BOB VAN DE BURGT: RISING TALENTBOB VAN DE BURGT: RISING TALENTFresh from a top ten finish at the IFCA Worlds, rising Dutch foil racer Bob van de Burgt is quickly becoming one to watch the international slalom foil scene. Known for his relentless work ethic, technical approach and growing list of endurance challenges for charity, Van de Burgt is determined to make an impact both on and off the water.Despite frustrations with race management at the Worlds, the young Dutchman showed impressive resilience by bouncing back with two straight winners finalsa performance that has given him plenty of confidence heading into the 2026 season. From testing new gear with Point-7 and training in Sardinia, to planning a 24-hour distance world record attempt for charity, Van de Burgt is proving hes far more than just another racer on tour.We caught up with Bob to talk about the IFCA Worlds, foil racing, life as a full-time pro sailor and his ambitions for the future.Photos: IFCA and PWA CARTERClick any shot to enlarge and scrollWINDSURF: How did you feel to make the top ten at the IFCA words?BOB VAN DE BURGT: Im really stoked about making that top 10. But at the same time Im pretty bummed up about how the week went. I got screwed over pretty badly the first two days of the event. Im not the guy to complain much, but the race committee was truly strange and random. Over earlies were not being called out, and I was completely left about because of that the first two eliminations. I thought the result was already completely gone. But I managed to adjust my style for the two remaining eliminations and qualified for two winner finals straight, that gives me a lot of confidence going into the rest of the season. So yeah, happy about the top 10 after such a rough start. But, also very eager to see whats capable with a consistent race committee.WINDSURF: How was the event for you overall and were all the racers happy with the conditions / race crew?BOB VAN DE BURGT: The venue was great and the conditions were light, but usually there was swell which gave a lot of power. Racing was light, but cool. It was very technical, but exciting racing. Concerning the race crew, there was a lot of controversy. The starts were the worst. Over earlies were not being called. It was a matter of who had the nose of the board in front at the start. With riders sometimes starting up to three seconds early! It was ridiculous really. I really hope IFCA will make a change in the future, it was quite sad to see heats going through like that.WINDSURF: Was the event hard work with a lot of waiting?BOB VAN DE BURGT: Im only focused on the foil, so I had very little sails and boards to rig. Im used to the waiting game, so it was quite chill. In the end we had quite a lot of time on the water!WINDSURF: What gear were you riding and how was it working?BOB VAN DE BURGT: All week I was riding the completely new Point-7 F1-SL 8.0 Q-bond construction, combined with the 162 Hyperion Pro from FMX Racing. The combo is really killer, giving a lot of power and drive in the light winds, which was really needed this week. Acceleration was really good and I was able to make super clean gybes in the ultra-light winds, also when being in the mix full of dirty winds.WINDSURF: How much have you been involved in the development of this sail?BOB VAN DE BURGT: As a rider I dont like to take too much development credit, since this is more of a technical and designers job. But Im very close with Andrea Cucchi. Speaking a lot about settings, tuning and test results on the phone or on location in Garda. Weve spent a solid amount of time in Garda end of last year to develop the sails. It was really cool to be one of the first guys to try the Q-bond construction, and put a part of myself into that sail with providing feedback from the water. I feel like Point-7 is one of the only brands where when you have an idea about a new sail or concept, they can smash out a prototype in no time. And have it adjusted the same night in the loft.Its hard work those R&D Trips, but its very rewarding!WINDSURF: Do you feel tuned and ready for the 2026 race seasonhow was your training camp over the winter?BOB VAN DE BURGT: Tuned up, not so much yet ha ha. All the gear arrived quite late, but its plug and play. For the next events, I will be fully tuned up, gaining that extra few percent to gain an edge. This winter I spent my time in Sardinia, it was the best camp I ever had. We were working with Italian coach Mauro Covre, where I improved like I never did before. It showed in my result now. As I said, I am excited to see whats more in the tank without an inconsistent race crew!WINDSURF: What events are you planning to do and what would you like to