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JASON PRIOR :: ICARAIZINHO RIDE GUIDE :: SARAH-QUITA OFFRINGA :: JAY VOSS NORTH AMERICA’S WINDSURFING MAGAZINE
’ N I P P I R T ROAD- .A. FROM LPUS TO CORI CHRIST
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EARLY SUMMER '09
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Forecast the uLtiMAte LiNeuP
The Kona wind days in maui offer the best shots of a windsurfing lineup on the planet. It’s a photographer’s paradise where it’s easy to find nice foreground scenery and great action. It’s hard to say which is more important in a windsurfing picture, the action or the foreground? some would say that action is what it’s all about, but I would suggest that the good action is actually worth less if there are no witnesses (and these particular witnesses are world class). by the way, don’t forget to check out Tristan boxford’s style on the wave. —Jerome Houyvet
What do you notice first? J. Houyvet photo
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Features 50 With a Rebel Yell
John Carter tracks down the always colourful Jason Prior to see what’s going on in this legendary wavesailor’s life.
54 Demo Dayz
Casey Hauser and Bryan Metcalf-Perez go on a wild road trip from L.A. to Corpus Christi with a ton of gear crammed into a Ford E-250 van.
62 Why go to Brazil?
Windsport editor Pete DeKay, makes a trip to this windy destination and answers five important questions about Jericoacoara and Icaraizinho.
80 Board and Sail Tests Windsport tests powerful 7.5-m2 freeride sails and super-easy 140-litre boards at Windsurf Inc. in South Padre Island, Texas.
On the Cover
Rider: Laurent Guillemin Photographer: Jerome Houyvet Laurent throws the most radical moves at the most critical section of a wave. Here I love his position and height. Check out the mast and how far it is from the water. You know he’s going to land this Goiter clean. I wish more guys could throw moves with such intensity... it makes my job easier. —Jerome Houyvet
contents one
Volume 28, Issue 3, Number 121
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Vicky Sanchez in Jeri. Strom photo
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Why go to Brazil?
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contents TWo VoLume 28, iSSue 3, numbeR 121
uPFrONt 06 Forecast: A perfect scene 14 Launch: sailing through the recession 16 Balance Point: Letters and feedback 19 In the Wind: Life on the beach
DePartMeNts 36 radar Corpus Christi’s enes Yilmazer 38 In the Lab naish’s legendary Harold Iggy 40 Quiver boujmaa’s gear for taking flight 42 Guru A beginner’s guide and a fancy clew first beachstart 46 Making Moves Kiri Thode shows us the Kono in bonaire 48 ride Guide: Icaraizinho best place in brazil to relax and sail every day 96 Getting real meet avid wavesailor Josh sak 98 Close Out mitch Gingrich gives props to Lars bergstrom
Family fun with Francisco Goya. Aeder photo
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Pic: Johannes Rodach www.yearning.de
WHY NORTH? NIK BAKER K66
Double zig zag seams and a 5-year warranty of course!! North Sails stands for unsurpassed quality that guarantees a longer life for our sails, even after the toughest wipeouts. DOUBLE.SEAM.TECHNOLOGY is a crucial to our quality and strength, this means strong zig zag seams TWICE! These seams are on all the important ‘crash’ areas and not only do they increase the strength they also reduce stretch by up to 50%. In fact we are so confident in the strength and build of our sails we offer a 5-year- warranty (except monofilm). This even raised the eye brows of Nik Baker. Read more about DOUBLE.SEAM.TECHNOLOGY and 5-YEAR WARRANTY at north-windsurf.com
CHECK OUT NIK`S NEW VIDEO ON www.north-windsurf.com
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launch
WiNDsurfiNG’s stiMuLus PACKAGe Let’s face it… times are tough right now. The economy sucks. People all over are suffering as property values fall and the companies they work for are downsizing, making layoffs, cutting hours or even shutting down completely. What can a lowly windsurfer do to combat the depression and general malcontent arising from these dark days? Well, I’m probably the last guy to be giving financial advice. I graduated from college in the mid-’90s with one solid credit in economics 101 under my mortarboard, allowing me a basic knowledge in ledger balancing and the fact that you can still pass by always choosing “A” for the questions you are unsure of in a multiple choice exam. my major was in anthropology, aptly preparing me for digging up bones and diagnosing why ancient societies have collapsed (Hey, I might
Fraser photo
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actually have a degree with some use in a few years). since graduation I have spent the majority of my years living out of a van teaching windsurfing at clinics around the country with AbK, like a true nomad (or circus freak depending on how the lesson went), until I started working here at Windsport —my first “real” job. now that you see my impressive qualifications for handing out economic advice, here’s my two cents for digging ourselves out of this financial hole. It seems like all the all the coolest political leaders are introducing great “stimulus packages” (insert Beavis and Butthead laugh here) injecting bajillions of dollars to encourage economic growth. If all the cool kids are doing it, we should too. And yes, I would jump off a bridge with barack Obama. It’s time to spend, spend, spend.
but if you have just had your hours cut at work, how can you afford to do this? I suggest cutting back in other “less essential” areas in order to allocate money to “essentially essential” things like windsurfing: the sport you love. Thinking globally, it makes sense to me to decrease spending on industries that boom during down times in order to reward lesser ones, like the windsurfing industry, with that re-allocation of cash. using the world’s best and almost only remaining research tool, google.com, I spent hours researching what industries are so successful right now that they don’t really need my money, and then I found a list of “Top 5 recession Proof Industries” on fhm.com and went with it. First up, you can try giving up alcohol but realistically the after-session beer is as much a part of your windsurfing gear as downhaul line: you can sail without it but it won’t be any fun. How about giving up fast food? stopping at the mcDonald’s next to the Hood river bridge is the fastest way put on the few extra pounds you need to sail that 3.7-m2 at the Hatchery. Apparently, both the gambling and healthcare industry do particularly well during a recession. since you can’t have it all, why not take the money you would
bY pete DeKaY normally put toward health insurance and spend it on windsurfing gear, gambling that you aren’t going to get hurt or sick over the remaining duration of the recession. If this sounds too risky to you, then at least consider cutting out one of the two bi-annual trips to the dentist: british windsurfers rip and by the looks of them I don’t think the dental profession even exists in the u.K. Once you figure out where you can cut back to save money, hoard it away in your board bag until you have enough to buy some new toys. It’s also beneficial to get the rest of the family hooked on windsurfing. It will get you to the beach more often, give you an excuse to buy even more stuff and plaster a permanent smile on your face for all to notice. Just think about how happy you’ll be once your kids learn to use their small hands to pry the broken battens from your sail and when your spouse figures out the complicated hand signals for “rig my 5.0-m2” as you blast along close to shore. Plus, they might actually enjoy participating in your passion with you. Just don’t get jealous when your kids (and spouse) get better than you and figure out how to get you doing odd little windsurfing tasks for them. but you know, it will all be worth it.
balance point Letter of the issue I never broke any bones during the first 40 years of my life. But recently I find myself with a broken foot. I work in construction and climb ladders nearly every day. Unfortunately, four weeks ago I unintentionally surfed one into the ground. OUCH! The ER guys told me four to six weeks and I will be as good as new. Well it’s been four weeks and my orthopedic surgeon has me scheduled to keep off it for another four weeks. The first week I was in denial. Oh, I can beat this. I can do what
It’s a Girl
February 28, 2009, she was born with a full head of hair and weighing 8 lbs 5 oz, our first child. All I can think about is when the ice will leave the bay. I have everything ready. I even bought a large toolbox to house my fins, extensions and bits. I looked over my 5/4 steamer and there are a lot of cracks in the shoulders and holes in just about every crevasse. OK I need a new suit, no big deal. Oh yeah, I have a child now. She probably has a few needs that trump my buying a new suit. I will make due. After all, I was in the water mid April last year, how cold could it be earlier? The end of March rolls around and my friend has already been in the water once. I’m just waiting for my newly acquired life insurance to be accepted before I go in. Finally I am in on March 30, holey suit and all. Oh my God. If any of my kit broke I would have died. By now my wetsuit fund has turned into a crib and a change table along with many diapers that always need to be replenished. However, I had an ideas on how to keep sailing: layers. My layers now consist of a bathing suit, rash guard, then a 2/2 shorty, followed by a 0.5 millimetre hooded vest, the steamer and finally an outlaw
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I normally can do and just get through the day, even though I’m on crutches. Finally my mind catches up with my body on the second week and I realize I have to figure out how to keep from going loco. Here are things that help. E-mail your windsurfing buds. You get plenty of support and you stay in the loop. I also reached out to Matt Prichard [who has two broken legs] and have been stoked for some good e-mail commiseration. Become the local photographer. I have taken more snaps of
neoprene life vest. I think I had about 47 millimetres of neoprene on. I was warm but I could barely move. My friend would laugh at me but I didn’t care, I was on the water. Probably the worst part of the whole thing was I needed help getting into and out of my many layers. Depending on your friend to dress you, sucks. Spending your wetsuit fund on your new baby girl, worth every penny. Joe Carroll, Picton, ON We had the hardest time not awarding the Neil Pryde Elite II wetsuit to Joe, but we did it for your daughter. The Great Lakes are way too cold in March and April for sane sailing (but whoever said windsurfers are sensible?). Congrats on the new baby! —ed.
How’s My Speling?
The recent issue with the Graham Ezzy, Kai Lenny and Robby Swift in Chile stories was very enjoyable. Few Hawaiians would care much that you misspelled the beach they call “Kaunoa School” because Claude Spreckels was a rich landowner/developer and not in touch with the common people. Kaunoa School (now Kaunoa Senior Center) was attended by rich white kids and not the locals whose parents worked sugar cane
da boys than I like to disclose. Man it gets cold on the beach with a metal camera in your hands. Read every article in Windsport and then read it again. Book next year’s windsurfing trip. Ah… a lot of time gets eaten up here. If you can work on your board then there’s always a ding or fin that needs a little wet sandpaper. Order some equipment that you need (in reality you don’t need the equipment but it beats watching Oprah). Pray it’s not windy. Wind kills you, I see the trees moving and I get sick to my
or pineapple. Never the less, it’s spelled Spreckelsville. Mystery Bob Gilbert, Maui Oops! I guess this is why everyone just shortens it to Sprecks. I needed an excuse to get my boss to send me over to Maui. Thanks. —ed.
Awesome Aruba
I just received my Spring 2009 issue and I was delighted to see your ride guide to Fisherman’s Huts, Aruba. I’m a long-time subscriber and I haven’t seen many articles about Aruba in your magazine over the last 10 years or so, it’s like it’s fallen off the windsurfing map. It was good to see the island featured once again. It’s still a great windsurfing destination. My wife (who is not a windsurfer) shares my passion for Aruba, which is why we have returned every year since 1992. I would have to say that Fisherman’s Huts is my favourite place on Earth. I’ve sailed many, many miles on the “Blue Highway.” I am concerned about the hotel development plans, which are slowly encroaching towards the huts. Let’s hope this windsurfing paradise will remain for future generations to enjoy. John Frederick, Ottawa, ON I share your love for this windy island and hope the “hotel
stomach and think, How can I do this? Finally look into your kids’ and/or wife’s eyes and think how lucky you are to be alive, eight weeks is nothing. George Pav, Stony Brook, NY For your sad tale and all the great advice for helping others survive a similar misfortune, we are awarding you the Neil Pryde Elite II wetsuit. This 5/4 steamer will help you make up for the lost water time this upcoming fall and winter. —ed.
development rumours” never come to fruition. I hope you enjoy this issue’s Peer Pressure interview with Aruba’s Sarah-Quita Offringa (p. 20). —ed.
Coyote Not-so-Ugly
Every year I have to wait out the rainy and windless San Francisco Bay area winter for spring to arrive so I can go out windsurfing again. Memories of last season and the occasional day skiing keep me going, but it’s a long wait! My best day last season was probably at Coyote Point. I ducked out of work early on a sunny, warm Friday and arrived at the launch around 2 p.m. The wind was a steady 5.0 m2 and there was a powerful ebb tide pushing the swell up to smooth carve-able peaks downwind and creating nice ramps upwind. As I headed back out after my third or fourth inside jibe, I knew it was going to be a great session and howled my happiness at escaping the daily grind on my board, dancing with the wind and waves. Marc LaRhette, San Francisco, CA Coyote Point in one of many great bay area sailing sites. Check out five other favourites this issue on p. 44. —ed.
Pure,, Simple, Fun.
