THE BIG FIFTY! SARAH QUITA OFFRINGATHE BIG FIFTY! SARAH QUITA OFFRINGASarah-Quita Offringa has spent twenty years ruling the womens windsurfing worldso answering 50 questions should be a doddle, right? In our latest Big Fifty, Sarah looks back on epic victories, contemplates a mid-season existential crisis, and calls out for suggestions on life after competition. Catch her if you can; just dont expect her to go down without a fight! And whatever you do, dont ask her to watch a movie she doesnt have the patience!Photos: John Carter // Fish Bowl Diaries // PWAFull name? Sarah-Quita Najive OffringaDate of birth? 04-07-1991Height and weight? 78kg 1.81mSail number? ARU91Do you remember the first time you stepped on a windsurfing board? I have this vague memory as a three-year-old sailing with the then owner of the windsurfing school yes!What was the first windsurfing board you ever owned? I had the F2 AIR 85LHow many years have you been on the PWA tour? Ive done the full tour since 2006. After counting on my hands, this year should be my 20th year on tour. Thats hard to wrap my mind around.First PWA event you won? Fuerteventura 2006 FreestyleHave you always been competitive? I guess so! I did a lot of sports as a kid. And I remember competing in all of them at least once. Running, tennis, gymnastics, karate, even horseback riding! But competitive swimming really became my thing for a long time before windsurfing took over.Car or van you own / and dream car or van? I know very little about cars. Honestly, Im happy with whatever gets me from A to B and as long as I have space for my gear and a good sound system.I own a Nissan Frontier NP300. And dream car could be a HILUX or one of those pick-ups in Maui with big wheels. In Europe I would love to have a van like the slalom guys do!Favourite movie? I guess I liked Pirates of the Caribbean as a kid.I actually dont have the patience to watch movies.Windsurfing hero? From the start its been the Bonaire boys, and Kiri in particular. I guess he still is my hero! Over the years Ive gained a lot of admiration for many riders on tour. I love to see the hard work everyone puts into their craft. Its inspiring.How many years have you been with Starboard and why have you stuck with the brand? Ive been with Starboard since 2005 I would say. It was a dream to become part of the team, and the cooperation has just been really good. Their support allowed me to develop myself across disciplines and having such good boards under my feet I could really trust my gear and push myself on the water.Favourite windsurfing destination? Cape Town and Australia. I love these places for the windsurfing spots, but also the outdoor life and the variety of activities to do there.Favourite move? Push loop, Shaka and Culo are the favourites.Apple or PC? Apple!Tea or coffee? Both. When I overdosed on coffee, I switch to tea.Do you ever get depressed and why? Im quite emotional in general and I have several dips during the year for sure! It varies between an existential crisis somewhere in the middle of the off season. Or having after competition dips where I lose a bit of meaning, because all of a sudden there is no more pressure to perform. And usually somewhere in the middle of the season if Ive been travelling for a bit too long, I get homesick and I just need to travel home and re-charge.What are your visions for windsurfing in the future? Windsurfing is such an amazing sport, and Ive had the greatest experiences because of it. It would be amazing to unite all the different associations and have a stronger structure where theres a clearer path to go from beginner to pro and pursue a career in windsurfing.Do you remember your first day on the PWA world tourtell us about it? I remember my first event in Bonaire when I was 12. It was cool to see the pros and compete against them. I remember begging the head judge to not run another elimination that day so that I could go and train before competing again. As if I was going to learn a new move in an hour and perform it in a heat ha ha.What sailor has had the greatest impact on you? Right at the start the Bonaire boys as a gang. Taty, Tonky, Kiri, Choko and Bjorn. Later on, it was a couple of guys in the Netherlands that were responsible for getting me into wave sailing while I was studying (They basically bullied me for freestyling too much).What was the happiest day of your windsurfing career so far? Competition wise I was so stoked to win the Aloha Classic for the first time in 2016. I lost out early in the single elimination and then came back winning 6 or 7 heats in the double. And then my first wave title in 2019. That was pretty awesome. Hookipa is the opposite of where Im from and what I started out with. So, Im proud of those achievements. But the memories that stay with me the most are usually some evening sessions in the Canaries: Pozo, Fuerte, Tenerife right before a contest where everything comes together and Im out there sailing with friends and having a blast while the sun is setting. Those evening sessions feel magical and make me feel extremely happy