INTERNATIONAL VERSION
DECEMBER 2017 | #25
Competition
Solo Trip: Arctic
Tuamotu
Boat Trip
A_line_of_ideas
APP overview, Red Bull Heavy Water and the Gran Canaria Pro-Am
Thomas Oschwald in one of his extreme challenges with himself
Zane at the unknown Faaite atoll, in search of the perfect left
Exploring Ibiza having your SUP in a sailboat, such a great plan!
Aline Solozabal and her multidetail MaorĂ style drawing works
EDITORIAL
The cold can’t stop you Winter is here, you can feel the energy from the cold, as it unwraps slowly but surely, like its own way of living in the universe. So don’t let it to turn you off, live your days as if they were the last ones, and never diminish the present. The present is the only thing that holds you, the past is already gone, and the future… who can guess what is coming next? Fill your present with a bunch of stories to tell, some different places to travel to, plenty of experiences and, of course, a lot of paddle strokes.
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At the end we all come from the water, and to the water we are going to return back, can you hear that inner voice that is asking you for it? Like always, our goal and final purpose, is to inspire you to let modern life rhythm at the side for a little bit and spend some time enjoying Mother Nature and the ocean, the lakes or the rivers :) So what do we have for you this time? Trips; a lot of trips and travelling around the planet, to far away unreachable destinations
Pete Winkelhofer
or to closer and easy ones, starting with the pleasure of living in a sailboat, visiting every corner and embracing the local culture; we get on board with the Team ION for a one week trip through the Balearic Islands.
the The Arctic, in his plan for the Polar Light SUP Expedition. Adventure, full on winter and extreme conditions in all its glory. It’s as fascinating as dangerous, but for sure that dive into those experiences would be addictive!
Zane Schweitzer exploring an unknown and isolated place in the Earth, a dream for die hard explorers. Tuamotu has a hidden treasure, veiled in the past and now accessible to true heart discoverers. Don’t miss out the fabulous wave in the Faaite atoll.
A couple of snapshots of how the winter started at Cadiz’s coastline are going to make you jealous, sometimes you have to take advantage of every place you can go within a few hours of driving!
And if you think that this is not such a big deal, join Thomas Oschwald in his journey to
In our art section we feature the young Brazilian surfer Aline Solozabal. You will
enjoy her particular drawing Zentagle style, combining shapes and patterns to make really nice decoration in surfboards. We hope you enjoy this new issue, go ahead and start the new year with your head full of projects and also look for as many days in the water as possible!!
Keep SUPING SUPING Magazine
INDEX
14. 32. 38. 50. 54. 62. 80. 84. 96. 100.. COVER
Competition: Red Bull Heavy Water. Competition: Sevilla SUP Festival. Competition: Overview APP World Tour. Competition: Gran Canaria Pro-Am. Ibiza in a sailboat with SUP on board. Zane’s trip to the Faaite atoll in Tuamotu. Snapshot: Winters in Cadiz. The Arctic: Polar Light SUP Expedition. Another look on SUP. Art: @a_line_of_ideas. Zane Schweitzer
Laurent Masurel
62 54 32 54 38 10
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Brian Bielmann
STAFF
EDITORS
Emilio Galindo María Andrés PHOTOGRAPHERS
Laurent Masurel, Javier Ibáñez, Jose Luís Acebedo, Pete Winkelhofer, Fura Photography,Thomas Oschwald, Si Crowther, Brian Bielmann. COLABORATORS
APP World Tour, Javier Ibáñez, Paddle Surf Sevilla, Dunkerbeck SUP Challenge Team, Laurent Masurel, Watersports Training, Kirsty Johns, Thomas Oschwald, Beatriz Felipe López, Aline Solozabal. TO GET FEATURED
If you are interested in collaborating with SUPING Magazine you can send us your material and / or your proposals to our e-mail. WE ARE SUPPORTING
Surf Rider Foundation Europe CONTACT US
maria.supingmagazine@gmail.com ADVERTISING
supingmagazine@gmail.com WEB
www.issuu.com/supingmagazine SOCIAL MEDIA
www.facebook.com/supingmag instagram.com/supingmagazine twitter.com/SUPINGMAGAZINE RESPONSIBILITY
SUPING Magazine is not responsible for the opinions, comments and ideologies of our collaborators. We believe in the free expression of each individual and we give the opportunity to express it, but we do not necessarily share those opinions. 12
Pete Winkelhofer
Kirsty, Pia, Giel, MarĂa
COMPETITION... Red Bull
Heavy Water 2017 APP World Tour / SUPING Magazine
Brian Bielmann
Premiere conditions ensure Stand Up Paddleboard event lives up to its name.19 world class athletes started in the 7.5mile (12km) SUP race, which began in the impressive triple overhead surf at Ocean Beach, off the coast of San Francisco, and wove around tumultuous waters of Lands’ End, under the Golden Gate Bridge and through the heavily current-affected San Francisco Bay, emerging at St. Francis Yacht Club. 14 athletes completed the demanding race, showing true displays of determination and athletic ability to come out victorious.
As has already been said of the 2017 edition, the event lived up to its name this year as the Bay Area delivered a XXL swell to challenge the very best paddlers in the world in a way they have never been challenged before. 14
Just taking part in Red Bull Heavy Water was a huge feat, and everyone that stepped up should be proud. Sheer guts and grit determination were the order of the day, something that was shown as much by the Champion Casper
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Steinfath from Denmark as by the likes of Riggs Napoleon, who would not give up until he finished and battled his way through the course like a true warrior.
courage, skill and endurance of the athletes on the APP World Tour. Casper Steinfath secures a dramatic victory in San Francisco.
“ I was aiming for the podium but I treated it more like an ultimate challenge against Mother Nature ”.
The atmosphere on the boat ride out to the start said it all, and was unlike any race before it, as athletes anxiously prepared themselves to do battle: not so much against each other, as they were all in it together on this one, but with nature.
In just 1hr and 15mins, Danish Red Bull athlete Casper Steinfath tackled the course with strategic vigor and a determined focus on podium placement, having placed 4th in the 2016 race.
Red Bull Heavy Water 2017 winner Casper Steinfath relished the opportunity to race at spectacular and iconic Ocean Beach and San Francisco Bay,
They knew Ocean Beach was going to be their biggest challenge yet, and just making it to the finish line would be the victory here, no matter what place they finished.
Treating the race like a big wave surf competition, Steinfath powered through the big swell to take an early and dominating lead.
“I love it here and enjoy every opportunity I get to come here. How cool is it racing under the Golden Gate Bridge and having the finish line here? I’m just one happy Viking right now”.
Red Bull Heavy Water made history in 2017, and showcased the outer limits of what SUP racing can be and proved a testament to the
“ I definitely had motivation coming here and I wanted to improve and learn from my mistakes last year,” said Steinfath.
Casper Steinfath from Denmark had already established himself as arguably the faster
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“ They knew Ocean Beach was going to be their biggest challenge yet, and just making it to the finish line would be the victory here, no matter what place they finished �.
