your body as possible. This will maximise the height, but also kill the unwanted power of the sail and give you control. Once you feel you’ve reached your highest point turn your head over your shoulder and spot the place you wanna land - from that moment on just keep looking at that one place. Once you’ve almost finished your rotation (facing straight downwind) slide your backhand down the boom towards the clew and sheet in gently - this will stop the rotation and make you avoid the "into-flaka" landing. Don’t be scared of height - it’s actually easier to land the slightly bigger ones as you have more time to prepare for the landing. It sounds all really complicated but backloops are a feeling move really as every single one is slightly different and everybody got slightly different styles. Don’t let go and find yours!”

Levi Siver (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing):“I think a lot of people get so wound up about making the rotation straight away that they don’t even get the take off right, so make sure your regular jumping is fully down. Make sure you get good projection on your jump and then when you reach the top look over your shoulder and bring the nose around, whilst spotting your landing. Once you start to get a feel for the rotation, just make sure you hold on!”

Kai Lenny (Goya Windsurfing) “Make sure when you are leaving the lip of a wave to tuck your body extremely close to the gear and look where you want to go. The best example of where you want to go is by turning your head and almost resting it on your shoulder, by resting your head on your shoulder that is a great indicator of where you should be looking. But always stay tucked in.”

The young Italian performs at an impressive level with tabletop forwards, eagle wings and tweaked pushloops all being landed, while he also throws himself into a double forward. By the looks of it he will be another name to keep an eye on over the next few years.

You can see Nicolo Spanu’s video @ vimeo.com/389431951

On the wave tour, the usual suspects will continue for 2020 and we expect to continue to build on the success of the very successful collaboration on Maui with our friends from the IWT, to ensure that the Aloha Classic continues to be a part of the world ranking.

The Slalom tour remains very strong and going into the 2020 season, the discipline is undergoing its greatest evolution in over a decade. Racing will now take place in winds down to 5 knots, with competitors being able to choose whether they race on a fin or a foil, creating a tactical opportunity as winds increase, similar to that of a tyre choice in formula 1 motor racing. The new format will almost guarantee racing on a daily basis at events and will ensure high speed action whether its 5.0 weather in Fuerte or a gentle sea breeze in Costa Brava. (women's slalom will contain separate foil and fin slalom disciplines).

You will all notice the star ratings next to the events which is a new addition to the PWA structure. Under the new system, events will be awarded stars based on the level of the event in terms of prize money and associated standards.

New, lower level options have been created to offer an opportunity for new or smaller events to become part of the World Tour. These events, awarded the status of “World Tour” 1 – 3 Star will carry ranking points that count towards the PWA World Championship ranking according to their level. The points at each level will be calculated on a percentage basis according to the prize money level compared to full World Cup Prize money. However, riders will only count results according to the number of events at 4 star World Cup level and above. For example, if there 4 events at 4 Star World Cup or above, then a rider will count their best 4 results of the season – regardless of what level they are – before any discard rules have been applied.

1 – 3 Star events will include one discipline at different levels below World Cup Prize Money
4 Star events will include one full World Cup discipline for either men or women
5 Star events will include one full World Cup discipline for both men and women
6 Star events will include a minimum of 2 disciplines OR above minimum prize money
7 Star events will include more than 2 disciplines

All events of 4 to 7 Star, World Cup, Grand Slam and Super Grand Slam rating and above will carry the same ranking points for each discipline regardless of their star rating.

Entry forms for the first events will be available in the next few days. Any competitors looking to enter who do not receive entry information should contact entry@no-spam-pleasepwaworldtour.com

If you have any general questions about the PWA or are interested in putting on a PWA event, then please contact info@no-spam-pleasepwaworldtour.com.

Head over to his Facebook page here to see Albert’s latest flurry of powerful freestyle moves as he brightens up a slightly grey day in NC.

Photo: Gill Chabaud 

The 21-year-old started last season with two top 10 results in the Canaries and he continues to look as though he will be a serious threat in years to come. After predominately training in the Canaries and South Africa, Salmonn mixed things up a bit this winter by heading to Western Australia for the first time and you can see a snippet of the action @ youtu.be/i6nIL3oLS9s.

Photo credit: Nicolas Hess

In December last year the perfect storm was brewing in his homeland of France and the 34-year-old headed to Brittany to lock into some solid nuggets. As ever Traversa’s big wave riding is next level with the Frenchman continually hitting the biggest lips he can find!

You can see Thomas Traversa launching into massive aerials here.

That should’ve provided the perfect springboard for Lang to really kick on and be a real threat for the overall top 5 and beyond. However, those hopes were quickly dashed after picking up a mystery virus, which would eventually force Lang to retire from the season early after blacking out whilst racing in Fuerteventura.

After that massive setback, Lang is back to 100% after some much needed rest followed by a gruelling rehabilitation program. After the lows of 2018 Lang produced some solid performances once again in 2019 to deservedly re-establish his place the overall top 10. After a topsy turvy couple of years we recently caught up with Marco for an interview:

Hey Marco, how’s it going? After a testing 2018 it seems like you are now back to full fitness and back sailing at the best of your ability… how happy were you to return the overall top 10 after that mystery virus?

I am super happy about that and I'm feeling super fit.  It was the hardest decision in my career so far but sometimes you have to stop and give your body a rest and time to recover. It was a good decision to take a 6 month break without any competitions and I guess that was the right way to recover 100% and come back as strong as I was before.
 
How hard was the road back? And did you ever feel like giving up?

For sure,  as I ended my season after Fuerte I was afraid that it could be a 'final end', that I would never return to the racing course.   At that moment I didn’t know how long it will take to be fit again. I am so thankful to all my sponsors, family and my girlfriend who were supporting me a lot during that period.  After some weeks of total rest without any fitness training and not even an hour on the water it started to get better! And  from that moment  I was extremely motivated, I wanted to come back, I wanted to come back stronger than before and I was telling myself every day “I WILL COME BACK STRONGER”! A strong mind and iron will was the essential thing!

