ARUBA HI-WINDS 2026 - OFFICIAL AFTERMOVIEARUBA HI-WINDS 2026 OFFICIAL AFTERMOVIERelive the epic Aruba Hi-Winds 2026 event with the official aftermovie! From sunrise sessions to sunset celebrations. Five days of racing, wind, music, and unforgettable moments at Sarah-Quita Beach!Aruba Hi-Winds 2026 brought together athletes, spectators, volunteers, sponsors, and the entire island for another incredible edition filled with energy on and off the water. From long distance races and slalom battles to kiteboarding, mountain biking, live entertainment, and beachside moments, this year was one to remember.The post ARUBA HI-WINDS 2026 OFFICIAL AFTERMOVIE appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

WINDSURF TRAVEL HACKS: WITH ANDREA CUCCHIWINDSURF TRAVEL HACKS: WITH ANDREA CUCCHITravelling with windsurf gear isnt for the faint-hearted. Oversized board-bags, unpredictable airline policies, brutal fees and last-minute drama at check-in are all part of the game. But for seasoned pros like Andrea Cucchi who has logged decades of miles, countless flights and more airport battles than he can remember, these challenges are a minor hurdle in the way of their next windsurf adventure.Andrea is the first to load the trolleys in our new Windsurf Travel hacks series, where we have asked the pros to share the hacks that save time, money, gear, and sanity. Hopefully these insider tips from some of the best in the business will help you on your way to a smooth journey through the airport and help you get to your destination with more money in your pocket and with way less stress!ANDREA CUCCHIFrom nightmare check-ins to driving cross-country through the night after being kicked out of an airport, Ive seen it all. With over three decades of globe-trotting to events with windsurfing gear in tow, here are my honest travel tips for anyone planning to fly with gear.TOP 5 TRAVEL HACKS YOU SHOULD NEVER FORGET!Never book a flight without checking the airlines gear policy: I never assume theyll take my equipment, especially board bags. Always call the airline and get everything clarified. Dont trust what the website says. One wrong assumption and your trip could fall apart before check-in.Avoid Sunday flights: If anything goes wrong, theres usually no one around who can help. Offices are closed, and youre on your own with a problem that could cost you thousands.Travel early, travel calm: I used to be stressed out until the moment I got through check-in. Now I arrive early, every time. I want everything planned, bags packed right, paperwork ready. Ive had too many chaotic experiences. Ive learned to hate adventure stress.Pack light, especially board bags. The heavier it is, the worse theyll treat it. If your bag looks heavy, theyll toss it around like trash. Keep it sleek, under the limit and easy to move.Be strategic at check-in. Dont overshare. Be calm and confident about your luggages weight. If it looks borderline, I politely and convincingly mention a weight thats acceptable. The more relaxed you look, the less likely they are to weigh or question it. Dont act too nice. Its a red flag. Just behave like any other passenger with a backpack. The best check-in is a quiet, uneventful one. My luggage is always pre-weighed and organized. I tried to avoid check in staff where I see the person looks stressed or grumpy!PLAN AHEAD!AC: Ive had times when I had to book a new flight because luggage fees were more expensive than a new ticket. I have also been thrown out of an airport and had to drive overnight to make it to a race. Once, with Andrea Rosati we showed up with 27 bags on 12 trolleys. We were not even able to make it to the check-in. They turned our trolley out of the airport we had to drive 1500km in one night to make it to the event. The gear was not even fitting inside one van; we had to tie a lot of the bags on the roof with belts going around the full and under the van. Now? Ive learned the hard way. I plan check in like a military operation. If the event is under 1500km away: Ill drive. No question. Ive had cargo ship gear before because airlines refused to take it, I had to cancel trips last-minute due to rule changes and missed key photoshoots because they would not check the gear in!WINDOW OR AISLE SEAT?AC: I never pay for a seat. I get on board last and choose my seat. Ill just confidently sit in any decent seat that is open. After 24-hour non-stop drives in a van to events, even a 10-hour flight feels like a spa day. I usually go for window or emergency exit seats. I sleep before take off and dont move until landing. Aisle seats? No thanks. Im wide-shouldered and tired of being whacked by food trolleys or bumped by every passenger walking by. If the window passenger looks like theyll need frequent bathroom breaks, then I might I offer to swap seats. Problem solved!TOP PACKING TIP FOR WINDSURFING GEAR!AC: Its all about smart protection and weight distribution. I roll two sails together, place the mast inside, and use wetsuits to pad the delicate parts of the boards. I travel with a separate boom/fins/extensions bag and a single or double board bag. Even with three boards, I can make it work. I leave the foot straps off if they dont fit. The lighter and simpler your setup, the fewer problems youll have, especially with the board bag.BOOKING & BAGGAGE!AC: Price Hacks. Incognito mode, late at night. Rates tend to drop when fewer people are searching. Clear your browser history and cookies. Especially when looking for flights on your mobile. Call unknown airlines about their baggage policy for windsurfers. Always check that theyll accept your luggage and what the weight rules are, and you can ask for better deals if they feel you like they are doing business with you and not just giving you a discount.Post check-in? Theres always a way to add extra kg after check-in. Its not ideal, but better than surprise fees if you end up taking back extra gear for any reason. The last two years, airlines have become slightly more forgiving. Maybe fewer travellers with gear, or better policies.MUST-HAVE ITEM ON LONG HAUL FLIGHTS?AC: Nothing. If theres internet onboard, I pretend there isnt. I fall asleep before the plane takes off. Thats my luxury. When I am on a plane that is my moment to finally relax a bit!CAR PARKING!AC: If Im alone at the airport and have a van full of gear, Ill ask the parking staff to give me a lift straight to the terminal. Skip the shuttle and then they take my van to their parking. If you ask kindly, they always help.Airlines over the years have been charging more. Were part of the reason some airlines stopped accepting gear altogether as many windsurfers were asking to cover breakages from their transport, which were not happening during the flight, but on the water. They understood it, and now we pay for the consequences!The post WINDSURF TRAVEL HACKS: WITH ANDREA CUCCHI appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

