SAM LATHAM: MY DFI WIND EXPERIENCE!SAM LATHAM: MY DFI WIND EXPERIENCE!IntroductionThe Biggest Windsurf Event on EarthEvery year, thousands of windsurfers from around the globe descend on the south of France for one reason: The Dfi Wind! This year, Worthing Watersports shop owner Sam Latham took on the challenge and it was a memorable one. From 58-knot gusts and chaotic race starts to aching muscles, borrowed kit and crazy racing, heres Sams full Dfi Wind story.The Journey to GruissanThis year I flew from Gatwick down to Montpellier, hired a car and drove to Gruissan. If you drive, it is about a 14-hour drive from Worthing if youre going by road most people drive through France, hop on the ferry or Eurotunnel and battle the toll roads.You can sleep in your van right on the beach at the venue, which is brilliant, though this time I stayed in a chalet with Rafferty and Alix Reed. All in, expect to spend around 1,000 once youve covered travel, accommodation and entry.First ImpressionsThe AtmosphereNothing prepares you for the Dfi.1,500 competitors, young and old, male and female, all levels of kit and the standard is just extraordinary. Some people on older, more basic gear were absolutely flying past.The wind was so fierce the photos genuinely dont do it justice. Someone broke their leg, someone broke their ribs, and still everyone lined up for the next race. That tells you everything about this event.Getting an EntryTickets sell out fast, especially when the forecast looks good. This year they hit the maximum capacity of 1,500 competitors and I imagine after a year like this one itll go even quicker. Keep an eye on the website and get in early.Living the Dfi WeekI stayed in a chalet with Rafferty and Alix Reed. Rafferty had an incredible weekhe completed the full Dfi trio: Dfi Kite, Dfi Wing and Dfi Wind, all in one week. An absolutely massive achievement.Racing in 58 KnotsEquipment and SetupWe had five brutal races over three days in winds peaking at 58 knots.I borrowed a Duotone 99L Falcon from Simon Pettiferthis board is available from Worthing Watersports as used windsurfing equipment at a great price. For the fin I ran an F-Hot race fin, available directly from F-Hot.For sails I was on Duotone Superhero wave sails.a 3.7m for race one when it was absolutely howling, gusting 58 knots and a 4.7m for the rest of the event. I also tried a 5.0 Duotone Warp but found the boom diameter too large and switched to Duotone Mega Slim booms for the remainder of the event, which completely solved my forearm pump issues.For harness I used the ION Axxis with the ION seat attachmentbeing able to sit into the harness rather than hanging from a waist harness was a total game changer for comfort over long races.Jordy Vonk, Duotone pro racer, was also at the event and won race one. I was lucky enough to borrow some of his kit toothat was incredibly generous.You Dont Need Full Race GearOne thing I really want to highlightyou absolutely do not need full race equipment to do well at this event.Andy Bubble Chambers finished an incredible 64th on freeride and wave kit. I finished 109th on wave sails. The Duotone Blitz and Duotone X-Pace would be the ideal combination for most peoplecomfortable, fast and more than capable of competing at the very highest level.You can also browse our full range of Duotone windsurfing boards online.Worthing Watersports Duotone Specialist Store Wing Foil, KitesurfingWhat a Dfi Start Feels LikeImagine 1,500 people all lined up behind a start boat in 50+ knots. Its controlled chaos.My first races I got away well, but as the wind shifted the top of the line became extremely busy in the final two races and my starts suffered as a result. Positioning and commitment is everythingyou just have to back yourself.The Physical ChallengeRacing in the Defi was brutal but incredible.My worst race was when forearm pump set in badlyI genuinely wasnt sure I was going to finish. The Mega Slim booms solved that for the remaining races.Over the three days I covered more than 150 miles of windsurfing, hit a top speed of around 29 knots and finished 109th out of 1,500 competitorsinside the top 10%. Sore hands, sore feet, but proud to have completed every single race.Biggest Highs & Toughest MomentsRacing alongside Ben Proffitt from windsurfing.tv in 58 knots was a massive highlight we were incredibly close considering he was on a wave board, which says a lot about the conditions.The last race was my best. I moved my mast track back, the board flew and I nailed every gybe.The low point was definitely the forearm-pump racegenuine pain and self-doubt. But you get through it.The Crazy Reality of Dfi WindSailing around before the start, looking at the conditions, thinking: how on earth is this going to happen? How is any of this possible?And then 1,500 people just do it. Every time. That never gets old.Final ThoughtsPeople travel from all around the world to take part in this incredible eventAsia, Australia and across Europe. Its a truly global event and you feel that energy on the water.The biggest thanks go to the organisers. What they take on must be incredibly demanding and challenging, yet they just get on with it without complaint, always putting safety first. They do an extraordinary job and the event is all the better for it.Dfi Wind is a real spectacle of what humans can do with the power of the earths wind. I hope it lives on for many more windy years.See you out there next year!SamThe post SAM LATHAM: MY DFI WIND EXPERIENCE! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

