By Lisa Drewe2. LONDON, LIMEHOUSE CUT AND OLYMPIC STADIUM (10.5KM RETURN)A loop through East Londons waterways linking the Limehouse Cut with the Bow Back Rivers around the Olympic Stadium. Historic canals, industrial relics and Olympic landmarks combine on this distinctive urban paddle.This route begins on the Limehouse Cut Londons oldest canal before threading into the Bow Back Rivers, a network of channels revitalised for the 2012 Olympics within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.Start at Limehouse Basin, joining the Limehouse Cut. Pass Ropemakers Field on the right before going under a railway bridge and Kings Wharf Park. Continue straight, flanked by apartments, warehouses, and bridges, heading toward the A12.At the canals bend, stay left at Bow Locks, avoiding the locks and entering the River Lea Navigation under road and rail bridges. Pass Bow Free Wharf. Before Old Ford Lock, turn right under the footbridge to follow City Mill River around the London Stadium. Look for the ArcelorMittal Orbit and London Aquatics Centre, then pass City Mill Lock into the Bow Back Rivers.After St Thomas Creek footbridge, turn sharply left under the A118 to rejoin the River Lea and follow your route back via Limehouse Cut.After exploring Londons waterways, head north to the industrial heart of Birmingham.Licence:Required, included in Paddle UK membership.Starting point:Limehouse Basin, Pinnacle Way, E14 7PB (TQ 363 810; 51.51193, -0.03651).Launch:From the north side, off the concrete platform by the lock, into Regents Canal.Pitstops:Quirky caf Great atmosphere and food. The Yurt Caf. Short walk from Limehouse Basinwww.rfsk.org.uk/yurt-cafe.Special points:In summer, invasive weeds can slow progress. Always wash gear thoroughly before entering other waterways to prevent the spread of invasive species.Note:There are no locks to portage.Getting there:From Limehouse DLR, exit Branch Road, turn left, and follow the arches 250m to the canal launch.Full route map:www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-limehouse-cut-and-olympic-stadium/Lisas BioLisa is an award-winning outdoor writer, paddler and guidebook author, best known for her Paddleboarding book series published by Wild Things Publishing. She has explored hundreds of routes across Britain by paddleboard and kayak and writes regularly for outdoor and paddlesports publications.https://www.islandeering.com

LIFE OF A CLUB VASS WINDSURF INSTRUCTOR: DAN BARRINGTONLIFE OF A CLUB VASS WINDSURF INSTRUCTOR: DAN BARRINGTONWe caught up with Club Vass instructor senior instructor (Pro Coach) Dan Barrington, who has been working at the legendary destination for five years. From epic freestyle sessions on the water to late night parties at the beach bar, Dans story is about progression, passion and memorable moments at Club Vass. In this interview, we venture behind the scenes with Dan as he looks back on his coaching journey, the community at the Club, some unforgettable parties and why one season somehow turned into five.Photos: Miles / PROtography OfficialWINDSURF: How did you get your job at Club Vass, and why did you want to work there?DAN BARRINGTON: I was working for another centre in Vass and was a bit in awe of what was happening at Club Vass, especially the freestyle scene. It felt like the place to be if you wanted to push your sailing and be surrounded by really high-level windsurfing.There was also a personal connectionmy dad used to do Club Vass seasons back in the 90s, so I grew up hearing all the stories. Working there always felt like a bit of a dream.I asked Ollie Scott if I could do some work experience at the end of a season and did enough to earn myself a full-time beach role the following year.WINDSURF: What qualifications did you need and how did the application process work?DAN BARRINGTON: To work at Club Vass you need your Start Windsurf Instructor qualification, RYA First Aid certificate and a Powerboat ticket, but also some experience and a real passion for the sport and for teaching it.One of the great things about the club is that its a real training hub. Over the seasons Ive always taken every opportunity to gain more qualifications and tickets. Theres a strong culture of progression, both as a coach and as a sailor.WINDSURF: How easy is it to get qualified as a windsurf instructor? How much does it cost and where do you do it?DAN BARRINGTON: Its actually much easier than people think. You dont need to be an advanced windsurfer, just confident with the basics. The standard route is to take a Start Windsurf Instructor course.You can do this in Vassiliki with Watersports Nomad, who run excellent instructor programs. Alternatively, most major watersports centres in the UK offer the qualification. I did mine in Poole Harbour. A few weeks later I secured my first season job!At the time, I could barely windsurfso dont let ability hold you back.The course cost me around 500600, and its paid for itself many times over since.WINDSURF: What about boat qualifications and first aid? How long do those take?DAN BARRINGTON: Most instructor pathways combine everything into one intensive week. You need a 2-day Powerboat Level 2 course (great fun and very straightforward). An RYA First Aid course (widely available across the UK). Many centres package these together so you can complete all required qualifications in one go.WINDSURF: How fired up are you for the upcoming season?DAN BARRINGTON: Very! A good winter rest makes a huge difference. Its always exciting knowing youll be back with familiar faces & sharing sessions together.WINDSURF: When does your season start and finish?DAN BARRINGTON: The season usually starts in early April. The first couple of weeks are all about building the centrerigging new kit, prepping the powerboats & getting the beachfront ready. It runs through to mid-October; roughly six months in total.WINSURF: Can you make good money working as an instructor, or is the experience all about the lifestyle?DAN BARRINGTON: It definitely starts as a lifestyle job, but it can become more than that. The more seasons you do, and the more qualifications you add (plus progression into senior or management roles), the more you can earn and save.Its true that some instructors spend their whole wage at the bar but others save for winter trips and things like that, itswhat you make of it.WINDSURF: When you first headed out for a season, what were your goals?DAN BARRINGTON: My goals have definitely changed season by season. In my first year I was probably mostly focused on learning how to flaka and trying to impress girls. These days Im thinking less about my own windsurfing and more about how to run the beach as well as possible and give guests the best experience we can.WINDSURF: What was it like when you first started coaching?DAN BARRINGTON: I started coaching when I was 18 and in my first season I mostly taught kids. Pretty quickly I