PAUL VAN BELLEN: UNBOXING THE GOYA NITRO 2 AND CUSTOM QUAD 8PAUL VAN BELLEN: UNBOXING THE GOYA NITRO 2 AND CUSTOM QUAD 8Aussie wave sailor, Paul van Bellen takes a look at the Goya Nitro 2 and Goya Custom Quad 8 fresh out of their boxes as they arrive in Australia ready to hit the water!The post PAUL VAN BELLEN: UNBOXING THE GOYA NITRO 2 AND CUSTOM QUAD 8 appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

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THOMAS TRAVERSA AND TIMO MULLEN: HURRICANE ERIN MISSION!THOMAS TRAVERSA AND TIMO MULLEN: HURRICANE ERIN MISSION!When a mid-summer Atlantic hurricane sends a monster swell crashing toward Ireland, you cant ignore the call! For Thomas Traversa and Timo Mullen, plans were dropped, tickets booked and gear packed as they set their sights on Irelands west coast. Heres how their mission played out:Photos: Tam Mullen and Jamie HancockTHOMAS TRAVERSATHE PLANTT: Ive been wanting to go back to Ireland for a while now. I think the last two or three winters, I was looking at different forecasts and almost went a few times but never pulled the trigger. And yeah, this summer I didnt compete in the Canaries and I was looking at maybe going somewhere in the Indian Ocean. Time was passing and then this storm Erin showed up.It looked like there was going to be this really big swell in the Atlantic coming from Hurricane Erin. From this moment I thought OK, lets go on this one and I wasnt sure whether to go to Morocco, Portugal, Ireland or even Iceland. These were like the four destinations that looked like they could get good and windy. The wind forecast for Ireland was not so bad. It didnt show very strong wind, but the swell was looking really good and the wind direction was good.I talked with Jamie Hancck and together we decided it was a good moment to go. I mean, its so rare to get such a big swell in the summer when the days are really long, the water is warm, the air temperature is also warm. So, it was kind of like a one-time-in-your-life chance. Thats why we decided to go and I was really excited actually.The original plan was to try and sail at Mullaghmore because thats been something I wanted to do for a very long time and it never happened. I thought this was the right swell and the right wind and everything to give it a try. The first day the swell was supposed to arrive at the end of the day, and yeah, I scored an amazing session at one of the spots in Bundoran.DREAM SESSIONIt was really offshore and kind of light. There were some surfers in the water, but yeah super long walls, offshore light wind and clean wavesIt was really fun.It was kind of like Alibaba, but without the rocks in front. So, that was super fun. I loved it. And yeah, on top of that it was like 22-23 degrees, super blue sky and not one cloud.DAY TWOYeah, it was amazing. The second day was supposed to be a very big day, but then in the morning when we went to the beach to check, we checked one spot and actually it didnt really look bigger than the previous day. We had to wait until the afternoon for Mullaghmore because the spot needs a low tide.So, we decided to go to this other spot where the tide was still high in the morning. The wind was kind of light and I tried to get in the water. I could not make it out because there was some decent swell and I couldnt pass the waves and it was a bit hard. And then the wind picked up but turned a little bit too much west.So, it turned out to be not as perfect and clean as the day before, but it was still really good fun. I was on my own for like two hours. There were one or two surfers sharing the lineup with me. It was not big, but like mast or a little bit more than mast high.GOOD VIBESThen Timo showed up and another local guy, Danny. It was nice to see Timo again and then also Finn Mullen came and his wife Katie. Yeah, it was a really very, very nice vibe and nice to see these friends after such a long time.We were a little bit disappointed with the conditions because by the time the tide was good for Mullaghmore, actually the swell was not that good.We had some reports from the spot that there were like 30 minutes between sets and just a few waves in each set, and it was packed with super famous surfers like Nathan Florence and all the local guys and Nic von Rupp. I mean, all the kind of famous big wave surfers were there paddling, and the wind was really light.So yeah, we thought, OK, theres no point going there and trying to get a wave. Maybe I would not even have been able to catch one because the wind was quite light and I didnt really feel like putting myself in the middle of this pack of super hungry pro surfers that travelled from all kinds of countries to try to catch some waves. I dont think they would have been really happy to see me.So yeah, it was a bit of a disappointment, but we had a good second session at the end of the day. This time I was sailing with Timo and yeah, it was really nice, just a fun session