LA PALMA SPEED UPDATELA PALMA SPEED UPDATEPlage du Rouet, La Palme keeps on giving. With new riders like Rob Douglas from the USA and Roger Ornvang from Sweden arriving for the wind. Records were going to go. Pete Davis gives us the latest update!Photos: Pete Davis.Audrey Marieagnes who broke the Womens 500m Wingfoil world record (All Subject to WSSRC Ratification) last week pushed the record even higher with a 30.47 knot run just beating by 0.05 of a knot UKs Richard Hobson who pushed his British record over 30 knots to 30.42.Roger Ornvang from Sweden who drive 26 hours from Sweden to take part went out 1st on his Windsurf equipment but couldnt beat his own Swedish record, so changed to his kite gear and set a new Swedish Kite mile record of 32.42 knots over the Nautical mile. Rob Douglas from Marthas Vineyard in the USA got close to is kite record over the mile but couldnt get over the line so switched to his Wingfoil gear but was a few tenths of the USA record.Just when we thought the day was done Audrey decided to try for the Nautical mile record on Wingfoil. Amazingly in light winds achieved a new womens mile Nautical record of 26.42 knots. So now subject to ratification will hold both 500m and Nautical mile womens world records.With strong winds forecast for the 3rd 4th and 5th just before the event closes on the 7th the organisers are hoping for more records to fall. Keep watching for more updates. If the forecast holds, Antoine Albeau and the Dutch Speed specialists are all booked in!https://www.worldspeedtour.com/The post LA PALMA SPEED UPDATE appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

Words: Carmen KuntzPhotos: Role Bregar & Rok RozmanSoca guidebookThe Soa guidebook can be purchased at many local paddling shops and on the Balkan River Defence website: https://balkanriverdefence.orgFrom source to sea on the Soaand everything inbetween paddles, politics, and ploversFor paddlers, there exists a land of fairy tales. A magical world where a river begins as a trickle in the mountains, growing into white water that rushes through grey-white limestone canyons, whose walls were carved by centuries of flowing water. Through gravel bars, it flows, with vistas of mountains and sky before plunging into boulder gardens, flowing beneath ancient bridges, winding through fertile fields, old towns, and small villages before eventually mixing with the Adriatic Sea.From Slovenia to Italy, it runsThrough war-scarred mountains and flatlands that still nourish thousands. From sharp mountain peaks to lowland marshes and into an exotic inland sea before finally meeting with the worlds waters.A place where those who wield paddles can find a stretch of river for every ability and type of vessel. Its a place where the put-ins and take-outs are spacious, and the shuttle is uncomplicated. Where the beer is cold, and the pizza is hot. Where campsites welcome old camper vans and where the showers are hot and the coffee fresh. Where you can meet like-minded, paddle-passionate people from around Europe and the world.The Soa ValleyBut an ominous shadow looms over the Soa, cast by a villainous, unjust decree. Paddlers face discrimination compared to swimmers and others, and they are charged steep fees for access and use of the river. The most supernatural section of the river has been forbidden for reasons that are not based in fact.I am one of four friends who are on a six-day quest to paddle the Soa from its hidden alpine source in the Julian Alps to where its waters turn salty, joining the Adriatic in Italy. Our mission: explore lesser-known stretches, paddling the entire river. With me are three Slovenes who call any moving water of this river-rich country home. Im the foreigner of this crew, but after calling this valley home for six years, Im no stranger to the river, tributaries, mountains and forests that enchant this place.Two of us had been on a similar journey before, paddling the Soa from source to sea to help protect the river and raise awareness of its threats. Rok Rozman, the leader of this trip and the founder of the river conservation movement Balkan River Defence led the trip, and I came along as the on-water journalist.For five years, he organised Balkan Rivers Tours, where river lovers could join for the paddle, protest, press conference, and party formula that snowballed into Europes largest grassroots river conservation movement. That source to sea descent was rowdier.This one is quieter and slower-paced, focused on exploration and camaraderie. Its about having a good time discovering the most unknown stretches of one of the most famous rivers in Europe. About going slow, letting the river eddy us out and open our eyes to lessons.For Branko and Bor, this was their first time using paddle power to get from source to sea, but we have been on many different rivers together, a crew that finds harmony in the differences in our personalities, paddling styles and abilities. A crew of good friends paddling down a good river.A bears-eye viewWe began the quest by filling our water bottles from the source of the Soa above the village of Trenta, where the impossibly clear blue water seeps from a limestone crack and tumbles through shallow cascades, sometimes disappearing under deep gravel deposits rocks that fell from the mountains of Triglav National Park.Paddling is forbidden on the first 20 kilometres of the river, which is too fragile and shallow for boats, so we hiked along it instead, watching it grow from a bears-eye view, an unusual perspective for kayakers. We crossed romantic hanging bridges, gaining yet another vantage: water birds skimming over the sunlit spray