became completely obsessed and started teaching adults as well.I definitely made plenty of mistakes early on, but my enthusiasm for the sport usually made up for it. I cared a lot, and that goes a long way when youre learning to coach.WINDSURF: What levels do you teach, and do instructors switch around?DAN BARRINGTON: At Club Vass you teach a bit of everything. Were really lucky because we coach well beyond the standard RYA syllabus. Its pretty normal to be running a forward-loop clinic for 15 people, which makes for a really entertaining and varied job.Most instructors switch around a lotfrom kids clubs and pro kids, right through to specialist weeks like Speed Week or Diva Week.WINDSURF: What are most clients hoping to gain from the experience?DAN BARRINGTON: I think what makes a Club Vass holiday special is that guests get top-quality coaching while still being on a relaxed, social holiday.I hope they enjoy the social side of Vass as much as the windsurfing. Roger and Tony have created a real aprs-surf sceneprobably helped by the fact that the bar is literally in the middle of the windsurf school.Theres just something in the air in Vass. Its infectious, and once youve experienced it, you usually want to come back.WINDSURF: Whats a typical day in the life for you at Club Vass?DAN BARRINGTON: It all depends on the forecast, but most days start with some kind of exercisestretching, gym, biking or a swim.We then have the beach team meeting and morning lessons usually run in the onshore winds, which are perfect for beginners. Everyone breaks for lunch, then the wind kicks in for the afternoon sessions.After that its free sailing time, we shut up around dark, and most evenings end with a chilled beer with the guests at the beach bar.WINDSURF: Whats the best part about being a coach at Club Vass?DAN BARRINGTON: The people, without a doubt. The friendships you build and the memories you make over a season are hard to beat.Going to work on a beach every day with all your mates is pretty special. It doesnt really feel like workeven though we definitely put the hours in.WINDSURF: How do the coaches work together as a team?DAN BARRINGTON: Everyone has different manager roles within the team. On your first season you might be bin-bag manager, but if you do a good job you might get promoted to sunbeds and so on.More experienced staff look after the important things, like the powerboats. It keeps things light-hearted but also makes sure everyone takes responsibility.WNDSURF: Do you still get time to windsurf and party yourselves?DAN BARRINGTON: This is one of the things that really separates Club Vass from other companies. We windsurf as much as the guests, and that keeps staff motivated, happy, and sharp. When instructors are sailing a lot, their coaching and customer service improves massively. And yes, the younger staff definitely still party as well, especially on Tuesday and Friday nights.WINDSURF: Is it a seven-day week or do you get time off?DAN BARRINGTON: You work six days with one day off, which you can use to explore the island. Not many jobs let you windsurf at work, so I dont think thats too bad at all.WINDSURF: Were there many highs or lows from last season?DAN BARRINGTON: Mostly highs. The only real low is when the season comes to an end and you have to figure out what youre doing for the winter.DAN BARRINGTON: How do you stay motivated when a new group arrives each week?DAN BARRINGTON: For me its easy, because so many guests come back year after year. Even when its a new group, youre often coaching the same faces for the second or third time.WINDSURF: Who is your boss, and how is performance monitored?DAN BARRINGTON: Ollie Scott is my boss. He checks in with us regularly and helps make plans for what we can improve or progress, whether thats our personal windsurfing or our work on the beach.WINDSURF: What do you love most about working at Club Vass?DAN BARRINGTON: Were really well looked after, and that comes directly from Ollie and the owners. I signed up for one season and somehow ended up doing five, which probably says it all. In short: good vibes, happy people and strong wind!WINDSURF: What do you do in the off-season?DAN BARRINGTON: Im really lucky. Ive been able to do a few different things that keep me busy and living the dreamcoaching skiing and teaching on Bonaire, which Ive been doing for the last few winters.WINDSURF: How big are the groups you usually coach?DAN BARRINGTON: It varies week to week, but usually anywhere from six to twenty people, with three or four instructors.WINDSURF: How tiring is a full season at Club Vass?DAN BARRINGTON: It is tiringbut youre only young once. You dont really notice it until the end of the season, when it finally catches up with you!WINDSURF: Do you have any funny stories from the infamous Friday night parties?DAN BARRINGTON: One of my first real welcome to Club Vass moments came during the traditional Friday night if I were not upon the sea, theres something else Id rather be song. Every season the staff perform it in front of all the guests, and on my first year I was properly nervous. Id been practising all week in the apartment after work, convinced I had it nailed.Come the big night, I stepped out in front of everyone and completely forgot my lines. Total mind-blank. I just froze. Luckily, everyone assumed I was playing it up for a laugh, so the crowd started laughing and cheering, which somehow made it worse and better at the same time.Thankfully Max Rowe and a few of the others started shouting the steps at me from the side, and I managed to recover before doing anything too memorable. It was equal parts terrifying and hilarious and probably the moment I realised that at Club Vass, if you mess something up, everyones laughing with you, not at you!WINDSURF: It sounds like working at Club Vass is a lot of fun both on and off the water?DAN BARRINGTON: Yes Another lesson I learned fairly quickly was that Im much better suited to teaching windsurfing than working behind a bar. One particularly busy Friday night, I offered to help out at the top bar. It was busy, and I got a little too enthusiastic about my new role as bar staff rather than a windsurf instructor.The guests were enjoying it and kept buying me drinks, which may have influenced my decision-making. After giving away too many free beers, Ive since been firmly banned from working the bar on Friday nights.The post LIFE OF A CLUB VASS WINDSURF INSTRUCTOR: DAN BARRINGTON appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