with clean, easy waves and a decent size. So, of course the forecast didnt really live up to expectations, but it was still like two amazing days.Im just really happy that I came because I know Im going to come back soon. I have to, I want to! And this place is amazing with so many incredible waves. Lots of good vibes on the water and all the locals are friendly and yeah, I will be back!JAMIE HANCOCKThis trip to Ireland with Thomas was just the beginning of something new. Over the next few months, well be sharing a short film from the experience, part of a much bigger project that were quietly building behind the scenes. Keep an eye on both mine and Thomass channels for the launch. Something exciting is coming soon.TIMO MULLENSUMMER SWELLLike, to be honest, like the fact it was summer didnt really make a difference. We pretty much go on every forecast there is. To me it doesnt matter if its winter, summer or freezing cold! But, this swell had been really hyped up. Its actually been a pretty good summer for windsurfing, anyway, so it wasnt like I was desperate to go sailing.I was a little bit dubious about how big it would be. I know this is easy to say with the benefit of hindsight, but I was sceptical whether it was going to be as big as what they were saying! The forecast was 4.6m at 18 secondsthats big, but its not like mega big, like normally were looking at 6-8m in the winter at 1516 seconds. Its summer, its so it was probably always be smaller than they reckon. I guess all the surf reports were going crazy with the hype, so yeah, you had to go! I couldnt miss this one.So, Thomas contacted us to say he was going. I had family and work commitments on the evening that the swell arrived. The start of the swell is always the best part of the swell. So, I knew that evening session the day before was probably going to be good.EARLY STARTBut I could only get a flight the morning of the swell. I got up at 3 in the morning and flew from Bristol Airport. It was a 6:30am in the morning flight to Belfast. I had to be the full tourist and rented a car which fortunately was actually not expensive. I went home, grabbed my gear. Drove over, checked Mullaghmore, but Id say I saw one set in an hour that was proper Mullaghmore, like winter, scary size. You had the best surfers in the world out there already. The good sets were every like 40 minutes to an hour and youd be competing against Nathan Florence and the top Irish surfers.ON THE EDGESo, we went to the spot we normally sail in Sligo. Its normally the same size as Mullaghmore but just a little bit easier, if thats a word to use. Thomas and my friend Dan were already out when I arrived. But the wind was light, like very, very light. It was very much on the limit for me, a bit frustrating. I was on 5.3m, my big board and still I was hardly moving. It is always light at this spot and I was very much on the limits, to be fair, even Thomas was like on the limit of being able to go windsurfing.If it had just been like 2-3 knots, more wind, it would have been amazing. But it was still fun, but Im talking maybe 6 to 8 knots of wind. Thomas had some amazing waves. I had a couple of OK ones, but nothing like, nothing like we normally can get there, but that was only because of the wind. I guess it was worth it.PULLING THE TRIGGERMy theory is, if you dont go, you start to get picky! I was already thinking when I was booking my ticket, I dont think this isnt going to be that big.But I was, if you dont go, you start to get picky and then suddenly youll miss the best day ever. So, its, its all about rolling the dice. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but you hope that that time you really win is because you go on all of the swells.MOVE OF THE DAYTo give you an idea of, how light it wasIve never had to do this ever in the whole time Ive wave sailed all my life. The wind dropped from 8 knots to 0 knots. For probably an hour, but I was the only one out! And I couldnt get back in, like, there was no wind, like zero. Like glassy surf, so I had to de-rig my gear out the back. And then I had to paddle my all my gear back in through 10 to 12 ft surf! And then prone belly my board in on a set wavesomehow I managed to get in, without trashing all my stuff. I think I got the biggest cheer of the day for that move.Yeah, God knows how I did it, but I managed to like basically belly in with all my gear strapped to the board, through a mast high, biggest swell of the summer.I literally just came in with not even a scratch on my board or any of my gear.So, yeah, it was one of those days where shit could go wrong, but fortunately were all OK!DUOTONE Windsurfing Welcome to True Windsurfing.The post THOMAS TRAVERSA AND TIMO MULLEN: HURRICANE ERIN MISSION! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

