SAMURAI MODE AT HOOKIPA: ROEDIGER STRIKES, HUNTER DOMINATESSAMURAI MODE AT HOOKIPA: ROEDIGER STRIKES, HUNTER DOMINATESQUATRO MAUI PRO AMHookipa turned it on in spectacular fashion for finals day as the Quatro Maui Pro Am crowned its mens and womens champions in solid conditions. Right on cue with the forecast, the ocean came alive delivering the perfect arena for the finals day action.In the mens division, Bernd Roediger rose to the occasion with a performance that was nothing short of electric, dropping the highest score of the entire event right towards the end of tense the final. He narrowly edged out Marcilio Browne in a nail-biting finish, with Antoine Martin taking third and Morgan Noireaux having to settle for fourth.Over in the womens, the intensity didnt drop for a second. Marine Hunter charged her way to victory with authority, while Maria Behrens stole the spotlight as the surprise package of the event, claiming an impressive second. Maui veteran Angela Cochran secured third, with Lina Erpenstein finishing fourth.EPIC PHOTOS: FISH BOWL DIARIESClick to enlarge and scrollbest viewed on a big screen!MENWhat a finals day. Seriouslyif you werent watching, you missed a spectacular show.The morning kicked off with frustrating cross onshore northeast windsthe kind that make sailors work for every turnand it all looked a bit crumbly and slow. But as the heats rolled on and the field narrowed, Hookipa flicked the switch. Clean, logo-high sets marched in, the trades swung more easterly and suddenly it was game on.From the quarterfinals onwards, the level went through the roof. Big moves, bigger commitment, high stakes and absolutely zero holding back.LOOK MA NO HANDS!In the semi-finals, Antoine Martin had the crowd on the guardrail losing their minds after sticking a clinical no-handed goiter (7.73). It was the kind of move that will get everybody talking for the next few weeks. Should it have scored moretough call!A one hitter with no set up turns or anything else on the wave.but that one hit was something spectacular and maybe should of been scored in the 8-9 region. Martin was on fire all daythrowing massive goiters, late hits and stylish airs and he was in his element.The crowd loved it and he loves putting on a show for them! That score sent him straight to the main final, leaving one of the event favourites, Bernd Roediger with the slightly less glamorous task of battling through the B final.ROEDIGER STRIKESBut Roediger? He was ice cold.While some other sailors were forcing the issue, Bernd played the long game. Cool calm and collected and seemingly unbothered, he waited patiently for the right waves and when they came, he struck with surgical precision. All while casually listening to Paul Simon on a waterproof speaker slung over his shoulder.Heading into the dying minutes of the main final, Roediger was still trailing. Thenbang. A perfectly executed taka, followed by a spontaneous clew first one-handed hit deep in the pocket. Cue absolute chaos in the commentary box as Kai Katchadourian practically exploded when the judges dropped an 8.93the highest score of the day. We loved the way Kai was so wrapped up in the commentary and immersed in the whole drama that was unfolding!At that point in the final with two minutes or so to go, Bernd wasnt just sailinghe was in another dimension. Samurai mode fully activated. I am not sure if any other sailors would have event contemplated that last hit, but it was Bernd and he was in the flow state and somehow it all just clicked for him when it mattered most.Morgan Noireaux had looked unstoppable earlier in the day, always in the right place with a full arsenal of tricks. Windsurf Predictions were not looking in a good place at all the way he was sailing he looked like he could win itand we had him down for 4th! Surely a blunderBut in the final, Hookipa had other plans. The waves didnt line up for him and despite his form, he just couldnt sync with the ocean when it mattered most.Shoutouts also go to Robby Swift (sailing better than ever), Levi Siver (Always inspiring to watch), Thomas Traversa (Who found his flow), Liam Dunkerbeck (Who nailed one of the best 360s of the day) and Arthur Arutkin (Classic solid sailing took him right through to the top 8), who all delivered standout performances.RESULTS MEN1: Bernd Roediger2: Marcilio Browne3: Antoine Martin4: Morgan NoireauxWINDSURF PREDICTIONS1: Bernd Roediger2: Marc Pare3: Marcilio Browne4: Morgan NoireauxIf theres one thing Hookipa loves, its humbling our predictions. On paper, the picks looked solideven safe. But once the ocean lit up, it started rewriting the script in real time. In the mens, calling Bernd for the win was spot onbut beyond that, it got messy fast. Morgan looked like a guaranteed title threat all day (making that predicted fourth look questionable at best but at least that came in), while Antoine Martin came flying in to crash the podium partywe should of saw that coming!Meanwhile, Marc Par who we pegged for second never found his flow state at all and will be disappointed with his performance. He was not sailing badly at all but never seen in sync with the sets and could not find his flow! Classic Hookipa for you!BERND ROEDIGERYeah, its really hard to get into that level of just carefree sailing because you feel pressure, you feel expectations. Ive found that since the last time I won, its gotten harder to competeits become more difficult to manage those expectations.Back then, it didnt even enter my mind to win. Now it feels like theres more to it. Its more complicated and I guess thats lifeyou make things more complicated on yourself for no reason. So, to be able to get back to that point where you feel totally carefree, totally unattached to the