JENNA GIBSON: DEFI INTERVIEWJENNA GIBSON: DEFI INTERVIEWBen Proffitt from Windsurfing TV catches up Jenna Gibson after here epic performance at the Defi wind.The post JENNA GIBSON: DEFI INTERVIEW appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY - DEFIWIND 2026WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY DEFIWIND 2026Ben Proffitt and Alfie Hart get the low down on what has been happening at the Defi Wind so far. The wind has been howling and Jordy Vonk won the first race by a solid margin on the fin ahead of Matteo Iachino 2nd and Nico Prien in 3rd!RACE ONE REACTIONSDEFI WALK ABOUTThe post WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY DEFIWIND 2026 appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

2026 SPOTGUIDE CABARETE BY TEAM JP/NP2026 SPOTGUIDE CABARETE BY TEAM JP/NPThe JP / NeilPryde team headed out to Cabarete in the Dominican Republic earlier this year for the 2026 photoshoot. While they were on location they discovered that the area has many more spots to discover and produced this amazing spot guide from this amazing water sports paradise!While shooting the 2026 Windsurf & Wingfoil Collection in Cabarete, Team JP/NP discovered that the island is far more than just a single spot. With diverse conditions, hidden gems and endless opportunities on the water, Cabarete reveals a whole new level of exploration. The result: a spot guide no one knew they needed until now. This is your go-to guide for Windsurfing & Wingfoiling in the Dominican Republic. Ready to discover it?The post 2026 SPOTGUIDE CABARETE BY TEAM JP/NP appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

BEHIND THE LENS WITH MILES TAYLORBEHIND THE LENS WITH MILES TAYLOR: CAPTURING THE SPIRIT OF CLUB VASSIf youve ever sailed across Vassiliki Bay and spotted a boat flying a large flag with a long lens pointed in your direction, chances are youve already met Miles Taylor. As the in-house photographer at Club Vass and the creative force behind PROtography, Miles has spent the last decade documenting the unforgettable moments that make a windsurfing holiday in Vasiliki so memorable. From shooting beginners to advanced riders blasting across the bay and of course the Club Vass instructors in action, Miles is there to capture all the magic moments. This is a look behind the lens at what a typical week looks like for the man responsible for all the epic images we see from Club Vass.BACKGROUNDMILES: Ive been part of Club Vass for 10 years and if youve ever sailed past a boat in Vassiliki flying a large flag and spotted a long lens pointed your way, thats probably me.My role at Club Vass isnt just about taking photos. Its about capturing an experience. From first-time beginners wobbling through their first tacks to seasoned sailors blasting across the bay in full cross-shore conditions, my job is to capture the moments that make a windsurfing holiday unforgettable.I started A-level photography in 2006 when I was 16. I did two years, then an art foundation course at Plymouth College of Art and Design. That led me to Kingston University to study a BA (Hons) Photography within the Fine Art faculty. The course taught darkroom work, how to build a book and exhibition, how to use a studio, and how to communicate with photography. The course was strong academically, but it did not teach much about entering the industry or freelancing.I learned that by doing lots of jobs and projects. While studying I freelanced constantly. I shot nightlife and events, corporate events, assisted photographers, worked in an indie t-shirt printing factory, and photographed damaged cars for insurance companies amongst a variety of other random photography jobs. After university I continued freelancing and then found a sports holiday resort photography job that included accommodation and travel. I worked two summer seasons there.Through that work I met the photographers at Club Vass; Global Shots. We got to know each other overabeer, then Jay messaged me later to say as they were leaving Club Vass, they thought I would be a good fit and put me in touch with the manager. I met Ollie Scott, who encouraged me to build my own brand name rather than be defined as the Club Vass photographer. The rest is History.INTRODUCTIONThe week begins on Monday morning with the beach briefing. All new guests gather to meet the beach manager and are divided into groups based on ability. Thats my cue to introduce myself and explain how the photography works. I let everyone know that if you see the flag on the boat and sail towards it, youre guaranteed a photo.Mornings are often lighter wind, with beginner groups and kids on the inside. Its a great time to capture progression, instruction, and the atmosphere around the beach. By late morning Ill usually step away to begin editing the first batch of images so theyre ready for viewing later in the day.Then, when the cross-shore wind arrives in the afternoon, things shift up a gear. Thats when Im out on the boat.ON THE WATERI drive the boat myself, and honestly, its one of the best parts of the job. Being able to position myself anywhere in the bay sets the photography apart. Shooting from the water allows for dynamic angles and sequences that simply arent possible from shore.I dont organize shoots out there. That is reserved for the advanced windsurfers who can deliver great action shots at short notice and with pinpoint accuracy. Instead, I make myself visible and accessible. Sail past the flag and Ill track you. It keeps things natural and fluid, which suits the unpredictable nature of Vasiliki Bay.When families try to coordinate a group fly-by, its usually easier said than done. Mixed abilities, changing wind strength, and timing all make precision difficult. For those who want something more structured, I offer one-to-one sessions. These are far more manageable and can involve shooting