NAVELA PROJECT: EPISODE 2NAVELA PROJECT: EPISODE 2Episode two of the awesome new documentary from the Navela Project is out now! Check out all the behind the scenes action from the Womens event in Pozo last summer!The Womens Wave Tour arrives at one of the most iconic and demanding windsurfing spots in the world: Pozo Izquierdo, Gran Canaria. This episode from the 2025 Pozo World Cup takes you behind the scenes of the event, following the worlds best female sailors as they prepare to compete in extreme conditions. Beyond the spectacular action on the water, discover the stories of fear, commitment, resilience, and the evolution of womens windsurfing through the voices of the athletes themselves.This is Part 2 of a four-part series following the Pozo World Cup 2025. Stay tuned for the next episodes as the competition unfolds and the battle for the podium intensifies.About NAVELA NAVELA is a documentary series following the Womens Wave Tour throughout the 2025 season. From Chile to Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Hawaii, the series captures not only world-class windsurfing, but also the inspiring stories, personalities, and journeys of the athletes behind the results. Whether youre passionate about windsurfing, sport, or powerful human stories, NAVELA offers an inside look at one of the worlds most spectacular sporting tours.Edited by Rafasoulart Directed & written by Sarah-Quita Offringa & Pauline KatzVoiceover by Sarah JacksonFootage by Rafasoulart / Alberto SorianoMusic by Epidemicsound / Artlist Sound Design by RafasoulartFEATURING Alexia Kiefer Quintana, Cori McFarlane, Daida Ruano Moreno, Elena Dominik, Julia Meijer, Justyna Sniady, Line Bang Wittrup, Lisa Wermeister, Lisa Kloster, Lizzlotte Schilling Andrew, Maria Schlin, Maria Morales Navarro, Maria Behrens, Milanka Linde, Natsuki Wakasa, Pauline Katz, Sol Degrieck, Sybille Bode, Sarah-Quita Offringa, Fumi Akita, Trine Gobisch, Lale Helena Derya, Emma Miron, Frida Miron, Isabel Van Noesel, Marcilio Browne, Victor Fernandez, Robby Swift, Dieter Van der Eyken, Lennart Neubauer, Bjorn DunkerbeckSUPPORTED BY Severne Windsurfing Starboard Windsurfing MB Boards PozoWinds LPWSThe post NAVELA PROJECT: EPISODE 2 appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

SUMMER HEATWINTER WAVESTIMO MULLENS IRISH SUMMER SWELL MISSIONSummer swells in Ireland are usually the stuff of wishful thinking. Forecasts often promise more than they deliver and with the Atlantic notoriously fickle at this time of year, most windsurfers would think twice before booking flights, arranging travel and gambling on a sketchy forecast.But when Timo Mullen spotted a window that had potential for a summer wave session at one of his favourite spots, he decided to take the chance.What started as a low-expectation mission turned into one of those rare sessions: sunny skies, strong wind, empty peaks and waves far bigger than anyone expected.We caught up with Timo to find out what made him pull the trigger, what he found when he arrived, and why sometimes the best sessions come from simply saying: Sod it, lets go.Photos: Tam Mullen and This_is_Sligo (Instagram)WINDSURF: What caused you to pull the trigger and book a flight last minute to Ireland?Timo Mullen: Well, actually, that was a funny one because I wasnt really watching the Ireland forecast too much. Its summertime and anytime you see a swell forecast in summer, its usually never quite as big as they say its going to be, so you dont normally make it a priority.I also had to be in Gwithian on the Saturday to do the changeover for my Airbnb, so my focus was on that. It was windy there anyway, so I knew Id be windsurfing regardless.But while I was cleaning the house, I thought to myself: You know what? Its summertimethis might be the only chance to go wave sailing on the west coast of Ireland this summer.So, I just thought, sod it, Ill book it.I paid a lot more than I normally would because it was summer, but I figured it was worth the gamble. I could have flown cheaper from Bristol, but it was only 50 extra to fly from Southampton, which is just 45 minutes from my house.The Southampton to Belfast flight with Aer Lingus is actually a great option. They allow you to take gear, and its only 45 each way for a 32kg bag, so 90 return, which is pretty decent.I knew Id get sailing anyway because it was windy, so even if the swell didnt arrive, Id still have a session. There was no wind forecast on the south coast, so I thought it was worth taking the chance.WINDSURF: What conditions were you expecting when you booked the trip?Timo Mullen: Honestly, I wasnt expecting much. The spot we go to is pretty fickle. If you want guaranteed conditions in winter, youd normally head to Magheroarty. But when the swell is less consistent, this spot actually picks up more swellit just rarely works. Maybe we only sail it two or three times a year.I was expecting head-high waves at the most. Maybe two to three foot, side shore, and probably quite a few surfers because there hadnt been much surf in Ireland for a couple of weeks. So yeah, expectations were pretty low!WINDSURF: What was your reaction when you arrived and saw the beach?Timo Mullen: My expectations were definitely low. With webcams these days, I checked the Bundoran webcam before leaving my mums house, and it looked pretty flatmaybe two foot maximum. So, I was pretty confident the forecast was going to be what I expected.But when I pulled up to the beach, it was absolutely pumping.It was logo-high, with some bigger sets coming through. It was windy tooreally windy. I rigged a 4.7m which is rare for that spot. Normally youre on a 5.3m or bigger, so that gives you an idea of how windy it was. It was also sunny, which is super rare there. I literally couldnt rig up quick enough.WINDSURF: How was the session?Timo Mullen: Action-wise, I got a couple of good aerials and some nice cutbacks, but the best thing about that spot is the smooth bottom turns you get. Theyre big, steep bowls that you drop into. Because the wind was a little onshore, you dont get as much of an open faceit becomes more of a shoulder, but it was still