Friends of Cold Hawaii, the team behind the Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup have just announced Klitmoller will not host a PWA World Cup in 2014. They are still hoping and working to hold an event in 2015.
Press Release:
No Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup in 2014!
In 2013 it was the 4th time that Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup was held in Thy. This time with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark as patron. It was a culmination of an amazing journey with an event, which we all can look back at with pride.
2014 will not be the 5th time. The board of Friends of Cold Hawaii has just decided this. This happens in the aftermath of Thisted City Council’s decision to grant 350,000, and not the 500,000 that the association had requested. President of Friends of Cold Hawaii, Finn Jorsal says:
“I would like to emphasize that we have been pleased to collaborate with the municipality of Thisted, which we consider as one of the customers who get a lot from our product. However, we must conclude that we can not deliver for the price they will pay. We have had to take the consequences of that. The 500,000 is necessary to create the stability, which is needed to reach the goal of the overall project. Without stability, we can not do it.”
Friends of Cold Hawaii is not closing down. Finn Jorsal continues:
“The association is still active, and we still have a burning desire for a Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup in 2015. However, one should not be blind to the unique situation we have had in the period in which the event has been running. It is rare that the right resources are passionate about the same idea at the same time, and furthermore decides to make it happen. Whether we can mobilize it one more time is uncertain. As president of the association, that worries me”
Friends of Cold Hawaii has a board meeting again on 25th of February, where the plans for a year without a World Cup, among other things, is to be discussed.
One of the great windsurfing desitinations is in danger. Access to Vargas Beach on Gran Canaria has been shut down.
What can you do?
Petition to Save Playa de Vargas
Save Playa de Vargas Facebook Group
and get active share this post, the petition and Facebook group with friends.
PRESS RELEASE: THE CLOSURE OF THE ACCESS TO VARGAS BEACH
Gran Canaria is a worldwide privileged place to practice watersports, with plenty of wind and waves. The southeast coastline allows the practice of windsurfing and kitesurfing all year round, with World renowned spots like Pozo Izquierdo (where the PWA World Cup takes place since more than 25 years ago) and Vargas (home of several PWA World Cups too).
Vargas beach has been pretty much abandoned and forgotten by the governments for decades, but has been used by windsurfers for over 40 years. It is one of the most important spots in the Island due to its conditions: it is an ample beach with a wide variety of conditions of wind and waves for beginners, advance or even professional sailors, both in windsurfing and kitesurfing. During all these years, only the Agüimes city council has been interested and in favor of collaborating and improving the area.
Only two small areas in the coastline are used to practice these sports. This allows the users to park at a certain distance from the water, making it accessible for everyone to carry their gear down to the beach, and for the kitesurfers and windsurfers to have their own areas, which is essential for safety reasons.
Kitesurfers and windsurfers access these areas by already existing dirt tracks, being absolutely respectful with the rest of the surrounding areas. Their presence has actually helped in great measure to keep the place well protected from other illicit activities as there is users pretty much everyday of the year.
People from all over the island, water sports schools, and plenty of tourists from all over Europe use this beach to practice windsurf and kitesurf. This has also a significant economical impact in the area.
We are aware that preserving this special natural environment and restrict its uses is necessary, for which we are totally in favor and available to collaborate. Actually, right before the closure of the accesses we were working on a proposal of use of the area, that could be compatible with the actual legislation and environmentally friendly with the area. We believe that the place has potential to be enjoyed by its users and at the same time be respectful with the natural environment and the public areas. For this we are in favor of working together to find a solution.
The “Demarcacion de Costas de Las Palmas” (coastline office), according the new Coast Law, has proceeded to the closure of the beach without previous notice and without offering any alternative option to the users until the final resolution is made. This means the stop of activity for businesses and private users of the beach.
Vargas Beach is absolutely vital for these sports in the island, making it very necessary to find an imminent legitimate solution that allows the use of our wonderful coastline.
Read more at http://www.boardseekermag.com/news/help-save-windsurfing-in-gran-canaria/2/#dHkGlo0BEfSbPsrY.99
A record number of events are planned for the 2014 season as they aim for new heights with 17 events!
Many of the popular destination are back, new events are scheduled for El Yaque, La Torche, New Caledonia, and Turkmenistan. As well as Chile back on the schedule this year, a return to Maui for the Aloha Classic. Alos exciting is Bonaire for some freestyle, and the return of an indoor event in Poland!
In the latest events of PWA riders changing sponsors Kurosh Kiani leftSimmer and Fanatic to join his old sponsors Angulo and Point-7.