THE LAST TIME: PIERRE MORTEFONTHE LAST TIME:PIERRE MORTEFONLife at full speed comes with a lot of memorable momentsand Pierre Mortefon remembers them all. From the last time he flew across the water at 35 knots to the last time he got a speeding ticket or stole a strawberry from his daughter, the world champion racer walks us through the last time he did just about everything!Last time you were exhausted?PM: It was at Fuerteventura World Cup on day fourwe faced really hard conditions with 30/40 kts and I think there was a swell somehow coming from S/SW, it was hardcore racing! I won the two races of the day, but I gave it all and coming back to my hotel room I was done with one more day to go!Last time you had a killer windsurfing session?PM: At the beginning of February back on my slalom board in Gruissan! I was flying in 35knots.Last time your computer crashed?PM: Well, it didnt crash but I dropped it in 2018 in the airport after I forgot to zip my bag and it fell to the floor! The computer was just not starting anymore and after a check with technician it was destroyed and I had to buy a new one two days before I departed for the Asia part of the PWA season.Last time you were on the podium?PM: Ten days ago, in Tenerife for the final event of the Slalom X tour, winning the event plus the annual world title ranking was amazing! I had a rollercoaster summer with lot of emotion, I didnt show too much but it was a great victory and meant so much. On top of that Finian Maynard the boss of FMX arrived just in time for the podium to be there with me which was a cool moment. Then I had a solid night of celebration which do not happen often for me!Last time you shared a wave?PM: During my last surf session but it was not in purpose as someone stole the wave from me! I was not happy! This was on a little spot close to my house, but the place is quickly crowded as more and more people are surfing.Last time you were in trouble with the Law?PM: I got a speeding fine on the way back from my session at the beach! I was not going so fast maybe 12 km/h extra, but rules are rules the worst is that in France we lose points on top of the fine -2 for this one. Grrrr!Last time you went over the handlebars at full speed?PM: One month ago, with my son biking on a forest, I was pulling him with a line, and I went left and he right we both flew! He did not cry but we were both shocked a bit as it was really not expected and I think I was more scared for him than for me.Last time you had a non-stressful day?PM: Mid-November 2024, I was in Morocco for four days holidays with my wife! That was relaxing! I flew to Agadir then we spent some days in Thagazout then in Imsouane. I really enjoying the time there, it was cool, good food plus some times on the water.Last time you spent a whole day without thinking about work once?PM: I dont remember! Its special, my work is my passion. I always want to make the most of it, prepare well the season, be ready, think about this and that. So, I am thinking a lot about my job and the fact I have an amazing one!Last time you sailed until your body couldnt take any more?PM: This winter during a wave session when on every wave I was telling myself, You should stop, you should stop now!. But it was too good! During the winter we often go to Saintes Marie de la Mer, this place is well known for speed surfing with a canal but its also taking well the south swell coming from the Mediterranean Sea.Last Raceyou won?PM: It was in Tenerife beginning of August, I won race one and race three of the event. But I will remember the 1st one because it was the first one of the event, plus the first one with the new NeilPryde sails. It was perfect to get some confidence, on top of that I had one of my best gybes of the year to manage to win this one! And yes, when I wonI clenched my fist and pointed my finger to the sky. There was a lot of pressure going out!Last board you really loved?PM: The FMX Invictus 98! That board is a machine! I discovered it last year when we exchange with Finian Maynard. I knew he works a lot on his slalom range and honestly straight on my first run, I had amazing feelings for it. Then I sailed several spots and the board was much more comfortable compared to what I was used to before. And this is super important when you start racing as its super important to be fast but being able to check whats going on around you is also vital! Then I managed to win Gran Canaria Event and secure the Slalom X World Tittle!Last time you ran a mile?PM: Preparing for the school cross country with my son! That was tough! I am not a good fan of running especially being a heavy racer I am not really passionate by running, on the other hand I prefer biking and add it to my preparation.Last time you got really angry?PM: Two days ago, when a guy almost ran us over going out of kinder garden. I was super pissed as I think the people dont really realise bad thing can happen in a second. As I get older and also having kids you realise some thing and also appreciate a lot the life in general. I screamed but was useless, more important was to secure the safety of my little one.Last time you prayed?PM: Last month! I am currently organising my wedding for next summer with Julie. 