Rider John Amundson; Image Bilderback Made by
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Carbon Uncut > 84” (~22.0 oz.) Carbon, Maple or Ebony Veneer
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Amundson 11.3 Epoxy ASA 11’6” x 29.5”>160L
Amundson 11.6 Epoxy AST 11’6“ x 30.0”>212L
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PEER PRESSURE
Sarah-Quita answers to her friends
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SWELL RIDES
The typical Jericoacoara dune buggy
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WELLnESS
Take the test and rate your skin cancer risk
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THE SKInnY
improving windsurfing’s image with Graham Ezzy
In THe wInd
MACgYVER HIgH FIVE SHoP gRoM KID TIPS InSPIRATIon HoW To
Angela Hurley coming in at Bird Island. sloat photo
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Peer Pressure
Sarah-Quita Offringa gets quizzed by 13 tour mates
This 18-year-old freestyle champion from Aruba stands out with her skatey windsurfing style, huge smile and even bigger hair. Last year she never lost a heat. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s see how she does when faced with some tough questions from her windsurfing peers. words by Phil Soltysiak Photos by John Carter/pwa
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Q&A Tine Slabe: Did you ever consider competing in freestyle against the men? Where do you think you would finish? I thought about this before and would also like to know where I would finish. In the PWA I think I’d finish around 18th place. I’m thinking about trying it in the EFPT (European Freestyle Pro Tour) next year though. Maarten van OchteN: Last year you never lost a heat on the way to the title. Do you think you can do it again this year? Woop woop! I thought that was the coolest part of becoming world champion. I’m sure this year it will be much harder. Let’s see what happens. Taty Frans: What are your biggest fears when sailing? Normally I don’t worry about anything when I’m sailing in Aruba, but this changes when I go to Maui. Getting in the water at Ho’okipa and seeing a humongous wall of water coming at me or at Kihei where I saw whales jumping out of the water. Other than that I’m still afraid sometimes to go for big moves. I still haven’t tried an Air Chacho yet. Kauli Seadi: When will you start competing in waves? I will soon. Every time I go to Maui I try to get some wavesailing in. I hope this year I can travel to different wave spots. It’s going to take a lot of practice, but with your help I’ll learn it in no time. Brian Talma: Does your brother, Quincy, help you a lot? My brother and I help and give each other a lot of tips when we’re on the water. On tour I enjoy traveling with him, it’s a lot of fun when we’re off on our own. Kevin Pritchard: Do you go out and party it up with the girls after an event? Ha ha ha… no, I haven’t been out to party it up much yet. Kai Lenny: What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you during a competition? Luckily I haven’t had any injuries during competitions. I did have a bad experience two years ago in the Canary Islands where I completely lost my concentration and focus and I went out in the first round. Junko Nagoshi: Everybody loves your hair and wants to touch it. Do you mind? No, I don’t mind people touching my hair at all. But, I don’t like it when people start pulling my hair to check if it’s a wig or not.
Egor Popretinskiy: How do you mix competing on the PWA tour with school? Up until now that hasn’t been a problem. I guess I’m very lucky to be living in Aruba so I can practice pretty much every weekend. Plus, most of the important competitions are in summertime anyway. Right now I’m in my last year of high school and I’m planning to take a year off from studying so I can windsurf, travel and compete more. Greg Thomas: Do you plan on doing any slalom events this year, as you did in Fuerteventura, Spain, last year? I had so much fun doing slalom in Fuerteventura and I definitely want to do some more racing this year.
Quincy on S-Q: Top 5 Career Moments 5. Landing her first Vulcan. After she stuck it she screamed for joy so loud that it got the attention of all the people on the beach in Aruba.
4. Competing at her first PWA event in Bonaire in 2003. At only 12 years of age she was competing in a professional event without any fear.
3. In 2005 she really raised the bar in the women’s PWA freestyle fleet by being the first to go for switchstance moves.
2. Finally beating Daida Moreno in Fuerteventura, Spain, in 2006. At age 15 she stole the show and even the men were congratulating her after the victory.
1. Being crowned 2008 PWA Women’s World Freestyle Champion in a year that saw her win every single heat she was in.
Yoli de Brendt: Do you dedicate your world title to anyone? Hmmm, good question. I haven’t even thought about that. I do thank God for winning it. Graham Ezzy: In your opinion, what is the most attractive element of windsurfing to women? I think it’s more fun to learn windsurfing if you go in a group. The most attractive element to women, and everybody actually, would be just the rush you get when you’re out sailing with your buddies and skimming across the water at a high speed. Tyson Poor: What is great about the Aruba windsurfing scene? Aruba is the best… I love it. For windsurfing, the beach at Fisherman’s Huts is good because the wind is strong almost all year round, the water is flat and more importantly it’s beautiful and blue. Occasionally we get some nice waves, so instead of only sliding freestyle manoeuvres it can also be good for air moves. Other than windsurfing there are tons of things to do and the nightlife is great, at least that’s what I’ve heard [laughs].
Brother Quincy.
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Swell Rides
Photo by Richard Strom
Phil Soltyiak’s Jeri Buggy
Stat CHECK acoara, Brazil’s see driving along Jerico st common vehicle you’ll friendly and ble cha roa app Dune buggies are the mo an h wit usually come equipped y The s. no more than eet For r. str gea red ove any sand-c down straps to secure tiee som and er flatwater ladriv g rby Portuguese-speakin e you to one of the nea hire a dune buggy to tak can rig each can you ) and $75 rd und boa a (aro h ls 150 rea nds. Four passengers wit frie r you h wit ing find yourself edd you shr goons for a day of s also come in handy if for the adventure. Buggie gy e you a bug giv the y’ll o the ont and ed n eez be squ ch. Simply wave one dow bea s les end the ded sightng gui alo ny stranded downwind n, drivers also offer ma sonable price. In additio ned rea a ndo for aba n ng tow lori to k exp bac m quick lift . Options range fro ling like a day off sailing towns. ng ndi rou sur the in seeing tours if you’re fee life g out e sand dunes to checkin villages buried by the hug
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12m The distance Jeri’s sand dunes can migrate in a year due to the consistent strong wind.
KEITH TEBOUL RIDER HO’OKIPA SPOT SPRING DATE
DESIGNED FOR THE WORLD IN HAIKU, HAWAII, USA
A New Season For The Guru WINDSURFING ™
EVERYONE IS EXITED ABOUT SPRING INCLUDING KEITH TEBOUL ON MAUI It’s been a long time waiting with either waves and no wind, or no waves, or cold weather, or all of the above. But now, at least on the northern hemisphere, spring is finally all around, and with it the conditions for what we believe to be the most beautiful and dynamic sport on this planet. Beaches and parking lots are starting to fill with cars and gear again, unwrapping like butterflies after a hiatus against our will. One of those butterflies is Keith and his wing of choice, the 2009 Goya Guru.
Guru
Having to be pretty hardcore for a rider like Keith, the Guru is an all x-ply sail with a PVC window. It’s not only the perfect choice for everyone looking for a smooth feeling and quickly neutral wave sail, but also a trusty companion for when things get rough and dirty. Designed to withstand the most grueling of what the ocean can deliver, it also allows you to sail for hours without wearing you out.
™
PVC WAVE SERIES ™ A DYNAMIC AND FORGIVING WAVE SAIL
And from what we can tell, that’s precisely what Keith has been doing with this sail for quite a while now, sailing for hours. Let’s just call it testing, but either way, you should certainly give it a shot and see what this sail is all about, if it’s the one consistent piece of gear in the bag of goodies of this shaper mastermind.
WWW.GOYAWINDSURFING.COM
We’ll see you on the water.
PHOTO *** ERIC AEDER & NIKO PAPASIDERIS | ARTWORK *** VOUSHT | COPYRIGHT *** OCEAN4HAWAII INC.
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Wellness
The Sun Sensitivity Test
by the Canadian Dermatology Association The risk of skin cancer is dependant on your skin type and the amount of time you spend in the sun. Take the following test and find out your risk level below.
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Give yourself 10 points for each time you answer YES and add up your score to access your level of risk 70-110: You’re in the high-risk zone for skin cancer and other skin damage. Be careful and always protect your skin from the sun. 40-60: You’re in the increased risk zone for skin cancer. Pick up tips on sun protection. 10-30: You’re still at risk though you are in the low risk zone. Carry on being careful.
myth busting Myth: I don’t need to protect myself from the sun on a cloudy day in spring or summer. Fact: Yes, you need sun protection because up to 90 per cent of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation passes through light cloud cover. 24
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The Skinny
Words by Graham Ezzy | Illustration by Don Jackson
Improving Windsurfing’s Image in the U.S.A.
Sooner or later, I tell every new person I meet that I am a professional windsurfer. If this person happens to be an attractive female, it will probably happen sooner rather than later. For example, in the airport a fellow attractive passenger exclaims, “Excuse me, I’ve got a plane to catch!” To which my answer can be, “I catch waves, you know; I’m a pro windsurfer.” At school a classmate whispers, “What is the limit of this function as it approaches infinity?” Well, I can always say, “I don’t know. But I do know that I push my limits on the water because, after all, I am a professional windsurfer.” In a restaurant the waitress asks, “Hi, are you ready to order?” I can proudly
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say, “I’m a professional windsurfer; I’m always ready.” Oddly, my self-identifying statements don’t seem to bring much success in North America. In Europe, on the other hand, being a windsurfer from Hawaii is more than enough to marry the Queen of Spain, court the princess of Bulgaria, or at least charm the pants off the German girl at the bar. So why are pro windsurfers not glorified in America? The problem lies in the perception of our sport (or lack thereof). Fifty per cent of the people I meet at Princeton don’t even know windsurfing is a competitive sport. Forty per cent think of windsurfing only in terms of course racing; they are completely oblivious to
the tricks, flips, and wave rides that make windsurfing more addicting than any drug (look at the large number of people who are willing to live in a van just so they can spend their lives windsurfing). It seems another 15 per cent think windsurfing is pretty cool and want to learn it. These statistics are horrifying and not just because the last one is nonsensically inflated by five per cent. These numbers do not add up correctly, but they do imply that over 90 per cent of the smartest young people in America (Princeton students of course) do not know anything about modern windsurfing. The problem lies in windsurfing’s contained nature. Every
windsurfer I know cares more about getting a good session than bragging about the coolness of the sport. Case in point: do you know any windsurfing posers (people pretending to be windsurfers just for the reputation even though they don’t actually practice it)? I once heard someone say that windsurfing does not have a unique image to associate with the sport. How do we create an image for windsurfing? Easy. Instead of going to the beach, use your windsurfing time to walk around public places acting cool and wearing a harness (and a helmet if you want some extra protection). This should get the word out. If you are a bit skeptical about the problem of windsurfing’s image, listen to evidence on the extreme gravity of our issue. Last summer, I did a windsurfing road trip along the Oregon Coast and never saw any crowds (a very objective measure of the popularity of the sport). One day the waves were about mast- anda- half-high and the wind was a perfect 5.2 m2 and I was out with only two other people. In fact, I did not have to fight for a single wave. In contrast, at my local skatepark, I have to wait 10 minutes for a turn on the three-foot rail. Clearly the skateboarders have it way better than us windsurfers. If you want to try to improve the image of windsurfing, but do not feel comfortable wearing your seat harness to the office, you can still help by teaching at least one person to windsurf. If every American windsurfer taught at least one person how it’s done, our population would double. This increase may not be enough to make every spot unbearably crowded, but it will help stop lonely one-man sessions. More importantly, enough people might realize that windsurfing is the best sport ever invented.
AerotechWSFma09
1/6/09
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MacGyver
Customize your Ride
Words by Derek Rijff When it comes to strapping up a new board most people just screw everything into the middle settings. Don’t be satisfied with “middle-ocrity.” Here are some quick tips to help you experiment and find your own perfect custom fit.
1. Shorter sailors can set-up
a narrower stance width (and taller riders a wider one) by choosing the more forward or back screw inserts. On many boards the width option can range anywhere from 19-23 inches to satisfy everyone.
2. Freestylers or riders with small feet can pinch the straps closer together by choice of screw inserts. Using a back hole in the set of forward inserts and a front hole for the strap’s rear screw will narrow the strap. Fraser photos
3. The front straps can be pinched without changing the stance angle by using a strap washer with off-set screw holes, like turning the JP washer 180 degrees (pictured). Make your own by drilling a fat rectangular washer.
4. Strap comfort is a
personal choice. If you’re not happy with what comes on the board, then check out all the different options provided by aftermarket brands like Dakine, which offers six different lines of straps.
vocab J.S.A. Just Sailing Along
Acronym used sarcastically by shop staff when a customer asks to warranty gear that really shouldn’t be.
That customer, who is just learning the straps, wants to warranty his board. He says he was J.S.A. when the nose broke.
ContaCt: info@hansensails.com • Website: www.hansensails.com store LoCation: www.calcupevents.com
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High Five
Photo by JeroMe hoUyVet
PatriCk bergerOn’S tOP 5 famOuS SayingS “do not use a hatchet to remove a fly from your friend’s forehead.” —Chinese proverb
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“if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.” —James Goldsmith
“the remedy for dirt is soap and water. the remedy for dying is living.” —Chinese proverb
“hear and you forget; see and you remember; do and you understand.” —Confucius
“a conclusion is simply a place where someone got tired of thinking.” —Arthur Block
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Shop Grom
larSOn’S Ski and SPOrt’S ryan hurley According to Karen Marriott, part-owner of larson’s ski and sport: “ryan really did grow up in a windsurfing shop—hanging out, begging to sell gear to customers instead of doing homework. but at some point he quit being a punk kid who gets in the way and turned into our key shop guy who knows where everything is, what all the parts go to and how to rig any sail that comes his way. and if you don’t see him in the shop, he’s probably criss-crossing the country in a badass pickup truck checking out the windsurfing scene.” Age: 19 | Home: denver, Colorado | Work: larson’s ski and sport | Shop’s windsurfing event: toucan open at lake McConaughy, nebraska | Specialty: Formula racing | Best board: starboard Formula | Best sail: sailworks nX 9.9 | Favourite launch: hood river waterfront Park | Other sports: skiing, riding motorcycles and dirt bikes | Your ride: 2000 dodge dakota r/t with nitrous system | Best band: Clutch | Food choice: buffalo wild wings (dirty bird) | Website: facebook.com | Favourite movie: Joe Dirt | Best actor: Mclovin (Christopher Charles Mintz-Plasse) | TV show: Family Guy | Goal: to windsurf better than my aunt (karen Marriott) Ryan only looks mean. DeKay photo
A KId’S TAle: e.b.’s Fun FirsT TiMe Elizabeth Ropeleski (a.k.a. E.B.) is the proudest windsurfer you could ever meet. With a little help from grandpa Tom, E.B. is stoked on her Fanatic Viper 85 and Ezzy Kid’s Rig.
