Were looking forward to a fantastic summer full of adventures on the water with #PaddleSafe.Weve teamed up with the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, for the third year running to help paddlers stay safe on the water this summer. Together, we share our five key safety messages every paddler should know. The #PaddleSafe campaign aims to raise awareness of how to prepare for any type of paddling and stay safe on any type of water. This could be at the coast or inland. Being safe on the water will only increase the fun you can have. These are our FIVE key messages to stay safe on the water this summer:Always wear a buoyancy aidWhen paddling, always wear a buoyancy aid or personal floatation device (PFD). It will help keep you afloat in case of an accident. Buoyancy aids can be worn when paddling all crafts, and stand-up paddleboarding is an option if it is a waist PFD. If paddleboarding, also ensure you wear the right leash for the environment and conditions youll be paddling in.Tell someone where youre goingBefore you head out paddling, tell someone on land your plans. Let me know your route, when youre going, and when you expect to return.Carry a mobile phoneBefore you head out on your paddling trip, make sure you carry a means of communication. Keep it within easy reach, and make sure its fully charged. You can bring your mobile in a waterproof pouch. If you find yourself in an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard or Fire and Rescue service.There are also lots of useful apps you can install on your mobile. From safety apps, weather tracking apps, and paddling routes.Check the weatherWeather can affect your paddling plans, so its vital to know the forecast, tide times win,d speed and direction before you head out. In the UK, theres always a chance of the weather changing quickly, and changes can catch us off guard. This is why its important to ensure youre prepared and plan accordingly. Make sure you wear the appropriate kit for the conditions youll be paddling in. For example, if its sunny, wear UV protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen.Know your limitsTake your skill level into account when planning a paddle. Do you have the experience and skills for the water you plan to paddle on? Do you have the right kit to be paddling on that water? If you have never been paddle boarding on moving water, think about taking some courses to help build you up to that. You should always stay within your ability and skill level. Paddle UK has several courses to help you level up your skills and safety.For further advice and guidance, you can direct people to visit Paddle UKs Go Paddling website: https://gopaddling.info/safe-paddle-summer/

The post Le Bigornose Crozon Longboard & SUP Festival 2025 appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.

ARE YOU READY FOR IT? POZO 2025 BUILD-UP & PREDICTIONS!ARE YOU READY FOR IT? POZO 2025 BUILD-UP & PREDICTIONS!Buckle up folksits that time of year again when the worlds best windsurfers descend on the wild and windswept shores of Pozo!Weve whipped up a whirlwind preview featuring the key contenders, a look back at last years crazy showdowns, plus bold predictions from our elite panel of carefully selected expert pundits Sarah Quita Offringa, Dieter Van Der Eyken, Lucas Meldrum, Robby Swift, Timo Mullen and Finn Mellon. So, hold on to your hats and get ready for Pozo 2025!So, whos your money on for Pozo 2025?Will Philip Kster come back from his 3rd place finish last year with a vengeance, unleashing his signature impeccable double loops and powerhouse onshore stunts? We heard he was unhappy with the way he was judged last yearhe even threw down a triple loop in the losers final out of frustration. That means he could be on the warpath this year! Orcan Marcilio Browne keep his unbeaten tour streak alive now he is up against the Pozo locals? Of course you cant discount Marino Gil, the 2024 champ, who could easily serve up another home-turf masterclass?What about the women?we heard on the grapevine that Daida Moreno is on the entry list once again, the queen of Pozo could well throw a spanner in the works for the 2025 title race. Obviously, Sarah Quita Offringa is a perennial threat, last years winner is one to watch and we are still waiting with bated breath to hear if Lina Erpenstein will be ready after her injury in Chile.fingers crossed she can take part. Dont discount Justyna Sniady who has been ripping in the warm-up sessions in Pozo and Vargas! Meanwhile, Alexia KieferPozo local is on a hot streak andknows this spot better than most. Also watch out for Sol Degrieck (still only 15!), who is growingtaller and stronger by the day and has been putting in the hours training in Pozo this year.ON THE RADARYep, its closing in fast Pozo is now firmly on the radar and all the players will be heading to Gran Canaria early to acclimatize to port tack onshore, after a string of mostly wave-riding-only events. Marcilio Browne and Robby Swift have already jetted in from Maui along with their families and have been straight into the thick of the action. We have seen Marcilio landing back loops on the wave so it looks like he is already getting dialled in.The locals have been out in force, showing who is boss at their home break! Philip Kster has been throwing push forwards for fun as well as back loops on the wave. Who knows what other tricks this Pozo magician has up his sleeve. Liam Dunkerbeck has been throwing down the moves and Marino Gil can