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sprint racer in the world, proving himself incredibly hard to beat in any form of short sprint course over the past few years on the APP World Tour. He had also shown himself a force to be reckoned with in surf racing, with back to back victories in the surf sprints in Maui on 2016 and 2017. However, Red Bull Heavy Water was a whole different kind of challenge, and while Casper is undoubtedly one of the very best racers in the world, you might not have picked him as the obvious victor in this kind of ‘Man vs Nature’ race. However, as the race progressed, race smarts, ocean awareness and strategy paid off for the Viking, as he took on everything
that Ocean Beach had to offer. He bested favorites such as 3x World Champions Connor Baxter and Kai Lenny, who are both in the element in large surf, along with a whole host of other Hawaii athletes who are known for their expertise in large surf (Mo Freitas and Zane Schweitzer to mention just a few). Casper has demonstrated his well-rounded ability in all forms of conditions and will without doubt be a major Title Contender on the 2018 APP World Tour, with a solid podium finish in 2017 (finishing in 3rd) and riding of this incredible momentum he has after Red Bull Heavy Water. Steinfath said,
“ The waves were so solid out there, the sets were like 15ft, it was more survival! It really is a mix of endurance, sprint and wave skills, and for me that’s the ultimate challenge. I think the feeling of this race, no matter if you’re dropping down a big wave or getting a big wave in your head, is alive. You feel really alive because you’re dealing with the elements right there in front of you ”.
Ryan Funk puts on a performance of a lifetime, and pays a fitting tribute to mentorship from 3x World Champion Connor Baxter. An event like Red Bull Heavy Water can bring out a whole different range of emotions, and we saw a rare camaraderie and appreciation amongst the athletes of each other, and what they were undertaking. But perhaps the most gratifying takeaway was watching the youngsters (and future champions) joining the fray, and paying tribute to those that inspire them, support them and encourage them to take on the challenges before them and succeed. Watching 17 year-old Ryan Funk cross the finish line in 2nd place in such a dramatic 24
race was an emotional moment and a great sign of things to come. As while our current champions are still all under 25, there is a new crop of talent coming through the ranks to be counted, and this was certainly a breakout moment for the young Maui resident, originally from Lake Tahoe, Ryan Funk. What was even more gratifying, was the tribute that he paid to his friend, teammate and mentor, Connor Baxter for his win, as while Connor is very much still his greatest rival in a race, he is also his greatest inspiration and he credits his performance here to Connor’s mentorship. A proud, but I would imagine scary prospect for the freshly crowned 3x World Champion Connor Baxter who has helped create
another formidable adversary for himself to battle over the coming years! It was a common theme at Red Bull Heavy Water, as we saw a similar scenario with 16 year-old Dane, Christian Anderson, who stepped up to this incredible challenge and finished with a smile on his face, and as a tribute to his very own mentor, Casper Steinfath. This is an incredibly positive trend for the sport and the development of future Champions and a great sign of things to come here on the APP World Tour. Travis Grant is impressive: after a red eye flight from Hawaii, he took out some of the World’s very best to take 3rd. Travis Grant needs no introduction, as he has already firmly cemented himself as a legend
in the sport of Stand Up Paddling, especially after his record breaking performance at this year’s Molokai to Oahu. However, coming into Red Bull Heavy Water, you might not have picked Travis Grant as a favorite, as he is more known for his expertise in open ocean and endurance races than this kind of challenge. However, coming straight off a red eye flight from Hawaii, he came directly to Ocean Beach, surveyed the conditions and then prepared himself on the boat ride out with the rest of the crew for the Challenge ahead. He knew that energy conservation would be key, and watching for the rips that could help you out through the seemingly impenetrable surf would be the key to navigating this radical course. 26
Patience paid off for this seasoned Champion, as he was able to hook into those rips and avoid too many beatings from the seemingly endless barrage of sets coming through at Ocean Beach to where he found himself on his own rounding the final buoy that marked the end of the Ocean Beach section, and ready for the open ocean stretch to the Golden Gate Bridge. He saw Casper a fair way ahead, but undeterred, he put his head down, determined to get a podium finish in this year’s Red Bull Heavy Water. While the young talent Ryan Funk was just able to pass him on the final stretch, Travis’ performance was one for the ages, as he showed himself to be still very much at his peak, benefiting from his experience (he is a decade older than most of his competitors), but also his incredible ocean knowledge and
paddling skill set to be able to deliver these kinds of performances even after a red eye flight in! This is another great testament for the sport and shows the potential for an incredibly long career in the sport for building professionals. Michael Booth is certainly not one dimensional, with his 5th place finish at Red Bull Heavy Water clearly illustrating his surf ability. Michael Booth stepped up at Red Bull Heavy Water this year and showcased that he is a force to be reckoned with in any kind of conditions: more traditionally known for his skill and endurance in long distance slogs, Michael clearly demonstrated his ability in navigating and surviving the most extreme racing environment ever witnessed in SUP.
After experiencing a two wave hold down at one of the West Coast’s heaviest beach breaks, Michael got up, and powered on, chasing the leading pack and just getting past an on form Slater Trout, who was also reveling in these conditions and put on a stellar performance to finish in 6th. While he wasn’t able to catch another standout, Kody Kerbox (who finished just outside the podium in 4th), Michael has made a statement to wrap the 2017 season, as knows what it takes to come out on top. The Frenchmen mean business and are rising up the ranks under the radar: Arthur Arutkin again steps up. Arthur Arutkin has long been a major threat on Tour, and is also one of the most 28
consistent racers in the game. Somehow he remains somewhat under the radar, but his performances speak for themselves. In this year’s Red Bull Heavy Water, he once again propelled himself to 7th place in the race, and secured 5th place overall at the end of the season on the APP World Tour - an incredible achievement by the young French talent. One of the craziest stories of the race was that after battling to get out for so long at Ocean Beach, he was on the verge of giving up, so sat down on the beach and took his leash off. Looking out at the race course, he saw 6 of the World’s best almost make it out (Connor Baxter included), then all get taken and brought to the beach at once, making him realize that the race was still anyone’s and he jumped back in to finish in an impressive 7th place.
RESULTS: 1. Casper Steinfath, Denmark: 1:15:01 2. Ryan Funk, USA: 1:16:01 3. Travis Grant, Australia: 1:18:38 4. Kody Kerbox, Hawaii: 1:24:16 5. Michael Booth, Australia: 1:27:47 6. Slater Trout, USA: 1:28:35 7. Arthur Arutkin, France: 1:30:12 8. Kai Lenny, Hawaii: 1:30:44 9. Connor Baxter, Hawaii: 1:33:07
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Seville SUP Festival 2017 SUP Race Spanish Cup Javier Ibáñez, Paddle Surf Sevilla
Javier Ibáñez, Jose Luís Acebedo
Last October, and for the first time, the waters of the famous Guadalquivir River, in southern Spain, hosted a high level SUP Racing championship. This is a modality in full swing worldwide, and a great opportunity to get to promote SUP in the historic city of Seville, that actually meets exceptional conditions for this sport. The WIC Club and the Spanish Surf Federation organized the event and designed a competition format that could help to promote the sport, the city of Seville and its potential for SUP and to show the habitants some high level competition. During the first day, the amateur competitors were the heroes. The fleet was divided in age groups, with participants from 6 to 60 years 32
old! This was the perfect occasion to show the spectators that SUP is an accessible sport. There were 200 amateur riders, the entries were actually gone almost immediately! The second day of the event was dedicated to the official SUP Race Spanish Cup. The setting and the venue were perfect, ready to start under the Triana Bridge.
