Team Gaastra Windsurfing Adds Philip Horrocks for 2010

One of the United Kingdom's top windsurfers was recently added to Gaastra's team of top notch surfers for the 2010 windsurfing season.  Phil Horrocks was signed by Gaastra because of how quickly he's made a name for himself in the PWA out on the waves and seemed like the perfect fit to fill out the Gaastra 2010 wind surfing team.  Phil chose Gaastra because of how well the Manic racing sail fit his style and provided immediate power that set itself apart from the rest of the sails out there.  For more details check out Gaastra's homepage for full profiles on all of Gaastra's 2010 Windsurfing Team.

Windsurfing Direct is Americas #1 Windsurfing Store – The Name Windsurfers Trust! We offer the top Boards, sails, packages and gear with Unmatched Savings and Value..  The Pros at Windsurfing Direct are America's Specialists, with Industry Leading Personal Service. Our Pros are Here to Help you choose the right board and gear for your needs. Visit www.windsurfing-direct.com or call the Pros at 800-617-9463.

2010 Formula Windsurfing Championships To Be Held in Argentina

The top racers in the most recent Formula Windsurfing World Ranking have been contacted and confirmed for the 2010 World Championships.   The event will be held on Lake Potrerillos near Mendoza City, Argentina and will take place from March 21st to the 28th and hosted by the Federacion Argentina de Windsurf (FAW).  Lake Potrerillos is a picturesque setting with the Andes Mountains serving as the perfect back drop for the water sports event.

The competitors were chosen from the best of the best windsurfers from around the world and each is well known within the windsurf world.  For more information about the professional level event please check out this link.

Finian Maynard Joins Team Gaastra Windsurfing for 2010 PWA Season

Recently Team Gaastra Windsurfing made the announcement that Finian Maynard would be moving away from his long term usage of Neil Pryde windsurf products and would be joining Team Gaastra for the upcoming 2010 Windsurfing Season.  Finian is well know for his great windsurf slalom skills and his above average suite of skills that consistently has him amongst the top tier of international windsurfing rankings.  In an effort to get a leg up on his PWA competition for 2010 Finian knew Gaastra superior professional windsurf products just might be the waterman's best bet to not just place top 10 but win the championship.

To mark the occasion Finian chose to do an exclusive interview with Continent Seven that can be seen through the following link.  If you're looking for a quick overview of Finian's career check out his profile on Team Gaastra's homepage.

Windsurfing Direct is Americas #1 Windsurfing Store – The Name Windsurfers Trust! We offer the top Boards, sails, packages and gear with Unmatched Savings and Value..  The Pros at Windsurfing Direct are America's Specialists, with Industry Leading Personal Service. Our Pros are Here to Help you choose the right board and gear for your needs. Visit www.windsurfing-direct.com or call the Pros at 800-617-9463.

Team Fanatic's Klaas Voget To Help Chile Earthquake Victims

It is very easy to empathize with the widespread strife that has slowly gripped the world as the result of the outbreak of earthquakes, tsunamis, and natural disasters but it takes a different sort of person to be galvanized by these events into helping make a difference.  Whether it's the large amount of missionaries and ordinary people making their way to Haiti or the thousands donating money to relief funds for other areas in the world, people have been moved to help those in need.  One such place that is in desperate need of a helping hand are the cities in and around the country of Chile.  Thankfully Team Fanatic's Klaas Voget has taken up the call and is asking fellow windsurfers and anyone with a heart to find a way to help the many cities in Chile that have been effected by a recent Earthquake.

Late in February Chile was hit with one of the most intense earthquakes ever recorded in history but thankfully the water depth it occurred at shielded Chile from being fully affected by the 8-9 magnitude earthquake.  The truly devastating earthquake in Haiti was a level 7 but occurred in shallower waters making the earthquake all the more deadlier.  The lower intensity of Chile's earthquake does not lessen the veracity of Klaas' call to arms for this scenic windsurfing destination.  Klaas Voget was on the island during the earthquake and was quick to give a stirring account of his situation as soon as he could in hopes that the information would help spur people into action.  Hundreds have already died and millions have been reported to have been affected by this great tragedy.

