“The new 1500 is the ultimate weapon for the light breeze. Same as the 1250, this wing is inspired by our easy and forgiving surf foils, with insane glide and real surfing behaviour, but in a faster profile adding speed and excitement. Flow Foil 1500 (Light wind weapon): earliest lift and insane glide – surf inspired.
WE SAY
Following the success of the 900 and 1250 last year, Fanatic have extended the Flow series for 2020, with the introduction of the 1500 and 1000 front wings. The 1500 (tested here) is focussed on getting going as early as possible, whilst the 1000 is their performance all-rounder. Instead of pursuing the niche race windfoiling market, Fanatic have aimed squarely at the freeride/recreational sector, lead in design by Ken Winner. The Flow foil range is intended solely for windfoiling, whereas the brand’s extensive Aero foil series caters for prone-surf foiling, wing foiling and SUP foiling. And it’s worth noting that the components of the two programmes aren’t compatible.
The Flow series has evolved around a modular system, whereby you choose your mast and fuselage setup before opting for your front wing size (the back wing consistently remaining the standard 215 cm2). The most popular (and recommended) mast/fuselage size will be 90 cm/90 cm (tested here), but there is also a 75 cm mast / 90 cm fuselage option, should you wish. And when buying the sets, the foil bag comes with the mast and fuselage, whereas the wings come with individual padded covers as standard. Foil assembly is very straightforward, the aluminium fuselage forged with tracks and grooves to help locate the mast and wings precisely. All the bolts locate easily and the internal helicoid-threads provide a secure and confident fit. The mast head has an integrated pedestal plate / track system as standard; if you wish to use a Tuttle head fitting, an adaptor is required for an extra £55.00. Fully assembled the Flow 1500 is not light at 6.45 kg, and yet, as we have found in year’s past, foiling is one of the few corners in the sport where a race to achieve the lightest results is not absolutely necessary. Stiffness is key, and this well-engineered Flow setup offers it in spades.
On the water, the 1500 has a similar ease and practicality to its nature that we recall of the 1250 tested last year. As the board’s speed across the water increases, the lift comes on smoothly and progressively, making it effortless to anticipate and control. A great tutor for the uninitiated, it has a measured and dependable nature, feeling directionally secure and without a hint of twitch or stammer to its feedback. The tall mast is a bonus as the rider learns to control their flight height, and the response to weight change remains measured and sedate at all times. Accelerating serenely to a respectable top speed, there is no discernible loss in velocity compared to the 1250, yet the early lift and intuitive glide through lulls that the 1500 has is a real plus. Its ability to retain lift at critical angles is also noticeable, particularly in transition or manoeuvre, where it continues to fly as speed is dissipated, granting the rider with time and security to master technique.
The Fanatic windfoil programme has come a long way since its inception and this 1500 extends the offering well. Super easy and trustworthy, it provides one of the easiest routes into the world of foiling for all rider weights and abilities, whilst retaining its rightful place in an experienced foiler’s recreational quiver, for early lift and plug-and-play glide. And once the 1500 is mastered, the Flow series furnishes you with accessible stepping-stones to compliment it, in the 1000 or 900 wing setups.
Check out the 2020 Torbole 293 test event International Windsurfing Event final day video. Lake Garda is such a stunning race venue and the clip features some awesome action from the youths!
Torbole, Lake Garda-Italy: At the Circolo Surf Torbole, after the end of the Techno races, the first demonstrative event of possible Olympic young board, the Tahe Techno Wind Foil 130 took place on Saturday 31st October. This board could replace the Techno 293 Plus used in Buenos Aires 2018 and be in contention for Dakar 2026, event that has been postponed for 4 years. There are two age categories the in competition: Under and over 16. They confronted each other in a demonstration heat race through reach and upwind. For the race course the organization used the electric buoys. The experiment, considering the very heterogeneous level of the participants – it definitely went well and above all it entertained the young athletes, who were the protagonists of an event that could open a new path to the Youth Olympics.