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The course was 15 Km long, the distance between the Triana and the Barqueta Bridge. Some of the best Spanish riders where ready in the starting line. From the very beginning, there were 4 favourites. Jurgui Zulaika, Román Frejo, Salvador Mora and Rafael Sirvent were in the pole of the fleet with a narrow distance between them, a big fight were the races were changing positions until the finish line. The Basque Jurgui Zulaika claim the victory, very close but in front of Román Frejo. The third position was shared between Salvador Mora and Rafael Sirven, since after checking a few videos, the judges decided that they crosed the finish line exactly at the same time. In the 12.6 women fleet, it was Sofía Tros de 36
Llarduya claiming victory against her direct rival Mónica Pajares, finishing in second. After the competition, all the participants had lunch in the event site. The atmosphere was festive. There was music and a great vibe. Everyone was excited sharing their experience and having the chance to speak with another people discovering SUP or with the best national SUP athletes.
RESULTS: Elite Men 1. Jurgui Zulaika 2. Román Frejo 3. Rafael Sirvent / Salvador Mora Elite Women
Until now it could be said that Seville was a “Secret Spot” in the SUP world. There were only a few people plowing its waters. But after this SUP Festival it is already, there has been a notable increase in people SUPing around the river; from parents with their children to tourists from anywhere in the world. So I think we can now say that Seville is a new SUP friendly city to explore from the board!
1. Sofía Tros de Llarduya 2. Mónica Pajares
Follow us: Facebok: sevillapaddlesurf Instagram: @paddlesurfsevilla
APP World Tour Overall 2017 APP World Tour
APP World Tour
Mo Freitas and Fiona Wylde are crowned Overall APP World Tour Champions 2017 Mo Freitas caps off a strong year with a 2nd place in Racing and a 4th place in Surfing to capture the Overall APP World Championship. The trajectory of Mo Freitas towards becoming one of the most well rounded athletes in the sport has been astonishing. He has continued to be at the cutting edge of SUP Surfing, continually redefining the sport’s high performance parameters through board design, time on the water and sheer talent. 38
It is therefore of no surprise to find Mo sitting in #4 in the World SUP Surfing rankings at the close of the 2017 season and you can’t help but have the feeling that there is a great deal more in the tank here. However perhaps more surprising over the last few years has been his surge into the SUP Racing domain, as he has well and truly established himself as one of the World’s most competitive Racers. During the 2017 season he has come into his own, battling 2016 World
Champion Connor Baxter every step of the way: coming out of Maui, as a result of his sprint racing performance at Ho’okipa, he was able to take the overall ratings lead and adopt the yellow jersey coming into Japan. Connor was able to match this with his performance in Japan, meaning that they were both yellow jersey holders coming out of this. Fast forward to Red Bull Heavy Water in San Francisco, and still a tie, it came down to who would finish ahead of the other in this dramatic race that would decide the 2017 APP World Racing Title. In one of the most spectacular races in the sport’s history, Connor was just able to get the edge over Mo finishing one place ahead, thereby securing him the 2017 World Racing Title. 40
Fiona Wylde has long been celebrated as one of the most well rounded women in the sport and claims the Overall Title. Like Mo Freitas, while her background was more in the surf riding aspects of the various sports, she has been able to prove herself as one of the World’s very best racers too, securing her first Racing World Title in 2016 and then finishing in a very credible 3rd place for 2017 and well within reach of another World Title. Meanwhile, in SUP surfing, she was once again able to back up her strong racing finish with 2nd place in 2017, repeat performance of 2016 where she finished runner up.
James Casey’s powerful approach to surfing has earned him notoriety over the past few years as one of the leading power surfers in the World, particularly in waves of consequence. While 7th place is still extremely credible given the caliber of competition on the APP World Tour, there is no doubt that James was hoping to reach the final 4 once again. However, given that James is so far from one dimensional, his ever impressive approach to SUP Racing has seen him rise steadily up the ranks to be one of Australia’s leading lights on the APP World Tour. A 9th place finish in 2017 combined with his 7th place in Surfing propels him into the number 2 spot for the overall in 2017.
James Casey demonstrates his well rounded abilities with a strong finish in both Surfing and Racing to take 2nd.
Izzi Gomez steps up her racing with a solid result on Maui to complement her World Title in Surfing to finish 2nd overall.
Izzi Gomez needs no introduction: with 4x SUP Surfing World Titles under her belt, she has clearly established herself as the most dominant figure in Women’s SUP Surfing. It is also hard to believe that she has achieved this position in the sport at such a young age, and has been able to continue to grow, evolve and improve amidst an increasingly competitive environment that is the Women’s World Tour. While she has dabbled with SUP Racing over the past few years, she decided to really throw her hat in the ring in 2017, posting a solid result in Maui, with a strong performance as expected in the Surf Sprints, but also an impressive finish in the long distance race. Casper Steinfath completes another stellar year on Tour with a podium finish for the overall Surf and Race Rankings for 2017.
Casper Steinfath wrapped his 2017 season on a high with that spectacular performance at Red Bull Heavy Water in San Francisco, an event that demanded not only racing performance, but stamina, surf lecture, guts and grit determination to come out on top – a true test of a well-rounded SUP athlete. However, outside of this specialty race and focused on each of the disciplines independently, Casper is able to hold his own: with another podium finish in the SUP Racing Rankings for 2017 (3rd place) and an impressive performance in SUP Surfing (17th place – a phenomenal achievement for an athlete hailing from the relatively ‘lesser known’ surfing nation of Denmark, especially given the caliber of competition he faces), Casper finds himself in a great position for the overall APP World Tour Rankings that combines both Surfing and Racing.
Terrene Black adds to her Racing World Title with a podium finish for the Overall Result on the APP World Tour. Terrene Black came onto the SUP Surfing scene with a bang in 2017, with a solid performance in a pulsing Sunset Beach line up that clearly positioned her as a force to be reckoned with on the APP World Tour. She then opted to stay in Hawaii to log extra surf time and prepare for the Racing Opener that took place on Maui a few weeks later: again, she came out of the gates strong and was able to secure a well-deserved victory in Maui that sent a shot across the bow of the women’s fleet that Terrene was here to do business in 2017. She continued on in Japan, with another strong performance, clearly illustrating that she is one of the most well rounded racers.
APP World Tour SUP Surfing 2017 APP World Tour
APP World Tour
Kai Lenny and Izzi Gomez are crowned World SUP Surfing Champions! Kai Lenny surges back to the top after a dominant performance to take the 2017 Professional World SUP Surfing Title. Kai Lenny stormed onto the Stand Up Paddle scene as a 17 year old talent, entering the inaugural Sunset Beach Pro back in 2010, hoping to prove to his elders that he had what it took. Suffice it to say, that Kai Lenny not only proved his worth, but went onto win back to back Sunset Beach Pro and World Titles in 2010/11, then again, in 2013/14 – somehow 42
winning at Sunset for Kai was an indicator for his World Title aspirations. While the Brazilian phenome Caio Vaz was able to steal the show in 2015/16 for both the Sunset Beach Pro and the World Title, 2017 saw the return of a re-invigorated Kai Lenny, at the ripe old age of 24, and the setting of a new performance bar at Sunset Beach with an impressive perfect 10-point ride on the Final day of competition.
Kai has flourished across many sports over the past few years, but his dominant presence in Stand Up Paddling has remained unquestionable, and he is once again the man to beat. Izzi Gomez continues her dominance in the women’s field to secure her 4th consecutive APP World Surfing Title. It is hard to believe that Izzi Gomez is not even 18 years old yet, but has already left an incredible legacy in the sport of Stand Up Paddling. And the scary thing about it all, is that she has only just begun her trajectory in the sport, with it all in front of her. In the early days of her career, Hawaii was her weak point of the year, as she always came back strong to take the 3 World Titles she has secured to date. But in 2017, with a shift to 44
the powerful Sunset Beach in epic conditions, Izzi was able to hold her own and take the victory amidst an increasingly impressive pool of Women talent.
now his confidence and competitive ability is building to consistently see him perform at the highest level of competitive SUP Surfing.