and shimmering whitewater. Though the path was easy, the 16 kilometres took us most of the day, providing a chance to stretch our legs and minds for the start of our source-to-sea mission.Day two starts when we leave our van with our shuttle hero and put in at Velika Korita, literally launching into the trip, sliding off the rock ledge and splashing into the river. We paddle down to the village of ezsoa, mingling with other kayakers, enjoying the friendly May flows, warming up with rock splats and tight eddies turns, and greeting the Soa, our guide for the next five days. The river even provided some hydration as we found beers floating down the river, washed away from some poor souls upstream.Then, the Soa spreads her fingers into small channels and deeper pools through braided gravel bars that could trick you into thinking you teleported to British Columbia. I alternate gazing up at the snow-dusted Kanin mountains and peering down at the flash of silver of a native marble trout under my boat. Its early spring, so the sunbathers and swimmers havent yet arrived, and we have the river to ourselves. We encounter only one other vessel, a local raft guide, taking his daughter out in a mini raft. We alternate between either floating and chatting or paddling in silent contemplation. We pass the mighty Boka waterfall on our right and also meet the Uja stream, which flows from Italy into Slovenia.A busy place in summerThe stretch of river from Serpenica 1 to Trnovo 1 is well-known and frequently paddled, offering varied lines based on the rivers flow and the paddlers mood. Its a place where skills can be honed and Eskimo rolls tested with minimal risks. But its a busy place in the summer months, with rafts from all over Europe bouncing and screaming their way down the river. We enjoy the lively whitewater but are happy to leave behind even the few rafts we encounter, ready to enjoy the volume of water and increased speed that the Moka section offers.At the Trnovo II take-out, two of our four-person team take-out, and Rok and I continue on. This is the pinnacle of whitewater kayaking in a country known for creating solid whitewater paddlers. Although both local and foreign kayakers are inclined to lap the Katarakt, running the stretch from Trnovo II to Kobarid multiple times a day, this culture of speed and quantity doesnt suit us, and the boys arent yet ready to venture into the gorge. I let the first few splashes of whitewater wash away the controversial and arguably unlawful decree that forbids kayaking here.Thoughts and worries beyond where I will place my paddle and boat dissolve as we get lost in the flow of linking moves, eddy hopping, boofing, and communicating through grins rather than words.Branko and Bor meet us at the Otona pool, warmed up by their hike down the steep steps to the deep emerald pool. Every high water event changes the river slightly, and we pause to observe a new hole that formed last fall, Rok pointing out the moves needed to avoid it. This dynamic nature of rivers makes them ever interesting for kayakers. One might say you cant paddle the same river twice.Early morning sun and espresso mixesAfter a night (and a few pints) at the paddler-owned Kamp Koren on the edge of the river in Kobaird, we are back on the water, letting the early morning sun and espresso mixes to bring us back to life. Drifting under the Napolean bridge, there is a stark difference in the beauty of the bridge that spans the box canyon a human structure needed and built (or rebuilt) with taste and class and the river engineering that used force to redesign the riverbed and banks below Kobarid.Temporarily taming the riverI understand the need for order and management. If the river washed out the road, how would locals get to their homes? However, temporarily taming the river, which will naturally rearrange itself throughout the following few high-water events, seems wasteful and harmful.When heavy rain batters the valley, the resulting high waters move as much as 73,000 cubic metres of gravel and 57,000 cubic metres of sand and sediment annually under the Napoleon Bridge. This gravel shapes the river downstream, but today, that gravel is a resource, and humans extract it, negatively impacting the river as the quality of gravel changes. This is important to fish who like this slower flow and shallow riverbed for spawning. This extraction has even caused the river to cut into the riverbed in places noticeable to the naked but observant eye.This stretch can be enjoyed at a large range of water levels, and with the distinct cleft of Krn Mountain overhead, this section offers maximum ease and spectacular views with minimal risk and effort. We pass the town of Tolmin and the confluence with the Tolminka, where the clear water of this mountain stream mixes with the already milky blue of the Soa. Milky. Not gin-clear like upstream. Next comes another lesson in the never-ending and always controversial balance between human needs (energy production, resource extraction and irrigation for food production) and human stupidity. The Podselo dam is the first of seven reservoirs caused by seven large dams on the Soa.Using nature to our advantageYesterday, I used electricity to charge my phone and headlight, which was possibly produced by this dam. I pitched my tent on gravel either deposited or extracted from the Soa. And the zucchini we grilled with our steaks last night were likely grown on the Friulian flatlands in Italy, irrigated with water from the Soa.Modern comforts require that we use nature to our advantage. But its a question of balance. Of forethought and intelligence. Every type of energy