In a period in which sailing seems increasingly projected to foil, between America’s Cup fly boats, Olympic catamarans such as the Nacra 17, boards, kites, the world of young people is adapting by offering a board and equipment with fairly low and technically cost suitable for young. All the managers of the International and Italian Techno Class and the managers of the Tahe company, which replaced the previous Bic Sport, were present at the Circolo Surf Torbole, making boards and sails available to young.
Armando Bronzetti, President of Circolo Surf Torbole: “we have closed this particular season with a wonderful international event: we hosted Tahe which presented the new young foil Techno 130: we also tested it during a demonstrative race set up just for this occasion. The impression seems to be excellent for this product dedicated to young. Regarding the rest of the season I am satisfied given how it was started: we did several events with great participation, the windsurfing and kite school went very well, the members attended the club in serenity.
Next year we’re going to organize two world championships (IFCA Slalom and Techno 293) plus a new foil event, in addition to the One Hour Classic, the Techno National Championship and other events that will be added along the way. We hope that everything can be done in peace and that the season starts regularly.Even with the competitive teams it went very well, as we went to the podium in all classes and disciplines with our young boys and girls trained by Dario Pasta “.
The opinion of Mauro Covre, the technical coach of the FIV young team who was here during the whole event: : “It has been a good foil event, the technical level of the competitors was very heterogeneous; some of them had no experience and some other more; the wind condition was very difficult, too gusty, not so good for foil. Nevertheless all competitors had fun and were able to complete the race, also who had little experience. It means that this board is easy to manage and suitable for younger age groups, 12/13 years old. And if the formats and routes are appropriate for the age, the danger is also very relative. However, I think that it will not be able to replace the Techno293, which remains the board up to the age of 16 on which to learn to race.”
Ivan Oprandi, president of the Italian Techno Class:”The Techno foil is easy to manage, for those who have never “flown” and funny for those who already races with this equipment. For the young Techno class, it completes the supply chain towards the Olympic class. The price is reasonable, the materials are strong, the monotype and easiness to use are the strengths that guarantee clubs to maintain a large base of young athletes “.
Ezio Ferin, ex President of the International Techno Class who tested personally the board:“Having participated in the development of the previous table that replaced Aloha (former youth class), I had hoped that the product could have 3 characteristics: functionality, low cost and the appreciation of children. The first must allow children from 5 to 35 knots to be put in the water; the other important feature is of course the price and this class is quite cheap as the Techno was before. Last but not least, the board must have the appreciation of children and this happened. In testing the board it was necessary to first make a correct trim of the tail rudder, mast foot and straps to be able to go (as it is for all foils); the board is very easy, the foil flies well and is stable when flying and has been tested in all conditions even the most difficult with strong and very gusty winds. Despite the 7sqm sail provided to all the boys, the fleet managed to race even in the morning with wind reaching over 20 knots, despite the very different technical levels and even with the light wind in the afternoon, flying without problems and demonstrating a range of very wide use. The intention of the class is to let people race even with the “old” sails used on the Techno 293 so as not to have additional expenses in class change. And even in this case the boys found themselves very well, adapting perfectly”.
Victory in the over 16 went to Luca Franchi (YC Italiano) followed by Graciotti (SEF Stamura) and Pilloni (Windsurfing Club Cagliari). Among the youngest under 16 double win of the color bearer of Circolo Surf Torbole, Leonardo Tomasini and Rocco Sotomayor, third place for Tiberio Riccini (CS Bracciano).
EDITOR: TRIS BEST. // SECOND TESTERS: JOE NORTH, ALEX GREEN. // PHOTOS: TRIS BEST, ALEX BEST. // TEST LOCATION: PORTLAND HARBOUR.
This freeride foil test is from our August issue of Windsurf which was written just as we were coming out of the first UK lockdown!
