NICK SPANGENBERG: CAPE TOWN 2025NICK SPANGENBERG: CAPE TOWN 2025Nick Spangenberg reflects on an epic session in at Witsand Beach on the Western Cape in South Africa.Nik says: Cape Town never disappoints! This session in Witsand was super nice but tricky perfect waves, nearly too much wind, but an unreal scenery. Witsand is one of those spots just outside of Cape Town, offering clean waves and a powerful wind setup that makes it an absolute dream for wave sailing. Huge thanks to Sam Tom for capturing the action the conditions lined up perfectly, and it was one of those sessions you dont forget anytime soon.The post NICK SPANGENBERG: CAPE TOWN 2025 appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

LUCAS MELDRUM: THE REALITY OF WINDSURFINGLUCAS MELDRUM: THE REALITY OF WINDSURFINGHow much does it cost to do the wave tour and also live a normal life? And are windsurfers getting the money they deserve to do this? Most likely no. Lucas Meldrum discusses the reality of windsurfing!!Help me to compete on the 2025 Wave World Tour! https://makeachamp.com/lucasmeldrumThe post LUCAS MELDRUM: THE REALITY OF WINDSURFING appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

THE ART OF SAIL DEVELOPMENT: BEHIND THE SCENES WITH POINT-7THE ART OF SAIL DEVELOPMENT: BEHIND THE SCENES WITH POINT-7What Defines the Perfect Sail?WIND RANGE:When it comes to sail development, everything boils down to one essential characteristic: WIND RANGE. This is the key to maximizing your time on the water, ensuring that a single sail remains efficient even when the wind drops or picks up beyond what you initially expected.So, what creates WIND RANGE? Two critical factors: Power and Stability. Power delivers performance across varying conditions, while stability ensures you can harness and control that power seamlessly over a broader wind spectrum.But what influences these factors? While design is the foundation, material selection plays an equally crucial role. A common mistake is using materials that are too light, especially in the upper body panels (above the boom), compromising durability and performance. Some brands chase weight reduction on paper or in the shop display, but sacrificing structural integrity leads to reduced wind range. Lighter materials can deform, lose efficiency, and become unstable, ultimately making the sail feel heavier and harder to handle on the water.THE MYTH VS. THE REALITYEver noticed how new windsurfing sails appear in magazines as sleek, futuristic designs before they even exist in real life? Just like concept cars, the first glimpses of new sails are often nothing more than digital renderings. Yet, from the moment these images hit the internet, beach talk spreads like wildfire:Have you seen the new sail? It looks more powerful! The boom seems longer I heard its super light!Theres something special about unrolling a brand-new sail on the beach for the first time. Everyone gathers around, commenting on reinforcements, colour schemes, and potential performance benefits. But the truth is, until that sail touches the water, no one really knows how it will perform. Even the team and designer make changes knowing what these will bring, but the water is going to reveal the truth.What most dont see is the relentless testing, the countless prototypes, and the continuous refinements that take place long before that sail makes its way into a windsurfers hands. So how does a sail evolve from a designers sketch to the finished product that fuels our windsurfing passion?FROM IDEA TO PROTOTYPEAt Point-7, every sail begins with one key factor: windsurfer. Development starts with feedback from customers, team riders, and testers. Thats why each discipline has multiple sail lines, offering different styles for different skill levels, power preferences, and wind conditions. Alongside routine refinements, we also push long-term projectstrue innovations that bring fresh challenges and progression to the sport.The development cycle never stops. The only limitation is the production deadline. The moment a sail goes into production, were already deep into testing and designing the next version. While consumers are receiving their latest models, our test team is finalizing the sails for the following season.The timeline varies depending on the sail typeRace sails: Testing peaks in late summer after receiving feedback from PWA riders. With the registration deadline in December, the final production model must be locked in by mid-December.Wave sails: The windiest testing period runs from November through April, ensuring they handle everything nature throws at them.Freeride & Free race sails: Developed from winter through May, taking advantage of varying conditions for a well-rounded testing process and in summer given to friends and random riders to have final feedback.A critical part of the development cycle is stepping away from a sail line for a while. When you return to it with fresh eyes, you instantly feel what needs changingor what doesnt. Having all our tested to jump on different sail lines is one other important step. You can learn from a wave sail, details that can be used on flatwater sails and vice versa.THE DESIGN & CREATION