production has an impact on the environment. And I use (and enjoy) the comforts it creates. But how many dams are too many? Is this the best way to produce energy here? Are large dams damaging water quality? Are they a smart idea in an area prone to earthquakes?MussoliniBack in 1939, when Mussolini built the first and second oldest of the seven dams that block the Soa, hydropower was arguably the only method of energy production possible for this region. But today, there are alternatives, and in times when weather events are becoming more extreme, tampering with the water supply is risky business. These are the kinds of conversations we have as we paddle. Some within my own head, some out loud, as we all digest what we are seeing and experiencing in our own way.From now on, we dont see any other kayakers or rafters as few paddlers frequent this part of the river that is so heavily managed by humans and blocked by dams. But to get to the sea and truly understand the river, we were going to paddle and see it all. The reservoir completely swallows the flow of the Soa here, visible in the slow movement of the waters of the Idrijca River as it visibly mixes with the Soa. The dam appears a couple of kilometres later, and our path is blocked. We studied water levels in advance to be sure it was safe to venture so close, and once we reached the sign hanging on a cable overhead, we turned our boats around and paddled back to Most Na Soi, where the van was waiting.We sleep beside the Soa again at the campsite, rafting base, and restaurant upstream of Tolmin. This required the use of our van and friend/driver, but its possible to arrange the trip so that backtracking isnt needed.Podselo DamThe next day, we drive below the Podselo Dam and climb down to the river, where we are forced at times to walk and push ourselves through the shallow water. Examining the boulders and canyon walls, its impossible not to imagine what this part of the river looked like when it was wild.The gorge above and below the Podselo Dam would likely be todays main rafting section and a stretch frequented by kayakers. It would have more volume than the upper Soa thanks to the box canyon and the increase of water provided by the Idrijca River and would be quite technical with boulder gardens and drops. It would be no, it once was something incredible.The Ajba Dam arrives too soon, but I enjoyed the tropical feel of paddling the flatwater past ivy-laden walls and an ancient arched railway bridge a few kilometres before the dam. We take out on the right and take to foot, walking around the dam in single file on the busy regional road. We are forced to miss about 1.5 km of the Soa here, as access to the river is scarce, and the water levels are not conducive to paddling. Below the petrol station, just before the town of Kanal ob Soi, we are back on the water, and the Mediterranean feeling is apparent, paddling under the high arching bridge with colourful houses leaning over the river.Gravel bars, pools and shallow stretches alternate, and I start to get the feeling that the river is coming alive again after the dams when the scary silhouette of the tower and factory of the formerly socialist asbestos (currently capitalist cement) production facility comes into view. A few quick paddle strokes and the unsightly smear on the river and valley are behind us, but the reminder of what human greed and narrow-minded thinking can do to nature sticks with us.About 10 km of flat water awaits us after the town of Deskle (where a short break for pizza or ice cream is perhaps warranted). The paddle is far from peaceful, with train tracks on one side and a road on the other, but we each find our flow pulling through the flat water. Branko passes the time whistling complex tunes while Bor scans for birds. Rok is far ahead, zooming along in his longboat. And Im somewhere in the middle, daydreaming and enjoying the sun on my face and the burn in my forearms.We take out and walk around the massive Solkan Hydropower Plant and walk around on the sidewalk to drop our boats back in the water upstream of the Solkan Bridge, an 85-metre stone arch and the largest stone arch railway bridge in the world.The kayaking town of SolkanWe end the day in the kayaking town of Solkan, clumsily dodging gates in the whitewater of the slalom course, which hosts junior slalom races each year and even hosted the junior world championships in 2006. We leave our boats by the kayak club clubhouse and sleep indoors for a change at the local hostel, also owned by kayakers, who provide space in the bike storage cage to hang wet, stinky gear.Italy-bound on day five, we put in at the kayak club and drifted across the border just a few hundred meters after the new pedestrian bridge that connects Slovenia with Italy. Its hard to believe its the same river that we paddled yesterday, the flatwater and inundated shoreline replaced by a sense of remoteness with deeper water, rocky outcroppings and lush vegetation hanging over the water.Here, the river changes names and is now called the Isonzo. We take out at the Puima Park well before the Piuma Dam and the hydropower plant in Straccis, which diverts huge amounts of water into irrigation canals on the left bank which we want to be sure to stay far away from.Piedmont DamIn the next 2 km, there are three dams, each of which can be dangerous or tricky to bypass, so we choose to enjoy a coffee and some sweets before driving around to the put-in below the Piedmont Dam. We weave with the river amongst the gravel bar with high water shapes. A bit downstream, the deep green of the Vipava River flows in, and we paddle up the