Writing this test not long after lockdown has been eased, we are constantly hearing the soundbite repeated on TV and radio programmes that we should get used to ‘a new normal’. And looking out on the water during the blissfully windy period that has followed, perhaps there’s a new normal around our coastline and inland waterways we need to get used to too: an incredible number of people taking to the water! There can be a number of reasons attributed to this explosion in participation … but particularly here in Portland Harbour, a really interesting observation is the dramatic increase in foiling activity. Sure, the confirmation of the IQ Foil as the 2024 Olympic Class has helped, yet there is also a definite increase in recreational windfoiling too. A trip to La Tranche-sur-Mer in France last year brought it home to us just how much the French market had fallen in love with foiling. On a utopian force five day, a quick count revealed that over 80% of the windsurfing participants on the water were foiling. Well, maybe the UK windsurfing scene is catching up!
FINDINGS
Developments for 2020 in the windfoiling market are just as you’d expect of a niche sector that is maturing at pace. There’s a year of consolidation, a moment to inhale and reflect. Many brands are keeping their lineups much the same as last year, giving the market a chance to try what has already been presented. Some brands are introducing new additions; new wings or fuselages to experiment with and push range and performance. To this end, the modular system has proved its worth, providing future prospects in development for both the product and the user.
External influences outside the sport of windsurfing have been instrumental in progression. Design direction taken directly from kite foiling and more recently sup and prone-surf foiling is all tangible within the windfoiling market, making the choice available that much more rounded. And this cross-pollination has sparked a whole new watersport, wing foiling, whose roots and riding sensations rest much closer to home than others. Wing foiling is catching on like wildfire around the country. Initially ridiculed by some, it has now wholeheartedly been adopted by many windsurfers and watermen/women alike, like a wide-eyed fervent sibling. Many of the foils here have crossover potential to be used in wing foiling too, giving added value to the investment. And if you’re turning your nose up at the very thought or mention as you read this, all I would say is … don’t knock it until you’ve tried it for yourself!
As with the last few years, I’ve included a glossary of terms here, just to reconfirm some explanations and terminology. In addition, I’m also going to repeat some key tips, to keep your foiling experience a positive one:
Firstly, stiffness in a foil is paramount. If there is any play or movement at any joint or fixing in the foil, its influence will be felt ten-times over in flight. When you come back in from your first session, check and re-check the tension in all the screws. If you’re using a Foil box / Tuttle box head, make extra sure the back bolt is tight and secure – this one will stop the foil jack-knifing into the hull of your board! If there has been any movement during your first outing, the front screw will be loose, so tighten it up!
Aluminium and carbon don’t mix at the best of times, but add the electrolyte of salt water into the mix and you have the perfect recipe for your expensive new purchase to seize and become one piece! Take time to maintain your foil. Many of the brands are good enough to supply a marine grade lubricant, but if it’s not supplied, buy some. Tef-Gel is the one we use in the centre – a small 5 oz pot costs around £20.00. A high price for a small quantity, but it really is a lifesaver. Before fixing your screws into place, dip the head of the screw into the pot … but then wash your hands because the stuff is incredibly sticky and heaven forbid you get some on your boom!
The last point is that the setup between foil, board and rig is absolutely crucial. A good foil can feel terrible in a good foil board if the setup isn’t fine-tuned. Be prepared to experiment, some foils come with shims or washers to adjust wing angles; others can be tuned by simply adjusting some screws. Get the flight right and you are onto a winner, making your session fun and easy whilst others seem to be struggling.
Glossary of Terms
To make sure we don’t lose you when we discuss the nuances between the foils by using unclear terminology, here is a glossary of the test parameters.
Early Lift – How early the foil will kick into action and elevate the board clear of the water. Another really important consideration is where the lift comes from – whether it is back-footed, front-footed or balanced between both feet.
Directional Stability – A foil is in effect a big fin initially, but when in flight, how directionally stable does it feel?
Response – Whilst in flight, you’ll want to control your height through gusts and lulls, on different sea states and during transitions. Response considers your sense of control fore and aft.
Flight Predictability – This is a biggie for everyone, from the novice to the pro. How solid and comfortable the foil feels underfoot largely determines how committed you can be and how much you can load it with power. Which leads neatly onto…
Speed – Does what it says on the tin, a pretty clear-cut test parameter.