from the boat or even swimming in the water for a completely different perspective.The wind dictates everything. You cant schedule conditions three days in advance, so the approach is always to take the opportunity while its there.THE SERVICEI am a separate entity, but I work alongside Club Vass and offer my services to holiday clients. Clients purchase directly from me to keep as epic memories of their time on the water. I also offer photography coaching and mentoring, including workshops for guests who want to improve their skills. I do GoPro rentals so people can capture their own footage, and I run a small merchandise side business as well.WORKFLOWIt comes down to workflow quality. It took me years to refine the process, but now I can edit a morning batch in around 45 minutes to one hour. On really busy afternoons editing 800+ shots it can take up to an hour and a half. Having a fast workflow matters so I can still enjoy a beer at the beach bar after work.MORE THAN JUST SHOOTINGBeyond cameras, practical gear makes the difference. Dry bags, shoulder slings, and systems that allow quick access while manoeuvring on the boat are essential. Reliability and mobility matter just as much as image quality.Photography at Club Vass isnt only about daily guest coverage. Throughout the season I work on marketing briefs and social media campaigns, which require planning and coordination with instructors and staff. Some shots can be captured naturally during the week. Others require precise timing, specific ability levels, and ideal wind conditions.Working closely with the instructors is essential. Theres a mutual understanding. They help facilitate great opportunities on the water, and in return we provide imagery they can use themselves. Its a collaborative relationship, and it strengthens the whole operation.WORKING WITH CLIENTSI believe people buy into the photographer as much as the photograph. Being present around the resort, answering questions, explaining the viewing process, and simply chatting with guests builds familiarity. At the end of the day, being approachable both on land and out on the water helps contribute to getting the best photos.Throughout the week, photographs are uploaded daily to a viewing station in the restaurant. On Saturday, before guests leave, I run a dedicated sales day. During the week Im often at the laptop helping and guiding people as they collect and review their images, helping them select and purchase their favourites. Its important that the process feels smooth and accessible, especially after a long day on the water.The images arent just something people buy. Theyre a record of the week, memories that showcase the amazing experience and the incredible location. They end up framed on walls, shared online, and tucked into albums long after the holiday is over.HIGHS, LOWS AND CHALLENGESThe biggest low? No wind. When the wind drops, the whole energy of the bay shifts, and extreme heat can also test motivation and focus. But the highs far outweigh the lows, and there are plenty of them.One of the biggest perks is being able to windsurf on some of the best kit in the world, in consistently great conditions. Windsurfing wasnt on my radar before 2016, but arriving at Club Vass changed that completely. Being surrounded by great riders, top-level equipment, and reliable wind made it impossible not to get involved, and I quickly fell in love with the speed and rhythm of it all.Ironically, when conditions are perfect, I often feel the pull to pick up the camera instead. After a week or two of shooting, Ill jump on a board for my own fix. Im comfortable on the water, and more recently Ive been learning to wing, which feels closer to snowboarding, another long-time passion. Windsurfing has taken me on an unexpected journey and continues to shape both my work and my life.Watching the bay transform from calm morning to blasting afternoon never gets old. The sense of community at Club Vass is genuine. Staff and returning guests create an atmosphere that feels more like family than workplace. Every week is different, every group is different, and every set of conditions presents a new challenge. That is exactly what keeps the job exciting.THE ALLUREThe lifestyle, the weather, and the Greek pace of living in a high energy watersports location. The growth I saw from my early seasons. Photography became a kind of glue between the social side and the watersports side of life in Vassiliki. It gave me space to try new ideas and grow with support. My life has long been split between six months in Greece and the other half freelancing elsewhere, so Vasiliki became a hub and second home. I have invested a lot of time and energy into it.TEAMWORKIt is extraordinary. When I arrived there were staff members who had been there already for 5+ years and they welcomed me in and made me feel like one of them. Over the years the team changes, but the sense of community stays strong. Everyone has different roles, and there are key people I collaborate with closely to keep things running smoothly and to make sure we capture the right photos at the right time. I am grateful to feel part of the fabric of Club Vass and to have a working relationship that keeps things positive for staff and guests.I tend to stay away from filming the Oscars and leave that to other creatives on site. I am happy to help coordinate certain shoots and assist as a camera operator, but Eion the bike guide with a background in video editing does an outstanding job. I prefer to sit back and watch without taking on that extra stress on top of running my business.For Friday nights, I used to be at every party when I first started and I have seen every hangover. These