The surf test has always been tough, objective and a central component of the magazine. In addition to scores and riding impressions, which naturally take centre stage, the pictures also contribute significantly to the overall impression of the test (and the products). That's why in the past, just like today, a lot of importance was placed on the test photos. In his editorial, former editor-in-chief Gerd Kloos therefore pays tribute to a test photographer who shaped the look for many years: Heinz Endler had himself strapped to a moving lorry for the 1997 test, kept a bunch of extras quiet with rum until the desired picture was in the can and had ten chickens grilled as props and then handed out to passers-by. Today, the motifs for cover pictures are often a little closer to windsurfing, but no less elaborate: Each test involves long photo sessions from the water, from land, with a drone or from scaffolding.
Readers ask Robby Naish
"It can't be roses and wheat beer all the time!" is Robby Naish's answer to the question as to why he still puts up with the cold water at the World Cup on Sylt. Surf readers were able to submit their questions to the legend and Robby provided answers. For example, whether you can buy one of his boards (yes, if you come to Hawaii), whether he still uses the van from "RIP"He also talks about whether he sometimes despairs over moves (yes, for example the double loop and the landing on the goiter) and what he would do differently as a PWA manager (a lot). Among other things, the story of how the now multi-millionaire financed his first equipment is fascinating: With babysitting, the sale of painted T-shirts, the proceeds from the sale of a donated Hobie Cat and a cancelled life insurance policy. And at the end, Robby makes it clear that despite the many party stories, most worldcuppers are real professionals: "The problem is that the surf media glorifies those who shout the loudest and stand out because of their partying habits!" The majority are real professional athletes who live accordingly, emphasises Robby. By the way: A similar question-and-answer campaign was recently organised again to celebrate Robby's 60th birthday: King Robby turns 60: Career, successes, setbacks - Robby Naish answers honestly like never before
The fascination of sunset
Sunsets are always fascinating when you witness them live. Being on the water yourself in the special, shimmering orange light of the last day is the crowning glory for every windsurfer. And it even has practical advantages, as surf points out in a kind of essay: The spot is empty, the afternoon surfers are exhausted, the wind possibly even a little better. But while in northern Europe you can hold entire regattas in the sunset, the pleasure in the Caribbean is only brief. And when it suddenly gets dark, the beach is barely recognisable, but other hungry locals may come to the surface... The rapture is accompanied by artfully blurred images of a hookipa session at sunset by Jason Polakow.
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And what else?
- Euboea's name alone promises a lot of wind, which is confirmed when travelling to the Greek island. Even for official measuring devices and commercially available wind turbines, it blows too hard, as the locals tell us.
- Windsurfing is the number one dream sport for young people, according to a survey. 22 per cent would like to learn windsurfing, also spurred on by "Against the wind"
- Bossi Güven is the new Head of Marketing at Fanatic - and he's cleaning up the team right away. Only two riders will be sponsored, but many new boards will be added
- The American magazine Windsurfer has proclaimed 5 April as "Windsurfing Day", with exactly 1000 days to go until the turn of the millennium. surf and Windsurfer are calling for the best pictures to be sent in, which will then be compiled in an illustrated book.
- The long-announced Transatlantic Race has been postponed until 1998. Microsoft was supposed to be on board as a sponsor - but as we now know, nothing came of it: Trans Atlantic Windsurf Race 1998: "It was actually impossible. But we did it." - Louie Hubbard on the Atlantic race
- Race pro Christoffer Rappe shows how to stay in control even when overpowered
- Spot Guide Norway: Names like Lista and Sola were still insider tips back then, but are now known far beyond the country's borders.
- Indoor windsurfing at boot: What is a mega spectacle today with wings and foils was certainly a little more leisurely in 1997 with the 3.80 metre raceboards of the Surf Bundesliga.
- Andrea Hoeppner admits in her column "Worldcup Inside" that she gets weak knees at the indoor World Cups because 10,000 pairs of eyes "follow every mistake up close". In addition, the risk of injury is extremely high and the wind is "as unnatural as Michael Jackson's nose". But the prize money and sponsors make up for two days of windsurfing in the hall.
You can click through the entire magazine in the gallery above!
Tobias Frauen
Editor
