Text: Sebastian Gux
Single-digit temperatures, a gusty south-westerly wind and blue skies: Laboe was at its best on the 3rd Advent. Well - let's be honest: it was a classic Laboe session. But what could be better than a nice session at the city spot just outside Kiel?
Despite the frosty conditions, numerous windsurfers were already out on the water at around 10.00 am - a surprisingly large number for this time of year. However, it's not just the cold that is a challenge in winter, but also the short days and limited daylight. This has probably convinced even the last windsurfer who has been standing at the spot in the pitch dark after work in recent weeks. Over the course of the afternoon, more and more riders joined the GFB crew - lots of familiar faces, plenty of freestyle manoeuvres and an overall very relaxed atmosphere on the water.
For me personally, this session was all the better because I was finally able to windsurf more or less unrestrictedly again. Shortly before the World Cup Sylt, which I wanted to take part in for the first time this year, I had torn a muscle fibre in my lateral abdominal muscle during a priel session on the North Sea. After a break of more than six weeks, I was slowly able to return to the water. In total, it was around three months with restrictions, during which I had to gradually feel my way back to my original level.
As we all know, one pain follows the next in freestyle
For me, the Advent session in Laboe was therefore not about trying out new tricks, but about feeling more in control and confident in my own body again. It's all the nicer when a familiar flow quickly returns on the water - and together with so many friends. In the meantime, it's more the fingers that are hurting again in these temperatures - a good sign after the injury break. As we all know, one pain follows the next in freestyle, so I can live with that. I was out and about that day with my 93 Tabou Twister and a GA Pure 4.4 - my favourite set-up for freestyle sessions and also one of the most ridden sails in the north. The bright colours and eye-catching 90s design brighten up even the greyest winter days.