days I usually duck out after shooting the pre drinks on the lawn when everyone is in fancy dress. Getting a good nights sleep on Friday is more important now so I am fresh on Saturday morning for sales and admin. It is always a laugh seeing everyone the next day and hearing the stories.MOTIVATION AND GROWTHClub Vass has been the backdrop to this daily rhythm, the place where wind, water, and photography have shaped both my work and my career. Its the environment where all the moving parts come together, and where the last decade of growth has really taken place.Through Club Vass, I have developed my technical skills, confidence, and speed while working consistently in demanding real-world conditions. It connected me with a wide network of people across the windsurfing industry and gave me exposure that led directly to other professional opportunities.What makes it special is being at the front line of windsurfing with the public. It is not just about photographing professional riders. It is about capturing everyday people discovering the sport and integrating it into their lifestyle in a way that genuinely enriches their lives.I would not be where I am today without the riders, the guests, and the staff who have been part of that journey. Special thanks go to Ollie Scott, the General Manager, who believed in me from the start and continually encouraged me to push myself further.PASSIONI love the process and the moment the shutter clicks. Being present while everything is happening and trying to capture the right moment is what keeps me hooked. I am less good at organising portfolios, websites, and social media. I have refined editing for customers, but personal work can sit on hard drives for months or years. That is okay, because I love the act of taking the photo itself.EQUIPMENTThe environment in Vasiliki is harsh on equipment. I shoot with a Nikon Z6 mirrorless body that has been properly weather-beaten over the seasons. Saltwater air corrodes everything, so maintenance is constant.My workhorse lens is a Sigma 70200mm f/2.8, fast, reliable, and ideal for high-volume action shooting. For water work, I use an Aquatech housing paired with a 2470mm lens. I also occasionally fly a drone from the boat in strong conditions to capture next level action shots, tracking the rider from almost any angle.GEAR LIST:Nikon Z6Nikon Z6IINIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 SSigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 DG HSMSigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DGNikkor 50mm f/1.4G AF-SNikon 200-500mm f/5.6E VR FXSigma 35mm f/1.4 ArtAquatech EDGE Pro water housinghttp://protographyofficial.com/The post BEHIND THE LENS WITH MILES TAYLOR appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

JOHN SKYE: STAYING SALTYJOHN SKYE: STAYING SALTYFrom designing world-class wave gear with Patrik, to scoring epic sessions across Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, John Skye is as fired up about windsurfing as ever. In our latest interview, Skye talks about adapting to his new role at Patrik, the Patrik wave team, chasing big waves and the upcoming Stay Salty experience with Nayra Alonso, designed to show riders the real side of Gran Canaria beyond the usual nuclear Pozo.Photos: Courtesy of John Skye.WINDSURF: How are you adapting to your new role working for Patrik?JOHN SKYE: Its been really fun and very interesting, but also a lot of hard work. I think I underestimated how different it can be working within different company organisations, so whilst I am doing pretty much the same job as before, the workflows, the processes and the communication within the company is all completely different. That part is taking some time to adapt to, but the end result is really positive and super exciting moving forward. Most important is just the pure enthusiasm for windsurfing throughout the whole company.WINDSURF: How was the trip to Western Australia to go and work with Patrik?JOHN SKYE: It was so good. It had been almost 20 years to the day since my last trip, which was an F2 shoot, staying in the van with John Carter!I got picked up at the airport by our team riders, and when I told them that my last trip with February 2006, Sammy laughed and said he was three weeks old at that point! So, the trip was quite a psychological battle for me, on one side still being super competitive and trying to show the kids how to sail, and on the other hand realising that I am pretty close to 50 now, and my body struggles to keep up with the rest of me! It was super fun though and we scored wind every day. We managed to sail all my favourite OZ spots and score them all at their best, which was pretty special in a relatively short trip. Plus, it was great to really spend quality time with Karin and Patrik and also catch up with old friends out there like Scotty McKercher.WINDSURF: How do you like Patriks work ethic and how he works with the team?JOHN SKYE: Like I said its quite different. He is really, really involved in everything and strives for absolute perfection at all costs. Sometimes a bit too much, but in the end the results speak for themselves with the best products on the market. As most know his latest focus was on the foils and sails and last year they dominated the foil racing scene, not only with their own team riders, but nearly all the fleet also using the Patrik Aeon foils. That speaks so highly of what a good product it is and working with him more closely you really see that attention to detail at every stage. Those last 1% differences are what really push the gear forward.WINDSURF: Do you already have some ideas that are in the pipe-line to update / improve the range?JOHN SKYE: For