achieve results wise?BOB VAN DE BURGT: Im doing all the slalom foil events! This means the IFCA European Championships in Sant-Peter Ording this summer. And PWA Sylt and Japan at the end of this year.For the rest I set up my own event in week 2-3 of June, where I will be attempting to break the 24-hour world record in distance. I will be doing so for a charity called Spieren voor Spieren, which translates into Muscles for Muscles. A charity that is fighting muscular diseases for children. Its gonna be very intense, but all for a good cause!WINDSURF: Are you a full time pro sailor or do you also work?BOB VAN DE BURGT: Im a full time pro sailor. Which means I live from windsurfing. Its hard and budgets are tight, but I can make it work. There goes a lot of time and effort in reaching out to potential sponsors, staying connected with them, etc. My biggest focus is on attracting sponsors outside the windsurfing industry. I believe thats the way to go for every professional athlete nowadays that isnt earning big like they do in soccer, basketball, etc. So yes, Im a professional windsurfer, but its like running a business next to windsurfing to make everything work!Of course Id like to only focus on training, etc. But I feel like this is also setting me up really well with a lot of knowledge, persistence and skill for a life after windsurfing.WINDSURF: What is it like to be a part of the Point 7 Team and working with Andrea Cuuchi?BOB VAN DE BURGT: One word: awesome! I chose to join the Point-7 team 1.5 years ago because I wanted good gear, but also because I wanted to learn and develop myself. Andrea is the guy if you want to learn about how windsurfing sails work. He is friendly, open and always open to discuss new ideas.WINDSURF: Tell us a bit about your background and how you got into windsurfing?BOB VAN DE BURGT: I started windsurfing very late at the age of 16. My parents enjoyed going sailing, so I tried that when I was younger. I didnt enjoy it at all ha ha. It was too slow and boring for me. They suggested I join my uncle, who was very into windsurfing at the time. He gave me a lesson and Ive been hooked ever since!WINDSURF: What did you study?BOB VAN DE BURGT: Business Administration. I was studying during covid, so a lot was done remotely. Which gave me a lot of freedom. My biggest achievement is that I only attended three lectures on location in Amsterdam in the three years of my time in college ha ha! For the rest I was only windsurfing and travelling.WINDSURF: What do you love about windsurfing?BOB VAN DE BURGT: I love to stay in process, staying busy. Windsurfing is a sport where you can always improve something. Your stance, gybe, start, tuning, everything. I love that. Combined with the fact that it gives you so much freedom on the water and living the life travelling the world while doing what I love!WINDSURF: Why do you love Foil racing?BOB VAN DE BURGT: I love that we can get onto the water at every event. There has been so much more racing since the foil arrived. And about the racing itself: I love that its so dynamic. You can take many different lines at the course for overtakes. There is always the risk of crashing, which gives a lot of adrenaline and I think is also nice for the spectator side.WINDSURF: What is your ambition?BOB VAN DE BURGT: I want to accomplish great things in the sport, outside of just racing results. Racing is my driving force, and its the thing my life is built around. Its that competitiveness that fuels me. I want to see how far I can get with that.But as much as I get fuelled by racing, I want to make an impact within and outside of the sport. By setting boundaries, taking records and using windsurfing as a platform to make a positive impact. Being the first one to make the double NL-UK crossing while raising 80k+ for charity is a great example. And I hope to set another example this June by raising even more money, while taking the 24-hour world record.!WINDSURF: Well thankyou and good luck for the rest of the season!The post BOB VAN DE BURGT: RISING TALENT appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

