NICO PRIEN: 54 KNOT EXTREME WINDSURFING IN THE NETHERLANDS!NICO PRIEN: 54 KNOT EXTREME WINDSURFING IN THE NETHERLANDS!When a monster storm hit the Netherlands, Nico Prien had spotted the forecast and was on hand to explore as many spots as possible utilizing the extreme winds! Get ready for some epic extreme footage as Nico takes on the crazy conditions!The post NICO PRIEN: 54 KNOT EXTREME WINDSURFING IN THE NETHERLANDS! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

Sarah Thornely, Lake Garda, Italy. Photo: Sarah PerkinsInterview: Peter TranterPhotos: Sarah & Antony Thornely & Jonny GreatrexHer mission is simple: to connect the SUP community, share inspiring stories, and to promote the joy of paddling whether youre a seasoned racer or a casual cruiser. Her ever-present figure at events and on the water herself brings authenticity, energy, and a genuine sense of community that continues to inspire paddleboarders. Take it away SarahBefore we start, Sarah, please tell our readers a little about yourself, your background, your family, etc.I was born in Guildford, Surrey, to a very normal family. I was sporty as a youngster, playing football and cricket aged six with the boys at school, and I loved running. However, as soon as I was a teenager, my interest waned. My happy memories are of teenage summer holidays in Cornwall, with my sister, cousins and friends. Lots of fun in and around the sea, with my father hand-making a surfboard with a wonderful Mary Quant pink and red flowerdesign over the full deck oh, how I wish I still had that board!In secondary school, I was encouraged away from my love of technical drawing, art, and woodwork to go into the safer route of being a secretary (not by my parents, it was just that era), so when I left school at 16, my life as a legal secretary began. I worked until I met my first husband, we then had children, and I was lucky enough to stay at home after that and bring my two children up my way. For a short period, I owned a shop with a girlfriend, but despite its success, I missed being there for my kids, so I gave it up.In 2007, I started my new life with Antony and have always been busy doing bits and bobs workwise, but never found my niche, I guess.Tell us about the start of your SUP journey.In 2012, I was watching a girlfriend who was into paddling, and I was intrigued, so I went along and had a lesson with her club, Blue Chip. I enjoyed it and tried it again on my honeymoon in Egypt. I felt confident and loved being on the water. I didnt fancy paddling during that Winter, so I stopped for a while. In December of that year, I had an emergency life-saving operation and spent Christmas in hospital. When I came out, I knew I needed to crack on with my life and thought paddleboarding should be a part of it. I had to wait for the scars to heal, but as soon as they did, I got my feet back on that board and knew I was hooked. I bought a 126 Red race board from Blue Chip. Later that year, I entered my first race, bagged an age category medal, and bought my first hard board, a Starboard AllStar 14 x 27, and I still have it a classic board. I am also still a proud member of Blue Chip.When, where and why did the idea of SUPjunkie come about?I had been part of the Events Team with our National Series, had always taken photos when not racing and had started to get on a mic, cover races live and do the odd interview. Having never had any media training, I guess I was good at it because:a) I can talk,b) I know SUP racing, andc) I was a friendly face amongst the paddlers, so they were happy to chat.A couple of good girlfriends encouraged me to make SUPjunkie a thing so we designed some t-shirts and headed up to the APP World Tour in London in 2018. We had already covered a few UKN1SCO events for Alex Tobutt and interviewed Casper Steinfath. We blagged our way onto boats in London, interviewing 32 paddlers, including Kai Lenny, Michael Booth, Casper, Yuka, and many others an absolute highlight that marked the birth of SUPjunkie, the brand. Three months later, we were off to the ISA Worlds in China as part of the team.What gives you a buzz from SUPjunkie?Really, just the people I meet, they are all incredible in their own way being able to promote racers and adventurers or just the paddlers raising awareness for charities. I love SUP racing with a passion, and when I retired in 2017, this really did fill the gap. I love being on the mic and interviewing, and that is what gives me a real buzz too.What are the future plans for SUPjunkie, if any?2025 has been a slightly different year for me, so Im fairly free rein at the moment. For the future, Iwant to continue to promote the sport and the paddlers within it and be able to get on the mic wherever I can.Which brands do you work with, and how do they specifically help you?I have been lucky enough to become a Brand Ambassador for Red Equipment and feel very honoured to be a part of their family. My first two inflatables were Red, and we had them for over ten years. Red has been able to support me by providing a beautiful new board, a 14 Sport+, and I know I can chat with them about future projects, and they would help. In return, I can happily promote what I see as a fantastic visionary brand, with excellent quality products and a happy team.I have known Dave from Paddle Logger since the APP event in London and have been part of the team since then. The progression of this award-winning App has been extraordinary over that time, and the features are fabulous. I have always liked the more straightforward and colourful way of recording my training (Im not a super stats and numbers girl!), so this fits the bill for me and really keeps me safe on the water too. Again, Im proud to be a part of their family and