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Ropeleski photos
Photo: A.DDeMari DeMaria/C a/Cano anonn
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How To: GeT pHoTos pubLisHeD
Any action sports magazine worth its weight starts with eye-catching photography. Here are a few tips for aspiring photographers to hopefully help you grace our pages in the near future.
1. Have a pre-shoot plan. let the windsurfers know that you will be shooting them. think about what kind of shots you want and let them know so they can help by sailing in the right spots. if possible, plan your shoot for the day’s best light, which is usually early morning and late afternoon to evening. be creative, be artistic, be assertive and you’ll get your shot.
Inspiration
Any Joe Blow can type. Fraser photo
by stePhanie lake
get in here! Write fOr WINDSPORT As you peruse the pages of this fine publication, you’ve probably said to yourself, “i could have written this.” well, this little article is here to help you get in this mag! as the resident copy editor here at Windsport Magazine, i’ve seen my fair share of articles. some are hits and some can be misses, but as long as you’re embarking upon some great windsurfing adventures the possibilities are endless. the first step when approaching a magazine is to pitch your idea to the
be CreaTive anD TrY To THinK ouTsiDe oF THe boX. 34
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editor. Make it as concise as possible and provide a sample from said story idea. a good example is the intro to your article. if you haven’t written it yet, then explain, in detail, your idea and how it’s different from other articles. there are many stories written about the Gorge, but how you spin it is what can make or break getting your story picked up. be creative and try to think outside of the box. once you’ve received the green light, get writing! the most common mistakes i see are tense, spelling issues and wordiness. tense is always a bit tricky for aspiring writers. the key is to keep the reader interested, and by using present tense they are able to immerse themselves in your story. the next thing is spelling. Much too often when someone
is quoted his or her name is spelled incorrectly. if you’re quoting someone, be sure to get the correct spelling of their first and last name. also, don’t be afraid to use your spellchecker. it’s a great tool that is often overlooked. wordiness is exhausting. we don’t need to know every minute detail of your day. “then i went to the store and bought a Coke and then i left the store…” you get the idea. Make your story as tight as possible; after all, you want to keep the reader’s interest from beginning to end. the sight of your own byline and knowing that your story is in the hands of thousands of readers is a very rewarding experience. if you feel that you have a story to tell, then keep in mind these helpful tips. now get those story ideas rollin’.
2. Get the shots you want. try to shoot raw files as these can be blown up to whatever size we need. occasionally turn your camera 90 degrees to mix in some vertical shots with the horizontals, but try to keep the horizon level in the frame (unless you are going for a specific-angled shot). don’t always place the action right in the middle or it may end up in the magazine’s “gutter” (inside of the spine) and be wasted. Use a big flash card and shoot everything: action, lifestyle, scenery and portraits. 3. Post-shoot editing. don’t overwhelm an editor with a million shots. Contact us to find out how to submit the photos and then send only your best in raw format. if you do any Photoshop work on your shots, then also submit the JPeG file showing your creative work and we will replicate it, but make sure the shot looks realistic.
Fraser photo
radar
Enes Yilmazer Words by Pete DeKay Photo by John Carter/PWA Resident windsurfers of Corpus Christi will no doubt have noticed a new sailor racing around the local sites. Enes Yilmazer, from Turkey, competed in four events on the PWA tour last year, finishing 24th overall in slalom. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presently studying at Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi while keeping up on his training for the 2009 competition schedule. Enes racing at home in Turkey.
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Specialty: Slalom | Home: Alacati, Turkey Hero: Robby Naish | Sponsors: Arkas Sport Club, JP-Australia, Neil Pryde, Deboichet, Quiksilver
in the lab
NAISH’S
WoRDS by PeTe DeKAy | PhoTo by JULIA SChWeIGeR Very few board shapers in the history of watersports can put together a list of riders-shaped-for like Harold Iggy. Windsport contacted this legendary windsurf, stand-up paddle and surfboard designer to find out how he got his start and what goes on behind the scenes building boards for Naish.
harold iGGY How did you first get into board shaping? When I was 10 years old I learned to bodysurf in Waikiki on oahu. Next I went to Paipo surfing and then to riding a regular surfboard at Queens. After graduating from Kaimuki high School, I had an opportunity to go to California to shape for manufacturers like Greg Knoll, Velzy, and Dewey. During those years I shaped for many of the world’s best surfers like Nat young who was like the Robby Naish of today. I moved back to the North Shore of hawaii and opened The Surfboard Shaping Company in the early ’70s. I did a lot of custom shaping and raised my family. by the mid-’70s windsurfing course and slalom racing was becoming big in europe, but in hawaii windsurfing was minimal until the late ’70s, when they started riding waves.
What was it like shaping the first windsurfing waveboards? They first boards used were the big 12-foot course-racing boards that were really just made for flatwater and not for waveriding. In the ’80s windsurfing board designs quickly changed to become more like surfboards and designed to ride waves. Most of the waveriders were coming to surf shops for board shaping. At this time I started shaping Naish hawaii race and waveboards. The shapes and designs were changing very rapidly and all my experience in shaping surfboards I applied to sailboard design. Rick and Robby Naish liked my board designs and offered me a position with the company. To date, I have been designing with them for 28 years. How does the shaping process work at Naish? Who do you work with for R and D? We are still producing all our prototypes in-house. between our oahu northshore setup and the Kailua facility, we are able to make all kinds of prototypes from sandwich windsurfing boards to full-on stand-up paddle racing boards. The R and D work for windsurfing, surfing and stand-up surfing is mainly done between Robby Naish, Rich Naish, our product manager Michi Schweiger, and myself. Michi collects feedback from various other riders as well as feedback from our importers all over the world.
Harold Iggy’s surf creation.
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When you shape a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), is it a natural fit for a board to work with both a paddle and a windsurfing sail or would the perfect windsurfing SUP be designed differently? I would say that the longboard-style stand-up boards that we make offer a good combination in regards to versatility between stand-up paddling and sailing. They’re designed as stand-up surfing boards, while the sailing performance comes as a plus. For sure the design would change if the focus would have to shift more towards sailing as the rockerline would get more flat and the rails would become sharper. All of this would hurt the surfing performance. but if you are looking for a surfing-oriented stand-up board that will also perform well with a sail in surf conditions, then you are on the right track with our boards.
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quiver STARBOARD KODE It matches up perfectly with my 4.2 m2 rig. on this setup I feel like I can land anything.
KAZUMA SURFBOARD When the wind dies this is my joy-toy.
SEVERNE GATOR . back home in Morocco, I use this rig in highwind for jumping, but here on Maui it lets me plane when everyone else is sailing 5.3 m2.
BouJmaa Guilloul’s GEAR FOR GOING BIG PhoTo by JeRoMe hoUyVeT There is no windsurfer in the world more exciting to watch than Morocco’s boujmaa Guilloul. Going big is what this international star is known for and here is his favourite quiver of gear for landing all his insanely tweaked aerials. Boujmaa’s big-air setup.
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-YOUR ONE STOP SHOP IN MAUI FOR ALL THINGS WIND, SURF AND KITE-
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Loft Lip Wave 4.7 2009: Planchemag 2009 wave tests- The ZVh^Zg id g^\! hd[iZg ^c i]Z ÆIV`Zh ndjg WgZVi] VlVn# I]Z A^e ^h Y edlZg XdbeVgZY id di]Zg [gdci! l]^X] \^kZh V adi d[ Xdcigda Vc an i]Z bdhi [dg\^k^c\ hV^a d[ gdWVW ^e ^h e I]Z A gdje# c ]^h \ hV^ah ^ cdi Ò cY Vcn# <gZVi kVajZ [dg i]^h iZhi# A^b^iVi^dch4½ lZ gZVaan Y^Y n VcY Xdb[dgi# I]Z A^e LVkZ bdcZn½ hZchVi^dcVa heZZY! hiVW^a^i cYh d[ lVkZ XdcY^i^dch# A^e VYVeih id V bVm^bjb d[ Y^[[ZgZci `^ LVkZ ZVgch ]ZVgii]gdW" 6<6>C Ç Loft Lip Wave 5.2 2009 Wind magazine 2009 wave tests, The gjiVa^oZ i]Z higdc\ l^cYh i]Z A^e lVkZ YdZh cdi W Æ:mXZaaZci kVajZ [dg bdcZn# :kZc ^c VeegZX^ViZ ^ih ^c Vaa XdcY^i^dch# L]^aZ hjgÒ c\ lZ g^YZg# 6 hiVWaZ hV^a! [Vhi VcY Z[Ò X^Zci bdhi d[ VkZ ^h ZgVW^a^in ^h ZmXZaaZci# I]Z A^e L hd[icZhh VcY ^ih [dg\^kZcZhh½ bVcZjk bdcZn# jZ [dg d[ kVa ] V adi V^a l^i ^XZY h Vaa! V \ddY eg ^dch! i]Z A^e LVkZ ^h i]Z hV^a id Wjn# ½id \d l^aY ^c V adi d[ Y^[[ZgZci XdcY^i ZjigVa^in# Z! Z[Ò X^ZcXn! hd[icZhh! jhZ gVc\Z! c Eajh" eg^XZ! ]dbd\ZcZ^in! l^cY gVc\ B^cjh" cdi]^c\ id gZedgiÇ
loftsails.com
guru
BEGinnEr windsurFErs stand tall
WoRDS by ANGeLA hURLey | PhoToS by RANDy RhoDeS
1
A solid stance on Day 1 is the foundation for a killer stance throughout your entire windsurfing career. Not only will you look like a rock star but the correct body position will allow you to sail longer and progress faster. once you uphaul, assume the neutral position: feet straddling the mast on the centreline (the imaginary line that runs down the middle of the board from nose to tail) with both hands on the mast. Next, step both feet
behind the mast, remaining on the centreline, with your front foot turned forward (see photo 1). This “toes to the nose” setup allows you better balance to react to any gust or lulls. Angling the front foot forward also encourages you to look in front of where you’re sailing and helps drive the board forward. Avoid “hugging the sail,” or pulling the mast to your chest at this point. Keeping your arms extended with the sail away from you aids your balance by giving you
2
something (the rig) to lean against. To position the rig, release the back hand bringing the mast vertical, like a flagpole, in front of you. This helps to reduce the static weight of the depowered rig and allows you to stand up straight. Place the back hand on the boom followed by the front hand so they are shoulder-width apart, staggered towards the mast (see photo 2). Maintain leverage over the rig by keeping your hips in and your shoulders
3
back. The more wind, the more exaggerated this stance will be. extend your legs without locking your knees and keep your arms straight in a stance resembling the number 7 (see photo 3). If at any point the sail starts pulling you over into a head-down buttout body position, simply release your back hand to de-power the sail. This will allow you to straighten up and regain your control and leverage over the sail.
THE IDEAL BEGinnEr windsurFinG sEtup:
BIG AND WIDE BOARD A wider board (at least 80 centimetres wide) is easier to balance on and a longer board (over 270 centimetres) is easier to stay upwind on. A good beginner board does both.
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windsport
SMALL SAIL you will progress fastest with a qualified instructor teaching you in light wind while using a small trainer sail (usually between 2.5 and 5.0 m2).
THINNER GRIP BOOM A narrower diameter boom grip will prevent you from getting tied as easily in the earlier stages before you get to use a harness.
PROPER LENGTH MAST If a friend tries to send you out with his smallest sail rigged with over a couple feet of mast tip sticking out the top, tell him where he can stick his mast.
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guru
Get a Clew-first Beachstart 1
Words by Jay Voss | Photos by Michael Hoch
2
Are you working on a jibe and falling in at the sail flip? Regardless of your ability level, one way for you to improve your sail handling for both light winds or planing conditions is to learn how to beachstart clew-first. Forcing yourself to deal with a sail clewfirst in the shallow water near shore can give your body some much-needed muscle memory for learning how to properly complete a sail flip to any jibe. Start out in underpowered conditions with a medium- to small-sized sail from your quiver
and the biggest short board you can get a hold of. Always remember that when clew-first the roles of your hands are now reversed. The hand closer to the clew (the formed back hand) is now the front hand while the hand closer to the mast (old front hand) is now the back one. Typically, when we need to sheet-out and depower for more control over the sail, our hands drift forward on the booms toward the mast; however, when clew-first the front of the sail is the clew meaning the hands must move in that direction to depower.