Torbay will become the epicentre of UK watersports, hosting the ICF Stand Up Paddling (SUP) World Cup 2026 and Paddle UK SUP Festival on the English Riviera from 2428 June.The international event will bring elite SUP athletes together with many festival participants and spectators, transforming Torbays seafront into a lively showcase of world-class racing, family-friendly activity and coastal celebration.With racing and festival action centred on Torre Abbey Sands, the event will put Torbays iconic coastline firmly in the global spotlight.The distance races will travel to Paignton Pier and back, creating an impressive spectacle across the Bay.Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend and enjoy the vibrant atmospherecome watch the races and explore the festival from our accessible viewing areas.Best viewing:Torquay Promenade (most races/festival), Paignton Beach (distance races).Off the water, the festival village will be open throughout the weekend, offering food, drink, trade stands and entertainment for all ages.Festival open:FriSat 9am9pm, Sun 9am5pm. Trade and food stands match festival hours; the bar opens daily from 11am.Trade and food stands follow festival hours; the bar opens daily from 11am.The following concessions have been confirmed:Paddle UK & Biomate, SUP Race Network, Rugga Coffee, Yak Shak, Shortees, Get on the Water UK & Blackfish, Torbay Council & ERBidCo, Offshore Bar and Bays Brewery.For those inspired to get on the water themselves, popular Have a Go sessions will take place in the Inner Harbour, providing a fun and supportive introduction to standup paddleboarding for beginners and families.Have a Go sessions: Saturday 10am4pm, Sunday 11am4pm.Ashley Metcalfe, CEO for Paddle UK, said,With the ICF SUP World Cup just 50 days away, this is a tremendous opportunity for the entire community to rally behind a world-class event.The Paddle UK SUPER Festival will provide an opportunity for both experienced SUP paddlers and broader recreational enthusiasts to be part of a true sporting celebration at the heart of the English Riviera.Torbay is a fantastic location, and this event will hopefully inspire more people to get out on the water in a safe and enjoyable environment.This really is a great opportunity for paddleboarders of all ages to benefit both physically and mentally from being out on the water and part of one of the UKs fastest growing recreational activities.Councillor Jackie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Events, Tourism, Culture and Corporate Services, said,With just 50 days to go, theres a real sense of excitement building across Torbay, and its great to see residents already looking forward to welcoming this major event to our coastline.Hosting the ICF SUP World Cup and SUPER Festival is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Torbay at its very best from our beautiful natural setting to the strong sense of community and hospitality that defines the Bay.This is an event designed for everyone to enjoy. Local people can watch world-class racing from the promenade, explore the festival village, support local traders or even get involved through the Have a Go sessions.Our residents, volunteers and businesses will play a vital role in creating a welcoming atmosphere, and we hope as many people as possible will come along, take part and feel proud to be part of a special summer moment for Torbay.The racesMain schedule (subject to change): Fri 26 JuneTechnical races, 9:30am7:30pm. Sat 27 JuneSprints/other races, 9:30am6:30pm; SUP Polo, 10am4:30pm. Sun 28 JuneSUP 1,000 World Record, 911am; distance races, 13:30pm. All races start at Torre Abbey Sands, weather permitting.Spectators and participants are encouraged to check the event website and official social media channels for the latest updates, confirmed timings and any revised advice before and during the event.Torbay Council, Paddle UK, the English Riviera BID Company and event organisers urge everyone to mark their calendars, plan their visit, and join what promises to be a highlight of the English Riviera summer. Visit the official event website today for more information, updates, and ways to get involved. Dont miss your chance to register for activities and be part of this exciting event.What are the athletes saying?Hannah Kaminska, Poland, said,I visited the UK for the first time after last years World Championships as a gift from my parents. We explored London and then travelled to Scotland. I really enjoyed the experience.I am looking forward to returning, especially with the sprints being featured at the SUP World Cup. It will be great to participate and be part of the event.Manuel Hoyuela Rojas, Spain, said,Its awesome to have a sprint event of 100 metres, that is incredible. It is my favourite discipline, as well as the tech race and long distance. Its everything in one weekend. So perfect.Sara Oddera, Italy, said,This is a new event for many European SUP athletes. I have not paddled in Great Britain before.And I think we have to test the new place and have a new challenge with other athletes because some people come here, some people come to other places, but I think a lot of people stay in their country. So I like to challenge and know new paddlers.Further information and registration details are available at:www.superfestival.paddleuk.org.ukPaddle the English Riviera: Meadfoot Beach to Torre Abbey Sands | Torbay, South Devon Water Polobut on paddleboards? Meet SUP PoloWhat is SUP Racing? Sprint, Technical & Distance Races Explained | Paddle UK