You are heavily involved with the R&D with Fanatic and Duotone - how rewarding do you find that part of your job?

Mainly I work for Duotone.  I would say its about 60% work for Duotone and 40% my career as a professional sportsman.

For me it was an important step in my life. Because I was not sure about my career after my career as a sportsman and now I feel a bit more relaxed.  Life is more busy than ever and I barely have time to rest but, to be honest, it is a great feeling to have a fulfilling job! Sometimes its really difficult for me because I see all my main competitors training hard and I have to test some freeride equipment instead of my racing sails, but I am on the water anyway and I think it is really important having some time on the water! 

Having been working on the R&D for the last few years how proud were you to see your good friend - Pierre Mortefon - win his first world title? That must also make all the hours and hard work that you put into the gear development worthwhile?

Pierre becoming world champion is definitely the best moment in 2019.  I am so happy for him because we were working and training so hard for that title and finally he got the title. Without that great team, and I really mean every single person of that amazing team, we wouldn’t be able to reach those goals and I'm happy to be in such a great team.  
 
How are your preparations for the new season going?

Now I am in Tenerife to focus on the R&D for 2021 but for sure I will prepare myself as well for the upcoming season during the TWS Pro Slalom training.

I feel quite good, super fit and I'm absolutely motivated to show off!

Thanks, Marco! Good luck with the rest of your preseason training and testing.

Schmit’s performances last season caught the eye of Tabou and GA Sails and now that he’s almost back to 100% fit he’s been getting adjusted to life on his new gear in Bonaire. 

You can see Youp Schmit putting his new gear through its paces here.

The Italy has now left to visit Cape Town for part of his winter training, but for now here’s some radical action in Sardinia - featuring quality down-the-line wave sailing and explosive freestyle.

Giovanni: “Pretty stoked to show you my latest video from Sardegna, riding these amazing places always remind me how beautiful this island can be! Thanks Lorenzo Pasqualini and Westfalia Digital Nomads for the shots! Windsurfing is much more than a sport.”

You can see Giovanni Passani’s latest video @ vimeo.com/387440023

Mauch is well known for his radical approach to wave riding and he is consistently one of the highest scorers when it comes to wave riding with a solid rail game accompanying his progressive air moves. 

You can see a snippet of Moritz Mauch’s 2019 highlights @ youtu.be/FpnB2eYUvRQ

Arthur Arutkin: “The South side of Cape Town. Video of my trip windsurf, SUP, surf, foil. Filmed by Samuel Tomé! Enjoy”

You can see Arthur Arutkin’s latest video on his Facebook page here.

Westera’s come back proved to be an intense test, both mentally and physically, with several challenges along the way. Through sheer grit and determination, Westera has recovered brilliantly and is once again competitive at the highest level of the sport. The now 22-year-old recorded two top ten finishes in 2019, while he signed off the season in perfect fashion as he earned his first bullet on the world tour, while also breaking into the top 16 for the first time in his career. However, whilst that may read impressively to outsiders, that clearly isn’t enough for Westera and he has his sights set much higher than that… we recently caught up with Ethan for an interview: 

Hey Ethan, how’s it going?

Hi Chris, All fine with me. I have been two months at home working, windsurfing and basically just enjoying life to the max.
Now currently traveling to Tenerife to start my intensive training for this up and coming season.

Two years and half years after suffering that potentially career threatening injury in Fuerteventura - it seems that you are back to 100% after breaking into the overall top 16 for the first time in your career? How does it feel to break into the top 16 and how happy were you with your performance last season?

Yes some years have passed after my injury and I feel close to my 100%, but not there yet. I still feel some things are holding me back, but this year I will be working on them. After such an injury it always takes quite a while to get back on track. 

Last year was a really crazy year for me, especially mentally. I have only been outside of the top 16 one time and I made two top 10 results, which I never did before. I’m really satisfied with my performances last year, but I was hoping for more. I had many situations in a competition where I wasn’t performing and many that I was. I’m missing that consistency in sailing, but also in my mind. This year I will be working a lot in that. I have to say that I was pretty disappointed with my top 16 overall, because I know how hard I worked to be in the top 10. I felt that I should have been there, but 2020 is another beautiful year to kick some ass.

At any point during your recovery did you ever have any doubts about whether you would make it back to the top?

It’s difficult to get injured when you just became IFCA world champ at 19 years old. It feels like you are invincible until you get injured.

For me, I never felt that. I love windsurfing so much and I always had amazing support around me. Everyone guided me to a good recovery and I listened a lot to how my body was feeling. If you really want something in life you should just go and get it. There will be many obstacles trying to stop you, but you just have to keep pushing.

Not only did you break into the overall top 16, but in the final event of the year you managed to win your first elimination on the world tour - how did that feel? And does it make you more confident heading into next season?

Yes, well what can I say about that. I still get goosebumps when I look at that final. 

I won many finals and comps when I was young, but this one final feels like all the comps from the past together and more! It’s any kids' dream to win a final. I remember when I was 12 and I couldn’t stop looking at Antione [Albeau] and Björn [Dunkerbeck] winning finals. For me, it’s so crazy, because I didn’t know any better than watching all those YouTube clips as I live on Aruba and I wasn’t traveling yet. My father was also there and that just made it much more special for me. We were on this journey for a long time and he can never make it to any competitions, because of work. I guess he came to the best one. haha

My confidence has never been so high in my windsurfing career, so let’s see what it will do for me.

Having been so close to the overall top 10 - just 200 points short - what are your goals for 2020?

So close, but yet so far. The level is so high and many people are at the same level, which makes it really exciting. I know my goals for 2020, but I will keep it to myself for now. I will be fighting for the top spots.

From your social media, it also appears you’ve had a bit of a break from windsurfing… what have you been up to? And are you now feeling recharged for the coming season?