Offsetting our hands to at least a jibing position where they staggered widely around the boom’s halfway point will provide all the extra leverage needed for control. You’ve now entered the land of “mast weight” and since a mast is at least three times longer than your boom, you should expect it to be three times heavier when off balance. The key to beachstarting clew-first is to “do everything wrong” compared to the normal mast-forward beachstart. With your hands staggered toward the clew, point your board off the wind
to keep the sail from back winding. As you let the sail’s power pull you up onto the board, instead of tucking your head and shoulders in to stay light, you want to keep your head back and hips in to deal with the extra rig weight (mast weight) from being clew first. Maintain hold of the rig clew first and build some forward momentum before trying to flip the sail. Jason Voss teaches for Delta Windsurf Co. in Rio Vista and San Francisco Bay areas and rides for RRD, Hansen, Dakine and Powerex.
Great San Francisco Bay area windsurfing sites: Rio Vista: “This is the first spot I ever sailed. Try the Power Lines launch for bigger swell and less crowds.”—Zorka Voss
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Berkeley Marina: “It’s a great spot for learning freestyle, especially when motivated by all my friends on the water.” —Asma Asyyed
Crissy Field: “A stunning place to windsurf beside the Golden Gate Bridge with challenging conditions.” —Robert Druzeta
Treasure Island: “It’s the epicentre for wind in the Bay Area getting 300-plus days per year of sailable conditions.” —Mike Percy
3rd Ave: “The only place in the Bay I’ve sailed overpowered 3.6 m2, plus the port-tack swell is big enough for Push Loops.” —Wyatt Miller
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making moves Kiri Thodeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kono
1
Visit Bonaire and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see top pro freestyler Kiri Thode nailing the latest flatwater aerials, like this Kono, all day long. Photos by Hylke Bakker
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ride guide
icaraizinho
Brazil
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WoRDS by PeTe DeKAy | PhoTo by RIChARD STRoM
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Anyone looking for a windy fall destination can bet on brazil to answer the call. The wind rips along the entire coastline of the Ceara State and peaks in Jericoacoara, which explains why so many windsurfers from around the world flock there from August through December. In the spirit of adventure, why not try somewhere new in the region and maybe find a different type of sailing and atmosphere altogether? Club Ventos/Vela has opened a brand-new centre in the small fishing village of Icaraizinho to give windsurfers just this opportunity. Located three hours from
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where your plane lands in the massive city of Fortaleza, Icaraizinho can only be reached by four-wheel-drive vehicles. The town has no nightlife, only the basic amenities and a guarantee of 100 per cent relaxation, and Club Ventos intends to keep it this way. Icaraizinho is windy but offers far easier conditions than Jeri, located another two hours along the coast. Jeri attracts a lot of attention for its ideal big-air freestyle conditions and wild late-night parties, while Icaraizinho showcases conditions the whole family will enjoy, including flatter water (with some small
waves and bump-and-jump) and total peace and quiet. The friendly staff at the centre will point out the only possible sailing hazards, which include avoiding the tied-up fishing boats and a few visible piling just upwind of the main sailing area. The beach is huge, making it almost impossible to get into any real trouble in the steady sideshore wind. The windsurfing conditions are affected quite a bit by the tide level due to a long reef that sits several hundred metres offshore. Some waves set up perfectly for sending huge jumps during high tides and the inside conditions tend to
be choppier. At lower tide levels the reef goes to work blocking the waves, making the inside ideal for flatwater freestylers and anyone just learning the sport. Plus, any beginners will love the mostly waist- to shoulder-deep water found in the inner bay allowing them to be more confident that they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get into any trouble. If you are going to travel all the way to brazil you might as well see it all by booking a combo Jeri and Icaraizinho trip through Vela Resorts (velawindsurf.com). There is no better way to enjoy all the different conditions and cultural experiences this area has to offer.
AERIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1. Club Ventos Resort A great location near the sailing area. 2. Reef Allows the area a great mix of conditions. 3. Beginner Area Ideal area for learning or for working on freestyle tricks. 4. Main Sailing Zone Flat during low tide and choppier during high tide. 5. The Outside bump-and-jump sailing with the occasional breaking wave.
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6. Wave Zone Some fun onshore wavesailing can be found just upwind.
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7. Fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lot be careful sailing through the many vessels. 8. Endless Beach Work on your tan or walk down it toward the town.
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49
A REBEL’S TALE The Jason Prior Story
W
ith a rebel yell Jason Prior rocked onto the Maui scene in the early ’90s and learned the whole process of rip-
ping at Ho’okipa from the ground up. Starting out as a kook at Sprekelsville with nothing more than a head full of dreams and a passion for windsurfing, Prior worked his way up the hierarchy ladder to become one of the most respected sailors at Ho’okipa. Prior soon learned that using colourful gear and pushing the limits attracted the attention of the photographers and gained him coverage in the magazines, which in turn lead to lucrative sponsorship deals. The formula was simple: the harder he pushed, the more attention he created. With his nothing-to-lose attitude and confident nature, Prior became one of the most publicized sailors during the ’90s and lived his dream alongside his best friends Francisco Goya, Keith Teboul and Sean Ordonez. Together they formed the Quatro brand, which they promoted to become a hugely successful custom and production board business. John Carter chases down Prior on the Big Island of Hawaii to find out what mischief he has been up to since he unofficially retired in 2000.
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Back in the day.
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Prior still gets respect.
When did you quit being a professional photo slut at Ho’okipa? I would say that around 1999. I read the writing on the wall, so to speak, concerning my future as a professional windsurfer. I had been in Hawaii for 11 years at that point. The first five years was hand-to-mouth, just living the dream. Often I was broke and sometimes homeless, but always on the water. The last six of those years I was getting paid to play from my sponsors, Windsurfing Chiemsee and Neil Pryde. It all happened fast. You get some good results in contests in Hawaii; you’re ripping on the water; your pictures start flooding all the magazines… it was easy for me. I get along well with people for a time and I was marketable. It was the right place at the right time and I was hungry… I wanted it. I had nothing to lose so I would take some big chances and charge it. Risk for reward. By 1999 I could see the grim reality of a professional athlete’s career, let alone a professional windsurfer’s career. The shift of marketing in the sport was changing from waves to freestyle. It was very similar to when skateboarding went from ramp to street in the late ’80s. Wavesailing, at the level we were pushing it, was an unattainable fantasy. It was not selling the equipment needed to support the sport. An attainable freestyle image became the promoted direction for the sport and the focus for directing marketing dollars for contest venues and sponsored riders.
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The work it takes to get to the top of a sport, if transferred with similar effort to a business, will guarantee its success.
So what did you do when you hung up your professional harness? I had my first son, Colton, in 2000, and I liked being a dad. I knew I needed to be in charge more of the financial stability in my life. As I had no formal schooling since I left Canada in the eighth grade, the trades were the obvious choice. And with all those years of traveling in Europe, and a keen eye for architecture and textiles, I got into old world applications of plaster and stucco. In 2004 I came out of retirement, so to speak, and did really well in a Ho’okipa contest. It was a nice last hoorah competitively. After that they sent me to Baja, Mexico, with all the boys for some extra fun for the Tropical Energy Challenge.
What was the highlight of your career? I can’t pinpoint any particular things without sounding too all-consumed with myself, but what an amazing ride it was and still is. Do you miss competing and being a pro windsurfer? No, I don’t miss the tour, as I never liked touring with that many people. It felt like being in a circus. But yes, I miss being a paid windsurfer. Who wouldn’t? As far as being a pro or not a pro, I still kick ass at Ho’okipa regularly. The current best in the world always give me heavy respect on the water. You can’t ask for more than that.
So how is life in the “real world” going? Now I am a family guy and the owner of Priority Plaster. I have two boys, Colton (nine years old) and Kiawe (two years old), and a very understanding wife, Lisa, who’s patiently learning how best to domesticate me. I have a good crew of Hawaiian local “Bruddahs” who have my back and we work hard plastering homes for all the rich who move to any of the Hawaiian Islands. I feel like I am getting to know Hawaii and be a part of it more now than I ever did when I was so focused on windsurfing. I spend my summers in Indonesia surfing as my wife’s business is based there.
Do you stay in touch with the windsurfing world? I still live in Haiku, Maui, in the same house I have been in for 19 years. I see Keith Teboul, Francisco Goya and Sean Ordonez almost every day. Kevin Pritchard is my tow partner and we have had some great adventures in Indonesia and Tahiti in my post-pro life. What’s your best memory of windsurfing? Last month I had one of my best Gu Screw Air 360s ever. My best memories keep changing and evolving and keep me motivated for the next session.
Worst memory? The two months before your contracts would expire every year. Having to figure out if the new marketing geek who’s never windsurfed or seen you windsurf and controls the budgets would chop your head off or not. So you were pretty lucky while it lasted? I got really lucky to get what I got from windsurfing. It brought me to Hawaii and sent me around the world many times over. And that lust to wander still continues. I realized the work that it takes to get to the top of a
sport, if transferred with similar effort to a business, will guarantee its success… with even longer lasting results. I grew up poor in Canada of all places, and for some fluke chance fell in love with that feeling of flying freely along the water in an elite sport that is sometimes reserved for only those who can afford it. I don’t think too many people will get that chance as I did to go so far.
Prior today. J. Houyvet photo
A big Back Loop.
Proud papa.
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DEMO DAYZ
Words by Casey Hauser Photos by Mike Sloat, Casey Hauser and Bryan Metcalf-Perez
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104 “Don’t drink and drive” billboards 40,000 spring breakers 19 gas fill u
ailing locations 2 wavesailing sessio ail used 4 border patrol checkpoints
104 “Don’t drink and drive” billboards 000 spring breakers 19 gas fill ups
g locations 2 wavesailing sessions sed 4 border patrol checkpoints eaten 1 Futon Mmmm… Red Bull.
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Loaded up.
With no real plan or set schedule, fellow Tabou team rider Bryan Metcalf-Perez and I fly away from Hood River’s sombre winter in search of warmer climates and epic windy conditions. It’s the perfect time for a journey from my hometown Los Angeles across the southwestern states to Corpus Christi, Texas. After a few preparatory phone calls and Facebook messages we are blown away with support and enthusiasm from a plethora of windsurfers. We find unprecedented support from the industry as well as from friends, offering us not only advice, since we have no idea what we were getting into, but also places to stay along the way. Before we know it, our little road trip has transformed into a full-scale demo tour
supported by MauiSails, Tabou, Windwing, Dakine, Chinook and ProMotion wetsuits. Armed to the teeth with gear we set out for what promises to be quite an adventure. Never having traveled across the country before, it’s safe to say that neither Bryan nor I really have much of an idea what we are getting into. And if we can offer a piece of advice for planning a trip like this, it’s plan as little as possible. That’s the real fun of it. However, we have a few must-do stops in mind and a few planned sponsored demos to run. First, we have to stop in L.A. to get my van and all of our demo gear. Next, we have to go to Durango, Colorado, to clear out Bryan’s old storage unit from college and then drop the stuff off in his hometown
If we can offer a piece of advice for planning a road trip, it’s plan as little
as possible. That’s the real fun of it. Spacious bed.
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Bryan’s huevos.
ys 9 Tabou boards booms 6 states 104 “Don’t drink and drive” billboards 40,000 spring breakers 19 gas fill ups 1 Ford E-250 Van 2 dudes 20 olice officers sited 23 MauiSails and Windwing sails ling locations 2 wavesailing sessions 5,906 miles 45 hours of long haulin used 4 border patrol checkpoints 37 Deer 2 deer suicide attempts 11.7 miles per gallon on average 25 14 days on the water 11 different 3.7 smallest sail used 7.6 largest 5 cases of Red Bull 28 Whatabur of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Finally, we know we have to see for ourselves what 40,000 college kids partying in South Padre Island, Texas, during spring break really looks like. After a few minor hiccups, we set out east from L.A. on our four-day drive to Corpus Christi, Texas. My iPhone quickly becomes the most useful tool of the trip, as we are able to track our progress the whole way and scan for sailable lakes via Google maps wherever we are. Along the way, we stop and visit with friends in different states each night, which helps stave off the exhaustion from long hours of sustained driving. As we near our destination our excitement about finally arriving and getting on the water steadily grows. The stop in Durango stands out for it’s here that we pick up our impromptu mascot of the trip: one badass futon. We load Bryan’s old stuff from college into the van and realize we have no room for the futon. So we just throw it on the van’s roof where it fits so well that it’s like two soulmates
being united for the first time. Every van on a road trip should have a comfy futon strapped to it. And come on, it’s already an E-250 van that gets crappy gas mileage. How much worse can the futon really make it? After a quick stop in Santa Fe we bounce out in a rush and drive 1,053 miles straight to Corpus Christi’s Bird Island Basin, located in the Padre Island National Seashore, the home of Worldwinds Windsurfing. Upon reaching our destination only the park’s entry gate, guarded by a friendly looking ranger, now stands in our way. Her eyes roll as she scans the van and then she looks at us and says, “We don’t take kindly to spring breakers.” Bryan and I look at each other wondering why she is automatically making this assumption. Is it because we are two 23-year-olds and it’s blatantly obvious that we’re in some different psychological state from endless hours of driving with very little sleep or coffee? It could be. But more likely than not it’s because of the precariously placed futon lying upside down
and strapped to the roof. I am finally able to muster a response, “It’s OK, we’re windsurfers.” With that, her frown turns upside down and we’re finally welcomed into the park. Fortunately, so far in our windsurfing lives Bryan and I have rarely heard the line, “You should have been here yesterday.” But, I guess we’re due as we show up to no wind and chilly temperatures. “Man, two days ago I was on 5.0 m2 sailing in a rash guard,” exclaims Don Jackson, the owner of Worldwinds. He knows about our 16-hour drive through the night and it appears he’s trying not to let out too big of a smile as he tells us. We have apparently shown up just in time for the first week-long forecast without wind in Texas in a long time. At least it will be 80 degrees and sunny, so we figure it’s the perfect time to make the four-hour drive down to South Padre Island (SPI) and check out the spring break scene.
