Champion Windsurfer and Rapper Open Community Center

There's something very satisfying about giving back to your community or simply just giving back however you can through donation or volunteer work locally.  Whether it's being a Big Brother or Big Sister, helping with Habitat for Humanity, or just donating old items to the Salvation Army you're playing your own part in making things better.  It's no surprise that internationally known hip hop artist Pono and world champion windsurfer Zosia Kalpacka have joined forces to give back to their hometown of Warsaw, Poland.

Together, the duo have vowed to try their best to help the children of their city by creating a program for children that will work to combat aggression through keeping children busy with activities that are geared towards their own needs or wants.  The program is fully funded by the Zosia and Pono's own money and both are looking forward to incorporating more in the near future, including a possible music studio.  For you rap and/or hip hop fans, here's the link for one of Pono's music videos on YouTube and an article about the program.

Water Sports for Nintendo Wii To Feature Windsurfing

The Nintendo Wii has taken America by storm since it's release a few short years ago.  Nintendo has steadily made games that try to mimic many of the gestures users would use in the real world and with the release of the Balance Board (originally released with Wii Fit) they're able to better immerse the user in the experience.  The latest game to utilize Nintendo's system is Water Sports which has taken out the steep task of recreating wakeboarding, windsurfing, and other watersports.

The videogame uses the combination of the Wii remote and their weight sensing Balance Board peripheral to better recreate the sensation of using your legs and shifting body weight to steer your board during the beach events.  Sure it's no comparison to grabbing a board and going out on the water yourself but it is an activity that can enjoyed by the whole family.  Thankfully we wont have to wait to long to catch these virtual waves because the game is set to release this Fall.

Windsurfing Between Life and Death - Perito Moreno Glacier

We've all had those times when we've taken on a little too big of a wave than we can handle but the windsurfer in this video not only bites off a little more than he can chew, he also catches a wave that looks like it's about to bite back.  Watch him take on this epic wave caused by a falling chunk of Perito Negro Glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park in the south west of Santa Cruz province, Argentina.  The folks at New World Spirits captured absolutely gorgeous footage taken at the foot of the glacier that takes a turn for the extreme when the windsurfer is caught in the waves caused by a falling chunk of ice.

Windsurfing - "The Gorge" Windsurf

Some of the most extreme and treacherous waters known to windsurfers is located at the Columbia River Gorge.  Check out this vid for some sick jumps that has these sailors jumping 20 or so feet in the air with sustained air time that can last quite a few seconds.  While not for the most timid of windsurfers the waters at the Columbia River Gorge is a place that every surfer should experience at one time or another.

Alex Mussolini Wins 1st Place At PWA World Cup

It can be difficult to break into the PWA (Professional Windsurfers Association) events that are held around the world and even more difficult to win them.  That's why why we are very proud to announce that Alex Mussolini has won top honors at the PWA World Cup that was held at Sylt, Germany.  He may be considered by many to be inexperienced in comparison to the large group of expert windsurfers but Alex showed just how skill can overcome experience during his attempts to brave the treacherous and stormy waters of Germany's North Sea.  The event drew dozens of the world's top windsurfing sailors and over 50,000 spectators were in attendance to see Alex win.  Please check out Tabou's website for a full article and interview with the skillful athlete.

Scottish Windsurfing Vacation (UMI Photo Slideshow)

It is easy to associate windsurfing with some very specific areas like Hawaii, the Caribbean, Australia, but few would people have Scotland be amonst their first choices for destinations. When looking for scenic vacation spots that also provide for some killer waves to windsurf on you'd be hard pressed to find a less conventional but just as amazing windsurfing vacation destination than Scotland.

One area in Scotland that asks you to not leave your board at home is on the northern shore of the country. The area is home to the Thurso surf break that provides the perfect amount of wave for any vacationing sailor. Please check out these gorgeous photographs of the Scottish north shore by UMI by clicking this link.

Japanese Windsurfing Association Chooses BIC

Windsurfing has become a international phenomenon that has taken root in countries across the world.  This article speaks of the recent change the Japanese University Boardsailing Federation (JUBF) has made to their usual regulations regarding board usage.  The Japan based windsurfing associations has negotiated a deal to exclusively use BIC Sports products for their 300+ group of sailors.