PROCESSThe first step in a new sails journey is an intense meeting between the sail designer, marketing director, test riders, and customer feedback analysts. Its a brainstorming session filled with discussions on performance tweaks, size additions, boom lengths, materials, colours, mast compatibility, and more. The sail designer then takes all these inputs and starts crafting the first prototype files.Even choosing a name can be a challenge. Often, it isnt until a sail is seen in action on the water that its identity reveals itself.Precision in Mast Design: The Secret to Ultimate Rig EfficiencyThe next critical step in sail development is determining mast compatibility, a fundamental factor in maximizing rig efficiency. At Point-7, we continuously refine our masts with the latest technology and tooling, but one principle remains unchanged: the mast curve must complement the conditions each sail size is designed for.Heres the keyLonger masts are designed to be more powerful and responsive, breathing with the wind to generate drive and acceleration.Shorter masts prioritize control and forgiveness, ensuring a balanced and effortless ride even in gusty conditions.This tailored approach expands the wind range before even touching the sail design. And because weve perfected these mast curves, we dont change them, we evolve the sail around them. Thats why every Point-7 mast from 2011 onward remains fully compatible with every Point-7 sail from 2011 onward.And if you try our masts on any other sail brand? Be ready to be surprised.Crafting the Perfect Balance: Materials, Aesthetics & PerformanceOnce the sails shape is perfected, the graphic designer steps more than just adding colours and branding, this stage is about engineering a sail that is both visually striking and structurally bulletproof. Every material is meticulously selected to balance lightweight performance, UV resistance, and long-term durability.At Point-7, we source only premium materials from Japan and the U.S. Coloured monofilm, for example, costs up to five times more than its transparent counterpartbut the payoff is worth it: superior UV protection and extended lifespan.But heres the hard truth: even the best sail design can fail if the materials arent up to standard. If a sail uses less than 4-mil thick materials, no matter how much X-ply reinforcement is added, stretching will ruin its wind range. A lightweight sail might look good on paper, but if it deforms under pressure, it loses stability, control, and ultimatelyperformance.Thats why at Point-7, we dont chase gimmicks.Once the digital design is finalized, the prototype is cut and built. Some brands do this in-house, but we choose to have our prototypes made by the same manufacturers who handle our final production sailsensuring consistency and quality control.From file submission to receiving the prototype, it takes about two weeks. In this time, over 30 prototypes can be cut and assembled, a process that would take months if done manually.TESTING: THE MOMENT OF TRUTHWhen the sails arrive, the excitement is electric. Boxes are opened like Christmas gifts, and for a moment, everything goes silent as designers, testers, and riders examine the results of months of hard work.But before hitting the water, each sail is rigorously checked. Mast and boom lengths are verified, and graphic elements are compared to digital renderings. If something is off and can be seen directly after rigging, its modified straight away. Then, finally, its time to rig up and ride.Real Testing, Real ConditionsAt Point-7, we dont test in a labwe test where it matters: on the water, in real conditions, pushing our sails to the limit. Our Lake Garda test center is the ultimate playground for tuning and refining every detail of our designs.The Perfect Testing GroundOur sail loft, just 2km from the beach, allows us to make instant modificationswere talking for 5 minutes for minor tweaks and 30 minutes to be back on the water after stitching adjustments on the sail. The side shore wind, combined with a car park just 10 meters from the water, means we can fine-tune performance without dealing with salt, sand, or delays.From Extreme to Subtle ConditionsAll in One DayTesting at Lake Garda is an all-day wetsuit mission. Mornings kick off with 30+ knots of wind, gradually easing throughout the daythe perfect setup to test multiple sail sizes in one session. And just when you think were done, the afternoon winds kick in at 22-25 knots, allowing us to fine-tune the sails twice a day, every day.This is real testingThe Golden Rules of TestingDeveloping a new sail isnt about hypeits about precision, patience, and pure performance. Every sail must pass through a rigorous testing process before even being compared to its predecessor.Step 1: The Sail Must SettleA brand-new sail doesnt reveal its true character right away. It needs a full day of stretching on the water to settle on the mast, allowing the materials to adjust before fine-tuning begins.Step 2: Eliminating VariablesA true test isnt just about speed or pulling off a big moveits about raw data and unbiased comparisons. Every mast is measured, documented, and swapped between sails to