Bernd Roediger steps up in 2017 to post a 2nd place finish.
Fiona Wylde catches one of the ‘waves of the event’ and posts another impressive 2nd place finish on the APP World Surfing Tour.
Bernd Roediger has long been a multitalented athlete from Maui, excelling in both Windsurfing and Stand Up Paddling and showcasing his skills at a competitive level in all aspects of the sport. Clearly feeling at home at Sunset Beach, in 2017, Bernd secured his 2nd consecutive final’s berth at this event, leaping up two spots to finish in the runner up position to team mate Kai Lenny.
Fiona Wylde secured the APP World Racing Title in 2016, and also made a statement as to her intentions in Surfing with an impressive 2nd place finish in 2016 on the Surfing World Tour. This doubtless positions her as one of the most well rounded athletes in the sport and a true double threat.
Bernd’s versatility and ability in surf of all shapes and sizes is unquestionable, and
In 2017, as the rounds progressed at Sunset, it quickly became clear that Fiona was a favorite for the event win, with dominant
performances throughout and as she dropped into what was without doubt one of the waves of the whole event. Her comfort level in the waves of consequence at Sunset Beach was clear, and her ability to read the complicated line up impressive. While it didn’t take her all the way to a win in 2017, she was able to finish runner up for the season and there is no doubt that Fiona is one of the leading contenders for 2018, both in Surfing and Racing, but also for the Overall Title. Giorgio Gomez climbs the ranks to finish in 3rd place in 2017, with an impressive performance on his backhand at Sunset. Giorgio Gomez has long been one of the up and coming US talents in SUP
Surfing, with a dynamic and radical style that reflects his shortboard background. However over the last season, there has been a clear progression in both his contest smarts, but also his comfort level in waves of consequence: surfing Sunset on your backhand is a great deal more challenging than on your forehand, something that is clearly reflected not only in the results on the APP World Tour over the past 8 years, but also across all surfing contests at Sunset. In 2017, Giorgio was able to figure out the line up and adapt his vertical backhand attack to devastating effect, taking out some of the biggest names in the sport on his way to the final. A podium, 3rd place finish is a great result for Giorgio and a clear sign of things to come for this young American talent.
Shakira Westdorp once again shows signs of brilliance to finish in 3rd as she guns for the APP World Surfing Title. Shakira Westdorp is no stranger to heavy waves, and her comfort level was illustrated at this year’s Sunset Beach Pro, as she attacked the line up and dominated her heats all the way to the final. Her progressive and aggressive style of surfing has caught the judge’s eye and establishes her as one of the prime contenders for a World Title over the coming years. Finishing in 3rd place for 2017 will instill further confidence in her ability, but also experience to be able to navigate the challenging pathway to the APP World Title, something that she is clearly capable of securing, but has eluded her thus far.
APP World Tour SUP Racing 2017 APP World Tour
APP World Tour
Connor Baxter and Terrene Black are the new World SUP Racing Champions. Connor Baxter secures his 3rd World Title, successfully defending his 2016 one. Connor continues to assert his dominance in the Stand Up Racing scene by defending his World Title in 2017 in a fiercely fought out affair with the increasingly dangerous Mo Freitas, who went blow for blow with Connor throughout the 2017 season. In the end they finished just one spot apart in what turned out to be the decider for the Title this year at Red Bull Heavy Water that culminated in San Francisco last week. 46
It is ironic that both of them had a worse race than they had hoped for in the dramatic conditions that were faced in San Francisco last week, but true to the rest of the season, ended up right on each other for the finish, with Connor just getting the edge to take the Title. With 3 Racing World Titles now under his belt, Connor has equaled Kai Lenny’s tally and will be looking to build on this into 2018 and beyond, to further the impressive mark he has already made on the sport of Stand Up Paddling. One thing is for sure, Connor is always the ‘man to
beat’, regardless of the playing field and has shown himself to be a true Champion that only gets better as time goes by.
Mo Freitas battles till the end of the dramatic Red Bull Heavy Water event to take down Connor Baxter.
Terrene Black secures her maiden World Title with a dominant performance in 2017, with wins in Maui and Japan.
If anything is 100% clear from the 2017 season, it is that Mo Freitas from Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oahu has only just got started. Over the past few years, Mo’s performance on the race course has gone to a whole other level, and in 2017, he has been looking more dangerous than ever.
Terrene Black had a stellar season in 2017, starting with a strong showing at the Sunset Beach Pro, the season Opener for Surfing on the APP World Tour, and moving onto Maui, where she backed up a strong finish in the distance with a dominant win in the surf sprints to take the overall win. Likewise in Japan, while she wasn’t able to capture the victory in the distance race, her sprint was able to secure the overall win for her, making it two bullet wins and positioning her as the most consistent overall athlete on Tour. 48
Mo started off the season on Maui with a groundbreaking win against Connor Baxter in Connor’s backyard on Maui. Granted, the victory was by way of a tiebreaker that weighted the surf sprints heavier than the long distance, but his performance in the long distance also turned heads amidst the very best distance athletes in the world.
Move onto Japan, and Mo once again pushed Connor to his physical and mental limits, in what was one of the most dramatic and well documented finishes of the year, where Mo hit the sand first, but stumbled on the run up the beach, just allowing Connor to squeak through for the win. However, even with a broken board during the early rounds, Mo was able to rise up and take victory once again in the sprints, but the tie breaker on this one went with Connor, with Japan favoring the distance race over the sprints. This meant that coming into Red Bull Heavy Water, it was going to be a battle for the ages in more ways than one, as Connor and Mo would be going head to head, one last time. For Mo, it wasn’t to be in 2017.
Sonni Hönscheid puts on a stellar display to finish in 2nd overall for the year, with dominant Long Distance performances. Sonni Hönscheid proved herself to be nothing short of dominant in distance races this year on the APP World Tour, with bullet wins in both Maui and Japan. And while her Sprint and Surf Racing ability didn’t allow her the win in 2017, she did enough to secure 2nd place overall at the end of the season, an impressive performance from this impressive talent. Not a stranger to the surf, sharing her time between Maui, the Canaries and the North Sea (Sylt), Sonni is a perfectionist, and will doubtless use the off season to hone her surf racing and sprint skills to be able to take a real run for the Title in 2018.
One thing is for sure – Sonni knows how to win, with some of the sports’ most famous long distance wins under her belt, inclusive of the Molokai to Oahu to add to her performances on the APP World Tour. Casper Steinfath capped of the year with a dramatic win at Red Bull Heavy Water to secure his 3rd place overall in 2017. Casper Steinfath has already proved himself as one of the greatest Sprint Racers in the sport, with unprecedented victories across the globe in all forms of conditions, from flat water in Japan and Germany to the powerful surf on Maui’s north shore. However Red Bull Heavy Water was always going to be the greatest challenge for this determined Viking, with so many elements to contend. While he wasn’t necessarily the favorite, as we now
know, Casper won through at Red Bull Heavy Water and capped off a great year on Tour. Calm and collected, Casper will take the time during this off season to prepare physically and mentally for the campaign next year. Fiona Wylde secures a podium finish overall in 2017 and continues to position herself as one of the best paddlers. Defending a World Title, Fiona was up against a tough challenge. With solid distance finishes in Maui and Japan amidst the intense competition, Fiona kept herself very much in contention, coupled with podium finishes in the sprint races to keep her overall position on the leaderboard in a good spot. However it was not enough to take down Terrene Black, whose consistency was insurmountable.
