Meet Tasada You – Starboard Brand Manager and designer

Meet Starboard Windsurfing’s Brand Manager Tiesda You, in this series of Starboard’s Tiki Documentary. Starboard has even called him, the “Golden Child”. Tiesda has been designing boards since 2000, including the famous Carve, the first Kodes and now the Atom IQ!

Save Access To Kanaha for windsurfers

Kanaha Beach is one of the Worlds most popular windsurfing beaches, perfect for beginners to pro sailors. However it is now in danger of being closed to windsurfers.

Sign the petition to help keep it open.

State DOBOR is considering enforcing a 25 year old rule that would block the current access for most water users from over 3000 feet of Kanaha beach shoreline.

The current level of access has been enjoyed by generations of surfers, windsurf, kayak, outrigger canoe, standup, fishermen, and divers. The current arrangement has been accepted by the community for 25 years. There was a good balance that made sense with different areas designated to their most suitable uses. The Old rule that was intended to create exclusive swim zones located close to the lifeguard tower, and the current swim zone (marked by buoys) has been used and respected for two and a half decades. Also several years ago the lifeguard tower was moved and since then the life guards themselves have set up a new swim zone, adjacent to the camp ground, right next to the new tower. This arrangement also works very well, but this new swim zone would also be lost if the old rules aren’t changed. If this happens access will be blocked for a huge part of the shoreline and most of the user groups will be displaced. This will lead to overcrowding and potential problems in the remaining areas. We want the DOBOR to change the outdated rules to reflect the current use, and officially recognize the new swim zone as well. Please help protect ocean access for all water sports users at Kanaha Beach.

Sign the petition to help keep it open.

Matteo Iachino Signs to North and Fanatic

Official Press Release from Fanatic and North Sails International:

We are happy to announce that with Matteo Iachino from Italy, a very talented windsurfer has joined our International Windsurfing teams for Fanatic & NorthSails.

His name is well known is the Slalom scene and he for sure has a great talent to make it to the top of the rankings. Matteo will be charging the race season on our renowned Falcon Slalomboards!

Matteo Iachino:
“I really wanted to join an experienced windsurfing brand and to have top boards top in our sport. And now I’m in this team and I can’t ask for more. I tried all Falcon Slaloms and was quite stoked how easy and fast they are. Fanatic´s Product Manager Daniel Aeberli is a good friend of mine, he helped me a lot during these years and I believe in him and in the great job he´s doing for Fanatic.”

Daniel Aeberli, Fanatic Product Manager:
“Matteo is one of the most talented upcoming Slalom guys on the PWA tour. Following him since the start of his professional career gave me the possibility to see him develop his skills and Racing. He is a great personality and has the right attitude and motivation to make it all to the top of the Slalom scene. For us at Fanatic he is the perfect guy for our young and dynamic Slalom crew. The time has come to boost our 2014 Falcon line to the next level. A big welcome to Matteo.”

Levi Siver Takes JP Aloha Classic

Levi Siver takes the prestigious Aloha Classic Crown, defeating Bernd Roediger.

Bernd had battled his way back from 3rd in the double elimination knocking out 3 time PWA World Champion Kauli Seadi to face the winner of the sinlge elimination Levi Siver. Winds had lightened after some squals rolled though but waves kept pumping. Levi and Bernd went head to head in epic wavesailing battle. Levi played the smart game knowing he had to be defeated twice, as Bernd layed it all on the line and didn’t hold anything back. Bernd radical attempts were fun to watch but he shot himself in the foot as he just nearly missed them. Levi Siver’s smart sailing gave him the title, as he impressed judges with smooth and powerful wave riding.

Congratulations JP Aloha Classic winner Levi Siver.

1st Levi Siver
2nd Bernd Roediger
3rd Kauli Seadi
4th Morgan Noireaux

Mahalo!

Philip Köster in Hospital

The 2013 JP Aloha Classic was less then memorable for the 19 year old 2 time World Champion Philip Koster. He was eliminated in the first round of the double elimination, and would have no further chance at defending his World Title. Koster sailed his heat yesterday despite a staph infection on his leg, after the heat he headed to Maui Memorial Hospital in Kahului, where he will likely remain for the next couple days.

A staph infection can be caused by a reef cut, and needs to be treated quickly to prevent further complication.

We wish him a quick recovery and hope to see him windsurfing again soon!