Reaching Comfort – Most recreational sailors blast across the wind, from A to B, and wish to do it for hours on end, without a struggle. In powered to overpowered conditions, it is actually one of the tougher points of sail, so how do these foils fair?
Pointing Ability – Just as we’re seeing in the PWA foil racing, the beauty with foiling is the ability to point, both upwind and off the wind. So what is the non-reaching potential of each of these foils?
Twitch – This term will be a new for many and describes the potential ‘play’ in the foil. It deals with any unexplained bounce, jolt or hiccup in the flight – an experience that momentarily rocks your confidence in control. It could be down to a myriad of reasons, but ultimately is likely to boil down to that holy grail of foil stiffness.
Manoeuvrability – Different to response, manoeuvrability deals with just how playful and throw around you feel the foil is. Does it encourage you to enter transitions in quick succession, or dread them?
Ease of Assembly – Most of these foils come fully dismantled. Just how easy is it to put them together and also how easy is it to locate them securely to the bottom of a board?
SUMMARY
Starting with the foil boasting the largest front wing, the
Slingshot Infinity 84 is the Goliathan of early lift and getting going. It has its windfoiling limitations, but its ability to fly at slow speeds and be thrown around confidently make it a champion in manoeuvre-oriented flight, or crossing over into other foiling sports. The SuperCruiser from
Starboard heralds directly from the surf-foiling arena, its front wing the same as the brand’s Wave foil, possessing a similar delta wing outline to the Slingshot. Silky smooth and user-friendly, it is every bit the plug-and-play star we recall from last year’s test, yet costs a chunk more with a carbon mast. If you’re buying into the brand’s modular system, and intend to use the mast in various setups, this could be a cost effective way to own a mast that offers so much more in performance. The
RRD Universal is aptly named and exudes its fun, playful nature in whichever mode or setup it is partnered with. It won’t win races, yet opens up the genuine realisation that one foil can provide across many sports, flattering the user and maximising the return for little input or energy expended. The new 1500 option from
Fanatic has taken their Flow series to new levels, with early lift and real efficiency in its glide. The mast and fuselage provide a superbly stiff platform and the 1500 willingly exploits their credentials. Next, there’s the Hybrid from
GA Sails. With a front wing surface area of just 936 cm2 and a medium aspect ratio outline, it is a great ‘jack of all trades’, being easy to use yet fast and exciting to sail. And at a price of less than £900, it rightly commands a lot of attention. Finally, there’s the 4:All from
Maui Ultra Fins – the first of many intended, in a soon to be expanded lineup. The only dedicated high aspect foil here, it is both rapid and engaging, and represents a solid base from which the brand can push to become a real contender in the ever-expanding windfoil market. So if you’re new to windfoiling, there has never been a better array of foils on offer to get you flying and progressing quickly. And if you can already foil, there are new avenues, new directions and even sports, being added all the time, with the foresight of established modular systems making any direction you choose accessible. When freedom has been a commodity sorely lacking from our lives in the recent past, we can’t think of a more liberating avenue in watersports than foiling. So enjoy this summer; get involved and experience the freedom of flight.
Nico Prien and Andy Laufer join the JP slalom photo shoot in the stunning location of Lake Garda! Some awesome impressions of this epic windsurfing Lake!
We rewind the clock, back to our August issue and here is the first in a new series looking back on various championsto find out the traits they think have helped them reach the top. And who better to kick off the series with than Sarah-QuitaOffringa. Born in Aruba, the exceptionally talented sailor has an amazing 17 world titles and no doubt many more to come. She gives us an in depth insight into her world.
BEING THE BEST
I think I only have this feelingof ‘being the best’with windsurfing as I seem tohave a natural talentat it.If I see that someone else, and usually anotherwoman,can do something better than Ican, something just switches in my mind and makes me wantto do that too. Wait… who am Ikidding?I think Ifeel like this in anything I do!
I guess I’m competitive. But I amrealistic about it. In other sports I do, I know it’s not realistic to be the best, but then I will try hard to be the best that I can be.
