Transfer Season

New stars join the PWA constructors champions Gaastra

Gaastra are the latest team to unveil their new lineup for the 2015 season. So without further ado it's over to Gaastra and their Team Manager - Ross Williams (Tabou / Gaastra / Mystic) - to tell you more.

What an amazing year! Our team rider’s Thomas Traversa (Tabou / Gaastra) won the PWA wave title, Ben van der Steen (Tabou / Gaastra / Mystic) was crowned IFCA Slalom world champion and Ross Williams was able to take his second Formula world title. For 2015 we plan to build on our 2014 success’ with some fresh faces joining the already fantastic team. Here are some words from team manager Ross Williams talking about the latest recruits.

Statement by Ross Williams:

“2014 was such a crazy year for us all at Gaastra. Apart from all the personal outstanding performances from our team riders, I think the icing on the cake was for us winning the constructors ranking which really showed how far we have come as a brand since Peter Munzlinger joined as our designer. I really see us going from strength-to-strength in 2015, especially in these times where we are seeing many brands struggling, reducing ranges and slashing budgets. We are happy that we are fortunately in a position to build our team and have some exciting new faces for 2015 and are still building for the future.”

“I personally really like all the new guys coming on board, they all are super talented sailors and are motivated to prove themselves in 2015. In the waves we now have Aleix Sanllehy (Tabou / Gaastra) who has been a guy I have been very impressed with over the last few years. When you see him sail in Pozo he is one of the guys that stands out, he's doing all the moves but also with style and power which is nice to see. Aleix in person is a very positive young lad, who is willing to learn and grow with the team and I think he will prove to be very useful with feedback on some of the larger wave boards and sails. Aleix has a big future and we look forward to seeing him grow with the brands in the coming years.”

"Next we have Taty Frans (Starboard / Gaastra / Mystic / Maui Ultra Fins) who is joining us on our slalom and freestyle team. I think Taty is one of the most modern versatile sailors with bags of style. He is one of the guys that you always want to watch, whether it's while he’s pulling off powerful freestyle moves or kicking ass on the slalom course. He has the prefect attitude and demeanour on and off the water. It is a real pleasure to have him back on Gaastra and joining his brother Tonky.”

“Rounding up our slalom team we have Antoine Questel (Starboard / Gaastra) and Ludo Jossin (Patrik / Gaastra). These guys have got the experience on the PWA World Tour to put in some great results. Antoine is a true professional and we have been watching him the past few years as he has made his way up the rankings and on to the podiums, he really is going to be one to watch this year. As a multiple time French champion, that alone shows his talents and intent to win. Ludo too has shown he can beat the best, with French and Spanish titles as well as podium finishes on the world stage in the PWA slalom. Ludo is living in Tarifa and has been a good sailing partner for Ben van der Steen over the last few years, so I’m sure these boys will be pushing each other during the 2015 season.”

I’d like to welcome them all into the Gaastra family and we are very proud to have them representing us for 2015. It will be great seeing them out on the water flying the Gaastra flag for the team and the brand.”