and grateful to be out there.What was the worst day of your windsurfing career so far? I was leading the slalom contest in Denmark (2017) and in the last race I could win the title with one event to spare. I won my qualifying round but learned at the finish line that everyone in that race skipped a buoy (I still think it was a massive wind shift, and we should have re-run that race) so I was disqualified and couldnt race the final. Delphine made it to the final, but she had to win it to take the event and take the title race to the last event in New Cal. The disappointment was huge, and I cried my way back to the beach. Watching that race was heart-breaking as she burst into the lead, and I couldnt do anything about it. And then she dropped her jibe. So, I still won the event!And the world title. I was distraught when I made the mistake, but I was a trainwreck when I realized I won anyway haha. I was exhausted from competing and travelling so I was skipping the last event. Two months later in Brazil I get an e-mail saying that there was a mistake while calculating and I would have to go to New Caledonia and finish at least top 4 if I wanted to win the title. It took a lot mentally and logistically to re-set and go back to get that title.In the end I finished 2nd in New Caledonia and it was all good fun and I was glad I was there. So, to answer the question I think the hangover after that event in New Caledonia must have been by far my worst experience in my windsurfing career so far.Do you get a lot of satisfaction out of teaching people to improve their windsurfing? Yes, I do! I enjoy it more than I think every time. I love teaching kids and giving them their first windsurf experience. But also, during the clinics with more advanced riders its so cool to see how small tips make a huge difference in their riding.Do you ever get sick of travel, all the airport check ins and dragging gear around? Yes, I dread travelling with my gear more and more. Even though I know the drill, I get pretty stressed for check ins now. Travelling together makes everything better though. Its when I travel alone that I get really stressed.Why do you love windsurfing? The freedom feeling when Im on the water. The fact that I always have something to learn. The challenge and fun is never ending.What is your biggest fear? Hmm I have this sense that Im running out of time and the idea that as I get older that Ill slowly be able to do less and less. Because I get so much joy from pushing my body to the highest level. I really wonder how to deal with that later on.Are you much of a business person or are you easy going when negotiating contracts etc? Ive become better at it, but in general quite easy going I would say.How many minutes a day do you spend on your phone scrolling or on calls? I spend a significant amount of time sending and receiving voice notes! I also have some horrible scrolling periods also I dont dare to say how many minutes!If you did not get involved in the windsurfing industry, what do you think you would have done in life? You know.. its like this windsurfing path was laid out for me at such a young age. I enrolled when I was 12. I feel like there was never a moment where I considered or had to consider doing something else. Even when I studied in the Netherlands I never really considered studying in that field because I was already windsurfing full time. Its hard for me to answer.If you could have dinner with any famous people from history, who would they be? Famous people Id like to meet now is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Trevor Noah. From history Celia Cruz and Harry BelafonteWhat three words would you use to describe yourself? Easy going, chaotic but determined.Do you ever go out on freeride gear just for a blast? I consider my slalom gear my freeride gear. And I love it every time I get that speed feeling.What would you do if you won ten million dollars? Wow! Id invest it in a property, organize a dream trip with friends to a cool place, Id buy a sailing boat and give some to charity!Do you ever feel guilty winning so much towards the other girls? I put in the hours on the water in all disciplines. Try to catch me if you can J I wont go down without a fight ha-ha-ha.Favourite board and sail combo you use the most? The NeilPryde 4.8 Wizard and Starboard 93L Ignite for freestyle and my NeilPryde 4.5m and Starboard 82L for waves.Do you ever get stressed? Yes, but I feel like Im quite good at managing stress. I need some pressure to perform anyway. No matter what I do.Dream windsurfing trip? Cabo Verde with Swell this time.If you could change one thing in your past, what might that be? Maybe appreciate the fact that I could travel at such young age. I dont think I realized what an awesome opportunity it was. Now I try to take everything in much more.What achievement are you most proud of? Building my own house recently. I cant believe I have my own place now.Whats the one thing about you few people know? I get goosebumps when things are too perfect or too colour coordinated. I like to happily mismatch clothing