fly into Gran Canaria air space when it gets windy. The Japanese crew, which include Takuma Sugi and Takara Ishii are also in town and those boys have plenty of Pozo experience under their belts and could cause some upsets!Oooh yes dont forget Ricardo Campello who is no doubt one of the best port tack jumpers on the planet. He will be sailing on the Monkey his new signature sail. If Campello can get on a roll, he could also be unstoppable with his crazy stalled doubles, extreme push forwards, insane table tops off the lips and huge frontside hacks.Thinktiny sails, relentless howling wind, rocket airs and onshore chaos. This isnt your average windsurfing locationits a full-on battleground and survival of the fittest.The 2025 entry list is stacked. The seasoned vets are quivering in their foot straps while the young guns are hungry to make their mark. Expect high drama, ridiculous jumps, and massive bail outsQuick recap from last year:Marino Gil took the win in style on his new JP / NeilPryde gear, edging out Julian Salmonn (no doubles or push forwards!) in second. Philip Kster had to settle for third, while surprise sensation PWA freestyle champion Dieter Van Der Eyken nailed fourth. World champion Marcilio Browne, always a crowd favourite, powered through the double elimination like a man possessed, climbing all the way to 9thwhich, thanks to the format last year was as far as he could progress. We are not sure yet if it will be the same format this year or the PWA will return to a full double eliminationMaybe they will wait for the forecast?Meanwhile, Marc Par, Simmers main man, missed out due to injury. But hes back, fired up and sailing better than ever. Keep an eye on him. In some of his latest video clips he is absolutely on fire.In the women, it was Sarah Quita Offringa who came out on top in the absence of Daida Moreno but we hear that Daida is considering entering again this year.Meanwhile Lina Erpenstien is serious doubt after picking up a nasty injury in Chile so it could be down to the likes of Justyna Sniady, Alexia Kiefer or Sol Degrieck who could land the podium slots.Get readyPozos about to go nuclear.POZO PREDICTIONSWhos your pick for the podium? Let the pre-event debates (and our wildly inaccurate predictions) begin!OKWe are going to throw our hat in the ring and here are the Windsurf Magazines top three predictions for men and women in 2025 at Pozo. We have also included a few wild cards who we predict could outdo their expectationshere goesWINDSURFMens Wave1: Philip Kster yep its about time Kster shows them who boss in Pozo. We reckon he is sailing better than everas long as the conditions are firing he will be tough to beat at his home break.2: Marcilio Brownebit boring but Marcilio is a machine these days and such is his crazy level, he is just so hard to beat. He comes with a clear game plan, totally prepared, bangs out doubles and push forwards for fun and rips in the waves. He is also very well backed by Goya and is never short of equipment designed specifically for him.3: Marino Gillast Years winner, goes massive but does he quite have the same mental strength and consistency of Philip Kster and Marcilio Brownewe will see.Womens Wave.1: Hmmm this is tough oneDaida Moreno. We think the queen of Pozo has the experience and the skills to win at here home spot. Daida is fiercely competitive and has all the moves. One way or another she will be hard to beat in Pozo unless the conditions are mediocre.2: Sarah Quita OffringaShe has incredible skills and she could well go all the way. Does Daida intimidate her? That is a possibilityso Sarah will have to get her game face on and unleash all of here skills to win back to back in Pozo.3: Justyna Sniady: We are giving the third slot to Justyna Sniady who looks to be going a lot higher this year in the jumps department. Her wave riding is solid and if she can raise here game in the jumps we think she is a contender!Wild CardsSimmers main man, Marc Pare returning from injury last year could go all the way. From some of the videos we have seen he is on fire and judging by his last two events, he is hungrier than ever to make up for lost time. Check out his stalled double on Instagram! Trains hard, works hard on his equipment and is full of passion, Pare is one to watch. We also reckon the likes of Liam Dunkerbeck could break into the top four in waves and his Duotone team-mate Victor Fernandez is not to be discounted either. Oooh then there is Campello and Antoine Martinboy this is tough narrowing it down.In the womens battle Alexia Kiefer is one that could even win in if the chips fall into place and also keep an eye on Lisa Wermeister and Maria Morales who are both improving sailors and could be forces to be reckoned with.LUCAS MELDRUMMEN:For men I think Philip Kster, Marc Pare, Marino Gil.WOMEN:For women Daida, if she competes, Sarah Quita Offringa, Alexia Kiefer.LM: I think Philip Kster will win this year I sense he has some unfinished business and hes sailing very well. Marc just looks flawless from what Ive seen with a lot of style and Marino has it all too after winning last year I think hell be up there again.Daidas free sailing is better than ever, 360s, shakas and landing some doubles, I dont think anyone can match it. Amazing how shes still improving every year! Sarah Q is always solid and competitively so in tune and Alexias wave riding and turns are some of the best including the men so I think that will take here to the podium again.WILD CARDIn the men, I