17 years supporting me she really deserved it!Last time you made a final?PM: November in Japan. The last final of the PWA racing tour! It was a pretty stressful one, things were close and we were getting close the end too. It was one of the lighter races of the year and I had to fight hard to make a top five. Actually just now I made all three finals in Guadeloupe! I got three seconds so not too bad!Last time you clenched your first in celebration?PM: Winning the Foil world title in JapanThat felt good! 2024 was an incredibly intense, I worked a lot and I also wanted to thank my new sponsors. Winning both disciplines was also super special! I really loved the fins before; I enjoy racing on the foil so being at top on both was a dream.Last time you tidied your bedroom?PM: Two days ago! Its not really my thing but I like when its organised, let say I am dealing the outside part and the garage (most important place of the house!)Last time your car broke down?PM: It was last year, nothing bad as I just killed my battery forgetting the light of the car for few days. But I was scared a little bit but was just the battery Last time you had a really bad day?PM: Two weeks ago, I crashed crashing really hard and hit my neck on the first day of a windy week! It was stupid, I just told my friend its so cool to do some fins again you can really push hard and go fast. The wind was a bit gusty and I get a stronger gust coming a bit more from the front and my front foot went out. I crash hard my head and printed it on the monofilm and broke a batten.Last meal you ate?PM: I had a nice grilled piece of beef with potatoes and saladdelicious! I cooked need it, nothing too hard but I liked cooking and prepare some good stuff at home.Last time you sailed in 50 knots?PM: I think it was 2/3 years ago, we always have the Aff French champ in Le Jai. Its always windy and we often get 30-40 and sometimes 50 knots. Chop and swell can be massive at this place. This day I was sailing 5.0m and I missed the start by 7/8 seconds because on my launching I could not sail in a straight line! They measured like 53-55 kts on the committee boat.Last time you washed the dishes?PM: Last night, that is my duty at home! Honestly, we really share all duties, and I dont have too much pressure. The fact is as I am not always at home and its not easy dealing with two kids alone, I am trying to help the maximum I can when I am there.Last time you got really drunk?PM: A long time ago, I am not really a big party guy or drinker! Last party was for sure at home coming back from Japan with a second world title. But I was not sick I just enjoy the moment.Last time you missed a plane?PM: Ten years ago, on my way to Fuerteventura! Everything was well set and organised but the hostess at the counter was way too slow to deal the bags, we had some discussion and negotiation and when everything was fine, she cannot print the tag and we ended missing the flight I had to go back to the van we booked a hotel to wait the next flight the day after Last time you felt stoked with the world?PM: In January after a perfect ski session with my family! It was in the northern alps in France, I really enjoy skying. I was lucky enough to ski when I was a kid then I did a break few years ago to dont take any risk for my season. But we started again to go when my son was old enough. Skiing is an amazing sport to share with your kids.Last book you read?PM: The Art of Winning Dan Carter! Its really inspiring, for the one who dont know the author he was the captain of All Black rugby team and was an amazing player. I like to read athlete autobiography, and his one is amazing, inspiring with a solid head and a nice life.Last piece of clothing you bought?PM: I bought a pair of jeans. I have a good friend working in clothes industry and once a year he pushes me to pass by his shop and get some new stuff. I am not a fashionista, but I like to be ok with my clothes and I wear things that are super comfy!Last time you laughed out loud?PM: We were playing on a friends WE 2 months ago remembering the old days!Last time you went for a slap-up meal?PM: Last Sunday!Last time you made the bed?PM: This morning, I like to make it clean every morning, it launches the day. And I also really enjoy entering my bed when it is nicely made!Last time you cried?PM: This winter, it was a mix feeling. From being on top of the world then getting back to normal life with some problems and usual stuff. I think its not a bad thing.Last time you were conned?PM: Last month buying some stuff on internet and being engaged for 6 months! It was some new coffee on the internet. I wanted to try and discover it but being locked in make me crazy.Last time you were romantic?PM: For Valentines Day! Nothing special, home good dinner, nice wine, flowers Last time you won something non