really good.The swell just kept building too. There were some proper waves coming throughmast-high sets for sure.WINDSURF: Who else was out and talk us through your best waves?Timo Mullen: There were a few of the local crew aroundFinn, Colin Harris and Danalthough they were all out at different times. Colin had a really good winging session in the morning. The wind was slightly more side-off then, and I reckon that would have been an amazing windsurfing session too. Dan Keeley joined me halfway through my session.Rob Creane, whos from Dublin, doesnt really sail that much, but he came down and gave it a go. He had a couple of nice waves too. My brother Finn had his daughters dance final all day, but he still managed to get a great cross-off beach break session at nearby Streedegh later on and he said it was amazing. My brother Tam also joined me to come and film as well as a local photographer, Instagram handle, this is SligoIt was good to see Tom Bennett Lloyd. I dont know if anyone remembers Tom from, he won the amateurs for quite a few years in Tiree. Tom lives out in Ireland now and he came along for a session as well.For my best waves, my second wave when I first went out was probably the one that stands out. The wind was still a bit more southwest and I got a couple of really nice turns. Then the swell started building and halfway through the session there were some proper bombs coming through.I had one wave that was well over mast high. I got an amazing view of it and I also had a couple of smaller but really fun ones. One right-hander came through, which is unusual there and I managed to smack the lip. That was a pretty special one.WINDSURF: What gear were you riding?Timo Mullen: I was on my Duotone 94-litre Ultra Grip and the Super Hero D/LAB 4.7m.The 94 quad is my go-to board in Ireland. It just works everywhere. Even with different spots and conditions, its ridiculously easy to sail.WINDSURF: Looking back, was the gamble worth it?Timo Mullen: Yeah, 100%. Definitely worth it. My other option was going to go to Rhosniegr because there was a Gwithian demo day happening on the Saturday and I was going to head up for the Sunday. But it turned out they didnt even run the demo on Sunday, so I had actually got the dates wrong. That would have been a disaster if Id gone there. Instead, I got an amazing Ireland trip.I even got up super early on Monday morning and sailed Magheroarty on my own from around 8am until 10:30. That was super good fun5.3m conditions with chest to head-high waves on the beach break. So, I managed to squeeze another session out of the trip.TAKING THE CHANCE!Timos Ireland mission is a reminder that some of the best sessions dont come from perfect forecasts or guaranteed conditions. They come from taking the chance.A questionable summer swell, a last-minute flight, and a bit of optimism turned into one of those rare Irish days: sunshine, strong wind, and waves that were far bigger than anyone expected. The gamble paid off.The post SUMMER HEATWINTER WAVES appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

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MAYO MAYHEM 2026MAYO MAYHEM 2026Registration is officially open for the Mayo Mayhem event in Ireland which is scheduled for the 25th 27th September 2026, with a a rollover set for the 2nd 4th October. This year there will be a dedicated under 18 fleet as well as over 5000 prize money and over 3000 worth of sponsored equipment and prizes! Looks like it will be an epic event as usualall the details on how to enter are below!Bookings Open for Mayo Mayhem 2026 Irelands Premier Wave Windsurfing Event Returns for its 9th EditionMayo, Ireland Bookings are now officially open for Mayo Mayhem 2026, powered by RWE, as Irelands flagship wave windsurfing competition returns for its ninth edition.Recognised as one of the countrys leading windsurfing events, Mayo Mayhem once again holds 3-Star World Wave Tour (WWT) and Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA) World Tour ranking status, attracting top Irish and international wave sailors to the spectacular Atlantic coastline of County Mayo.Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 event introduces several exciting developments designed to improve the competition experience while continuing to encourage new participation in the sport.New Under-18 FleetOne of the biggest additions for 2026 is the introduction of a dedicated Under-18 Fleet, with free entry for all junior competitors. The initiative aims to encourage the next generation of Irish wave sailors by providing young riders with the opportunity to compete in a professionally organised international event.Competition numbers will also remain capped at 24 riders per fleetacross the Pro, Pro-Am and Womens divisions, ensuring maximum water time and a high-quality competition experience.Event FormatMayo Mayhem operates on a forecast-based format to guarantee the best possible wind and wave conditions.Primary Event Window:25 27 September 2026Rollover Window:2 4 October 2026Should conditions not materialise during either window, organisers may announce an additional rollover later in the season.The competition will once again be held in either Achill Islandor Belmullet, with the final venue confirmed just days before the event based on the best available forecast.Over 5,000 Prize MoneyCompetitors will battle for:The Mayo Mayhem Champion titleTheir name engraved on the iconic Mayo Mayhem Battle AxeIrish Windsurfing Association (IWA) ranking pointsOfficial WWT and PWA World Tour ranking pointsMore than 5,000 in prize moneyOver 3,000 worth of sponsored equipment and prizesCustom Mayo Mayhem trophiesThe Mikey Clancy Future Pro TrophyProfessional photography, video and drone coveragePrize money includes:Gold & Womens Fleet1st: 1,0002nd: 6003rd: 300Silver Fleet1st: 5002nd: 3003rd: 150More Than Just a CompetitionMayo Mayhem has earned a reputation for combining world-class competition with a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to riders of all abilities.Entry includes rescue cover, lunch and refreshments, event T-shirt, evening entertainment, and the