Words from Kurosh:
“First and mostly, I would very much like to send a big thanks to Simmer Style for being there for me from the beginning. I will be always grateful for their support not to mention the great people behind it I´ve become friends with. And of course a thanks to Fanatic for taking me on for a couple of years. But its times of change, lots of things have been re-structured, and ultimately I have brought my life closer to friends and family with this sponsor change. I even changed my sail number and will be rocking D83 in the future!. I have been riding for both Angulo Boards and Point-7 before and have great relationships with both Josh Angulo whom I have learned so much from and also Andrea Cucchi. I was one of the first “black team” riders back in the day when Andrea took me in and I stayed with him on Sardinia for a whole winter. Back then it was pretty much just him and I, today is a different story. We always have great battles out on the water and I look forward to kicking his ass this year!
I feel really at peace with coming back to Angulo Boards because they are a personality brand, and they support my visions to give me the space in my mind to evolve. Even though we parted ways back in 2012, Josh and I actually stayed good friends and I believe our friendship actually strengthened, and now with Pieter involved, I know I have the backbone and support along with Point-7 to pursue my goals and kick some ass! Last but not least I embark on a great upcoming time together with my friend Christian in Denmark as we have started up the company Gear Direct which is going to take over distribution of both Angulo Boards and Point-7 in Denmark and expanding with SUP´s and other products we think are great!”
Kurosh will be representing Angulo Boards and Point-7 on the PWA world tour along with his other sponsors, Doppstadt and Maui Ultra Fins in the 2014 season.
Ricardo Campello rapresents the top expression as an athlete in the sport of windsurfing. 3 times world champion in Freestyling and 2 times vice world champion in waves. Ricardo has now chosen Point-7.
Ricardo Campello made news after he parted ways with long time sponsors JP and NeilPryde. The other day it was announced he was riding Patrik Boards. Now he has signed with the Point-7 Black Team.
New year , new Gear , My Final new toys will be Patrik boards Point 7 Sails and Powerex Windsurfing , thank you all for the motivation and I hope I can finally realize my dream with my new Equipment! I will do my best to improve everything I can!! super Happy with my new Sponsors Im more motivated then ever!! Change is good!! – RC
We are often seen as a slalom oriented brand due to the results we have obtained from the beggining of our brand. Ricardo has chosen us for our wave products, proving that our wave range is ready to prove the same as we did in slalom. We have 3, 4, 5 batten wave sails so there is a lot to choose from, for everyones different needs. We chose Ricardo as our top team rider as he is not only a multiple world PWA Champion, but also an icon in our sport. He fits with us, as he goes over the limits. If some are trying the double forward, he is already thinking and trying the tripple. If Ricardo needs to go to Canaries, Sylt, Maui,.. anywhere he is prepared and can fight to win the title in any conditions. He is know in the world and our product is distributed all around the world, so a great amabassador. Ricardo is a mature professional rider, who has experience not only for obtaining the winning results but also to start new projects with our brand. – Point-7
Read the full interview with Ricardo Campello from Point-7.
Steven Allen successfully defended his title at the Lancelin Ocean Classiz winning the 29th edition of the Australian windsurfing marathon.
The race featured 118 athletes competing in 15-20 knots of wind from Ledge Point to Lancelin covering 25 kilometers down wind.
10 time World Champion Steven Allen won after despite a false start, and finishing in a time of 29 minutes and 59 seconds, only 13 seconds ahead of Isaac Devries in second.
Check out the Le-Mans style start as the competitors rush towards the water above.
10 time World Champion Steven Allen
Early this morning Ricardo Campello announced he will be riding for Patrik Boards this season. Here’s what he had to say via social media, “I can now proudly announce that I will be riding Patrik boards from this year on and yes I will still be fighting for my dream to become wave world Champion!”
Neil Pryde has set that he wil retire as Managing Director of Pryde Group, effective December 31st, 2013. Neil Pryde will become the Chairman of the company after retirement and will devote most of his time in promoting and supporting the company’s business activities around the world.
Patrick Pender, currently Deputy Managing Director, will become Managing Director and Peter Lui, currently CFO for the company, will become Chief Operating Officer. George Poon from Shriro Pacific Limited will be heading the financial functions and all new appointments will be effective from 1st January 2014.
Patrick Pender has 30 years of experience in management, brand building, manufacturing and retailing. Having been a part of management teams at the Gaastra Group, Guess Watches, Oozeeki and Bvlgari, he brings with him a broad range of experience and an understanding of the European, American and Asian markets. Mr. Pender is also a world-class sailor with first hand understanding of the sports the Pryde Group is involved in.