Joining with his friends and fellow windsurfers from around the world Klaas is championing a Chile Earthquake Response fund.  Thankfully through his urging and those of his wind surfing brethren a lot of money has been raised but there is still more to be done to take Chile down the road to reconstructing what was lost during the earthquake and to help those that have loss much more than houses during the natural disaster.  Please join in giving whatever you can to and spread this link to anyone you think would be willing to follow y our lead http://www.justgiving.com/ChileEarthquakeResponse or join the EightPointEight Earthquake Earthquake Relief Effort on Facebook.

Tabou Set To Release Redesigned 2010 Manta Series

Tabou is well known for its superior quality windsurfing race and high performance boards. the mad scientists at Tabou have looked to redesign the New 2010 Manta. Designed to use a wider range of sails and fins to support high wind speed runs and all the way down to light air slalom racing and everything in between .  By taking some cues from the Rocket line of boards and combined them with the Manta series to revamp the 2010 line of windsurf racing boards.

The super-trick Manta Pro Team Race windsurfing boards are set to take on the windsurfing world! By providing an unparalleled experience any veteran is bound to see as soon as they hit the water.  The boards are now available in an ultra thick 3k Carbon set up which is lightweight but durable enough to take any beating you will throw at the boards.  Tabou Boards tapped non other than legendary shaper Fabien Vollenweider to help create this state of the art board that allows you to trim harder and hit top speeds in record time.

Windsurfing Direct is the name that windsurfers trust by providing the top windsurf racing sails, windsurfing accessories, and boards.  Please head over to our site or call our Wind Surfing Pros at 800-617-9463 and let us help you choose the right windsurfing rig, board, or accessories for your needs.

New Video Featuring 2010 Gaastra Vapor Windsurf Racing Sail

What can be better than hearing about the great features of the new redesigned Vapor wind surfing racing sail, how about seeing video of new sail in action?  The video below features the 2010 Gaastra Vapor windsurf racing sail to easily speed over the waves.  The Vapor's design was worked on by none other than Dan Kaselar to maximize maneuverability without sacrificing the blazing fast speeds that are associated with the Gaastra name.  To see one of the best high performance windsurfing sails at work please check out the video below or click this link for the original windsurfing news post:

Bic to Release the New Affordable Bic Nova Windsurf Rig for 2010

Windsurfers wait in anticipation for news to come from the big Windsurf companies throughout the early part of the year.  The first quarter tends to be when companies begin to release information on the newest models to take the water through out the year.  Thankfully 2010 looks to bring out some of the best from the top names in the business.  At the top of our list is Bic with their announcement of the Bic Nova windsurfing boards that are set to be released during the Spring of 2010.

Bic looks to provide a versatile windsurfing board is great for beginners but provide  enough speed to please any recreational and progressing windsurfer. The Nova series of boards feature a design that is specifically made to provide a wide, large volume board to be stable for beginners and floaty enough to support heavier windsurfers.

Whether you’re looking to learn how to windsurf or looking for an affordable and durable board, look no further than the 2010 Bic Nova to satisfy all your windsurfing needs.

Windsurfing Direct is Americas #1 Windsurfing Store – The Name Windsurfers Trust! We offer the top Boards, sails, packages and gear with Unmatched Savings and Value..  The Pros at Windsurfing Direct are America's Specialists, with Industry Leading Personal Service. Our Pros are Here to Help you choose the right board and gear for your needs. Visit www.windsurfing-direct.com or call the Pros at 800-617-9463.

Windsurfers Taking To The Waves During Tsunami in Hawaii

News about the possibility of a tsunami in Hawaii has been in the headlines for  a couple weeks now but it's no surprise that the hardcore windsurfers from the island were not scared off by the reported Hawaiian tsunami.  Many of the islands' windsurfers were more than happy to take advantage of the bigger waves while it was still safe to do so.  While this extreme sport undertaking is not suggested for every wind surfer out there, the folks in this gallery of photos looked like they were having a blast.  Rather than immediately seeking shelter during the Hawaii tsunami warning these thrill seekers got on their boards and chose to windsurf off the coast of Maui and took advantage of this once in a lifetime experience.