result, where you just go out there, see what happens and follow whats going onits a big thing.You feel it out there. Youre like, OK, Im in last place in the heat. Cool, its not going the way I thought it would, but you just keep sailing and keep believing. All of thatit feels good.Yeah, I cant wait to celebrate. Im so grateful to have won this event. Its amazinglast year it was an experiment and this year its really happeningand happening on this level as a 5 star event. Its really cool. I feel super grateful, especially to Francisco and the team at Quattro and Goya and my own team at Fika and Hot Sails for supporting me for so long. Its unreal.Shout outs to those guys, and to everybody back home watchingthank you so much. On my first heat, the timing lined up exactly with the launch of the Artemis mission, that rocket that just took off. So, I dont know, it just felt like a charmed day the whole time. Even though it was a sketchy start for me, I believed. I believedand thats Hookipa.WOMENThe womens final brought just as much drama, power and tension.Marine Hunter was the clear standoutbringing an aggressive, no-nonsense style to every wave. Powerful top turns, late hits and committed airs made it clear she meant business. When the final horn sounded, there was no doubt who owned the day.Maria Behrens, already emotional just to make the final (She was in tears when being interviewed by Ann Marie), took things to another level. Linking turns beautifully and staying glued to the power source, she secured long, flowing rides and a well-earned second place. Safe to say, she won a lot of fans out there. Her family watching in Germany will be no doubt ecstatic!Angela Cochran reminded everyone exactly why shes a Maui legend, delivering a rock-solid performance to take third.Lina Erpenstein started the final strong with a 6.93 opening wave, but couldnt quite find the backup scores she needed, leaving her in fourth. That put the mockers on our Windsurf Predictions and allowed Paul Van Bellen to win the Windsurfing TV mini competition by a point over Windsurf!Elsewhere, there were some tough breaks. Pauline Katz suffered a nasty knee injury in the final and we wish her a speedy recovery (We dont know how bad it was as we write this). Lisa Wermiester came agonisingly close to the final and looked strong throughout, while Sol Degriek showed promise but needed a bit more punch in her lip attacks to progress. Coco Foveau also put in some solid rides and was unlucky not to advance further.RESULTS WOMEN1: Marine Hunter2: Maria Behrens3: Angela Cochran4: Lina ErpensteinWINDSURF PREDICTIONS1: Marine Hunter2: Lina Erpenstein3: Maria Andres4: Sol DegriekOn the womens side, things started strong with Marine Hunter delivering exactly what was expectedtotal dominancewe got that rightbut the rest? Pure curveball territory. Lina, tipped for second, couldnt back up her opener, while Maria Behrens flipped the narrative entirely with a breakout performance that no prediction saw coming. The benefit of hindsight is a wonderful thing and looking back now we should have been smarter with our picks! At the end of the day, predictions are funbut Hookipa or the sailors do not read them.MAUI BLESSEDHats off to Kai Katchadourian and Jace Panebianco for the excellent commentary and also the live stream crew for delivering a fantastic broadcast! Tomorrow it is the chance for the Youths and Masters to shine so we will keep an eye on the action if the conditions continue.The post SAMURAI MODE AT HOOKIPA: ROEDIGER STRIKES, HUNTER DOMINATES appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

LUCAS MELDRUM: NEW CHAPTERLUCAS MELDRUM: NEW CHAPTERLucas Meldrum has just signed up with North Windsurfing and Quatro and what better way to test out the new kit than a mast high heavy day at Gwithian!LUCAS MELDRUM: Im very excited to finally announce I will be partnering with North Sails and Quatro. Some of you would have already seen already on my socials but heres a couple of clips on the first day using my new boards and sails. Very much looking forward to sharing more about this move and the equipment in future videos. Again thanks to everyone whos been watching along the way it definitely wouldnt have been possible otherwise!What I was using: 4.7, 4.2 North Wave Gen 3www.northactionsports.com/products/wave-gen3 75L Quatro Pyramid 6 www.quatro1994.com/boards/pyramid-6/Shot in: SW England Shot by: Josef Fitz Gerald PatrickThe post LUCAS MELDRUM: NEW CHAPTER appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

CHILE RAW CLIPS: FINN MELLONCHILE RAW CLIPS: FINN MELLONFinn Mellon has been busy in South America hosting two bac to back wave camps in Chile. Of course there was still plenty of time between coaching to score plenty of waves for himself! Finn has compiled some raw clips from his sessions for you all to enjoy! Looks like they have been scoring some epic conditions! You can even hear some commentary and critique from Sarah Jackson in the first part of the video!Finn Mellon: Ello ello, Loving life here in Chile, Have been stacking some clips lately so I decided to put a few from last week together in a little rough edit. please dont slate me for some lazy editing haha Im too busy chasing amazing waves, can you blame me hah !! I Hope you enjoy. Has been a busy 20 days or so here in Chile with back to back Wave Camps here, had an absolute blast of a time with the groups, we scored some incredible sessions. So now its nice to have a little downtime to myself and share some waves with my dad who is here for a week.When I have some free time away from chasing swells I will be putting together a video from the waven camps and also some more content from here in Chile. Please let me know in the comments if there are any specific type of videos you would like to see. Like talking through my gear choices, GoPro follow along, Harness mount ect ect The post CHILE RAW CLIPS: FINN MELLON appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