windsurfing?PM: Last weekend I won at Monopoly with my family! Its funny as you need to deal with everyone and try to be smart to start problem and really enjoy the moment.Last crash in a PWA race?On Tenerife again in Race three. I was going for the last gybe in 3rd position. Going safe and I just concentrated on my gybe and on the swell. I turn a bit shorter than expected then I missed my boom and went down in the water. It was nothing extreme but just a stupid crash which make me loose 3/4 points! I was angry!Last time you broke a bone?PM: 2012 in Fuerteventura. I broke my foot; I had a massive crash going out while training for the world cup. My foot hit the board badly. I came back to the hotel hardly walking and the next morning (1st day of the event) I could not wake up. So, I decide to flight back to France and check with a good doctor. The fact was next event was two weeks after in Turkey and I did not want to miss it for my annual ranking. So, we decided with the doctor to try to make the event with a special bandage. I was not risking anything except having pain. It was ok and hard, but I managed to race all week and be ok on the results. When I came back home, the next day I got a cast for a month and was only just ready for the next event in Sylt.Last time you were jealous?PM: Last week, both kids ask for the mother reading a story to sleep.Last time you lost some money?PM: Last fine I got for speeding! I dont drive to fast usually, getting older I am getting safer I think I was fined 90.Last time you gambled?PM: This winter I went for the 250 Euro millions / I got zero!Last time you said I am really sorry?PM: To my wife, I forgot to do some stuff at home and we lost time for our weekend!Last time gig you went to?PM: I went to see 50 Cent! It was two years ago! It was a big concert in a massive place with probably 10,000 people, it was funny with people from all generation and yes, we song all the songs from when I was teenager.Last board you loved?PM: New Phantom SPARK 86 I call it The Space Shuttle!.Last time you went on a non-windsurfing holiday?PM: November in Morocco surfingI love holidays!Last time you stole something?PM: Two hours ago, I stole one strawberry from my daughter!Last time you saw an amazing windsurfing manoeuvre?PM: Last week checking the PWA wave competition in Chile! Honestly, I was impressed by lot of riders! The four finalists; I liked all their style! Marcilio and Marc are amazing athletes and really solid competitors on the side of their style. Camille and Baptiste have amazing style also.Last time you jumped so high that you were scared?PM: When I jumped with my slalom kit in Le JAI, my local beach! I think I was going 7/8 meters into the sky. That is when the mistral is blowing you get 1/2m chop and 50 knots, the perfect place to fly!Last time you patted yourself on the back?PM: Coming back from Japan last year, being at home with two trophies to show my wife and two kids! All the family was waiting for me at the airport with 20 friends! We celebrated there and continued a bit for a party, but I was completely destroyed from the flight. I almost miss last flight to get home in Paris, because I was sleeping in the waiting area!Last time you stayed in bed all day?PM: Last Christmas I had a massive flue!Last time you had a fight?PM: Last training camp with the youth French generation. The new generation is pushing hard but they are sometimes too crazy and going to the extremes; so, we had some discussion, it was noisy!Last time you told a little white lie?PM: When I told my son the skatepark was closed going home after school! It was already late and I knew we will be late for dinner and sleep.Last time you read a windsurf magazine cover to cover?PM: 10 years ago, I dont remember exactly which one probably a French one, but I was more addicted some years ago. But last time we did a catamaran trip with my friend in the Caribbean. I really enjoyed reading all the articles we work on with several magazines.Last time you did a jump that made you scared?PM: Last week on my foil kit with 4.5m. With the foil you can fly high, three to four meter easy but I ejected from my equipment because I was not sure of landing.Last time you messed up a gybe?PM: This summer in Fuerteventura! This year it was hardcore, racing Fin and Foil was exhausting, last day of fin I was tired. One race, I pushed hard fighting with Matteo and enter way too hard on a gybe.Last time you landed a new move?PM: Aaaaah A long time ago, I dont try many new moves anymore! Long time ago I was doing some freestyle, with Spock 540, flaka and willy skipperLast time you shredded a wave and though to yourself, Im the man!PM: During my last wave session! I was waiting the wave from far and really respecting wave rules! Then a kite gybed in front of me when I had selected my wave so I was burned. Then the next wave in the set, I scored the wave of my session!The post THE LAST TIME: PIERRE MORTEFON appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