opportunity to sail some of Irelands best wave locations alongside many of the countrys top windsurfers.If the competition is held on Achill Island, competitors will also enjoy the atmosphere created by the popular Battle for the Lake Festival, adding even more excitement to the weekend.Perfect for First-Time CompetitorsThe event is designed to welcome newcomers as well as experienced competitors.Organisers encourage anyone who can waterstart, gybe and is beginning to jump to take part, with experienced sailors available throughout the weekend to offer guidance and encouragement.Spectators, recreational sailors and non-competitors are also encouraged to attend, with plenty of opportunities for free sailing alongside the competition.Registration Now OpenEntry costs 70, or 50 for students, while Under-18 competitors enter free of charge.Places are limited to 24 competitors per fleet, and last years event reached capacity well before registration closed.All competitors must hold current Irish Windsurfing Association membership or provide proof of suitable insurance.Registration is now open at:www.mayomayhem.ie/registerMedia ContactMalcolm ScottPhone: 087 637 6412Email: info@apt.ieWebsite: www.mayomayhem.ieThe post MAYO MAYHEM 2026 appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH... ROBBY SWIFTTWENTY QUESTIONS WITHROBBY SWIFTAfter more than two decades at the very highest level of windsurfing, Robby Swift is entering a new chapterone that combines family life, business coaching and still plenty of time chasing perfect waves. From the challenges of stepping away from full-time competition to pushing his limits at Jaws, testing boards, training with Mauis elite sailors and finding new motivation away from the tour, Robby shares his thoughts on the sport, the future of professional windsurfing, and what keeps him fired up to keep pushing his sailing!Photos: Fish Bowl DiariesMaleen HoekstraJohn Carter/ PWAWINDSURF: You just got back from Fiji, tell us how the trip worked out for you?ROBBY SWIFT: FIJICloudbreak in Fiji is probably the best place on earth to windsurf on a wave. Its just insane how good the conditions are there. I had decided not to compete in international events this year, but when I heard about Fiji, I couldnt pass up the opportunity to sail in my favourite wave with just a couple of other people out, so I knew I had to go.The conditions this year were even more insane than we have ever had in the past. The waves were pumping and it was extremely windy (borderline too windy at times with the offshore angle of the wind this year)!I stayed on a catamaran with Morgan, Antoine and Camille and it was a fantastic choice. We were out there all day and could pick and choose the best moments to hit the reef. We got in plenty of surfing, sailing and fishing and had an awesome time during the event.I had a bit of a hard first heat, being seeded alongside Jaeger Stone and I had just had one of the worst wipeouts of my life before the heat started, so I had had a bit of the confidence knocked out of me before that heat started. I managed to pick out some good waves though and rode the first ones pretty conservatively but managed to rack up some OK scores. I then waited for a big set at the end and was able to pick off the best wave of my heat for my last wave. Jaeger was on the first wave of the set and I saw him go for a big aerial so I knew I had to go for it on this one. I ended up hitting the first section and getting lifted way up in the air and just about managing to hang on and land it right in the bowling barrel of the wave, did my best not to nose-dive and then squeezed in 1 more turn before the wave closed out. Jaeger had hit the second section of his wave and fallen, and it turned out in the end that that was the wave that broke his foot, so I was really sad for him that he didnt make it. That was the highlight of the event for me, hitting that aerial, probably one of the highest of my life, and managing to hold onto it through that gnarly barrelling section.Unfortunately I think all the judges were looking at Jaegers crash right when I was doing the aerial so I only got a 4.5 for my wave (you will have seen Jaegers crash on Paul Van Bellens video, so I know why everyone was looking at that), and I didnt make it through the heat but I was proud of myself for going for it and happy that I pulled it off. Hoping for a speedy recovery for Jaeger as it was awesome to see him in the water again. I had had a close up view of his insane wave before the heat, with an aerial and 2 amazing turns, so I knew I had my work cut out for me and it was inspiring to see him on the water!Having not made it to the semi finals, I had to watch the rest of the event from our boat and I was blown away by the pure adrenaline charging of all the guys. It was really, really heavy out there and everyone put on an amazing show, with no safe-sailing at all.Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to the event crew for putting on this incredible spectacle. Thanks to the local Fijian crew @fijisurfco for their ongoing support of this amazing event.WINDSURF: How was the winter season in Maui this season. Did you get to ride Jaws much?ROBBY SWIFT: This was probably one of the slowest winters I have ever seen on Maui. We did sail a bit, but the wind completely shut down for around 3 months so it was by far the worst windsurfing winter on Maui I have experienced since 2000.I sailed Jaws twice, it was as fun as always, but having been spoiled with 5-8 sessions up there the past few years, I was definitely left hoping for more next year!WINDSURF: Have you still got any bucket list destinations you would still like to go a mission and windsurf?ROBBY SWIFT: Yes, definitely. I am actually going to start working on my bucket list this summer. Im going to Indonesia for 4-6 weeks with the family and will be taking my windsurf gear so hopefully we will be able to do some good strike missions during that time!WINDSURF: What does it feel like now you dont have to go and compete in the Canary Islands this seasondo you feel a sense of freedom or will it be strange missing