Check out Foil Film and his first trip to Fiji to film some absolute rippers on the foil, Adam and Matt charging at Love Shacks and Cloudbreak point! This trip started everything for me. Adam got [&hellip... Read More

The post Sebastian Gomez Charging in Peru SUP Surfing appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.

THE BIG FIFTY: TATY FRANSTHE BIG FIFTY: TATY FRANSBy popular demand, The Big Fifty is backand who better to relaunch this series than Bonaires very own slalom and freestyle legend, Taty Frans! Known for his infectious energy, unfiltered honesty, and status as one of the most popular characters on the PWA Tour, Taty is here to kick off 2025 with a bang.Get ready to dive in as Taty reveals all, in this exclusive, no-holds-barred interview. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ridethe first Big Fifty of the year is here!Photos: John Carter and Inna Bru.Full name? TF: Elton Evert Frans but everyone knows me as Taty Frans.Date of birth? TF: 24-May-1984.Height and Weight? TF: 176cm and 90kg.Hometown? TF: Bonaire, Kralendijk.Favourite music or band? TF: I really like slow jamz, R&B, or whatever music with deep meanings, Boyz2men.Years on PWA world tour? TF: I have been on the Tour since 2002 and never missed a year since then.Single or taken? TF: I am a happy father of 2 kiddos.Party Factor? TF: I amnot really a party guy.Sail number? TF: NB-9.Car or van you would like to own and car / van you own? TF: I am not much of a car or Van enthusiasm, I like my 2023 Toyota Hilux truck, reliable, great engine and it takes me from A to B and back so thats all that matters Favourite movie? TF: I REALLY LOVE all the MARVEL MOVIES, like literally all, ha ha.Windsurfing hero? TF: I used to watch allot of movies / videos, which featured all the big guys like the Pritchard brothers, Bjorn Dunkerbeck, Micah Buzianis, Antoine Albeau, Anders Bringdal and Scott Fenton. I was 15 years old back then and I even back then I started dreaming of being a professional I had no particular hero; I was impressed by each of their talent.When you are not sailing you areTF: Nowadays I work 7 days a week at THE FRANS PARADISE from 9:00 to 18:00 and also do fitness training from 6:00am to 7:00am three days a week, so my life continues like that, but I like it! I like staying active. I sleep maybe 4-6 hours and thats enough to keep me awake to go through the next day.Favourite windsurfing destination? TF: I still like Lake Garda in Italy, but Fuerteventura is always a great place to sail other than that Bonaire is and will always be special.Favourite move? TF: I still like the Air Chacho rotation feeling.Apple or PC: Apple? TF: I cant seem to understand how a PC works, but I am a quick learner, so it wont be difficult to switch to PC, but I like the simplicity of Apple, either way I dont spend much time on the computer.Tea or coffee? TF: TEA for sure, ginger with lemon or mint add some honey. Oh YES!How many tattoos do you have and why do you have them? TF: I really dont know how many! The reason is that you may see it as one/two full sleeve but there are many pieces combined. My first Tattoo was tatted, if I am correct in 2008, so it took me 16 years to do both my arms. Growing up I went thru some hard times its why on my left arm I have Buddhism, lotus flowers, koi fish etc, it helped me to find peace, calm and let things be and find positivity and on my right arm I have all these cute, smiling animals and its happy arm YING, YANG.Tell us about your mother and father what are they like?TF: Mom is / was a nurse then moved to Holland back in 2000 and still she lives there I see her every time I am traveling! It is funny, every time we speak, we sit for hours talking about EVERYTHING, its just amazing. My father a great person, hes a person who can fix anything, he is a great builder and overall handy man in everything but too bad he let the alcohol control his life, but it is what it is. I learned to accept and I know whenever he calls, I am there to answer and help him. Even though I grew away from both my parents, I know the connection and love is always there, I love them.Describe a favourite childhood memory? TF: I love that myself, Tonky and my brother Choko grew up at our grandparents who took care of us and we lived maybe two minutes walk from the ocean. After school we always end up walking to the fishermen pier and we would just fish and swim till the sun went down and repeat that each day! Even though we used to get smack for being away from home so much but all three of us as well as Kiri Thode had a great childhood, I still pass by every time I can and I just get flashback of that whole scenario if I could go back I would not change anything Do you remember your first day on the PWA world tourtell us about it?TF: By the time I was fifteen I was dreaming about windsurfing and watching all the videos! Back in 2002 at 18 years old when we first