Worldwinds.
A quick sesh.
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We’ve all fallen victim to those exaggerated stories about how great or insane some event is, but trust me, whatever you’ve heard about spring break in SPI is true. We didn’t believe it until seeing all the versions of law enforcement, from the local police and state troopers to border patrol officers, lining the highway into town at least every eighth-of-a-mile. Being fresh out of college, we are both excited to travel somewhere in the U.S. that combines great windsurfing with a college party scene. Frankly, we were afraid that it just might not actually exist. Peter and Zoe Najim, two standout freestyle sailors who have the best lifestyle possible that combines work and windsurfing, welcome us to their spring spot and into their condo situated halfway between SPI’s spring break party headquarters and the town’s main windsurfing spot: the flats. The next bunch of days become a repetitive blur of us checking the forecast and then heading in the opposite direction to depressingly (at least until we have a few drinks in us) hang out with the thousands of college students “going wild” on spring break. After more Irish Car Bombs, cheap beers and bikini contests than we’d care to mention, we manage to break the monotonous cycle as Brett Newcomb, our unofficial tour guide, comes up with a great idea. “My friend has a Grinch Winch set up on the gulf,” he says after talking on his cell. For those of you who don’t know, a Grinch Winch is a gas-powered high-speed machine with a long light rope and handle. A rider grabs on with one hand and a skim or wakeboard with the other and runs down the beach to unwind the spool of line mounted inside the gas powered contraption.
dudes 20 days 9 Tabou boards wing sails 12 booms 6 states of long hauling 104 “Don’t drink and de attempts 40,000 spring breakers average 250 police officers sited 11 different sailing locations 2 wa 7.6 largest sail used 4 border pat 1 Ford E-250 Van The days become a blur of hanging out students the thousands of college 28 with Whataburgers eaten 1 Futon ak. bre ing spr on 23 MauiSails and “going wild” Once all the line is out the winch operator, who in our case is sitting atop the winch placed precariously in the back of a pickup, hits the switch to begin the fun. Next thing I know I see Bryan ripping down the coastline on a skimboard without a boat. This day marks the first high-speed water action of the trip. Low and behold the wind gods must be envious at the sight as the next day the wind finally shows up. We get one killer day of flatwater freestyling and running some demos at the flats before leaving SPI and heading back to Corpus Christi. For the next 10 days, Texas shows its true windsurfing colours as we enjoy a variety of awesome conditions around the Corpus Christi area including flatwater freestyling at Bird Island, bump-and-jump sailing in the bay and even a little wavesailing in the gulf. On one super-windy day we venture away from our campsite at Bird Island for a harrowing session in the ocean at the Packery Channel. There the wind is blowing 50 mph straight offshore with ankle-biting barrels ready and willing to toss us around. At first we are barely planning and quite confused until a massive gust rips the sail right out of my hands. Since the wind is blowing offshore and the sand dunes are creating what Bryan is calling a “super no-bueno” pulsating wind, getting used to the conditions isn’t exactly easy. I think we both realize that it’s time to either go big or go sulk in the van. I suddenly see a ripping gust blasting sand off the beach straight in Bryan’s direction. He must have seen it too, as he timed it perfectly to… in his words: “Float the biggest Air Flaka of my life.” This little sesh marks just one of many great experiences in the land of BBQ and pickups.
Yeah.
5,906 miles
Grinch Winch mobile.
45 h
3.7 smallest sail us Girls gone wild.
Peter Najim in SPI.
Winch skimming.
deer suicide attempts 40,000 spring gallon on average 250 police officer he water 11 different sailing location ail used 7.6 largest sail used 4 windsport
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Windsurfers might be the only breed of
humanity with our priorities right. Casey hits an ankle slapper.
A fantastic weekend hosted by the guys at Worldwinds Windsurfing allows us great traction with demos. The best part about offering demos is the opportunity to meet so many different people who come every spring and/ or fall with the most incredible backgrounds. Whether it’s a weekend warrior or someone who’s lucky enough to travel year-round, every story is just as incredible in its own way. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a lot of cool people from many backgrounds and I think it’s safe to say windsurfers are by far some of the nicest and coolest people out there. We just might be the only breed of humanity with our priorities right. And to top it all off, when someone whom I demo to comes off the water stoked on the gear they just tried, it really makes everything worthwhile. As our trip drew to a close, we are bummed to have to leave Bird Island and head “OTB” (over the bridge) and back to California. After a day of driving, and still in western Texas, we find ourselves facing 45 mph headwinds, which coupled with driving 60 mph has the futon going all over the place on the van’s roof. We notice on the iPhone we are close to a lake near a town called Balmorhea. Once again having no plan is always the best plan, and 20 minutes later we are rigging amongst a group of Texan fisherman braving the howling winds behind their pickup trucks. We run past them, leaving them scratching their heads, and into the water for an awesome freestyle session. Well, it is at least awesome until about a half hour into it when the Balmorhea Fishing Patrolman (a guy in a pickup with a hand-painted sign that reads “fishing patrol”) flags us down and in a stern manner mentions that not only are water sports illegal here, but also that we need to go buy fishing permits from the camp hosts (two women chilling by an old trailer a couple miles down the road). Needless to say, we were
1 Ford E-250 Van 2 dudes 20 d 23 MauiSails and Windwing sails 12 5,906 miles 45 hours of long hauling 37 Deer 2 deer suicide attempts 11.7 miles per gallon on average 250 14 days on the water 11 different s 3.7 smallest sail used 7.6 largest sa 5 cases of Red Bull 28 Whataburg 60
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The SPI crew.
Hanging out at Bird Island.
uling 104 “Don’t drink and drive” billbo ts 40,000 spring breakers 19 gas 250 police officers sited ent sailing locations 2 wavesailing s st sail used 4 border patrol checkpo burgers eaten 1 Futon Chasing Trucker Bob.
At Bird Island.
not only confused at the whole illegality of water sports on this lake, but why do we need to buy fishing permits when we don’t even fish? The posse of fisherman that had gathered to watch try to help in our protest, but to no avail. So we pack up and get back on the road. A stop at the Red Bull Wake Lab in Tempe, Arizona, is our last stop on our road back, and the next day we find ourselves happy to be relaxing on the futon, now separated from the van’s roof, in L.A. This road trip has only re-affirmed for both Bryan and I how stoked we are to be windsurfers. From the awesome support of our sponsors, who were psyched to get product physically into the hands of some fine windsurfers across the country, to the hospitality of friends we could only have met through windsurfing. And even to the randomness of some local fishermen helping argue with authorities to let us sail on a west Texas lake, we hope that this inspires people to go on a spontaneous windsurfing adventure any chance you have.
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Beautiful Jeri.
What have you heard about windsurfing in Brazil? five must-ask Questions about Jericoacoara and Icaraizinho
Words by Pete DeKay | Photos by Richard StrĂśm Controversy surrounds any worthwhile windsurfing destination. It definitely means a spot is hot enough and has garnered enough attention to merit discussion everywhere from the iWindsurf.com forum pages to the parking lot at your local beach. Jericoacoara, Brazil (or Jeri for short) is possibly todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most talked about destination, but is it worth all the hype? Windsport editor, Pete DeKay, journeyed to Jeri, and nearby Icaraizinho (an up-and-coming hot spot), this past December to find answers to five important questions asked about the current windsurfing scene in Brazil.
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1.
IS JERI ONE OF THE WINDIEST DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD?
Let’s get right down to brass tacks. This is what you really want to know… isn’t it? Well, Jeri is the only place where I’ve ever heard avid windsurfers complaining about having to sail too many windy days in a row. Pretty much from the beginning of September through the end of November it blows steadily over 20 knots everyday. There is nothing more frustrating for a windsurfer than having to take a windy day off simply to recuperate from the previous 10 or even 20 days in a row on a 4.7 m2, but it happens here. You can try to just relax on the beach, but as long as the wind is blowing a windsurfer’s synapses keeps firing and the adrenaline flowing.
Normen Gunzlein in Icaraizinho.
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2.
Niklas Strahlen looping.
IS JERI BECOMING TOO CROWDED ON THE WATER?
A crowd on Sunset Dune.
Jeri has become a very popular windsurfing destination, attracting crowds from all over North America and Europe. This is probably how rumours of craziness on the water were started, but it is also why Jeri is such a fun place. The ClubVentos/ Vela resort is a veritable melting pot of nationalities all gathering together to share a caipirinha (the refreshing local cocktail of choice) and stories about the day’s best moves and wipeouts. During the busiest month (November) and at the times of peak waves (higher tides) there will be a ton of people on the water battling for waves. But this will be true in any great wind-filled destination. My advice, from having spent six days on the water in Jeri, is to find your own time and
space to sail. Here are some suggestions. Getting on the water early (as soon as the wind comes up) will ensure you a ton of open water plus a first choice of the excellent and well-stocked fleet of Neil Pryde sails and Starboard and JP-Australia boards available at the centre. Once the crowds start noticing how much fun you are having (usually at least an hour later) various riders might start encroaching on your precious space. Simply move 50 yards upwind or downwind out of the runway that 90 per cent of the windsurfers seem drawn to no matter where they sail and it will be clear cruising once again. You can also ensure more personal space on the water by planning your trip for September or October. These
months are far less crowded than November or December and are in fact windier on average. If waves are really your thing, then try booking a trip for late December or even January. You may have to ride waves on a 5.2 m2 rather than a 4.7 m2, but there will be less kooks dropping in on you than earlier in the year. One final way to guarantee a nice and relaxing windsurfing vacation, in which you’ll never have to battle for space on the water, is to visit Icaraizinho instead. Not only is this the newest location for a ClubVentos/Vela centre, but it’s also the hometown of wave and freestyle star Marcilio “Brawzinho” Browne… so the conditions must be great.
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3.
Paskowsi cruising.
What’s the difference between Icaraizinho and jeri?
On the water, Icaraizinho is more of a freeride/freestyle destination and is perfect for any level of sailor. Conversely, Jeri can be a tough place to sail unless you are comfortable waterstarting and can sail upwind in the footstraps. Aspiring wavesailors will prefer Jeri, particularly later in the season when the bigger swells tend to hit. Icaraizinho is a small fishing village, kind of like Jeri was 10 years ago, or so
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I’m told. According to Peter Svensson of ClubVentos, “We are most proud of what is not Icaraizinho: no stress, no crowds, no rave parties until sunrise and no days without wind. It is, and hopefully will continue to be, a more family adopted vacation spot.” Jeri, on the other hand, has a much more developed tourist scene. Ever since the Washington Post named it “one of the world’s 10 most beautiful beaches,” travelers
have been journeying to this unique place. It is an amazing feeling to come out of the miles of sand dunes that end the drive from Fortaleza and suddenly happen upon this quaint little town on the sea. It’s like entering a beautiful desert oasis. The streets are unpaved and sand covered providing a relaxing feel as if you’re spending every waking moment of your trip physically “at the beach.” There are no ugly high-rise hotels to
room thousands of tourists, but rather unobtrusive structures built to fit in with the look of the small shops, local homes and guest houses (pousadas). Staying at the Mosquito Blue is inexpensive for such a quality hotel offering clean rooms, excellent food and an all-around quality stay. For more info on all types of accommodations, contact Vela Resorts (info@ velawindsurf.com).
Vicky Sanchez in Icaraizinho.
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what else is there TO do in Jeri besides windsurfing?
4.
Since youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re traveling all this way on vacation you might as well plan for a couple days off, even though the wind will still be blowing, to explore the area and give your sore muscles a break. First you should wander around town getting familiar with the friendly local scene. Climb the famed Sunset Dune and run down it in giant leaping strides as fast as you can. Early risers can take a morning Capoeira lesson, a complete workout that is half martial arts and half dance. Local windsurfing pro Danilo Menezes da Silva uses his skill in this artform not only in his windsurfing, but also to backflip 17 times in succession from the top of Sunset Dune to the bottom. Next, rent a dune buggy for a day so a local driver can take you around to the nearby national park or to a restaurant on one of the smaller lagoons (if you have your own gear you can grab a flatwater freestyle session). Take a kayak or stand-up paddle (SUP) trip through the mangroves of the Jericoacoara National Park. Anyone looking to improve their wavesailing must go for a morning surf (or SUP) session or two to help really figure out how to properly ride a wave. Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done all of these things, ask the friendly staff at the centre for other suggestions, as the possibilities are endless. A hardworking Brazilian ass.