PWA Double Elimination Aloha Classic

Day 8: Mussolini and Browne still in the hunt for a World Title

A slower than expected start at Ho’okipa Beach Park on day eight of the JP Aloha Classic – presented by Nalu Kai – soon turned into a pulsating and extremely exciting day of sailing as the title race headed towards its climax. At the start of the day seven riders – Philip Köster (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins), Alex Mussolini (Tabou / Gaastra), Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing / MFC), Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / North / MFC), Thomas Traversa (Tabou / Gaastra), Leon Jamaer (Fanatic / Hot Sails Maui) and Ricardo Campello (JP / NeilPryde / MFC) – were all still in contention for the world title, however, by the end of the day only two sailors were still standing – Browne and Mussolini. Tomorrow will now see a scintillating finale as Mussolini and Browne go head-to-head in the battle for the 2013 PWA Wave World Championship.

Today promises to be an extremely exciting day, with both the JP Aloha Classic Champion and PWA Wave World Champion set to be decided. The forecast for tomorrow promises excellent wind and yet more waves, which should result in an enthralling day of sailing with at least one sailor set to write their name in windsurfing history. Who is your money on for the title, and the prestigious win at the JP Aloha Classic?

Results – PWA Double Elimination
1st Levi Siver (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC)
2nd Kauli Seadi (JP / Hot Sails Maui / MFC)
3rd Bernd Roediger (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC)
4th Morgan Noireaux (JP / Hot Sails Maui / MFC)
5th Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde / Mystic / Maui Ultra Fins)
5th Josh Angulo (Angulo / Gun Sails)
5th Alex Mussolini (Tabou / Gaastra)
5th Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing / MFC)
9th Kevin Pritchard (Starboard / Ezzy / MFC)
9th Graham Ezzy (Quatro / Ezzy)

Read a complete recap of the heats at watch the recorded live stream, Part 1 and Part 2.

PWA Chile Cancelled

Today the PWA confirmed that the season finale wave event in Chile has been cancelled, and the 2013 Wave World Champion will be crowned at the JP Aloha Classic currently taking place in Maui.
With the local boys from teh AWt thrown into the mix, Levi Siver sits in first after the single elimination, the men’s title race has intensified even more.

With the South American comp now off the schedule Daida Moreno becomes the ladies champion after just one contest in 2013.

As-it-stands, with a Double Elimination at Ho’okipa still to complete, the mens wave rankings look like this:

1. Alex Mussolini

2. Marcilio Browne

3. Victor Fernandez

4. Thomas Traversa

5. Jules Denel

(6. Philip Koester)

The double elimination at the JP Aloha classic is set to begin later today.

Siver Claims Victory in Ho’okipa

Siver snatches the victory from under the nose of Seadi after an epic day in Ho’okipa

The wind and wave Gods were shining over Ho’okipa Beach Park on the fifth day of the JP Aloha Classic – presented by Nalu Kai – as the PWA single elimination was completed in epic conditions. Just as the forecast predicted the wind and waves built throughout the day, and by the time the competition was reaching its climax the swell was pumping with over mast high sets rolling into Ho’okipa, providing a pulsating finale to a enthralling day. Levi Siver (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC) impressed with aggressive hacks and tweaked aerials, his was reward was the single elimination victory.

“You know we are here with the best people in the world at the best beach in the world and Ho’okipa went off today! I just tried to give it my best and try not to think too much when I was out there. I just wanted to have fun, enjoy it and keep improving. Like I’ve already said I was really competing the whole time, I just told myself that I want to enjoy it. At the end of the day we’re all friends who love this sport and I think we should keep that spirit of Aloha, and just keep encouraging each other. I’m feeling really humble, there’s so many good sailors and they are all first place in my eyes, they all rip so hard! Thanks to everybody!” – Levi Siver after winning the JP Aloha Classic Single Elimination

Results After Single Elimination:

1st Levi Siver (Quatro /Goya Windsurfing / MFC)
2nd Kauli Seadi (JP / Hot Sails Maui)
3rd Bernd Roediger (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC)
4th Morgan Noireaux (JP / Hot Sails Maui / Maui Ultra Fins)
5th Matt Pritchard (Tabou / Gaastra)
5th Josh Angulo (Angulo / Gun Sails)
7th Kevin Pritchard (Starboard / Ezzy / MFC)
7th Graham Ezzy (Quatro / Ezzy)

Youth turn on the magic for the Ho’okipa crowd!

Today at the JP Aloha Classic was planned to be ‘Youth Day,’ and Pro riders Kevin Pritchard (Ezzy, Starboard, MFC), Levi Siver (Goya, Quatro, MFC), and 2013 AWT Aloha Classic winner Bernd Roediger (Goya, Quatro, MFC), held a 9am clinic for the Youth riders at Ho’okipa. It is great to have such experience on hand to help advise and inspire the next generation. Wiley Daniel (Hot Sails Maui) at 8 yrs old is the youngest competitor in the field and boy does this kid rip!