WORLD WINDSURFING UN-CUT: PWA CLASSIC MOVIEWORLD WINDSURFING UN-CUT: PWA CLASSIC MOVIEStep back to 1997 as Paul Van Bellen dusts off a true PWA classic from the golden era of world windsurfing. This was the age of Bjrn Dunkerbecks dominance on the race course, with challengers like Micah Buzianis and Anders Bringdal pushing hard to dethrone the king. Meanwhile, the wave tour delivered one of its most unforgettable moments as the worlds best riders scored epic conditions in Namotu, Fijia legendary event still talked about today. Relive the action and check out the the characters from an epic era in professional windsurfing.The post WORLD WINDSURFING UN-CUT: PWA CLASSIC MOVIE appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

BUILDING A WINDSURF SIMULATOR: GEORGE GRISLEYBUILDING A WINDSURF SIMULATOR: GEORGE GRISLEYGeorge Grisly decides to build a windsurf simulator to help strengthen his port tack sailing. The question isDoes he have the practical skills to pull this off? Lets find outAfter years of ignoring it, the time has come to address the weakest part of my windsurfing I decided to build a heavy duty replica Turfdog, the board I spent hours training on as a kid. From building the board to testing it out, this video shows you the first steps Ive taken to start retraining moves on my less trained side, port tack. But will it work? Can I trust my own handywork? Or am I too heavy and not brave enough to try and learn again Lets find out.Enjoy the video!GEORGE GRISLEYThe post BUILDING A WINDSURF SIMULATOR: GEORGE GRISLEY appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

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JOHAN SE STEPS AWAY FROM PWA SLALOM SEASON TO CHASE IQFOIL GOALS!JOHAN SE STEPS AWAY FROM PWA SLALOM SEASON TO CHASE IQFOIL GOALS!Johan Se has officially withdrawn from the 2026 PWA slalom season, choosing instead to fully commit to his Olympic and iQFOiL campaign. The Danish foil specialist often known as the Beast, has won every slalom event he has entered since 2023! His exit from the tour will probably come as welcome news to his rivals and leaves the door open for them to rack up more world titles in his absence. Se, has long prioritised Olympic and iQFOiL competition over the PWA tour, even turning away from what could already have been multiple world titles to pursue success on the Olympic pathway. The decision will also come as blow to his sponsor Patrik but he promises to use their gear when he eventually returns to PWA, IFCA and EPWT events!Photos: PWA Carter and iQFOiL class.WINDSURF:From a PWA perspective it will be a shame to lose a rider of Ses calibre. On the PWA slalom tour, he hasnt just been winninghes been dominating events so convincingly that the rest of the fleet has often looked like theyre racing for second place. Walking away now, when he could be winning PWA titles, is slightly disappointing news, especially for his sponsor Patrik. But looking at the bigger picture from Ses perspective, the decision makes sense: Olympic windsurfing demands total commitment, structure, and a different kind of dedication than the PWA tour. He also has the full backing of the Danish Sailing Federation and Team Denmark and committing to the Olympics while in his prime is his best shot at going for Gold. The PWA slalom tour will lose its benchmark rider, while iQFOiL will gain an athlete who clearly isnt afraid of a bigger challenge.OFFICIAL STATEMENT AND INTERVIEW FROM PATRIKPATRIK: JOHAN SE withdraws from the 2026 slalom season. The Beast will be dearly missed on the PWA tour and other foil slalom events. This situation wasnt easy as Johans personal wish hit us late and unexpected. Weve interviewed him specifically for you so everyone may understand his thought process a bit better:Why the late pivot to the Olympic iQFOiL campaign?Johan: Ive deeply enjoyed the slalom scene and the collaboration with PATRIK, which made this a difficult decision. However, competing at the highest level in the iQFOiL class requires 100% commitment, so Ive decided to focus entirely on my Olympic campaign.Whats your current contract situation with PATRIK?Johan: I am not fully retiring from foil slalom. Im shifting focus to iQFOiL for a period, as others have done before. I value PATRIKs belief in me and intend to come back on their gear when I return to the PWA, IFCA and EPWT.What differentiates the Olympic path from the PWA for the young generation?Johan: Choosing to step away was hard because Ive won every