By Lisa DreweFrom a floating harbour and Londons oldest canal to industrial Midlands waterways, an Olympic stadium loop and a Scottish canal linking sea lochs to city parks, this is the first of five urban paddles that reveal a different side of Britains waterways.City paddling offers a fascinating way to experience places that are usually seen only from streets and bridges. Slip quietly past converted dockyards, graffiti-lined canals, Olympic architecture and revived industrial basins where city life changes with the flow of water. Perfect for an early Spring paddle, these routes combine sheltered water with strong stories engineering feats of the Industrial Revolution, maritime heritage, ambitious regeneration projects and creative urban spaces. Along the way, youll find waterside cafs, historic pubs and plenty of easy access points, making them ideal for relaxed day trips or exploratory half-day adventures.Lets explore these routes in detail, starting with Bristol.1. BRISTOL FLOATING HARBOURSee the best of Bristols harbourside at a relaxed pace, with options to explore feeder waterways. The Floating Harbour, kept at a constant level by locks and pumps since 1809, protects this stretch from tidal changes. Historic wharf buildings and engineering sites now host attractions.Launch at Baltic Wharf slipway. Paddle past Underfall Yard the old pumping station turned museum and caf and several museums and galleries along the water. Spot historic vessels like the Mayflower, Pyronaut, John King, John Cabots Matthew replica, and the centrepiece SS Great Britain at the Great Western Dockyard.To extend the trip, the Bristol Harbour Licence allows you to continue upstream on the River Avon as far as Hanham Lock.With your Bristol adventure complete, discover what awaits in London.Access restrictions:Bristol Harbour Licence required, 11.70/day from Harbour Office at Underfall Yard (0117 903 1484).Parking:SS Great Britain Car Park (charges), Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol BS1 6UN. The car park is 800 metres from the launch point. Alternatively, drop off kit by the Cottage Inn, adjacent to the launch site, before parking.Launch:Baltic Wharf Slipway, Bristol BS1 6XG. Grid ST 5726 7216; Lat/long 51.4468, -2.6163.Pitstops:The Orchard Inn Huge range of local ciders and doorstep sarnieswww.orchardinn.co.uk.The Grain Barge Great harbour views and craft beershttps://grainbarge.com.Nova Scotia Hearty pub food and dockside seatinghttps://novascotiabristol.com.The Cottage Post-paddle pie and pint right on the slipway (0117 9215256).Special points:Busy harbour traffic keep right and give way to larger vessels. BA and leash required; night paddling requires two paddlers and white lights. Launch only from Baltic Wharf; carry your licence. Full regulationswww.bristol.gov.uk/bristol-harbour/safety/water-safety-codes-of-practice/paddle-boarding-safety-code-of-practice.Getting there:By car from the west, leave M5 J18 and take the A4 to Bristol, following brown signs to SS Great Britain. From the east, leave M4 J19, take M32 into the city and follow brown signs. By public transport, Bristol Ferry runs weekend winter services (full timetable in summer) between Bristol Temple Meads and Baltic Wharf:www.bristolferry.com/ferry.Full route map:www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-bristol-floating-harbourLisas BioLisa is an award-winning outdoor writer, paddler and guidebook author, best known for her Paddleboarding book series published by Wild Things Publishing. She has explored hundreds of routes across Britain by paddleboard and kayak and writes regularly for outdoor and paddlesports publications.https://www.islandeering.com

JORDY VONK: THE NEXT CHAPTERJORDY VONK: THE NEXT CHAPTERJordy Vonk isnt just joining Tenerife Windsurf Solutionhes stepping in to shape its future. The IFCA World and European Champion and PWA Slalom X podium finisher has officially become Co-Owner, bringing in his fresh energy, deep connection to El Mdano and a clear vision for what comes next.Together with Harco-Jan Folkerts, Vonk will lead both Tenerife Windsurf Solution and the Duotone Pro Center Tenerife into a new erabuilding on their global reputation while pushing both operations to the next level. We catch up with Jordy as well as look at the official press statements to get the full story behind this new chapter!PRESS STATEMENTTenerife Windsurf Solution, one of El Mdanos and internationally well-known windsurf centers, together with Duotone Pro Center Tenerife, the flagship of the Duotone Pro Centers, offering premium lessons and rental, proudly announces that Jordy Vonk has joined the company as Co-Owner.Jordy will now be part of the management team alongside Harco-Jan Folkerts, leading the centers into their next chapter. Jordy is a professional windsurfer with many years of experience, IFCA World and European Champion and 3rd place finisher in the Slalom X PWA World Tour ranking of 2025. His passion for windsurfing is not the only thing connecting him to El Mdano. For the past 13 consecutive winters, Jordy has spent his time here, working at the TWS center when Harco-Jan purchased it in 2013, writing his university thesis at the center, managing the TWS Pro Slalom Training program, and hosting numerous clinics. Jordy has been connected to the center from the very beginning, making this step feel less like a new start and more like a natural progression.WINDSURF: Tell us about your relationship with the TWS over the years, how did you first start working with them?JORDY VONK: Harco-Jan bought the center 13/14 years ago and when he realised he couldnt be there the first week he searched for a solution. I was training for the first time in Tenerife that winter and as he briefly knew me, he asked if I could extend my stay a little bit. To work a couple weeks for the previous owner, check out how its being run and then transfer this info to him!Thats basically how it started: working a couple weeks in the center doing my university thesis for the center (writing a strategic marketing plan) for the TWS organising the TWS Pro Slalom Training for 3 years running a lot of clinics and now stepping in as Co-Owner!WINDSURF: What is your university background and how will you be applying these skills to the new role?JORDY VONK: Ive studied commercial economics/sports marketing, especially at the beginning of the study you learn a wide range of skills in business management, commercial calculations, marketing and more useful things which I can all apply in my new role.WINDSURF: Will you be taking over a lot of the business side of the business as well as the day to day running and promotion of the centres?JORDY VONK: Ill be basically increasing my involvement steadily through the next couple of years. Starting with Marketing/Sales now, as thats where I have most experience already, to running the complete business in a couple years. I believe this is the best way for everyone. Im still having plenty of things to learn, which I can perfectly do from Harco and he was not searching for someone to take over the keys at day one, but he can slowly takes things easier with me getting more and more involved although I think it will mainly mean more energy to bring things to another level!WINDSURF: Are you going to be moving to