Read the full story at http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=d1a4e4eef8cd7953c762687fc&id=65a08b8e44

The Wind Takes a Break in Maui

The forecast for Saturday had been poor, and with Riders enjoying good food, music, and discussed the day’s action over a few beers on Friday night. Despite a building breeze it was decided to call a lay day, and release all fleets at 11am.

With a similar for Sunday, it looks like we are unlikely to see a return to action until at least Monday. Mast high surf, and solid winds are expected to hit Maui’s north shore in preparation for the ‘Clash of the Titans,’ as the best from the AWT go head to head with the best from the PWA. Be sure to have your computer tuned into the LIVE cast ,and with first round matchups like Kauli Seadi vs. Kevin Pritchard, Bernd Roediger vs. Francisco Goya and Robby Naish vs. Flo Jung the action is going to be intense right from the start, and it will be interesting to see how much local knowledge will play a part when and if the big sets roll in.

Bernd Roediger steals the show in Maui

Bernd Roediger claims his second straight AWT victory and second Maui win!

“Wow! Another final at Hookipa! I was standing on the beach and I couldn’t believe it. When they called out the final four I was struck by an overwhelming thought. If I was going to go on a surf trip to score sick waves there are a lot of people I would ask to go. Three of the top names would obviously be Keith Teboul, Levi Siver, and Camille Juban. These guys are incredible watermen and I have always admired their style on the waves. Keith is so vertical its nuts, Levi is the most fluid windsurfing with explosive power and Camille is the master of combining slashy turns with all the best aerial tricks! And here we are in the 2013 AWT Pro Final. Its hard not to get caught watching while your trying to beat them at the same time! I’m so thankful to all my sponsors, Quatro, Goya, MFC, H2O & Quiksilver. To these three guys, because they have inspired me to dream the impossible, I thank you!” Bernd Roediger, AWT Pro Maui Champion 2012 & 2013

Day 2 Pro FINAL Results
1st Bernd Roediger
2nd Levi Siver
3rd Camile Juban
4th Keith Taboul

Read the full story at http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=d1a4e4eef8cd7953c762687fc&id=6536a15ab8

Day 1 of the JP Aloha Classic – Ho’okipa delivers

The day started early with the opening ceremony at 9am which streamed LIVE across windsurfing sites, and was provided by the PWA and AWT. The thought provoking Hawaiian blessing asked for wind and waves and almost immediately the breeze started to build ruffling the head high surf. It was amazing to have riders from all over the world come together during this spiritual moment at the home of windsurfing.

The beach was full of World Champions.  Jason Polakow was unable to  compete this year, Robby Naish is.

The beach was full of World Champions. Jason Polakow was unable to compete this year, Robby Naish is.

With the competition now officially open Head Judge Duncan Coombs decided to run straight into the AWT Pro fleet with the first 16 heats of Round #1 while keeping the option to run all fleets later. It was not long before it was clear that the combination of fun conditions and motivated riders was delivering excellent competition. It was decided that we would continue with Round 2 and heats 17 through 24 before moving into the Women’s heats.

Read More at http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d1a4e4eef8cd7953c762687fc&id=0bc644fa9e

KP finds a sweet section!

KP finds a sweet section!

Graham ezzy displayed some serious stoke and skill on the water

Graham ezzy displayed some serious stoke and skill on the water

Sam Bittner getting ready for her heat.

Sam Bittner getting ready for her heat.

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Camille Juban displaying his fluid style

Camille Juban displaying his fluid style


Men's bracket after day 1

Men’s bracket after day 1

Women's bracket after day 1

Women’s bracket after day 1

JP Aloha Classic, Clash of The Titans

Naish to challenge for the title one more time at the JP Aloha Classic

Press Release from the AWT

The stage is now set for what promises to be one of the biggest clashes of windsurfing talent in living memory. Robby Naish, probably the biggest name in the history of windsurfing, has confirmed his participation in the upcoming JP Aloha Classic that begins on Thursday 24th October, at Ho’okipa Beach Park, Maui, Hawaii.

For the first time since 2000, Naish will compete on the PWA World Tour. Taking the third “Champions” wildcard alongside Kevin Pritchard and Josh Angulo, directly into the main PWA event, Naish will complete a competition line-up that spans over three generations. Some of the newest and most innovative talent in the sport will go head to head with the very pioneers that paved the way for modern day windsurfing to become the explosive, dynamic and action packed sport that it has evolved into.