out?ROBBY SWIFT: I am definitely feeling weird about it. When Braw and Morgan go off to the other side of the island to train, I really miss it and it will be very strange watching the contests and not taking part in them. I am really happy that they are doing Fiji this year though, plus 2x events on Maui so if I do them and Chile, Ill still be doing enough of the tour to get a ranking so Im not 100% weened off it yet!WINDSURF: Who do you think has the best bottom turn in windsurfing and why?ROBBY SWIFT: I like Levis bottom turn is really solid. I would go with him.WINDSURF: What four guys would you like to take on a trip to Fiji and why?ROBBY SWIFT: Braw, Ricardo Campello, Jason Polakow and Morgan Noireaux, I think. That would be really fun. Jason has to come as he is nuts and would push us all to and past our limits. Braw is Braw and I have travelled with him for 20 years, its always great to have him around. Ricardo is fun and also pushes us all to surpass our limits, plus he always brings his drone and various other cameras so he makes us all look more professional! Morgan is my teammate and he rips, plus he is nice and calm and easy going so we have fun together when we go to Jaws etc.WINDSURF: Who do you think has the best jumping game at Pozo and why?ROBBY SWIFT: It would have to be between Philip and Marino I think, with Marc Pare right up there too, and Braw also. Braw is probably as consistent as Philip and Marino, but I think those 2 jump the highest and do all the tricks. Marc can go as high as Philip and Marino but sometimes lacks a tiny bit of consistency, or he has in the past, its quite possible that this year he will be at the same level as he seems to get better and better exponentially!WINDSURF: Who do you think is the most competitive wave sailor on the world tour?ROBBY SWIFT: Between Marc and Braw I would have to say!WINDSURF: Are there any new moves out there you have been dreaming of?ROBBY SWIFT: I almost did a double 360 the other day, it was more like a 360 into a forward loop. I think that is perfectly possible (but very scary!) I will probably keep trying that, but I keep breaking gear doing it and its getting tougher to do now I dont have all that free sponsored gear to destroy without feeling the financial pain!WINDSURF: What new challenges are you facing now you are not competing full time?ROBBY SWIFT: I have been building a few other businesses up to try to make money while not making money from windsurfing, but getting my head around not really having a budget to go on the trips I would like to do and having to pay for gear that I break is something is hard to get used to. I just want to go for it on every wave and have been lucky enough to never really think about that in the past. Its kind of annoying to go sailing and take it easy!! (sorry to everyone who always had to do that), but yeah, that is tough to get used to when you have been lucky enough to get all your gear replaced when broken since you were a teenager!WINDSURF: What are you interested in outside windsurfing?ROBBY SWIFT: Surfing, and thats about it ha ha! No, I enjoy planning, designing and realizing building projects. That has been something that has been in my family since I was born, since my dad built and ran a roofing company in the UK. I work with my dad and brother now on those projects and enjoy them. We also have several other businesses that I enjoy overseeing, my wifes brand clhei.com started in 2013 and has grown into something really amazing now. That was just the 2 of us for about 8 years and my brother and his wife joined for the past few years to take it to a new level.We have a rental car business called North Shore Maui Rent a Car which is part owned by myself and Brawzinho. We also have a small caf and I am the distributor of NeilPryde and JP in Hawaii, so all of those things take up my time and are fulfilling in different ways. I enjoy teaching kids how to surf and windsurf and wing etc. and I run a clinic on Maui every year for adults which also gives me quite a lot of satisfaction when the people who come enjoy themselves and progress. There is nothing that really beats a sick wave at Jaws, or performing your best and doing well in a contest, but these other things have less ups and downs emotionally and I guess quite a bit less risk so as I am getting older, I am starting to enjoy them more and more!WINDSURF: What is a typical day for you at home in Maui in the winterhow busy do you boys keep you with all the lifts to the beach?ROBBY SWIFT: We wake up around 5:30 and try to get into the water at around 5:50 to surf before school. I have to drop the boys at 7:45 at school, so we usually get 1.5 hours of surfing in before that. Then I have Gym from 8-9 and then I try to finish all my work between 9-2pm which is school pickup. As long as I have all my work done, then we either surf again, or windsurf or wing after school, before the high school kids get out at around 3:30. Then we come home to do homework and then either go to the skate park or back to the beach for the late evening session (usually surfing as the wind dies in the evening). Its pretty full on and we go hard like that for weeks and weeks on end but its the most enjoyable way to spend my time, so the 8:30pm exhaustion is actually quite a nice feeling!WINDSURF: How do you know when you have found a magic board when testing?ROBBY SWIFT: I dont like boards to be too slow, so as soon as I step on them off the beach, I can feel the speed and I like them to get going quickly in that first little gust. The first gybe on the way out is also pretty tell-tale, but really on the very first bottom turn, you get an amazing amount of feedback from the board. Generally if I dont like that first turn, it is hard to imagine loving the board in the long run, but I do, diligently, work thorough all the different foot-strap and fin positions, mast foot position etc. to see if I can improve the performance. Its normally possible to tune up a board, but generally the first bottom turn to cutback is the most telling moment. I like to be able to go really fast on the wave, lay into the bottom