WINDSURF MAUI PROM AM PREDICTIONSWINDSURF MAUI PROM AM PREDICTIONSLast year the Maui Pro Am was a 4-star event but this year it has been upgraded to elite 5-star status meaning most of the PWA / WWT big hitters will be in town. We have been patiently waiting for the entry lists to be confirmed before making our predictions as we dont want to be backing any non-runners! But now that things are confirmed, its game on. The forecast looks banging with wind and waves set to hit after a spell of Kona rainstorms has finally dispersed. We also have bonus predictions reigning world champion Sarah Quita Offringa who has gone head to head with Windsurf to see if she can outdo our picks! Now that is a challenge indeed! Are we running scared?maybe!So without further wafflehere are the Windsurf and Sarah Quita Offringa Predictions for the Maui Pro AM coming your way!Photos: WWT / PWA Fish Bowl Diaries.WINDSURFMENThe mens fleet is so stacked we could be completely wrong with our top four selections, it really feels like throwing darts in the dark. There is a wave of Japanese talent, deadly Maui locals and PWA chargers like Liam Dunkerbeck ready to shake the hierarchy. Having said that we have to make some picks (it is so, so tough) but these are the sailors we singled out to kick off 2026 with a bang! We could be wildly wrong. But thats never stopped us making bold calls before.1: BERND ROEDIGERThe way Bernd was ripping at the Aloha Classic last year was, frankly, borderline ridiculous. He came within a whisker of taking the win and looked dangerous in every single heat with his super fluid, top-to-bottom style and seamless tricks.Were backing him to go all the wayunless the judges suddenly decide they want a jump thrown in. Judging by the forecast they just might. Having said that the wind is up and down like a yo yo in the forecast.2: MARC PAREMarc was unlucky not to make the final last year and what we have seen of him so far this year he is absolutely on fire. Pare been kind of low profile in the build up to the event but it looks like he is just letting his sailing do the talking this season, rather than blab it all out on social media. He is sure to have his gear tuned and will be fired up to kick of the season with a bang. Marc is strong in big waves, small waves and if jumps are included, he is sure to bang out a double loop or a push forward. This is a sailor ready for anything and his world title last year was certainly no fluke!3: MARCILIO BROWNELast years winner returns, but with the upgrade to a 5-star event, the target on his back just got a lot bigger.Marcilio is one of the best free sailors at Hookipaeffortless, stylish, and ridiculously consistent. The only question is whether that same freedom translates under contest pressure. Either way, with his trademark power turns, goiters and wave 360s, leaving him out would be brave (and probably foolish).WILD CARDMORGAN NOIREUXMorgan won the Aloha Classic in 2025 and is rarely out of the top four in Maui. He almost makes the job look too easy with the smooth silky way he performs in Maui. He is another sailor who is very tough to beat and we would not be surprised to see him take the victory at the Maui Pro Am. He has been on Maui most of the winter and from what we have seen in the videos he is totally on fire and ready for battle. His wave 360s are amongst the best in the business and dont be surprised if he does not back one up with a goiter. Hmmm maybe we should have him down for the event winOnly time will tell.Also dont count out: Kai Lenny (always dangerous at Hookipa), Antoine Martin (if its big, hes going bigger), plus Robby Swift, Takuma Sugi, Thomas Traversa and Levi Siverwhove all had their moments of brilliance here.SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA1: Morgan Noireaux!Im rooting for my teammate here. He is such a driven rider and spends so much hours on the water and never seems to get enough. Does he hold the record for most Aloha wins in the men? He posted some ridiculous rides online in the winter time I wanna see him get another title!2: Antoine Martin!So apparently it will not be textbook Maui conditions and someone that thrives in chaos and non perfect conditions is Antoine. He has won the Aloha several times and is one of the riders that always keeps you guessing with what hes going to do next. He doesnt hold back in competition and brings his free sailing to the heats.3: Takuma SugiI loooove Takuma! Multi talented across disciplines and sends it any type of conditions. It seems like hes been on tour for a long time but hes only 21 I think. And hes only going from strength to strength. Its been awesome to see his dedication and has a unique style. He can make it to the top!WILDCARDMarcilio obviously is not a wildcard! His riding at Hookipa is unlike anybody else. Powerful and clean. He can easily win this contest.Then there is Marc, Bernd, Victor, Swifty and Camille..Since its Spring we should see a more windy Hookipa and therefore I think there will be more room for some tricks on the waves!Good luck ladies and gentlemen!WINDSURFWOMENThe womens competition is equally a tough equation to unravel. The level is so high right now that there are no easy heats, no easy paths, and definitely no guarantees.Throw in experienced Maui specialists like Angela Cochran, and youve got a proper battle on your hands from round one.1: MARINE HUNTERWith Sarah Quita Offringa sitting this one out, we have picked out last years winner, Marine Hunter to make it back-to-back