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The first of 17 backflips.
A Jeri toll bridge.
A Jeri local.
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5.
HOW LONG SHOULD I GO FOR?
This is a loaded question. The only sure answer is: longer than a week. With the time it takes traveling all the way from your front door to Jeri or Icaraizinho, I recommend at least 10 days. If you can book more time off work and can stay longer, you should. But how long is too long? You need a tourist
visa to enter Brazil, which allows a maximum stay of 180 days. However, the Groundhog Day-like conditions can cause windsurfing burnout (a psychological condition unique to Jeri) for some and others face the danger of equipment blowout (some pros completely trash their 90-litre freestyle board and 4.5-m2
sail in about two months). If you feel you might be a candidate for either of these predicaments after 37 epic days in a row, then be sure to plan for trips out of town to recharge your battery. If you have the sort of job that allows you to work exclusively from your laptop computer, then bring it along
if it lets you extend your stay. Wireless Internet is available at various cafes (including at the ClubVentos/Vela centre) and places to stay around Jeri. Your boss will be impressed at how much more productive you can be after a couple hours on the water every day.
Andre Paskowski near Icaraizinho.
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Pro Tips Whenever you travel somewhere you always run into surprising situations where you wish someone had warned you ahead of time what to expect. Here are five key pieces of advice from some experienced Jeri travelers.
What to Order When in doubt order the prato feito. It means ‘made plate’ and consists of rice, beans, and your choice of chicken, beef or fish. This local dish is inexpensive and consistently tasty wherever you go. —Ingrid Larouche Fala inglês? This is Portuguese for, “Do you speak English?” On my first trip I found out that most locals don’t. Learning, or writing down, a few simple Portuguese phrases before you go is a must. —Matt Case Planes, Trains and Dune Buggies It’s a long trip there and back so be prepared. Be sure to take some extra books for when the batteries on your iPod
A evening surf sesh.
dies and any legit over-the-counter medications that will help you sleep on the plane. —Casey Hauser Show Me the Money I had to find out the hard way that there is no ATM machine in Jeri. It’s easy to exchange dollars to Brazilian Reais at the airport in Fortaleza. The nearest ATM is a 40-minute drive away in Jijoca. —Phil Soltysiak Check Out Icaraizinho Book a combination Jeri and Icaraizinho trip with Vela Resorts or, if you are staying for an extended period of time in Jeri, at least plan a relaxing and wind-filled trip to Icaraizinho for a few days. —Andre Paskowski
Special thanks to this trip’s official sponsors: TAM Airlines, TAP Airlines, Mosquito Blue resort in Jericoacoara and the Marina Park hotel in Fortaleza.
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taty FraNS, lac Bay, BoNaire. Sumereder photo
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Sam Neal, Jericoacoara, Brazil. Anna Persson photo
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Diony Guadagnino, Cuesta del Viento, Argentina. M. Houyvet photo
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Kai Lenny, Spreckelsville, Maui. M. Houyvet photo
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’TS
12 EASY POWER SAILS
TES
TESTED IN SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS At last year’s test we saw a number of the 7.5 m2 recreational sails adopting features from top-of-the-line race sails, but this year the buzz is around their impressive power. In many of these sails, designers look to add power and increase the wind range at the low end. As always we test sails for their all-around ability, but with this particular group we also place a little more focus on power output as the divider when breaking up the fleet into the following three groups.
TEST EDITOR: DEREK RIJFF TEST TEAM: ANDY BRANDT, ED DEHART, PETE DEKAY, TOM LEPAK, BRENDON QUINN, DEREK RIJFF
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POWER CAM SAILS
In this category we see the newest development in bigger sails. Their goal is to get you planing as soon as possible while exhibiting a lighter, more manageable feel ever found in a 7.5 m2 before. Plus, as a bonus, it may use a mast and/or boom you already own and save you needing to buy more stuff. Of the four sails in this group, two that topped all tester’s lists in terms of power are the Naish Boxer SL 7.6 and Worldsails Blast 7.5. However, we give the Boxer SL the edge here as the Blast had to be tuned to match its low-end grunt losing a little wind range in the process. With a yank on the downhaul the Blast finds more stability and outlasts the Boxer as the wind picks up. The Blast performs best when paired with wider directional (more parallel railed) boards and, along with the Boxer SL, is the ideal choice for any longboard. The smaller size of the Gaastra Plasma 6.7 makes it hard to compare directly to the other larger models, but within its own wind range it exhibits unbelieveable power. At 7.5 m2, it potentially has a larger wind range for a trade in slightly rougher cam rotation. Finally, the Severne Element 7.5 feels noticeably lighter than all the other power cams even though it can’t quite match the power of the Boxer SL. Add to this its smoother cam rotation and impressive wind range, and you’ve got a sail that makes little sacrifices for all its power. FREERIDE CAM SAILS
This group of sails sacrifices a small amount of low-end power for either more manoeuvrability or better top-speed stability. They still have camber inducers, so power comes into the sail quickly and without too much need for sensitivity to trim. They generally have a flatter foil than the sails from the previous category allowing them to rotate easier and giving a slippery, efficient feel at speed. Both the Aerotech Rapid Fire 7.5 and Maui Sails Titan 7.5 have just a hair less power than those from the previous category. To make up for it they rotate more easily making them smoother through transitions. On the water the Titan offers a consistent pull from a huge, easy-to-harness-into sweet spot, while the Rapid Fire shows a hint of elasticity providing more feedback for experienced riders able to subtlety trim a sail. They both offer impressive top-speed stability as well, but the Loft Switchblade 7.2 and Hansen FreeRace HCL
7.1 take things one step further in this regard. The trade off for this impressive top-end performance is a noticeable sacrifice in power that you will quickly forget as you race past your buddies. Oddly enough, these are also the two cam sails in the test that can be rigged on reduced diameter masts (RDM). Between the two the FreeRace takes the top marks for speed, with a slippery and efficient ride that even out-classes most of our recreationaloriented boards in the test. The Switchblade is more mast sensitive and, depending on your choice (we recommend a Loft mast), can be just as stable as the Hansen with a touch more power, or have a softer feel that allows the cams to rotate like they aren’t even there. RAF SAILS
Making a power sail without cams is sort of like taking a front-wheel-drive car and trying to turn it into a dragster. No matter how you modify it, it’s a fact that you will never transfer power to the wheels as effectively as with rear-wheel drive. Since an RAF has no camber inducers it requires help from the wind for its foil to expand and take shape. Thus there is a slight delay before you feel the sail react to a gust. Of course front-wheel-drive cars exist because they offer better handling and this is where RAF sails shine as well. Without cams locking the battens in place the sail rotates more easily and the added ability to depower makes it feel much lighter during transitions. The Sailworks Retro 7.5 is the most powerful RAF sail and has a huge tuning range allowing it to fit the needs of any freeride sailor. By paying attention to downhaul tension it can transform from a deep-drafted power sail into one that has a flat and slippery feeling for racing past your buddies. The Goya FXR 7.5 and Simmer X-Type 7.5 are quite similar. They rig on RDM masts, have durable wavesail-like constructions and offer a great blend of manoeuvrability and speed. However, the FXR has a little better low-end power while the X-Type can be tuned for better top-end control. Both felt great on windy days when we could go into jibes fully powered, yet trusting that their depower and subtle rotation will keep us in control. The Bic Cruiser 7.5 offers the user-friendliest approach in the group arriving as an inexpensive complete rig package. It is super-easy to rig and once on the water feels light in the hands with a comfortable pull to get you planing.
PLEASE READ: TEST RATINGS
If you’re looking for a “test winner” from these graphs, then I know you aren’t reading this right now. Please do me a favour by rolling up this magazine and smacking the first person that tells you a certain sail won because it has the most little coloured dots. Here are our categories.
POWER RANGE SPEED TRANSITION SETUP
POWER: This rates a sail’s ability to get a board planing in the least amount of wind when tuned to its most powerful setting possible. RANGE: Sails with the biggest wind range can be tuned to adapt to changes in the conditions and are able to handle gusts easily. Sails scoring highest are tunable and controllable. SPEED: Sails that are fast remain stable as the wind picks up. The sails that we have rated as the fastest are the ones that remain the most stable. TRANSITION: For a big sail to be manoeuvrable it needs to be light and well balanced so that you can position it properly through transitions. Having the batten rotate without any rider input is always nice as well. SETUP: No ones like to spend too much time rigging or dialing in their gear. This score shows the sails that perform best with the least amount of attention to things like tuning, harness line position, etc.
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EASY POWER SAILS
BIC CRUISER 7.5
AEROTECH RAPID FIRE 7.5
Luff: 486-490 Boom: 204-207
While the Rapid Fire 7.5 is not the most powerful or fastest sail in the test, it does a great job of doing everything very well. Add to this an amazing feel from the rig where its subtle elasticity gives you plenty of feedback without any hint of instability and you’ve got a sail that makes it very easy to efficiently pass your buddies. This elasticity along with the cutaway clew also makes for one of the easiest-rotating cam sails in the test. As a relatively powerful 7.5 it still takes some effort to move it through a jibe, but compared to racier sails it feels very manageable. While downhauling, keep a careful eye on the looseness of the leech to find your preferred tuning. It may take a few sessions to find this setting but recreating it is a breeze thanks to the Interactive Rig Guide on the foot of the sail. aerotechsails.com
GOYA FXR 7.5
Luff: 490 Boom: 223
Luff: 484 Boom: 212
Sold as a complete inexpensive package with a spiffy caring case for all the parts, the Bic Cruiser is all about hassle-free sailing. Rigging to spec gives you a sail that works beautifully in light air. It feels surprisingly light and reactive to the wind. At the 7.5 m2 size, it’s perfect for bigger folks looking to enjoy themselves as they progress towards sailing comfortably at planing speeds. When rigging for planing conditions add two-three extra centimetres of downhaul and outhaul to make the rig more stable. This won’t transform it into a race sail, but it will give you a smooth-pulling sail that is controllable at speed. It feels great in transitions as most lightweight RAF sails do, but care must be taken to ensure a long life as it’s not built with as much reinforcement as the other test sails.
With a complete re-do for 2009, the FXR 7.5 has the great balance, stability and the hint of elasticity that one would expect from Francisco Goya and designer Jason Diffin. Its power is decent for an RAF sail, but it’s less than the grunt found in the cam sails tested. Where the FXR really shines is on faster boards with narrower tails and riders wanting to push their speed boundaries both in a straight line and through powered-up jibes. None of the power-hungry cam sails could keep up when it got windier. Plus, having a sail rotate as cleanly as the FXR helps you keep control no matter how big a gust you find exiting your jibe. The all-grid construction and RDM mast spec also lets you go into transitions with little concern for what might happen if things don’t go as planned.
bicsport.com POWER RANGE SPEED TRANSITION SETUP
GAASTRA PLASMA 6.7
Luff: 450 Boom: 210
The Gaastra Plasma is a new breed of sail that seeks more power from a smaller package. At only 6.7 m2, we found it had a difficult time keeping up with the 7.5 m2 sails, but it displayed enough to make us confident that the power of a Plasma 7.5 would at least equal that of the most powerful sails in the test. The Plasma likes wider boards and has amazing control at speed. Considering the tighter leech, deep draft and long boom that create all the grunt, it’s pretty quick and has a good sense of efficiency. The wind range is very impressive as this 6.7 was still in use when we got some of the sails from our 5.7 m2 test fleet going. The only compromise for all its straightline goodness is a firm pump and proper rig balance is needed to get the cams to rotate. gaastra.com
POWER
POWER
RANGE
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goyasails.com POWER RANGE SPEED TRANSITION SETUP
LOFT SWITCHBLADE
HANSEN FREERACE HCL 7.1
Luff: 468 Boom: 214
The FreeRace is a tight luff sleeve version of Hansen’s racier Slalom line. It incorporates the Hansen Control Leech (HCL), which are neoprene wedges in the sail’s trailing edge that give it another way to twist for better efficiency when needed. In a gust all you feel is the board accelerate letting you know that the HCL is working. The Freerace 7.1 has an efficient and slippery profile and proved to be the fastest sail in the test. The flatter profile does sacrifice some power though, and is therefore best matched with more efficient riders. It rigs on either a 460 or 430 mast (SDM or RDM), and we found using a 430 RDM seems to allow the cams to rotate a little easier. There is obvious attention to detail with sail care features that include a great boom height guide and a completely removable mast pad.
NAISH BOXER SL 7.6
Luff: 480 Boom: 213
Luff: 473 Boom: 217
Built to complement its Blade race sail, the two-cam Switchblade is a more user-friendly version that can be rigged on either the Loft RDM mast or—with a quick switch to larger camber inducers—a standard diameter mast (SDM). Proper cam choice is necessary for a smooth rotation during transitions. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the recommended Loftmasts RDM 460 for the test and found the Fiberspar Radius RDM made it flat with little power and too much elasticity. We suggest using a Loftmasts RDM or at least rigging it in the shop with a different brand to ensure it looks correct when fully tuned. Rigged on an SDM (tested on a Neil Pryde X6 460) with the proper camber inducers it became a rocket with a moderate draft depth that perfectly balances power and slippery efficiency.