Well, actually I have been busy. After the last event from last year. I started training directly in the gym and I have been doing that until now. I have been windsurfing and kitesurfing.

I have also been working quite a lot. We have a family-owned watersports center on Aruba, which is amazing. You never know until when you can windsurf, so you need to find your backup. I’m ready to start the season and have great memories again on tour.

How will you be preparing for the new season?

I’m currently heading to Tenerife for the annual TWS pro slalom training camp. I will be there until mid-March and then I will be heading to France nice and early to do some testing with Cedric [Bordes] and prepare for the first world cup that will be in France. 

Thank you for the interview! 
Take care.

Thanks, Ethan. Good luck with your winter training and see you at the start of the 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

Hey Matteo, after your short winter break you are back in training mode in El Médano… how’s the training being going so far?

Hi guys! Yes I’m back in El Médano for my usual training! It’s going well so far. Plenty of time spent on the water racing in the Pro Training, testing and enjoying the conditions!

It seems as though you guys have been testing Fins and Foils at the same time to try and prepare for the new rule implementations this season… how are things looking or is that top secret for now?

Hahaha well it’s not that top secret I guess… We are trying to see how far we can go on foil and when being on the fin is mandatory. It’s super interesting and really fun to push our limits everyday.

As well as being back in Tenerife for your preseason training you also recently opened a windsurfing centre - Surf Hub. Have you always wanted to open a windsurfing school and/or what made you want to open one now?

I actually came here a bit earlier than usual this year exactly for that. I always thought it would have been nice one day having a windsurfing centre but I didn’t think I would have had the opportunity to do it so early. I think it’s a good promotion for our sport and it’s the best way to do something cool about windsurfing apart from racing.

Can you tell us a bit more about it - location, the equipment you offer, the level of windsurfer you cater for?

The location is 2-300 meters upwind of Cabezo. You can launch from a sandy bay with no waves at all and have perfect slalom, freeride bump and jump conditions in front of it. In two minutes downwind you are in the wave spot. You can choose where to ride depending on your skills and the spot is perfect for free riders who just want to cruise in relax or for advanced wave riders who want to wave sail. The good thing is that being in the most northern part of El Medano,  it’s not busy at all in front of the windsurf centre, not too many windsurfer nor kiters. We offer full Severne kit with freerace gear, freewave, wave and freestyle with sails from 7.5 down to 3.4 and boards from 140 litres to 72. We have all the range of boards and sails you need. Soon we will have some foil boards too.  

Is this purely a windsurfing centre? Or will people be able to receive coaching also?

We will do clinics through the year. Some racing clinics with me and some freestyle and wave ones with other team riders from Severne. We will start the windsurf school soon for the light wind days. And last but not the least we offer Mick Fanning soft top surf boards for whoever wants to try surfing on no wind days if there are some waves. We have surf teachers too for those who want to start or improve their level.

Thanks, Matteo. Good luck with the rest of your preseason training and with your new centre!

For more information about Surf Hub be sure to ‘like’ and ‘follow’ their Social Media Channels:

Facebook: @surfhubtenerife
Instagram: @surfhubtenerife

Riccardo Marca: "I've been lucky enough to windsurf in pretty sick conditions for freestyling in my home spot , here is a short editing of my session."

You can see Riccardo Marca's session at home @ https://youtu.be/ylkKbRxngMA

You can see Bruch putting his new gear through it’s paces @ youtu.be/jgaR6i5IjtA

"Life, what's it all about? 
is it about the money? 
is it about the fame?
the glory? 
or is it about those moments, 
you take with you for eternity...”

"Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions." 
*Albert Einstein*

INFINITE PASSION - BRUCH boards

Filmed and edit: Bartek Jankowski - the7pixels

Wave

- 5-time World Champion Philip Köster (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) has left Starboard to sign for Severne Boards as well as their sails.


- Ricardo Campello (Naish / Naish Sails) has signed for Naish


- Justyna Sniady (Naish / Naish Sails / AL360) also joins Naish for 2020 - “I am super excited to announce that I am joining the International Naish Windsurfing Team this year! What a way to start a new decade.

My sail number is POL-1111 and of course Robby Naish was the inspiration for that. I still remember watching his R.I.P. movie as a kid for the first time blown away by what windsurfers can do. Wave sailing was then completely surreal to me, but I knew one day I wanted to try.

When I got to go to the Baltic Sea in the summer and tried windsurfing for the first time, you could not make me leave the water... These days we only came in to watch R.I.P. one more time! As I was sailing in the rain at Hel Peninsula, on a slippery school-rental board for hours on end until my hands bled, I imagined I am Robby and I'm sailing around my "own private islands" in Kailua haha..

Looking back it's crazy how much influence Robby have had on me getting into windsurfing and wave-riding, so I am really stoked to be welcomed to the Naish Team this year 

I've been testing the new sails since the beginning of January and I am super pumped to hit the water again as soon as the next good forecast and new boards arrive! Stay tuned to a new video dropping soon!

I am looking forward to sailing as part of this legendary team. I can't wait to learn from Robby and everyone at Naish, to test, develop, share ideas, try new things and push boundaries. Thanks again to everyone at Naish Sails.”


- Moritz Mauch has left Severne, but has yet to announce who he will sail for in 2020 - “| Thank you Severne | After 6 years of working together with Severne-Sails its time to say goodbye. I had an amazing time riding for Severne, but after 6 years our paths dived. Thanks a lot to everyone of the Severne Sails team I met over the years it was a pleasure to work together. Specially to Florian Brunner he first helped me out and believed in me to get me on Starboard a couple years before signing with Severne and after losing my sail Sponsor at that time he was the first to support me and bring me into Severne Sails Germany. I'm looking forward to 2020, it will be an exiting year with new goals in mind and projects planned, I cannot wait to start the year and push it harder then ever.”