Video of Teenage Windsurfing Amateur From The Netherlands

The world's best windsurfers are quickly getting younger and younger as the sport becomes more mainstream.  Rather than the sport skewing towards more veteran windsurf veterans, the windsurfing scene is becoming one that has teenagers having as much of a chance of hitting the top 10 in the international rankings as their more skilled counterparts.  It's no surprise the video below was taken by a 15 year old windsurfer from Brouwersdam in the Netherlands.  This budding waterman shows a skill that will no doubt only get better given some more practice so please check out the Youtube video for a showing of how easy it can be to learn how to windsurf.

Team Gaastra Adds Windsurfing Champion Sarah-Quinta Offringa To Lineup

Climbing the world rankings within the PWA can be quite the task and climbing to the top of that list can be a lofty goal for any windsurfer to aspire to.  Which makes Sarah-Quinta Offringa's achievement of becoming the champion of the PWA two years in a row all the more amazing.  Add onto this that Sara-Quinta is not only a highly skilled windsurfer but also only 18 years old and you have recipe for a very long career in the PWA that is already off to an amazing start.

All of the above is what makes Team Gaastra's recent announcement of adding Sarah-Quinta Offringa to their windsurfing team all the more important.  Gaastra courted Sara-Quinta because of her competive drive and her tendency to think outside of the box when it comes to the tricks she does during competitive heats.  Sarah-Quinta has a future ahead of her that remains to be seen but Team Gaastra doesn't doubt that it will only get better as she becomes a veteran of the sport.  The rest of Ms. Offringa's Team Gaastra profile can be found at this link.

Gaastra Vapor Wind Sail Redesigned for 2010

Gaastra is well know across the windsurfing world as being at the forefront of windsurfing sail technology.  Gaastra's innovation comes from a mixture of perfecting tried and true wind sail production but also tapping some of the world's best windsurfers along with the very skilled Dan Kaselar to help create a windsurfing product that is made to satisfy the needs of real sailors.  Recently Gaastra brought together wind surfing's greatest professional windsurfers to help create the newly redesigned 2010 Gaastra Vapor Windsurfing Race sail.

The Vapor high performance windsurfing racing sail was remade to maximize performance and maneuverability without sacrificing overall speed.  Gaastra also chose to utilize space age materials to create a lightweight, yet durable design that is sure to wow anyone that gives it a try.  This focus also allows for a stability that is unsurpassed in the business and will only help to solidify Gaastra being the first choice of many of the professional wind sailors in the PWA.  For more details on the amazing job Gaastra did on the redesigning of the Vapor for the 2010 windsurfing season please click this link.

New Gaastra Thomas Traversa Signature IQ Wave Sail for 2011

When looking for new rigging, mast, or windsurfing sail you'd be in great hands with any of Gaastra's many windsurfing products.  One particular windsail that Gaastra is set to release in 2011 is the brand new Thomas Traversa Signature Wave Sail, the IQ.  This superb windsurfing racing sail combines windsailing's most advanced technology and features that every pro like Traversa could want in a sail.

The Gaastra's IQ windsail combines the reliability of a wave or slalom sail with the versatility and maneuverability of a freestyle windsurfing sail.  To make room for this truly revolutionary sail Gaastra is set to remove the Echo and Echo LE from the market once the 2011 release date comes around.  While this may be disappointing to some of the many lovers of these two products they'll soon change their tune once they get their hands on the IQ's superior design.  The full details of the sail's features have not been released to the public yet but trust us when we say that the IQ will take the windsurfing world by storm when it is released this year.  Stay tuned to Gaastra's website for more details.