Gran Canaria Pro-Am Be Cordial SUP Challenge Dunkerbeck SUP Challenge
Dunkerbeck SUP Challenge
The German Sonni Hönscheid and the also German living in Gran Canaria, Moritz Mauch are crowned the new Stand Up Paddle Racing European Champions in Mogan Beach, at the south of Gran Canaria.
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From the 14th till 17th of December took place the “Gran Canaria Pro-Am, be Cordial SUP Challenge” in the south of Gran Canaria, in Mogan Beach organized by Björn Dunkerbeck.
The professional athlete with residence in Fuerteventura finished a perfect weekend in which she won all three modalities (Downwind, Technical and Long Distance).
The three times world champion Sonni Hönscheid won the Stand Up Paddle European Championship in the Open category (14 ft boards).
In this third edition of the European Championship in Gran Canaria, the participants had to cover an 18-kilometer distance between Playa de Mogan and Amadores.
A race with challenging conditions, such as gusty winds and waves, made this competition even more difficult.
“ The professional German athlete, with residence in Fuerteventura, finished a perfect weekend in which she won all three modalities ”.
Hönscheid with a 14-ft board managed to take the lead in the first few kilometers and completed the track in 2 hours and 19 minutes, 6 minutes ahead of, the German Moritz Mauch, who started with a 12.6-ft board. The third position in the open category went to Hawaii-based Tristan Boxford -the CEO of the Association of Paddlesurf Professionals (APP). In the category of board length up to 12.6 feet Moritz Mauch won the first place of the European Championship of men. In this way, he confirms the title, which he reached in the previous year.
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There were also long distance races for children, juniors and amateurs, each with adapted course length. Amateurs and kids came from Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria to demonstrate their skills on the SUP board.
surf schools. Dozens of people took this opportunity to try one of the fastest growing sports in Europe. Everyone agreed that it is a nice and easy way to start surfing for everyone.
Events with these formats are important to secure the future of Stand Up Paddle Sports. The third edition of the “Gran Canaria ProAm, be Cordial SUP Challenge” in Playa de Mogan and the coast of Gran Canaria once again demonstrated spectacular conditions for the practice of water sports in winter.
No doubt, the picture of sun, beach and surfboards in the water was more typical of the summer than for the end of the year.
Only a few places in the world can offer these sport- opportunities in the middle of December. On the three days of the event, fans on the beach of Mogan could try Stand Up Paddle Sport for free with the help of instructors from Björn Dunkerbeck’s
With 114 registered participants from 10 different countries the SUP European Championship once again concludes a successful edition. Organizer and 42-times windsurfing world champion Björn Dunkerbeck is already planning the 4th edition from 13th till 16th of December 2018 with the aim of growing in the next few years.
Long Distance Open:
Time
1. Sonni Hönscheid (GER)
2:19:43
2. Moritz Mauch (GER)
2:25:49
3. Tristan Boxford (GBR)
2:27:24
Downwind Open:
Time
1. Sonni Hönscheid
1:11:38
2. Stano Hubaceck
1:15:25
3. Stefan Buday
1:17:30
Technical Race Open
Time
1. Sonni Hönscheid
28:38
2. Stano Hubaceck
29:51
3. Eduardo Díaz
30:04
Ibiza in a sailboat With the SUP on board! Chris Ziaja, Kirsty Johns
Pete Winkelhofer
The Watersports Training Team tell us how are their sailboat trips over the Balearic Islands. Discovering places being in the boat, at the same time that you practice all your favorite activities. An intense week full of adventures... Chris Ziaja, the organizer of this adventure, tells us about how was this trip through Ibiza and the Balearic Islands. It’s 07.00 a.m. and we´re anchored in a protected little bay at the southern coast of Ibiza. It´s still dark outside and totally calm. The many unfamiliar noises on board a ship makes falling asleep in the first night often difficult. So the 6 new guest we picked up at Ibiza Airport last evening are still fast asleep in their cabins. Quietly our crew starts preparing the usual early morning Yoga session, by setting up the inflatable Yoga Platform. It is a great invention! It holds the SUP Yoga Boards in place during the session, so the participants can fully focus on the exercises, not having to bother with paddling or drifting off. 54
During our week around Ibiza and Formentera, every day begins with one of those early morning workout or Yoga sessions. A sunrise at sea is always something special, watching the sun slowly clearing the horizon while paddling on a SUP board is only intensifying this experience. Of course we know, that getting up before sunrise in your holidays is not everyone’s favorite thing to do. Participating in each of the offered activities during the week is entirely voluntary. Our program is aimed for having fun in a group of likeminded people not about group pressure… While our guest are enjoying their Yoga session lead by Kirsty, our specialized Yoga Instructor, the remaining team is preparing breakfast on deck.
“ A sunrise at sea is always something special, paddling on a SUP board is only intensifying this experience �.
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“ Real special moments and breathtaking experiences in life are not easy to get. We can´t just purchase a ticket and lean back in our sun chairs waiting for them to happen. We have to earn them “.
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After some coffee, fresh fruits, Eggs and a lot of Nutella, we set off to our next destination for the day. Our goal is to show our guest, as many of the beautiful places and anchorages the Balearic Islands have to offer, while not hitting the touristic hot spots. Our journey is not like a cruise on a luxury cruise ship and a sailing yacht not a floating hotel. No white tablecloth, no captain’s dinners and insane luxury. Living aboard a sailing Yacht is often a little uncomfortable, always too little space and the most normal things of our daily life turn into a challenge. Despite that, it´s hard to beat the fascination of being at sea on a small boat..
Maybe because living at sea is only more complicated as long as we try to live the same way as we do at home.
“ The distance to shore often helps to offer a new perspective to the little problems of our daily life and to question some of our daily routines “. The main reason though is that the real special moments and breathtaking experiences in life are not easy to get. We can´t just purchase a ticket and lean back in our sun chairs waiting for them to happen.
We have to earn them. We have to be willing to give up on some comfort, to step out of our way and maybe to overcome some fear. We promise, what you get for it is more than any guest on a cruise ship will ever get. Your experiences will be real, not artificially designed by an incoming agency. Moments in which you are not a spectator, but the main actor in your own adventure. Kirsty Jones, World Kitesurfing Champion and Yoga instructor in our trip tells us how she lived the whole experience.
“ The combination of sailing, paddle boarding, yoga, and exploring the beautiful Balearic Islands was such an amazing, unique and blissful experience, with an awesome team!
Sailing and living aboard the yacht gave us the freedom to choose a new scene each day, exploring and experiencing the very best of the Balearic Islands. Thanks to the great team on board, the beautiful boat, and the incredible selection of Fanatic boards and toys, our days were filled with the perfect balance of action, fitness, exploring, sailing, fun, and total relaxation, fresh air, and clear blue water! What I loved was the diversity of the places we sailed to and visited. From remote, scenic bays with incredible turquoise waters, perfect for our SUP Yoga sessions, to bustling harbours full of the most luxury super yachts i´ve ever seen, then historical old towns with shops, nightlife, cafes and restaurants. 60
Our mornings began with sunrise Yoga on the water, floating, balancing and breathing on the Fanatic Flyairfit boards, gathered around the inflatable island, followed by an amazing breakfast, spread over the sup boards, on the deck of the boat!