Tenerife full time and is this your long-term plan for the future after you eventually finish racing on the PWA?JORDY VONK: Yes, I will be moving full time to Tenerife with the whole family after the PWA there in August. Levy, my oldest son, is registered for school there and we actually cant wait to make the move. Massive credits to my wife whos open to do this, but I believe family wise it will improve a lot of things for us. I wont have to travel as much anymore as I can train, test, shoot right where we live. While now in Austria I have to travel regularly between competitions as well.WINDSURF: Do you have some new ideas for the centres or are you going to keep the successful formula as it is?JORDY VONK: My vision is to keep the successful formula as it is, but I have plenty of ideas to improve things further! So, I dont want to step in and be conservative, I want to improve things further, implement ideas and make sure people have an even better time than before!WINDSURF: How much hard work is it going to be doing this and the tour and how are you going to juggle the two?JORDY VONK: + my 5.5 years and 8-month-old son feels like Ive got to juggle three things!Until September I expect to be in full power mode for a couple months, which will be tough for sure. Afterwards things will get more settled when we live in Tenerife full time. I also have to say I think the people that know me, know Im already since a couple years not 100% dedicated to training for the tour.Ive been always busy with other projects (all windsurf related; like clinics/sustainability/PWA management board) so its nothing new to work on the side for me. Sometimes its hard of course, last year I saw some guys posting their total distance windsurfed in a year and it was 3 times more than what I did. But I take a lot of confidence out of the fact that now I know what I will do after my career as a competitor and my future is planned.WINDSURF: How is your relationship with Harko and do you admire him as a businessman?JORDY VONK: Its a really good relationship, otherwise I wouldnt feel confident to step into such a project with someone. Im very grateful that he offered me this opportunity and Im looking forward to learn a lot from him. I think what hes done in El Medano is really impressive and cant be denied its an amazing job done by him. So, it feels like learning from the best, which will help me develop as a businessman in short time as well.WINDSURF: How excited are you to get the ball rolling now and what are the plans once you move to Tenerife full time?JORDY VONK: Im excited to make the ball grow and make it roll faster than ever before. I dont want to rely on the success of Harco but really show my value in make it even more successful and Im super excited for that. While Im working on the background now, I cant wait to be around at the centers to support and be surrounded by the amazing staff we have on daily base and bring everything to another level!JORDY VONK (OFFICIAL PRESS COMMENT)When the opportunity arose to take over the centers and shop, I became very excited and basically wanted to start right away. El Mdano has always felt like home.As I slowly started thinking about the future and what I would do after my professional windsurf career, this opportunity was one I simply had to take. With my university background and passion for water sports, it feels like a perfect fit. Im definitely not planning to end my professional career yet, people can still expect to see me on the starting line at the World Cups. From September onward I will move full-time to Tenerife, giving me the perfect playground to train year-round while working daily at the centers to create the best possible experience for all clients.HARKO JAN VOLKERTS (OFFICIAL PRESS COMMENT)I didnt want to sell the company but was looking for someone who would continue this company with passion, energy, and fresh ideas. Someone who truly understands what we have built and who has the drive to take it even further. The success of TWS, the TWS shop, and the Duotone Pro Center is not only about the equipment we offeras good as it isnor only about our unique location here in El Mdano, where you can practice all board sports at every level 365 days per year.Our real success lies in the people. In their energy. Their commitment. Their passion. The way they connect with our guests. They make the difference between a good day on the water and an unforgettable one. That is exactly why I wanted a future-proof solution. Someone who understands the DNA of the company. Someone who knows the culture. Someone who truly values the team and Jordy ticks all these boxes! The structure of the centers will remain the same, ensuring returning clients will feel just as welcome as before, while the team also looks forward to meeting many new visitors. As the sport continues to evolve, both centers will keep developing as well, always aiming for even higher levels of quality, efficiency and client experience.The post JORDY VONK: THE NEXT CHAPTER appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

CALL MY BLUFF: EPIC CORNWALL SESSIONCALL MY BLUFF: EPIC CORNWALL SESSIONAfter weeks of relentless swell and wind, it would have been easy to sit this forecast out but something didnt feel right about letting it go. The charts were lining up, the period was there and the Bluff was in the firing line. For John Carter and Ross Williams, it meant committing to a long-haul mission from the island with no guaranteesjust the chance that it could all come together. Some days you play it safe and some days you go all in and see what shows up. With the Bluff holding all the cards and serious swell on the table, it was time to stop overthinking it, back the call and find out if the Atlantic was bluffing or not.Photos: John Carter and Steve ClarkeClick any shot to enlarge and scrollBest viewed on a big screen!JOHN CARTERThe UK had been on a ridiculous run of wind and pumping swell, so naturally I thought yeah, maybe Ill just stay home this weekend. But then my gut feeling was telling me that this could be the last big session of the season.The forecast was calling for a 5m swell at 16 seconds with west winds swinging southwest by midday. In other words, it could be Bluff gold. One of my favourite places to shoot when it decides to behave which isnt often. As always, you never know if the forecast is going to do what it says on the tinComing from the Isle of Wight this was quite a risky trip and we just had to put our faith in what was promised.TWENTY SEASONS!Timo had been banging on about this Twenty seasons theorybasically reminding us were not getting any younger and wed better stop pretending weve got endless chances left. That was all the convincing I needed. Staying home suddenly felt like a terrible idea.After scoring an epic south coast session earlier in the week, I rang Rossfully expecting him to say no to