by Maarten on October 28, 2010
I set several goals in 2009. Finally I’ve reach one of them. I was planning to add more windsurfing boards to my quiver and so I did.
I felt like I missed a lot of opportunities to surf and that had to be fixed. I had only a Starboard Hypersonic 105. This board has an incredible range but since I put on some weight I wasn’t staying afloat anymore. And besides that, I got more interested in gps speedsurfing. The Hypersonic is super wide with 76 cm which is not good for top speeds. Last years I had also some setbacks because I had to replace some things due to crashes.
Now I have the financial means to buy the boards that I want. Last week I bought a Starboard Isonic 101 (2008). This board will be my mid to high wind board. I didn’t go for a real speedsurfing board because those boards can only be used for that purpose and I want to do more than just go downwind.
The Hypersonic will be replaced by an Isonic 122 so I have optimal boards for light winds and a board for mid to high winds. I am still looking for the Isonic 122. (If you have one available you can contact me here).
Hopefully I will be able to improve my Personal Best at GPS-Speedsurfing.com and have more fun time on the water.
Update: I have found an isonic 121 for a great price. Ready to go on the water!
by Maarten on October 26, 2010
Zara Davis managed to crack the woman’s speed production record of 36.99 knots (68.5 KM/H) That is some serious speed! She used a Mistral speed board, a Simmer 5.0 SCR 2010 and a Sonntag GPS_5 220 widebase speedfin. The cannel in Luderitz, Namibia, was not ideal for windsurfing. The approach is very shallow and the sand bank build to reduce the chop also interfered with the wind, making the end of the run not perfect. So Zara Davis managed to get the best out of the spot.
Source: UKWA
This video shows Alex Caizergues in Namibia doing 54.1(!) knots (= 100.2 KM/H, also a new World Record) on the same speed strip. Respect!
This is also a cool video which shows the channel from the riders view.
by Maarten on October 19, 2010
Here is short video from the NP/JP team speedsurfing at La Franqui. Nice to see how Ben van der Steen and Jacques van der Hout have to conquer the chop before they get to the flat water.
by Maarten on September 24, 2010
Starboard released a new tool to help you make a better board selection out of their range of windsurfing boards (and they have a lot of boards to choose from).
I thinks it’s great that Starboard is releasing a tool like that. Off course will it help them to sell them the correct boards. As result you will get more people having fun with Starboards on the water. And eventually more happy customers for Starboard. A win-win situation for both sides.
In step 2 Starboard explains that the volume is one of the most defining physical characteristics. So it’s really an important step when deciding which board you should choose. But they don’t clearly explain what volume is right for you. I think it would be better to show which factors are important for choosing the correct volume. Factors like which boards you currently own, in what wind range you are going to use the board, what level your at and your weight.
Take a look for yourself. What do you think?
by Maarten on September 24, 2010
The PWA released a video report from the ladies only event in Almanare. During this final event Karin Jaggi secured the PWA World Championship title for 2010. Valérie Arrighetti was breathing in her neck and managed to win the event. She became second in the overall rankings.
Check out the video:
