The North Sea story in May 2001 is supposed to be an "unemotional stocktaking". While some rave about the light, waves, wind and atmosphere, others think of the North Sea in terms of "bitter cold, dirty broth and constant fucking rain". So where does the truth lie? When it comes to waves, the North Sea certainly has nothing to hide; according to statistics, the height of the swell waves is better than off Sardinia, for example - even if the direction from which a functioning swell can come is somewhat more limited. Denmark is also no worse than the Mediterranean in terms of hours of sunshine and rain - albeit with noticeably lower temperatures. However, there are differences between the north of Denmark and the coast around Scheveningen. The wind statistics are also promising, and although the water quality is not yet flawless, it is much better than its reputation, according to author Andreas Erbe - a big fan of the North Sea.
Him!
From wind and wave statistics to other numbers: The "chance" of being attacked by a shark is significantly lower than a six in the lottery. Nevertheless, there is always a queasy feeling at certain spots: "I almost wet my wetsuit every time I have to involuntarily leave the board in Table Bay off Cape Town," admits author Josh Welz. However, Craig Ferreira, a shark researcher from South Africa, would even practise a water start in the bay with the highest shark population in the world. Normally, sharks flee from windsurfers and tend to move far below the surface of the water - so encounters are rather unlikely. If the shark does attack, it is only because it has a craving for seal and mistakes surfers, swimmers or divers for its favourite food. Windsurfers are rarely targeted, and even with all other "morsels" the shark usually leaves its prey when it realises the mistake. The danger is that the victims lose too much blood - but even these cases are extremely rare in relation to the number of water sports enthusiasts and the shark population. "Of all water sports enthusiasts, windsurfers have the least to worry about," reassures Ferreira. Sharks tend to be sceptical and skittish; they will only attack intentionally if they are deliberately provoked - for example by pulling their tail or snatching their prey. Humans and windsurfers in particular are "not prey, rather deterrent, at best interesting." Those who remain calm, do not flee, spread their arms and legs and hold on to their board and rig are signalling: "Look, I'm not a seal!" As of 2001, there have only been two attacks on windsurfers (in one case, the victim accidentally sat on a tiger shark during the water start).
Spot jewel Tiree
Tiree has earned an excellent reputation among windsurfers, mainly thanks to its legendary contest, where there is an impressive daggerboard up for grabs. In 2001, a crew of North German windsurfers set off to explore the then still largely unknown Scottish island. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the relatively mild climate - "by Scottish standards" - and the good swell prospects in the Inner Hebrides promised top conditions. The boys were not disappointed: after a great day's surfing and a little patience, they were rewarded with creamy days at spots such as "The Maze" or Crossapol. The island itself is particularly enchanting: There is no left-hand traffic because all roads are single-lane anyway - and inevitably lead to the harbour pub sooner or later. The party of the year was supposed to start there with 70s and 80s songs, but had to be cancelled because the landlord suddenly disappeared. According to the explanation, he couldn't find anyone to help him in the event of a fight.
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And what else?
- The highlights of the early Internet years: from Thursday, surf's website will feature the wind forecast for 33 spots (Windfinder was only available as an SMS service) and the personal homepage of Olympic surfer Amelie Lux is worth a note of its own
- However, there was already fake news back then: surf had to correct online rumours that windsurfers would once again have right of way over "small motorised vehicles". Not true.
- Mistral is launching its own perfume called "Waterproof for Men". However, it is not supposed to smell like epoxy, but rather be a "revitalising men's fragrance".
- Dunkerbeck has left F2, where his footsteps are now to be filled, including with new lines and a new design. Dunk himself is now also involved in the board market as a partner in Proof.
- None other than style master Francisco Goya shows the basics in the wave - from chicken jibe to water start to reading the wave
- The new hot shit... are the wide Formula boards, at that time still with a reasonably pointed nose. surf shows suitable board bags, and there is a special regatta on Lake Garda to trim the new material. With five to six wind forces, however, two laps on the light wind equipment become a fight for survival.
- Rachid Roussafi was Morocco's first windsurfing star, surf author Dimitri Lehner visited him for a portrait. Another mega talent later followed in Rachid's footsteps: Boujmaa Gouillol!
- The first 16-page kite special comes as a supplement. It includes, among other things: "Critical interview with Robby Naish about the thin thread on which kiters hang".
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Tobias Frauen
Editor