sure! My main role in the beginning is to focus on the wave range, not only sails, but also trying to define a bit what we want on the boards too. We have been full power with this project and it is really starting to take shape now, with a super nice sail range and some new board additions too. The testing in Oz was really positive from all the team, so I cant wait to see the final gear hit the market and see the reaction from the riders and customers.WINDSURF: The team has grown considerably since you joined, tell us about some of the new signings?JOHN SKYE: Part of this wave project was not only the gear, but also how we market and present ourselves. Originally, we were looking for a rider that was based in Gran Canaria, to help me testing and make the development process easier. That kind of got a bit out of hand in the end, but we ended up with a killer team with a real range of personalities and skill sets.Alexia Keifer is really pushing on the competitive side to be a world champion. Alessio is the king of style in Pozo. Adam Warchol is just a crazy big wave monster and based out here in Gran Canaria too. Leon is an absolute charger, even if now he is retired from competition and just focusing on scoring the best conditions. Then Carlitos Keifer is super young and pushing hard. Plus, we have Sammy Ferrero and Simon Thule that have been on the team a while already. Sammy is just Mr happy, Mr positive kind of like a modern-day Josh Stone, whilst Simon is the testing master and absolutely charges when it gets big. Overall, its a really sick team and exciting to work with everyone. Having now spent quality time with most of them either in Oz or during that Fuerte trip, I am really happy how it turned out.WINDSURF: What about that epic trip to Fuerteventura tell us about those three epic days on the North Shore?JOHN SKYE: This year I have managed to get across to Fuerte a few times. Its so close but really another world to Gran Canaria, so I am constantly looking for the good forecasts and, if I can escape, its a really easy two-hour ferry to make the island jump. I had come on a similar forecast to this in January and scored some super fun conditions, but I never really expected it to be so big this time.I have to say I am not really the big wave guy. I would generally much prefer some medium sized rippable conditions, but as we were with Adam and Leon, they were both pushing for the biggest gnarliest conditions out there and I just got dragged along really! The waves were really big, but also the setup is pretty perfect, so it made it relatively easy.I definitely played it a bit safe, but it was amazing to see Adam and Leon really putting themselves into critical areas. It was great to see it live. If you have not seen the video check it out on YouTube.Watch the epic video here!!!STAY SALTY!WINDSURF: We heard you are going to be doing a Stay Salty wave experience trip in Gran Canaria with Nayratell us more.JOHN SKYE: It was something we have been thinking about for a long time and getting together with Stay Salty really just made it all easy to actually get it moving. The idea is together with Nayra, we want to really show what Gran Canaria has to offer. Most people just think of 3.3m weather jumping over windmills in Pozo, but there is so much more than that. So, our idea is to really look for the best conditions on each day and try to go to the less known spots, find the beaches with more riding potential and at the same time show off a bit of what the island has to offer other than the windsurfing.WINDSURF: Is Nayra still ripping like she did when she was on tour?JOHN SKYE: Definitely!!! She probably jumps a bit less than before, but her riding is better than ever. I am pretty sure she could rock up at a contest and still give everyone a run for their money still. Most importantly really is that she still just loves to be on the water. Whether its windsurfing or surfing, or doing stuff with the kids, if we are on the beach and in the water, she is happy!WINDSURF: Who is going to be in chargeyou or Nayra?JOHN SKYE: You are married arent you? Who do you think is in charge? Ha-ha. Seriously though, it will be a team thing really. Nayra knows the island so well, that she is probably best qualified to make the best calls. The idea is to film and sail with the guys, so probably we take it in turns on the water and on the land.WINDSURF: What sort of conditions would you expect at that time of year?JOHN SKYE: Wind for sure. One of the best things about Gran Canaria is the consistency of the wind, so we really expect to get on the water every day. As I said the goal is really to get away a bit from Pozo, so we choose a week with the lower tide most of the day and that gives us the option to sail some of the lesser known spots that offer more riding, and if we get lucky we can even find some proper down the line spots, so that would definitely be a goal.WINDSURF: Where will the guests be staying etc?JOHN SKYE: We have a house booked in Pozo. Its a great place to be based and if the guys want even more windsurfing, they can literally sail there from 8am to 10pm. If they want to go home with bleeding hands, they can! The house is a really nice place close to the beach and at that time of year there is always a show going on. Most of the PWA guys will already be there training, so if people want to sit and watch the show in the late afternoon, often the practice sessions are actually better than the competition.For more details of the John and Nayra Stay Salty Gran Canaria Experience (6th to 13th June) you can message John@john_skye57 or Stay Salty through messages in Instagram!WINDSURF: What are your plans for the rest of the