2010 Rocket GT To Be Used by Tabou Windsurfing Team

There are few companies in the windsurfing world that have as much cache as Tabou when it comes to quality and durability in wind surfing boards.  Tabou had a great year last year with their windsurfing team that had them winning dozens of events from around the world and Tabou looks to outfit this year's team with newly designed boards for 2010.  One such board that will be used by the Tabou team in this year's events is the 2010 Rocket GT.

For superb handling and stability you don't have to look further than the 2010 Rocket GT.  It's sleek underside and smooth rocker lines gives it a speed that makes it one of the best windsurfing boards on the market.  For a view of the Rocket GT in action take a look at the video below.

FBC St. Martin Wave Show-Preview in March 2010

The 2010 FBC Wave Show Preview is looking to showcase the best of the best in windsurfing and is set to hit the waves off the coast of St. Martin in March 2010. The event looks to hold demos, partying, and races that will feature professionals and amateurs all competing against each other for top honors in all windsurfing disciplines. The Wave Show preview will be the place to be later this year and will be your best chance to party and compete against the world's best wind sailors all in the scenic location of St. Martin.  For more details on the event please check out this link.

UMI Captures Big Wave Footage Off of Coast of Northern Tenerife

Looking for a an intense place to enjoy some scenic windsurfing? How about trying the waters of northern Tenerife in Spain which is a well known surfing spot but the exact spot for the best waves is a well kept secret by locals and those lucky enough to have experienced this extreme spot. Thankfully the folks at UMI have the video below that was taken at that exact spot and features windsailing veteran Dany Bruch in an epic big wave session. Please check out the video below fo rjust how big these waves actually get.

2010 UK National Windsurfing Week Planning In Full Swing

The United Kingdom's National Windsurfing Week is looking to be bigger than ever in 2010. The event is set to begin some 11 months away but the organizing committee is already in full swing sorting out the event's details well in advance. Events are planned to be spread out throughout the later part of 2010 and will include proceeds that will benefit cancer worship and will also encompass lessons for amateur windsailors as well as races for seasoned windsurfing veterans. Along with being a great effort for charity the string of Windsurfing events will also focus on bringing our great water sport to the masses with a focus on media exposure and mainstream appeal.

Video from Naish Sails 2010 Windsurfing Photo Shoot

Naish Windsurfing's first photoshoot of 2010 was a great success and provided great opportunity for fantastic action shots of the Naish Team and some of the primo boards and rigs they'll be using this year. Thankfully there's not only a great gallery showing off these windsurf shots but also the video below that was recently uploaded to YouTube for our viewing pleasure.  Please check out this link for the Naish Windsurfing gallery or the video before for a taste of what Naish has to offer for 2010.

Irish Slalom Series Dates Information Set for 2010

This Irish Slalom Series has set it's eyes on the final event dates for it's Windsurfing series that are spread throughout the upcoming 2010 Windsurfing season. The events will be focused on professional races as well as events focused on the pure enjoyment that windsurfing can provide. Whether looking for fierce competition or sports clinic the events look to satisfy the needs of amateurs and windsurf veterans alike. Please click this link for a full outline of the dates and the details of the events.

Winter Windsurfing European 2010 Championships in Kalajoki, Finland

Winter windsurfing events are far and between but thankfully you have the writers at Discover Windsurfing to track down the bvest of the best windsurfing from around the world. One event that's showing some promise is the Winter Windsurfing European Open set to be held in mid March. The event will be held n Kalajoki Finland which is a bit out of the way but provides unique scenic views that can be found in water sports. Please check out this link for more information on the event and details about the Winter Windsurfing European 2010 Championships.

Videos and Pictures from Windsurfing Spot Cape Hatteras, NC

We're always looking for spots around the world that aren't usually viewed as go to spots for windsurfing.  One such place is Cape Hatteras in North Carolina which has been documented extensively by windsailor Andy McKinney whose Lost In Hatteras blog uses Cape Hatteras as its setting. We chose one of his posts that focuses specifically on videos and photos that were taking at some of North Carolina's best windsurfing and sup boarding spots. Check out this link for Andy's site which is located on Wind Surfing Mag's homepage.

