German Windsurf Cup: Matthias Regber and Vincent Langer on the comeback of the North One Hour
SURF
· 22.03.2026
It can be so simple: Two buoys, one hour and an almost unlimited number of racing fans: the North One Hour was a hit at many spots in the nineties and attracted dozens of amateur surfers and professionals. Now it's making a comeback: the simple entry-level format will be offered again in 2026 as part of the German Windsurf Cup, starting with the event in Kühlungsborn from 1 to 3 May! Choppy Water Managing Director Matthias Regber and Vincent Langer, the new Category Manager Windsurfing at North Sails, are behind the event.
What was the incentive to revive the North One Hour as part of the DWC?
VincentIt has always been my dream to bring back the North One Hour as an everyman regatta. I grew up with it. Now as Category manager for windsurfing at North I finally have the opportunity to do so. With its professional organisation, the Windsurf Cup offers the perfect setting for the rebirth of the North One Hour in Germany. And it won't be the last one this year.
Matthias: We have always endeavoured to make the California Windsurf Cup as beginner-friendly as possible. That's why, in addition to the big events at attractive but sometimes challenging spots, there are also ProAm Windsurf Cups, which are aimed more at beginners. A similar beginner-friendly concept is the North One Hour, an everyman format integrated into the California Windsurf Cup. We hope that with North Windsurfing as a partner, even more participants will be inspired to take part in the regatta sport.
Where will the regatta take place and what conditions must a spot have to be suitable for this format?
Vincent: The premiere of the North One Hour in Germany will take place as part of the California Windsurf Cup Kühlungsborn. An easy spot without shorebreak and dangerous currents is important for a regatta for everyone. Beginners in particular are preoccupied enough with themselves and the processes involved in a regatta. Speed and gybing duels with opponents are the next step. If possible, the sailing area should not also be a challenge.
Matthias: In Kühlungsborn we have the perfect setting for the North One Hour. Between the pier and the marina is a sheltered beach for relaxed access to the water. The pier is an ideal natural grandstand for the spectators and families of the participants. From there you can follow the races up close. We can launch regatta and safety boats from the neighbouring harbour.
Who can take part? Is the format aimed more at DWC cuppers or hobby surfers?
Vincent: In principle, anyone can take part. The North One Hour attracted hundreds of amateur racers to the regattas in the nineties. We would like to build on this and hope that many newcomers to the regatta and weekend racers will be inspired by the atmosphere. But experienced windsurfers are also looking forward to this special format and are of course welcome. Many established windsurf cuppers and North team riders will be taking part in the North One Hour in Kühlungsborn. Just like at the DEFI, this great atmosphere with "pros" and "amateurs" together is a big part of the fascination. When else can you compete with world and European champions or PWA pros on the same course?
When else can you compete with world and European champions or PWA professionals on the same course?"
What does the regatta format look like? How do you start, what course do you sail?
Vincent: The most important thing is that all participants have fun at the North One Hour. That's why everything is kept as simple and uncomplicated as possible. The course is a large 8-man long distance slalom. The legs are so long that you don't have to constantly run uphill, but instead have exciting speed duels with your competitors. Thanks to the format, you will automatically always find people with a comparable level of performance.
The most important thing is that all participants have fun at the North One Hour. That's why everything is kept as simple and uncomplicated as possible." (Vincent Langer)
In the One Hour Race, everyone starts together and everyone finishes together after one hour. So everyone has the same water time. In between, the aim is to complete as many laps as possible. The laps are counted by teams on boats. The start can either be a rabbit start by a moving boat, as in the DEFI, or a classic half-wind start. Before the start, everything is explained once again in very simple terms: rules, starting procedures, signals, tactical tips. And there is also plenty on offer besides the race. North is donating great prizes so that participation in the North One Hour will be worthwhile for everyone.
Matthias: The North One Hour offers perhaps one of the simplest regatta formats. It is a single, but of course special, race as part of the Windsurf Cup. You can register for just this one race or, if you prefer, you can of course take part in the whole Windsurf Cup weekend.
The North One Hour offers perhaps one of the simplest regatta formats." (Matthias Regber)
What material can you use?
Matthias: You can take part with fin, foil or wingfoil equipment. There is a separate classification for each group.
What logistical challenges does the North One Hour pose - in terms of safety and for the regatta organisers?
Matthias: Safety and an orderly regatta process are the most important things. We do not yet know how many participants will come to the North One Hour. In order to guarantee the organisation and safety, we need the registrations of the participants in advance. Then we can adjust the setup on site accordingly.
How much does it cost to take part, what requirements do you need to fulfil and how do you register?
Matthias: Participation in the North One Hour race only costs 25 euros. For a little more you can register for the whole Windsurf Cup weekend. The same conditions apply as for all official regattas: membership of the club and GWA as well as liability insurance. As a rookie (newcomer in the first year), however, membership is free of charge. If your own liability insurance includes windsurfing regattas, you don't need anything extra. Basically, you can easily and unbureaucratically fulfil all requirements on site. Registration takes place via the Website of the California Windsurf Cup.
Thank you very much and good luck!
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