Being good at something or having proper dominion over something just gives me a certain satisfaction thatis a bitaddicting.When itcomes to windsurfing that meansI’m just having more funon the water the better I am.So the better I get,the more adrenaline rush I get,andthe more I want to get better.
So being the best is cool, but I think the satisfaction comes more from being as good as I can be and having fun with that.
HOW TO ACHIEVE YOUR BEST
Imeasuremyselfagainst the person that’s better than I am.Learning from other people rather than havingto figure things out yourselfmakes you progressquicker.When I am learning something new I will ask different people their take on it. I will always finda piece of advice that works for me.I also try to be smart about it. In windsurfing you can work on yourself, but making sure your equipment is working rightisalmost half the work.
So,if something is not going right,I will definitely check for the problem with my technique first, but I’m also very quick to adjust my gear as that is very often a shortcut to having a better session.Adjusting my boom,mastbaseposition ordownhaul is done in seconds andI’llfeel a big change.
Yeah,so I guess I try to be proactive when it comes to improving myself!
EXCELLENCE
I’m a bit of an all or nothing person. When I do set my mind on something Igo allin. And then I think excellencemeans you’re doing everything possible to be as good as you can be – putting the hours inon the water, spending time tuning the gear, getting the right settings for your board and sail andspendingtime in the gym.
But most importantly when a contest comes around,making sure that you put in a 120%. In a contest your mindset is what matters the most. If something out of your control goes wrong it’s importantthatyou can stay composed andfocus on what you can control atthe moment to bring it allbackto a good end.
I think excellence is that moment whenall your preparation comes together, withyou keeping it together mentally,livingup to your own level andthengoingpast it and out performingyourself.
I feel like there’s different levelsto excellence as well.
Like MaaikeHuvermannfor example last year beating me in Bonaire after sailing an amazingheat and right at the end, landing that chachoo to take the win.Amado making a massive comeback in Bonaire last year winning eight heats in a row,each with a ridiculously high score to win the event.Yentel in Sylt keeping it all together and doing what he had to, to make it back up in the double and claim his firstfreestyle title. Titoun(Antoine Martin)taking the win inMaui sailing the final like his life dependedon it, his performance was ridiculous and came together when it mattered the most.Mortefon winning his first title in New Caledonia.Those are moments of excellence!
And then you have the ones thatreplicate performances like thatover and over again. Being at the top and keeping that spot is another level of excellence.
For example, the twins keeping the wave title between them for years(25+ titles),andDaida winning Pozo year after year.Gollito has won the freestyle title nine times and has come back from thedirestsituations to take the title in the end.Theyoungerguys are pushing, butAntoine Albeauwith 20plustitles and counting,isstill such a powerful force on tour.And that includesmewith 17 titlesperforming in alldisciplines year after year.
LIFE DEFINING MOMENTS
I think there was one or two years,right at the beginningof my careerthat were very important for me.There was acompetition inPozowhere I let the bigger girls(I was 15 at the time) get to me. I felt like I didn’t belong there, when in fact I was performingmoves that most girls weren’t.I lost composure, couldn’t focus on my heat and lost out early.I reset myself for the event afterand won my first world cup in Fuerteventura at 15.
The year after in 2007I was tied for the world title untilthe last event inFuerteventura, and there was just one heat I needed to win to get it, but I guess I didn’t want it badly enough.I didn’t feel muchwhenI lost,but when I got homelater that week it started setting in that I had just let thetitle slip. Again, because I didn’tbelieve like I deserved it. When again, I hadspent all year training forit,and I was right up there with the best.Anyway,those were two moments where I learned that you shouldn’t bow downto others, no matter your age oryour level.
From 2008 onwards I haven’t lost that freestyle title.Never be lessthanyourself for others. Now if someone beats me and I have given my all, it will be that much more satisfying for that other person.
I was the first one of the “younger generation” to win the slalom title after Karin Jaggi and Valerie Ghibaudo had that inachokehold for years between the two of them.Andnow I’mthe first in along timeto win the wave title since theMorenotwins. And there aren’t any waves to train in in Aruba you know!I spent time travelling and putting myself out in conditions that I’m not comfortable in to get better and to get to the point that I am today.