another mission off the island. Instead, he didnt even hesitate. That shouldve been the first warning sign.The plan was simple on paper and ridiculous in reality: 7:30am ferry, four-hour drive to Cornwall, sail/shoot all afternoon, then turn around and leg it back for the 10pm ferry. Easy. What could possibly go wrong?By the time we rolled into the Bluff, it was already firing. Proper wind, proper waves and a car park full of people either nervously rigging up or quietly questioning if they had the balls to go for it. I prefer to be there early when things buildbut this time wed arrived straight into the chaos.Within half an hour it went from pretty wild to Off the scale! The wind cranked, the swell jacked and suddenly I could barely keep the camera steady as 30-knot gusts tore down the cliffs. Meanwhile, mast-high sets were detonating way out the back like the ocean had something to proveit looked like carnage out there.Most people were already packing it in just as I was getting startedperfect timing as always. Luckily, Timo, Ross, and Blacky were on the same program and hit the water right as it turned properly mental.Timo may have missed out on the south coast session on Tuesday and it looked like he wanted to leave no regrets behind and hit pretty much every lip that presented itself. It wasnt exactly user-friendly out there. Big, hollow sections, tide dropping and the kind of closeouts that were do-or-die. Timo, unsurprisingly, decided this was the moment to hit everything in sight. One absolute bomb stood up, threw a heavy barrelling lip and he went straight at it like a man with nothing to lose. A bloke walking past just looked at me and said, I hope you got that.I broke out in sweat while nervously check the camera to check focusNo pressure!Ross and Blacky found their rhythm in between the carnage, throwing in some solid turns and a few well-timed airs when the ocean briefly allowed it. But after an hour, everyone looked equally fatiguedand slightly relieved to be back on the beach in one piece.Round two was a different story. Fewer people, more wind and somehow even less control. Ross was hanging on to a 4.0m for dear life, while Blacky was still bravely (or foolishly) clinging to a 5.m.By 5pm, we were all completely cooked, ironically the wind was just dropping and it was cleaning up but we were all toast. Bodies were wrecked, brains were fried and we had a four-hour drive still ahead of us. Somehow, we made the ferry, and in a rare moment of lucky planning, rewarded ourselves with a couple of well-earned beers on the crossing back to the island. It was a long day with some questionable decisions. But absolutely worth it.And if Timos right about those twenty seasons Id say we have used this one pretty well. No regrets!TIMO MULLENSo, Ive been kind of playing catch up since getting back from Ireland and missing an epic day on the south coast. Yeah, that didnt hurt at all.So, if people didnt know, I have an Airbnb house in Gwithian Towans that I used to live in when I worked in Cornwall. And now I rent it out almost as a full-time Airbnb. So, if youre a keen windsurfer and want a cool place to stay, check it out.But one of the downsides of having an Airbnb is you have to clean it every week. And I do all the cleans for my Airbnb. And in the winter-time, it normally coincides with either good surf or good windsurfing. This whole winter, its coincided with epic windsurfing.So, I saw this forecast coming for the weekend and actually the Friday looked amazing as well. Friday evening Gwithian had a pretty solid, long period swell and south-southeast winds, which is very offshore. So, I got down that evening, late afternoon I guess, and I pulled into the carpark, and it was just pumpingsolid, solid, solid Gwithian, like as solid as you can get and super cross-off, so just huge barrels.Actually, as I was going into the waterI saw one of the best surfers at Gwithian get one of the craziest barrels Ive ever seen. So, I went out on my big board and caught about 7 waves, but some of the heaviest, gnarliest lips Ive seen. I hit pretty much every lip I went for.Got destroyed on a few, made a few, but I knew that I didnt want to stay out too long because the next day was going to be super windy and even bigger, but it was a good practice session.So, I stayed in my van like I normally do because the house is taken by guests. And then got up super early the next morning. The swell wasnt there yet. I let JC and Ross knowtheyd just got off the ferry, making their way down and the swell was only like 2 to 4 ft when I got up in the morning.So, I went down to Hayle river mouth, scored a sauna. There is an amazing sauna down there. I had the sauna at 8am in the morning, got all the laundry done and then it takes me three hours to do the Airbnb clean. So, by 1 oclock, I was ready to go and that was kind of like the best tide for the Bluff.So met up with the boys. Ross had just gone out on a 4.4mit looked insane. Super sunny, but not that huge. By the time I had got my gear and walked down to the beach, it had gone from being 4 ft to 8 ftit was absolutely crazy. Some of the best Bluff waves Ive seen, maybe since the Storm Chase. I rigged 4.5m on my 94L quad.I was psyched up!Ive been loving boosting big airs lately. Well, I always have loved big airs, but lately its like the lip is a magnet to me. This day was setting up perfect for just big one-hit airs because the long period swell was making it close out.It was a 4-5m swell, so it was pretty heavy and I got some pretty sick ones. I did not feel it was really lining up too well for turns and stuff, so the only thing you could do really was hit it.To be fair, there were a lot of people out for it being so big. I dont know if everybody made it out the back, but it was windy.I was overpowered straight away on my 4.5m. I could have been on a 4.0m the whole session which is pretty scary when youre charging down the line heading towards mast-high lips. I survived about an hour and a half session, nailed some good hits, then came in, grabbed some lunch and then grabbed my 4.2m, where I should have really grabbed my 4.0m because it got even windier.The second session, I didnt really do much. I was just so overpowered. Ross scored a sweet spot for about 20 minutes. Ross got some of his better waves in that time. Blacky was ripping as usual, but he was on a 5mwhat the hell!I use a 5m when theres no wind. He was using it and it was 40 knots, sobut I guess he can lock it down. We finished up by 5:30pm.I had to get home to pick my daughter up and yeah, all in all, it was an absolute epic session at the Bluff. Maybe one of the best sessions weve ever had there.!Extreme-wise, it was as extreme as it gets. But yeahwhat a day. Thank you, Bluff.ROSS WILLIAMSI was pretty confident we were going to score some conditions, but already as we rocked up, it was already onlike, it was already beyond on. We