ensure the results arent skewed by variations in flex or curve.Step 3: Testing with Precision, Not Emotion.Testing isnt about proving the new sail is better at all costsits about understanding its characteristics. Windsurfing performance isnt just speed. Its also:AccelerationComfortWind rangeUpwind & downwind performanceJibe entry & exitFor freestyle, sails must make moves effortless, but also plane fast, stay easy in strong wind, go upwind efficiently, and remain stable. Every discipline has its demands, and we dissect every detail.Step 4: Pure, Unbiased FeedbackAfter just a few hundred meters, the differences between the new and old sail become clear. Trim adjustments are made, masts are swapped, and every factor is isolated to ensure honest results. Testers do not discuss impressions on the beacheach logs their feedback independently to avoid influencing others.At Point-7, Andrea Cucchi personally gets on the water to feel the changes first-hand. This direct connection between designer and testers is an invaluable advantage, allowing real-time communication and a deeper understanding of every modification. Testers provide feedback one-on-one, ensuring raw, unfiltered opinions. And yes, even a bad nights sleep is consideredit all matters.Step 5: Extreme Condition TrialsOnce fine-tuned, sails are put through brutal real-world testing:Racing sails are tested in waves.Wave sails are tested on flatwater.This ensures each sail is not only exceptional in its category but also versatile across different conditions.The Importance of Home WatersTesting at home waters allows for instant feedback and faster refinement. A spot with chops and gusty winds is ideal for sails, as it quickly reveals strengths and weaknesses. Boards, however, demand varied water conditions, making their testing process more complex.No shortcuts. No marketing gimmicks. Just relentless testing to deliver the most refined, high-performance sails in the world.FINAL REVISIONS & PRODUCTIONIf significant changes are needed, new prototypes are ordered, refined, and retested until the sails meet our exacting standards. Only then do they move into final production.Before mass production begins, our team makes multiple trips to the manufacturing facilityquality control is non-negotiable. We collaborate with production teams to refine techniques, implement innovations, and guarantee that what customers receive is exactly what we envision.THE NEVER-ENDING EVOLUTIONSome sails undergo over a year of testing, traveling to different team riders worldwide to experience every condition imaginable. They are battered, pushed to the limit, and examined for durability, performance, and innovation.The biggest challenge? Deadlines. Marketing materials, pricing, and dealer schedules all demand finalization, often before wed ideally stop testing. But at Point-7, if a sail isnt 100% tested and approved, it doesnt go into productionno exceptions and no sails size or model goes in without being tested, even the freeride.This endless cycle of refinement is what keeps windsurfing exciting. It ensures that every new sail released isnt just another modelits a product of passion, precision, and pure performance.So, the next time you unroll a fresh Point-7 sail on the beach, know that it has already been through countless hands, countless waves, and countless hours of development to deliver you the ultimate windsurfing experience.The post THE ART OF SAIL DEVELOPMENT: BEHIND THE SCENES WITH POINT-7 appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

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CLUB VASS THEN AND NOW PART 1: EARLY EVOLUTIONClub Vass Then and NowPART 1: Early EvolutionClub Vass has been going since 1987 and much has changed but the spirit remains the same. Its fair to say that no windsurf destination compares to Club Vass, its become synonymous with progressive windsurfing, but how did it all happen?Photos: Protography Official // Global Shots // Jono Carmichael // JC!The Making of the MythBack in 1987 windsurfing was really taking off and Vassiliki was on the windsurf map as a not so secret spot, mainly due to its extraordinary local wind phenomenon. Tony Booth had been working as a water-ski instructor in the Peloponnese and Roger Green was a windsurf instructor in Vassiliki, both having done ski seasons together in Andorra.Tony and Roger rafting back in the day!As fate would have it, Tony arrived in Vass on the opening night of the Zeus bar and, over some beers the legend was born. Within a few hazy months, Tony & Roger had bought a small windsurf operation, which amounted to a beach shack and a handful of boards and sails that had to be moved most afternoons to allow the shepherd to pass with his sheep.The Good Ol DaysThey set about building the business. Back then the Club was much closer to the village that original site is now a beach restaurant in front of the campsite. Everyone launched from here, but it was often a long walk back at dusk when the wind eventually dropped. Suffice to say, the operation was much smaller, with about 30 Tiga boards to rent (considered pretty state of the art back then), compared to over 300 today!The original crew included