“ We usually did a team paddle after breakfast, exploring the coast and beautiful bays, stopping off to jump off rocks, or paddling into explore cool caves! “
During the afternoons and evenings we did a sup training and fitness session, played SUP polo which involved a lot of fun falling, and laughing so much that the stomach muscles ached, or just sailed into the sunset to discover another location, and anchor for the night. The whole experience gave us a special, magical connection to the ocean and elements, tuned our body, freed our mind, and helped us to realise our passions and paths, while bonding, sharing and contributing as a team of sailors and salty ocean lovers! “
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Faaite Zane Schweitzer in Tuamotu Laurent Masurel
Laurent Masurel
Last May, Zane Schweitzer went in a trip to Tuamotu with “La Nuit de la Glisse” crew, with the goal to surf in the Faaite Atoll. A good sized south swell was pointing to that area, so Zane travelled from Maui as fast as he could, knowing that he was going to spend there just 2 days and that the trip to get there was going to last 4 days. When you talk about adventures, the Hawaiian is always up for the challenge... Zane has a special ability to adapt and merge with the conditions, full of motivation and appreciation for every moment in a super positive attitude. Either trying to sleep in L.A. airport in between flights or waiting for the boat under the Polynesian sun, he is always motivated and ready for it. This time he knew that he was on pursuit to discover one of the nicest breaks in the Tuamotu islands. He also got to know all the locals in the atoll and… he tried all the local dishes! It was very surprising for the locals, he never said “no”!
Faaite
Zane Schweitzer in Tuamotu This trip was the encounter of two wave machines in the South Pacific: Faaite and Zane. During the first day, the Hawaiian was outstanding; he spent 8 hours in the water, and to be honest, he was enjoying it more than the other six surfers that were there. Look at the caliber of them: they were Matahi Drollet (XXL barrel of the year in Teahupoo), Hira Teriinatoofa (2 times ISA World Champion), Mateia Hiquily… 64
It’s pretty obvious that with Stand Up Paddle you can catch the waves before than the surfers and generate more speed at the beginning, but Zane was really respectful with them, and he was taking just the waves that where free, also dropping off the wave when a surfer was paddling in. Fortunately it was not too crowded, just “La Nuit de la Glisse” crew and some locals that were in the shoulder watching the pros. I’m going to tell you about how isolated is that place... surfers and SUPers from Tahiti never come to Faaite. We’re far away from everything. Just to give you a glimpse of it, after Tahiti airport we had three more flights to reach the atoll, we
went through it, and then we were sailing in a speedboat for 3 hours to finally arrive to the spot.
“ As you can see, the logistics about all of this is really complex, and the costs for the locals are nowhere near to be affordable “.
To be true, there is an airport in Faaite, but if you go there based on a forecast, you can’t
trust the flights. Officially there are weekly flights, but in reality, the planes don’t take off till they have the spots completely covered, to not lose money. The locals told us that it’s been 3 weeks without planes landing… so it was pretty clear that we couldn’t roll the dice with this. Telling this, you wouldn’t be surprised that you don’t see familiar faces too often here, neither tourists. There are no hostels in the atoll, we were hosted by locals. Zane was sleeping in a mattress in the floor with 6 more surfers in a house within 100m distance to the spot. We were very well treated by the locals, they even woke up at 5 in the morning to cook for us a super nice breakfast in front of the spot!
“ The locals told us that it’s been 3 weeks without planes landing… so it was pretty clear that we couldn’t roll the dice with this ”.
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“This place is one of the only ones in the world where the surfers were telling us not to forget to mention the Faaite spot in the magazines �.
Even the major offered the town council as a base for having all the photo gear and power for charging the cameras.
“The spot is incredibly shallow, with big coral heads (“patates” as they call them), that come out in the water surface ”.
“La Nuit de la Glisse” crew were here two years ago, and during this trip, we felt that it was the perfect opportunity to show Faaite to the world. The welcome there was charming, from the beginning till the end, from the flower collar until the farewell picture. This place is one of the only ones in the world where the surfers were telling us not to forget to mention the Faaite spot in the magazines. They want to share their place, see new faces and grow up their economy in this little piece of paradise. They want to transform the old school in front of the spot in a Surf Camp.
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Because of that, when I mention this place in my article, I know I’m respecting the locals and what they want, I feel I’m not going to be guilty of bring the crowd to the point. First of all due to the logistics to reach the place, and besides that, you have to know that surfing in Tuamotu is not an easy thing, it’s super random. You have to know the location of the channels regarding the swell direction, and then you have to see if those swells get covered by other islands. So it is a place that doesn’t work with every swell you see in the forecast. Faaite is one of the few places that works with south swell, but to get a wave there… you need some specific characteristics:
Southwest swell at least 2m high and 15 seconds, and some wind from the east.
wave length was about 300m. At the same time, in Teahupoo, the wave was 3-4m.
If the wave comes too south, it will be blocked by another atoll. If it comes too from the west, it will be a closeout.
The spot is incredibly shallow, with big coral heads (“patates” as they call them), that come out in the water surface. The Tahitian surfers tell us that is the shallowest spot in the French Polynesia.
If the wind is too strong, even if it’s offshore, the swell will pass by the island without touching it… But when you have the luck on your side and the swell has the right direction, this point break builds a world class wave that is breaking through the entire channel, peeling in absolute perfection, even without sections, over 400 - 500m. We had 2m swell with 15 seconds, and the
Zane was surfing avoiding “patates”, yes, as it sounds. Luckily, with his mini SUP board, the pull in on whitewater washing machine is not too hard, so he was surfing till the end of the wave, where the reef was already out. This swell was a little bit too south. The next day, when the period went down to 14 seconds and the wave size to 2m, the wave wasn’t hitting the reef and it was nothing breaking.
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“ But when you have the luck on your side and the swell has the right direction, this point break builds a world class wave that is breaking through the entire channel �.
“If the wave comes too south, it will be blocked by another atoll. If it comes too from the west, it will be a closeout. If the wind is too strong, even if it’s offshore, the swell will pass by the island without touching it… ”
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In these places, you have to count on not too predictable forecasts, is not easy to score Even that, we are so glad of have been enjoying that perfect day, ask Zane, after one of those 3m waves that he caught… It was a memorable session.
It was a risk, even with his cat agility. Sometimes it took him 30min to pass through all the obstacles, get around the waves by the channel and being in position in the line up again. You have to earn your ticket to paradise!
“ The Hawaiian was ending in the inside a couple of times, it was almost dry. Getting in and out of that place with living cutting reef everywhere demands a lot of technique. It seemed like going through a surgery room “.
Once we were there in Faaite, there wasn’t a B plan, so, if the left is not breaking, the right is not going to break either. So we had our possibilities restricted. The good thing about SUP, is that you can go out cruising, but watch out with the channels, even when the tide is going up, the current can be strong and it pulls you out, making impossible to come back, because in this island, there is only one channel where all the water flows from the lagoon.
Welcome to Faaite. Knowing that they have gold there, the Faaite inhabitants want to open the spot to the world, so this visit from “La Nuit de la Glisse” is going to put them in the map. They want to offer a charming, open and structured island. This is the image of the island that they want to show, because till now, Faaite keeps correlated to the history about the “Faaite’s bonfires” where six victims were burned alive in 1987 after a collective mystical delirium with the arriving of three priestess. After all calmed down, Faaite keeps far from those sectarian excesses. That was the last case of witchery in France, the hell in paradise!
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“ ... peeling in absolute perfection, even without sections, over 400 or 500m �.