victories. Marine is an absolute chargercommitted, aggressive and seemingly unaware that backing off is even an option. If she sticks her moves, that go hard or go home style could once again take her all the way.2: LINA ERPENSTEINLast year just wasnt Linas yearinjury recovery, tricky conditions the works. Luck just did not flow her way.Fast forward to 2026, and she should be fully fit, fully motivated and very ready to make up for lost time. Lina thrives at Hookipa and isnt afraid to take on heavy sections. If shes back to her best, a top finish looks more than likely.3: MARIA ANDRSMaria loves Mauiand it shows in her sailing.After a winter in Australia getting plenty of port tack action, shes been back on Maui recently getting re-dialled on starboard. Expect her to come in sharp, focused, and fully in attack mode.WILD CARD: SOL DEGRIEKSol is progressing at a scary rate. After last years Aloha Classic, it felt like she just needed a bit more time at Hookipa to really click with wave selection and timing.Shes fearless when its big and if she finds her rhythm early, she could absolutely shake things up. Rumour has it Dieter Van Der Eyken might be in her corner this tripso dont be surprised if she levels up quickly.Keep an eye on: Pauline Katz, Lisa Wermeister, Maria Behrens, Sarah Jackson and Coco Foveauall more than capable of causing a few upsets (and making us look even more wrong).SARAH QUITA OFFRINGAThe top 3 women below all seem to thrive in bigger waves and thats why I have chosen them!1: Marine HunterMy top pick for the event is Marine Hunter!She stands out in big waves and is one of the women that gets out there even when its scary. Having spent much more time in Maui since last year, I feel like she knows the break the best at the moment, she has a no-fear attitude and knows what she needs to win her heats!2: Lisa WermeisterShe really impressed me at Hookipa the last two contests. She is low-key extremely driven. I noticed last year how focused she is on stepping up her game. And it showed in her sailing and especially her heat tactics.3: Coco FoveauIf Im not mistaken there should be some big waves coming up for the contest. And no one loves those more than Coco! Im happy to see her back on the starting list and if it does get big, she should be one to watch as she doesnt thrives in those conditions.WILCARDSBut of course I know the top 3 ranked Sol, Lina and Pauline will be right up there with their competition experience!Good luck ladies and gentlemen!The post WINDSURF MAUI PROM AM PREDICTIONS appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

THE NEXT GENERATION: JAVI ESCRIBANOTHE NEXT GENERATION: JAVI ESCRIBANOSeventeen-year-old Javi Escribano was recently crowned junior under 18 World Champion after claiming a thrilling victory at the Oceania Youth Wave Titles in Geraldton, Western Australia. The young Spaniard rose to the occasion when it mattered most, holding his nerve in a pressure-filled final to secure the win.Hailing from Cdiz in the south of Spain, Javis windsurfing journey began at just six years old, learning the sport alongside his father Pick (Head PWA wave judge) at their home beaches. Since then, he has grown up chasing wind and waves, balancing schoolbooks and exams with international podium finishes! We caught up with the dedicated teenager to find out how he combines elite-level windsurfing with his studies, what its like to be part of the Goya team and what ambitions hes setting his sights on for the future.Photos: John Carter and Fish Bowl Diaries / WWTWINDSURF: How did it feel when you knew you were the under 18 world champion?JAVI: It was an indescribable feeling. I felt very happy and very proud when they told me I had won the heat. I celebrated it with my father on the beach and also when I came back home, with my friends and my family. It was quite difficult, as everything came down to one heat and there were also three possible championship winners. When I entered the water, I felt quite nervous, but as I started landing my jumps and catching good waves, I began to gain confidence.WINDSURF: Tell us about your recent trip to Australia? Was it your first time and how did you enjoy it?JAVI: Well, my trip was incredible, it was an unforgettable experience. It was my first time in Australia and an amazing adventure, especially doing the whole trip with my dad!WINDSURF: How was the competition for the finals day? Did you enjoy the spot?JAVI: Well, it was a day with a lot of nerves, I was with my father on the beach who was watching me compete and helping me go through the heats. The spot was incredible, it was a really good wave, the wind wasnt very strong but enough to jump and wave ride.WINDSURF: Did you feel under pressure or are you generally relaxed at competitions?JAVI: I usually do feel pressure in competitions, especially when I manage to reach the final after several heats, but once the heat starts I usually settle down as I am so focussed on my own sailing. It is nice when you start a heat by landing your first move.WINDSURF: How do you like all the Goya gear you are riding?JAVI: Well, I was using my Goya Banzai Surf Pro Carbon sails and my Custom Quad 8 boards. I think the Goya equipment is incredible overall its lightweight and adapts perfectly to my sailing style.WINDSURF: Do you feel happy the PWA and WWT are putting on these events for the younger guys?JAVI: I find it amazing that the PWA and the WWT are organizing these competitions for young people, as this allows us to meet more people who practice our sport, which I love so much. We can travel to more countries, continue competing and for those who want to become professional windsurfers, they have the opportunity from a young age to make a name for themselves.WINDSURF: Are you all very competitive or is it quite friendly between you all?JAVI: The atmosphere at the competitions is usually very friendly. There, you meet amazing young like-minded sailors! I have made so many friends like Ryoma Sugi, Jake Ghiretti and many others. On competition day, theres usually a bit more rivalry, but theres still a great vibe on the beach and I love that about the competitions.WINDSURF: How much is your dad a help / inspiration to push your sailing?JAVI: My father has been a great inspiration for me. He was the one who taught me this sport when I was very young. I have always sailed with him; he has taught me everything I know. He helps me every day to improve when Im on the water and with my trips. He is practically the reason I continue sailing to this day. I am very grateful to him for that.WINDSURF: How old were you when you learned to windsurf?JAVI: I was quite young when I started sailing, around six years old. I went to the beach with my father for the first time to sail at that age.Then, as I grew up, I was able to sail better, start planing, start jumping and my father continued teaching me everything.WINDSURF: How do you fit in your windsurfing with school and studies?JAVI: Well, its quite complicated to balance windsurf competitions and studying, because sometimes I have competitions during class periods. But my school does me a favour by postponing exams and helping me a lot with assignments. I am very grateful for that. Its quite difficult for me, because when Im traveling for competitions, I still have to study.WINDSURF: What is the best windsurfing location you have travelled too so far?JAVI: Well, I think the trip I enjoyed the most was the last one I took, which was to Australia, because I was able to become world champion. I went with my father and it was a very beautiful experience. I stayed there for 10 days, got to meet local people, and made new friends. Everything was amazing and I had a great time. Another trip I really loved was to Hawaii, where I also made friends and was able to go to Hookipa, a place I had really wanted to visit. The first time I went there was very impressive, and it was also with my father. These have been my favourite trips.WINDSURF: Do you feel lucky to have already travelled the world doing the sport you enjoy?JAVI: I feel like its a dream to be able to travel all over the world and meet people thanks to the sport I practice. I am very grateful for the opportunity, especially to my family and also to my sponsors who support me. Its incredible to go to places where I used to see photos as a child and now be sailing with the pros there today.WINDSURF: Who are the windsurfers you look up to?JAVI: I dont have a single windsurfer that I admire exclusively. I admire all the windsurfers who have been world champions and those who will be in the future. If I had to name a role model, it would be Marc Par, who became world champion this year. He is Spanish like me and I would love to be able to sail like him someday.WINDSURF: What is your ambition in windsurfing?JAVI: Well, my ambition in the world of windsurfing would be to become a professional windsurfer and a world champion. Its quite a difficult dream, as few achieve it, but that would be my biggest dream in life, alongside all the amazing riders who are competing today.WINDSURF: What is your home spot and what conditions do you get at home?JAVI: Well, here in the south of Spain, in Cdiz, we have quite a few spots with both west and east winds, with different directions and wave sizes, some with steeper waves, some less steep, good for jumping or surfing. Im very lucky to be able to live in a place like this, even though we dont have conditions most of the year, but when we do, they are really good for practicing.WINDSURF: How do you stay motivated?JAVI: I stay motivated because I love windsurfing. I believe that once you become a windsurfer, you are a windsurfer for life, and that will never change. Its a sport that I love with all my heart, and I would like to keep practicing it for many more years.WINDSURF: What are you studying and what is your back up plan if you are not a pro windsurfer?JAVI: Well, Im currently studying high school at 16 years old. My dream is to become a professional windsurfer, but if I dont achieve that, I would like to study something related to sports so I can continue sailing for many more years.The post THE NEXT GENERATION: JAVI ESCRIBANO appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

EXTREME NW MADNESS WEST WITTERING GOES 2XSEXTREME NW MADNESS WEST WITTERING GOES 2XSA bitter north-westerly tore into West Wittering on Wednesday, stripping the beach back to its rawest elementsextreme wind, sand blasting, chaotic water plus a handful of riders willing to meet the elements head-on. For those who showed up, it felt like something more than just another session. There was a sense that winter wasnt quite finished yetone last surge of chilly energy before the seasons finally warm up. We hear from Henning Von Jagow and Simon Bassett who were there to capture the action!Report and Photos: Henning Von Jagow and Simon Bassett /2xs. Click any photo to enlarge and scroll!HENNING VON JAGOWWINTER WONT LET GO The wind was strong and icy. Maybe it scared many people away. The Witterings was not as busy as usual. But a few local heroes were there. Well, Mark Perry was, of course, one of them. Lucas Meldrum came too, with his new ultra lightweight North Sails and Quatro Board. And of course, Wave-god and local legend, Nik Baker did not miss the day.The westerly wind was over 30 knots, with side-shore conditions. Once on a set wave, it was fun to ride perfect for wave tricks and driving through turns.Lucas Meldrum showed