think Adam Warchol could be a dark horse. Hes kind of out the radar for many people but hes slowly becoming one of the most powerful sailors on tour, almost Polakow style. Hes also now living in Pozo so knows the spot very well.Pozo survival tips!Probably eat a lot of cake and bulk up so you dont fly away on the windy daysha ha.Be careful where you rig your kit as some places the wind swirls around and can blow your board awayBring the smallest sail and board you have!DIETER VAN DER EYKENTop 3 men predictions1: Philip Kster I think his out for some revenge and he has been looking good on the wave which if you combine with his jumps is pretty unbeatable!2: Marino Gill, been sailing good but lets see how he deals with the pressure of being last years event winner.3: Marcilio BrowneWe havent seen him sail yet recently on port tack onshore but if you looked how dominant he was in the double elimination last year its hard to count him out..Hot shot to make the final Marc Pare, havent seen him sail but he has made a podium before has won two world cups so far and loves strong wind..Young Blood,I think Carlos Kiefer will step up good this year since he finally started to wave ride & puts quite some more time into it. Plus he got twice as big so if it goes ballistically windy he will have no problems at all.. Gregory Stathopoulos (on Goya) from from Greece also has been sailing well in Pozo. He likes the strong winds has the moves on the wave quite dialled in and will get his doubles pretty sorted by the contest start I would say!Own chances: I will be happy to sail top 10, more is possible potentially (less as well since the level is incredibly high) but will depend a lot on the circumstances. I feel good in my sailing but know I also need some more difficult conditions to excel in.Top 3 Womans predictions1: Daida Moreno, the queen is back and she is still ripping. She will be difficult to beat.2: Sarah Quita Offringa, she will be gunning for a good result and in my opinion the one that can get closest to Daida.3: Alexia Kiefer, she made her first podium at home last year, she did have an injury but is back on the water from what I have heard.Lina Erpenstein, still will be keen to compete but after her injury in Chile its a race against time to see if she will be able to compete or not Iballa has been sailing the best I have seen over winter on her wave riding so it will depends how the jumping goes and if she can cause some drama like in Tenerife last year.FINN MELLONTop 3 predictionsMen Marc Pare, Marcilio Browne and Philip Kster.Order hard to predict but I think this year might be Marcs year at Pozo. Hes looking on fire and has had a good winter traveling. I feel hes on a strong roll.Women Sarah Quita, Lina Erpenstien and Pauline Katz.Im not sure if the Moreno twins are doing the event but if so, they must be in the top three contention. Otherwise, I see Lina and Sarah battling for gold. I also have a good feeling about Paulines sailing at Pozo, shes been training real while by the looks of things.Wildcard SailorMen- Dieter Van Der Eyken and Liam Dunkerbeck!Women- Sol Degrieck.They are all fantastic sailors. I think Sol might have a breakthrough event one of these years so why not now? I saw her working on some good new wave moves.On the mens side I think Dieter is a great wildcard pick (Does that count after his great result last year? Ha ha) I feel he is such a technical sailor and sails such a clever heat so I can see him working his way through some good heats. And I heard hes been doing some nice doubles!Top 3 tips for surviving PozoBring an impact suit. Takes away some of the back slap.Look after your body! Pozo batters your feet, hands, back etc so look after yourself if you want to clock up plenty of hours on the water!Learn how to rig your small sails well!ROBBY SWIFTI would have to say its between Braw, Marino, Philip, Marc Pare and possibly Victor but I have a feeling the others might be a bit strong now.Actually forgot to mention Ricardo as he hasnt been competing in the past few events. Definitely add him to the possible top 3 situation!!Braw is Braw, he has been training like a machine. Very strong in the air and on the waves. Philip is Philip! He is also a machine. I think he was really underscored last year but his sailing is incredible. I hope he gets the correct scores this year. Marino is the youngest of the incredible Pozo sailors now. Full of fire, extremely technically sound and has a confidence about his sailing, both in and out of competition. I think he will be hard to beat. Marc wasnt able to compete in Pozo last year but won a couple of events right after so I think he will be fired up and on a mission. He will certainly be one to watch. I saw some videos of him ripping recently. On top form!WILDCARDMyself and Dieter managed to put ourselves in that picture last year. I would love to push into that bracket again, or even higher if I can! I have been training a lot so we will see. I think Alessio will be super fired up. He has been ripping. Julian Salmon did really well last year too, 2nd place. He will be one to watch.POZO TIPSI like to get there early as I think you need to try to expose yourself to those kinds of winds a lot to get comfortable in the strong, gusty winds. Its also a little counterintuitive but going fast makes it feel like you have less power in your sail so dont be scared and go slow. If youre new to Pozo, I would recommend to stay up wind and away from the bunker. There are always a lot