river, which originates in Slovenia, to see if we can catch a glimpse of the massive catfish or pike it is known for. We navigate over the Gradisca dIsonzo and Sagrado Dams, which require significant knowledge of the area and the water levels to navigate safely.The day was characterised by the challenges of navigating dams and barriers that were unfriendly (to both paddlers and wildlife). Without knowledge of the area and details on put-ins and take-outs, this section can potentially be more dangerous than the grade IV whitewater of the upper Soa. We take our time, stop for good food at locally-owned riverside trattorias and always maintain awareness. And yet, even between these dams, the scenery never disappoints. I enjoy resting my eyes on long stretches of green undergrowth, pretty parks and cute villages with ancient architecture, proving that humans and the river have coexisted here for a long time.At the bottom of the last dam, the Sagrado Dam, the river grows more wild again. With no campsites around, we opt for the gravel bar rather than one of many apartments or bed and breakfasts nearby. We beach our kayaks on the pebbled riverbank, pop off our sprayskirts and stretch our legs on top of our boats, leaning back and surveying the pebbled bar, assessing the best locations to cook, sleep and hang out. To onlookers, we might appear lazy or even confused. But because its late May, meaning nesting season for many waterbirds, we quickly scan the gravel and wait patiently for one small resident to show itself.Respect and care are neededThe little ringed plover (Charadrius Dubius) is one of many residents that call gravel bars home. They nest on bare ground, laying camouflaged eggs that can be mistaken for pebbles. With no sign of this cute little bird, we set up a camp, a couple of tents and a humble fire pit below the high water line. A paddle gives you access to places less visited by humans; thus, respect and care are needed. When we push off the next morning, it looks as if we have never been here.On our final day, we let the Mediterranean pace catch up to us as we near the Adriatic Sea. Water levels are important during this segment, as the intensive use and re-direction of water from the Soa here, used for agriculture, means that the Soa can dry up completely during warm summer months a tragic and unacceptable way to treat such a majestic river.We rode the snowmelt wave and enjoyed the bird activity on the snow-white gravel bars, which were washed clean by high waters earlier in the spring. And digest the last five days spent on the Soa/Isonzo. This source to sea trip down the Soa deepened my reflections about the harmonious blur between humans and nature, an insight into how close humans and nature can live if we are smart. And how nature can recover if we give it a little space.A six-day ecology, history, geology, and engineering lessonWinding like a river especially one as complex as the Soa sure isnt the shortest path to the sea, but I can say that it is the most enjoyable. Its a six-day ecology, history, geology, and engineering lesson. Its an excuse not to take life too seriously. It is a chance to show the villains that there is so much more to the Soa than those stretches they are holding hostage with fees and bans, and at the same time, it illustrates the incredible resilience of a river blocked by dams. Neither decrees nor dams can take the joy out of paddling because we can find joy anytime we are on the water.For example, we get carried away when immersed in a good story or colourful fairytale. Bird watching, daydreaming and flowing with the outgoing tide is pure bliss. We test the water for salt content and chase the salt with sips of beer before we realise just how fast the tide is sucking us out to sea! The final paddle strokes of this mellow source-to-sea expedition were contradictory to the whole experience as we paddled against the flow back to the fishing hamlet of Villaggio Punta Sdobba. Over cold beers at the nearby hotel, we are already talking about doing it again because we know that each trip down this mystical river will be different because she is (mostly) wild and still (quite) healthy. Just like us.

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CLUB VASS OSCARS: BEHIND THE SCENESCLUB VASS OSCARS: BEHIND THE SCENESEver wondered what happens when you mix windsurfers, Greek wine and wildly ambitious film plots? Welcome to the Club Vass Oscars where the acting is questionable, the behind-the-scenes chaos deserves its own documentary and wigs and lycra are mandatory. Lets face it you cant laugh at yourself, who can you laugh atand in the name of entertainment the Club Vass team have gone above and beyond to keeps their guests amused!If youve been to Club Vass, chances are youve experienced the much-celebrated Club Vass Oscars. At the very least youve probably heard of them and possibly seen some jaw-dropping clips on YouTube. Oscar Night with its unique blend of windsurfing culture, ingenious filmmaking and unfiltered creativity has become a much-loved highlight of the season. The crew put in an extraordinary amount of effort, juggling coaching with camera action to bring these blockbusters to the beach. After many weeks of intense filming, the epic productions are shown on a big outdoor screen at the legendary Friday Night BBQ. They always pull in a big crowd of guests, staff, and many other enthralled spectators from nearby centres and Vassiliki village.Starting Out: Stars in their EyesThe origins of the Club Vass Oscars are a little hazy, like many a Club Vass BBQ night! Back in the early days, the BBQ always included some form of