thought we had the timing right, but we could have probably been there a little bit earlier and maybe caught the wind before it got super out of control.There were huge waves and solid wind rolling in and in that time that we walked to the beach and then back to the car, got the gear rigged up and made it to the water, it had gone next level again as well. The waves were even bigger.The wind was even strongerI was totally overpowered already on my choice of sail, which was a 4.4m. I am blaming Carter for persuading me to go bigger!I kind of thought its rare that I use a smaller sail than 4.4m for wave riding, but after about an hours worth of sailing, I could tell I could not hold on much longer to it. I also couldnt catch the waves I wanted because I was just getting blown out the sides and over the top of them.So, I had to do a strategic change of sails, which takes a little while there because youve got a long beach. Youve got to walk up, rig in the sand, then go up to the car park, which takes, you know, 1015 minutes to get up there and back down again and then rig again. Its all a bit of a kerfuffle.But I rigged up the 4.0m, it was definitely a lot bettermuch more controlled.It kind of got a little bit better towards the end of the next session. I guess people already had their fill of sailing because theyd probably done 2 or 3 hours and were packing up and leaving, and the crowds were thinning out. I think there was only me, Timo, Blacky and maybe a couple of others in the end.The wind started to ease off, and the waves began to reel down the line a bit more rather than just closing out. The waves were sickits such a beautiful spot to sail. When its good, when you have the right size sail and equipment, and youre bottom turning with a nice line on a wave, its really an amazing place for wave sailing.So yeah, it was a full mission4 hours of driving, 3 hours of sailing, and then another 4 hours back to the island. I was toast by the end of the day.But I kind of feel like it was worth it. Its just nice to be out in the water. The water is a little bit warmer down thereits the first time not using boots instead of having to wear gloves, boots and wrap up fully. Its nice having bare feet in the straps.And yeah, its amazing to sail with Timo, Blacky and all the locals down there. Its a solid crew of lads who are all frothing on windsurfing. It is also cool to have an iconic shot with St Ives in the background and boosting an airit makes the whole trip worthwhile.So yeah, two trips off the island in a weekthats pretty unheard of for me in the last five years. It feels like breaking the rules, but now Im like, thats itIve got to do it. I cant just stay on the island anymore. Ive got to branch out and sail some of the spots I really want to around the UK.Im a little bit disappointed in my standard of sailingits definitely not the level I used to be at, but thats what I mean. Ive just got to keep plugging away at it, and hopefully I can still get some nice shots, have some good rides and enjoy my sailing, which I absolutely did.IAN BLACKJAN SLEIGHYesterday was fun but savage! I arrived early afternoon and it looked pretty friendly in the sunshine.Ben Harbour and Mike Cunliffe had just finished the morning shift and described an epic session. With the NW swell hitting Hayle river-mouth head on and predicted to build to 5m at 16 seconds I knew things were going to get lively!The wind was strong too! I started on 4.7m but had to rig down to 4.5m after a few runs as I was stacked. The de-rigging, trip back to car park and re-rigging wasted a bit of sailing timeand when I got back on the water the waves had jumped in size. It was pretty tough getting out, although the wind was strong it was offshore and there was a football field of distance to cover to get out back.There were big holes in the wind usually right in the impact zone. I had so many swims. But I also scored some pretty solid waves. On one run out I saw Timo pull a huge aerial right in front of me. Next level. It was great to See Ross Williams too. While Andrew Fawcett and I were catching our breath on the beach, we saw him bottom turn under a huge section and do an insane cutback full surf style super impressive buckets of water spray. Overall, I had a lot of fun, but I had a couple of big crashes too and I am paying the price now!IAN ROSSWhen the wave breaks here, dont be thereor ya gonna get drilled! This quote from Turtle in the 80s surf film North Shore (look it up, its a classic!) has always stuck with me, because its funny and true and sometimes not funny! Well Friday and Saturday I managed to get myself there in just about every way possible, and I got drilled!Fridays forecast looked epic for Gwithian and I thought we were going to have a special session with just a couple out. It was really hard! I couldnt get in position, and when I did, I felt like I was getting sucked up the wave and just couldnt figure it out. There were some big heavy waves which started small but ended up as quick breaking dumpers! On one wave I tried to bail a turn and get over the back of the lip only to get sucked over the falls, down the mineshaft and into oblivionthis is fun right?!My head was out of the game after being there and I struggled for breath. I was done! Timo went out as I was walking back up and straight away smashed a massive aerial! Mind you his next few waves ended up with insane crashes on mast high waveshes mental!I wasnt expecting Saturday to be up to much, probably in part due to the beat down I had on Friday. I pulled up next to Mark Meardon and we both commented on how windy it wasI thought it was meant to be 20mph, but it was howling and we both figured it was 4m weather.Andrew Fawcett and some others were already out and it looked fun. Shout out to young local, Joe Trinder, who was getting some sick waves. I was surprised how many people showed up and was even more surprised when JC pulled into the car park being chauffeured by Ross Williams.Three weekends in a row, in Cornwall, for a windsurfings photographer must be a record! He was joined by Steve Clark who returned to photo duties after some illness. It was a good session, the best the Bluff has been in a long time. I had some moments including an aerial that was pretty high and out of control with a huge gust and lots of sprayI crashed, but I love a crash!And at least I had the confidence to hit the lip. I cant remember much else except for making a rookie mistake with a mistimed lip hit, followed by a direct hit from the wave behind (when the wave breaks here!). I havent been hit that hard in years and regretted being there, getting drilled!When I surfaced my mast extension and mast had snapped. I was way out the back and had a long swim in with my kit doing its best to drown me. I dragged my broken ego and broken gear up the beach just in time to see Ross doing the best turns Ive seen, on a perfect