season?JOHN SKYE: Lets see. I have vague idea to try to compete in the masters waves, but I have to fit it all around production schedules of the sails and obviously family life. Its great to be away in places like Australia, but I miss the kids a lot and its tough for Nayra where I am away. I think she handles it well when I am somewhere like China on a work trip, but if I am sailing every day in Margaret River whilst she is at home running the kids around, its for sure harder!WINDSURF: Are we going to see you on the race course this year doing the Super X?JOHN SKYE: I was not planning on it really, as I have been really focused on the wave gear BUT I just received the new slalom X boards and new LA race sails and they are SOOOO good, that maybe I give it a go. I was going pretty fast the last few sessions, so there is definitely more motivation. I will see nearer the time.WINDSURF: What boards have you been riding mostly and how do you like them?JOHN SKYE: I have been using the PATRIK QTS boards mostly. When I joined PATRIK all the team riders left me everything after the Canaries events, so I had pretty much the full range straight away. The boards were all so nice and comfortable really from the first minute. The board I really fell in love with is the 87 QTS. It is pretty much my one board to do it all. It works great in onshore conditions, but also in down the line, I had some of the best turns of my life on it. I can just push as hard as I want and the board just does exactly what I want. Is also just a great size for me as I can use it in really light winds just floating, but it also stays fully controllable in crazy wind Pozo. Over the winter I starting using the bigger 94L version more and more, as the feeling is the same, just bigger and easier. As we move into stronger winds over the summer, the smaller 82L will probably be in the van more too.WINDSURF: How often do you get back to the UK and do you get out sailing the classic south coast conditions?JOHN SKYE: Almost never now and I miss it SOOO much. Last time I was home for a couple of days to visit my parents I grabbed some gear off Timo Mullen and we scored a fun session at Sandbanks, but its pretty rare. I get full FOMO when I see a storm coming through the south coast and everyone getting all excited about it and scoring the best moments. There is something really special about catching those days and the feeling you get after. I do get a few sessions each year at my Fuerteventura version of south coast, which is a cross on spot, STARBOARD TACK, in the north. Every summer I get a few days there, and whilst on paper it is not really classic, they are some of my best days of the year. I need to plan things better to spend a bit more time in the UK visiting my parents and getting some sailing in.The post JOHN SKYE: STAYING SALTY appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

BOB VAN DE BURGT: RISING TALENTBOB VAN DE BURGT: RISING TALENTFresh from a top ten finish at the IFCA Worlds, rising Dutch foil racer Bob van de Burgt is quickly becoming one to watch the international slalom foil scene. Known for his relentless work ethic, technical approach and growing list of endurance challenges for charity, Van de Burgt is determined to make an impact both on and off the water.Despite frustrations with race management at the Worlds, the young Dutchman showed impressive resilience by bouncing back with two straight winners finalsa performance that has given him plenty of confidence heading into the 2026 season. From testing new gear with Point-7 and training in Sardinia, to planning a 24-hour distance world record attempt for charity, Van de Burgt is proving hes far more than just another racer on tour.We caught up with Bob to talk about the IFCA Worlds, foil racing, life as a full-time pro sailor and his ambitions for the future.Photos: IFCA and PWA CARTERClick any shot to enlarge and scrollWINDSURF: How did you feel to make the top ten at the IFCA words?BOB VAN DE BURGT: Im really stoked about making that top 10. But at the same time Im pretty bummed up about how the week went. I got screwed over pretty badly the first two days of the event. Im not the guy to complain much, but the race committee was truly strange and random. Over earlies were not being called out, and I was completely left about because of that the first two eliminations. I thought the result was already completely gone. But I managed to adjust my style for the two remaining eliminations and qualified for two winner finals straight, that gives me a lot of confidence going into the rest of the season. So yeah, happy about the top 10 after such a rough start. But, also very eager to see whats capable with a consistent race committee.WINDSURF: How was the event for you overall and were all the racers happy with the conditions / race crew?BOB VAN DE BURGT: The venue was great and the conditions were light, but usually there was swell which gave a lot of power. Racing was light, but cool. It was very technical, but exciting racing. Concerning the race crew, there was a lot of controversy. The starts were the worst. Over earlies were not being called. It was a matter of who had the nose of the board in front at the start. With riders sometimes starting up to three seconds early! It was ridiculous really. I really hope IFCA will make a change in the future, it was quite sad to see heats going through like that.WINDSURF: Was the event hard work with a lot of waiting?BOB VAN DE BURGT: Im only focused on the foil, so I had very little sails and boards to rig. Im used to the waiting game, so it was quite chill. In the end we had quite a lot of time on the water!WINDSURF: What gear were you riding and how