turn as hard as possible and just concentrate on timing as I head up to the lip. Then I like to be able to push as hard as I can off the top and really feel the rail bite. I dont like it when the board slides out at all off the top (unless I want to make it slide out) so the grip off the top is really important for me. I like to have control 100% of the time, and the ability to go from front foot to back foot quickly, so I can adjust my turns in the middle of the bottom turn if I want to go steeper or more vertical, or cut the turn short to re-direct back towards the beach for a goiter or aerial. The boards have to be pretty special before I call them magic!!WINDSURF: Are you going to keep up the physical training?ROBBY SWIFT: Yes, 100%, we train with Sarah Hauser 3 times per week and I do yoga or stretching the other 2 days of the week and just surf / windsurf / foil on the weekends.WINDSURF: Do you ever worry about getting old?ROBBY SWIFT: I do and I dont. I really feel great at the moment. As long as I dont let the training slip for too long, my body feels good. I am slowly allowing myself to accept missing out on certain sessions when I have other things that I have to do which are more important (although it is hard!) and I think that that kind of thing happens slowly and gradually so that eventually you end up being happy with whatever it is that you are doing at the time. My kids are so into surfing / windsurfing / winging that I know they will be keeping me young. They literally go from the bed to some kind of board (either surf or skate) by 6am and then continue in that vein throughout the day until they are ready to pass out at 8:00pm so I think they will keep me young!WINDSURF: How did the Maui Pro Am work out for you and were you impressed with the general level of sailing you saw in the finals?ROBBY SWIFT: It went well. I sailed as well as I could in every heat. The heats were super short so you had to go from it from wave number 1 and I did that every time, I think I landed a goiter and a 360 in every heat plus backed them up with some kind of turn on most waves, so that was really all you could possibly do in each heat. If you look at the Liveheats scores from the heats, they were often so close, it was hard to tell 2 people apart, and in the B Final, I lost to Bernd (who won) by 0.23 of a point, so it was as close as splitting hairs to get to the final. I got a wave right on the buzzer and did my best 360 of the heat, along with a turn on that wave, so I really performed in a clutch moment to 100% of my ability and have to be happy with myself for that!WINDSURF: What do you think of the sailing style of Bernd Roediger?ROBBY SWIFT: I think he is the most fluid and surprising sailor out there at most waves. His connection with the ocean and with the wave he is riding on is uncanny. He is really confident in his decisions to wait for sets and then executes incredibly well on every wave. I dont think anyone else has the same flow as him, and his ability to pull moves on really gnarly sections where you think there is no chance of doing anything but a closeout hit is what really sets him apart in many heats.WINDSURF: What is it like to have training partners like Morgan Noireaux and Marcilio Browneare you guys always competitive when free-sailing?ROBBY SWIFT: Yes we are super competitive but we are really respectful of each other and its amazing to sail with them. We train in the gym with Sarah together and we are kind of competitive there, and then in the water always looking at what each other does and trying to show off for each other. It actually makes it insanely fun and I dont know what life would be like without that, like I said before, Im sad when I know they are going to the south of the island to train and Im not there any more, but at Hookipa we always sail together and it makes every session much more fun when they are out.WINDSURF: How do you see the way the WWT / PWA world tour is working out?ROBBY SWIFT: Honestly I was pretty burned out at the end of my involvement with that and I have enjoyed not looking at it too much in recent months. I try not to share my opinion much at all anymore unless there is something obvious, I can see that would solve a potential problem. They have their way of doing things and, as a competitor who was involved in the management of the PWA, some of the things that changed werent particularly great for me or my peers in the short term (massive reductions in standards for sailors and much more liberal judging standards being the main things), but we were not able to get events in places we wanted to go before and having the sailors involved in the decision making on standards probably held us back from achieving that for many years. Hopefully in the long term it will be good that theres a more dictatorial approach now with the new system and the sailors are one step removed from the decision making. We certainly have a lot more events in a lot more places in the world now and its much more interesting as a spectator, so I hope that sponsorship will follow and then the sailors will be able to get more reward back for their efforts and turn professional windsurfing back into an actual profession again.We are actually in the process of trying to organize a small event in Brazil (hopefully even 4*) together with Braw and Jason, at a hotel that we all invested in down in Icaraizino in August, so I very much like that the events have become more accessible to organizers due to this new event platform. This kind of thing would never have been possible with the full standards that we used to require of organizers.Im going to do a clinic before the event, possibly even 2 clinics, hopefully together with Jason and Braw, so it will be a fun thing for people to be able to sign up to do to train before the event and then participate in a starboard tack jumping event which is something we have had very little of on the tour in the past.Preliminary details about the clinic are here, but there will be a lot more information coming out in the next week or 2 once we have things finalized for the event: