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Windsurf Challenge in Madagascar
A descendant of the famous Windsurf Trilogy, the Windsurf Challenge 2006 focusses on the best windsurfing in the best conditions. Ten invited surfers travel without prize money to a spot that promises spectacular heats. After Morocco and Indonesia, they travelled to Madagaaskar, more precisely to Sakalava Bay in the north of the island. The scenery is rugged, a chain of sharp rocks lies in front of the beach, the waves are marvellous, the wind merciless - no one has ever seen the bay at less than 35 knots. Thomas Traversa, Boujmaa Guillol, John Skye, Diony Guadagnino and Alex Mussolini are among those taking part. After a day and a half of "surfing in" with "three-point-anything sailing", most of them are already exhausted before the actual contest begins. Five riders are on the water at any one time, the others are judging - and can hardly keep up with all the action. Alex Mussolini wins, but in the end that is almost irrelevant. And during a flat water session, the pros show the locals what else you can do with the almost always rattling wind.
Freeriding on the Baja California
Baja California naturally conjures up images of spartan camps in the desert, which can only be reached after a miserably long journey over gravel tracks, and gnarly waves. But the peninsula in Mexico also has a gem for mere mortals, which is presented by Chris Pressler and Kerstin Reiger: In Los Barriles near the southern tip, there is reliable wind, tourist infrastructure and even a surfing centre. Dutchman Peter works there, who once got stuck here on his way to Hawaii and only misses the local cheese. Many windsurfing tourists also appreciate this gem: In addition to US-Americans, the German Friedrich, who is visiting Baja California for the ninth time, is also a favourite. In the winter months, there is a very constant, reliable wind for 5.3 or 6.0, which sets in around half past ten every day - ideal for relaxed holidays without the hustle and bustle. More wind and waves only occur during the few strong wind periods with "El Norte" in January, when a three can sometimes be in the front.
Portrait of Brian Talma
Surf editor Steve Chismar visited Brian Talma in his home country of Barbados, where the legendary "Action Man" has become a "Family Man" - and is dedicated to looking after his young daughters. "But family man Talma has not yet finished his windsurfing career", he is busy travelling as an ambassador for his home island and its "beach culture". Behind his open-hearted laugh, which is legendary in the windsurfing scene, and his constantly interspersed exclamations such as "Action!" (for good things) or "Tears!" (when things are not so good) conceal many a swallowed shame. As the son of a coloured father and a white mother, Brian was not accepted by either side and his windsurfing career was often ridiculed, despite two Olympic appearances and successes in the World Cup. It wasn't until later that many locals recognised what Talma meant for the island and the sport. "I inspire people," he says himself. Others often reap the rewards in the form of marketing and money. "He's always one step ahead of himself," his brother says of him. Brian Talma is still active in beach culture today - and one of the legends of our sport!
And what else?
- Storm Kyrill is tearing half of Europe apart, but some windsurfers are happy. In Varberg (Sweden), among other places, the storm is being surfed with adventurous combinations of children's sails and normal masts.
- F2 changes hands once again: after flourishing and a mediocre time at Boards & More, someone new takes over the former global brand. Although not publicised at the time, we now know that the new owner Bernd Flügel was to transform the brand into an all-round label for SUP, kite and snowboard - with a small windsurfing division.
- New rules: In the World Cup, wave riding is limited to 48 riders in order to get through the elimination faster. No rules" are introduced in the slalom - there are no protests, fairness is subject to self-monitoring by the riders. In hindsight, an extremely good decision for exciting racing.
- NeilPryde is so enthusiastic about its newly developed camber that a new race sail is presented in the middle of the season. Riders who use their fist or foot to help with the rotation "will no longer be seen", promises sail designer Robert Stroj.
- Neoprene basics: surf explains how neoprene is made and what influences its insulating properties.
- A trip to Tiree in Scotland becomes a visit to Cornwall due to a lack of wind. There, Leon Jamaer and his crew can at least get a taste of the good conditions.
- "46 kilos of concentrated energy": Andi Lachauer, then 16, is whirling through the southern German freestyle scene. He used to be a national ice hockey player, now he wants to compete in windsurfing and "annoys" people until someone takes him to the beach. Today he runs a water sports centre on Lake Walchensee
- A small announcement: The PWA is organising a World Cup in Cape Verde at short notice. This event was to make history, Kauli Seadi turned up with twinser boards and redefined wave riding.
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