slalom event Ive entered since 2023. However, iQFOiL is an Olympic discipline supported by the Danish Sailing Federation and Team Denmark. This provides a structured team environment with coaches and specialists that differs from the PWA setup. My passion currently lies there.How is PATRIK supporting this contract pause?Johan: The brand has been extremely understanding and supportive throughout this process. I am truly grateful for their flexibility and Ill continue to be part of the PATRIK family.Its hard to watch you let a potential maiden PWA world title slip. It seems crazy!Johan: I dont think the Olympic dream has fully taken over for me, but I know that I have been fully, fully dedicated to foil slalom for the past years but never to the iQFOil in the same way. I want to explore the possibilities and this comes with sacrifices.!The post JOHAN SE STEPS AWAY FROM PWA SLALOM SEASON TO CHASE IQFOIL GOALS! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

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WHAT WE RIDE: GOYA WINDSURFING 2026WHAT WE RIDE: GOYA WINDSURFING 2026Goya Windsurfing has just unveiled an exciting new generation of boards for 2026, featuring five new shapes: three dedicated wave models and two versatile freewave designs. Each board will be available in two constructionsCarbon and Pro Carbon as usual. Also new is the Pro Carbon Haiku Package for the Quad 9 and One 13, delivering a lighter, more responsive ride with a premium, performance-driven feelthis package includes a bonus MFC board bag.GOYA WINDSURFING 2026WAVEQuad 9 Pro Carbonhttps://goyawindsurfing.com/boards/custom-quad-9-pro-carbon/Quad 9 Pro Carbon Haiku Packagehttps://goyawindsurfing.com/boards/custom-quad-9-pro-carbon-haiku-package/Thruster 5 Pro Carbonhttps://goyawindsurfing.com/boards/custom-thruster-5/FREEWAVEOne 13 Carbonhttps://goyawindsurfing.com/boards/one-13-carbon/One 13 Carbon Haiku Packagehttps://goyawindsurfing.com/boards/one-13-carbon-haiku-package/THE HAIKU PACKAGEWhat is the Haiku Package?In the quest for refined style and soaring heights, every gram counts. The Haiku Package reduces the weight between 250 to 500 grams,depending on model and size. By the use of lightweight components and materials this reduction is achieved over the already imposing specs of a Pro Carbon construction.Reduced Weights as Custom Quad 9 Pro Carbon Haiku Package84L 5.4 Kg88L 5.6 Kg94L 5.7 Kg104L 6.2 Kg116L 6.5 KgOne 13 Carbon Haiku Package95L 6.1 Kg105L 6.3 Kg115L 6.6 Kg125L 6.8 Kg* Weights +/- 7.5% tolerance. No guarantee or warranty of accuracy. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.Directly reflecting our highest-level of custom boards, built in our Headquarters and custom factory, in Haiku, Maui, Hawaii.This ultimate premium upgrade takes the board shape and transforms it into a performance-driven masterpiece.The Haiku Package is the exact construction our team riders ask for. This is the closest you can get to a custom competition boardas used by Marcilio, Takara, Javier, Daida, Antoine, and Francisco.The Haiku Package boards for both the Goya and Polakow line ups come in MFC single board bags.The bags are streamlined with no wall design optimised for daily use, commutes and light travel.Designed with an airflow ventilation patch to prevent heat and moisture build-up they have an integrated interior stash pocket and EVA padded carry handle.Goya WindsurfingThe post WHAT WE RIDE: GOYA WINDSURFING 2026 appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

JULIUS BYRNE: 5-STAR MAUI MISSIONJULIUS BYRNE: 5-STAR MAUI MISSIONMaui is most likely close to the top of every windsurfers bucket list, a place where world champions live and train, trade winds deliver almost daily and Hookipa serves up some of the most iconic waves on the planet.For young Irish windsurfer Julius Byrne, that dream finally became reality. What started as a plan to compete in the early season Maui Pro-Am quickly turned into a five-week trip of a lifetime! This is a first-hand account of the highs, lows, costs, chaos and unforgettable sessions that came with his first trip to Maui! From navigating brutal travel logistics, unheard of flooding and budget struggles to sailing alongside the worlds best in challenging conditions.Photos: Fish Bowl Diaries and Julius Byrne.JULIUS BYRNEFrom running an Irish watersports centre to a dream trip to Maui!My name is Julius Byrne and Im a windsurfer from the west coast of Ireland. I run a watersports centre in Galway during the summer and spend the winter chasing waves and training. I started windsurfing in Rusheen Bay as a kid and have been competing ever since. Im a two-time Irish wave champion, two-time vice champion and Irish freestyle vice