his whole repertoire: push loops, back loops, front loops and aerials off the wave. He looked fast and light in the air.Nik Baker showed his typical, super radical roundhouse turns and what is possible in small waves. He rode them with style and ease. While enjoying the sunset and watching the last light on the water, I was wondering if this was really the last winter session or just a gentle reminder that spring is slowly on its way.SIMON BASSETTWest Wittering came alive in a chilly North Westerly wind25 to 35 knots am pushing tide and 5 degrees air temp. Only a few riders were outLucas Meldrum on his new North Sail and Quatro board, Henning Von Jagow normally behind the lens but was out on a GA and Tabou freestyle set up, Daisy Bassett on a 3.0m Ezzy and Quatro and Nik Baker who turned up later in the session using a new Dutone D-lab Thruster and D-Lab sail .Conditions were super gusty, it was very choppy and waves were shifty over the sandbars. It was one of those sessions where you had to hang on during the gusts, which were savage and the cold meant you had to stop to go through the burns to get your hands to warm up.The post EXTREME NW MADNESS WEST WITTERING GOES 2XS appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

INSANE FUERTE STRIKE MISSION: TEAM PATRIKINSANE FUERTE STRIKE MISSION: TEAM PATRIKThe Patrik wave team has been growing fast during the past winter and what better way to introduce the new team riders than a strike mission to Fuerteventura. Storm Therese provided monster waves on the north shore of the island where the likes of Adam Warchol, Alessio Stillrich, Leon Jamaer and John Skye went all in! Dont miss this!!PATRIK: It all came together on a big forecast when our designer John Skye started to plan a last minute windsurf trip with the new riders on the PATRIK wave team. Watch Adam Warchol, Alessio Stillrich, Leon Jamaer and John Skye score epic waves on the north shore of Fuerteventura. This is just the beginning of our wave adventures. Stay tuned! All stunts were performed by professionals.Dont try this at home. No PATRIK gear was harmed in the making of this video.Footage by: John Skye, Colby Stanley, Moritz Mauch, Alessio Stillrich, Canelo, Muaro FarenzenaThe post INSANE FUERTE STRIKE MISSION: TEAM PATRIK appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

FIRST LIGHTNITON FIRES AT DAWN!FIRST LIGHTNITON FIRES AT DAWN!ROSS WILLIAMSWith a nuking north-westerly and a modest groundswell on the charts, this session at Niton on the Isle of Wight was always going to come down to timing. Get it right, and youd score clean lines. Get it wrong and you could be left staring at a howling mess. John Carter looks back on a dawn session at Niton yesterday, where Ross Williams called it perfectly!Photos: John CarterClick and shot to enlarge and scroll.THE CALLWhen you get a message at 6.03 am on a windy day you know its most likely going to be a call to duty. Looking at the forecast it was going to be wild and windy with a stiff 25-30 knot northwest breeze and a small period 1.5m swell on the cards. Nothing epic, but definitely enough to justify getting out of a warm bed just about.Through barley functioning eyes, which were even blurrier without my glasses, I could just about make out the message was from Ross Williams Headed down to Nitoncould be firing!Hmmm, a quick cup of tea later, brewed at maximum strength and I was packed an in the trusty Polo within fifteen minutes. Not bad speed for that early in the morning! I was still barely awake mind youand not entirely convinced this early kick off was going to be worth it.The Polo rasped into lifedam it I had hardly any fuel either, With the latest Trump shenanigans it was going to cost me an arm and a leg to top up with diesel. I soldiered on!Halfway to the beach, the next message pinged through saying that it was small, but Ross was going to give it a try. I made it down the bumpy track at Niton just in time to see Ross Launching from the little harbour at the bottom of the track. The Trusty Polo trundled down the track at Niton and I was just in time to see Ross launching from the little harbour.By now it was 6:45am, and the sun was just starting to break through, lighting everything with a perfect golden glow. Even though it was freezing, that warm light made me feel it was worth the early wake up call.FULL CHAOS, CLEAN LINESThe wind, on the other hand, had skipped the warm-up entirely and gone straight to full chaos mode but at least the wind was a decent direction.NW at Niton does one thing very well clean lines. And despite the chaos in the air, the waves were stacking up nicely into the bay.From behind the lens, it looked borderline epic. Fair play to Ross for the motivation, most sane people would still be negotiating with their snooze alarms at that hour. But Ross is well known to be an early riser and 6am was a walk in the park for him although today was pretty chilly with the NW wind.NW is actually a cracking direction at Niton as the waves are super clean. The wind can be a bit gusty on the inside but today where it was howling windy, so it was not a problem for Ross to navigate in and out through the break.THE WINDOW CLOSESBy 8:30, some lazy clouds drifted in and the waves started to ease off, signalling the end of the session. Ross made his way back up the slipway looking pleased which, if you know Ross, is the real important message here. Hes usually his own harshest critic, so if he reckons, he got a few decent turns in, you can safely assume it was a solid session.ROUND TWOBy 2pm, Ross was back on the phone (clearly not tired enough) and we headed to Niton again. Same spot. Same wind. Completely different story.The tide had filled in, the waves had lost their shape and whatever magic the morning had delivered was long gone. Still windy absurdly sobut without anything to aim at, it felt more like punishment than payoff.Safe to say wed already scored the best of it before most people had even finished their first coffee. As they saythe early bird catches the worm!Ross was riding the 88L TABOU DA CURVEWindsurfer Magazine Test video here:The post FIRST LIGHTNITON FIRES AT DAWN! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