competed on the PWA at the BostonCAPE COD PWA freestyle Qualifier, and I had to compete against Matt Pritchard. Then later we went to Costa Brava and to the Lake Garda, King of the Lake with Josh stone, Nik Baker, Collin Sifferlin and many more and all others! It was a dream, but I felt like I was here before because of watching all the videos repeatedly. I remember I had an interview, and they asked what do you want to be when you grow up I answered, I want to be a professional not believing or knowing I was already earning money for winning Cape Cod! I then won the pro freestyle event in Costa brava and finish 4th in King of the Lake etc, so from there everything blew up! When we arrived in lake Garda after Costa brava, everyone knew us and the word that there are some Caribbean boys shaking the freestyle scenario spread like wildfire, it was a crazy moment, but I felt amazed.What sailor has had the greatest impact on you?TF: Honestly, I really dont know, I was happy when Finian broke the world speed record, I was happy when Kevin Pritchard won the overall windsurf title, I was happy when Antoine Albeau was dominating the slalom tour, I was very happy when Tonky won the 2002 King of the Caribbean freestyle PWA event. I would say I dont have a hero, but each sailor achievement made me feel great and it feels satisfying to see people do great things.What was the happiest day of your windsurfing career so far? TF:Back in 2009 in Germany, Sylt when all three of us Myself, Kiri and Tonky were on stage placing 1, 2 and 3 in freestyle. That year, that moment was one of the greatest moments of my career.What was the worst day of your windsurfing career so far? TF: The injury back in 2017 crashing in Fuerteventura, where I cut my hamstring and was not able to walk for 5-6 months was the worst. All I said to myself if I will be able to walk, I can and I will strengthen my leg and I will go back to windsurfing. But there was worse yet to happen! I wasnt as fast! For a moment I thought it was me but then after days of testing and getting to understand the equipment I realized it was due to the gear I was riding that year was not as fast. I remember I had a poor season and it wasnt really my fault! Too bad but it is what it is.What do you love about riding for Point 7? TF: I like the energy and vibe of Andrea; he is not just the owner but also a full-time active windsurfer himself. I still cant believe how much drive this guy has and how much he is willing to find different ways to improve the sails each year by just adjusting the smallest mm on sail. As a result, the sail feels completely different. I feel good to be on Point7 even if in the future, I am no longer in the team! Honestly, I will say anyone who will be on Point7 you will for sure have one of the BEST sails in your hands, and Andrea and the whole team will always support you at 100%. Andrea & Family and the whole team behind Point 7, THANK YOU!What is the wildest thing you have ever done? TF: I really dont know what the wildest thing was, but when I finished school and decided at that moment to go on the PWA tour that felt pretty wild! All the great adventures round the world travelling and competing were amazing! I would say this whole windsurf lifestyle is wild! Even though you go through some hard moments, travelling with all the board bags but in the end its just something great and wild!When did you start the Frans Paradise? TF: So, after the 2018 PWA tour season I realized I need to work on myself and I cant depend on the brands to support my future. The contracts I received for 2019 wasnt worth being on the tour, was only free equipment and thats when I decided to push to start my own business THE FRANS PARADISE!How do you stay motivated? TF: 99%, I motivate myself but then there is 1% from the people that send me great messages! I love seeing newcomers that look up to me and see how quick they develop their windsurf skills. They are the ones who inspire me and motivate me to keep going.I just love it, and I really want them to become way better than me! That would make me happy. So, you Rebels out there reading this I want you to be the next BETTER VERSION OF ME!!Fin or foil? explain why TF: To be honest if foiling was on a more an upwind downwind course, I would say more people would have bought the gear and even weekend warriors would have tried their luck coming back to the course racing fleet but its not what it is right now. I like the fin, because it gives more adrenaline you feel connected to everything and the action! The thrill is just different, you can control with the fin, adjust your jibes and you can jump that is just what I feel is real windsurfing. Nothing against foiling because I like it myself but only to a certain level.Why do you love windsurfing?TF: Its the connection of freedom and just being out on the water, free where you can express yourself and just the thrill of being