- Alessio Stillrich (Simmer / Simmer Sails) joined Simmer after 13 years with Fanatic / Duotone - “I am extremely happy and proud to be part of the Simmer Style family! The boards and sails work so well, I have been riding on the Blacktip and Flywave here in Cape Town and the gear works very good. It suits my style of sailing. I will do my best to represent the Simmer brand and work with R&D with Tomas Persson for sails and Ola Helenius for boards. Thank you for this opportunity, Im greatly looking forward to have a lot of good moments and success together!”

- Marc Paré (Fanatic / Duotone) has gone the opposite direction - swapping Simmer for Fanatic / Duotone - “I am stoked to get this unique opportunity to join the Fanatic family. The good vibes between the team was always something I enjoyed looking at and especially Victor, Klaas and Adam are quite good friends of mine already and I am sure we will make a good match on the water during training and testing boards.“

- After many years Boujmaa Guilloul has parted ways with Starboard and Severne and joins the Goya team

- The young and talented Baptiste Cloarec (RRD / RRD Sails) has also left Severne to join RRD

- Omar Sanchez (Star-Fish / GA Sails) has teamed up with GA Sails after previously sailing for KA Sail

- After 5 years together Alex Mussolini has left RRD, but has yet to reveal who he will sail for in 2020

- 3-time world champion - Kauli Seadi (MB Boards / Hot Sails Maui) has signed for MB-Boards

Freestyle 

- Youp Schmit (Tabou / GA Sails), who finished 4th overall in 2019 has left I-99 and Avanti to join Tabou and GA Sails - “Indeed! I have been stoked on Gaastra/Tabou since a little kid, the other day I posted a little video on my social media! And I have been in touch with team manager Matt Prichard since a little kid but we never got a deal going. As my pro career took off in 2010 I signed with JP/NeilPryde. I was using the gear as I started off with freestyle and was in love with the gear, so I am stoked to be back!" 

- Mattia Fabrizi (Patrik / Severne) switches from Challenger to Severne Sails for 2020 - “It’s time for a change! For 2020 i will ride Severne Sails. Can’t wait to hit the water with my new sails!."
Niclas Nebelung has joined (Fanatic / Duotone)

- Jacopo Testa will no longer ride for RRD Boards

Slalom

- FMX Racing have captured the signatures of 4-time world champion - Delphine Cousin Questel (FMX Racing / S2Maui) and her husband - Antoine Questel (FMX Racing / S2Maui) - “Happy to announce  myself and Antoine Questel’s collaboration with FMX Racing France for 2020 ! A new adventure begins and it was really important for us to sail with the same sponsors ! Thanks to Finian Maynard to trust in us and I am really motivate to give my best to keep my Foil and Slalom World Title for 2020 ! Already some good session with our new S2Maui Venom 2020 and FMX racing Invictus and Hyperion and I can tell you the combo is just perfect!”


- Ben van der Steen (Goya Windsurfing) has left GUNSAILS to team up with Loftsails once again - “I was a Loftsails rider in 2011 and 2012 and they were some of my best years on the tour so far. Also, since 2011 I have been living in Tarifa - so never too far from Monty and the Loftsails team - and there has always been good relations and respect. Becoming a Loftsails rider again was an easy decision.

Loftsails has always been on the top of my list for sails, and the opportunity to become a team rider for a second time at this point is just coincidence really. From testing with my friends’ sails I know the performance of recent Loftsails is right up there, and I am very positive about the possibilities. It’s a great opportunity. It is the performance of the sails and the team ethos that brings me back.”


- Former vice-world champion - Cyril Moussilmani - has revealed he will leave RRD, but currently doesn’t have an equipment sponsor for 2020 - “Official Announcement. I am out of boards and sails contract for 2020. I don't know where i am going, but I hope I can continue to windsurf as a job. Thanks to RRD for the 2 last years.”


- Julien Quentel (Exocet / XO Sails) will ride for Exocet and XO Sails in a big change for 2020


- Bruno Martini (Future Fly / Challenger Sails) - who won his first race on the world tour in 2019 - has signed for Arnon Dagan’s Future Fly Boards.


- Luuc van Opzeeland will ride for Tabou and GA Sails for 2020 - “Proud to finally announce that I’ll be riding with GA Sails and Tabou in 2020."

Julien Taboulet: “Returning on the beautiful island of Maui with all the family is a dream. And for the first time for our youngest daughter Alika! I had injured my ribs 1 month ago after 3 days of windsurfing, but it’s so cool to enjoy this paradise with Caroline, Louise-Aina, Kaili and Alika, full ‘UHANE!”

You can see Julien Taboulet's dream holiday @ https://vimeo.com/381055790

Lena Erdil: “NEW VLOG OUT NOW!

After 3 years of being unable to join the Tenerife winter training at the TWS Windsurf Centre, I'm finally back here. Super excited to finally be able to properly train again, with my foot injuries giving me troubles the past two years I had to start the competition season with little to no prior training and I can really feel how my gybing has become a little rusty! A combination of being slightly out of practice and still being scared to push when I can feel pain in my foot is something I really need to work on. But 2.5 months in Tenerife should be enough to get back into physical and mental shape. Since foiling has been integrated into the slalom discipline for the guys at the PWA we will also be training a lot with foil and slalom on the same course which is slightly scary, but also super exciting at the same time. You can see some first images of that in this Vlog but I will keep updating on how we progress with this new format as well. Anything you would like to see more of or questions, post in the comments below and I will get back asap.”

You can see Lena Erdil’s latest VLOG @ youtu.be/w5BCqtWXx3U

Adrien Bosson: “Some good sessions of 2019 at Six-Fours les Plages with Antony Ruenes.

Video credit: Blue koast records”

You can see Adrien Bosson’s and Antony Ruenes’ latest edit here.

The Belgian has been in Tarifa, together with Steven Van Broeckhoven (Starboard / GUNSAILS), training and from the looks of it he’s been on an aerial mission with double forwards, air kabikuchis and now also double air culos all featuring in a hugely impressive display.