have met some great paddlers through it, like Jordan Wylie and Nicola Volani.Ive also become an ambassador for Kyloe in the Wild sunglasses this year a fabulous small family brand that makes high-quality products. They have a huge following but are very hands-on with all the team.Oscar Propulsion have been a great support to me too, initially with gifting me a paddle to try out on Lizzie Carrs Race for Rivers event. I loved it, reviewed it, and since then, Duncan and I have become firm friends, and heis incredibly supportive. I am very happy to use Oscarpaddles and would encourage everyone to have a go at their innovative slitted designs.I am grateful to all the other brands who have allowed me to review their products its probably one of the hardest things I do, with honest thoughts, road testing and taking Ant along for photographs it takes a huge amount of time, but I do love it.Do you have any overseas SUP trips/expeditions lined up?I am very excited for the end of this year. I am hopeful to go to the ICF World Championship event in Abu Dhabi. I have been asked to attend and am just waiting for confirmation. This means I get to work with Matty from TotalSUP again!I am also going to be on the media team for the endurance event, Last Paddler Standing, taking place in Florida in December. I have wanted to get on the mic for this race since its inception, and now its finally happening a big thanks to RD Greg Wingo for having me on the team. Having been on the mic non-stop for 12 hours, Im looking forward to the challenge of over 48 hours!Who are your role models, and/what keeps you motivated?I always think of Chris Parker from SUP Racer, whom I used to listen to in the early days. His coverage of the races over the past ten years was second to none, and now I really look up to Matty from TotalSUP. Having worked with Matty, I appreciate his insaneknowledge of all paddlers and true professionalism. Hes also great fun!My motivation is the paddlers SUPjunkie has never been about me or self-promotion its always been about showcasing paddlers of all levels and abilities.There is tremendous enthusiasm amongst women for SUP why do you think that is?Paddling has a great community, and that resonates with women. We are very good in a group and at supportingother women. We generally like to listen and learn when taught, and we really think about how to improve so we can get a lot out of it. Its also a great escape from life sometimes, whether you have a job, family, children or not.Brendon Prince and you have become great friends how did that begin?I think we need to jump back to Jordan Wylie, whom I met through Paddle Logger, and followed his great, great attempt at paddling around Great Britain. I have no doubt he would have done it without Covid getting in the way! I did a great series on Jordan in The Paddler (https://paddlerezine.com/foreword-the-wylie-diary/).So, I guess it was through that great adventure that I got to know the next man who was going to attempt the very same thing, one Brendon Prince. I also wrote a series about his journey in The Paddler (https://paddlerezine.com/the-long-paddle/). I was there on the water for his last few kilometres as he paddled back to his hometown of Torbay and finished his successful circumnavigation. Since then, I have interviewed him, written about and covered some of the great new events he has put on in Torbay, SUP Twelve and SUPer Festival. Brendon is a visionary and has, in a very short space of time, secured the ICF SUP World CUP, which is coming to Torbay in June 2026.I cannot thank Brendon enough for his unwavering support of me and what I do he truly appreciates me and has my back, and I am honoured to call him my friend.If you could capture just one feel good moment in your time paddling, which would it be and why?Maybe back in May this year, being on a great road trip with friends, turning 66, racing in an international event in Austria and then jumping on the mic with Matty when I got off the water Im not sure I could top that!Whats the best way to improve paddling skills?There are thousands of videos out there, but nothing can improve you more than a great one-to-one lesson from a good instructor/coach. What you will learn in those few hours will improve your paddling skills so much quicker!Which paddling locations in the world would be on your bucket list?The fjords of Norway and New Zealand for sure!If you could take part in only one race in the world, which would it be and why?I guess if I had the skill and chutzpah, the M2O in Hawaii.You attend so many SUP events and competitions in the year where do you find the time?I guess most years, its been about the only thing I have done! 2025 has been a little different, and I have appreciated not attending all the races in the UK that I have over the last seven years. If I am not at a race, I am writing about the racing, and if I am not doing that, I am researching for it! Latterly, I have been able to train and race.You look a very happy and contented woman whats the secret to your good feeling?Thank you! I have children whom I am incredibly proud of. I did have a greatfirst marriage, but my second one is so much better, as I feel Ive found my soul mate. Being able to be honest with people and upfront, I love that, saves so much drama. Letting go of stuff, rather than holding on to it and having some great, great friends. I like to think Im relaxed and go with the flow, and I also had a mother who passed on some great genes!OK life isnt all about SUP so what else interests you when you get the time?I have always loved photography and have owned a camera since I was 18. Im a point and shoot kind of tog but think I have a good eye and have some great memories through the images.I love