out with nature.Are you scared of going bald? TF: No, I cant escape it, my whole family from my father side is bald, so the day will come.What is it like being a dad? TF: Its great, it gives you something to look up to and the love they give back is something you cant describe, I love my kids.How many minutes a day do you spend on your phone?TF: I guess too much, ha hah, especially now with having the windsurf centre it makes my life easier when clients WhatsApp or email, I can give faster answers/respond but I notice I do spend less time from 9:00am to 18:00pm due to helping clients at the beach.If you dont become a full-time pro windsurfer, what would you do?TF:I didnt think about it until the day I got injured. I had to think about plan B, and I realized I dont want to work for anyone and having my own business was worth the fight to make it happen. So, at the moment I am doing what was long awaiting to be my destiny; to run a windsurf business successfully.If you could have dinner with five eight famous people from history, who would they be?TF: It would be Malcom X, only him!What three words would you use to describe yourself?TF:Extroverted, funny and deep conversations!Have you ever felt like giving up professional windsurfing and why?TF: Not 100% but 2024 by the end of the season I thought about stopping and to focus on the centre. If you ask why, its because I dont believe windsurfers nowadays are really professional, some riders dont even get paid enough to save for their future! To be honest having one- or two-year contracts, wont get you far unless you are lucky enough to get an outside sponsor to cover your expenses and maybe you could save a few thousands but thats a big MAYBE. I had few years where I struggled and used my own money to do the tour! Even last year 2024, I ended up using most of my savings to be able to travel and compete and all that came to my mind, why do all that work, just for what? But I believe in many things. I feel I have built a great reputation; I love to entertain the world who is watching the PWA and also give FIN SLALOM the flowers! I dont do it for the money, but I do it for the love for the sport and for myself and thats what matters the most. I had to find a reason to continue and not to give up! So, for a moment it came to my mind to give up but I mean the fans love me, ha ha.What would you do if you won ten million dollars? TF:I would give one million to each of my brothers and sisters and the rest I dont know. There are many people who need help on Bonaire.What or who inspires you?TF: I inspire myself, same as I motivate myself but to be honest, I like people who work hard and want to achieve in life! I like people that are humble and always ready to make it happen.How many days a week do you go to the gym and why do you love the gym?TF: I dont love the gym! It is more of a lifestyle and I train three times a week from 6:00am to 7:00am and that makes me feel good.Dream windsurfing trip?TF: A spot where there are pure smooth head high waves and then sitting at the beach watching the sun go down, while sipping a pia colada with some fresh fruit, ha ha.If you could change one thing in your past, what might that be? TF:I dont think I would change anything. I love how my life has turned out to be! Each moment has shaped me to who I am today and I am happy with this TATY FRANS What achievement are you most proud of?TF: I believe I am happy to achieve the lifestyle that I have and I am living it. I am satisfied just spreading the good vibes.Whats the one thing about you few people know?TF:That I snore and dont sleep deep for more than 4 hours!What do you dislike most about yourself?My overthinking is sky high!What do you dislike most in others?TF: I dont know, but I think I am a person that quickly accepts how another person is,and I adapt.If you found a 100 Euro note in the supermarket, would you hand it in or put it in your pocket?TF: I would take it and give it away to people I see that could use it. What I often do on Bonaire when tourist gives me a tip, I always end up using that money to help others in need.Do you believe in God? TF:I believe in God, I believe in the universe, and I believe in energy! What you give comes back around!Would you pick up a hitchhiker?TF: I would.If we gave you $50,000 to start a business, what would you start up? TF:I would start a pizza place.The post THE BIG FIFTY: TATY FRANS appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