In the challenging, historic surf of Ho’okipa, the experience and mastery of the ocean, held firm by the old guard, will offer a perfect contrast to the unorthodox and radical departures of the goiter generation. A true test of “bread and butter” top to bottom wave riding versus aerial trickery will ensue, as all riders leave caution on the beach and go all in to try and claim their seat at the elusive Ho’okipa winners table.

Naish was keen to point out that his contention for the Aloha Classic title was not something to be taken too lightly. At 50 years of age, he is in some of the best shape of his life and his sheer presence will be enough to deter all but the steeliest opponents.

Robby Naish

“Before anyone gets too excited, this is not the start of a comeback, it is simply an opportunity to challenge myself a little bit and have some fun in the competition arena again – and there is no finer arena than Ho’okipa for the Aloha. Its been 7 years since the last pro tour event at Ho’okipa and 7 years since the last Aloha Classic and there is no more prestigious event title in the sport. I am not setting out to prove anything, just simply to rise to the challenge before me and mainly have fun in my own backyard along with some of the finest windsurf talent out there”

The 2013 JP Aloha Classic will bring together the American Windsurfing Tour and the PWA World Tour to create one of the biggest wave sailing events of all time. But don’t worry if you can’t make it to Maui for the event itself, the pro divisions will be broadcast live via the internet and will be available to watch on demand afterwards so don’t miss out.

For further information and for all the action as it happens, tune into www.pwaworldtour.com and www.americanwindsurfingtour.com from the 24th October to see the likes of Koster, Fernandez, Browne, Stone, Angulo, Pritchard, Roediger, Juban, Siver, Mussolini and of course, Robby Naish together in full blown competition action for the first and possibly last time ever!

JP Aloha Classic – Press Release

The AWT and PWA will soon be bringing us the JP Aloha Classic Presented by Kuau Store. Read the press release and details from the AWT below, 92 competitors are already registered.

The AWT is happy to welcome the PWA to Maui for the JP Aloha Classic at Ho’okipa October 24th-November 6th. AWT divisions will run as usual. Top 2 AWT ranked riders automatically advance to the PWA bracket as well as top 6 ranked riders from the AWT Pro division at Ho’okipa.

We have a great crew lined up to run the event including PWA Head Judge Duncan Coombs. The judges panel will consist of many local knowledgeable and trained judges such as Pascal Hardy, Chris Freeman, Alex Bitoun, Michael Archer, Griffin Freysinger and Neil Turpin.

Kai Katchadourian will once again be entertaining the world commentating for the live cast. He joined by several guests throughout the contest.

Local comedian Chris Seeley will be joined by Pietro Porchella announcing on the beach for spectators at Ho’okipa. Porchella has been present at all wave contests on Maui since the Maui Grand Prix in 1981. He has worked all 21 previous editions of the Aloha Classic. We are looking forward to his knowledge on the beach.
Our fearless Beach Marshal Dane Dingerson will be at the beach the entire contest keeping all competitors in check for their heats.

Red Bull is the official sponsor of water safety and rescue which will be led by DK Walsh.
Maui Nerd Productions led by Kevin Pritchard will be producing quality short video clips of the action throughout the contest.

Professional Photographer Si Crowther is the official photographer for the entire event.

And for all of you who can not attend the event, Stephan Boeker from Live Maui Webcasts will be producing a live cast for the world to watch all AWT Pro, and PWA heats from home. Tune in on the action at AmericanWindsurfingTour.com and post your comments on twitter and facebook to stay in the loop.

We have a great list of 92 AWT riders registered as of today. If you have not registered yet, please do so at AmericanWindsurfingTour.com. Encourage your friends to sign up as well!
Registrations_Oct_13

Event Schedule

Contest Window: October 24th-November 6th

8pm: Notice for next day’s possibility of running contest based on forecast
9am: Skippers meeting at lifeguard tower with a first possible start of 10am
11am: Final call if contest will run for the day
Event_Schedule.1

2013 PWA SYLT WORLD CUP WRAP UP

Kiri Thode and Antoine Albeau crowned the champions of the world

sThe 2013 GP Joule PWA Sylt World Cup proved to be a huge success once more as Sylt delivered five days of wind, which saw the men’s freestyle double elimination – dedicated to André Paskowski – completed, whilst five eliminations in the men’s slalom were also finished. The past ten days will remain in the memory of Kiri Thode (Starboard / Gaastra) for the rest of his life, after the Bonairean finally realized his dream of becoming the PWA Freestyle World Champion, having come so close on many occasions before. Antoine Albeau (RRD / NeilPryde) produced another fantastic display to not only claim the event victory, but also the 2013 PWA Slalom World Championship – back-to-back world titles for the Frenchman.
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