SUP surfing too taught well by Sarah Perkins, I cannot get enough of it, and the smallest wave makes me whoop still.The simple things in life, too, like walking with my husband and, of course, time spent with my family.Whats the most enjoyable encounter with wildlife that youve had whilst paddling?I think it was a Water Skills Academy trip in Scotland, I was doing my Adventure Guide course, and we were followed by seals throughout the day, they were playing grandmothers footsteps with us for hours.Do you have an eco-message for fellow paddlers?Always clean your board after use to stop the spread of invasive species. I use Biomate, which makes my life so much easier check them out and the #checkcleandry campaign.Also, if you have old boards sitting around, be they 126 race boards or old iSUPs, why not pass them on to youngsters? Dont let them go to landfill, let them inspire the next generation!A big question how does SUP keep progressing in your opinion?Ever evolving, from the huge participation growth during the Covid years, to the subtle changes in racing we see today. Paddlers seem to be gravitating towards stand-aloneand unique events/races such as SUPTwelve, Race to the Castle and The Eliminator rather than the National Series. Commitment to a series of races, unless its local, seems to be wavering, yet new paddlers are prepared to throw themselves into some big challenges, including endurance paddling.What are you looking forward to in the next year or so?I am finishing the book I am writing with a great team. Travelling with friends to attend events, either to race, watch them race or be on the mic!Who are your SUP buddies?My SUP buddies are Sarah Perkins, Jonny Greatrex and Andrea Richardson. Together with Antony, we have some great road trips, and the girls are my go-to friends foradvice, and they are the ones who pushed me to create SUPjunkie. Time on and off the water with them all is always a pleasure.My other SUP buddy is Simon from SUPfm Podcast. We have had some great times on the mic together, and he is another man who absolutely has my back and is a great support on and off the water.Quickfire fun questions:Who would it be if you could paddle with anyone, dead or alive?My mother she died aged 58 but loved the water. I am sure she would have loved paddling.If your board had a name, what would it be?Ive only ever named one board, and that is my new SUP surfboard, a Starboard Spice because its black and white, I named her Pepper.Whats the strangest thing youve seen floating in the water?Cant think of anything!If you could only paddle to the beat of one musical track, what track would you choose?Sounds corny, but the music to Hawaii-5-0 always makes me paddle faster and puts a big smile on my face!Whats your essential gear?My Red Equipment dry pouch, Ive had it for years and use it on most paddles.If you could only bring three items on a SUP trip, what would they be?My phone, a drink and a homemade flapjack.If your board could talk, what would it say about your paddling skills?I think it would say I was pretty good. I am generally always thinking about my technique, even on a social paddle. Larry Cain of Paddle Monster would be very proud of me!Whats your most unusual board ritual or superstition?Im not superstitious at all, so I dont have any.Whats the ultimate SUP superpower you wish you had?To have the body of a younger person so I could train and race harder!If you could only speak in SUP-related puns for a day, whats your best one?Board and addicted. #whatsmyaddictionFinally, any shoutouts?SUPM and The Paddler Magazine for not only showcasing me and my brand with this feature but also allowing me to write about all the wonderful paddlers and adventurers over the years.Big thanks always to my husband, Antony, for being a huge part of SUPjunkie from the early days you have deserved your well-earned break this year.Thank you so much Sarah for taking time out of your very busy schedule happy paddling!

WINDSURF NEWS BULLETINWINDSURF NEWS BULLETINWhat an incredible month its been for windsurfing around the globe! The PWA / WWT Finals in Maui were absolutely electrifying, with Marcilio Browne and Marc Par battling it out among a stacked field of Hookipa rippers (we stayed up all night to watch!). Before that, Sylt pushed its event an extra day to wrap up the finals in what can only be described as brutal survival conditionsand what a spectacle it was!Back in the UK, Tiree also extended for an extra day of action and drama at Crossapol, while just a week later the West Wittering Wave Classic wrapped up the season in style with a perfect mix of sun, wind, parties and waves.Honestly, we hardly know where to startthe past few weeks have been so packed with action, drama, and unforgettable performances. And the excitements not over yet, with the upcoming PWA Foil Slalom Finals in Japan just around the corner plus the Oceania Youth Wave Titles are coming up in January in Western Australia. Dont worry, were sending one lucky member of our dedicated team of journalists to Japan and Down Under to cover all the low-downs for you! Oh yes and lets not forget the speed guys who are all headed to Lderitz for this years season which kicks off on the 3rd of November.So, lets get stuck into all the news, highlights and behind-the-scenes gossip from this whirlwind month in the wonderful world of windsurfing!Photos: Fish Bowl Diaries / PWA / World Wave TourJohn CarterSeverneALOHA CLASSICThe PWA / WWT tour wrapped up an incredible season in Maui after a year full of diverse, world-class events Most of the sailors barely had time to shake off their jet lag from Sylt before hitting the water again at Hookipa. You couldnt have scripted a more nail-biting finish to the season, with both the