or mix things up. Just enough so that its not matching perfectly.I also am extremely scared to get on rides in amusement parks. Get me outta there!How many hours do you hit the water on a typical day? When Im home, about 2-2.5 hours. When Im on a trip 3 to 4 hours.What are your plans after you finish competitive windsurfing? Send some suggestions my way! Im struggling to figure this one out.We hear you are getting into photographytell us about your new passion and why you like it? Last year I had to get some photos done and I couldnt find a photographer and I got annoyed that I was always relying on others for good footage and photos and I didnt know exactly how my camera worked apart from automatic mode so I decided to understand it better. I went full geek mode watching tutorials etc. And one windless week in Pozo I just went out every day to take a photo of the day. Soon I was taking it everywhere to capture The adventure of the day. And was learning a little bit every day. I love editing the photos and tell the story of the day. I always had a pocket camera with me back in the day so Im happy to be back at it now. I bought a water housing too and its SO much fun to be in the water in the middle of the action. Ive been stalking JC a bit for some tips. I feel like it gives me a different perspective of the surroundings Im in and I have some nice memories afterwards to relive. Its a fun hobby I want to get better at. Right now, Im excited about timelapses!What is the wildest thing you have ever done? Get on a private jet with Martin Garrix to watch his show in Bolivia and Peru and be back in Aruba all within 48 hours. Ridiculous.If you found a 100 Euro note in the supermarketwould you hand it in or put it in your pocket? Ill put that one in my pocket and probably spend it on a nice dinner or activity with a friend.Do you believe in God? I feel a bit agnostic.Would you pick up a hitchhiker? I did recently! In Aruba thats pretty normal. Maybe not in bigger countries?What is your top tip for the perfect push loop? I have to give credit where its due! I think Adam Lewis is one of the best guys do get tips from.The top tip is: When youre about to hit the highest point of your jump, you pull your front hand to your chest (But you dont sheet out with your back hand) and you whip your head back. Thats it. One of the coolest moves out there!!The post THE BIG FIFTY! SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

THE WINDSURFER LT: ROGER TURNERTHE WINDSURFER LT: ROGER TURNERWith those lovely summer see breezes fast approaching, Roger Turner makes a convincing case for why you should add a Windsurfer LT to your quiver!Whether youre new to windsurfing, returning after years away, or simply looking for a board that delivers maximum fun with minimal fuss, he reckons the Windsurfer LT offers a refreshingly pure sailing experience.In this review, he shares his journey with the LT so farand tells us why its far more than just a retro revival. For Roger, the Windsurfer LT has become a gateway to more water time, spontaneous sessions, and a rediscovery of the very reasons he fell in love with windsurfing in the first place.ROGER TURNER:So, I bought a Windsurfer LT, board only, last summer, not normally a great time for windsurfing. The deal was done for me after watching Spottys famous You Tube Windsurfer LT video from Geraldton in Oz, where he is blasting around in medium and strong winds and waves alongside short-boarders and clearly loving itI expected the light wind performance and racing pedigree, but this removed any remaining doubt about the versatility and fun factor. Bought the board the next day!Planing threshold- my nemesisMy short board gear (125 litre with sails up to 7.2, plus wave gear, Im 95 kg) needs a solid 15 knots of wind to start to work. This planing threshold is a big deal and for me at least, a massive source of frustration. So many days have wind that yo-yos from 10-20 knots to tempt the hopeful, or 5-15 knots but lovely warm summer weather. I hate wobbling about, struggling to get upwind and generally call it a day quickly. Lets stop pretending we live on the north shore of Maui where the summer trade winds blow 20-25 knots every day.I want to get out on the water more, dont need to be doing 30 knots or boosting massive, tweaked aerial etc. We work hard and need to be able to get out when and where we can and not have wait for 15+ knots. So what are the options?Windsurf and wing-foiling are fun in light-ish winds and especially the latter has really taken off (pun intended), but the gear is expensive and fragile, and foiling is not for everyone or all locations. I have freeride windsurf foiling gear and love the sensation of gliding around, which is a strange combination of full-on and dull! Not used it much since I got the LT though.Giant windsurf gear, effective but still needs 12 knots and the kit is unwieldly and expensive.High-performance long boards. From older Mistral Equipes and Fanatic Cats to the more modern Starboard Phantom etc. Amazing performance, expensive and better suited to winds over 