https://robbyswift.com/products/brazil-experience-campWINDSURF: What sailor inspired you when you were a young rookie on tour?ROBBY SWIFT: Jason Polakow, Josh Stone, Nick Baker, Bjorn and Kevin Pritchard mostly.WINDSURF: How are you going to keep motivated now you are not competing full time on tour?ROBBY SWIFT: I guess if you have read this far you can see that my days are full to the brim from sun up till sun-down each day. Maui is a mega expensive place to live so keeping yourself the right way up is motivation enough! Trying to manage my life so I have time to maximize time with my kids while they are at this precious age is my main focus, and building up the JP / NeilPryde brands again in the US seems to be a fun way to do that and hopefully it will end up being something I can work on with my children in 10 years or so when they finish school!The post TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH ROBBY SWIFT appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

PBA GRAN CANARIA 1995!PBA GRAN CANARIA 1995!If youre already getting in the mood for Pozo, which kicks off this weekend, this video from 1995yep, over 30 years ago.should get you in the mood!The event back then delivered wild, windy slalom conditions and epic wave action, with legends like Bjrn Dunkerbeck and Robby Naish in their prime, alongside Nik Baker, Vidar Jensen, Jason Polakow and many others making their mark on the scene. A proper throwback to the golden era of Pozo!Slalom races and wave competitions were held, at Pozo Beach. In those days, double loops were starting to be attempted during competitions. Vidar Jensen was the avant-garde for performing (attempting) them on the professional circuit. Bojrn Dunkerbeck (a then resident of Gran Canaria) wound up winning both the slalom and wave competitions for men, while Nathalie Lelivre did the same for women. Other Noteworthy competitors featured: Anders Bringdal S10 Robert Teriitehau F35 Robby Naish US1111 Nik Baker K66 Patrice Belbeoch F81 Jutta Mueller G680 Jason Polakow Matt Pritchard Mathias Holmberg and (then) race director, Alex AguieraThe post PBA GRAN CANARIA 1995! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

WINDSURF POZO PREDICTIONS 2026WINDSURF POZO PREDICTIONS 2026ARE YOU READY FOR IT?Yes its that time of year again. After the drama of perfect waves in Fiji, it is the turn of the wild and windy Canary Islands to take centre stage in the windsurfing world. The sails get smaller and the nerves get bigger as the best in the world prepare to do battle at the windiest stop on tour, for a full 5 star ranking event. YepPozo Izquierdothe legendary home of the windis backFamous for its relentless trade winds, brutal conditions and epic battles. This is where heroes are made, egos are tested and the jumps go into orbit!So, with the wind machine ready to howl (hopefully) and the worlds best preparing for battle, lets get down to it and look at our picks as to who we think will conquer Pozo in 2026, who could cause some possible upsets and we will give you the reasoning behind our choices. Most likely they will all be wrongbut somebody has got to put their reputation on the line and make some bold predictions!DISCLAIMER: We have stared at forecasts relentlessly, analysed form, consulted our windsurf crystal ball and still fully expect this to go wrong. But thats half the funPhotos: PWA / CarterMENS DIVISIONThe Big Guns & The Dark HorsesPodium Picks1: Philip Koester2: Marcilio Browne3: Marc ParWildcard Threat4. Marino GilWhat actually goes down during the competition in Pozo can ride a lot on the conditions. If the forecast is nuking, then normally the big guns rise to the top! If the forecast is sketchy then the elite players can struggle to shine. We have been holding back as long as possible, so we can check the forecast that will hopefully give us a clue as to what to expect in Pozo this year.On top of all the decisions calling the forecast this years event is a WWT event as opposed to the PWA running the show, so we doubt there will be a double elimination as in previous years. We are not sure of all the details as yet but most likely there will be one final to decide how things play out and no chance of a comeback.1: Philip Koester: The Home Turf AssassinIn the build-up to Pozo the wind has been absolutely nuking, so at least if gives all the sailors a decent window to get dialled in. However, as we head into the event window, things look set to calm down slightly, with the wind easing for a few days before (hopefully) returning with some proper horsepower. Were not expecting a full-on survival mission with huge waves and tiny sails, but there should still be enough action to separate the men from the boys.The good news for Philip Koester? He doesnt seem to care what conditions are thrown at him. Over the last few seasons, hes looked sharper, lighter and more explosive probably around 10kg leaner than his peak yearsand hes carrying that extra agility into the waves. His sailing has that frustrating how did he make that look so easy? quality, with tricks landed so smoothly it almost feels like hes playing a different game to everyone else.If Pozo decides to unleash its famous full-power madness, then Koester is one of the few riders youd actually want in your fantasy squad. When the wind goes nuclear, he can go toe-to-toe with anyone, matching the biggest hitters in the sport with his trademark mix of control, commitment and ridiculous aerial ability.At his home spot, Koester clearly knows every gust, ramp, and piece of chop like the back of his hand, although. Koester has the complete package and when the pressure is on, he has a habit of producing his best performances exactly when they matter most. If Pozo turns into a battlefield, dont be surprised to see the local hero walking away with the victory!2. Marcilio Browne Man on a Mission!Yawn here we go againpicking the obvious favourites is not usually our style but sometimes the major players at the front of the pack are there for a reason. After watching the top four battle it out in last years Pozo final, its hard to look past the big guns and Marcilio Brawzinho