entertainment, starting in 1987 as a somewhat impromptu staff-and-guests talent show. When Club Vass relocated to its current site and hotel, the ante was well and truly upped.Club Manager Ollie Scott long-time mate, Beach Manager Tom Peel, with his thespian roots, were very much involved in the evolution of this movie madness. With the help of creatively inclined staff, including graphic designer Mountain Bike Mark Thurgood, Aussie Pete Lotz and Andy Wellbelove, they began creating short, quirky sketches. They came up with iconic filmed sketches like What Goes into the Punch? and How to Make a Windsurf Instructor, low-tech, high-humour pieces filmed on the same hand-held camcorders used for coaching. Over time these became increasingly ambitious and gradually evolved into Oscar Night as we know it today.The Early Days: Raw BrillianceLong before smartphones, TikTok, and Instagram turned everyone into a filmmaker, the Club Vass crew were putting serious graft into their homegrown productions. The effects were simple, but the effort and imagination were next level. Some stand-out early efforts included the original Top Gun and Forrest Gump as well as pun-heavy creations like The Man with the Golden Buns,Club Vass Boys Vs Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders Call Me Maybeand Gay Watch. Many of these masterpieces were truly inspired, but some are possibly best left in the archives as testimony to less woke times.Lights, Camera, Chaos!So how do they go about making these cinematic gems? A huge amount of behind-the-scenes work goes into the creative process. The team thrive on the work-hard-play-hard ethic of the place, but theyre more than ready to step up the pace when theres Oscar glory at stake. Somehow, they find time to write, shoot, direct, and edit full-blown mini-movies. The ideas usually hatch organically often over drinks at the bar, on the beach, or mid-rigging session. Theres no obligation to join in, but theres never a shortage of volunteers, from directors and scriptwriters to costume designers, prop builders, and of course, the fearless cast. Filming is fitted into the teams spare time, often with early morning starts to take advantage of the dawn light and sometimes whole scenes shot at night in the bars in the village to the wonder of tourists and, to a lesser extent, the locals they are pretty used to the Club Vass crews antics!Bring in the Pros Among the squad are some true professionals, including long-time team member and BBC cameraman, Eoin McLoughlin, who has helped raise production values with serious kit and know-how. Amateur dramatist Tom Peel is renowned for his directing skills, particularly in pulling off a spell-binding performance from Vangelis in Joker. And, while the Oscars are all about entertainment, theyre taken pretty seriously. There are storyboards, shooting schedules and even the occasional cast dismissal for lateness or other misdemeanours. All in good fun, of course.On LocationThe team are always pretty creative when it comes to finding the perfect settings for scenes. The watch tower and rescue boats were obvious choices for Baywatch. The Club pick-up has been seen various guises and been a perfect prop on many shoots. For a few years, the half-built hotel next to Club Vass, known locally (tongue firmly in cheek) as the Crack-Den lent itself perfectly for the more urban or horror-inspired productions, for example Batman and Joker. It has just been totally developed as the uber-luxurious Cross-shore Apartments, now available as part of Club Vasss accommodation (contact details below for more information). No doubt this deluxe complex will inspire future high-glam mini-moviesAll-Time Classics: Magic MomentsOver the years, some productions have become Club Vass folklore. Fan favourites include:Top Gun Maverick The initial idea was to use mini model planes (as in the original Club Vass Top Gun), but the guys came up with the genius idea of using windsurfers as fighter jets, with hindsight a no-brainer for a windsurf school! One issue was that the protagonists had to wear headgear to look like pilots and the best available option was motorbike helmets, not ideally suited for forward loops, but anything for their art! Shooting was pretty challenging as filming had to take place during cross-shore, when the stars were busy teaching & running the beach and of course multiple takes were needed to get that precision synchronisation that makes the finished production so polished and jaw-dropping.JokerTom Peel: Perhaps the trickiest part of filming was the motorbike tracking scene.We needed to capture lead actor Vangelis on his motorbike, driving through a packed Vassiliki in full joker costume. I was in front of Vaggi, navigating a moped, with Eoin on the back, the wrong way round, trying to film the scene through a bewildered crowd of holidaymakers; it was totally chaotic but hilarious! We then headed over to neighbouring sailing club Wildwind to crash their live band night to film the crowd party scene.All in a days work on the Oscars set!Barbie Props are not always easy to source in Vassiliki, luckily some staff were flying out just in time and thought nothing of wearing the required pink cowboy hats for the entire journey!Some newcomers to Club Vass may have been bemused to see Ollie and Sarah carving it up in pink tutus for Barbie, but long-time clients barely batted an eyelid. In fact, many guests are always keen to get involved from playing crowd scene extras to lending their hotel rooms for specific sets.JuVassic Park One stand-out filming moment was Max Rowe blasting across the bay in a full inflatable T-Rex costume. And who