10 knots, but narrow and not good for light winds.A Solution?Enter the Windsurfer LT, a retro design, brought up to date in 2016 and now distributed in big numbers around the world, all identical except for a little bit of branding (Windsurfer, Exocet, Mistral, Starboard, Naish, Gaastra etc). Wider, lighter and simply better than the original and, I think, quite beautiful, with harmonic lines.Heres the spec; 366cm long, 74cm wide, 15kg, 227 litres, big, stiff daggerboard, no straps. Add softish rails and a little tail rocker for manoeuvrability.The rig is a retro 5.7 that suits the board perfectly and is way better than you think it will be. In expert hands this exact kit is capable of 30 knots. Quick to rig and with quality components.It is easy to sail but challenging to sail well. Buy the board only if you have no intention to race and you have suitable rigs already, thats how I started, the one design rig can be added later.High performance does not necessarily mean fun!So, not very exciting looking, not the fastest in light, medium or strong winds, but is high performance a prerequisite for fun? Does everything have to be extreme and Red-Bull-fuelled? It turns out for me at least, it doesnt. Remember the DSBs (dedicated slalom boards) of the 90s?A lot of sports have gone hi-tech and high performance, (not to mention high price) including windsurfing, sailing, cycling etc. Does this increase participation, or in fact alienate the mass public that may aspire to some low to medium performance activity (otherwise known as fun)? I know what I think!Dont underestimate the Windsurfer LT the impatient board!But heres the thing, watch Spottys video froma wavey Geraldton in Australia on a stock LT, or his runs over 30 knots and you may have to rethink what this modest kit is capable of.My LT has lived on the vans roof rack constantly. It (she?) is as impatient as I am to get wet and wont wait for strong winds. There is no planing threshold with the LT, it simply goes faster as the wind picks up. The planing sensation is different to a shortboard, smooth, but less responsive, never feeling the need for foot straps as the deck is so grippy. People keep asking me does it really plane? The answer is a big yes, but there is always more of the board in the water. I regularly get above 20mph, and the standard kit is capable of 30 knots!But the most important factor is the way you sail it. We have toured Poole Harbour, seen seals, gone round Brownsea Island, been to Old Harrys Rocks, explored and surfed at Kimmeridge, blasted at Branksome and Sandbanks and nearly got round Hayling Island. Were going out today in the 15-20 knots, dont care if it drops to 6 knots or increases to 25. (if theres less than 5 knots, I can always paddle board on it anyway). I took it to Kerry, Ireland for the lighter wind days and to explore the islands and it worked perfectly for that too. In light winds you can comfortably chat as you sail.The Windsurfer moves through the water beautifully, particularly if theres enough wind and skill to rail it upwind. Also, the extra width makes downwind sailing so smooth and stable.And the LT is perfect to learn the basics on, a smaller daggerboard and rig is available to make this more accessible. Also, the LT is nice for just messing about with helicopter tacks, old school flare gybes how far back do you dare to stand to get it to really whip around? And rail-rides, remember them? With a bit of ingenuity, overnight camping gear can be lashed down for adventures further afield.The LT works with all sorts of rigs, so is an excellent board in its own right. I have used mine with 7.5m longboard sail and 7.2 and 6.2 freeride sails. I have now got the standard 5.7 rig too and have found it a bit of a retro revelation with its long boom and very soft feel, it is very powerful and effective over a massive wind range. The feedback you get is perfect for beginners and improving sailors and its very light and super quick to rig, requiring way more outhaul than downhaul. Makes you reassess the way a windsurfing sail works.Plan to try a wing on it ASAP, perfect way to get used to the basicsSUP tooMany of the user-friendly characteristics combine to make the LT an excellent all-round paddleboard, complete with leash point. So, from zero wind to 25 knots you have it covered. Get to the beach and go..Session saverHere is an example of a Windsurfer LT session-saver; Branksome Dene Chine, Poole, 12-20 knots, side shore with small waves, potential nice session on my Duotone Freewave 125 and 6.2 sail. But the wind was fickle and after a couple of wobbly runs I quickly traded the short board for the LT and scored an excellent session blasting around and even riding a few waves.Dont forget the racing!Before you even consider the LTs main attraction for many, one design racing. In Italy and Australia there are huge racing fleets (100+) and local, regional, national and world championships. See ex-world wave sailing champion Scott McKerchers recent article in Windsurf on his winning return in Perth, Australia. The racing is divided into course