Browne is firmly in that conversation.Every year he seems to arrive at Pozo with another level unlocked. His port tack game has become seriously dangerous and his timing, consistency and rad style just keeps on improving. His jump game is fully loaded, with doubles and push forwards both firmly under control. Add in his ability to throw back loops off the lip, plus his endless catalogue of takas, shakas and technical wizardry in the waves and you have a rider who is pretty lethal at Pozo when the heat is on.But make no mistake, Brawzinho doesnt fly over from Hawaii weeks early just to enjoy the Spanish sunshine and eat tapas. This is a calculated campaign. Hes putting in the hours, studying the conditions and is prepared for battle. The mission is clear: challenge for the event win and keep the hunt alive for a fourth world title.3. Marc Pare The Champion Under PressureThe life of a world champion is not always as glamorous as it looks. After lifting the biggest trophy in the sport, the next challenge is proving you can handle the target painted firmly on your backand after a tough opening event in Hawaii, Marc Par arrives at Pozo with something to prove.From our recent chat with Marc, it sounded like the pressure of being the man everyone wants to beat may have taken some time to adjust to. Winning a world title is the dream, but defending it comes with a whole new level of expectationsuddenly every heat feels like a final and every mistake or decision gets analysed by the critics.But if there is one place where Marc can hit the reset button, its Pozo. He is without question one of the most dangerous sailors at this venue and has all the ingredients needed to win. Fearless in the air and radical on the wave, Par is the type of rider who can be the standout during a brutal Pozo session.The question is whether he can match the trickery of riders like Koester and the consistency of Brawzinho if the conditions dont turn into full survival mode. In lighter or more technical conditions, the margins become tiny and thats where the small details can decide everything.Dont write off the champ though. If Pozo switches into battle mode, Marc Par is exactly the kind of rider you want charging into the storm. He may have arrived with a little pressure on his shoulders, but sometimes thats when champions remind everyone why they won the title in the first place. We would love to see Marc win in Pozo even if it would shatter our predictions!WILDCARD4. Marino Gil The Local WildcardWhen it comes to Pozo, you cant ignore the localsand Marino Gil is not just any local. Hes a true homegrown weapon who has spent years learning every slippery boulder of this legendary battlefield. From chasing ramps as a kid to becoming one of the most feared sailors at the spot, Marino has earned his place among the elite.Known for his huge jumps, explosive style and incredibly polished wave riding, Marino has all the tools needed to take down a win at Pozo. On his best day, he is absolutely capable of beating anyoneand the scary part is that when the conditions go wild, he almost seems more comfortable the more hectic things get. For most people, Pozo at full power is survival mode; for Marino, its time to go big!Unlike many of his rivals, Marino chose to skip Maui and Fiji, keeping his powder dry and focusing all his energy on his opening strike of the season on familiar ground.Marino has shown he thrives in this environment and with the crowd behind him, he could go all the way! Marino Gil is a serious contender, a Pozo specialist and there is no way we could leave him out of our top four. If the wind machine fires up, expect the local hero to come out swinging and probably flying higher than anyone if Pozo turns on.Honourable Mention: Moritz MauchThe Wave Riding WizardFirstly, we would like to say that if Moritz Mauch has learned to smash out double loops and push forwards, he would easily be our choice to take the victory. His wave riding execution at Pozo is simply ridiculous and we think hes got the best style in town. Unfortunately, he has not got the jumping skills to match so we cant include him in our picks for the podium!Unless he has been secretly training doubles of course!Looking at some of the videos from the build up their are a tonne of sailors ripping so dont be surprised if our predictions are totally wrong and the likes of Alessio Stillrich, Liam Dunkerbeck, Victor Fernandez and Takuma Sugi are in the mix!WOMENS DIVISIONLegends, Champions & The Next GenerationPodium Picks1: Daida Moreno2: Sarah Quita Offringa3: Sol DegriekWildcard pick4: Lena Erpenstein1: Daida Moreno The Legend That Refuses To LeaveAfter last years dramatic victory in the super final against Sarah-Quita Offringa, Daida Moreno reminded everyone that the fire is still burning brightly. When the pressure was at its highest, she deliveredproving that experience, hunger and a lifetime of battling at the top level are a lethal combination.Daida has never relied on just one weapon in her arsenal. She brings the full armoury to Pozo: huge jumps, explosive rotations, and a level of wave riding that very few riders in the world can match. Goiters, wave 360s and radical turnsDaida has them all in her locker.What makes her especially dangerous is that she knows Pozo better than almost anyone. This is a place where timing, commitment and confidence matter and Daida has decades of experience reading the conditions and finding those magic moments when a wave turns into a ramp.This season she will also be lining up on new equipment with Goya and from all reports she is loving the setup. A happy sailor with gear she trusts is a scary prospect especially when that sailor already has one of the most complete skill sets in the sport.If Daida arrives fully fit, dialled in and with the same competitive fire she showed last year, then she will be one tough cookie to crack. Never count out a legendespecially one who still looks like shes having way too much pleasure causing trouble for everyone else.2. Sarah Quita Offringa The ChallengerSQ arrived in Pozo a few weeks ago and it wont take long for her to dial into the