can forget the mesmerising performance by bar manager Matt when he first encounters the prehistoric beasts one early morning up in the hills of Lefkada.BatmanDuring shooting, a fully suited Batman appeared on the roof of the half-built hotel (Crack-Den) next to the club, causing mayhem in KidsClub. The little ones were awe-struck at the convincing vision of Ed Seatter, fully costumed up in the middle of a heatwave; Look, its the real Batman! they gasped.There are too many magic moments to recall, but few can forget Colin Dixons compelling performances as Sharon Stone in Basic Instinctand Captain Barbossa in Pirates of Vassiliki. And Lucas Booth and Jasmin Park, both aged about 5 totally stole the scene as the young Forrest Gump & Jenny.If this has inspired to discover or re-visit this hotbed of talent, you can check out some of the true Club Vass Oscars greats on the Club Vass YouTube ChannelComing SoonExcitement is already building for the 2025 Hollywood themed BBQ (AKA Oscar Night) on the 9th August. Production is already in motion, but this years selection is a closely-guarded secret. If you havent already booked your place, get in touch now and start planning your fancy dress outfit for a star-studded night in Vassiliki and some epic windsurfing of course!CLUB VASS YOUTUBEOooh and dont forget to book an unforgettable holiday to Club Vass where you can meet these Hollywood stars in real life details below!www.clubvass.com 00 44 1992 874566 info@clubvass.netThats all folks!The post CLUB VASS OSCARS: BEHIND THE SCENES appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

The CINoserideris a traditional log built to makenoseridingeasier. A thoughtfullycrafted board thatresulted from a collaboration between master shaper Wayne Rich and surfer Devon Howard, the CI Noserider is a best-in-class design that maximizes your time on the nose while remaining lively and sensitive off the tail.With no edge in the tail, the CI Noserider ensures riders the best hold possible while on the nose. Its finely-foiled, upturned tail rail is seamlessly integrated with Waynes covetednoseridingrocker, nose concave features and other bottom contours hes meticulously refined over several decades with many of the worlds best longboard surfers.While most noserider designs have full, wide-templated nose outlines (19 inches +), the CINoserideris intentionally pulled in just a tadensuring it doesnt hinder highline trim lines or turns in bowly sections without sacrificing world class noseriding. Its tail block width is alsointentionallydesigned to be quite balanced: just wide enough to anchor yournoseridesbut narrow enough that you can confidently drive through turns in the pocket.The CINoserideroffers classy resin colors that are hand-laminated over a customized redwood and basswood stringer configuration. Glassed with double 6 oz deck and 8oz. bottoms, these logs are finished with a stunning combo of a gloss-and-polish deck with a finely sanded gloss rail and bottom for optimum performance.Dimensions90 x 22 7/8 x 2 7/892 x 23 x 2 15/1694 x 23 1/8 x 396 x 23 1/8 x 3 1/1698 x 23 x 3 1/8100 x 23 5/8 x 3 3/16Wayne Rich also worked with Devon and the True Ames crew in Carpinteria, CA to tune the perfect noseriding fin for enhancing all of the performance characteristics of this work of art. The "CI Noserider" fin was shaped with intent for committed trim, locked-in nose time, and smooth, reliable turning. Wayne Rich blended elements of his favorite pivot and rake templates to strike the right balanceplenty of hold up front, with just enough release off the tail.With input from Devon Howard and expert foiling by Chuck Ames of True Ames, this fin holds high in the pocket and responds cleanly when you lean. Whether you're perched deep in the hook or drawing stylish lines on the face, the CI Noserider fin disappears under your feet in the best way.The CI Noserider fin is available in two sizes: 9.75" ideal for boards 9'6" and under, or smaller surfers10.25" best for boards over 9'6", or larger framed surfers. And it's offered in raw-finish, White or Smoke.Find CI Noserider at your local shop or here

LIAM DUNKERBECK: WINDSURFING DILEMMASLIAM DUNKERBECK: WINDSURFING DILEMMASWeve all been there. The forecast is looking all-timeperfect wind, epic waves and then suddenly, real life comes in with a curveball to ruin your session. In this collection of classic conundrums, Liam tells us where his priorities lie. Whether its missing the shot of a lifetime, getting too much change at the snack shop or facing tough moral decisions that test your priorities in lifeLiam gives his verdict on these tricky dilemmas. Whether youd do the same thats another question!Photos: Mauritz Mauch, Fish Bowl Diaries and John Carter.Epic ForecastThe weekend is fast approaching, and the swell is supposed to be pumping with side offshore winds at your local! But you have promised to go for a romantic meal with your girlfriend far away from the epic conditions in the local city! Do you go for the meal and sit there miserably looking outside at the trees waving in the wind or come clean and tell her you would rather be windsurfing and try and move the meal to another day when there is no wind or wavesLIAM I will explain her the situation and Im sure she will understand and we could go for dinner instead another daySailing comes first!Missing the MomentImagine youre filming your partners best session ever, and suddenly, she lands her first forward loop. The scream of euphoria rings out across the water. But at that very moment, youre scrolling through Instagram, completely missing the action. Do you pretend you got it but blame a corrupt