champion. It was always a dream to windsurf in Maui the home of windsurfing. Since I was 18 Ive been trying to make it to Maui after seeing all the amazing windsurf legends sailing there. Jaws is also 100% on the bucket list. When I took a gap year for windsurfing Maui was top of the list but unfortunately wasnt very affordable for an 18 year old so I ended up in the Canary Islands instead.WHY MAUI? From a last-minute decision to a 5-star challenge!JULIUS BYRNE: The main thing that triggered the decision for me to book a trip to Maui was when the WWT/ PWA announced the 4-star Pro Am for the end of March. I heard it was the windy season in Maui that time of year and that it would be a good starboard tack jumping competition. Most of my local spots are port tack, so I really wanted to push myself to progress in jumping and wave riding down the line starboard tack. By the time they announced it would actually be 5-star I had already committed and just hoped Id qualify to get in as Id never done a 5-star before. I planned to stay for five weeks, four weeks before the comp practicing and 1 week after to enjoy the spot without pressure.THE JOURNEY OUT Board bags, baggage fees and near misses!With the decision made and the goal set, the next challenge was simply getting therewhich turned out to be an ordeal in itself.JULIUS BYRNE: The flights were one of the most frustrating things Ive ever had to do. To fly from Ireland, it wasnt possible to go with only one airline the whole way, so I had to check the baggage policy of every airline. It took me three days before I eventually found two airlines that allowed multiple board bags for all the connecting flights obviously the most expensive option out of all the routes. I even considered going to Germany getting a train to another airport overnight then flying from Germany since it was so much cheaper but, in the end, it wasnt worth all the extra hassle. My flights including excess for board bags was meant to be 2200 but a lovely surfer behind the check in desk saved me 250 by undercharging me on purpose. I flew from Dublin to Paris then to Seattle and onto Maui. One thing worth noting is at first entry into USA, they make you collect your board bags and go through the passport queue lugging them around. I nearly missed my next flight, making it with five minutes to spare so make sure that first entry to USA stopover is longer than two hours.LIVING THE MAUI DREAM (ON A BUDGET)Accommodation, car hire, and the real cost of paradise!After surviving the journey and arriving in one piece, the reality of living in Maui and paying for itquickly set in.JULIUS BYRNE: Accommodation hurt the wallet for sure. Finding it took a few months before something affordable came up and luckily the cheapest car rental on Maui came included. I found the accommodation in a riders group chat for the competition when someone texted in a contact. I got the cabin for $1200 and a car for $600 a month. It was a pretty cool cabin overlooking the ocean two minutes from Hookipa. Perfect to see exactly when the wind was filling in every day.I did have to battle against nature daily to cook my food in a kitchen with only three walls. Nothing was safe from the gecko poo raining down from above. Drinks without a tissue over them usually had a little something extra in them after a few mins. In the five weeks there I noticed not a single nature trail or outside area had more insects or wildlife than in my kitchen. Definitely makes me appreciate the lack of insects in Ireland.I was told well in advance by many that Maui on a budget isnt possible. I knew it would be expensive, but it still hit hard spending $200 on food a week easily, while cooking from home. In the end I think it came out to a bit over 5000 for everything included.FIRST IMPRESSIONS Trade winds, Kona storms and a wake-up call!With a roof overhead (mostly) and a car sorted, it was finally time to experience Maui for what its known for wind and waves.JULIUS BYRNE: Arriving in Maui was pretty surreal. Id been dreaming about going there for years. Instantly I found nice people that were very welcoming there and even got offered a free lift to my accommodation from the airport. I was pretty shocked when I went to grab a trolley for my board bags and it was locked behind a paywall. That definitely set me up for what was to come. Nothing in Maui is free.I think I sailed the first 10 days straight with the usual trade winds. In the beginning it was mast-high but it slowly dropped to waist high by the end of that run of wind. Afterwards we were hit with one of the worst Kona storms in years from what I was told. It was the heaviest rainfall in over 25 years with four feet of rain on Maui in one