Naish just finished off the first production run of the Boxer SL in new larger sizes for our test. With extensive use of high-tech Technora cloth it blends a light static weight with serious power. Having a deep draft the Boxer SL 7.6 tops our test for power getting planing in the least amount of wind. The draft is higher than most which makes it best suited to wider boards, but with a long boom and so much power it’s also a top choice for any long board. It reaches its limits a little sooner than others as the wind picks up as the deep draft is a little more difficult to tune for top end. Also, it takes some effort to rotate the stiff foil on transitions, but considering you are planing and working on jibing in less wind than on any other sail, maybe we shouldn’t really complain?
loftsails.com POWER RANGE SPEED TRANSITION SETUP
MAUI SAILS TITAN 7.5
Luff: 483 Boom: 222
Compared to last year’s MS-2 that it replaces, the Titan’s flatter profile and farther forward draft placement give it a slippery controlled ride at speed. With the longest boom in the test you can be sure that you’ll find a huge sweet spot that makes it easy to tap into the Titan 7.5’s ample power. It balances well and lets you cruise comfortably at speed, especially when matched with faster freeride boards that are directionally stable. It feels relatively light during transitions and the cams rotate cleanly. During jibes only the long boom lets you know you are on a big sail. It has a huge tuning range with the leech twisting off predictably. Downhauling also noticeably lowers the draft placement allowing it to fit comfortably on narrower slalom boards as the wind picks up.
hansensails.com
mauisails.com
POWER
POWER
RANGE
RANGE
SPEED
SPEED
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SETUP
naishsails.com POWER RANGE SPEED TRANSITION SETUP
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EASY POWER SAILS
WORLDSAILS BLAST 7.5
SEVERNE ELEMENT 7.5
Luff: 475 Boom: 214
Luff: 486 Boom: 206
SAILWORKS RETRO 7.5
Luff: 495 Boom: 206-211
More so than any other sail tested today, or over the past 10 years, the Retro has come to define the term freeride. If you want a sail with nearly as much horsepower as a power cam sail then simple bag-out the Retro with minimal downhaul. If you want to race your buddies on a narrow-tailed slalom board, just add some downhaul and watch them eat your wake. It takes some knowledge of tuning to make all this happen; attention to detail can be required when rigging. For all this straight-line wonder the Retro does sacrifice a little in transitions as the rotation is more noticeable and the rig is slightly heavier than with other RAF sails during transitions. But, it still feels lighter and rotates easier than any cam sail.
Through lightweight materials and a cutaway clew, the Element 7.5 remains incredibly light in the hands, considering it pulls like a sail a metre bigger. For so much power there is an amazing sense of efficiency at speed, and it doesn’t sacrifice high-end stability compared to more normally shaped 7.5 m2 sails. The stiff leading edge that helps make all this happen takes work to rotate in transitions. As a positive, once the cams begin to move they complete their movement without a hitch and the rig feels lighter than expected when you need to balance it mid-jibe. This true freeride sail has a huge sweet spot making tuning easy. The feel is similar regardless of how precisely you tension the sail. This makes it a great choice for anyone wanting a sail they don’t need to get too technical with to enjoy. severnesails.com POWER RANGE SPEED TRANSITION SETUP
SIMMER X TYPE 7.5
Luff: 487 Boom: 219
We are surprised to find that for a sail that is built as durably as a wavesail that it is light in the hands and one of the fastest in the test. Part of what makes it feel light is a flatter profile that keeps it from being as powerful as the cam sails. In transitions though, it seems like this is a justifiable trade-off as its lightness lets it move trough a turn quickly with a smooth rotation. The flatter profile also helps it remain stable when fully powered gaining wind range at the top end. For an advanced rider there is good feedback to help you trim the sail and its efficiency cannot be beat. Advanced riders will also love how tunable the X Type is in that through downhaul you can set the draft higher to match with a wider board for light air and then lower for a narrower board when the wind picks up.
sailworks.com
simmerstyle.eu
POWER
POWER
RANGE
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SPEED
SPEED
TRANSITION
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The Blast 7.5 is an easy-to-use power freeride sail. It’s deep draft generates most of the pull while the longer boom makes the power very easy to find. It really shines in the hands of progressing sailors who cannot yet trim the sail like an advanced rider. The large squaredoff foot area also makes the Blast a better match on more directional boards that are either of traditional lengths or have a straight outline through the tail. Compared to its powerful competition it does lose stability a little sooner, but with a yank on the downhaul you can get the Blast to have an impressive wind range. As is usually the case, the features that make it so powerful don’t help when it comes to transitions. The Blast feels a little heavy and even though the cams rotate cleanly it takes a firm pump to get them to go. sailworld.com POWER RANGE SPEED TRANSITION SETUP
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11 BIG & EASY BOARDS
TES
TESTED IN SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS
Years ago people windsurfed everywhere no matter the conditions. Then along came technology and a focus on high-end planing suddenly making the casual sailor frustrated with how difficult the shiny new toys had become. As a result we hear the “windsurfing is too hard” line far too much. Now the wide beginner boards have made sailing easy and fun on the first few days. So, in this test we look at boards that help you make the next step: getting planing and into the footstraps. Here are eleven 125 to 155-litre boards that will help dispel the myth that “windsurfing is too hard.” TEST EDITOR: DEREK RIJFF TEST TEAM: ANDY BRANDT, ED DEHART, PETE DEKAY, TOM LEPAK, BRENDON QUINN, DEREK RIJFF
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PLEASE READ: TEST RATINGS
Some donkeys will count up the coloured dots we put on these graphs and declare a “test winner.” Sorry, but that’s not how this system works. Reading the following category descriptions will help you find the right board.
HEAD-TO-HEAD BREAKDOWN
Getting into the footstraps is the vital skill that opens up the world of planing, carving turns and even jumping. In this test we have boards that are big enough to uphaul and be sailed in light winds, but also respond well as the wind increases. Here we breakdown the 11 test boards into four categories to help you narrow down which one is best for you.
durably constructed Bic Techno 148 and JP Fun Ride 140 offer excellent performance to the progressing sailor and are the best choice of these boards for anyone riding in choppy conditions. The Techno works great for larger riders in particular providing an effortless ride for years to come. One tester said of the JP’s Fun Ride, “It’s like a moped… it’s fun to ride no matter who you are, even though an advanced rider’s not supposed to like it.”
FIRST TIMERS AND HEAVYWEIGHTS
If getting into the straps and making a dry jibe is your goal then either the Goya FXR 145 or RRD X-ride 155 is a perfect choice. They both have inboard straps perfectly placed to inspire confidence and help you learn the skill of trimming a board. This will help you quickly progress to the outer footstrap positions (to reach higher speeds) and even give you confidence to try a smaller volume board if desired. The Goya FXR, with it’s wide tail, deep vee and perfectly placed inboard straps, has a smooth and stable ride making it feel only natural to want to walk your feet back into the straps. RRD’s X-Ride uses extra volume to create nearly as stable a ride and it is capable of carrying a much larger sail than any other board tested. This extra volume makes learning to initiate a jibe a little harder when compared to the Goya, which actually carves with remarkable ease for such a big board. BOARDS TO GROW INTO
If you’ve learned from day one in high wind and have had some experience planing on a beginner board you may be able to step right onto something smaller with a more responsive feel. These boards are a little harder to get into the footstraps on, but offer better performance as your skill improves and can better handle a little more wind. They still have an inboard strap setting to get you comfortable in the straps as soon as possible before making the leap to more aggressive outboard settings. Both the Starboard Futura 144 and Fanatic Shark 145 Ltd give plenty of performance to grow into, with their high-end constructions making for a responsive ride once you progress out of the inboard setting. The Shark tolerates old-school technique (a hips out sitting stance) and is easier to dial in, but it does expect a little more trimming from the rider in the outboard strap setting. For the priceconscious consumer, the heavier and more
HIGH WIND AND LIGHTWEIGHTS
We tested these boards in South Padre Island, Texas with 7.5-metre and 5.7-metre sails. If you are lucky enough to live in a place where even a 5.7 m2 is considered big then one of these boards is probably the best choice for you. Quatro’s Freeride 125 would compare favourably to the Bic and JP if not for being noticeably smaller. With this said, it is the obvious choice for smaller riders or for people learning to get into the straps in windy places with choppy waters. The Exocet Kona 10’5” shocked us with its flatwater planing performance on windy days, plus it made it possible to get some South Padre Island gulf-side wave action on lighter days. The only quirk of the 10’5” is that it is a little tippy compared to the other test boards for most first-time shortboarders. PERFORMANCE ORIENTED
For some windsurfers, getting into the straps is where the fun really begins. If blasting past your buddies and flying through jibes is your current goal then one of these three boards is the perfect choice. The Naish Free Wide 140 has the stability and smoothness that progressing sailors desire, but is a little trickier to get into the footstraps compared to the boards in the previous categories. It is still a great choice for the determined first-time shortboarder putting a premium on speed and performance they can grow into. The Tabou Rocket 140 Ltd has some user-friendliness as well, but it’s really better off in the hands of a more experienced rider. Some technique is required to get it up onto the fin where it breaks free and becomes a completely different and incredibly fun board. The Mistral Energy RD 140 is like putting a Ducati up against a fleet of Harleys. It takes a refined touch to dial it in, but in the right hands it will out-manoeuvre and pass the competition at will.
ACCELERATION BASIC RIDE PRO RIDE JIBE EASE SETUP EASE
ACCELERATION: While learning to get into the footstraps it’s not only important to find a board that planes willingly but also one that remains smooth and stable without forcing you off course. This rating shows how easy it is to get planing and find the footstraps. BASIC RIDE: To make life as easy as possible for sailors progressing into the footstraps it can help a lot to have a usable inboard setting. Higher scores in this category show boards that offer a smooth, stable ride without requiring much rider input (trim work). PRO RIDE: Once you dial in the inboard footstraps, moving them outboard can unlock a board’s true performance potential. The newfound speed will help you plane through jibes and blast past your buddies. This category rates how much advanced performance a board has for you to grow into. JIBE EASE: Before you can rip through jibes without losing speed you are content with simply staying dry. This score rates the ease of jibe, in which a high score indicates that a board carves willingly through as much of the turn as possible with as little required technique as possible. SETUP EASE: Some boards have performance that is difficult to unlock without an innate sense of balancing complex factors (sail, fin, mast track, etc.). First-time shortboarder’s don’t have this sense so this scores how easy a board is to setup while still providing plenty of performance and fun.
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BIG AND EASY BOARDS
GOYA FXR 145
EXOCET KONA 10’5”
BIC TECHNO 148
V: 148 L: 264 W: 75
Bic’s original Techno revolutionized the progressional board. Updates since have only made it easier for those new to windsurfing to have as much fun as possible at a reasonable price. The Techno 148 provides a ride that is less technical than most while still holding its own both in straight-line speed as well as staying on a plane through a jibe. With just a slight weight penalty, the durable construction does its best to survive whacks both on the beach as well as when sailing. The inboard footstrap placement is set too wide for smaller riders, but is well positioned as a steppingstone into the outboard setting. As far as outboard settings go, the Technos are not too extreme and provide a blend of low-speed stability and top-speed control that anyone looking for a no-nonsense ride will appreciate.
V: 145 L: 320 W: 65
V: 145 L: 258 W: 75
To figure out the Kona 10’5” we have to ditch our conventional thoughts of what a 145-litre board should do. At 320 cm in length it looks like a longboard, but with no centerboard has shortboard performance. We find the 10’5” really came to life when matched with our smaller test sails (5.7 m2). It planes easily when powered and reaches a reasonable speed with a minimal amount of effort. A lot of this can be credited to the ducktail, which makes for a unique feeling as if the board shrinks in size once planing. What is truly shocking is its carving ability. Providing you maintain enough speed to keep the duck-tail planing, the 10’5” rips through jibes. With this new-found confidence, we take it out for some lightwind wavesailing and find ourselves having way more fun than we should in the waist-high crumblers.