memory card later or come clean and admit you were not even looking!LIAM: That would be a really sad situation but I would motivate her to go out again and land a better one! The best image its always in your memory I reckon By the way my first forward I landed I have no video eitherthat is the way it rolls!Change Mix-UpYoure heading to the beach and stop by the store for some snacks. You hand over a crisp 20 note, and when you check your change, the shopkeeper has mistakenly given you the change for a 50. Do you keep quiet and walk away, hoping karma doesnt catch up with you, or do you give the extra money back and part with a clear conscience?LIAM: I usually stop always in the same places for shopping snacks so I know the workers! If I walk away and I notice too late, I will tell them next time and if I notice in the shop, I will tell them straight away! I am an honest guy and believe in good karma!The Bar vs. Family DinnerIts 4:30 PM, youve just had one of the best wave-sailing sessions of the season, but you promised your partner youd be home for dinner with the in-laws at 5. The lads are heading to the bar for post-session beers. Do you fake a flat battery excuse and head to the pub for more banter, or take the hit and show up for the family dinner while everyone else is enjoying the post-session laughs?LIAM: I will try to explain the situation to my family and unless its an important day like a birthday or something like that Im sure may dad will tell me to go and enjoy.Competition QuandaryYour mate just finished a heat at the local windsurfing championships and insists he crushed it. But you know the other competitors were tearing it up, and one of them landed a killer wave 360 in the last seconds. Do you hype up your mates performance, blaming it on corrupt judges later, or do you tell him the truth and let him know he got schooled?LIAM: In this situation, Im really realistic especially if the other guy clearly wonyou have to be honest! But also, if I see something that its unfair I will also tell my friend, so he can try to solve it with the judges!Wave Snake!Youve had a rough day on the water, but suddenly a perfect set comes in. Only problem: a local kook is deep down the line and its obvious the wave is his. Do you let him have it, cheering him on as he flubs the best set of the day, or do you pretend not to see him, steal the wave, and make a show of shredding it, sending a spray of water in his face?LIAM: It depends a lot who is the person of course! If its a local sailor from Pozo I will try to share the wave with him or if he doesnt look in the mood I will let him take his wave! But if it is a random guy or someone that usually doesnt respect me in the water I will take the wave!Missing out!You just had an all-time epic session for the last hour but then all of a sudden the wind dropped to zero and swung onshore.at that precise moment another local rocks up and asks you how it was?Do you rub it in his face and tell him it was all time and he missed it completely (as he would most likely do to you) Or would you be the nice guy and tell him it was garbage when you arrived and he did not miss anything!LIAM: I will tell the truth and tell him that it was epic before he came, because in the end, anyone who is late to the beach is nothing I can control the weather its the weather! Hard luck dude!Forecast DilemmaThe huge crew on your WhatsApp group reckon the local break is going to be firing at the weekend. But you know another lesser-known location just down the road is going to be way better. Do you share the info and risk the crowd following, or keep quiet and enjoy solo firing waves?LIAM: I will only tell to my close friends who are mainly my sparring partners because its really hard to score uncrowded sessions now days! Sometimes you need to be like this.Windy WeddingYou get invited to a close friends wedding but on the same day a hurricane swell is forecast to hit an unchartered reef break. Youve been waiting for this setup for years. What do you domake a lame excuse and go storm chasing or commit to the wedding but try and sneak out early?LIAM: I will go to the wedding of my friend because its probably one of the most important days of his life and will love to be part of it! Sometimes you need to sacrifice yourself and trust you will score another storm soon.The post LIAM DUNKERBECK: WINDSURFING DILEMMAS appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

FTP PAROS: SUPER XFTP PAROS: SUPER XCheck out the epic Super X actin from the Freestyle Pro Tour event in Paros as some of the best freestylers in the world experiment with exciting new formats!Despite the initial low-wind forecast and anticipated lay-day, the 3rd day at the FPT Paros delivered surprise competition in an unexpected format a return of the Supercross, featuring some of the best freestyle riders in the world! Film and Production by AALVAA Media and the Freestyle Pro TourThe post FTP PAROS: SUPER X appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