“It was a risk, even with his cat agility. Sometimes it took him 30min to pass through all the obstacles, get around the waves by the channel and being in position in the line up again. You have to earn your ticket to paradise! �
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Since that they opened an airport, they banned alcohol in the whole island, they are controlling the cults, and they are doing some modernization in the atoll. This is one of the most modern towns in Tuamotu. So this was the past, and now the waves and tourism will bring the future.
For him, it was so valuable to be able to feel this place and surf a wave of that caliber, making all the effort well worth it.
However, he’s not investing all of his energy just in competitions, he is so implicated with nonprofit organizations through SUP.
The outcome was a magical session in a faraway paradise, with images that will keep recorded in his soul ”.
His family, windsurf legends, and himself founded “Stand Up for the Cure” and “InZane SUPer Groms”, and beside of that, he’s ambassador for another associations as “Surfer’s healing”, “The Ocean”, “Thera Surf” o “Mighty Under Dogs”.
About Zane Schweitzer.
“ Zane was adapting so fast to the wave, the spot, and the place in general. Sharing with the locals, even he had just one day to do all of this! ”
Zane is the SUP Surfing vice World Champ and he has been awarded as the best Waterman in the World for times: winner for the Ultimate Waterman in 2016 and in the Ocean Master from 2014 to 2016. In those events he showed his skills in sufing, longboad, SUP surf, SUP race, windsurf, kitesurf, OC1 canoe, prone and swimming.
He loves to share the aloha spirit around the world in his SUP trips, and although his stay in Faaite has been quick, his smile, energy and fondness went deep in all the locals here.
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“ The Tahitian surfers tell us that is the shallowest spot in the French Polynesia �.
SNAPSHOT Cadiz
The extraordinary of solitude Emilio Galindo
Fura Photography
There are still some spots, or at least moments, where you feel alone in the middle of the ocean, lonely but calm, relaxed. You and the Mother Nature, just being aware of the lines that deform the far away horizon. And then you wait, paciently and without any distraction, for one of those lines to transform your mood, your day, or even your entire life. Last week, as the first big winter storm came to Cadiz, I could take advantage of a little bit of the energy that the ocean provides, and make all of those hours spended looking at the forecasts worth it. I’m sure that this is the first of many to come, this season just started, train and refine your smell for swells and look for your little sweet spot and your momentary time lapse in the sea. The effort it’s going to be well worth it, being in solitude never felt that good. 80
Fura Photography
Emilio Galindo
“ Candy waves in Cadiz, only for those who persevere in the search, that wave is not knocking on your door to hook up with you... �
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Fura Photography
Emilio Galindo
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The Arctic The Polar Light SUP Expedition Thomas Oschwald
Thomas Oschwald
Fanatic rider and extreme paddler Thomas Oschwald is always on the lookout for a new challenges, in SUP as well as everyday life. He loves the freedom and uncertainty that challenges bring and the opportunity to make the impossible possible. He’s never one to take the easy route! This pursuit to go new ways, widens your horizon and never standing still makes him complete. He records all his expeditions and adventures by himself, taking advantage from his former job as professional photographer. He controls the cameras via remote trigger and through the automatic programs of his drone. With the help of those complex documentations people can watch his tours on the internet and get inspiration for their own adventures.
The Arctic The Polar Light SUP Expedition
Den virkelige oppdagelsesreisen går ikke på å lete etter nye land, men å se nye øyne.
experienced at home in front of your house rather than in the Fjords in Norway. Microadventures are exhilarating and exciting challenges, which help us open our eyes for the beauties of daily life. Small expeditions are for all heroes of everyday life.
Var det ikke for mørket, så visste vi ikke om sternene.
This Norwegian proverb puts it in a nutshell: The real journey of discovery is not about seeking new land, it´s about seeing things with new eyes.
At the beginning of December I started one of these microexpedition in Tromsø/Denmark. My plan was simple: Paddling within 2 - 3 weeks on my Stand Up Paddle board on the water to the North Cape.
If there was no darkness, we would not know of the stars. My microexpedition should not take place during the warm summer months. Again, I needed the struggle with the elements. So why not accept the challenges and experience Norway in the darkest season?
Looking at it from that angle an expedition does not necessarily need to lead to outlying and unexplored regions, but can also be
In the footsteps of the polar light, I challenged myself with darkness, cold, and unknown waters.
After I was greeted in Tromsø by a blizzard and the temperatures fell into the bottomless, I have questioned my decision with every
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I enkelheten ligger friheten!
My goal was to see things again with fresh eyes. 500 kilometers, enough time and top equipment - what else does it need? Freedom means simplicity!
paddle stroke: Why do I have to do that? Creeping out the tent at minus temperatures to paddle through the darkness for up to ten hours? If that does not promise fun and joy! Whirling winds made the waters rise to huge waves which almost capsized my SUP.
“ Great, just one fall could mean the end of my expedition, because wetness and coldness become ice ”. But exactly that was the fascination of my journey.
“ Why do I have to do that? Creeping out the tent at minus temperatures to paddle through the darkness for up to ten hours? If that does not promise fun and joy! ”
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“ ...life means that I can face uncertain situations, challenge myself and grow or fail. Fear not the end of life, fear rather that it never begins �.
The moments when my body slowly began to warm up after the first paddle strokes were joyous dances for muscle and mind.
“ The twilight laying over the land for a few hours every day was a gift of the sun which gave me my motivation to carry on ”. The backwind, which pushed me along with the low tide, was pure relaxation. And after the clouds lightened after a long, hardwearing week and I saw the Northern Light for the first time in my life, I was just happy. 72
Frykt ikke at ditt liv skal ta slutt, frykt heller at det aldri skal begynne. For me, life means that I can face uncertain situations, challenge myself and grow or fail. Fear not the end of life, fear rather that it never begins. According to this Norwegian speech, I was not afraid of the uncertainty, which was hidden in my intention. To fail is an important component of all my adventurers. But during my trip to the North Cape I never took unnecessary risks. Already in the first week I decided against the crossing of the Fjords and paddled always in close distance to the beach. And the last part of the trip I even had to walk for some time because of stormy winds.
Even though I had a Drysuit, Lifejacket and emergency transmitter I was looking for the challenge in the physical and mental struggle and not in precarious situations. I consider this preventative approach as an important aspect of a microadventure. Whether at home in front of the own house or on the way to the North Cape, it is the struggle with oneself, which moves into the center. I paddled not only towards my personal goal but also deeper and deeper into myself. A world which is my life and which can create and form myself. Friheten es som luften. Først nåren ikke har den, merker en hva det betyr. Life means to be free. It is one of my most precious goods. But freedom is like air.
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“ I paddled not only towards my personal goal but also deeper and deeper into myself. A world which is my life and which can create and form myself... �
We only notice how much it is worth if it´s not there anymore. I think this Norwegian wisdom reflects the urge of many people.
“ Life means to be free. It is one of my most precious goods. But freedom is like air. We only notice how much it is worth if it´s not there anymore ”.
It is the inner voice, which first cries softly and then louder and louder for freedom and adventure. On the way to the North Cape, this voice became quieter with every paddle stroke. But another voice grew louder and louder. It was the call for company and coming home. Departure, fulfillment and homecoming! This is the ever-recurring course of my life. The life sex, which gives me sense and meaning. I hope I will be able to hear and follow these voices for a lifetime.
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REFLEXIONES
Another Look on SUP Racing ÂżShall we try?