HOW TO FORWARD LOOP: GEORGE GRISLEYHOW TO FORWARD LOOP: GEORGE GRISLEYWant to finally nail the forward loop? Top freestyler George Grisley shares his best tips, tricks, and insights to help you master this iconic move. In his latest video, he breaks it down so you can turn that bucket-list dream into reality!In this video, I breakdown the individual movements to one of the most iconic manoeuvres in windsurfing, the Forward Loop.Make sure you subscribe to Georges YouTube channel!Send me your clips to analyse here clips4george@gmail.comThe post HOW TO FORWARD LOOP: GEORGE GRISLEY appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

CORALINE COCO FOVEAU: IT DOESNT ONLY HAPPEN TO OTHERS!CORALINE COCO FOVEAU: IT DOESNT ONLY HAPPEN TO OTHERS!In It Doesnt Only Happen to Others, Coraline Coco Foveau opens up about her journey from high performance and a sense of invincibility to the shock of injury, the long path of acceptance and ultimately, reinvention. She shares how she is transforming pain into purpose. More than an athletes testimony, her story is a call to acknowledge the unseen battles of concussion and recovery and a powerful reminder that if suffering can touch us all, so too can resilience, creativity, and renewal.Photos: WWT / FISH BOWL DIARIESNO FEARCF: I think Ive spent a long-time confusing strength with invincibility! When you compete in high-level sport, you learn very early to push through pain, to treat sprains as tiny pebbles on the road, bruises as temporary tattoos and spectacular crashes as proof of courage. That was my fuel. I would fall hard, but I would always get back up straight away as if that reflex alone protected me from the worst. As if, as long as I never stopped, nothing could really touch me.There was a kind of pride in it, almost arrogance: watching others worry while I laughed, climbed back onto my board, and headed back into the waves for yet another round.I had this deep conviction that nothing more serious than a sprain or a few weeks of forced rest could ever happen to me. And I had grown used to that role: the one who pushes, who endures, who keeps going. On my home island they even called me Coco pa p Coco who is not afraid.INJURYAnd then one day, the injury came. Different. Insidious. Invisible.A mild concussion. Simple words that, deep down, meant very little to the athlete I was before. It was the kind of thing that happened to others, in so-called risky sports, not in mine. Yes, people say that windsurfing is an extreme sport, but I always took that label lightly.Except it doesnt only happen to others. I became one of them. Suddenly. And my whole illusion of invincibility collapsed.I spent a year in denialstill pushing my limits, numbed by Tramadol. Then came a year of convalescence, months spent in bed and with it my first mental shock: incomprehension. Why me? How could it all change so quickly? I was at the peak of my life: a day job that challenged me mentally with a team I loved, a high-level sport that pushed me physically, sponsors that truly reflected who I was, and finally a family and social life finding stability again.That year of convalescence became a void. The moment I realized I was one of the others, and that my life, from then on, would be impacted. I gave myself time to swallow that truth. And now, I bounce back.LIFE PROJECT!I started to think differently. If terrible things dont just happen to others, then maybe beautiful things dont either. We often speak of the flip side of the medal to describe the hidden negative behind something positive, but why not turn it around? If fragility had caught up with me, then why shouldnt achievement, luck, and dreams belong to me as well?And thats how, in the middle of this dark season, a conviction began to grow. To transform my injury into a lever. To make this forced pause into a new impulse. I began to see my sport differently, not just as a string of performances to overcome, but as a life project.Just like the concussion itself: may it serve as a lesson to change the system. To raise awareness, so that the next person will be better understood and cared for. Yes, its a hybrid project windsurfing and concussion awareness but it is an authentic project.And strangely, within this hardship, I discovered an unexpected space: the space of desire, of creativity, of a different kind of courage. Not the kind you prove by falling and getting back up, but the kind that holds steady in slowness, that dares to dream bigger despite fragility.So yes, it doesnt only happen to others. The injury, the fear, the inner fracture but also the rebirth, the reinvention, the projects we once didnt dare to name and that now become obvious.And deep down, I carry the quiet conviction that from this hardship, something beautiful is being born.The post CORALINE COCO FOVEAU: IT DOESNT ONLY HAPPEN TO OTHERS! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.