Words: Tez PlavenieksPhotos: Tez Plavenieks, Howard Shepherd, Peter Tranter & VisitBritain/Jason HawkesPaddle boarding is one of the best ways to explore the UKs stunning coastline, rivers, and lakes. Whether youre gliding over crystal-clear waters, navigating rugged coastlines, or exploring hidden inlets, theres no shortage of breathtaking locations. This guide highlights five top paddle boarding spots in the UK, including some underrated gems that every paddleboarder should experience. Getting out there this season and exploring is definitely worthwhile. Got SUP; will travel as they say!Pembrokeshire Coast, WalesAerial view of Tenby with sandy beaches and Tenby Castle on the Pembrokeshire coastline on the west side of Carmarthen Bay.Photo: VisitBritain/Jason HawkesBest for: dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, crystal-clear waters and surf.The Pembrokeshire coastline is one of the most stunning places to paddleboard in the UK. With dramatic cliffs, hidden sea caves, and golden beaches, its a paradise for those who love coastal exploration and the odd wave or two.Why its great for paddle boardingCrystal-clear waters and incredible wildlife, including dolphinsand puffins.Generally, these are quiet spots with plenty of opportunity for a wave or flat water session away from crowds.There are plenty of sheltered bays for easy paddling, such as Barafundle Bay and Tenby.Adventure paddlers can explore the sea caves and rock formations around Stackpole or head to the waves of Freshwater West or Manorbier if you have the skills.Top tipsStart at Freshwater West or Stackpole Quay for calm and adventurous paddling when the swells small or flat.Be mindful of tides and currents some areas can be challenging.Consider a guided paddle tour to explore sea caves safely.Hayling Island, HampshireDropping in at Hayling Island. Photo: Howard ShepherdBest for: coastal paddling with a mix of calm and open waters.Located on the south coast of England, Hayling Island is a fantastic spot for paddle boarding. It offers a combination of sheltered harbours and open sea conditions. This island is known for its long, sandy beaches and calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers. Its also my local stretch and backyard paddle boarding and watersports spot, so I had to include it!Why its great for paddle boardingLangstone Harbour offers calm waters, perfect for a relaxed paddle.More experienced paddlers can take on the open sea at sea at West Beach.If theres a wave running along the sand bar, then its worth getting involved as its extremely SUP surf-friendly.Stunning views across the Solent, with opportunities to spot seals and seabirds.Top tipsStart your paddle at Langstone Harbour or Chichester Harbour for more sheltered conditions (high tide only).Be mindful of tides and wind direction if venturing into open water.Visit during sunrise or sunset for spectacular coastal views.Westward Ho!, DevonBlue Bird surf days at Westward Ho! Photo: Tez PlavenieksBest for: SUP surfing and open-water adventures.Westward Ho! in North Devon, near Bideford, is a dream spot for those who love adventure with paddle boarding and accessible waves. Known for its surf-friendly conditions and long sandy beach, this location is perfect for SUP surfers and those looking for a scenic coastal paddle route.Why its great for paddle boardingThis is a rare UK location with consistent surf. It is great for SUP surfing and is generally quiet (much quieter than some of its neighbouring beaches).The North Devon coastline has beautiful views, including the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Lundy Island.Nearby rivers and estuaries offer more sheltered paddling for beginners just be mindful of tides.Top tipsIf youre new to SUP surfing, start on a small wave day.Check the tide times mid to high tide offers the best conditions.Take a wetsuit, as the Atlantic water can be chilly even in summer.Be sure to check out some of the spots in the areaespecially if theyre flat. The Ho! can be great for adventure paddling on flatter days.Studland Bay, DorsetStudland Bay. Photo: Howard ShepherdBest for: crystal-clear waters and iconic coastal scenery, including Old Harry Rocks.Studland Bay is one of the UKs most picturesque paddle boarding spots, with its turquoise waters and iconic chalk formations. Located on the Jurassic Coast, its an incredible place for beginners and experienced paddlers on the right day.Why its great for paddle boardingShallow, calm waters make it perfect for beginners.Stunning views of Old Harry Rocks, one of the most famous coastal landmarks in the UK experienced riders can paddle out to Old Harry with the right conditions.Plenty of opportunities for spotting marine wildlife, including seals and dolphins.Top tipsEarly morning is the best time for the calmest waters and fewer crowds during the high summer season.Check the tide times, as currents can pick up at certain points.Bring snorkelling gear plenty of marine life can be seen beneath the surface.The Norfolk Broads, NorfolkThe Norfolk Broads. Photo: Peter TranterBest for: tranquil waters and scenic countryside paddling.The Norfolk Broads offer a vast network of peaceful waterways for those who prefer a more relaxed paddle boarding experience. The calm, flat waters and stunning countryside make it an ideal location for beginners or those looking for a leisurely paddle.Why its great for paddle boardingOver 125 miles of interconnected rivers and lakes to explore.Plenty of wildlife, including kingfishers, otters, and herons.Many quiet, boat-free areas are perfect for an undisturbed paddle.Top tipsStick to the quieter broads like Hickling or Wroxham for a peaceful experience.Avoid busy boating areas, especially in peak summer months.Pack a picnic and make a day of exploring the waterways.Final thoughtsWhether youre looking for a calm river paddle, a scenic coastal adventure, or exciting SUP surfing, the UK has incredible paddle boarding destinations to suit every skill level. Each location offers something unique, from the gentle waters of the Norfolk Broads to the dramatic cliffs of Pembrokeshire. So grab your board, explore these stunning spots, and experience the UKs natural beauty from the water! Broadening your paddle boarding experience this season is worth it!