South American Windsurfers Compete for Top Honors

The Cancun Midwinters Windsurfing Event was just held on January 20th and crowned a few new champions. The few dozen South American expert windsailors competed in 5 events that featured a wide array of specific board focused events which included Bic Techno races. The events were further split into Male, Youth, and  Women heats. The winners of the event were also competing for eligibility in the Caribbean and South American Regional games that will be held later this year. Please check out this link for a full outline of the event and all the winners.

Francis Goodwin: Windsurfer thats Old In Age But Not In Spirit

Francis Goodwin is one of windsurfing's oldest and skilled competitors.  He is currently over 60 years old and still can cut a mean wave under any condition.  He has been known to compete against other professionals but is most well known for looking any place that can provide some great waves and a challenge.  He's at the head of 3 generations of Goodwins that have all taken up the mantle of windsurfing and can still give the younger Goodwin's a run for their money.  Check out the video below for a taste of what Francis has been doing for decades now.

2010 Calema Midwinters Will Bring Windsurfers to Florida

The Calema Midwinters Festival will once again be held in March of 2010 and once again sets its eyes on bringing the worlds best pro windsurfing athletes to Florida to compete for top honors at the event.   The event has been running for a couple decades now and is looking to be bigger than ever before.  Not only will there be smaller events for amateurs and semi pros to compete in but also the 2010 Youth Olympic Qualifications and Techno 293 Championships amongst other big events.  Please check out this link for a full breakdown of all the great races and focuses of the Calema Midwinters Festival.

Naish Surfing Adds Brian Talma To Their Ranks

Naish Surfing's International Team has just added Brian Talma to their ranks.  Brian is a legendary waterman from Barbados that has years of experience in both SUP Boarding and Windsurfing and plans to bring that same expertise to the Naish team in any way he can.  Please check out this link for more information from the Naish Surfing team.

Team USA Windsurfing Holds Windsurfing Clinics In Florida

While most of America is braving the bitter cold just to do daily tasks let alone enjoy some Windsurfing, the folks at Team USA Windsurfing are holding a junior race camp.  The clinics will be using Bic's Techno series of board to provide a real life wind surfing experience to all the participants and will be held in the warm waters off the coast of Florida at the Banana River Resort on Cocoa Beach.  The instructors are all experts and will look to put the young would be windsailors through drills meant to duplicate the training and race conditions Team USA Windsurfing goes through on a yearly basis.  Please check out this link for the full article.

Local and International Windsurfers Swarm Singapore Open

A few dozen of Asia's top windsurfers will be taking part in getting VOG qualification for Singapore Open's Windsurfing Championship that will be happening over the next few days.  The event will have major competitors and Olympic hopefuls coming from the Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, United Kingdom, and even as far as Norway are all vying for top honors at the event.  The event will not only be focused on Windsurfing but will also feature events that encompass other water sports that are well practiced in the region.  Please check out the article for a full outline of the events and the huge selection of international windsurfing professionals that will be attending the event.

Cape Verde Islands a Gorgeous Windsurfing Hotspot

We are starting our Windsurfing year with another new vacation windboarding hotspot and that's the Cape Verde Islands.  These remote islands off the West Coast of Africa are quickly becoming a beloved spot for windsurfers, surfers, paddleboarders, and all watermen.  This fast growing vacation spot has just about everything that is needed to provide a all-in-one experience that you'd be hard pressed to find elsewhere.  Please check out this link for a full write up on the Cape Verde Island's biggest features.

Top 10 Portuguese Windsurfing Beach Spots

Looking for the creme de la creme of South American windsurfing vacation spots, how about trying some of the crystal clear beaches of Portugal. This article may be a couple years old but it continues to highlight the top 10 beaches to be found through Portugal and lists exactly what the benefits of each is. The article has a perfect mix of sheltered mostly flat water bays or wave heavy beaches and everything in between. Take the time to check out this article and we're sure you won't regret taking a look at this top 10 list of some of the best windsurfing hotspots to be found in the world.

