Pics: James Jagger
We’ve talked about foils and windfoiling before yet with the topic still hot we thought we’d revisit and see where we’re at now compared to this time last year. As with our first windfoiling article we’re speaking with Windsurfing UK magazine’s Tez Plavenieks who’s been testing a raft of different foil gear during these past months.
If you’ve aspirations of shredding perfectly peeling waves, but haven’t quite got the necessary skills (yet), then there a few drills you can practice on flat water that’ll help no end. As any proficient rider knows muscle memory is everything so being able to repeat movements is key. Read on for how to ready yourself for surf sailing and spice up those flat water sessions in the process.
Yannick Anton is no stranger to full on windsurfing conditions. A former PWA competitor, who’s abundant finesse and skill on the water always gets nods of approval, he’s stylish yet humble. We caught up with Yannick in between teaching sessions at his windsurf school and personal windsurfing time to get some more info.
Tell us when and where windsurfing began for you.
I began windsurfing at 9 years old in France, at the AGASC nautical centre of St Laurent du Vars.
It is a place close to Nice, the city where I grew up.
At what point did you think ‘this is the sport for me’?
I originally had a strong connection with the sea and the wind since my family had always sailed boats. As a 6 week old baby I was already onboard of my grandfather. When my mom proposed I try windsurfing I said: “Ok, why not”, without real enthusiasm. But I discovered that I was really comfortable with this sport.
We’re all different and windsurf in our own way. Read the following and see which mould fits you and your riding.
Pics: Geraint Roberts
As many will know Witchcraft specialise in making high quality, hard wearing windsurfing equipment that stands up to the harshest of environments. Our home base of Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, is a tough place to exist if you’re a windsurf board or sail – not just the strong sun but also rocky shorelines do their level best to destroy kit on a regular basis.
Another trait of the WC brand is our penchant for a wave or two. With many hard charging wave sailors owning our gear over time a reputation has grown within this area of the sport. Just take a look at WC head honch Bouke who loves a bit of juice! And yet, there’s more to Witchcraft than being a one trick pony…
In a recent magazine there’s a quote from a respected surfer in relation to one of Ireland’s most fearsome big wave spots: Mullaghmore. Mully, as it’s affectionately known, often makes lists for XXL ride of the year and worst wipeout, among others. A brutal slab of a wave this left hander can dish out beatings and euphoria in equal measure. A hardcore crew of local surfers regular charge Mully whilst an even smaller number of windsurfers tackle the beast with a sail attached to their sled. The quote in question was: ‘I watch more than I surf’ and it’s this mantra that has ensured many riders score the waves of their lives and live to tell the tale. It’s advice all of us water going players should heed wherever your chosen spot can be found.
As windsurfers we’re taught to be comfortable in both right and left mode from the off – if this wasn’t the case then we’d have no way of getting back to the beach, or in fact leaving it. It’s probable one of the few sports in the world where there’s necessity to be able to ride both ways. Yet over time, as we improve, we start to gravitate towards one type of wind direction bias. Whether this be dictated by frequenting the same spot, with similar conditions, or it simply being a head thing that suggests we only try certain moves on one particular tack.
What do windsurfers want? It’s a never ending list as you can see from the below. Here are some of what we want.
All I want is 30 knots side shore.
All I want is 20 knots side offshore.
There was once a little boy who was bored at the beach. He went for a walk along the shore and eventually came across a funny sail and board contraption. The lady whose windsurfing kit it was came over and explained to the little boy how it worked. She offered to teach him how to sail. Having nothing else to do the boy readily accepted.
After a few goes the boy was managing to uphaul the sail and glide back and forth. Turning was still a tad tricky but the lady explained practice makes perfect. Within a week the boy had gained much more confidence and his windsurfing skills were progressing rapidly.