racing, slalom and long distance with a little old-school freestyle thrown in.Although the LT is relatively easy to sail well, to win races you will require a good deal of skill, especially to rail the board upwind, fitness and good set-up of board and rig, plus the strategic and tactical knowledge to finish consistently high up the fleet. As all sailors use the same equipment, the fleet is divided into weight categories so all competitors have a chance. But the competition is always promoted as 50% racing, 50 % fun so the apres sail is as good as the action on the water.LT in UK..?There are probably no more than a couple of dozen Windsurfer LTs in the UK, which is tiny compared to many other countries. If we can get the participation to a critical size there is potential for the LT to take off here too. Local races and cruises are being organised and we will be racing alongside the longboards in the UKWA series, with the Christchurch event on June 21/22 being our regognised Nationals.Maybe even have a go to the 2025 Europeans or WorldsThe good!Versatile, for nearly all conditions and locations.Simple, quick to rig.Huge racing fleets.Manoeuvrable, upwind ability, downwind stability.High quality and robust.Paddle boardable.The not idealQuite large and heavy -roof rack required.Not cheap around 2,500 complete (but value for money is off the scale in per session.Board only is around 1500).Some may prefer higher tech, high price and higher performance.Not good for jumping..(or at least landing!)If you live somewhere it always blows over 20 knots, may prefer smaller gear.Compared to..Old school long boards (Mistral Equipe, Fanatic Cat etc). Windsurfer LT is not as fast in planing conditions, but the extra width, softer rails and tail rocker makes it more fun and manoeuvrable.Modern longboards (Starboard Phantom etc). Higher performance than LT, but much more expensive, especially when taking the rig into account, and cluttered with straps.Modern learning/progressing boards (Duotone Eagle One, Starboard Start 2). These boards are wider, so more stable than the LT and have moderate upwind performance, but not designed to be raced and so not as versatile as the LT.Who is the Windsurfer LT for?For impatient or time-limited sailors wanting to spend more time on the water.Any windsurfer frustrated by having to wait for solid 15+ knots.Returning old-school windsurfers and dinghy sailors- they will love the responsiveness not being locked-in to the sailing club.Dinghy sailors dinghies have gone down the high-tech and high-performance route, the responsiveness, simplicity and transportability of the LT is very appealing.Sailing clubs Looking to offer a diverse, fun and simple way to get on the water for learning and racing.Families -looking for a simple, versatile beach and holiday toy that can also be used as a paddleboard.Old gits and young gits, could retro be the new cool?Give a Windsurfer LT a try, you might get hooked, like me!Windsurfer LT Stop PressDue to huge interest in these boards, H2O Sports in Poole will be placing another order for delivery in early May. Board only 1499 or complete with rig 2499. Its time to get onboard with the retro-revolution that is sweeping the world. Get in touch to secure your fun for the summer01202 733744History of the Windsurfer LTThe origins go back to legendary days of Hoyle Schweitzer and Jim Drake in 1967, eventually selling 400,000 units, the largest sailing class ever. Robbie Naish won the World Championships in 1976 at the age of 13 and an updated version of the board (Windsurfer One Design) was selected for the 1984 Olympics. As other race classes were introduced and the pursuit of higher performance became king, the fleets dwindled. A new project was started in 2016 updating the construction and design to become more ergonomic whilst keeping the racing and all-round appeal of the original. Hence the Windsurfer LT was born and there are large fleets established in Italy and Australia, with Worlds, European Championships attracting 200-300 competitors with emphasis being 50% racing:50% fun. The current biggest selling windsurfing kit in the worldWINDSURFER LTThe post THE WINDSURFER LT: ROGER TURNER appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

Dont Miss Out: Gear Up for SUP Season 2025! New April SUP Mag UK available nowPay by credit card with Stripe or Paypal. SUBSCRIBE HERE and receive your first issue of the full subscription of four magazines yearly starting with the current issue: April 2025 issue 44. CoachingQ&AsTravel and adventuresPaddle UK featuresRegularsSUPM supports and gives airtime to the UK SUP scene 100%. And were the only mag that does.The latest April 2025 issue of SUP Mag UK in print is available to purchase now Digital edition available @ https://joom.ag/UqjdFeaturing a huge array of SUP stories from across the planet and the crme de la crme of UK stand up stories, its a must have read for anyone into the art of propelling themselves forward on a board with a paddle.Available to order now.Any questions? Give us a call on 01480 465081 we will be glad to help.