mens and womens titles going right down to the wire as Maui delivered epic wind and waves.When poor Marc Par was knocked out in the semis, we were all biting our nails waiting for the outcome of the final. With Marcilio Browne leading for much of his heat, you can only imagine what must have been going through Marcs mind with his fate out of his hands. Luckily for him, Bernd Roediger (who we reckon was the standout sailor of the contest) and Morgan Noireaux stepped up in the latter half to dash Marcilios hopes of another world title. In the end, Marc could finally breathe a huge sigh of reliefhis first and well-deserved, world title! Anyone who follows Marc knows just how much passion and hard work he puts into his windsurfing and this result no doubt means everything to him. We have an interview lined up with Marc and he is busy preparing his answers as we speak so watch this space!YOU CAN READ OUR MORGAN INTERVIEW HERE:Windsurf MagazineMORGAN NOIREAUX: ALOHA X 4! | Windsurf MagazineWe have to give a shout out to Robby Swift who finished 4th at the Aloha! This is supposed to be his last full year on tour, but what a way to bow out! No doubt he will be featuring in future Alohas and still hunting down huge waves at Jaws and ripping Hookipa! Watch out for his sons who could turn heads on the PWA / WWT Youth tour!Poor Thomas Traversa had a nightmare journey, missing his first flight to Maui due to a visa issue, then facing more delays from a technical fault on his next one. He finally arrived the same evening his repechage heat had already finishedabsolutely heart breaking!Over to the women: after a disappointing result in Sylt, Sarah-Quita Offringa had to deliver in Maui or risk handing the title to 16-year-old rising star Sol Degrieck. As fate would have it, they met in the first semi-final. Sarah-Quitas Hookipa experience shone through as she advanced to the final, while Sol finished third. Theres no doubt well be hearing Sols name for years to come her skills are improving rapidly and shes surely one to watch for future titles.With her place in the final secured, Sarah-Quita had already clinched the world titlebut that wasnt enough for her! She went on to dominate the final, claiming her fourth Aloha Classic win and an incredible 28th world title.SARAH QUITA INTERVIEW HERE:Windsurf MagazineSARAH QUITA OFFRINGA: UNSTOPPABLE! | Windsurf MagazineQUICK RECAP ON THE WINDSURF PREDICTIONS:We had a shocker!MEN1: Bernd Roediger (2nd)2: Marcilio Browne (3rd)3: Kai LennyWILD CARD: Also keep an eye on the stacked field of challengers: Morgan Noireaux! (event winner)WOMEN1: Sarah Quita Offringa (1stYes!)2: Sol Degriek3: Marine Hunter (4th)STANDOUTSWe loved seeing Jason Prior (one of the founding members of Quatro) tearing it up in the Masters with a crazy Mutant attempt and a slick one-handed airproper old-school AKA Mark Angulo style! Meanwhile, Josh Stone proved hes still got it, winning the Masters final ahead of fellow Quatro founders, Francisco Goya and Keith Teboul, alongside the multi-talented Paul Karaolides from Fish Bowl Diaries.TIREETo be honest, everyone heading to Tiree this year feared the worst after Storm Amy sucked the life out of the Atlantic the week before causing havoc on the island. Windguru showed zero wind all weekit wasnt looking good! But, as if by Tiree magic, a perfect forecast appeared on the day after the event was supposed to finish. With most competitors able to stay an extra day, the entire event ran with results in all fleets and even a livestream!Crossapol delivered waist- to head-high waves and solid wind from the word go. With the British Wave Title race heating up, there was one wildcardDieter Van Der Eykenwho chose the wild shores of Scotland over the waves of Maui to finish his season. Whether it was the lure of the legendary Tiree sword or just curiosity, he certainly made one side of the draw tougher!In the end, Dieters world-class skills shone through as he knocked out Lucas Meldrum in the semis and then beat Phil Horrocks in the final. That second-place finish was enough for Phil to secure the British Champion title without even needing to compete at final event at West Wittering. Lucas managed to edge out Andy Chambers for third. Without Dieter in the mix, things could have gone very differently, but thats competition for you!In the womens fleet, Cori McFarlane dominated all three finals to claim the Tiree Swordand, like Phil, shed already done enough to secure the womens British Wave Champion crown.EVENT REPORT HERE:Windsurf MagazineTIREE WAVE CLASSIC 2025: FINALS DAY! | Windsurf MagazineWEST WITTERING WAVE CLASSICThankfully, everyone made it off the Tiree ferry in time and just a week later, conditions lined up perfectly for the West Wittering Wave Classic. Simon Bassett gave the green light on Tuesday, and by Friday we had sunshine, strong winds, and waves stretching to the horizon. West Wittering absolutely delivered!Over 80 competitors signed up across Pro, Amateur, Masters, and Youth fleets. With Phil Horrocks opting to use his discard, the door was open for Lucas Meldrum to shine and from the first heat, he looked the man to beat. The final came down to Lucas versus Andy Chambers, who had also been on fire all day. In the dying minute, Lucas nailed a clean wave 360 to clinch victory, despite Andys late comeback with a 360 of his own. For third, local wild man James Cox sent some monster rocket airs to edge out Timo Mullen, who had also been sailing brilliantly.The mens pros saw a ton of standout performances, including epic jumping and riding from Paul Hunt, Mark Perry, and Ben Page.In the womens division, Izzy Adcock reigned supreme after three hotly contested finals, ahead of strong sailing from Liath Campbell and Annika Loh.After an epic