Graham Ezzy Goes South Video from UMI Pictures

The folks over at UMI Pictures always have a great selection of windsurfing photos that are taken from all across the world.  This month's set of photos also has a great video attached that was taken of the windsurfer Graham Ezzy and filmed at Punta San Carlos near the infamous desert tracks of the Baja races held in California.  Please check out the the video below or UMI Pictures home site for more photos from their other events and more information on their Graham Ezzy Goes South series.

Graham Ezzy goes down south from umi pictures on Vimeo.

Article on Multi-faceted Windsurfer/Skiier/Entrepreneur

You gotta love a heartwarming story especially when it highlights the history and career of one of skiings's olympic contenders that also happens to be a pretty good waterman with a love of windsurfing.  Fernan DeLeon is a man that has tried and almost mastered many extreme sports that many people find it difficult to try let alone practice on a regular basis.

Fernan began with just skiing but quickly took to windsurfing with just as much fervour as he has had for ever challenge he has faced in his life.  While not a fully expert windsurfer, Fernan does make an effort to spread his love of extreme sports, helping others, and overcoming just about anything he's faced with to anyone he comes across.  For a full account of his history as an aspiring entrepreneur, Olympic skier, and all around good guy please check out the full article here.

2010 International Clinic Information Finalized

The folks at Fanatic, in partnership with Windsurflabor, have set up the final plans for dates for their International Clinics to be held through out the Windsurfing sports season in 2010.  The clinics will feature classes that will focus on both beginners and intermediate windsurfers that will be held all throughout the world.  Whether it's the gorgeous beaches of the Canary Islands or the awe inspiring views off the coast of Morocco the events are looking to be held in the most scenic locales in the world. Please check out the following link for full information about the clinics how to book tickets for the event.

Choosing the Right Windsurf Board: Tips and Tricks

How do you choose the right windsurfing board to suit all your needs? Sometimes it's best to rely on professionals and their tried and true methods to help you narrow down the right board.  Whether it's racing boards, freeride boards, or slalom boards there's dozens of companies that make versions of each style from Bic to Fanatic to Starboard. You'll have literally hundreds of combination of types and brands to choose from.  So rather than force you to search the web on your own we've made it easy by have tons of information on Windsurfing Direct and also finding this handy article from eHow to look through.  The article makes it a point to outline all the dos and don'ts of finding the right windsurfing board.

Winter Windsurfing Becoming a Legitimate Sport

Winter windsurfing is a newer sport that is just catching on across the world that is being used by die hard windsurfers to enjoy our great sport year round. Even in the coldest of weathers these intrepid sailors have taken windsurfing off of the water and onto the ice cold frozen lakes of the world.  Just recently Winter Windsurfing Racing Rules has teamed up with ISAF Racing Rules of Sailing and Funboard Class Association to create a set of rules an regulations to legitimately take winter windsurfing/ice surfing onto the world stage. Please check out the following link for more information about this exciting news. legitimate

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Sam Sills Windsurfer of The Year

Here's some more windsurfing news straight out of the UK and it once agains featured a young windsurfer taking top honors usually reserved for experienced windsurfers a half dozen years his senior.  Sam Sills, a 17 year old college student, won Britain's top Windsurfing honors early this month beating out quite a few of the world's best windsurfers in the process.  Sam began windsurfing at the age of 9 and quickly showed promise and honed his skills winning events all across Europe.  The young sailor is looking into going professional soon but has put his schooling about all else for the time being.  Please click this link for the full windsurfing news article.

Early Windsurfing footage at Malibu Yacht Club

It's a rare sight to see footage that dates back to a time where windsurfing was just getting off the ground and had a following of a few dozen wind sailors rather than the thousands we have present day.  The following video is from the early days of this fantastic sport and features both windsurfing footage and an interview with Hoyle Schweitzer and Allen Parducci.  Please check out the YouTube video below.

RS:X Olympic Class Pushes Durability of Windsuring Boards

Pushing windsurfing innovation is a task that can be quite daunting especially with the large amount of new technology being utilized and created on a regular basis.  Whether it's new sail rigs, better sails, new board shapes and/or materials our sport is constantly being worked upon by folks in labs and out in the field.  One such company is the RS:X Class Association which is working to improve upon their boardsailing design that is already being utilized by the Olympic committee in their Summer Olympic events.