of pros going really fast in and out down at the bunker and it can be intimidating. Also, there are nice little waves to ride up wind and some jump ramps without the threat of ending up on the shallow reef full of sea urchins. Many people head down to the bunker as soon as they get there and have an unfortunate, spiky walk of shame to get back in and then back up the beach, so try to avoid that!!I always try to warm up before sailing and stretch in the evenings. It helps get the body supple enough to handle the chop and the gusty winds. Also, do a bit of pre-training before you come. I always try to bulk up in the gym a bit before coming here, so I have a little extra muscle to handle the impacts. It seems to help!TIMO MULLENMEN1: Marc Pare I think he just wants it more than anyone else, he has the skills, he has the moves and he is in that next level where he can do everything but he has a different explosive element to his sailing, he makes the difficult moves look difficult, he is raw!2: Philip KsterThe video parts you most look forward too pre the event, Philip again is in that other league, Id say he gets screwed over by the judges a lot, probably because everything he does is so perfect, so it makes the moves he his doing look too easy. He should be getting extra points not less! Everyone wants to watch a Kelly Slater heat, Philip falls into that categorythe GOAT at Pozo.3: Victor FernandezThis is my wild card, but not so wild in my opinion. He wants another World Title, you can tell, he is super relaxed, he has all the moves, maybe lacking the Push Forward (he might well have those now) but he is technically unbeatable on a scoresheet!!Wildcards:Marcilio Browne: He actually was/is my number one, if he beatsKster or Pare in an earlier round he is 100% winning it.Marino Gil: He just dropped a banger of a video, just reminding us all if its nuking windy he will go the hardest, he has no fear at Pozo and bags of confidence and a great attitude, again he is a wild card for number 1!WOMEN1: Daida Moreno:She is back and throwing doubles! She has all the moves, Goitas, 360s, all the jumps, on paper she should win but she has had a few unlucky heats at Pozo conditions wise that can wobble her.2: Justyna Sniady: The pressure is off, she just has to go out and sail, do what she does free sailing and shell be on the podium.3: Alexia Kiefer:I love her style, she has the turns and the jumps, and the local knowledge, she is always smiling, so that alone should put her on the podium!!SARAH QUITA OFFRINGAWomen:1: Daida Moreno2: Sara Quita Offringa3: Justyna SniadyI dont think Lina will compete due to her injury..I asked Daida if shes competing the other day and she said shes thinking about it!In that case, I do think she will dominate. Ive seen her sailing and saw some clips, and she is not messing around, and possibly sailing better than ever. Any of us would have to have an outstanding heat and her an average heat to have any hopes of winning honestly. Either way, I love the challenge and will give it my all.Justina has spent so much time in Pozo and has really good strategy in the contests, besides that she has a solid variety of jumps, which for me will put her in the top three.Lisa Wermeister has been a stand-out rider to for me in general. Ive seen her spent hour and hours on the water, in any conditions. And I can see her pushing. I think she could do really well if she can just keep her head on her shoulders!Of course, Alexia Kiefer, Pauline Katz and Maria Morales will also be out there giving everyone a hard time.Men:Philip KsterMarc ParBrawMarino GilI can actually see any of these 4 take the win. But Im nudging a little more towards Philip Kster for the win, as hes done that multiple times and Im sure he wants to reclaim the Pozo title after last year.Everyone is amazing, but Philips jumps look effortless. To the point that they look easy.Besides that, he always has something special up his sleeve while wave riding.Its hard to put an order on the next riders but I feel like Marc is so solid in competition since last year. It will be really cool to see him make it to the top.Braw, is the most complete rider of them all and super fun to watch always in Pozo so would love to see him on top.And then Marino as last years winnerI wonder if he will feel a bit more pressure to do it again?But you knowhes sailing so solid and hes extremely confident. I think he will just go out and rip again.Lets see what Takuma Sugi does this year! I think hes still flying under the radar, even though he really stands out on the water!Tips for surviving Pozo nuclear winds:I broke my board on my first 3.3 session after 10 minutes. I dropped out of the sky on top of it.And then the second session I came out of the water extremely frustrated not having tried a single jump.Which, is the fairly normal procedure here. Every year you start over again.The first couple of sessions you feel like you cant do anything.And then after 3-4 sessions you start getting into it and really enjoy.So, I feel like the best way to tackle Pozo is to not have too high expectations and take it session by session.Eventually its the most normal thing in the world sailing in 45 knots on a 3.3m sail.If youre not sailing and the wind is driving you crazy. Have a coffee at El Viento and watch the action.Or get out of Pozo for the afternoon and enjoy a whole different scenery in the South, or go for a drive to Las Palmas PWA WORLD TOURWORLD WAVE TOURBEST JUMPS OF 2024!The post ARE YOU READY FOR IT? POZO 2025 BUILD-UP & PREDICTIONS! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