Friday, many doubted the weekend would deliver, but Wittering came through again with two more days of solid action, allowing every fleet to get results.Saturday night saw the launch of Windsurfer Magazine and an awesome party at Jamie Hawkins Beach Caf. Peter Hart (in a white tux!) was on the mic, drinks flowed, and the mag teamTris Best, Dan McAuley, Ollie Sargent, and Lucas Meldrum, were introduced to a buzzing crowd. Guests then checked out a display of classic 80s and 90s boards before the night descended into shirt-ripping chaos (no names mentioned!).Report and photos here:Windsurf MagazineTHE 2XS WAVE CLASSIC 2025: ONE TO REMEMBER! | Windsurf MagazineLDERITZYep it is that time of year when all the top speed sailors from around the world head to Namibia hoping to snag that record breaking day! Severne will be hoping Antoine Albeau will be smashing his own speed record down the canal but dont discount Cedric Bordes who could also be gunning to go way beyond 50 knots.Jenna Gibson and Simon Pettifer are also en route and have touched down in Cape Town but we heard some of their board bags did not arrive so they may have to stay in the city until they are reunited with all that vital equipment .PWA FOIL SLALOM JAPANIts almost time for the PWA Foil Slalom Finals in Japan, and the tension couldnt be higher. Matteo Iachino is currently in the drivers seat, with Pierre Mortefon and Amado Vrieswijk hot on his heels. Sylt winner Johan Soe might be out of title contention as he missed the first event of the season in Guadeloupe, but hes definitely capable of shaking up the results. With no discards this year, every race countsexpect fireworks!In the womens fleet, Justine Lemeteyer will be fighting hard to defend her world title, but again, with no discards, anything can happen.One things for sureits going to be a thrilling finale, and if past seasons are anything to go by, expect drama, surprises and maybe even a few tears and tantrums!OCEANIA YOUTH WAVE TITLES WESTERN AUSTRALIAWhile were heading into dark, chilly winter days, over in Western Australia theyre gearing up for an epic youth wave event in Geraldton! We caught up with Jane Seman to get the inside scoop on what to expect watch this space for more updates!Jane Seman Its such an honour that Geraldton in Western Australia has been chosen to host the World Junior Wave Grand Final. I think WA has the largest group of youth windsurfers in any one place right now and theres been a huge effort from a lot of people over the last eight years to make that happen. Loads of people just volunteering their time every weekend. Severne, Patrik and Starboard helping out with gear and even making new gear to suit what the youth were doing or needing.But its all created a really healthy, fun, friendly atmosphere. The windsurfing kids have become such good friends and also made friends with visiting families and lot meeting new people. So whilst this has a more serious competition element and the kids definitely push each other, its also just loads of fun, really social and super friendly.Geraldton has probably got to be the best place in the world for families to windsurf together. It has warm water and a variety of spots that cater for complete beginners to total pros like Jaeger Stone. Theres Coronation Beach that starts with flat, shallow water, then leads into small rolling swells and then further out the back are soft but bigger breaking waves. Sunset Beach in Geraldton works when the swell is bigger and thats a super fun sectiony wave that offers great riding and jumping. Then the Spot works in small swells and just has an endless amount of easy reforms that are super fun for both jumping or popping aerials. Everyone has a good time here (except maybe you JC who has to sit in the wind and shoot into the sun!).There is a tonne of event info here:Junior World Wave Grand Final + Oceania Youth Wave Titles + Junior Windsurf Camp Windsurfing Western AustraliaThe post WINDSURF NEWS BULLETIN appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

SIMMER TEAM TALK!SIMMER TEAM TALK!While competitors waited for the wind to fill in on the final day in Tiree, Phil Horrocks, Cori McFarlane, and Adrian Jones kept the competitors busy with a demo on all the latest Simmer wave gear they have been using. We caught up with the team to find out what boards they have been riding and to also hear about the latest Simmer Blacktip Team Carbon sail as used by PWA World Champion Marc Pare!WINDSURF: OK, well kick off with the Flywave. Phil, is that your go-to board?Phil: Yeah, the Flywave is my board for when its really firing the proper days. Most of the time, my main board is the Quantex. I use that at Rhosneigr, my home break, and for most UK windsurfing. But when the conditions are really good, Ill jump on the Flywave.So, for example, in Cornwall at the start of the year I was using the Flywave, and at Rhosneigr, I was on the Quantex.WINDSURF: What makes the Flywave good for those rad conditions?Phil: The Flywave holds a rail in anything. When its full power, full speed and youre carving on a big wavereally wanting to use the whole rail and commit to the turnit just grips and pulls you through the carve beautifully.The Quantex, on the other hand, has a slightly wider tail. Its made for slower, less steep waves, allowing you to stay higher on the wave, do tighter turns off the back foot and carry speed through flatter sections. It gives more pop and projection off the lip in rougher, less ideal conditions.WINDSURF: So thats your go-to board at Rhosneigr?Phil: Yeah, exactly, I use the Quantex at home all the time. I never really use the Flywave there. The Flywave is for Cornwall, Ireland, Tiree, maybe Chilethe special trips. Its the one I want to use all the