was it working?BOB VAN DE BURGT: All week I was riding the completely new Point-7 F1-SL 8.0 Q-bond construction, combined with the 162 Hyperion Pro from FMX Racing. The combo is really killer, giving a lot of power and drive in the light winds, which was really needed this week. Acceleration was really good and I was able to make super clean gybes in the ultra-light winds, also when being in the mix full of dirty winds.WINDSURF: How much have you been involved in the development of this sail?BOB VAN DE BURGT: As a rider I dont like to take too much development credit, since this is more of a technical and designers job. But Im very close with Andrea Cucchi. Speaking a lot about settings, tuning and test results on the phone or on location in Garda. Weve spent a solid amount of time in Garda end of last year to develop the sails. It was really cool to be one of the first guys to try the Q-bond construction, and put a part of myself into that sail with providing feedback from the water. I feel like Point-7 is one of the only brands where when you have an idea about a new sail or concept, they can smash out a prototype in no time. And have it adjusted the same night in the loft.Its hard work those R&D Trips, but its very rewarding!WINDSURF: Do you feel tuned and ready for the 2026 race seasonhow was your training camp over the winter?BOB VAN DE BURGT: Tuned up, not so much yet ha ha. All the gear arrived quite late, but its plug and play. For the next events, I will be fully tuned up, gaining that extra few percent to gain an edge. This winter I spent my time in Sardinia, it was the best camp I ever had. We were working with Italian coach Mauro Covre, where I improved like I never did before. It showed in my result now. As I said, I am excited to see whats more in the tank without an inconsistent race crew!WINDSURF: What events are you planning to do and what would you like to achieve results wise?BOB VAN DE BURGT: Im doing all the slalom foil events! This means the IFCA European Championships in Sant-Peter Ording this summer. And PWA Sylt and Japan at the end of this year.For the rest I set up my own event in week 2-3 of June, where I will be attempting to break the 24-hour world record in distance. I will be doing so for a charity called Spieren voor Spieren, which translates into Muscles for Muscles. A charity that is fighting muscular diseases for children. Its gonna be very intense, but all for a good cause!WINDSURF: Are you a full time pro sailor or do you also work?BOB VAN DE BURGT: Im a full time pro sailor. Which means I live from windsurfing. Its hard and budgets are tight, but I can make it work. There goes a lot of time and effort in reaching out to potential sponsors, staying connected with them, etc. My biggest focus is on attracting sponsors outside the windsurfing industry. I believe thats the way to go for every professional athlete nowadays that isnt earning big like they do in soccer, basketball, etc. So yes, Im a professional windsurfer, but its like running a business next to windsurfing to make everything work!Of course Id like to only focus on training, etc. But I feel like this is also setting me up really well with a lot of knowledge, persistence and skill for a life after windsurfing.WINDSURF: What is it like to be a part of the Point 7 Team and working with Andrea Cuuchi?BOB VAN DE BURGT: One word: awesome! I chose to join the Point-7 team 1.5 years ago because I wanted good gear, but also because I wanted to learn and develop myself. Andrea is the guy if you want to learn about how windsurfing sails work. He is friendly, open and always open to discuss new ideas.WINDSURF: Tell us a bit about your background and how you got into windsurfing?BOB VAN DE BURGT: I started windsurfing very late at the age of 16. My parents enjoyed going sailing, so I tried that when I was younger. I didnt enjoy it at all ha ha. It was too slow and boring for me. They suggested I join my uncle, who was very into windsurfing at the time. He gave me a lesson and Ive been hooked ever since!WINDSURF: What did you study?BOB VAN DE BURGT: Business Administration. I was studying during covid, so a lot was done remotely. Which gave me a lot of freedom. My biggest achievement is that I only attended three lectures on location in Amsterdam in the three years of my time in college ha ha! For the rest I was only windsurfing and travelling.WINDSURF: What do you love about windsurfing?BOB VAN DE BURGT: I love to stay in process, staying busy. Windsurfing is a sport where you can always improve something. Your stance, gybe, start, tuning, everything. I love that. Combined with the fact that it gives you so much freedom on the water and living the life travelling the world while doing what I love!WINDSURF: Why do you love Foil racing?BOB VAN DE BURGT: I love that we can get onto the water at every event. There has been so much more racing since the foil arrived. And about the racing itself: I love that its so dynamic. You can take many different lines at the course for overtakes. There is always the risk of crashing, which gives a lot of adrenaline and I think is also nice for the spectator side.WINDSURF: What is your ambition?BOB VAN DE BURGT: I want to accomplish great things in the sport, outside of just racing results. Racing is my driving force, and its the thing my life is built around. Its that competitiveness that fuels me. I want to see how far I can get with that.But as much as I get fuelled by racing, I want to make an impact within and outside of the sport. By setting boundaries, taking records and using windsurfing as a platform to make a positive impact. Being the first one to make the double NL-UK crossing while raising 80k+ for charity is a great example. And I hope to set another example this June by raising even more money, while taking the 24-hour world record.!WINDSURF: Well thankyou and good luck for the rest of the season!The post BOB VAN DE BURGT: RISING TALENT appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

