FINDINGS
Sitting next to wave sails in most brands’ lineups; the cross-over sail could be classed as the first category that is primarily focussed around the recreational sailor. Whereas wave sails are designed to meet the demands of the world’s elite (and rigours of the most challenging conditions), the crossover sail is developed by brands with the consumer market in mind, and as a result the priorities of the design brief can be very different. Practicality of rig and set, wind range and handling ease are probably the main goals here; hassle-free sailing that will flatter the rider and keep them coming back for more. That said, some brands have consciously taken the decision to omit a ‘crossover’ focussed category, perceiving it as an unnecessary ‘dumbing down’ exercise, patronising the consumer. Their argument is that the requirements and demands of both the recreational sailor and the pro are synonymous, so the obvious choice for this category is the 5-batten wave sail. And we have a few included here.
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New School
Slingshot’s windsurfing brand manager, Wyatt Miller, has noticed that kids are drawn to playing with wings and puts forward an interesting case as to why he thinks this could help entice them and others into windsurfing.
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Lockdown stirred the creative juices of reader Björn Alfthan, who peers into the future to present a fictional story set in the wild waves of Norway, five years from now.
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After a horrific fracture in his leg from a crashed aerial in 2018, Alessio Stillrich is back! John Carter talks to the highflyer from Gran Canaria about his move to the Simmer team, recovering from injury and how he learned to windsurf in Gran Canaria!
MOVE ON UP - GET ON THE FRONT FOOT
This month we look at how our front foot weighting can affect and improve different aspects of our main windsurfing moves.
SOUTH' KIPA
Nik tweaking it over home waters.
A NEW NORMAL
On a trip to La Tranche-sur-Mer in France last year, Tris Best estimated over 80% of the windsurfers were foiling. This summer in Portland Harbour, foiling activity has increased dramatically too he reports. With the market offering plenty of choice to recreational windfoilers, our test team check out some of the latest foil offerings.
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REDEMPTION DAY!
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