time, but where I live, I end up on the Quantex mostly!WINDSURF: And how about you Cori, where do you sail normally?Cori: I sail mostly in the Canaries, in Tenerife at Cabezo. Its a nice clean wave, though not as heavy as somewhere like Chile. I use the Flywavethe 72L or 78L, pretty much anywhere I go. Its a quad.WINDSURF: What do you like about the Flywave?Cori: I like how it holds speed through the bottom turn, especially in onshore conditions. It keeps the drive really nicely.WINDSURF: And what about the Quantex, Do you ever use that?Cori: Ive tried it a few times at Rhosneigr and at the summer test centre. I really like it when Ive tried it, but I dont actually have one yet.Phil: Im a bit heavier, stronger, and I like to sail fully powered up with a lot of drive in the sail. For me, that suits the Quantexits a board I can really turn and push hard.Coris lighter, so she can get going easily on the Flywave and still enjoy its turning ability. Her weight makes her slightly more suited to the Flywave, whereas I prefer the Quantex.WINDSURF: And what about the Omnia, we havent mentioned that one yet?Phil: Thats the Omniathe freewave board. Well, the wave freewave, you could say.Its basically for those rougher conditions when the winds strong and people want something more wave-oriented than their freeride board. Its perfect for that, but its also rideable as a proper wave board. Its loose, lively and fun!WINDSURF: Adrian, where do you sail normally?Adrian: Mostly at Rhosneigr. And because I sell the boards, I have to try them all to understand what each one does best. When I joined Simmer about a year and a half ago, I thought Id mainly be on the FlywavesBen Proffitt told me, Get the Flywaves. So, I ordered one of each. But as soon as I got on the Quantex, I thought, wow, this is the one. Its just easy to ride.The Quantex feels fast. Its got that wider tail, sits beautifully in the water and turns super loose. You can flick it around easilyit feels like it rides on top of the water. The Flywave, in contrast, when you bank it over, engages the full rail its a full rail-turn board.So, I found myself using the Quantex almost all the time.The new generation of Flywave, though, which came out in April, has a wider tail and a bit more rocker at the back. Thats made it a much more all-round board. Ive been back on them recently, testing with Ben before the Rhosneigr event. We spent a week trying all three the Omnia, the Quantex, and the Flywaveall in 95 litres, comparing how they felt.The Omnia felt the fastest and easiest and it turned pretty well, but felt a bit more limited than the Quantex. The Quantex was looser and easier to tighten up your turns onshore or in the bottom turn. Its a little more technical to sailshorter and more sensitive, but thats part of why its so fun.Then we got on the Flywave, which we both expected wouldnt suit Rhosneigr, but we were totally surprised at how good it felt. With the new tail, its much more capable in onshore stuff. But with all that said, Ben actually ended up competing on the Quantex, even though hes a Flywave rider, which says a lot.If you look at Marc on the World Tour, he rides customs but also uses some production boards. He uses the Flywave and the interesting thing is that our boards all have five fin boxesso you can ride them as quads or thrusters. Marc runs his Flywave as a thruster, which gives it more drive and speed, even though it comes standard as a quad. That setup seems to bridge the gap between the two models really nicely for him.WINDSURF: And what about the sail you have up in Tiree, this is the Simmer Blacktip Team Carbon one?Adrian: Yes, this is the exact sail Marcs using now. Hes been developing prototypesI think were on number 17. Theyve really done their homework because Marcs meticulous with equipment. Hes never satisfied, even when its right, he keeps tweaking.The big change is the material the sail has now got carbon strands, which add strength. That means they can use less film, making the sail lighter and more stable. You really notice how solid it feelsit doesnt move around in your hands.I was talking to Marc about it after Pozo. I told him his stalled doubles looked incredible the best there by farand he said hed always been scared of doing stalled doubles until he got this sail. It feels so stable, with the power really far forward, leaving it light on the backhand. He said it gave him total control, even in nuclear wind.So yeah, its made a real difference and this new production version is exactly what Marc is using at the moment.Simmer have spent a lot of time working on the direction of the carbon strands. Because theyre strands, not woven fabric, the strength is directionalit gives most of its strength in one direction. So, they had to keep adjusting the lay-up of the cloth until the sail twisted and stretched properly. Thats why they went through so many prototypes before finalizing this version. Now theyve got it dialled inand Marc is really happy with it.Marc won the world title using this sail so that is the icing on the cake for us!2026 Blacktip Team CarbonWINDSURF: We noticed Marc was one of the only ones wearing a wetsuit in his heats in Maui, everyone else was in shorts!Adrian: Yeah, he absolutely loves that day-glow bright OShea wetsuit we made for him. He did a demo in Sweden recently, everyone else was in full winter suits, and theres Marc in a short-sleeve! Weve given him winter suits too, but not in that colour schemehe just loves that Fluro one.Home www.osheasurf.comWINDSURF: Youve got to be pretty talented to wear a wetsuit like that to the beach!Adrian: [Laughs] True! But whats cool is how it all came about. When Marc joined Simmer, we wanted something visually distinctive, something youd recognize even without seeing the logo.We considered pink, inspired by the pink sails he was already using. We talked about Kai Lennyhes one of the few riders today with a truly iconic look. His red and blue suits are instantly recognizable. So, we wanted something similarly unique for Marca look that would stand out. Simmer Style | WindsurfingThe post SIMMER TEAM TALK! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