pealing wave in glorious sunshine. I guess Ive paid my dues now and maybe I can get a decent turn next time!JOE TRINDERWhat a day that was on Saturday at the Bluff! Equipped with my 4.0 Simmer Blacktip and 85 Flywave, I headed down to the beach, all charged up and ready for it like a Duracell Bunny! Walking down getting more and more excited watching others enjoy the conditions! After cranking on the down-haul, I headed out. It was okay in between the sets if you timed it right, so that was great. However, my first run was the opposite, met with a big set and thinking I was bigger! I wasnt.After a brief swim all was okay and shortly made it out, the waves were absolutely pumping and enough for everyone. The highlight of the session would definitely be dropping onto this one wave I thought was only logo high, then to realise the power and size of it being over mast high, having already committed you just gotta send it! The atmosphere on the water was amazing watching everyone catch sick rides and wanting to make the most out of every wave!In particular this session meant a huge deal to me as its the first proper wave session Ive had since my dad passed away a few weeks ago, he was an incredible wave sailor and loved a good cross-off Bluff session!ANDY KINGI spent most of the session either swimming, brutally overpowered or wobbling around in the lulls with very little in between.After just coming out of injury, The Bluff was not ideal for my ankle hitting anything too heavy. I just yet so figured Id get out whilst I was still in one piece! Mazza was great fun sailing later but not any special conditionsjust windy, easy stunt ramps and fun cross on waves!The post CALL MY BLUFF: EPIC CORNWALL SESSION appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

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WILD WEST FAMARA: BALZ MULLERWILD WEST FAMARA: BALZ MULLERBalz Muller puts on a masterclass of freestyle in the waves on his latest mission to Lanzarote to sail Famara in a west wind storm. There is some epic drone footage from Kurosh Kiani!Balz: Westwind Storm in Lanzarote. What a fun and unique freestyle session in Famara.Drone/Clips by Kurosh KianiThe post WILD WEST FAMARA: BALZ MULLER appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

SIMON BASSETTS 2XS STORY: LIVING LIFETOO EXCESS!SIMON BASSETTS 2XS STORY: LIVING LIFETOO EXCESS!Few people have shaped British windsurfing like Simon Bassett. From launching 2XS at West Wittering back in the 80s, to running legendary wave events and teaching generations to love water sports, Simons story is one of pure passion.We caught up Simon at the 2XS Wave Classic to talk about bringing competition back to the South Coast, the roots of 2XS and a lifetime spent chasing wind, waves and living life too excess! As Simon says, Dont just scroll Instagramgo live it. Be the one doing it.WINDSURF MAGAZINE: So, first of all, the 2XS Wave Classic is back. What was the inspiration behind getting an event back on the south coast?Simon: Well, wed been thinking about it for a couple of years, and when I heard the Cornish event was on in February of 2025, I decided to drive down there and meet Willy McLean and have a chat about the reality of running an event. We ran an event for probably 10 or 12 years back in the day.As an event organiser, you get frustrated with the issues its expensive to runso we ran our course and decided to stop. But watching the Cornish event, there were 80 people there, the rain was pouring down, it was horrendous to be on the beach as a spectator, but the conditions were amazing and the riders were incredible. The last time I saw waves like that, I was at Hookipa watching sets rolling in. It was inspiring to see that in Britain.Ive not been up to Tiree or Rhosneigr or the Welsh events, but seeing it live reminded me how amazing windsurfing is. So yeah, we thought wed bring it back.WINDSURF MAGAZINE: Back in the day it was some epic events and memories to look back on?Simon: Yeah, there were a lot of great riders who came here the late Danny Seals, the Bakers, Jamie Hawkins, Stu Holland, Nigel Howell, Julian Anderson, Chris Audsley, Neal Gent, Billy Wheaton and Bel Stanley there was a big crew of people really into windsurfing. For 2XS, windsurfing is what weve been about since we started, so it was right up our street to get back into it.WINDSURF MAGAZINE: We see that you love all that nostalgialooking back on the epic days and windsurfing history?Simon: I think so. I started windsurfing in 1976my dad got into it in 74and we went windsurfing whenever we could. Back in the 70s, windsurfing was this new, weird sport no one had seen before. We were on big long boards, seeing pictures of Robbie Naish, Mike Waltz, Thor Horgen and the Schweitzers in Hawaii. That was the dream. We were inland at the time, but it was the inspiration to get on and do it.WINDSURF MAGAZINE: So, when did you move to West Wittering?Simon: I moved here in the mid-80s. I worked down her for Dee Caldwell on the beach, and thats when it all started.WINDSURF MAGAZINE: And how did the whole 2XS get started?Simon: A friend Id met in Vass in 83 84 came up with the branding of 2XS. I asked him to come up with some nameshe said, Ive got two: Uber or 2XS. We chose 2XSUber was a bit German for us, and 2XS could morph into different sports. It wasnt based around my namejust a cool idea: take it too excess.We registered the trademarkeven had a legal fight with Walmart, who tried to take it from us. That took a couple of years, but one of our members, James Mellor, helped us resolve it. Weve kept it goingit works well.WINDSURF MAGAZINE: So when did the shop start?Simon: In 1989. We started in West Wittering, we rented half a shop next to a baker. As business grew, we took over the whole shop, bought the building and went from there. It was hard at firstinterest rates back then were 15%. We got a Princes Youth Business Trust loan, which came with a mentorJack Chapman, a local businessman. I knew about windsurfing, but nothing else, so he somehow helped stop me spending all our money on more boards!WINDSURF MAGAZINE: What sort of boards were you selling back then?Simon: At first, Lodey and Alpha, then F2, Lightwave, Mistral and Tiga. We imported boards too Naish customs, Jimmy Lewis boards and Quatro when they started. We always tried to get the lightest, best, coolest boards stuff that worked. Production boards were good, but back then the customs had that special edge.WINDSURF MAGAZINE: So, you were a keen sailor yourself?Simon: Yeah, I was semi-pro for a while. I knew I wouldnt win everything, but I was usually in the top 15 or top 10 in wave and race events. I did 15 years of longboard racing in the original windsurfer class, Division 1. Then came funboard events wave boards, slalom speed and race boards we all had huge roof racks full of gear! It was a lot of fun.Looking back, we went through so