Yentel Caers: “Tarifa was delivering its full potential, Levante was blowing non-stop for small sail. 

thanks to my sponsors:
Point-7
I99 cesare cantagalli 
Lagoa-fins 
Exel Wetsuits

thanks for filming:
Fam. Caers”

You can see Yentel Caers’ latest edit @ youtu.be/e2F0wdnxUhY

In 2012, Rutkowski became the PWA Youth Slalom World Champion before quickly breaking into the overall top 16 in 2014 and seemingly making steady progress, but 2015 and ’16 proved to be steep learning curves with the Pole dropping outside the world’s top 20, which must’ve tested his mental fortitude. Since those couple of slightly disappointing seasons, Rutkowski has again been making solid progress… in 2017 and ‘18 he returned to the overall top 16 (16th and 14th respectively), but it was last season where he really made significant strides towards the top - qualifying for multiple winners’ finals, winning his first races on the world tour and earning his first podium to eventually finish 7th in the overall rankings for 2019. We recently caught up with Maciek for an interview, which is well worth a read with honest and intriguing answers!

Hey Maciek, how’s it going? Congratulations on breaking into the overall top 10 for the first time in your career… how does it feel to have cracked that one?

Honestly, it feels pretty normal. This might sound cocky or whatever but let me explain. Since I decided to try becoming a professional racer I’ve been working my ass off to improve my level every year. Everybody improves, so to improve your ranking you gotta improve more than the others. And my ranking kept improving, slowly, but it did. So in 2018 I reached a level where I saw I’m competitive at the highest level, including almost winning a final in Korea, right after finishing 2nd in another one. I was missing consistency and mental fitness, but my level was there already. I guess what I’m trying to say is I judge my sailing against what I think my current level is and not necessarily against the ranking. So I can’t really be over the moon about finishing 7th, or basically sailing somewhere in the realm of my potential for most of the season. Also, 7th is not exactly what you set out to do when you start your career, so yeah, it feels normal, feels like there’s still a lot of work to do to keep it or to improve…

Your season didn’t actually start off that well with a 21st and a 25th in Marignane and South Korea - was it mentally tough for you to stay focused the rest of the year? And did your goals change for the year after the opening two events?

That was very hard to take. France was only one elimination and no fault of my own, so I didn’t dwell to much over it, but in Korea I made 2 massive mistakes and with my discard used in France it felt horrible. Also we had foiling events in the meantime and I didn’t perform even close to my best and then I went to the IFCA World’s and got sick, so basically it was June and I didn’t have a single decent result. It was time to fully reset. Luckily Fuerte was next, a place where you get multiple opportunities and even if you make some little mistakes here and there you might pay a lesser price for them if you’re performing well overall. So I just went there with an openminded attitude, not thinking about the ranking or anything like that and just trying to start well, gybe well, sail to my potential and came out with a decent, yet pretty unlucky, 6th.  

After that disappointing start you then enjoyed a great season (6th in Fuerte, 3rd in Denmark & 5th in Nouméa) - how did it feel to bounce back like that and also earn your first podium?

Felt good for sure, although after Fuerte it was back to the drawing board. As much as Fuerte can be physically demanding, mentally I’d say for me it’s one of the easier events. You come to the beach, you bust out 2-3 eliminations fully powered up and you go home. If you messed up, you can pick it up the next day. I needed to have a different mindset heading into Denmark, as you never know there. Could be 10 rounds, could be 2 iffy ones, pumping on 9.4 like we had in 2016. In the end we had 9 (eliminations) in a variety of conditions and probably that suits me quite well since all the sizes of my Challengers and FMX’s are equally competitive. I would be stoked with the way I sailed for the most part even if I had’ve finished 4th, but to get that podium in the last race in such dramatic fashion was definitely a cherry on the cake. 

Denmark also saw you win your first Slalom race on the world tour - how did that feel? And do you think that after winning your first race you have more belief that you can win more races in the future?

Felt really really f***** sweet. I came so close 16 months prior and then came pretty close in the windiest one a few eliminations back, but could never quite get it. Funny enough it didn’t really cross my mind to win it, I just wanted to beat Julien [Quentel] who was my only podium threat, that was the only goal. We were battling on the run-up to the start, pushing each other like crazy and finally he slammed the breaks, because he thought we might go over early. I didn’t budge and boy did it pay off! Still had to pump my lungs out and pray Thijs [van der Meer] is not gonna abandon the race, cause it was getting really light. Some extra adrenaline haha! But I tell you, crossing that finish line was one of the purest, best emotions I’ve ever felt. It was not even about winning the final or getting the podium. It was about the fact that I performed my best when it mattered the most. And anyone that knows anything about sports knows how much value that carries. To me it means everything. 

And yes, I hate to admit it, but winning one and getting a podium does change your confidence. I would love to believe the same way I believe now, 2-3 years ago. I would have probably progressed faster for sure. But I guess everyone goes through the same thing. You arrive on tour, you think you’re amazing, but then you get your ass kicked for 2-3 years in a row and you don’t think you’re so amazing anymore. So then you sort of need to prove to yourself that you can actually be great like you thought when you were 18. Now I believe, let’s see what comes next… 

Out of all the events, which one was your favourite and why?

I love Fuerte it’s such a classic, but then Denmark has to be up there because of the the variety of conditions and the result. And then leading the event in New Caledonia was pretty special, even if I blew it afterwards haha!  

Where do you think you raced the best?

Probably not Denmark actually. There everyone was pretty inconsistent due to the ever changing conditions, including Antoine [Albeau], so I was just the most consistent of that bunch fighting for the podium. But if I look at the points it would probably be New Caledonia. I probably only made one massive mistake there, which cost me a chance of being in the podium fight, but I made 7 finals, performed well in majority of them and was way closer on points to the winner and 2nd guy than in Denmark. So yeah, I think sometimes results don’t tell the whole story unless you know exactly what to look for or actually watched the whole event..