Beatriz Felipe
A few weeks ago, we received an unusual mail. For the first time, one person with no commercial interest or from the SUP world was trying to reach us. Beatriz wanted to let us know about her thoughts while she was one of the spectators of a SUP event. As a psicologist and professional coach, Beatriz tells us how people perceive SUP from outside, the questions that come up when they watch it and also why some people is not trying the sport. Questions that you can extend through all the aspects of modern life and maybe 96
P. Winkelhofer, Dunkerbeck SUP Challenge
it helps you to remember something that you abandoned at some point in your life...
“ I presume you will all agree human beings are curious by nature. Given the opportunity, we turn inquisitive. So there I was, standing among the crowd assembled to presence the 13th stage of the Mediterranean Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Racing Trophy. Featured by Aloha Sport, it gathered competitors, lots of fans and some other snoopy walkers like me at Muchavista Beach, Campello. Peeking from my anonymous concealment, every minute I was wondering the same question: What is it that propels me to watch this so
restlessly? What is it about this ‘novel’ sport that mesmerizes so many of us? And further more, I pondered: What makes a newbie take on the sport, persevere and get better and finally reach competition levels? An outsider as I was, I was lucky not to have any expectations to comply with, no previous noise or references, just a clean slate from where I could observe. Even though their actions, movements, give and takes and blissful smiles where catching every eye and turning every neck, I bet the ‘insiders’ did not feel as mannequins or dummy runs for our entertainment’s sake. But the goodvibe blowing from the water was so appealing that it was impossible not to make a halt.to.
“ Everything welcomed us to join them, the music, the charming and colourful agitation, the people from all ages. Nonetheless, we the wallflowers (or ‘sandflowers’) are worldclass experts in making excuses. Our prejudices and self deprecating beliefs led us to remain still on the sand ”.
It was no surprise for me, by chance or choice, consciously or unconsciously, we all do the same on a daily basis. Does it sound familiar? Does it ring any bells, giving up a dream without even daring to try? At best, we try once, then we abandon at the first opportunity, since it is better to stay as we are now than dealing with the prospect of, eventually, not getting what we want. Yet, the only thing we are doing is depriving ourselves from the chance to enjoy the challenge. We are coded, programmed to run away from failure and all the good stuff that does not accept money as retribution. We have never been told that treading on stones and then advancing is the shortest way forward. Or that self-awareness can only arrive through trial and error.
With all that unconscious burden we resigned to stay watching, feeling envy and excitement, making guesses about what would it be like, that experience that was to be seen but not to be lived. And that is what it is about SUP... Comments like ‘it’s just a passing fad’, ‘not bad for the summertime’, ‘teenage trend’, ‘a hobby’, among other nuisances, do not let SUP be known in its essence: a competitive sport with years of history. It is a discipline you can take any level you desire, a sport you can practice anytime you want, with anyone you want; an affordable sport, meant for everyone of us; and as physically and mentally demanding as any other sport. 98
“ The only prerequisite is to dive in and get involved. We need to give ourselves a license for that, to test the waters!, since it is the only way we can frolic in the same way the insiders do ”.
Community, friendship, commitment, selfimproving, lifelong learning, fun, or passion are just a few of the grooves that took hold of me while I was a mere bystander, not daring to jump on the invitation that me and others were extended by Aloha Sport, notwithstanding how easy it was to take it. I do not know how much are you willing to give or how far would yo go, but everything starts a first step. Ease your cravings and meet your interests. What are you waiting for? Wanna SUP? ” Beatriz Felipe López Psicologist and Coach.
ART GALLERY Aline Solozabal @a_line_of_ideas SUPING Magazine
It’s been already 3 years since we started following this girl from Rio de Janeiro. Our attention got caught by the amount of little details in her drawing and the way she could use it to emboss the volumes. Her style reminds to Zentagle, but with reminiscences of surf and Maori traditional art, using repetitive patterns, strokes and ornaments. With this subtle combination elaborated with grace and personality, Aline has found her own style. A style that is positioning her in the art world in a very 100
Yunes Khader, Giovani Cordioli
eclectic dimension of it, since she could be tagged as a surf artist when she is not even painting surf scenes! Compulsive painter, she is not happy to paint just in papers, Aline started painting the walls in her house, then in other people houses’ or bars, and what we like the most, she is painting beautiful surf boards. She is getting a big reach with her social nets, and a lot of orders! If you have a look to the trophies of the WSL in Brazil… they were surfboards painted by her!
Aline loves to design tattoos too, there are a lot of them walking around the world already. In these three years we’ve seen her grow artistically and professionally, and you can tell that she is going to keep developing in that direction. The originality, patience and persistence always have a reward.
In a few words, who is behind of @a_line_of_ideas?
How would you define your art? Which are your influences?
My name is Aline Solozabal, I live in Rio de Janeiro, and I adore nature and animals. Surfing is what I like the most. I studied to become a bet, but I couldn’t stop myself from painting, so art is nowadays my number one priority.
I started drawing randomly; I liked patterns and filling the blank spaces in my paintings. It was kind of like a therapy.
What was before, art or surfing? So we wanted to bring her to SUPING Magazine to get to know her art to our readers. You can follow her in her social media, even watching her painting videos live…
Art! I have always loved painting, since I was a little girl, but I have only found my style when I became adult. Did you study Art?
We are quite sure that more than one of you are going to paint your board after watching hers! Here it’s the interview with the young surfer and Brazilian artist. 102
No, I never thought in the option of becoming a professional artist. But then drawings started to flow from my hands and I couldn’t stop it anymore.
“ I re-started painting when my dad passed away... it was a difficult time for me and painting was evading my mind ”.
I’ve listened to advises from some friends, artists and architects. They suggested me to apply my designs to fabrics and objects. Then a good friend of mine, very related to fashion, told me that this style that I was discovering by myself exists and that its name is Zentagle, which is a meditational paintings where patterns keep repeating. That was a wise advice I guess, since this surfboards look awesome with your designs! Are there some artists that specially inspires you? Yes there are many artists that inspire and influence me, like for example @_jesslbert_ and @kerbyrosanes.
� I started drawing randomly; I liked patterns and filling the blank spaces in my paintings. It was kind of like a therapy �.
What is your relation with surf? Crazy about it? Pro? Soul surfer? I love surfing, I am just passionate about it.
“There are a lot of people that would love to have their boards painted by me, but they didn’t have the board... Painting walls is widening my reach a lot. ”
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“ I’ve never surfed very well, but the surf philosophy says that “the best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun”, so I guess I am super good! Hahaha ”.
What do you like to paint the most and what is what people ask you to paint the most?
I usually draw on paper but I would love to Paint more in walls and surfboards. In Brazil, art doesn’t have too much value, so imagine in these times with the big crisis, art is even in bigger difficulties. You use to draw a lot of animals... is there any other themes that you love to draw? I love to draw whales, manta rays, and many other ocean animals… but as I’m veterinary I also paint a lot of dogs and cats, for sure!
Do you have any projects for the future that you can tell us about?
so I’m working hard to adapt my Zentagle style into them.
Nowadays I’m really stoked about painting walls and tattoo design.
Thanks a lot Aline! We will keep following you in your social networks! Good luck!
There are a lot of people that would love to have their boards painted by me, but they didn’t have the board... Painting walls is widening my reach a lot.
Thanks to you SUPING Magazine, I’m really happy to be able to collaborate in this interview :)
Drawing things that can glow in the dark is something that I just simply love, I can’t help myself being excited every time that the lights turn off and the design is shining into live, it’s magic!
Follow Aline:
Tattoos are also a project that is going forward, but slowly. It’s a great responsibility,
Facebook: alineofideas Instagram: @a_line_of_ideas
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