NICO PRIEN: DEFI WIND...1500 WINDSURERS IN 40 KNOTSNICO PRIEN: DEFI WIND1500 WINDSURERS IN 40 KNOTSWe have been waiting for this video to dropNico Prien looks back on the incredible 2026 Defi Wind where he won the event in mental conditions. It was an emotional victory for Nico who deservedly took won the event on the fin! For those that have followed Nicos windsurfing journey through his YouTube Videos they will understand what it means to Nico to win the biggest windsurf race on the planet in epic conditions!The post NICO PRIEN: DEFI WIND1500 WINDSURERS IN 40 KNOTS appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

EXOCET BOARDS: DEFIWIND 2026EXOCET BOARDS DEFIWIND 2026Ben Proffitt from Windsurfing TV meets up with Patrice Belbeoch at Defi Wind for an inside look at the latest Exocet board range and the thinking behind the designs. Patrice explains how his shock absorption technology saved his knees in the challenging conditions during the racing!The post EXOCET BOARDS: DEFIWIND 2026 appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

GUNSAILS TORRO 5.7M TEST: WINDSURFER MAGAZINEGUNSAILS TORRO 5.7M TEST: WINDSURFER MAGAZINEThe Gunsails Torro is the first Freewave test sail to be tested by the Windsurfer Magazine Test team. With its easy going nature and exciting feel in the hands, it was a real surprise considering its generous price point and is certainly a sail to have on your radar.Windsurfer Magazine Windsurfing focused print magazine based in the UK.TORRO 2026 Windsurf Sail Versatile Freemove Sail by GUNSAILSThe post GUNSAILS TORRO 5.7M TEST: WINDSURFER MAGAZINE appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

AFTER LE DEFI: SUPER-8AFTER LE DEFI: SUPER-8Whats next after Le Defi?Still buzzing from Le Dfi? Or maybe youve seen the photos, watched the highlights, and now youre fired up to get involved yourself? The good news: the summer action is only just beginning. The UKWA has a brace of epic events lined up over the coming months, with Super 8 set to deliver more adrenaline, more racing and lots of unforgettable moments on the water. Whether youre hungry to compete or simply looking for the thrill of taking part, theres plenty more to come this season. Scott Harrison has sent us all the details right here!SCOTT HARRISON: If you did the Defi wind and are now recovering, or its inspiring, but just too much (and I should know its a lot, I just got back destroyed!) then heres the perfect UK windsurfing weekend away. UKWA Super-8. The one hour classic got upgraded Defi style, making it more fun, more achievable, less hanging around and well, just better for everyone! Two events in great locations, designed by riders for riders. Stokes Bay 20/21 June and Christchurch July 18/19 July. The evolution of the One Hour Classic, arguably last years most fun UK events. You dont need race gear-if it floats itll do ! If you can beach start & use a harness youre good enough. Legendary socials. Figure of 8 course with simple starts. Fin, Foil or Wing. Free UKWA membership for the event.Entry for the first event is now open at :https://ukwindsurfing.com/events/2026/super-8-festival-1/Dont hang round, enter today and well see you there !The post AFTER LE DEFI: SUPER-8 appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