You were just one of out of a group of 5 sailors that won an elimination for the first time… what do you think that says about the level on the world tour at the moment? And do you think that this band of sailors is ready to challenge the big top 3?

5 years ago the level seemed high and tight. And it only got higher and tighter from there! Personally I think it’s great, its really up to the execution now, performing here and now, rather then just sheeting in and being 20 meters in front on the first mark. And it creates a great sense of unpredictability which is exactly what we want when we sell our sport as a product. 

You are always quite honest of your own appraisal - breaking into the top 10 (7th) - is a big achievement… but the big top 3 still finished well clear of the rest of the fleet… what do you think separates them from the rest of the pack? And what do you think you need to do to get closer to them?

Again it depends how you look at it. If you watch all the finals from New Caledonia you’re not gonna see a clear domination, not at all. What you gonna see though is those 3 guys being always somewhere there, close to the top. And that’s what separates them, this type of consistency on the highest level. For me personally I’ve written down and discussed every single development that’s happened to me with my coach since the beginning of 2018 and it seems like we know exactly what to do to make that step forward. Whether it will happen in 2020 or not, we will see and learn along the way! 

Next year will see Foil and Slalom merge together with sailors been given the choice whether to foil or use a normal fin? What do you think about this change?

We’ve discussed this so much during events and on emails for the last 2 years, that I don’t really know what to say anymore. I honestly can’t say whether it’s good or bad, time will tell. But it definitely seems like the natural step for the sport to take. As for the competition side – it’s super exciting, but for sure there’s a dose of uncertainty how it’s gonna look on the performance side – I could arrive 20 meters clear of the pack in the first heat of 2020 or something opposite can happen, which in regular slalom is almost impossible at this stage of gear development. Somebody supposedly smart once said that a goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot. I guess it’s one of those cases! 

Having broken into the top 10 in 2019 - what are your goals for 2020?

Just improve my performance and have even more fun, which will probably be actually harder than the first part! 

And finally… what are you plans for winter?

I’m just been to Sardinia to finish the foil slalom sails with Bruno [Martini] and then I’m gonna head over to Tenerife for the annual racing bootcamp! 

Thanks, Maciek. Enjoy the rest of your winter and see you back on the racing circuit soon!

You can stay up to date with Maciek Rutkowski’s (FMX Racing / Challenger Sails) latest news and adventures via his Social Media Channels: 

Facebook: @maciek.rutkowski
Instagram: @maciekrutko

One of those sailors is 2018 Freestyle vice-world champion - Adrien Bosson (Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins) - and the Frenchman recently ventured away from the coast to head to Brandvlei, which is a notoriously windy lake in the Western Cape.

You can see Adrien Bosson flying over Brandvlei here.

Can you explain in short what your project is about? 

Local Riders Los Roques is about supporting kids of the community with a vision to create a healthy mind linked with water sports. Los Roques suffers badly with drug trafficking, which is obviously is a huge problem. We need to fight back with our project to keep the health of the Archipelago in good hands. Thankfully Sports and Nature combined is the number 1 cure against these negative problems. 

Why did you start this project? 

I started this because when I was a kid, beautiful people gave me the opportunity and helped me to get into the sport. They directed me through what I can say at my own experience into the correct path in life which was windsurfing and beach culture. The healthy lifestyle became our daily life and it has given me everything, thankfully.
 
So I wanted to give the same opportunity to the ‘local riders’. Otherwise I was going to feel selfish. So I want to give the opportunity to the 700 kids of this BLESSED and MAGICAL Archipelago called Los Roques.

How do you fund all the gear and who is helping you with giving windsurf/kitesurf and surf lessons?

I donated everything myself; over $12,000 - gear between kids equipment, wave and some slalom, surf- and paddle boards. 

This all started a few years ago when I began to send all the gear little-by-little to Los Roques on the artisanal fishing boats. Thanks to them they supported us to transport the gear to the Archipelago, which is a difficult thing. 

My good friend Oscar Cisneros is a local surfer and windsurfer, he helped me teaching the kids and trying to educate them when I was not there. 

It was a challenge because in the lagoon of the main Island called Gran Roque suddenly all the kids wanted to windsurf and paddle! There was just not enough gear for them all, we needed to change something and make a plan. So every kid could attend, we had to make sure not one kid was being left out. In the meantime there were 700 kids in the Archipelago! 

After the first Beach Culture World Tour (BCWT) I organised, thanks to Brian Talma who came to show us his vision, the waterman event, which was a complete success! Since the first BCWT in 2017 we had the entire community backing us up, between all the native fishermen, hotels, local businesses and restaurants!   

The second year we had more support from the industry; Adventure Sports, (JP & Neilpryde), Nahskwell Foil & SUP. AHD Boards and pro windsurfers Deivis Paternina & Brian Talma started to also support the kids with gear, I’m very sure more and more will be supporting this project. 

Which goals do you want to achieve? 

We simply want to create a vision and path for all our kids with equal opportunities for them to accomplish there dreams in life. This will make Los Roques a healthier and safer environment. Our main goal is for them to become professional athletes (watermen) Olympic Athletes and also professional instructors as the Archipelago of Los Roques offers world class conditions for all water sports and disciplines!

I’m forever thankful to all the amazing individuals that form part of this amazing project: 
Oscar Cisneros, Jhossua Montilla, Carolina Chopite, Brian Talma, Joseph Topel, Javier Salazar, Vivi Narvaez, Teresa Salazar, Enielito Narvaez.

Are there already local riders that have already potential to be on the PWA World Tour? 

Yes, guaranteed! We already have a couple of kids that absolutely rip in the waves and started to do freestyle. They already do aerials, one handed aerials, backloops, flakas, forward loops and they are trying goiters, 360's and takas.! The kids are also good surfers and fishermen; outstanding kids that learn to do everything themselves.

Why do you like this so much? 