PUERTO RICO: THE ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENTPUERTO RICO: THE ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENTWhat began as just another stop on the WWT tour quickly turned into a full-blown love affair for Maria Andres. Drawn in by the islands vibrant energy and heartfelt hospitality, Maria discovered that Puerto Rico offers a paradise for water sports enthusiasts of all levels. From world-class windsurfing to thrilling wing foiling, the island is packed with epic spots and Maria has explored them all, compiling a detailed guide for fellow adventurers. If youre dreaming of turquoise waters, warm welcomes, and endless adventure, Puerto Rico is more than worth consideringit might just capture your heart too.Photos by: Matto Nativelle, Jorge Figueroa, Denise Blondet, Jerry Valenti, Bernd Roediger, Ardiel Jimenez, Irene Kravitz, Nelson Perez, Discover Puerto RicoText: Maria Andres.MA: I had always wanted to visit Puerto Rico. But my 90 days via ESTA were always reserved for Maui, so the island remained on my waiting list. Then, almost overnight, I discovered that the World Tour of windsurf (which I compete in) had added a stop in Puerto Rico! I had never been to the Caribbean either!This World Tour stop was the perfect excuse. I flew in full of curiosity, excitement, and all my toyswind, wing, surfboardutterly convinced I was landing in paradise. From the first stories they told me, transparent waves, temperate wind and the most active local water sports scene. I understood that this island was a nature playground. A glance from the plane window as we approached San Juan confirmed it: the turquoise blues of the lagoons and reefs contrasted with the white beaches and I could already picture myself flying at full speed over reefs, discovering new waves and beaches! Finally, I was going to visit Shacks, home to World class windsurf events when our spot was at its biggest!THE RIGHT PLACE, THE BEST EXPERIENCEThanks to my friend Charlie (a local waterman from Shacks), I ended up staying at Michael Gutirrezs house in Isabela. I didnt know him or anything about him, but one hug was enough to feel like family. Michael is living history: a pioneer of skate in Puerto Rico and California in the 70s, a pioneer of Puerto Rican surf, and one of the first to windsurf on the island. His kitchen became the gathering spot for international riders, all of us circling around him, listening to and sharing stories amid retro boards, rusty trophies, and black-and-white photos of a stylish barefoot Mike carving in a pool. Walking with him along the beach Look, we opened that wave in 78 instantly welcomed us with the warmest smiles from locals. Sharing those moments defined my trip: a community that adopts you before you even hit the water, riders offering advice and cold coconut waters as if you were part of the gang.On top of the local family, I was lucky to share moments with my sea family who were also traveling for the competition. DeniseBlondet (Peru)a whirlwind of energy that lifts everyone up; Taka (Japan), Russ and Bernd (Hawaii); and local Charliepartners in every adventure, making each session even more special! With them, the days were filled with hidden waterfalls, endless rides, street dinners, foraging fruit from our neighbor and pro surfer Ahmed Prez, and of course mastering the karaoke at Hobos! Every activity turned into a fit of laughter!ONE ISLAND, INFINITE SPOTSPuerto Rico is much larger than one imagines on the map: nearly 9,000km of land and about 1,125km of coastline packed with reefs, bays, points and channels. Its rectangular shape (178km 65km) means theres almost always a working spot whenever the wind blows: alizs to the east, swells to the west and endless combinations in between.The dominant wind is the NEE trade wind, especially reliable from December to September with averages of 1525knots. The season runs from November to August, with a peak of consistency from December to April. In autumn the breeze plays coy, but even then you can find 1015knot sessions. The wave season is from November to March, with regular Atlantic swell. Some beaches also pick up hurricane swells in summer (more sporadic and powerful).The water holds a pleasant 2629C year-round; I sailed in bikini or a lycra most of the timepure pleasure! Those consistent temperatures, combined with reefs protecting whole bays, create a natural theme park for wing foil: from worldclass waves to mirror-flat water, and everything in between.There are iconic spots for the predominant swell and wind directions, but I believe theres so much more to sail! Locals maintain such a strong favourite spots list that they dont feel the urgent need to explore. For an adventurous visitor, that means a nearly pristine map where every slight wind shift unveils a fresh frontier ready to be explored! That fascinates me!The conditions during my stay werent typical, weather reports sometimes brought showers or capricious directionsbut whenever the wind wavered, a mere half-hour drive would reveal a mirror-flat lagoon or a reef bursting to life. That improvised hunt turned the island into a continuous adventure playground.SPOTS: THE NORTHWESTI spent my early weeks around Isabela, with its worldclass waves, pristine beaches, and cheerful chiringuitos. Its a quiet, residential area with a surfers vibe in every corner. Within five minutes lie Surfers