TABOU DA CURVE 88L REVIEW: WINDSURFER MAGAZINETABOU DA CURVE 88L REVIEW: WINDSURFER MAGAZINEThe latest board to be put through its paces in the Windsurfer Magazine 85L wave board test is the Tabou Da Curve 88L which is the Thomas Traversa Pro Model.The fourth board to be put through its paces in the 85L Wave Test is the Tabou Da Curve 88L, the Thomas Traversa pro model. A surfy feel combined with great versatility. It took a couple of runs to get use to, but afterwards the feel was something to die for.Check out the full video for the verdict!Testers: Scotty Stallman Windsurfer Magazine Head Tester + GA/Tabou Int Teamrider Tris Best Windsurfer Magazine Editor in Chief + TesterDa Curve 2026 Tabou BoardsThe post TABOU DA CURVE 88L REVIEW: WINDSURFER MAGAZINE appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

IAN WHITTAKER: THE LONG WAY BACKIAN WHITTAKER: THE LONG WAY BACKUK sailor Ian Whittaker has spent his whole life chasing wind and waves, from his early days at a gravel pit in Chertsey, to his home spot at the Witterings, as well as seasons spent in Maui and Australia. Five years ago, a brutal accident in Moulay, Morocco, left him with a shattered leg, multiple surgeries and the real possibility he might never windsurf again. What followed was an 18-month battle through pain, setbacks, frustration and ultimately, a hard-earned return to the water and windsurfing. This is Ians story, in his own words.Photos: John Carter / Henning Von Jagow / Ian WhittakerEARLY DAYSI got into windsurfing through my dad. Back in 1979 he took on a gravel pit at Chertsey, right by Thorpe Park and turned it into a windsurfing lake. I basically grew up there.I started when I was seven years old and just hung around the lake the whole time. By 15 I was working there, teaching, taking the rescue boat out, pulling beginners out of the bushes when they drifted off course. It was just part of life.Dad later got a beach hut on Hayling Island that was linked to the lake membership, so once I started driving at 17, Id head straight down there whenever I could.Not long after that, a mate and I drove down to Tarifa for two months in an old Vauxhall Midi van. We slept in it and sailed every day.That was mostly flat-water sailing, we scored some wave sessions around Los Canos de Meca, and that lit the spark.HOOKED ON WAVE SAILINGWave sailing really took off when I started going down to the Witterings. I was living in North Cheam at the time, so it meant driving down, but it was worth it. Then came trips to Maui. I was with my missus by thenwere still together now and for about four years wed spend winters away: three months in Australia, three months in Maui. Thats where the wave sailing really developed.THE AUSTRALIA YEARSIn 2005 we moved to Perth, Austalia for five years. We built our dream house by a golf course and I worked in construction. We lived in Karrinyup, near Scarborough and sailed Scarborough and Margaret River mainly. It was going really well, I was doing building but eventually we wanted to come back so the kids could be closer to their grandparents.HOME BREAKSWe moved back to the Witterings and later bought a place in Cornwall as well. The idea was to split time between the two, but in the end we mostly stayed put in Witterings and rented the Cornwall place out. Its still a great bolt hole when the conditions line up.Over the years Ive ridden different kit. I used to be on NeilPryde, but these days I ride Ezzy sails theyre bulletproof, which suits me because Im pretty heavy-handed and like getting right up close to the lip. I also get support from Simon at 2XS and he has been amazing. I used to break a lot of gear with other brands. For boards Ive ridden Quatro and Goya, but after visiting the KT factory in Maui and trying a few shapes, I was sold on custom boards. I was like a kid in a sweet shop! Ive got a 100-litre and an 86-litre and absolutely love them. They hardly weigh anything and the rails just feel incredible in the turns.Id say Im more into classic down-the-line wave riding, but I love jumping too, especially at the Witterings in a westerly. It can be ramp after ramp, almost back-loop heaven. Timo Mullen used to nickname me Back Loop because Id throw at least one, every run.MOROCCO 2021Then came the Morocco tripFive years ago, myself Timo Mullen, a mate called Pezza, headed to Moulay on a epic forecast. The first night, an Irish guy called Paddy turned up with a big old bottle of navy rum and we got stuck in. I woke up the next morning with a sore head, no running water in the toilets and a sense the day might not go to plan.BRUTAL (WARNING IF YOU ARE A BIT SQUEAMISH YOU MAY WANT TO SKIP THIS SECTION!SKIP TO REBUILDING PARA)We rigged 3.8s early like 9 am. It was logo- to mast-high and low tide, breaking hard over a shallow section we liked to jump off. A couple of guys had their cameras out Everyone was charging. On my second run I was flying, pretty out of control if Im honest. I hit a steep lip, thought, This is the one, I am going to send this so high and went for a massive back loop.Halfway up I realised how steep and shallow it was. As I released, the wave barrelled over the rail and twisted the board into my leg. My leg just went bang and snapped clean. The rail had flipped into my leg. I still went up, not