FINDINGS
Unlike seasons past, when new concepts and revolutions have ap-peared on the scene to grab the limelight, we believe 2020 will go down as a year of subtle yet significant evolution in wave board design. There has undoubtedly been a gradual blurring in the line between compact and conventional designs. Sure, there are still some visual hallmarks between the two, yet it is unquestionable that the progression and development in compact design has pushed performance in the conventional too. After all, it’s the natural path for iterative design: see what works by making bold leaps, then whittle down the design to identify the most defining attribute before integrating the features into existing lines to improve their performance as well. Whether it be subtle changes in outline, rocker, volume distribution, rider stance or bottom shape, the changes have come about through many prototypes and countless hours R&D from each brand. As a result, the new designs seem to get going sooner; they point higher and reach faster speeds than their predecessors. All qualities that, in effect, make them easier to use than ever before … and there is a lot to be said for plug and play comfort! Your time on the water is precious, so why bother struggling? You want something that flatters your riding style or ambition, and makes you feel like you’re sailing like the pro you aspire to!
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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.
Changes
Wave sailor Flo Jung reflects on our changed world during his lockdown in Germany.
THE LAST WAVE
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.
STILL IN THE GAME
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.
TACKING – THE SEQUEL
Having given you time to practice, Harty concludes his tacking series by critiquing various tacking options, including the carve tack, as well as offering solutions to common slip-ups.
‘NO VAPOUR TRAILS TO SCAR THE SKY' *
Realising we may be about to enter an extraordinary period in our lives, Harty decided to keep a windsurf-centric lockdown diary. Here are some of his choice excerpts.
REDEMPTION DAY!
Renowned for its windsurfing and variety of spots to sail at, Kimmerdige Bay is a wave sailing jewel on the south coast of England. Timo Mullen gives a guide to its shores while reflecting on why a recent session there was a reminder that there is no place like home!