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SPOOKY MEXICOS: CORNWALL HALLOWEEN SESSION!SPOOKY MEXICOS: CORNWALL HALLOWEEN SESSION!Steve Thorp and Matt Woolgar reflect on what they reckon was the first proper wave-sailing session of the season at Mexicos. With a Pumking swell brewing and eerie SSW winds in the forecast, the crew finally scored their first real taste of winterand fittingly, it all came together on Halloween!Photos: Steve Thorp and Matt WoolgarClick on any photo to enlarge and scroll through the gallery!Steve Thorp: Spookily it felt like the wave sailing season finally kicked off on Friday 31st Halloween! Wed had a few splutters through October but nothing to get really excited about. We all knew that this day had to be on though, with a 10ft and 28mph SSW forecast.That said we rocked up to Gwithian only to be disappointed as the waves didnt have much shape. A quick look up the coast revealed more hollow and peeling conveyer belts, so we relocated at Sandy Acres and rigged our 4.2s just as the sun started to peak out. Ben was already out further upwind, so I got some great shots of him and Matt before hitting the water.A pretty sweet session was had! It was one of those where getting a proper aerial was almost impossible (the crests would loom up menacingly tempting you in, only to back off or crumble) but it was a great day for turns! It looks like were due a run of great conditions this week so hopefully some air sections are coming our way!Matt Woolgar. After a message from Chucky (Ian Ross) we checked Gwithian and watched him throw down a tidy forward on the run out!The conditions looked funky with no waves really running down the line so we headed further up to Mexicos. That felt like the first real DTL session for me this season. I was stacked on my 4.2m! Thorpy stayed up on land shooting to start with and I sailed a peak to myself which was a bonus.There were some solid sets but easy enough to pick your way out! It was not always the easiest to get the timing right as they seemed to be holding back but felt good to be racing down the line and finding a few sections. Afterwards it was time to switch up, I went behind the lens and caught Thorpy ripping into a few sections as well as capturing some of the action going down a few peaks further up.I finally got rigged up for round two and went up a sail size and the waves actually improved and cleaned up as they started to hollow out on the drop! That was a solid day at the beach! Now we are all fired up for more!The post SPOOKY MEXICOS: CORNWALL HALLOWEEN SESSION! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

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MARC PAR: DEFINING MOMENT!MARC PAR: DEFINING MOMENT!For Marc Par, the path to becoming the 2025 World Wave Champion has been anything but smooth sailing. The Spanish sailor has spent years grinding away on tour, weathering injuries, enduring sponsorship woes and working on his equipment with a relentless passion. This season, his persistence finally paid off. After clinching victory in the brutal, storm-lashed waters of Sylt and holding his nerve through the pressure-cooker showdown at Hookipa, Par secured his first world title a moment he describes as equal parts disbelief and relief. In this exclusive interview the new world champion reflects on the emotions of that defining week, the years of sacrifice behind the scenes and why, at the end of it all, his greatest motivation remains simple: I just love windsurfing!Photos: Fish Bowl Diaries / PWA / World Wave TourJohn Carter / PWA / World Wave TourWINDSURF: Congratulations on winning your first world titleHow does it feel to be able to you are the 2025 world wave champion?MARC PAR: Thank you so much! It feels amazing and its a huge relief after working so hard towards this goal for so many years. At the same time, I dont think I fully understand or believe the calibre of this accomplishment.WINDSURF: How was your mindset coming into and during the event?MARC PAR: I was just really focused and doing my thing and playing my game to try and do my best sailing and defend my first place the best way I could. We all know how good Braw is at sailing Hookipa, so I didnt want to give him any slack and definitely didnt want to leave it up to him. In the end I didnt manage to defend it the way I wanted but at the same time super happy with my sailing throughout the event, to finish 5th at the Aloha and of course to clinch the World Title!WINDSURF: Did you get a few days sailing after Sylt to warm up and test gear before Hookipa?MARC PAR: I did, but only 4 days, which wasnt much time to either adjust to the Jet-lag / journey nor to get 100% back to the Hookipa rhythm. In a way, I prefer like the previous years when we have a bit more time between the two events, as Hookipa is always a tricky place to get back in rhythm with.WINDSURF: Coming to Maui it was a very close battlehow did it feel when you went out in the first semi-final and then Marcilio made it through to the final?MARC PAR: As you say it was a close battle coming into Maui, as even if I was sitting ahead with a good advantage points-wise, the scenario that Braw needed for him to become World Champion, was totally possible. When I didnt advance to the finals, I was really pissed and broken. I really took it like losing the title