Beach, Wilderness, Montones, Hobos, Rincn, la Pared and Shacks, names that ignite any water person imagination. Terraces and food trucks invite you to gather after sessions. It is, without question, an ideal base.Montones gave us one of those magical wind foil sessions with light wind and long, slow waves. We were out with 5 and 6m wings and big foils, on a small beach pulsing with Caribbean vibes and laughter in the air. That day, Bernd se cur, as the Puerto Ricans say, and Im dying to surf like him someday!Wilderness and Surfers Beach were my favourite spots for pure regular surf sessionslong beaches with multiple peaks, where I could spend hours in the water. The wind direction is slightly different in these breaks, so you can choose according to it and have an epic session in a long peeling perfect wall wave with sections to do aerials! I found these spots to be just perfection! Unfortunately, I only got to surf them, but I could see the potential when the wind blows! Wilderness is a longer beach where the wave orientations varies a bit from one area to other so you have chances to choose how she on or off you want the ride to be! Pretty epic!La Pared is downwind from Shacks, reached by a dirt road that winds through lush nature. It offers a more forgiving wave than its neighbor but still breaks hollow and beautifully! I found it a super fun spot!! Where we could enjoy light wind days where Shocks, just a bit upwind, was not windy enough. It has peeling parts and sections too, super fun for both open face carves an aerial game too! In this spot, the days with west winds I manage to convince the locals to go and sail! Haha, it was a first and it was so fun!Shacks is a monster! Pure power and hollowness in a very mega shallow reef! It is more demanding, with a powerful main wave and a couple mellower sections around. You need some level to ride here, but if youve got it, youll be blown away! It is pure perfection! We got it big to compete, with a more westerly wave direction that made it a bit too much closing out and the wind was a bit too inshore, so the challenge was big! Still during the event, some riders like Bernd Roediger and Takara made it look incredible!Aguadilla Bay, right in front of the city, delivered on those days when nowhere else had wind. Its smooth and flat, no reefs or waves, just easy gliding on the wing. If youre learning or just want a mellow ride with your windsurfing gear, wing foil or kite, this place is super safe and ideal for beginners.THE NORTHWe ventured to Sarapa to compete there, in Vega Baja, in the north-central zone. This spot is my ideal Caribbean postcard: untouched nature, white sand, turquoise waters, palm trees, and several reefs and islets forming turquoise pools. The reefs are separated from the shore by a flat lagoon where you can build speed to jump in the waves! It truly is a natural amusement park! Just watch the tides for the shallow areas. Great for intermediate and advanced levels and to spend the day on an incredible beach! We had some heats in this spot, and when the wind was on, it was truly a game area!! What a fun location!! No danger, with multiple reefs and a perfect wind/wave orientation for riding and jumping! This was no doubt my favourite spot to have fun!! It was easy to park, with plenty of trees to set up camp and spend an awesome day! Here is where we did the World Tour finals, when I won the event in that final heat, so it is also a special place for me for sure!THE NORTHEAST SAN JUANMy final week was in San Juan, the capital, where I could savour with my new local friends the perfect mix of city and worldclass reef breaks alongside infinite lagoons! Punta Las Maras is a marvel: enormous lagoon areas where you can ride at will, enjoying Caribbean hues with a beautiful city backdrop and palms in the foreground. If you want waves, the reef lies further outmultiple lines with slightly different orientations so you can pick your preferred difficulty. Its a spot for everyone, each navigating their own challenge level, with any water sport toy! I loved how the riders gathered at the beach and commented and shared their sessions!One of my best windsurf sessions on the island was at Caballos, guided by Nelson and Irene, the souls of Punta Las Maras. Caballos is a worldclass wave just off the coast, about 2km from shore. A powerful wave adored by local surfers, and when it peaks, its a gift! I was lucky to windsurf it on a small day seeing its immense potential! It is fast, hollow, bending and accelerating as it goes! Pure adrenaline! Definitely one of my highlight experiences in this trip. In Caballos, you can hear the hum of the wave before you even see ita low, steady sound that gets under your skin and pulls you in. Its not just the power of the ocean; its the rhythm of the place itself. Riding on a break out far in the ocean, with beautiful San Juan right in front Magical.THE SOUTHI didnt have the conditions to explore it, but its packed with lagoons and reefs! With absolutely flat, turquoise waters perfect for shredding fast, without a doubt, still on my bucket list! La Parguera was one of the spots the locals told me about thousand times, a paradise for free ride, freestyle, slalom, wing foil and kiting!BEYOND THE WAVES: CULTURE, FLAVOR AND JUNGLEWhen the forecast said flat, the B-plan was just as epic as plan A: wandering around Old San Juan among pastel balconies, perfectly maintained architecture, spotless tropical streets, terraces and timbales at sunset. Old San Juan