SAM LATHAM: MY DFI WIND EXPERIENCE!SAM LATHAM: MY DFI WIND EXPERIENCE!IntroductionThe Biggest Windsurf Event on EarthEvery year, thousands of windsurfers from around the globe descend on the south of France for one reason: The Dfi Wind! This year, Worthing Watersports shop owner Sam Latham took on the challenge and it was a memorable one. From 58-knot gusts and chaotic race starts to aching muscles, borrowed kit and crazy racing, heres Sams full Dfi Wind story.The Journey to GruissanThis year I flew from Gatwick down to Montpellier, hired a car and drove to Gruissan. If you drive, it is about a 14-hour drive from Worthing if youre going by road most people drive through France, hop on the ferry or Eurotunnel and battle the toll roads.You can sleep in your van right on the beach at the venue, which is brilliant, though this time I stayed in a chalet with Rafferty and Alix Reed. All in, expect to spend around 1,000 once youve covered travel, accommodation and entry.First ImpressionsThe AtmosphereNothing prepares you for the Dfi.1,500 competitors, young and old, male and female, all levels of kit and the standard is just extraordinary. Some people on older, more basic gear were absolutely flying past.The wind was so fierce the photos genuinely dont do it justice. Someone broke their leg, someone broke their ribs, and still everyone lined up for the next race. That tells you everything about this event.Getting an EntryTickets sell out fast, especially when the forecast looks good. This year they hit the maximum capacity of 1,500 competitors and I imagine after a year like this one itll go even quicker. Keep an eye on the website and get in early.Living the Dfi WeekI stayed in a chalet with Rafferty and Alix Reed. Rafferty had an incredible weekhe completed the full Dfi trio: Dfi Kite, Dfi Wing and Dfi Wind, all in one week. An absolutely massive achievement.Racing in 58 KnotsEquipment and SetupWe had five brutal races over three days in winds peaking at 58 knots.I borrowed a Duotone 99L Falcon from Simon Pettiferthis board is available from Worthing Watersports as used windsurfing equipment at a great price. For the fin I ran an F-Hot race fin, available directly from F-Hot.For sails I was on Duotone Superhero wave sails.a 3.7m for race one when it was absolutely howling, gusting 58 knots and a 4.7m for the rest of the event. I also tried a 5.0 Duotone Warp but found the boom diameter too large and switched to Duotone Mega Slim booms for the remainder of the event, which completely solved my forearm pump issues.For harness I used the ION Axxis with the ION seat attachmentbeing able to sit into the harness rather than hanging from a waist harness was a total game changer for comfort over long races.Jordy Vonk, Duotone pro racer, was also at the event and won race one. I was lucky enough to borrow some of his kit toothat was incredibly generous.You Dont Need Full Race GearOne thing I really want to highlightyou absolutely do not need full race equipment to do well at this event.Andy Bubble Chambers finished an incredible 64th on freeride and wave kit. I finished 109th on wave sails. The Duotone Blitz and Duotone X-Pace would be the ideal combination for most peoplecomfortable, fast and more than capable of competing at the very highest level.You can also browse our full range of Duotone windsurfing boards online.Worthing Watersports Duotone Specialist Store Wing Foil, KitesurfingWhat a Dfi Start Feels LikeImagine 1,500 people all lined up behind a start boat in 50+ knots. Its controlled chaos.My first races I got away well, but as the wind shifted the top of the line became extremely busy in the final two races and my starts suffered as a result. Positioning and commitment is everythingyou just have to back yourself.The Physical ChallengeRacing in the Defi was brutal but incredible.My worst race was when forearm pump set in badlyI genuinely wasnt sure I was going to finish. The Mega Slim booms solved that for the remaining races.Over the three days I covered more than 150 miles of windsurfing, hit a top speed of around 29 knots and finished 109th out of 1,500 competitorsinside the top 10%. Sore hands, sore feet, but proud to have completed every single race.Biggest Highs & Toughest MomentsRacing alongside Ben Proffitt from windsurfing.tv in 58 knots was a massive highlight we were incredibly close considering he was on a wave board, which says a lot about the conditions.The last race was my best. I moved my mast track back, the board flew and I nailed every gybe.The low point was definitely the forearm-pump racegenuine pain and self-doubt. But you get through it.The Crazy Reality of Dfi WindSailing around before the start, looking at the conditions, thinking: how on earth is this going to happen? How is any of this possible?And then 1,500 people just do it. Every time. That never gets old.Final ThoughtsPeople travel from all around the world to take part in this incredible eventAsia, Australia and across Europe. Its a truly global event and you feel that energy on the water.The biggest thanks go to the organisers. What they take on must be incredibly demanding and challenging, yet they just get on with it without complaint, always putting safety first. They do an extraordinary job and the event is all the better for it.Dfi Wind is a real spectacle of what humans can do with the power of the earths wind. I hope it lives on for many more windy years.See you out there next year!SamThe post SAM LATHAM: MY DFI WIND EXPERIENCE! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

JENNA GIBSON: DEFI INTERVIEWJENNA GIBSON: DEFI INTERVIEWBen Proffitt from Windsurfing TV catches up Jenna Gibson after here epic performance at the Defi wind.The post JENNA GIBSON: DEFI INTERVIEW appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.