London, UK 24th April 2025 After years of development, testing, and building strong paddler demand, Oscar Propulsion is proud to announce the launch of its own brand FlowForce SUP paddles, now available for direct purchase through its new e-commerce platform: http://www.oscarpropulsion.com/shop.At the heart of FlowForce is Oscar Propulsions patented cut blade technology, designed to improve paddle efficiency and minimise strain on the paddler dramatically. The result is a smoother, more controlled stroke that delivers more forward propulsion with less effort.Weve had hundreds of paddlers try FlowForce paddles over the last two yearsacross the UK, North America, and Europeand the feedback has been extraordinary, said Duncan Troy, CEO of Oscar Propulsion. People are telling us its a game-changer, so we decided to make it available directly to the community thats already behind it.Originally offered to existing paddle manufacturers for licensing, FlowForce is now being launched as a standalone SUP paddle range to meet growing consumer demand. With an emphasis on comfort, performance, and endurance, these paddles are already gaining traction among recreational and competitive paddlers alike.Key Benefits of FlowForce Technology:Reduced fatigue and joint strainIncreased energy transfer into forward motionGreater control and blade stability in challenging conditionsTested and approved for real-world performanceThe new online shop features the first FlowForce SUP paddle range, including a launch offer of free shipping and a paddle bag. Additional paddle sports variants, including kayak, canoe, dragon, and OC, will follow later this year.Visit www.oscarpropulsion.com/shop to explore the FlowForce range and experience the next evolution in paddle design.

As the days get longer and the water calls, its time to get your inflatable paddleboard out of storage and back in action.To ensure a smooth start to the season, we caught up with Paul, founder of SUP Services and one of Paddle UKs official partners, to learn his essential steps for checking, cleaning, and preparing your board for its next great adventures.Unpack and inspect your boardAfter months of storage, your SUP deserves a thorough check-up. Fully inflate the board and inspect it for:Punctures, leaks, or weak seamsAny worn-out material and warpingWear and tear on handles, fins, and D-ringsA simple soap and water test can help detect small leaks just apply soapy water to the seams and look for bubbles!Check the pump and valveYour SUP is only as good as your pump! Make sure:The pump hose isnt cracked or leakingThe gauge is functioning properlyThe valve on your board is clean and tight.A loose or faulty valve can lead to deflation issues, so test it by inflating the board and listening for any air leaks.Clean your board properlyGive your board a clean to remove dust, dirt, or salt buildup. Use:Mild soap and water (avoid harsh chemicals)A soft sponge or clothA rinse with fresh water, then air dry completelyNever store a wet boardit can lead to mould or material damage!Inspect and attach your finsFins are essential for stability, so check:That your fin box is free from sand or debrisMake sure the fin, box, screws and clips are in good conditionThe fin is secured before heading out.If you have a removable fin, make sure it locks in place to prevent it from being lost in the water.Check your leash and paddleYour leash keeps you safe, so ensure:No cracks or frays in the cordVelcro straps are strong and secure.Test your paddle by checking for:Secure and smooth adjustable sectionsNo signs of splitting or damage in the blade or shaft.A damaged paddle can ruin a great session, so replace worn-out parts before hitting the water.Store and transport it properlyIf you are driving to the water, protect your SUP by:Using a padded board bagKeeping it out of direct sunlight for long periodsAvoiding over-tightening straps (which can damage the board)After paddling, rinse your board with fresh water and store it in a cool, dry place away from the direct sunlight.Test it before your first adventure!Before heading out, do a test inflation and leave your board pumped up for a few hours to ensure it holds air properly. If any issues arise, its better to find them before you go on the water!Final thoughtTaking care of your inflatable paddleboard extends its lifespan and ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. As the owner, you are directly responsible for the environment your board is subject to. A little preparation now will save you from surprises laterso check, clean, and gear up for an amazing season on the water!Need help with repairs?SUP Services specialises in professional inflatable paddleboard repairs and servicingget in touch if you need assistance before your next adventure. Plus, you can access SUP Services for 15% off if youre a Paddle UK member. Head over to your member dashboard to find out how to redeem.