Ewan Seater and Dave Barrington, whose kids have all worked for Club Vass. There was no restaurant, bar or facilities to speak of, but the weekly Friday BBQ started that first year. Everyone would bring their own pork chop and then there would be a talent show, before everyone piled into the Zeus bar. This is where many Club Vass classics, including the infamous Song and Plate Dance originated and it was not unknown to find Tony or Roger asleep in the board racks the next morningHeading Upwind: Two CentresOver the next few years a restaurant was added and the terrace became the social hub and where the now famous Club Vass BBQ really took shape. This became Centre 1 and the long boards stayed here, mainly for beginners/improvers in the gentle morning onshore. To avoid the long walks with kit, Centre 2 was added just upwind of Wildwind; it was also known prosaically as the Short Board Rack, as thats really all it was. Once cross-shore predictably kicked in, the more experienced would grab their seat harnesses and charge up the beach, climbing the cages if the staff were a little late to open them. There was no beach road, and no infrastructure on site, not even a beach bar!It was a much smaller operation and Tony & Roger were very hands-on, multi-tasking as instructors, board repairers, reps and of course party organisers. There was a very personal feel, with often only 20-30 guests a week, many of whom have become firm friends and very much part of Vass folklore. In 1998 Paddy Payne started the Vass Class with Club Vass hosting the 1st event; it was ostensibly for racing but perhaps became more renowned for the massive parties. A few of the Snow & Rock guys also got involved, including Vass legend Jono, who hasnt missed a year since!I guess we were in the right place at the right time and its just grown from there. We just wanted to create a destination that we would like to go to and thats still our approach. Club Vass seems to attract like-minded people; we all love windsurfing and having a good time, its infectious. Tony BoothBranching Out: Going GlobalVassiliki is an exceptional location, in terms of what it offers for an all-round windsurf holiday. It took a while to find anywhere else that came close, but Club Dahab in Egypt was added in the mid 90s and Club Margarita in Venezuela opened in 1998.This allowed people to get their windsurf fix all year round, knowing they could rely on Club Vass to add the magical mix of world class kit & coaching to the outstanding conditions. They would also find the unique Club Vass vibe and see familiar faces, as having 3 centres meant that instructors could work all year round.Being based in arguably the worlds top x3 freestyle Meccas helped raise the standard of everyones sailing. Tony still remembers when 12-year-old whippersnapper Ricardo Campello would beg him for sponsorshipBuilding the New Centre: Bringing it All TogetherAs the last millennium drew to a close, Tony & Roger bought the current plot and set about building the new centre & restaurant (opened 2000) and hotel (opened 2001).This represented a major development for the Club; everything was now on one site and all the facilities were carefully designed to make a windsurf holiday go as smoothly as possible. This included state-of-the art racking to house all that amazing kit, teaching lawns and even decking and carpeting across the pebbly beach for comfort-launching!It was always important to have an on-site restaurant to provide the right fuel/refreshment for everyone ripping on the water all day. The beach bar started life as a roof-top cocktail, before moving to the centre of the lawn, but its always been the hub of the bay. Its the perfect spot for a sundowner, while watching the instructors and experts put on an incredible show.The post CLUB VASS THEN AND NOW PART 1: EARLY EVOLUTION appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

MARC PAR: DREAM WAVES IN CAPE VERDEMARC PAR: DREAM WAVES IN CAPE VERDEMarc Par heads on a dream trip to Cape Verde and scores an incredible pumping swell and some insane glassy waves!Cape Verde has been in my bucket list forever, but due to different injuries and other trips I never had the chance to go. This time though, I was at home with no plans and when I saw the forecast I didnt think about it twice and pulled the trigger! Wind was extremely offshore and light most of the days and I was mostly catching 3-5 waves every session, but the quality of the waves made up for it, as each ride was an absolute dream! I hope you enjoy the video that WESTCOAST VISUALS put together for me!Filming was done by: Siam Images Pozo Windsurf Photography and Bnoit LgierThe post MARC PAR: DREAM WAVES IN CAPE VERDE appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

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LUCAS MELDRUM: CORNWALL REFLECTIONSLUCAS MELDRUM: CORNWALL REFLECTIONSLucas Meldrum looks back on his performance at the Cornish Coldwater Classic!Cornwall Wave Classic 2025 // Report from epic first event of the BWAThe post LUCAS MELDRUM: CORNWALL REFLECTIONS appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

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