The Surfmotion centre in Soma Bay south of Hurghada is transformed into a special kind of windsurfing paradise for a week. Vincent Langer, multiple world champion and German champion, welcomes 25 motivated participants to Raceweek - an event that perfectly combines fun and personal development. "Guys, the aim here is firstly for each of us to have a lot of fun this week and secondly for each of you to improve as individually as possible on the water!" says Langer, setting the motto for the coming days right at the start.
Video analysis as the key to success
The centrepiece of the Raceweek is the intensive combination of practice on the water and detailed video training. A professional videographer captures each participant in action, which forms the basis for the subsequent analyses with Vincent. This is where it gets down to business: posture, board and rig trim, strap and boom positions and the correct pumping technique are all put to the test. This method enables participants to look at their technique from a completely new perspective and work directly on improvements.
Learning without age limits
Maurice from Wilhelmshaven is a prime example of how you can still learn new things even after decades of experience. The 52-year-old is taking part in Raceweek for the sixth time and was initially sceptical as to whether he would be able to learn much. But his expectations were exceeded: "We worked together on my posture on the board, my harness surfing, my jibes, tactics, rules, sailing and so on. I wrote a whole notebook full of these things!" he reports enthusiastically.
Fine tuning for advanced users
Maurice's experience with trapeze surfing is particularly interesting. After 35 years on a windsurfing board, he thought he was doing everything right. But the race week revealed potential for improvement. "The optimal setting of the harness lines and, above all, 'going into the harness' and relying on the harness is so important," explains Maurice. He learnt to use longer ropes and to rely more on the trapeze instead of working with his arms. Vincent surfed behind him and gave direct corrections - a method that helped Maurice to become even faster.
Community and competition
Raceweek is not just a learning platform, but also a meeting place. Maurice emphasises that, in addition to the technical progress, he also met new, nice people. On the last day, the event culminates in exciting final races. Peter Müller from Surfmotion Station, also co-organiser of Raceweek, once again secured victory. There were big trophies for the podium places, while all participants were rewarded with non-cash prizes from the Pryde Group.
Inspiration for the next generation
The enthusiasm for the sport and the presence of a professional like Vincent Langer also inspire younger participants. Simon, 21 years old and from Willich, took the opportunity to get Langer's autograph on his event T-shirt - a moment that symbolises the connection between professional level and popular sport.
After a week full of action, learning successes and new friendships, the participants draw a consistently positive conclusion. Frank Schütze, 58 years old, puts it in a nutshell: "Damn, it was a lot of fun again, we all learnt a lot and I'll be back next year!" These words emphasise the success of Raceweek - a perfect blend of lifestyle event and professional windsurfing training that inspires participants of all ages and motivates them to return.