week. That wind direction proved to be a slight issue for my accommodation.Turns out the wind is strong enough to blow open my front door. I found out when I came home from the night out. with the inside flooded. For the next few days the couch was used to barricade the door. We scored a Kona session at lanes three times during that week of heavy rain. Mast high heavy lips on the first day while very off-shore and gusty. Lanes was pretty intimidating doing the jump off the end of the rocks to get in. Extremely tricky conditions but we caught some sick waves on two of the Kona days. It was amazing sharing waves with Antoine Martin, Morgan Noireaux and Federico Morisio. The third Kona day we all ended up swimming in when the wind dropped. We needed help getting the gear back up the rocks because of the massive back wash. Honestly thought Id smash everything if this random guy hadnt spotted me and ran down from the hills in Hookipa to help me.HOOKIPA: EXPECTATION VS REALITYThe world-class break that humbles everyone!But no amount of anticipation could fully prepare for sailing at Hookipa for the first time.JULIUS BYRNE: First impressions of Hookipa were positive but the waves definitely packed a punch. We had great conditions the first week before the waves dropped off. Actually, riding the wave was so much harder than I expected after seeing the top guys effortlessly riding there. Its far faster than expected and quite unpredictable. No two waves were the same. One notable thing, was even on a bad forecast Hookipa would get wind funnelling around the mountain getting a boost as well as the waves ramping up bigger than forecast. There were quite a few days where looking at the forecast youd think it was a day for the bar but ended up being pretty fun on the water.MAUI PRO-AM EXPERIENCE: Chaos, strategy, and a hard-earned result!Then came the main eventthe moment that sparked the entire trip.JULIUS BYRNE: The event kicked off with a horrible start for me. I was pretty nervous and tried to go out twenty minutes before my heat because I knew with light onshore wind and a closing channel it would take a long time to get out. What I didnt expect was a complete lull to hit right as I got to the channel.I spent the next 10 mins ducking under mast high close out sets that pushed me all the way to the cliff in Lanes. The jet ski tried to drag me out past the break but after a few attempts the driver even gave up. At this stage I thought Id already missed my heat and was about to crawl over the rocks in Lanes to accept defeat, but I felt a small gust of wind. I dont think Ive ever pumped harder to get out the back and finally made it up to Hookipa again. With one minute left on the heat timer after thirty minutes attempting to get out back, the jet ski told me my heat was postponed since everyone in the heat didnt even make it out. All that effort for nothing.The earlier heats were all about strategy. Which waves you could catch that had an escape out the channel and no close outs coming afterwards. With the light onshore wind, you only really had a chance at two set waves at best. It took nearly six minutes to get back upwind and they were only twelve minute heats. I had spent the last three days practicing in pretty nasty onshore Hookipa, while nearly everyone else went to the west coast for clean down the line. This definitely helped in knowing where to position myself since it was far from the usual Hookipa these days and I felt this is what got me through the first round.I had very low expectations and my goal was to not come last with starboard tack being my bad side and no jumping counting. I was stoked to make it through a round and gain 10 positions from last.THE MAUI VIBECommunity, legends, and learning from the best!Away from the competition jersey, the atmosphere in the water and on the beach told its own story.JULIUS BYRNE: The vibe on Maui was epic. Everyone at the beach were so friendly and always willing to chat. It felt like such a welcoming community just hanging out at Hookipa. As a tourist I didnt expect the locals to even acknowledge me but straight away they let you into their community.It was so inspiring to see previous world champions ripping up the waves right in front of you. It was quite helpful to study how they rode the wave and using footage of them to compare against myself at the same spot on the same day. That way it was more obvious to see where I could improve. Maybe a bit cheeky but I followed a few to get the right positioning on the wave and to try to hit the same sections as them.EXPLORING THE ISLANDRoad trips, snorkelling, and seeing another side of Maui!Of course, Maui isnt just about windsurfingeven if thats the main