Bic is well known for its superior board design that is suggested for beginners but also trusted by veterans.  The JUBF is focused on influencing as many beginner watermen and sailors as possible and the Bic brand allows for an easy way to do so.  We at Discover Windsurfing were happy to see that their most trusted board was the Bic Techno which just so happens to be one of the top selling boards on our sister site Windsurfing Direct.

Miami Slalom Series Windsurfing Event

The IFCA will be holding an exciting windsurfing event that will be part of the Miami Slalom Series this weekend in Miami, Florida.  The event will be held on October 16-18 and looks to be the premier event this fall.  The races that will be held during the 3 day sports event will feature some of the top windsurfing pro athletes from around the globe including Michael Gebhart (Local Olympic medalist) and Gonzalo Costa-Hoevel (Argentinian Champion Sailor).

The event will have a special focus on Slalom courses but will also feature other races that will utilize other windsurfing expertise.  Whether you're looking to compete or just watch the festivities come on down to the beach ansd join in on the fun.  Please check out their site for further information on the Miami Slalom Series.

History of Windsurfing

The history of windsurfing takes just as much of a twisting path as any good windsurfer takes on a good wave.  One contested origin is in 1948 when Newman Darby first conceptualized a rigging that would allow for rutter-less watercraft.  Darby failed to apply for a patent at that time but is respected by many watermen as the father of windsurfing.  It wasn't until 1968 that his concept's true potential was realized by two innovative Californians.

The board these two men created was called a windsurfer and incorporated the experience Hoyle Schweitzer had as a surfer and Jim Drake's expertise as an engineer and avid sailor.  Together they were able get a patent for their windsurfer design and began manufacturing their invention soon after.  Unfortunately they failed to secure international royalty rights and the company was forced to close it's doors in the early 80's.

Regardless of its humble beginnings, windsurfing is a sport that has become synonymous with beginners out on vacation but also can be seen featured on the web's most intense watersports videos.  Professional windsurfers can be seen featured on ESPN or Sports Center on a regular basis showcasing their tremendous athleticism.  But the sport also has the ability to be enjoyed by just about anyone willing to go out onto the water.

Extreme Windsurfing (YouTube Video)

There's nothing like hitting a wave at the right angle and catching sick air. It takes a huge amount of skill and guts to do the tricks in the video below. These watermen make their extreme tricks look like child's play but don't mistake how easy it looks to the amount of skill that it takes to do half of the tricks contained in the video. Check out the video for a great video of our sport taken at some of the world's most beautiful scenery.



Extreme Windsurfing (2:03 Min YouTube Video)

Learn How To Windsurf (YouTube Video)

When you first look at the windsurfing board the assembly can seem a bit daunting.  Thankfully there's videos like this on the net that can help guide you through putting together your first sail, mast, and board.  Following the easy step by step instructions on the video will help you get out onto the waves in minutes after hitting the beach.

The video also focuses on the correct way to switch course while in the water and how subtle confident movements are important to directing your board where to go.  The video does not mince words with the beginner but sets to be as instructional as possible without being too bogged down in technical terms.  We are sure that after watching this video you will be ready to try some time out on some waves.



Learn How To Windsurf (9:56 Min YouTube Video)

Don't Get Worked - How To Windsurfing Article By Jason Voss

Check out this scan of a great article written by Jason Voss that  is featured on his website.  Jason has been teaching windsurfing for over 10 years and he uses his expertise to teach beginner windsurfers how to get out onto the water with as little hassle as possible.  It would be wrong of me the not mention the various services that Voss provides his students that can all be found in detail on his windsurfing site.

His article explains the importance of checking the status of the waves you're planning to ride at the beach.  Along with how vital it is to respect the rules of catching waves while other watermen are in the area.  As a beginner you should never forget to respect  your fellow boarders by realizing the size of your board and sial can create an obstruction to others if and when you're forced to bailout.

Check out the article for the rest of the tips and tricks Jason Voss gives  along with the many other great articles that can be found on his site.  Being prepared before you hit the beach is the best way to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable ride across the waves.