Prepare to embark on an exciting journey as SUPBIKERUN, the ultimate triathlon event series for adventure seekers, returns for 2025. Unlike the typical triathlon, SUPBIKERUN is an exhilarating mix of stand-up paddleboarding, cycling (road, gravel and mountain biking), and trail running. This is the ideal challenge for adventurers who are looking to explore the great outdoors and push their limits in a fun and friendly environment.Designed for those who love adventure but may be intimidated by traditional triathlon mix, SUPBIKERUN replaces swimming with stand-up paddleboarding, making it unique and perfect for aspiring triathletes and outdoor enthusiasts.Weve seen so many people transform their outlook on fitness through our events, says Sam Pauc, Event Director at SUPBIKERUN. Its not just about competition, its about community, exploration, and enjoying the journey. Were inviting you to join the adventure and experience with an event thats as rewarding as it is exciting. Were here to reassure everyone that they can take on this adventure, no matter their skill level.The two-day events are held at four stunning locations across the UK in South Wales, Dorset, Devon and the Lake District. Each event includes a complimentary training day to fine tune your paddleboarding skills, as well as camping facilities, enabling participants to make a long weekend of their adventure with family and friends.Our breathtaking venues allow visitors to explore beautiful landscapes and enjoy the thrill of outdoor events like never before, continues Sam. We have an extremely friendly format where we challenge you to push your limits in a supportive environment. Its perfect for those who find the swimming element of a triathlon daunting, as this is replaced with paddleboarding, and also includes free paddleboarding workshops, so if you havent tried this sport before, you can learn a new skill.Open to adventurers of all abilities and a minimum age of 13 when accompanied by an adult, the events kick off on 17thMay in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, with early bird pricing available now.For further information and to book your place on your next adventure, please visitwww.supbikerun.co.uk

DEPORTED: LUCAS MELDRUMDEPORTED: LUCAS MELDRUMWe all have a few nightmare travel stories we bring out at the pub from time to timebut this one from Lucas Meldrum must be one of the worst we have heard! Check out his latest video, which tells how he was deported from Australia and sent straight back home!Feeling sorry for Lucas? Here is his Make A Champ page where you can donate to towards covering his travel expenses to compete this year: https://makeachamp.com/lucasmeldrumLucas then tells us about his injury!The post DEPORTED: LUCAS MELDRUM appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

ANTOINE MARTIN: CALL 911ANTOINE MARTIN: CALL 911Check out the latest epic video from Antoine Martin from his sessions in Maui, before the Aloha Classic! There is no holding back in this video.this guy rips!Matteo Nativelle from Native Pictures commented:We take a look back at Antoines latest trip in Maui. Some epic sessions before the Aloha Classic 2024, where he had the chance to showcase his skills, throwing down huge moves in both big and small waves. Posted on this channel after Antoine stepped away from social media following the loss of his sponsors, but what youve just seen is only the beginning of a new chapter!The post ANTOINE MARTIN: CALL 911 appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

WINDSURF MAGAZINE: NEWS BULLETINWINDSURF MAGAZINE: NEWS BULLETINTRANSFER WINDOWAs we roll into February the tour season is closing in fast and the heat is on to get all those deals signed. There have been a few late transfers updates in the market going down.Gran Canaria high-flyer, Alessio Stillrich is back on the water after his devasting ankle injury last season. Formerly with Simmer, Alessio has shifted his allegiance over to Bruch boards and sails for the 2025 season. Alessio announced I am super excited and thankful for this new chapter! From the very first moment I started talking with Dany, I could feel his passion for the brand and his motivation to have me on the team. I am sure this will be the perfect fitand my favourite option! Ive already tested the gear, and it felt like home immediately. I cant wait to start working closely with everyone involved and to create amazing things together, while hopefully helping the brand grow even more than it already has. Lets get started!On the race scene, we have seen the 2023 Youth Fin & Foil Slalom Champion; John Soukas, leave RRD in favour of Challenger sails. John commented I am incredibly excited to announce that Im going to be a part of the CHS windsurfing family for the next two seasons! Its such an amazing opportunity to join a brand thats all about innovation and performance. I cant wait to get out on the water, test out the gear, and push my limits with the support of such an awesome team. As they say, Dont limit your challenges, always challenge your limits.Cyril Evrard from Belgium also joins Challenger Sails for 2025. Cyril told the press: I really happy to be sailing for Challengers sails for the upcoming season , the sails are just amazing and I feel that I will be in better position and battling in front ! The spirit of Claudio and the CHS Family is exactly