focus.JULIUS BYRNE: Aside from windsurfing we did the three main driving loops around the island. Luckily, we did all of them before the Kona storm because most of the roads were closed for weeks after the damage and fallen trees. We also did a few small hikes and some snorkelling. The scenery around the island away from the main town is amazing!FINAL THOUGHTSWas Maui everything its cracked up to be?After five weeks on the island, it all came down to one questionwas it worth it?JULIUS BYRNE: Overall Maui was great for time spent on the water. Out of 38 days, I think 30 of them had windsurf or surf conditions. The community was one of the best Ive seen around the world. I think I got unlucky with the conditions that I didnt really score the best version of Hookipa to see it firing for days on end like it apparently does often. Instead, I got every type of condition and wind direction but not quite the highest standard of any of them. With that in mind it was a great trip and Im so glad I went to see Maui but I wouldnt be in a rush back to spend 5000 on it every year. Maybe in a few years time, Ill head back again.TRIP HIGHLIGHTS The moments that made it all worthwhile!JULIUS BYRNE: The highlight of the trip was definitely the competition. The vibes hanging around at the beach and watching the best of the best in person for the first time was epic. The best move I saw was Antoine Martins no handed Goiter. Bernd surprised me so much with some of the moves he pulled off as well. It was less so the move, but more the fact he did it on a section that seemed impossible and yet he would still emerge from the white water every time like a cat that always lands on his feet. I heard from a few people that gravity was just an option to him. TOUGHEST MOMENTSInjuries, setbacks, and hard lessons.JULIUS BYRNE: The low point would be injuring my forearm. Just had a nasty wipe out and refused to let go of the boom since I was close to the rocks. Strained a tendon the sail flipped so I spent a few days side-lined and jealous, but I found a gel can heal injuries quite quickly.MAUI SURVIVAL GUIDE What I wish I knew before going!JULIUS BYRNE: Tips for Maui. From what I could tell wind angle mattered more than wind strength because of the funnel effect around the mountain. Even if the forecast is terrible theres always a chance of a session in Hookipa if youre willing to sit around all day waiting for it to turn on. Some sessions surprised us. Come prepared with a decent chunk of change to survive there. Bring spare masts. The rocks dont take prisoners. And one last tip. Go to Haiku Market to get cheap $8 Poke bowls that are delicious and filling!EQUIPMENT CHOICESWhat gear to take and how to pack it!I took my 82L Starboard Ultra and 93L Starboard Hyper. Both of which got a lot of use. For reference Im 75kg. We had a mix of 35 knots gusty 3.5m days to barely floating with 5.0m. For March April I think its good to bring the smaller gear just in case as it can get pretty windy at times. I was also warned to bring spare masts with me for the inevitable trips to the rocks but fortunately I didnt need them in the end. I did however see a lot of carnage on the rocks the days before the competition and during it. Broken gear constantly being towed in by the jet ski away from the rocks.A surfboard would definitely come in handy for the light wind days or if you wanted a morning session while you wait for the wind to start but its also pretty cheap to get a decent second hand one there. For gear packing Ive been stung badly in the past by Ryanair. They returned two of my boards snapped in half and thats when I found out the max the pay-out per board bag is 1600 no matter the value inside. The extra paid travel insurance only pays 1600 as well so its a waste of 50. To get around this I always pack only one board per board bag to limit the risk and lower the value of each bag.SUMMARYFinals thought after 5 weeks in Maui!JULIUS BYRNE:Maui lived up to the dream in some ways and completely challenged it in others. It wasnt perfect conditions or epic Hookipa sailing every dayI guess we were unlucky with the Kona storm. But it pushed me out of my comfort zone, and gave me a taste of what the top level really looks like. For 5000, its not a trip you take lightly but its one that changes how you see the sport. Maui didnt hand anything to me, not the conditions, not the results, not even the sessions. Every good wave, every heat, every bit of progress had to be earned.But if youre serious about windsurfing, its somewhere you have to go at least once!The post JULIUS BYRNE: 5-STAR MAUI MISSION appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

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