Last year’s “easiest board for getting into the straps” retains its title. The Goya FXR, with a wide tail and perfectly placed inboard strap setting, provides plenty of stability and a decent rider position to all first-time shortboarders. Even in choppy water it does its best to dampen the ride and accelerate at a comfortable pace. As the rider gains confidence in his or her new skills by moving the straps outboard they can push themselves to higher speeds. In this setup the quality of the new MFC Liquid Pro fin is noticeable as we found more speed in the FXR than we did last year with a weed fin. First-time jibers will gain confidence from a wide-arcing turn and find that a full planing jibe is easily within reach. For advanced jibers, it feels almost too easy as there is no added reward for finely tuned technique.
exocet-original.com ACCELERATION BASIC RIDE PRO RIDE JIBE EASE SETUP EASE
FANATIC SHARK 145 LTD
V: 145 L: 263 W: 75
The Shark line offers boards with numerous footstrap options, allowing riders to progress quickly. While the LTD construction may not make the Shark any more durable, it certainly adds liveliness as it accelerates quickly in the lightest breeze. It also makes it a little more responsive to advanced trim work to help riders using the outboard straps find more speed. For those looking for a first shortboard, the HRS construction is more durable and makes the ride a little less technical. The Shark’s jibe is well matched to the placement of the footstraps. Beginner jibers, using the inboard straps and a wide radius arc, will enjoy plenty of time to react to the new sensations of carving. As you progress, moving the straps outboard, it will reward you with a tighter turning radius and plenty of planing power to maintain speed.
bicsport.com
fanatic.com
ACCELERATION
ACCELERATION
BASIC RIDE
BASIC RIDE
PRO RIDE
PRO RIDE
JIBE EASE
JIBE EASE
SETUP EASE
SETUP EASE
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goyasails.com ACCELERATION BASIC RIDE PRO RIDE JIBE EASE SETUP EASE
-STEP STRAP PLAN
A GUIDE TO PLANING PROGRESS
MISTRAL ENERGY 140 RD
V: 140 L: 258 W: 76
JP FUN RIDE 140
V: 140 L: 255 W: 72.5 This year JP introduces the wellpriced Fun Ride. Modeled after the extremely popular JP X-Cite Ride (ES construction) it has all the performance a progressing sailor could want. The board accelerates smoothly, responding well to small gusts. Its top speed is impressive and the board remains very controllable across chop. With numerous usable footstrap inserts, there is plenty of room to grow as your skills progress. It is a little narrower than the other boards, its size making it tippier at slow speeds. The trade-off is that it has a better top-end wind range, feeling very well-balanced with smaller sails. The narrowness makes jibing trickier as the board is more sensitive to foot placement, but once you have your jibe worked out this sensitivity lets you get aggressive and tighten the arc of the jibe.
We found the Energy RD to be the most performance-oriented board in the test. The acceleration is quick and requires rider input (trim work) even before you reach the footstraps. Dialing in the straps not only takes refinement of technique but also a keen sense of how to tune the board (mast track placement and fin choice). This is ideal for an advanced rider as it rewards your tweaking with a rider position that lets you constantly find greater speed and control. Intermediates might benefit from the more durable construction, which should offer a tamer ride. The Energy RD’s jibe also caters more to advanced riders preferring an aggressive entry to engage the rail. Once carving, it responds well to foot pressure and with so much speed going in you are more than likely to fly out with speed as well. mistralwindsurf.com ACCELERATION BASIC RIDE PRO RIDE JIBE EASE SETUP EASE
NAISH FREE WIDE 140
V: 140 L: 254 W: 77
The Free Wide 140 keeps last year’s shape but in a new lowerpriced construction. It has smooth acceleration and a comfy ride but the lack of true inboard straps makes learning how to use them slightly more difficult. However, once in the straps you’ll find they are very well placed for going remarkably fast. Some power is required to get this slightly heavier construction up and planing, but once rolling the Free Wide’s nose rides high and clear of chop letting you confidently push through the biggest gusts and blow past riders on much more expensive boards. It likes to be powered going into jibes as well, but if you have speed upon entry it will just keep on planing all the way through. For first-timers going into the carve with less speed, it may come off a plane, but its great low-speed stability will help keep you dry.
jp-australia.com
naishsails.com
ACCELERATION
ACCELERATION
BASIC RIDE
BASIC RIDE
PRO RIDE
PRO RIDE
JIBE EASE
JIBE EASE
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1. PLANE IN THE HARNESS Start trying the harness in moderate winds (15 to 20 mph) with a comfortable size sail (6.0 m2). Maintain a good upright body position, allowing you to maintain a straightline course as you move your feet back on the board. 2. INBOARD STRAPS The positioning of footstrap inserts can vary. A proper inboard setting shouldn’t be too close to the mast-track. Once comfortable planing in the harness you should be able to get into at least the front inboard strap without a second thought. 3. OUTBOARD STRAPS Unless you only windsurf a handful of times a year, this is where the fun really begins. The farther out to the rail and back over the fin you place the straps the faster you can go. Bored with your sailing? Move the straps out and back for a more exhilarating ride. 4. TRIMMING THE FIN With enough speed and a good enough fin, you might as well start working on your technique to try to find that overdrive gear. What’s the secret? Go to windsport.com for exclusive tips from ABK Boardsport’s Andy Brandt on “Finding your Top Gear.”
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BIG AND EASY BOARDS
QUATRO FREERIDE 125
STARBOARD FUTURA 144
V: 125 L: 247 W: 68
V: 144 L: 246 W: 79
As the smallest board in the test the Freeride fills a different role. It was the last board to get planing with the 7.5 m2 sails but it truly made the most of the 5.7 m2 sails on windier days. For those learning to get in the footstraps in a windy area the reduced volume and control make it the ultimate choice. The board responds well to gusts as it accelerates and it remains stable and smooth once planing. The well-placed inboard and outboard straps help you progress as you get comfortable handling the windy conditions. Advanced riders can find a hidden gear for more speed with some fine tuning. The Freeride also does a great job of making jibing easy. Despite its volume, it remains stable while smoothly carving through a turn. Plus, there is a reward of more speed on exit when starting with a more aggressive weight-forward entry.
Starboard’s Futura is a leader in terms of ride and design. Matching it with a short-boomed and lowerdrafted sails and a proper modern sailing stance makes for a responsive ride that progressing sailors will enjoy for years. Its width upfront helps power an efficient sail onto a plane easily while remaining very stable. Riders learning the footstraps will instinctively find their feet wanting to be positioned in the middle setting, which when combined with an upright body position will keep the board’s rounded outline from wandering. Eventually this same hips-in stance will allow you to get it to really break free with the straps in the furthest outboard setting. The curvy outline also asks for a more modern jibing technique. You don’t need to bring your weight nearly as far forward to engage the rail , requiring less commitment on entry.
quatrointernational.com ACCELERATION BASIC RIDE PRO RIDE JIBE EASE SETUP EASE
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RRD X-RIDE 155
V: 155 L: 258 W: 76
The X-Ride 155 has an ideal inboard strap placement to let intermediate riders progress quickly into the racier outboard setting. It has plenty of volume, making it very stable and allowing it to respond to the faintest gust when you want to get planing. It’s one of the few boards in the test that seems eager to try sails larger than the 7.5 m2 we had. At speed, the ride is wellbalanced. In the outboard footstrap setting, the recessed tail section offers the ability to trim up onto the fin to go even faster. The higher volume, compared to the other boards, is felt in the corners with the X-Ride needing a wider radius turn and requiring firm pressure on the rail to carve. Don’t confuse this with weight back on the tail as this will make for a bouncy ride. Getting weight forward lets the rail cut through the water like a hot knife through butter.
star-board.com ACCELERATION BASIC RIDE PRO RIDE JIBE EASE SETUP EASE
TABOU ROCKET 145 LTD
V: 145 L: 245 W: 76
The Rocket is ready for high-octane blasting with straps that can be set up outboard or way outboard. The short, wide nose and lightweight LTD construction gets you up and planing with minimal effort. The Average Joe sailor will enjoy its cruising speed before progressing on and learning how to engage it’s warp drive for even more speed. For those new to the footstraps, both the cruising and top speed takes some finesse and tuning to dial in, but if you have the desire this is a board you will never outgrow. The Rocket lets you fly into jibes with plenty of commitment knowing that if things don’t go as planned you can rely on the mid-carve speed to still plane out. But the short, wide nose means it requires some skill to navigate through your jibes with plenty of reward available for those who are ready for it.
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FANATIC Sandyhookracks Tuesday,v3.pub December 02, 2008 17:27 page 1 Magenta Yellow Black Cyan
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getting real
Joshua Sak I have been getting up early for so many years in order to get to the beach in the afternoon that I no longer know how to sleep in. It took a long time to learn how to tune out the wind and focus on work, despite running my own business (Joshua Sak Custom Brick and Stone). Always, the wind and surf forecast is taken into consideration before scheduling deliveries, concrete pours and customer estimates. As a general rule I try to do anything that requires a guaranteed commitment, such as meeting with building inspectors, in the morning. I have of course learned that it is OK to miss a session or two, whether it is for work or more importantly, for family. I know there will be plenty more. But, if possible, I will try to fit in a good wavesailing session after work as it allows me to come home feeling tired and good, instead of just plain tired.
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Josh and his truck. J. Houyvet photo
Lars Sucks Gas
Words by Mitch Gingrich | Photo by Joe Rogers Long, long ago in this galaxy right here, I walked up the stone steps at the Hatchery to an odd sight: Lars Bergstrom, the little Swede, spewing gasoline. In the midst of running a contest, Lars took it upon himself to siphon gas from his truck and got a mouthful. What better metaphor for running a contest? That’s Lars Bergstrom! Lars is a human-sized giant. He exudes integrity, smooth determination, clarity, insight and motivation. He’s a semiotic masterpiece, choking you with confidence and reason. Talk to him for five minutes. You’ll think you can accomplish anything. He’s contagious. Far from just a character, the guy accomplishes. The work he put in for windsurfing astonishes. Even, Kassen, his lovely wife, pressed herself to remember all the contests they organized over the years. It’s staggering. Take one deep breath and try reading it aloud: ’94 North Coast Classic; ’94 Extreme Slalom (the world’s very first Bordercross); ’95 Windance/Ezzy Shredfest (I won the Juniors, no big deal, suck it Luke and Kevin); ’95 Pistol River Wave Bash; ’96 Pistol River Wave Bash; ’97 Pistol River Wave Bash; ’98 Pistol River Wave Bash; ’99 Pistol River Wave Bash; ’02 Pistol River Wave Bash; ’03 Pistol River Wave Bash; ’04 Pistol River Wave Bash, ’00 NoLimitz Expression Session (Lars’ design provoked the first attempts at the Grubby and Flaka); ’01 NoLimitz Expression Session; ’02 Oregon XXX/ Liquid Energy Tour (three events each year); ’03 Oregon XXX/Liquid Energy Tour; ’04 Oregon XXX/ Liquid Energy Tour; ’04 Oregon XXX Bordercross. Think about the work involved. Lars secured permits and insurance, got spon-
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sors, found venues, organized publicity and participants, talked the police out of multiple arrests, dealt with crazy helicopter pilots and reckless driving, came up with registration forms, worked out all the logistics from bathrooms to heat sheets, came up with rules, judging criteria and so much more. All this, with no pay. The cherry on top is he had to listen to us (the competitors) whine. But there’s more to Lars than sucking gas. Obviously bored with nothing on his plate, Lars earned his Masters and PhD in Environmental Science. Not enough. He married Kassen, had two beautiful kids both of whom speak Swedish (the language of hot women) and English, lived off and on in Europe, taught some classes, repped NoLimitz masts, helped me train, organized the mission to Mars, figured out the egg /chicken paradox, beat Gary Kasparov in a friendly chess match and got some sleep in 2008. Justices on the World Court have shorter resumes. Add craftsman to the list of Lars. Today, he’s making surfboards and loving it. They’re wooden, environmentally friendly, unique, beautiful and fucking cool. Check out 42surfboards.com. As mountainous as this list of accomplishments is, it’s nothing compared to how Lars affected Gorge culture. He once wrote, “In Hood River, when someone asks you what you do, they don’t mean work. They mean what do you do for fun?” It wasn’t a brilliant observation. Brilliant? Yes. Observation? No. Lars subtly affected how people viewed their lives, creating Gorge culture. Others helped, but his work in contests put him in a constant and pervasive position to rub off on others. The unrelenting presence
Lars and his fish.
Talk to lars for five minutes. You’ll think you can accomplish anything. of his radioactive enthusiasm generated an impossible to ignore buzz. His passionate living, the contempt he showed for mindless droning invaded and conquered. Lars, the anti-Conquistador, made life about soul, not money. No trivia encapsulated or dominated on his watch. Aside from competing in a recent Gorge Freestyle Frenzy, we’re missing Lars in action. He stopped working for NoLimitz, sailed less and less. His trademark contests ceased. It’s impossible not to think he got burned out. He sucked so much gas. It had to ignite. I miss him, his contests, his insane moves (clew-first Cheese Rolls and Back Loops) and the soul-inspiring attitude. Worse is, we lit the match. I complained and acted like a baby after his last contest. I wasn’t alone. The culture Lars established hollowed to a shell. Hood River and the Gorge got trendier, emphasizing the
tertiary attributes of personhood. The impetus for living changed. People there still pay homage to life, but there’s no yolk. California and Microsoft money buy the pretense of life lived, shoving Gorge Mobiles into the woods, replacing them with BMWs, Mercedes, and Hummers. The ornament replaced the tree. As times changed, Lars faded away like a great cultural general would. He sucked the gas. We lit the match. Before you feel guilty, read what Kassen wrote me, “Adulthood has been kind to Lars. He just got back from a surf trip to Panama, is on his way to Baja, has a surf trip to France planned for the fall, and is out at the coast planting trees [emphasis added] right now. I guess adulthood might be a stretch.” He’s alive! We didn’t change him. We couldn’t. We changed. Lars will always suck gas! Only one thing left to say: Thank-you, Lars.
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