Not only is the company focused on creating faster and better performing boards but they're also looking to create boards that are more durable which will work to help both expert extreme sports windsurfing enthusiasts but novice riders as well.  We'd all rather buy one board that'll last us for years rather than constantly having to repair or purchase new wind surfing sports equipment on a regular basis.  Thankfully they also have our wallet's in mind because they're looking for ways to improve the boards without increasing the price of these boards.  Please click the link for further information.

HOOKED Windsurfing Video by Stefan Csaky

It can take a durable person to enjoy all that windsurfing can provide when it comes to workouts and leisure rides. But it takes an even hardier person to travel hours just to enjoy our great wind surfing sport.  One such person is Stefan Csaky who created HOOKED which is a windsurfing video that is currently featured on Vimeo.  Stefan is a local windsurfer from Vienna, Austria that created this fantastic windsurfing video that features scenic skies and a mixture of beach scenes and industrial areas making for 11 minutes of pure windsurfing beaty.  Please check out the full video here or click below.

Young UK Windsurfer Given Community Outreach Award

I try to find windsurfing events and/or happenings that span across the world rather than just limit myself to the United States or  areas like Australia that already get tons of windsurfing sports news coverage.  This is why I take all of you to the small town of Falmouth and Penryn Parish in the United Kingdom where a young windsurfer was recently honored for all the work she has done for her community and the young would be windsurfers located within it.

Marianne Bryan was awarded the Royal Yachting Association’s Community Award for Youth for all the work she's done around the area.  Marianne worked with young children and novice windsurfers with South West Windsurfing and Roseland Waveriders windsurfing club at Percuil. Marianne started windsurfing at the ripe young age of 15 and picked up the sport's intricacies quite quickly and showed a knack for teaching others how to windsurf on their own.  We're always glad to see stories like this and hope to see many more youngsters taking up the mantle of teaching the next generation how to hope up on a board and take the waves by storm.

How to Find The Right Wet Suit

A key piece of equipment that many would-be windsurfers and water sports novices is a wetsuit.  It's easy to find information on the best windsurfing board, rigging, and sail but how do you go about choosing the right wetsuit for your wind surfing sports needs.  Thankfully we're here to search the webs for the tops experts with the best information on this and any other subject that would help bring new sailors into our great water sport.

Key features that the article focuses on is the fabric you're looking to have, the thickness of that fabric, the seams, and whether or not you will need insulation as part of the wetsuit.   There's also plenty of styles that wetsuits come in from long sleeved to short sleeved to sleeveless wet vests.  Rather than go into detail please click this link for a full article from this windsurfing blogger.

Over 140 Windsurfers Set to Take on Singapore Event

Looking for a great spot to windsurfing early next year? How about trying Singapore and watch the 140 professional windsurfers from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and half a dozen other areas in the pacific.  The event will be held Jan 8th-10th in 2010 and will have the sailors look to compete in a variety of events that run from slalom courses to heats geared towards specific types of boards.

To encourage windsurfing as a sport throughout Singapore the event looks to also include youth workshops and races geared towards specific age groups. The usual weather in scenic Singapore looks to provide a fun and exciting atmosphere for the windsurfing sports event.  Please click the link for further details on the event and the organizations hosting it.

Fanatic's New Addicted To Ride 5 DVD

Promos for the new Fanatic Addicted To Ride DVD series have just been released on Fanatic's website.  This new windsurfing DVD seems to be set to feature some of the world's top windsurfers showing off their sailing skills.  The video alone features some of the world's most gorgeous locations including Maui, El Yaque, and South Africa.  Please check out this link for a full promotional video for ATR 5.