This is what LIFE is about! Giving from your HEART is LIVING, receiving is a BLESSING...but taking breaks the HARMONY and MAGIC!

Tell us some stories about the local kids?

There are a few stories. This one isn’t a funny story, but just things that happen during the week. Sometimes the kids stay out till dark windsurfing between the Islands and we all got very worried. There can be speedboats on the water with no navigation lights on, they sometimes crash into each other. That’s why I always tell the kids to at least sail together, just in case something happens. But they are kids and have no fear at all! Because I started this project, I am the one the parents look for. Thank God they always come back safe! 

Another story about an 8 year old kid. We were surfing with all the kids at the point one day. It’s a point break full of coral and fire coral with loads of sea urchins. There was one very young kid, about 8 years old, surfing. At one moment most of us went out to our surf shack to take a break and eat lunch in the shade. At this surf point there is only one safe exit, as everywhere else it’s like a 'death path’ with razor sharp reef and waves breaking. This 8 year old kid came straight through the ‘death path’ on a foamy wave under his surfboard and laying on it all the way up until he was safe…instead of exiting the safe path, this kid was nuts, when he showed the bottom of his board there were no fins anymore and peaces of coral were stuck under his board. He was so lucky to not to get hurt. It was at that moment I understood how the kids of local riders were destroying all the gear so rapidly that was given to them when they where learning, but now as they have more level they are learning that the more they take care of the gear the longer they can be on the water.

Good luck with the Local Riders at your home spot and we hope to see one of your local kids on tour one day! 

From the entire Local Riders family we thank you for this opportunity and we hope to be on the PWA World Tour one day very soon!

You can see a video featuring the Diony and the kids of Los Roques @ https://youtu.be/JNFgcUIog6o to learn more about this fantastic initiative. 

Quite a few PWA sailors are currently in WA training, including local boy Jaeger Stone (Starboard / Severne / SWOX), who is back on the water after missing the end of the season through a knee injury, Dieter van der Eyken (Severne / Severne Sails) and Juliann Salmonn (Bruch Boards / GUNSAILS).

You can see a quick-fire, but action packed 53 second clip of the three amigos sailing at Geraldton here.

Video courtesy of TwoGoatMedia and Images courtesy of Nicolas Hess

Lena Erdil: “I’m extremely excited to announce the launch of a new project I’ve been working on with my good friend and now business partner Katharina Seelack. Over the passed year we have created a new brand called MyWindstories. On our new Webpage www.mywindstories.com we offer windsurf camps for girls, as well as a Platform with a Blog and Forum with the aim of connecting and growing the windsurf girls community. 

For me, Lena Erdil, MyWindstories is a way to give back to the community and sport that I love. At the same time I really just want to see more girls on the water! I really enjoy sailing with other girls and personally believe, that there is nothing more motivating than seeing another girl do the move you've been practising and I would like to share this feeling with as many girls as possible.”

Kathi Seelack : “For me, as a physiotherapist and passionate windsurfer, My Windstories is a chance to connect both my passions while hopefully helping to strengthen the feeling of community and inspire more girls to be a part of it."   

More about My Windstories:

The project is about Windsurfcamps specifically for girls and it’s called MyWindstories. 
We named it My Windstories because we believe in the concept and importance of storytelling and learning from each others stories. This is what we experienced at the first Camp in 2019. Besides the windsurf coaching we found that connecting by sharing our stories was a great source of motivation for all the girls and that it strengthens the sense of community and belonging. It left us wanting to create something wholesome, so that the girls who meet at the Camps could also have a platform and community to stay connected once the Camps are over.  Or even just simply use the MyWindstories to share and be inspired by other girls who like the same things. 

We have launched the webpage today and for 2020 we have 3 Camps available for booking. The locations are Lake Garda, Leipzig and Fuerteventura. We have chosen these locations based on their geographical position and wind stability. Easily accessible by car for people in Central Europe and Fuerteventura, easy to reach from almost every airport in Europe. We have partnered up with Windsurf Centres who offer our Girls special rental deals and a great variety of equipment. The Camps are open for most levels of windsurfing and we offer foiling lessons as a light wind alternative in both Leipzig and Lake Garda. 

We believe that what sets our Camps apart is our all inclusive coaching approach. We combine coaching techniques such as video analysis and equipment knowledge/tuning with a fun and safe learning environment that makes it easy to progress. Usually one of us is demoing the moves and the other one is coaching from the boat or our coaching base. On top of all the windsurfing together we also want to give our girls the tools they need for successful recovery. Kathi is a professional physiotherapist, athletic and Blackroll trainer and has prepared a special mix of training and recovery sessions for our Camps. She is also available for individual training and physiotherapy sessions. 

You can find out all the information regarding our camps and coaching techniques  as well as a little more information about who we are on our Webpage : www.mywindstories.com
Lena Erdil
Professional Windsurfer

The race for the Slalom world title couldn’t have been any closer between Iachino and eventual champion - Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins) - with the title being decided in the very last race of the season. We recently caught up with Matteo to talk about just missing out on the title and that infamous moment of hitting a sea snake in the semifinals on the last day, which cost him a place in the winners’ final and potentially changed the course of the title race, plus a few other things. You can read our interview with Matteo below:

Hey Matteo, congrats on another great year on tour - finishing as the Slalom vice-world Champion and third in Foil - how was 2019 as a whole for you?

It has been a great racing season.  Starting so bad in France and getting two amazing results in two disciplines.

You obviously came so close to a second world title with the title race coming down to the very last race of the year in New Caledonia - how tough was it to just miss out?

It has been pretty bad. As I said in 2017 and 2018 I was close but not so close as this year. I felt ready for it and there was something that was missing as I raced as good as I could with just a few mistakes and some really bad luck in some moments. And that’s why I felt it worse than the previous two years, but this is racing and we gotta love it for what it is because it’s great.

In the first race, on the final day in NC, you hit a sea snake in the semifinal, which effectively cost you a spot in the Winners’ Final - could you believe what happened? And how mentally tough was it to then continue fighting for the title as that then put you on the backfoot?