what I was looking to help me to grown and push to achieve my goal. Now it is time to go to full on training mode and be ready for Guadeloupe!Another young gun switching brands was the 2024IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U21 Youth Men winner, Sacha Fortune who joined the Duotone Team!Sacha had this to say I am so happy to join such an exceptional team like Duotone! It is like a childhood dream come true! The gear is so fast and easy to use, I was surprised by its effectiveness during my first sessions. Everything is designed so that the gear performs well right out of the box, with plenty of markers that help you enjoy the ride from the very first use. I have literally fallen in love with my new gear, and I cant wait to show what its worth both on fin and foil! A huge thank to the Duotone team for their trust and warm welcome!CONTEST NEWSIWT / PWA MARGARET RIVER WAVE CLASSICJulian Salmonn kicked off his journey with Naish Sails in style with a second place at the Margaret River Classic with 5 times PWA world champion, Philip Kster kicking off the season with the victory.Philip stated, The first event of the year couldnt have started better for me. To have the Margaret River event as a 4 star was a great addition to the tour and we scored some amazing conditions. The level of the locals and pros has been as good as it gets, and every heat felt tricky. I am stoked to win this event; it has definitely been a huge challenge, and I cant wait to be back next year!.Jaeger Stone failed to make the final after losing narrowly to Aussie local Peter Kenyen from Geraldton, who landed a big aerial close to the end of a difficult heat. It sounds like the conditions were extremely tricky, thus a few upsets were on the cards!!Over in the womens division there was a surprise result, when local ripper Jane Seman came second to newcomer Maria Shalin.We asked Maria to tell us about here background and her roller coaster ride into the competition scene in Australia.MARIA SCHLINI used to work as an engineer in research and development, focusing on new processes and materials, while windsurfing was my full-on passion on the side. Last autumn, I made the big call to pause my career and fully dedicate myself to windsurfing. To chase my wave dreams (and dream waves!), my partner and I decided to sacrifice the European winter we are dedicated freeride skiers and mountain lovers and head to Western Australia.After a four-week stopover in Mauritius with some awesome down-the-line conditions, we converted a van into a camper to properly explore the WA coastline. Its my first time Down Under, and it has been fantastic! So far, weve been rewarded with solid training conditions and some amazing encounters. Originally, the Margaret River Wave Classic was announced as a 3-star event, which sounded like a great opportunity to dip my toes into competition.Later, it got upgraded to a four-star event. But I thought, why not give it a go anyway?We arrived in Margaret River about ten days before the contest, but a cyclone offshore disrupted the typical wind patterns. I managed to get in around six sessions at Main Break, and each one felt completely different because the weather system was still settling. During my first sessions, the waves were massive by my standards some set waves were up to double mast high and the wind was super light, making it extra tricky. Those were some seriously demanding days. But knowing I had to perform in all sorts of conditions during the contest really pushed me to expand my limits. Margaret River is definitely a challenging spot when you first sail there!Surprisingly, the contest conditions were the most manageable I had experienced since arriving. The waves were considered as small (which is about mast high), but we had float-and-ride conditions, with side-onshore wind during the womens heats. I actually felt quite comfortable at least I didnt have to worry about dodging giants eventually breaking on top of your head! That being said, it was still tricky. Positioning at the peak was key to catching waves. But with the onshore wind, there was barely any wind in front of the wave. Oh, and we even had a shark alarm during the heat! But the Aussies didnt seem too fussed about thatWell, I never expected to make it to the finals; thats definitely a no! In mid-January, I had entered the Wave Rally in Geraldton my first-ever windsurfing competition! It was an incredible weekend that ended even better I actually won! Fast forward two weeks, and I was wobbling out to the peak in my first-ever proper wave heat at Margaret River.So, what did I expect? Not much! Just managing the basics was enough to keep me on my toes making sure I had the right sail size, getting to the peak on time, sorting out my heat strategy, and balancing risk versus radicalness. These were all things I had never properly thought about before! The other women in the event