there. As I mentioned, my plan was to not leave it up to Braw to decide, I wanted to defend my place by getting into the top 3, so he didnt have any options. So losing was really hard to take with the title being so close to achieve. But I was extremely happy it went my way in the end!WINDSURF: What did you do after the heat when you were eliminateddid you cryDid you watch the other heats?MARC PAR: I think I hadnt been this upset in a long time, even if my chances were still there. Yes, I cried and tried to take in the loss. Called my family and chilled in the car and watched F1 to not have a heart attack watching the event unfold But before the final I called my dad and he told me to watch the final and whatever the outcome, to enjoy every moment. So thats what I did, and cant explain how amazing, nerve-racking and special that was. Sitting there with my friends cheering on and giving me company and having my parents on the phone was just insanely special. Its a moment I will never forget. The nerves, the happiness, the relief, the love was just a super intense and unique moment.WINDSURF: Did you have any words with Marcilio after the final?MARC PAR: I did, and he congratulated me. I think he was happy to see me win despite not winning it himself. He is a super amazing athlete but also a super nice and kind human being. On top of that he understands the effort and what it takes to get here.WINDSURF: What did you do to celebratewho did you call etc?MARC PAR: We went with a few of my friends and grabbed some sushi after the contest was over. My other friends were waiting for me to go party, but I fell asleep on Ricardos couch ha ha. I think after all the stress I went through, as soon as my body had the chance to relax, everything caught up to meWINDSURF: What were the conditions like this year at the Aloha and what gear were you riding?MARC PAR: It was some pretty fun conditions with logo to mast high waves from the NW and wind for 4.7m / 5.0m throughout the whole contest. So, Id say we scored some pretty good Hookipa conditions!WINDSURF: Before Maui, you won the final in gnarly bolt onshore Syltwhat was it like transitioning to riding Hookipa after going to battle in a storm in Sylt?MARC PAR: Its a pretty big contrast. Even if Ive spent a lot of time on Maui training over the years, it always takes around a week or so for me to get fully back in sync with the spot. Its not that much about the moves or turns you can do on the wave, but more about the timing with the wave and in my case specially how to pick the right waves between all the competitors and sailors that are also looking to get the right waves.WINDSURF: How satisfying was it to win in Sylt and what was it like to compete in bang onshore stormy conditions?MARC PAR: It was super nice! Especially revalidating my title from last year. I weirdly really enjoy the stormy tricky conditions the North Sea has to offer.WINDSURF: Were you scared to even go out in the morning or did you want to compete come what may?MARC PAR: Everyone seemed concerned and a bit scared to go out, even my dad was scared for me. But I was in a state of mind where I was really excited to compete and go sail. I had been training a lot leading up to the event in those kind of conditions and even went early to Sylt on a similar forecast to train. So, I was actually feeling in a really confident in those kind of conditions and I felt like I could have a slight edge over the others. I also knew that it was my chance to take advantage over Braw in the World title Race, so I preferred to go out and compete than sitting on the beach and call it a day.WINDSURF: You have obviously put in a lot of hard work over the years to win the titlehow satisfying does it feel to achieve your goal?MARC PAR: It feels like a huge relief, but I dont think I fully comprehend the achievement, yet But Im more motivated than ever. And theres one thing that Ive learned from this World Title, and is that I f*** LOVE Windsurfing!!! And after all, the world title was just a goal and what really is driving me is just the sport itself and what gives me all the time!WINDSURF: Does it feel different when you rock up at the beach now knowing that you are a world champion?MARC PAR: Not for me, no I still feel the same as before and I dont really like or want to be famous. I just want to windsurf and do my thing!WINDSURF: How was the social media response when you won?MARC PAR: It was quite crazy actually. I felt a lot of support and love from the whole windsurfing community, which was a super nice feeling that people could see how hard I had worked for this and were happy for me!WINDSURF: Who would you like to thank?MARC PAR: Id like to thank all my family, friends, current sponsors, old sponsors, physical trainers, doctors and my mental coach Everyone that has been part of this to make this puzzle complete and has helped me in anyway get to where I am today. We are all part of this achievement! But, if I can give a special thank you is to firstly my parents, that have sacrificed SO much for me and helped me with everything they could; and secondly to Simmer Style that was the first brand to believe in me and support me when I was just a kid and that have now gone above and beyond offering me everything I needed and have provided me with gear that I could have only ever dreamed of having. Without all of you, this wouldnt have been possible!WINDSURF: What are your plans for 2026?MARC PAR: My plan is to keep on training hard and focus on improving my sailing as much as I can and work tightly with Simmer Style to make the best windsurfing equipment ever!The post MARC PAR: DEFINING MOMENT! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

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