I couldn’t believe what was happening. I’m a guy who kind of never hits anything in the water and I’ve been sailing in New Cal for so many times doing long distances, cruising for hundreds of kms etc… and it felt so weird hitting it during such an important moment…. But I got over it quite easily with my mind somehow.

On day 4 you completed a hat-trick of race wins, which was the first time you had done that since 2016… how special is it when you manage to achieve that feat?

It’s an unreal feeling. You know… in any sport you have days when you are 100% and days when you simply are not. This day everything was working great, you feel incredibly well and it’s such a high for a sportsman that if conditions don’t change all goes smoothly in your direction and everything gets easier.

Having been so dominant on day 4, you then didn’t manage to win another race for the rest of the event - did you change your approach at all or do you think that’s some times just the way it goes?

I was performing better on my medium gear while Pierre has been really good the whole season on the big gear. On day 4 we were powered on medium gear. The wind got lighter on the last two days and I broke the base of my best fin for light wind. Then I hit the snake and the last race I was underpowered all the way…

Out of all events, which one was your favourite this season and where do you think you sailed best?

Denmark by far. We got to sail every conditions and it felt great winning there after such a great event. I always love Fuerte too.

Next year will see Foil and Slalom merge together with sailors been given the choice whether to foil or use a normal fin? What do you think about this change? And do you think it could cause a mix up to the results with different faces potentially at the top?

I guess it’s really good. I think for light wind it’s the future of our sport and foil slalom in light wind is just pure fun. New faces coming up? Might be… It would be cool. Our sport is evolving and we need lo let it evolve in the best way possible, but continuing to race in the most entertaining way possible, which is slalom in my point of view. It’s going to be interesting.

After a long season of racing - what have you been up to since the end of the season and what are your plans for the rest of winter?

I’ve been one week on vacation in New Cal with all my friends from there wave sailing and surf foiling and then I’ve been in Bali chilling and surfing until now.

But in the meanwhile I’m organising everything for my other big step. I’ve opened a windsurfing centre in Tenerife. It will be the first Severne Experience Centre in the world and it’s located in Cabezo Bay, right upwind of the wave spot on a nice beach perfect for launching with any kind of gear. I’ve been working on it in the second half of the year and we should be ready to launch at the beginning of January. 

Thanks, Matteo. Congrats once again on a great year and good luck with your new centre!

After the success of the previous events in 2018 and 2019, the municipality of El Ejido is consolidated as one of the most important destinations in the South of Europe for windsurfing and other water sports.
The event has hosted 35 international windsurfers from countries such as Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy and Spain.
 
Victor Fernández (Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX): “It has been a great success in participation and organisation. For our municipality, it is very important to have such an important event of the PWA and start with the first stop of the PWA Youth tour and to have some of the best young windsurfers in the world [competing]. Finally, I would like to thank the sponsors, competitors, volunteers and the team behind the event because without them it would not be possible to organise a magnificent competition again. We are looking forward to seeing you all again in 2021."

Lay days

The no wind days had fun activities for the young riders. Starting on the first day with a Team Sup race where they had to put in showcase their best skills, while also working as a team whilst paddling. Another activity was skateboarding thanks to CS Custom by Sandro, who shaped a new custom ramp this year for our event.
 
Keeping our oceans and beaches clean

We do care about our planet and our oceans are not clean at all. We did a morning SUP ocean and beach clean up where we collected lots of plastic. Thanks to everyone for joining us.

Four Eliminations of Slalom

The east wind conditions of the Levante have allowed the Slalom discipline to gain a great result. Four elimination rounds per category were completed on day 3 in light winds - with the riders on sails ranging from 9.0m to 6.6m sizes. From start to finish we had very exciting battles in all categories. 

Boy’s U20

Cyril Evrard (Starboard / Severne) started by winning the first race of the day before adding a second and another bullet to deservedly secure the win. 

Girl’s U20

Julia Pasquale (Fanatic / Duotone), who is well known for her wave skills, signed up for her very first Slalom event and she was able to come out on top after producing a very consistent set of results.

Boy’s U17

Nicolo Spanu (Tabou / GA Sails / AL360) was very dominant in the Boy’s U17s with the young Italian winning every elimination.

Girl’s U17

Meanwhile, Nicolo’s sister - Maddalena Spanu - was just as dominant in the girls fleet as she too won every race completed.
 
As for the local talent they have managed to reach the podium in most of the categories:

- Cosme Martín finished 2nd in the Boy’s U20 
- Noelia Fuentes finished 2nd in the Girl’s U17 
- While Miguel Mirón claimed third place in the Boy’s U15.

You can see the highlights of the event @ vimeo.com/382903801

Beatrice & Magdalena: “After a hectic year of travelling and windsurfing, Beatrice and Magdalena find themselves back where their windsurfing career started.

Brasil! Hold on as they go for off roading Brazilian style before busting out their latest freestyle moves in Jericoacoara and lagoa Grande.

And also it seems they’re getting more and more synchronised!

Obrigada Brazil for another lovely holiday yet again <3

Like and share the lovelyholiday goodness!”

You can see Lovely Holiday Episode 4 @ youtu.be/3xy-6WXJ1bE

Antoine Albert: “First of all, I d’like to wish you a Happy New Year with a lot of wind and waves all along 2020!! 

I just released a new video about how December 2019 went at home, here in New Caledonia, with wave and freestyle action. It has been one of the best December so far with a lot of wind and some big swells (which is quite unusual at the period). Hope you’ll like it !! 

I’ll post another edit in a week so stay tuned for more action in paradise !!

Here is the link: vimeo.com/382725387&nbsp;

For more photos, videos, infos and news you’re welcome to follow me on:

-Facebook: Antoine Albert NC21 

-Instagram: antoine_albert_nc21  

You can see Antoine Albert living the dream @ https://vimeo.com/382725387