Rather than sticking to one discipline I think it was good to move on to slalom and wavesailing to keep challenging myself. The good thing about those disciplines is that I had to start from scratch with all of them, so I feel like I’ve never been complacent.And just like I never felt that the top girls were unbeatable, switching disciplines also helped to remind me that also I am not unbeatable (in terms of freestyle).So I think that helps to keep the perspective.
ROLE MODELS
I don’thave specific athletes as rolemodels.But I am inspired by anyone Iseepushing to make their dreams come true.I’m a sucker forthat stuff. Imagine me on the couch watching the Olympic games during the award ceremonies;I’m balling my eyes out because I’m so happy for those athletes.At the same time my heart breaks for theones that didn’t make it. Sport istough!
BEST AND WORST DECISIONS
I think the best decision I have madewasabout two years agowhen I decidedto slow downcompeting by cutting backonslalom. After finishing my studies in 2014 I went into overdrive,wanting to compete in everything.It was hardwhen I wasstudyingand seeingevents where I could be right up there with the best, but by the end of 2017 I wasexhausted, and dreaded competing. And windsurfing is my favourite thing in the world.So,it was good to slow down, as I was living from contest to contest. NowI canbreatha bit more. And I’m enjoying training and events much moretoo,asthe pressure of having to performhasturned down a notch. Having more time and energy I think helps me to apply myself better to the sport and contributing in other ways rather than just competing.I don’t think there have been anybaddecisions,I think whatever Ihavedecided,Ijust adapt and go with it.
WORDS TO LIVE BY
“Avontuurtje” It means “little adventure” in Dutch.My friend’s brother told me that one time and since then I’ve been using it for everything as it applies to me quite abit.I think I throw myself into eventsand situations without thinking too much about them.I’m easy to say yes to things, which is a good and a bad thing.
Once I’m in that situation I’ll stop to think a bit and realize that I hadn’t thought it totally through haha!But I just mean that if you treat situations like a little adventure,it will always be an interesting experience. And if it didn’t turn out tobegreat then at least I will have learned something from it.Another adventure for the books. On to the next one.
LIFE BALANCE
I think when you’re balanced you just feel calm and happy.For me it means I want to be able to travel, compete and windsurf on my own terms and have time to spendwith family and friends.I am working onachievingit!I have put everything into travelling and competing the last four years, and at some point it was a bit hard on me because I was barely home and I wouldn’t see my friends often.And when I was home I’d betoo exhausted to function. So,I think the socialandfamily aspect of life has been missing a bit. I think I wasa bit too focussed on competing and wanting to achieve certain things. ButsinceI’ve been competinglessI’ve had more time to spend at home and focus on other things thataren’tto do with windsurfing, which makesme happier.I thinkit’s very important. Nothing in excess is good for you and being unbalanced takes away your overall joy I think. So that’s why I do my best to be home when I can, make it for the important birthdays and get-togethers etc.
MOTIVATION
I just have this drive to want to get better every session.Improving gives me the biggest satisfaction.Other than that it’s just pure joy being out on the water.
I think everywhere I windsurfthere is always something beautiful to notice. Whether it’s the water colours, a big mountain, rainbows, sand dunes, turtles, the sunset,crazy clouds,I can go on for ever. Every spot has something special.Sometimes I’m too focussed on the session to notice my surroundings,but when I do noticethemthatjust fills me with gratefulness for being able to have windsurfing as my hobby and job at the same time.So it’s the mix of wanting to improveand surroundings that motivates me to get on the water.
DEALING WITH STRESS
So,I can be quite jolly and jokey right before competing. That’s when I’m in the right headspace. But when the nerves do hit the situation is different. It sounds a bit weird. But I have had so many times that the nerves would justpile up and literally the only way to let it out is to shed some tears. I feel lighter withinminutes and then I’m good to go.So if I disappear for a bit, I probably just went to empty the water tanks! I think I thrive under pressure and in the heat of the moment.In slalom you have to perform in the heat of the moment and react quickly to situations,which is ridiculously fun.I think for freestyle it’s a bit more pressure because you’re sailing your own heat,but both in waves and freestyle you need to adapt to the conditions. If a certain wave comes along, you need to decide then and there to go all in on that one or not. It can make or break a heat.