too high and landed out the back, but my leg was gone. When I hit the water, my foot was pointing back toward the beach, while I was facing out to sea. It was horrific.Timo sailed over, took one look and went white. I grabbed his tail and we went over the falls together. I had to hold my broken leg underwater while getting worked in three big hold-downs. Somehow, I made it in.The whole town seemed to know by then what had happened. By luck, there was a lower-limb surgeon from Canada there on holiday. He splinted my leg with driftwood and duct tape. I was on a concrete slipway at the edge of the water with everyone gathered around. Boujmaa organized an ambulance. I did not get any pain killers for hours. They got me to a local hospital in Essaouira, no windows, blood splats on the walls, corroded taps. A surgeon offered to fix it for 3,000. The X-ray machine looked out of the arc. My tibia and fibula were broken in five places. I could not have broke it any worse.I told the lads to get me out of there. After hours without painkillers, it was Ramadan, so everything moved slowly. I was transferred by ambulance to a private hospital in Marrakech which took three hours. Even that was chaos; at one point the driver forgot to put the brakes on the bed and I slid backwards as he accelerated. I was on my own in the back and it was pretty horrendous.By the time I reached Marrakech it 10pm at night. They called the surgeon back in as he had gone home. He showed me the X-rays and said theyd insert a rod from my knee down to my ankle. They numbed me from the waist down but kept me awake and upright. I watched him drill through my kneecap with what looked like a Black & Decker drill, drive the rod down the bone and lock it in with bolts at top and bottom. My god that was surreal to be watching it all.Five days later I was still in hospital, still in pain and struggling with inconsistent medication, I booked three seats on an EasyJet flight home. My insurance company was no help; I had to pay everything up front and get it back later. My dad and my wife both flew out to Marrakech to help me fly homeif they had not done that I dont know what would have happened.Back in the UK it didnt feel right. A friend whos a lower-limb specialist insisted on an X-ray as I could not straighten my leg. Her boss saw it and said, Get him in now. The rod was too long and about to push my kneecap out. Within hours, at Portsmouth Hospital, they replaced it with the correct size.REBUILDINGEven then, recovery was brutal with the right size rod. I was off the water, depressed, stuck on the sofa. After four months I could finally straighten my leg. I got into water photography, swimming out on a foam surfboard at the Witterings, shooting the lads looping overhead. It kept me sane for about a year. I called myself Anchorman.But every time I tried to surf and stand up, a searing pain shot through my knee. It turned out a nerve was rubbing against one of the locking bolts. There was no way I could windsurf with the rod in. Eventually I pushed to have the rod removed entirely. The surgeon warned the pain might be permanent.Two weeks later lockdown hit. My leg started feeling slightly better, but I wouldnt know for sure until I tried standing up on a wave. One day I sneaked out for a quick surf. I caught a wave, stood up and there was no pain. It had finally settled after the hardware came out. Once the locking nut was out it had taken about a month to heal and feel normal again.WINDSURING AGAINI ran home bouncing off the walls. After a year and a half, I realised I might actually windsurf again. The first flat-water blast was the best feeling ever. I genuinely thought my windsurfing days were over. Getting back into wave sailing was another mental hurdle. Every back loop, as I left the lip, Id think, This is it, its going to happen again. I still get that flicker of fear sometimes, but I managed it. It still feels a bit scary to this day, when I clip the lip when I am launching.It was about 18 months before I was properly wave sailing again. Now the leg feels strong, bigger than the other one where the bones knitted together, but solid. I feel brand new almost!The whole experience changed me. When something you love gets taken away, you suddenly see everything differently. Every session now feels like a gift. I dont get frustrated if Im not sailing well. Im just grateful to be out there. I live for windsurfing!I still check the forecast constantly, first thing in the morning, mid-morning, afternoon, and in the evening. Studying charts, planning where might work in the UK. Mostly, Cornwall and the Witteringswere lucky here.RETURN TO MOULAY: CLOSUREI even went back to Morocco last year on a Boujmaa clinic in a nearby bay. We did one day in Moulay. I was so tense. I did one forward loop, landed hard, felt my neck twinge and I basically thought, I need to get out of here. I sat on the concrete slope for two hours thinking. The local kids remembered me. It felt like closure, but I dont know if Id go back again. It was good I went back and dealt with the closure through!PERSPECTIVEThe accident put life in perspective. When I couldnt windsurf, I filled the gap with photography and stayed in the water. A lot of people said theyd have just sat indoors feeling sorry for themselves. I decided I had to find a way back. A lot of people respected me for getting back to windsurfing after all that. I stayed positive and decided to get on with my life!Now, every time I sail, its with gratitude. I had to get back in the waterthis journey just defines part of who I am.Some footage from the Morocco incident here!Ep -66 Send iT SundayThe post IAN WHITTAKER: THE LONG WAY BACK appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.