FINN MELLON'S ULTIMATE CHILE GUIDE!FINN MELLONS ULTIMATE CHILE GUIDE!Irish windsurfer Finn Mellon lays out his go-to guide for navigating Chiles raw and rugged coastline. After falling head over heels for the waves, culture and adventure in 2024, hes back this season and even planning a Wave Camp for next year. From when to go to, what gear to pack and how much its going to cost! This guide covers everything you need, to score in this epic wave-sailing playground.Photos: Fish Bowl Diaries and Finn Mellon!FINN MELLONHey, I am Finn Mellon, a wave chaser from Ireland, and this is my personal guide to one of the most incredible places Ive ever been: Chile.Last year was my first time exploring its wild coastline, and I instantly fell in love with the waves, the people, the rugged scenery, and the raw adventure of it all. It exceeded every expectation I had, and thats saying something! I knew I had to come back and here I am again, already planning my third return. Yeah, its that good.If youre curious about windsurfing in Chile, especially around the Matanzas / Navidad area, or just want a fresh spot to explore, Ive packed everything Ive learned into this guide; from when to come, what gear to bring, where to stay, and even how to survive your supermarket runs. And hey, Im also planning a Wave Experience Camp here next year; So, feel free to drop me a message!SOME BASICS ABOUT CHILE.There seems to be two times of year to come here for windsurfing. November-December, Windier chance of less swell. The chances of sailing jumping spots opens up.Jan/Feb Sounds best avoided in Windsurfing terms for the Navidad region. They get a lot of sea fog as the inland temperatures are much higher than the coast, this sea fog reduces the chances of getting much wind.March April This seems the best time of year for Waves & Wind combo. If you also surf, then can get on the water every single day and you will be amazed by the quality of conditions.GETTING HERE!Flights are okay for this time of year (April). Similar prices of Cape Town flights. For me coming from Ireland the best route is flying to the USA then to Chile. I flew with Delta Airlines, Dublin-Atlanta- Santiago for 780 return (not including board bags for 3X23kgs I paid 225 one way)For those looking to come from the UK/Euro it seems like flying from Madrid or Paris is a very popular option, Direct to SCL airport in Santiago. Lucas had an interesting route this year with Avianca airlines that flew from London- Bogota- Santiago.Once you land in Santiago it is a 2.5-hour drive Southwest to Matanzas, quite an easy drive. I recommend perhaps getting some food at the airport or nearby gas station if you are hungry on arrival. The drive doesnt have too many food options.Knowing some basic Spanish is important here in Chile, there is very little English spoken here, Its not like the Canary Islands! I like it like that, feels very authentic.GEAR TO BRINGThis is quite seasonal dependant. For Spring as I am now, your big sails are very important I have been on 5.0 for every session except one when I went 4.5 at Matanzas. However, it is useful to bring a medium small sail (in my case a 4.0) as if you stay at Topocalma all day it can often get pretty windy. If I were coming on holiday my quiver would be Goya 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0. Maybe bring a spare 400 Mast, Boards: Quatro 81L & 89L. (Weight 78/80kg)My most used board has been my big board.Pack a surfboard, one with a good amount of paddle power (often long paddles back to the point and rips).CAR / TRUCK RENTALWe have always had a 4X4, its not essential but is nice to have.Now that the other route to Topocalma has been much improved you can get there with a 2wheel drive but if money isnt a problem I would recommend 4X4 especially for a few of the surf spots. In general roads are pretty good this year, improved from last year.Lucas Victor & I have rented from friends of Victor in the past, but I know quite a lot of people use Rent A Car Chile to get their trucks.Bring roof rack straps!! Dont make the rookie mistake Lucas and I made on our first trip in forgetting straps ha ha.ACCOMMODATION OPTIONSI would aim to stay in Matanzas or surrounding areas like Pupuya.Lucas and I have been very lucky to have good friend Victor Fernandez offer us a place in his beautiful house that he built here in Matanzas in 2007.There are plenty of options around Matanzas ones to suit big or small groups at reasonable prices. From talking around I think people are paying between 20 and 40 euro a night.If you are looking for something a bit fancier, you can look to stay at Hotel Surazo, which is directly on the beach at Matanzas. You can roll out of bed, Watch the waves as you have