Adventure in Chile
Today, Chile is on many windsurfers’ travel lists, but back in 2002 the country was still something of an exotic destination. With 4,300 kilometres of coastline, the place must simply be teeming with great surf spots! How fortunate that Philip Horn has a grandmother in Santiago and was thrilled by his first glimpse of the waves. Two years later, author and photographer Tom Körber and Mathias Wöhl simply tag along to explore the coast together. The trio’s first base is Punta Lobos, from where they explore the surrounding spots. They then set off on a journey of discovery northwards, all the way to Topocalma. This World Cup spot is situated in a restricted area which cannot be accessed without official permission. After a thorough security check, Philip and his crew find fantastic waves – and World Cup competitor Andy Wolff. “This wave can hold its own against any other – anywhere in the world!” is the unanimous verdict after the first session. You can ride so many turns on this wave “that you need a taxi for the return journey.” They then head further on towards La Boca before the trip comes to an end after two months. But the three of them agree: we’ll have to visit Philip’s granny more often!
Windsurfing expedition to Guernsey and Jersey
Unlike Chile, the Channel Islands remain largely off the surfing radar even today. Guernsey and Jersey are part of the United Kingdom, lie just off the coast of France and have a climate similar to that of southern Spain. Karin Jaggi and Michi Schweiger set off on a voyage of discovery, despite warnings from some Britons. Surfers, on the other hand, are a common sight; however, with a nine-metre tidal range, the tide table is essential. After an unexpected wave session in St Quens on Jersey, several days of swell follow, perfect for surfing, before Karin and Michi set off in search of further spots. St Brelades Bay is also suitable for freeriding, and they hit the water off the Red Tower near Mont Orugeil too – much to the amazement of the tourists. There are plenty of good spots on Guernsey as well, though you need plenty of local experience to find the best one for the conditions at hand.
Surfing, partying, surfing: Legendary 24-hour contest on Lake Garda
What makes a true surfer? A 24-hour contest on Lake Garda aims to answer this question, although unfortunately it doesn’t feature on any official rankings. Among those taking part in “Dr Schmock’s Freestyle Contest” are Alex Humpel, Josh Stone and surf magazine editor Steve Chismar, who is also acting as an undercover judge. The individual disciplines would have caused panic attacks at any official governing body, but here organiser Fred Niedner has implemented the Australian concept to perfection: A freestyle session in Schweinebucht, a barbecue at Conca, partying at Moby Dick and, at six in the morning, the final morning session off Malecesine. Announcement at the skippers’ meeting: “Stupid questions and protests will result in disqualification!” There’s no official permission to splash the Carabinieri on the boat at the Loop whilst not wearing a lifejacket, so doing so earns extra points. Another sure-fire way to score points: turning up late, unloading in a no-stopping zone on the Gardesana, and a spontaneous railslide across Michiel Bouwmeester’s rubber dinghy – which he didn’t find funny at all. The night turns wild and long, whilst the morning session falls victim to the drizzle. The eventual winner: Rich Forster, because Josh Stone has points deducted for phoning his wife on her birthday. Good old times!
You can browse through the whole magazine in the gallery above!
What else is going on?
- Björn Dunkerbeck wants to set a new speed record; to this end, he has booked an exclusive three-week stay on the speed strip in Fuerteventura and commissioned aerodynamics students to develop sails, boards and fins. The boards are significantly narrower than any other speed boards
- Windsurfing is getting younger and younger in 2002: not only are some of the freestyle stars still teenagers, but the windsurfing pupils and camp participants are also getting younger
- The never-ending topic: the World Cup is to be made more appealing, amongst other things through helmet cameras, more events and daily results. Brian Talma has produced autograph cards modelled on typical trading cards
- surf is looking for the fastest full-planing boards! The test line-up includes laid-back freeriders, sporty freeracers and hardcore Formula boards. By today’s standards, some of the dimensions are quite extraordinary: sails up to 12.5 square metres and fins 70 cm long.
- In an interview, Tabou designer Fabien Vollenweider reveals how the legendary little man with a willy came about: “The idea was that whoever sees it will remember it. The willy is actually a T for Tabou,” says the Frenchman. However: “That upset a lot of Americans. Tabou doesn’t sell very well there either.” In the meantime, the genitalia have been censored. You can find a recent interview with Fabien here: Tabou shaper Fabien Vollenweider – the last of his kind?
- “Jibbing has never been so easy!” proclaims *surf* – and demonstrates all the key points in a comprehensive riding technique feature with Daida and Iballa Moreno
- Times have changed: the World Cup in Pozo offers 130,000 euros in prize money, five-minute heats and names such as Albeau, Flessner and Baker on the start list. One thing remains the same as ever: winds of up to force 11.
You can browse through the entire magazine in the gallery above!
Tobias Frauen
Editor