stole my heart, unbelievably friendly people. Making friends was effortless, natural fun. They gave tips on local tours, invited you to events and shared food! My experience with the people was absolutely unbeatable. What a marvel, Puerto Ricans; the way they welcome and embrace visitors!If youre drawn to mountains or forests, getting lost in the waterfalls of El Yunque, wandering beneath fern canopies, or exploring rivers deep in the islands lush interior is just perfect. Puerto Rico offers all of that and more. At night, you can paddle in complete silence through some of the most breath taking bioluminescent bays on Earthan experience straight out of a dream.The nearby islands of Culebra and Vieques are just a short and incredibly affordable ferry ride away. There, sea turtles roam the beaches, and secret spots wait to be discovered. On land, the flavours, the music, and that beautiful local accent wrap you in a warm, vibrant atmosphere that makes you feel instantly at home.PUERTO RICO ENTERS MY TOP 5!Puerto Rico slid effortlessly into my list of favourite destinations. Its impossible not to fall for the mix of diverse spotsfrom worldclass reef waves to crystal lagoons, the genuine hospitality of a community that embraces you without asking, the simple logistics of pristine roads and direct flights from Europe, the barefoot year-round climate and above all, knowing that hidden corners always remain to be explored. The Island of Enchantment is now unquestionably a Top5 destination for me.CANT WAIT TO VOLVEL COME BACK !Puerto Rico reminded me why I travel: to surprise myself, celebrate the unplanned, and discover that the world is still bigger than I expected. Today, as I write this, I can still feel the foils hum beneath my feet, the hum of the wave of Caballos, the thrill of racing across Sarapas turquoise water, the laughter after gliding perfect clean waves at Wildernesss with just Denise and Russ in the peak! and the echo of everyones stories in Michaels living room Because its already in my Top5, for the waves, for the wind, for the incredible new friends, for those direct flights I know I will return and because now, this island pulses on my map like a new home.Practical InformationStatus:S. unincorporated territory. Check out VISA needs.Currency: US Dollar (USD).Languages: Spanish (main), English.How to Get There: Direct flights from many US, South and Central America and European cities. Example: Madrid San Juan (8h 40m). Approximate round-trip price: 400600 with American Airlines / Iberia.Wind Season: December to April, winds from East to Northeast, 1525 knots.Wave Season: November to March.Gear Size Needed: Winds usually between 1025 knots, bring 3m to 6m wings and 3,7 to 5.0m windsurf sail (for me) depending on conditions. Check wind forecast before your trip.Water Temperature: 2629C year-round.Wetsuit: Swimwear + rash guard normally enough; thin shorty wetsuit recommended for early mornings.Getting Around: Car rental $2535 USD/day. Ferries to Vieques and Culebra from Ceiba.Gear Rental: Nelson & Irene at Punta Las Maras; wings, foils, SUP, surfboards available for all levels (Instagram: @noidea7665 ).Costs to Know: Empanadilla + coconut water $35 USD; gasoline ~$1 USD/liter; surfer room in Aguadilla $4070 USD/night; Asai $12 USD; typical Puerto Rican meal $915 USD, Tacos $915Dont forget: Impact vest, leash, booties, helmet, reef-safe sunscreen, pumpThe post PUERTO RICO: THE ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

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DAKHLA FREESTYLE: SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA AND ODA JOHANNEDAKHLA FREESTYLE: SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA AND ODA JOHANNESarah Quita and Oda Johanne have just hosted another of their awesome Windsurf University clinics in Dakhla and of course they managed to find some time for some free sailing and filming themselves between lessons! Picture perfect flat water, strong wind and two of the best female freestylers on the planet and it was the perfect recipe for some unforgettable sessions. Dont miss this incredible video of them pushing limits and having a blast!Thank you Dakhla ! We had a blast in freestyle paradise and a great @windsurf_university camp at this spot! Sailing in such strong wind and completely flat water right next to the sandbank is just unreal Thank you to @freak_windsurf_club_dakhla & @dakhla_attitude for hosting us. It was a pleasure to experience this spot. Thanks to @maioariasphoto for the footage and edit. Need any photos during your Dakhla stay? Then hes your guy!The post DAKHLA FREESTYLE: SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA AND ODA JOHANNE appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