breakfast then step out of your balcony onto the beach where you left your rigged gear! Its a beautiful hotel and the restaurant offers some fantastic food. You must get the chocolate fondant cake when you go. Victor got it many years ago and insisted we tried it too, Now I insist on you trying it too!DAILY LIVING & DINNER COSTSI must say the supermarkets are not cheap! And they are also very different to home, at first the shops are bit of a culture shock compared to shopping at home or in Cape Town. The shops are very basic.Matanzas has three little corner shops that have the essentials but when you are looking to do your weekly shop you drive 15 minutes to Navidad where a weeks shopping here is about 80/100 euro and the grocery shop is about 35 euro. The supermarkets here are quite a culture shock for us Europeans.Eating out in Matanzas comes with a little premium on prices.Pizza and a lemonade can cost 20 euro.Ceviche and drink 15 euro.An Empanada is 4 euro.Drive slightly out of town and you will find dinner/lunch that quite a bit cheaperHOTEL SURAZOHOTEL SURAZOCost of Staying in Hotel Surazo!A Private Room with a Double bed & Sea View is 180 a night.The Bunk Bedrooms which share up to 5 people are 50 per person.BREAKFAST & DINNERBreakfast at Surazo Ranges Between 5-10 euro.A beer costs 5/6 euroBottle of wine on average between 19 and 30Starter Costs roughly 12-13Steak for dinner expect around 23 or Fish for 18.Pizza 11-14 euroTRUCK RENTALWeek Truck rental from Rent a Car Chile.4X2 Toyota Hilux 401.17 57 a day4X4 Toyota Hilux 449- 64 a dayFORECASTSMy take on it so far is you are after SW or SSW winds, The more South the wind is the more offshore it is at Matanzas. Topocalma is pretty similar but maybe a bit more offshore. The first turn and out back sailing at Matanzas is surprisingly onshore at times.Swell Matanzas likes a SW swell as does Topocalma. NW and I think the swell comes more straight into the bay, thus making the wave faster and more of a closeout.GETTING TO TOPOCALMA!We used to drive along the beach and through the sand dunes which a 4X4 was essential for, but now they have improved the alternative route and its actually a really beautiful and much easier drive to Topocalma. It takes just a little over an hour. On this route you can easily do it in a 2-wheel drive. If you want a bit more comfort and piece of mind still worth going for a 4X4. Also dont be afraid to let air out of the wheels, Makes for a much more comfortable drive on the bumpy parts of the road.WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR AT TOPOCALMA & MATANZAS!At Topocalma you want to be careful not to get stuck on the beach, that mistake could leave you sleeping in your truck until the next person arrives. Long walk to anywhere from here. I would advise to bring a surfboard in case you were to get skunked on wind.When it comes to what to watch out for at Matanzas, there isnt too much besides the actual wave itself, I would recommend bringing a big board, as it would be very easy to completely sink here on your smaller equipment. When the swell is bigger, there is a lot of water moving around so maybe not the safest option if you are not too confident in your water capabilities. Much easier when its small. The rocks arent scary here, so not much to worry about there.Hope you have enjoyed reading a few pointers about Chile. I really recommend visiting here, it has become one of my favourite places in the world.WAVE CAMPAs I mentioned earlier, I will be running a Wave Camp in Chile next year, if you would like to hear more. Email me finn424@googlemail.com!COST SUMMARYScenario A: Budget Stay, Shared Costs!!Flights (per person)Flight + board bag = 1,230Truck Rental (shared)44 Toyota Hilux = 896 totalSplit between two = 448 per personBudget Accommodation (shared)30/night room split between two = 15 each14 nights x 15 = 210 per personFood (split)Groceries for 2 = 400 total 200 eachEating out (4 meals at 20, 4 at 10) = 120 per personMisc/Fuel (split)Fuel/other = 125 62.50 per personTotal: ~ 2,270 per personScenario B: Hotel Surazo, Shared Costs!!Flights (per person)Still 1,230Truck Rental (shared)Same as above = 448 per personHotel Surazo (shared 2 person)180/night private sea-view room90 each per night x 14 nights = 1,260 per personFood (mostly eating at hotel)7 dinners (23), 7 breakfasts (8), 3 pizzas (13), 2 ceviches )Fish dish) (15) = approx. 300 per personSome groceries/snacks: 100 per personMisc/Fuel (split)Same = 62.50 per personTotal: ~ 3,400 per personSummary:BUDGET STAY:COST PER PERSON: 2270HOTEL SURAZO (Shared) 3400The post FINN MELLONS ULTIMATE CHILE GUIDE! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

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