John Papaspirou wins the Greek National Slalom Championship

The Greek National Slalom Championship was held in early November and saw around 40 of the area's top windsurfing veterans vying for the top honor.  The winds averaged close to 40 knots most days and worked to make the slalom courses a bit more difficult for the competitors in the event.  Thankfully John Papaspirou utilized his windsurfing expertise to beat out the rest of the group to cinch his Greek National Slalom title.  Please check out the full article that features a lot of John's own words on how the different heats shaped up here.

Inventive Couple Enjoy "Ice Sailing"

We're always hard-pressed to find new locations to enjoy windsurfing at, but traveling the world to find primo locales to enjoy our various wind surfing sports  for a badass endless summer would only lead to a travel budget that would exceed tens of thousands of dollars.   if we truly wanted to ride escape the cold and truly experience an endless Summer.  Instead the folks in the video below choose to brave the cold without sacrificing their love of windsurfing.  Utilizing the sail from a windsurfing board a simple rig that adds a skateboard type wheel to modify the kite to serve their icesailing needs.

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.

Top of the World

Eric and his brother Christian reached a place late last week that a very select few have ever been - the summitt of Mt. Everest. Both Mike and Glenn have been watched their expedition daily, and never had any doubt at all that Eric wouldn't become the youngest Canadian to ever summit at the age of 20 years old. A full detail of their trip can be seen at:

http://www.cdneverest2008.com/

Reading the post about their summitt day was highlighted for me by this picture, and these few words from Christian:

Andrew passed me and we high-fived and hugged, and I waited for Eric. It was then that I was unexpectedly overcome with emotion and tears started to stream down my face, liquids I could hardy afford to lose! We had worked so hard to get here. I wanted Eric to lead us to the summit. I took a photo of him approaching and then fell in behind him and the two of us walked the last few steps to the highest point on Earth.

Congratulations Eric - nothing but respect from us here.

29,028 feet

If you have ordered from us in the last 2 years, Eric has likely had soemthing to do with the shiping of your order. Eric has been our shipping manager - but has left us for higher ground.....literally.

Eric left on the 26th for a climing trip to Everest - with full hopes if summitting. Eric's climbing resume is huge - in the fall he summited Cho Oyo after taking time off to go "hiking in Tibet". That gives a sense of Eric laid back approach when the 6th highest peak in the world is considered "a hike in Tibet".

We are following Eric on the team website at: http://www.cdneverest2008.com/ where they hope to update daily - and most hopefully in early May with reports of a successful summit push!

What is missing?

Devon Jones putting his Carve 111 and Gaastra Poison to good use in Northern Ontario. What is missing - whitecaps. With Devon blasting on a 5.8, a good testament to the Poisons power.

2007 in Review

A great year at Windsurfing Direct -both on the water and off. Mike got married, Glenn and his wife had a baby girl, Tristan had ACL surgery and is back to 100%, and Eric summited Cho Oyo in Nepal and is set to attempt Everest in the spring. Great sailing sessions and trips to Barbados, Jeri, Hatteras, and at home. Plus, our fantastic customers made it a pleasure to keep on bring the windsurfing comminuty the best customer service possible.

What was your best session of the year? Send you story and pictures of it to us at sales@windsurfing-direct.com and we will be sure to post it. To get the ball rolling, here is Glenn's session of the year:

"For Dinahs birthday we took our daughter to Sandbanks to camp (camping this year, with a 4 month old, meant staying in a beautiful little inn) and enjoy the beach. Sunday afternoon about 1:00 the wind came up to perfect 5.4 Gaastra Poison wind - and with the ladies napping on the beach I hit the water for a power session of about 90 mins of perfect sandbanks. 85 degress, port and starboard ramps everywhere and sweet frontside riding was a perfect session capped off with a particularly dry forward in front of the holiday weekend beach crowd"

Some shots from the past year:

Happy Holdidays from Windsurfing Direct

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE TEAM AT WINDSURFING DIRECT!

Many thanks to our valued customers and fellow windsurfers for a successful 2007 as America's #1 windsurfing source.We wish you a safe and happy holiday season.Best wishes for a healthy, prosperous and windy 2008.

Windsurfing Direct customer Greg Pucher playing Santa