TOP LEVEL
Like I mentioned, windsurfingjust becomes more and more fun the better you get at it.Competing with the best in the world and having them around me constantlypushes me all the time to become a better windsurfer. Other than that there’s always funny situations and moments during contests, as that is where you learn about all the different people and characters on tour. Competition shows people’s character and raw emotions. It’s just really cool to experience all of that.
STRENGTHS
I think I’m a very determined person. As an athlete I think I can be happy with my performance,but really never actually satisfied with it. I will always want to do better.ButalsoI want to see other people doing good. And I think that isgood in terms of raising the bar together.
RIVALS
I love hanging out with all the riders. Iget along with pretty much everyone. I can joke around until 2 minutes before the flag goes up. And then switch to serious mode as soon as I have too. But I have learned that not everyone works like that because everyone concentrates in different ways, so I try to respect that. But I think I just love being on the water and measuring myself against othersso much, I’m just bursting with excitement, which is hard to contain sometimes.I do take it more seriously now. So I tend to just distance myself with headphones. But man if you’d listento the Caribbeanrhythmsblasting through those headphones, you’dbe bursting with excitement to get out there too.
ESCAPE
I think I do that all the time,especially when I’m in Aruba. I think very often I look for different things to do. Tennis isright up there with windsurfing for me and probably my favourite sport. I’ll go kitesurfing to refresh my mind a bit. I’ll get washed on the north shore trying to surf. I can spend the whole day inside reading a book orI’ll be in the yard taking care of the plants.When I’m on a trip, I usually just call it “going for a change in scenery”.I’ll go hunting for coffee at random cafés and just hang out.In the Canaries it’s going for a drive and having dinner on the other side of the island.I justliketo disconnect. It’s very necessary I think.
MONEY AND WINNING
With the current prize money and how our industry works, both are important.
I need to winto get enough prizemoneyso I can keep the ball rolling and keep windsurfing professionally. If I don’t winor finish top 3it’s hard to keep it up.
If everyone was earning enough I would almost say that winning isn’t the most important as long as you’re covered financially. Looking at other sports, people are earning enoughwhile not being at the top.But, in the perfect world where everyone is earning enough,I would definitely say thatwinning isthe ultimate goal!
POWER FOODS
I think my go to powerfoods are peanut butter, bananas, dates, nuts and the blackestdoubleespresso shotsI can find.
TALENT VERSUS WORK I was lucky to grow up in Aruba, where from a young age I was able to put in a lot of hours on the water. And as a kid I was just having fun, so then it doesn’t feel like training.I also had some of the best freestylers in the world right aroundme. So they set the bar for me, which was top of the line at the time. I do think I have a natural knack for sports in general. Overall Ithink it’s just a good mixofhaving been able to train so much from a young age and some natural talent sprinkled in there.
TRAINING
IfI’m on a trip I will ideally do a gym sessionthreetimes a week. On those days I windsurf a bit less. And on only windsurfing days I’ll do two sessions a day,between 3 and 4 hours if I get carried away.My ideal session willlast about 1 hour 30-45 minutes.Besides that,I’m terrible at stretching…
ROCKY MOMENT
Most of those were in slalom. I had a couple of yearswhere I was really inconsistent. I would do one good race and then a bad race. It would usually be an over early at quite a critical moment. I have wonseveral slalom events comingfrom behind and then right at the end when the only option was literally winning every single race after the first bad ones.
Maybe the last verysignificantrace like that was in Denmark last year.
I was between Odaand Delphine. Delphine wanted to come down on Oda,but I don’t think she saw me, so I literally had the back of my headin her sail!We both slowed down completely, butstayed on our feet.I rounded thefirstmark in 5thandjust put on the afterburners after that.After the first markI passedone sailor oneverystraight, until finally I passed Lena on the last leg andfinished first. That was the sickest race I have done ever!