TROPICAL DREAMS: BRAZIL ROAD TRIP TEAM JP / NPTROPICAL DREAMS: BRAZIL ROAD TRIP TEAM JP / NPBreaking away from the usual Maui backdrop, the JP / NeilPryde team hit the road for a breath-taking Brazilian adventure. Swapping island vibes for endless coastline, they set out to explore iconic spots and uncover a few hidden gems along the way. Their latest video Tropical Dreams captures the magic, the moments, and the unmistakable spirit of windsurfing in Brazil. Press play and get inspired to chase your own tropical dream.Team JP/Neilpryde followed the wind and found freedom on the water during the 2025 photo-shooting, road tripping along the iconic coastline of Ceara, Brasil. This trip was more than just a roadtripit was the dream every wind and water person carries deep down. Chasing the best conditions, soaking up the Brazilian culture, exploring untouched lagoons, and riding both iconic and off-the-map wingfoiling and windsurfing spots. From secret stretches of sand only the locals whispered about, every stop brought a new adventure. The days were long, the sessions epic, and the wind never let up. The 2025 gear delivered pure performance, every single time. This was wind liferaw, real, and unforgettable.Let our journey inspire yours featuring our 25 Windsurfing & Wingfoiling gear, discovering new spots and chasing perfect conditions. Whether you ride with a wing or a sail, the stoke is the same.JP AUSTRALIANEILPRYDEVideo & Edit: AALVAA MEDIA Location: Ceara, Brasil, special thanks goes to Club VentosRiders: Sarah-Quita Offringa, Kylie Belloeuvre, Greta Marchegger, Yentel Caers, Marino Gil Gherardi, Vinicius Martin, Riccardo Zorzi.Photographer: Philip MackenbrockThe post TROPICAL DREAMS: BRAZIL ROAD TRIP TEAM JP / NP appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

2025 WINDSURFER LT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP2025 WINDSURFER LT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPChristchurch UKWA: Penny Way, Steamer Point, Christchurch!Self-proclaimed Windsurfer LT ambassador Roger Turner reports in from the 2025 Windsurfer LT National Championship, held last weekend in beautiful Christchurch. At first glance, youd be forgiven for thinking the event photos were pulled from a dusty early 1980s photo albumbut spoiler alert: this was all happening last weekend. Retro is back big time! Fifteen enthusiastic competitors hit the water for a weekend of fast, furious and fantastically fun racing. And when the sails came down, the social scene lit uptrue to the spirit of the Windsurfer LT ethos: 50% racing, 50% social, 100% stoke!RT: So, we got it done!15 keen Windsurfer LT skippers turned up for our inaugural UK champs, great forecast and with the backup of the UKWA infrastructure. As a newbie racer all was made clear at the briefing on Saturday morning with Bob Ingram and his substantial team answering all my stupid questions. We were made so welcome, which is the nature of fellow windsurfers, plus perhaps also a recognition of where the Windsurfer LT racing fleet is headed. Throughout the world there is a massive return to the simple and fun racing offered by these versatile boards. The retro revolution is under way.After weighing-in (women, lightweight and heavyweight men) the racing got underway at about 11am sharing the split starting line with 14 race boards. We are at the opposite ends of the longboard spectrum, the race boards are narrow, with boxy sharp rails and hi-tech adjustable rigs, theyre really fast and efficient through the water, and expensive. Our Windsurfer LTs are essentially giant malibu surf boards with triangular sails, that can also be used as paddleboards and to teach on and much cheaper.With simple upwind /downwind two lap courses most of us got through the three 20-to-25-minute races on Saturday, with quite challenging conditions for the second race, as a good 15+ knot breeze and steep chop challenged our light wind settings. The wind dropped for most of the chilled afternoon, and the third race of the day was postponed until 6pm. These guys love to race! Our BBQs were put on hold and LT maestro Pauls 450 riddle solution delayed. Eventually we got to the food and a couple of beers, but with a feisty 20 knot forecast for Sunday, there was some restraint.5 races kicked off in rapid succession as the wind was building all the time, at least the chop was more manageable as the wind had swung round to the southwest. Some of the fleet struggled with conditions with fatigue showing in the 15-20 knot winds. (The Techno fleet impressed me with 30-50kg juniors hanging onto to 6.8 rigs, with iQFOiL and wingers zooming about at crazy angles.) Our top racers, Matt Wemms, Paul Leone, and Alysia Gibson showed their class with effortless handling and stunning speed, plus tactical skill. Matt has only used his new LT a couple of times, but his racing ability is awesome, with loads of wins.Matt WemmsThe event brought back the feeling from my youth! Super fun and friendly racing with a good social aspect to it. The board is simple, easy to rig and perfect to teach the family on after racing. Looking forward to more.Although (or perhaps because) the boards are relatively low tech, kit setup and the ability to drive the board upwind with gentle railing and then surfing waves downwind are key. My takeaways are that while recreational sailing gives you a basic level of fitness and board control, more practice in a variety of conditions is vital for competitive race performance. Paul Leone talked a group of us through some of the kit set-up parameters that we need to understand with at least 450 combinations, the riddle he has been taunting us with for the week leading up the racing.The aim is to get everyone around the racecourse with enough energy left to have a nice social time off the water. We will now consider what makes for a great event for the Windsurfer LT fleet where the racing is only one part of the fun. That is the ethos of the Windsurfer LT worldwide 50% sailing: 50% social. We are now attracting attention and sailors of all abilities and motivations. Watch here for news of whats next.This is the grass roots of our wonderful sport. Lets let it grow!The post 2025 WINDSURFER LT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.