much gear because it didnt always work properly, but it looks great on the wall now!IWINDSURF MAGAZINE: Youve got all those old boards here at Witterings are youre a bit nostalgic about them?Simon: Definitely. When you bought a custom board, you could smell the foam dust and fiberglass. The shapers were artistseach had their own belief in design, pushing limits to find what worked. Back then, people went wild with ideasnow shapes are more uniform, but back then it was crazy creative.Youd open a magazine or go to France or Maui and see designs 10 years ahead of what we had. I travelled a lot and managed to get connected with shapers and designersit was an exciting time.WINDSURF MAGAZINE: When did the beach club come about?Simon: I took over the beach club in 91 at West Wittering. The local estate was going to ban windsurfingit was huge back then, 150200 people out on busy days. There were collisions with swimmers and nearly a million beach visitors during the summer.The estate said we could keep windsurfing if we delivered safety zones and management. It was hard work at first, but in 32 years weve had no serious accidents between windsurfers and swimmers. Our safety record is because of the club, our system, and our teamit works well.WINDSURF MAGAZINE: How important is your team?Simon: Your team is everything. The right people make the right decisions. Theres one of meand my wife Jane manages the business too, but our beach team (Sam, Tara, Rob, Ted, Arthur and others) do an amazing job. Both our daughters, Holly and Daisy, help out on a part time basis tooWINDSURF MAGAZINE: What does the club offer?Simon: Members can windsurf, kite, or wingfoil year-round. We provide full safety from March to Octoberweve got a jet ski and sled, all trained for rescue. We can launch and be on the water in under six minutes. If you called the RNLI, it could be 40 minutes.The clubs also social people come down, meet friends, sail together. Weve got changing rooms, showers, coffee and tea, broadband (so you can pretend youre working!), and loads of new kitbeginner boards, surfboards, Goya, Ezzy, Duotoneall top-end. We replace it every year, so its like being at a rental centre abroad!WINDSURF MAGAZINE: So your whole lifes has revolved around windsurfing?Simon: Yeah. I left home at 17, determined to become a pro windsurfer. I never really did, but windsurfing became my career. I wanted to spend my life on a beachand I did! Not paid to sail but paid by the sea. Ive spent the last 30 years looking at the ocean. Cant complain!WINDSURF MAGAZINE: And this years eventthe 2XS Wave Classic it mustve been satisfying to pull that off?Simon: Absolutely. Seeing the photos felt like a renaissance of windsurfing. Its always been my single goalno plan B. Watching everyone out there. doubles, aerials and the energyIt was inspiring.Everyone was committed: riders, photographers, safety crew. Were not in it for cashjust passion. Even Nik Baker was out. Old friends like Julian Anderson made trophies. Theres a magic to it all.Chris Audsley was hereinjured, but still came down and told me before I could answer: Youre running it next year. And yes, we will. I just wish we could control the wind wed do it more often!WINDSURF MAGAZINE: Whats the most satisfying part of your job?Simon: Teaching. Watching little five-year-olds go from scared of the sea to loving windsurfingthats special. If you teach people the right way early on, it becomes a lifetime hobby.Next year will be my 50th year of windsurfing. My dad introduced me, like so many dads and mums do. I know what its given me.and Id tell anyone: dont just scroll Instagram, go live it. Be the one doing it!Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, SUP, Surf Equipment Shop 2XSBRIEF HISTORY:SIMON BASSETTSimon learnt to windsurf in 1976, aged 11 (before a lot of the rest of the 2XS team were born!) He competed in Windsurfer Class Div 1, UKBSA, Johnnie Walker Speed Events, Smirnoff and the South West Funboard Cup. He became the Production Board Speed record holder in the UK on a Klepper 272! He was an IWA (International Windsurfing Association) Instructor at 16 and then became an RYA Level 5 Windsurfing Instructor.He co-founded the British Speed-sailing Association was a committee member for the BWA. He was the test editor of On Board and Windsurf Magazine and a Carlsberg/Mistral team member, one of the first pilots/sailors of a wind glider (a hanglider/windsurfer crossover) called the wind weapon.He has worked in Vassiliki and Tarifa as an instructor and has travelled to some of the best windsurfing and SUP spots on the planet including Ireland, Cabarete, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Barbados, Egypt, Fuerte, Maui, Hawaii, California and Baja, Mexico.Simon set up 2XS in 1989 with wife Jane and started selling mountain bikes, windsurf gear, snowboards and power kites.Simon:We had a grant from The Princes Youth Business Trust and a superb PYBT business advisor called Jack Chapman. We came second in a national business contest and received an award from HRH Prince Charles. We took over the Windsurf Club at West Wittering in 1991 when windsurfing was nearly banned on the beach and set the first beach zoned windsurf safety system in the UK. Since then, we have added kitesurfing to this.2XS moved its entire operation online to www.2XS.co.uk in 2005 and sold the freehold on the shop site.Simons involvement in watersports has been extensive, he was one of the first paddlesurfers in the UK in 2006, cofounded BSUPA and has been Joint Head Coach and Chairman. Simon did a team world record attempt channel crossing in 2010 on an SUP to raise money and awareness for Surfers Against Sewage charity and raised 10,000. Simon has also co-written, with Andy Gratwick, the BSUPA teaching scheme which has over 100 schools and more than 20,000 students a year completing BSUPA courses. The BSUPA syllabus and safety information has been taught to the now 100,000 clients who have completed a BSUPA course.Simon has been a trustee and works with Dan Charlish, Julia, Andy Gratwick, Chris Bull, Lewis Crathern and his team on the Virgin Kite Armada and the SUP Armada as charity fund raisers (raising more than 120,000 to date) and has notched up 4 Guiness World Records as an event organiser and competitor (SUP).In 2018 Simon wrote a book in conjunction with Fernhurst booksStand Up Paddleboarding: A Beginners Guide.Simon has been at the forefront of the foiling crazes, being an early adopter of windsurf foiling, and then moving quickly across to wingfoiling right at the beginning when the discipline emerged. Simon now teaches plenty of wingfoiling, and is both an RYA and BKSA Wing instructor and is currently training to become a WING trainer. Simons newest ventures include learning SUP & downwind foiling.The post SIMON BASSETTS 2XS STORY: LIVING LIFETOO EXCESS! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.