wild and windy conditions. Sarah loves a challenge and she has made it clear that she would love to win in Pozo, especially while Daida is still in the fight. Sarah is also always out to improve, so no doubt will be trying to nail 360s, goiters and even doubles to bolster up her armoury for the big battle ahead. Has she got the nerve and the skill to go all the way in Pozo? or will Daida be able to handle the pressure once againthat is the question! It would be awesome to see Sarah win, but who knows what conditions we will get for the ladies and who will shine on the day.3. Sol Degriek The Future Arriving Early!At some point, Sol Degrieck winning at Pozo feels inevitable! The scary thing is, that could very easily be this year. Remember at the end of 2025 in Syltwhen Sol surprised the crowds and ran away with the victory.Sol has been quietly building momentum and with more time spent training in Gran Canaria this season, she has been putting in the hours at one of the toughest proving grounds in windsurfing. Pozo is not a place that hands out victories willy nilly it demands commitment, confidence and a willingness to launch yourself out of your comfort zone and Sol has shown she has all three.Even last year she was already throwing herself into the deep end, with double rotations and tweaked push loopsthe kind of moves that separate a female rider from the crowd. The biggest weapons in Sols game are her youth, fearless attitude and ridiculous natural talent.There are still experienced names in the mix, but Sol has the ability to shake things up and make a serious run. We wouldnt be surprised at all to see her fighting for a place in the top four and if everything clicks, she could be the one making the established stars look over their shoulders.WILDCARD4. Lina Erpenstien The Doctor Of Destruction!Lina Erpenstein is another rider who has the skills to go all the way at Pozo. She brings one of the most powerful and committed styles in the womens fleet in the waves and when the conditions turn on, she is exactly the kind of sailor should be looking out for mainly because there is a very real chance something huge is about to happen.Her jumping game is a serious threat, with the power and confidence to go after some serious push loops and monster forwards, while her wave riding has a solid aggressive, attacking style if Pozo serves up any decent bowls to smack.Last year, Lina was returning from injury and missed out on Pozo, with more time to recover, rebuild and get back into full competition mode, she should be coming into this event much closer to 100% and ready for battle.If the conditions fire up and Pozo delivers its famous combination of nuclear wind and waves, Lina has every ingredient needed to challenge for the podium. She has the power, the experience and the fearless approachnow its just about putting it all together when the heat is on.Lina is now a fully qualified doctor on top of being a world-class sailor, so she clearly knows a thing or two about preparation and handling pressure. The question is whether the rest of the fleet is ready for her treatment plan. Dont be surprised if Lina prescribes a heavy dose of double rotations, aggressive wave riding and a painful reminder that she is one of the most dangerous sailors on the water.So there we have it. Our carefully researched, highly scientific, probably completely unreliable Pozo predictions for 2026. Now all that remains is for the wind to arrive, the waves to deliver and the sailors to remind us why Pozo is one of the greatest shows in windsurfing.Bring it on!Watch Ben Proffitt from Windsurfing TVs first Pozo Training Diaries here:The post WINDSURF POZO PREDICTIONS 2026 appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

THE KEY TO ALL WINDSURFING GYBES: GEORGE GRISLEYTHE KEY TO ALL WINDSURFING GYBES: GEORGE GRISLEYIn his new series; Progress From the Plateaux, George Grisley breaks down how to improve your downwind carving and episode one looks at the preparation and acceleration. So if you are looking for the key to improving your windsurfing gybes, this could be well worth a watch!Welcome to Progress From the Plateaux a new series focused on improving your downwind carving and taking your riding to the next level.In Episode 1, we break down one of the most overlooked parts of any carving manoeuvre: the preparation and acceleration. Getting this right is the key to smoother, faster, and more controlled gybe. Make sure to subscribe so you dont miss the rest of the series where I cover everything from your standard Carve Gybes, Carving 360s and cool gybe variations to make push yourself to learn something new this summer.The post THE KEY TO ALL WINDSURFING GYBES: GEORGE GRISLEY appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

A detailed breakdown of the Channel Islands pack range with Parker Coffin, Brent Power (Team Manager), and Todd Janda (CI Accessories Designer). They cover the details that actually matter: capacity, durability, access, and how these packs function day-to-dayfrom quick strikes to longer missions. Why CI Packs Built for surf travel and everyday use Durable, water-resistant materials designed to hold up over time Thoughtful layout for easy access, organization, and protection Designed with team feedback for real-world function Choosing Your Pack Essentials 40L Pack Larger capacity for longer days or travel Multiple compartments to keep gear organized Built to carry everything you need in one go Explore more: https://cisurfboards.com/products/essentials-40l-surf-packDry Pack (25L + 35L) Waterproof construction to keep gear dry 25L = more compact, streamlined 35L = added space + external pocket for extra storage Same core build, just different size and carry needs 25L: https://cisurfboards.com/products/dry-pack-25l35L: https://cisurfboards.com/products/dry-pack-35lThere are a lot of options out there, and hopefully this helps you find the right pack for how you move through your day.

The post Cecilia Pampinella & Manuel Hoyuela Rojas Dominate as the UKs First ICF SUP World Cup Makes History appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.