WORLD WINDSURFING UN-CUT: PWA CLASSIC MOVIEWORLD WINDSURFING UN-CUT: PWA CLASSIC MOVIEStep back to 1997 as Paul Van Bellen dusts off a true PWA classic from the golden era of world windsurfing. This was the age of Bjrn Dunkerbecks dominance on the race course, with challengers like Micah Buzianis and Anders Bringdal pushing hard to dethrone the king. Meanwhile, the wave tour delivered one of its most unforgettable moments as the worlds best riders scored epic conditions in Namotu, Fijia legendary event still talked about today. Relive the action and check out the the characters from an epic era in professional windsurfing.The post WORLD WINDSURFING UN-CUT: PWA CLASSIC MOVIE appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

BUILDING A WINDSURF SIMULATOR: GEORGE GRISLEYBUILDING A WINDSURF SIMULATOR: GEORGE GRISLEYGeorge Grisly decides to build a windsurf simulator to help strengthen his port tack sailing. The question isDoes he have the practical skills to pull this off? Lets find outAfter years of ignoring it, the time has come to address the weakest part of my windsurfing I decided to build a heavy duty replica Turfdog, the board I spent hours training on as a kid. From building the board to testing it out, this video shows you the first steps Ive taken to start retraining moves on my less trained side, port tack. But will it work? Can I trust my own handywork? Or am I too heavy and not brave enough to try and learn again Lets find out.Enjoy the video!GEORGE GRISLEYThe post BUILDING A WINDSURF SIMULATOR: GEORGE GRISLEY appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

JOHAN SE STEPS AWAY FROM PWA SLALOM SEASON TO CHASE IQFOIL GOALS!JOHAN SE STEPS AWAY FROM PWA SLALOM SEASON TO CHASE IQFOIL GOALS!Johan Se has officially withdrawn from the 2026 PWA slalom season, choosing instead to fully commit to his Olympic and iQFOiL campaign. The Danish foil specialist often known as the Beast, has won every slalom event he has entered since 2023! His exit from the tour will probably come as welcome news to his rivals and leaves the door open for them to rack up more world titles in his absence. Se, has long prioritised Olympic and iQFOiL competition over the PWA tour, even turning away from what could already have been multiple world titles to pursue success on the Olympic pathway. The decision will also come as blow to his sponsor Patrik but he promises to use their gear when he eventually returns to PWA, IFCA and EPWT events!Photos: PWA Carter and iQFOiL class.WINDSURF:From a PWA perspective it will be a shame to lose a rider of Ses calibre. On the PWA slalom tour, he hasnt just been winninghes been dominating events so convincingly that the rest of the fleet has often looked like theyre racing for second place. Walking away now, when he could be winning PWA titles, is slightly disappointing news, especially for his sponsor Patrik. But looking at the bigger picture from Ses perspective, the decision makes sense: Olympic windsurfing demands total commitment, structure, and a different kind of dedication than the PWA tour. He also has the full backing of the Danish Sailing Federation and Team Denmark and committing to the Olympics while in his prime is his best shot at going for Gold. The PWA slalom tour will lose its benchmark rider, while iQFOiL will gain an athlete who clearly isnt afraid of a bigger challenge.OFFICIAL STATEMENT AND INTERVIEW FROM PATRIKPATRIK: JOHAN SE withdraws from the 2026 slalom season. The Beast will be dearly missed on the PWA tour and other foil slalom events. This situation wasnt easy as Johans personal wish hit us late and unexpected. Weve interviewed him specifically for you so everyone may understand his thought process a bit better:Why the late pivot to the Olympic iQFOiL campaign?Johan: Ive deeply enjoyed the slalom scene and the collaboration with PATRIK, which made this a difficult decision. However, competing at the highest level in the iQFOiL class requires 100% commitment, so Ive decided to focus entirely on my Olympic campaign.Whats your current contract situation with PATRIK?Johan: I am not fully retiring from foil slalom. Im shifting focus to iQFOiL for a period, as others have done before. I value PATRIKs belief in me and intend to come back on their gear when I return to the PWA, IFCA and EPWT.What differentiates the Olympic path from the PWA for the young generation?Johan: Choosing to step away was hard because Ive won every slalom event Ive entered since 2023. However, iQFOiL is an Olympic discipline supported by the Danish Sailing Federation and Team Denmark. This provides a structured team environment with coaches and specialists that differs from the PWA setup. My passion currently lies there.How is PATRIK supporting this contract pause?Johan: The brand has been extremely understanding and supportive throughout this process. I am truly grateful for their flexibility and Ill continue to be part of the PATRIK family.Its hard to watch you let a potential maiden PWA world title slip. It seems crazy!Johan: I dont think the Olympic dream has fully taken over for me, but I know that I have been fully, fully dedicated to foil slalom for the past years but never to the iQFOil in the same way. I want to explore the possibilities and this comes with sacrifices.!The post JOHAN SE STEPS AWAY FROM PWA SLALOM SEASON TO CHASE IQFOIL GOALS! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.