were all experienced competitors, so winning a World Cup event was definitely a dream one that somehow became reality way quicker than I ever imagined!In my second heat, I landed an aerial on a smaller wave, but when I checked the scores, I realised I hadnt been awarded many points for it. Meanwhile, bigger waves were scoring significantly higher, even if they werent ridden as aggressively. So, for the final, I knew what I had to do focus on hunting down the biggest sets. And that strategy paid off!Mentally, sailing against Jane Seman was a challenge. You could really feel the energy on the beach the crowd wanted to see the Aussies take the win! But you just head out and sail the best you can in the conditions you get anyways. Of course, I knew Janes name well from following competitions over the years. Sharing a heat with her was already special but actually winning was mad! She knows this spot like the back of her hand, so being able to compete with her after just a few sessions at her home spot definitely makes me proud!Aside of the comp, she was very nice and gave me tips on how to survive big days at Main Break. Her sailing inspired me to do it on my own.I saw I had won on Live Heats before the results were announced, but I told myself I wouldnt believe it until I actually heard it! When it was confirmed, I was absolutely stoked unreal! I had entered this event just to see if I could keep up with the level. And now, suddenly, I had won a four-star World Cup event at the legendary Margaret River. So cool!Well, were living super simply in a van at the moment, so when we got back, we realised we didnt even have a beer in the fridge! So, we just ate our focaccia and went to sleep after this crazy day.We had to leave Australia right after the event to renew our visas. Right now, were already in Bali, and guess what? Its windy! Were on the hunt for some side offshore waves and getting some surf sessions in. In a week, well fly back to Perth for a few more weeks of windsurfing before heading to the Canary Islands via Switzerland to train for the next WorldCupevents.JANE SEMANJane Seman worked tirelessly to help organize and run the 2025 Margaret River Wave Classic. Her dual role as both organizer and competitor is a testament to her passion and commitment to the sport.Jane said: Its definitely quite stressful to run this event and then also add in competing and helping my son compete at the same time. But we had great conditions and a really fun vibe. It is rewarding to see the stoke on everyones faces. The visiting Europeans loved the wave and the locals really loved having top world tour competitors to sail againstA big thank you must also go out to the event sponsors, including Severne Windsurfing and the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, whose support was instrumental in elevating the competition to a 4-star event. Their contributions, along with those of other partners and volunteers, were crucial in bringing this event to fruition.TRIPS AND MEGA SESSIONSDown in Cape Town it looks like they have been scoring some firing conditions and as usual Maleen Hoekstra has been busy chasing down the best sessions and scoring some epic photos!Those turquoise waves look epic!IRELAND MISSIONJC and Timo Mullen (AKA The Motley Crew) headed over to Ireland last Monday chasing down a monster swell combined with howling SSW winds at Magheroarty.Know for their hair brained schemes, The Motley Crew managed to work out an itinerary that involved just over twenty hours of travel, for a mere four hours actually at the beach. Are they mad? Well yes probablyyou can read about this ridiculous mission sometime soon, when JC has fully recovered!Poor JC had to sleep for two hours on the concrete outside the Southampton Red Funnel Ferry Terminal from 1am 3am (The waiting room was closed!) he was not a happy bunny!COMING UP!We have lots of new and interesting features in the pipeline! There are some more Board Talks with Victor Fernandez and Marc Pare coming soon as well as a speed special with no other than Antoine Albeau and Bjorn Dunkerbeck, who tell us about the 2024 season in Lderitz! There are some big galleries coming up from some of the latest storms in the UK as well as the much-anticipated return of the Big Fifty, with some very special guests who are busy filling out their answers as we speak!ADVERTISE!We just have one or two spots left on the website for any advertisers, so make sure you contact us ASAP! Please email: jc@windsurf.co.uk for ant details on our packages!The post WINDSURF MAGAZINE: NEWS BULLETIN appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

The post Downwind SUP Foil Video: Benoit & Martin appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.

Locusport showcasing just what some sessions look like out in Brittany, France. World-class waves and world-class lighting, this does look like a dreamy SUP Surf session!... Read More