In making this announcement, Neil Pryde commented:
“The decision for me to step back from active management of the company that I founded 43 years ago is obviously a significant milestone in the company’s history and in my life. Pryde Group represents my life’s work and I am extremely proud of what we have been able to create in one of the world’s leading action sports companies with market leading brands in Windsurfing and Kitesurfing.
I certainly could not have achieved anything we have done without the support of an incredibly loyal group of colleagues and employees and I will not forget the effort you have made on behalf of the company. I wish you well for the future.
I am confident that Patrick with his experience and leadership will bring us greater success and I hope you will give Patrick the same support you have given me over many years.
Peter Lui has been my close associate for more than 13 years and I am delighted to see him in his new role as Chief Operating Officer and I am sure he together with Patrick will be instrumental in the future success of the company.
As you are aware, I will become the Chairman of the company and remain as a member of the Board of Directors. You may be assured, I will continue to maintain a very strong interest in all of the company’s activities and the progress of its employees.”
Vasco Fung, Group Chief Executive Officer of Shriro Pacific Limited, the controlling shareholder in Pryde Group, commented on Mr. Pryde’s retirement:
“We have enjoyed a very successful partnership with Neil Pryde since 1986 and are very grateful for his considerable contributions to the success of the company.
Neil has shown strong leadership since founding the business in 1970 and successfully transformed the company into an international sports group with operations in Asia, USA and Europe.
We all wish Neil a very happy retirement and surely he will continue to provide valuable support and advice to the new management which will be important to the continuous success of the company.”
Philip Koester has joined Severne Sails after leaving NeilPryde. He will be staying with Starboard.
We’re stoked Philip Köster is signing up for the SEVERNE team for 014 and welcome Moritz Mauch as the second edition to our wave team. Philip has redefined modern windsurfing and we’re really looking forward to what he’s going to be able to do with lighter, better gear. The future is looking red hot! – ©Severne 2013
Kai Lenny suffered a pretty gnarly injury while surfing Jaws the other day. Below is what he had to say and a few pics. (Warning: Some of the pics are pretty nasty and if you have a weak stomach put some saran wrap over your keyboard.)
I had a few really good wipeouts today, but it was my last wipeout that gave me wound! Basically Air dropped on a set wave at Peahi and once I landed and committed my bottom turn I hit a rib in the face of wave and face planted in the barrel. My fin tomahawked my foot while I was getting sucked over the falls. Once I surfaced I was all the way by the rocks on the inside so besides getting cut I got a good beating as well! That is why its called the ride after the ride!!
It’s official, Camille Juban’s 7 minitue 3 second wave ride got confirmed by The World Guinness Book.
Dear Mr Camille Juban,
We are delighted to confirm that you have successfully achieved a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for ’Longest duration surfing a wave – windsurfing’. We would like to congratulate you on your record-breaking achievement. You are OFFICIALLY AMAZING.
Your official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS certificate confirming your world record is being created and will be sent to you within ten working days.
Yours sincerely,
Records Management Team
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS
Congratulations Mr. Juban!
The 2014 American Windsurfing Tour Schedule dates is now available and for a limited time, they are offering a 2014 Season Pass for $350, which gets you into all wave events. Buy your pass before December 25th, and they will send out a free 2014 Calendar full of great photos from the AWT events. To buy the calendar only, check out the AWT Online Shop.
Santa Cruz: June 5-8
Pistol River: June 12-15
Peru: August 3-10
Baja: August 16-23
Hatteras: September 15-20
Maui: October 29-November 11
More details can be found on the AWT Registration page.
Ricardo Campello has just announced that he will no longer be riding for JP or NeilPryde. He has been a staple on the team since 2000, consistintly at the top of the PWA rankings.
After 11 or 12 years sponsored by Jp boards and Neilpryde sails I sadly Announce that I won’t be riding them anymore for 2014 . it is a very sad news for me but I have learned a lot with them and maybe now its time for a change , Still Don’t know what Im going to do next year but I will try as much as I can to be on the water !I will give more details soon – RC
5 Times Freestyle World Champion Gollito Estredo is back to Maui Fin Company.
His progressive style has been and still is a main trendsetter for the sport.
Welcome Back Gollito! ~ MFC
Naish International is stoked to bring Maui’s own Harley Stone to the team!
Since he was 3 months old, Harley has been a permanent fixture at windsurfing competitions across the globe while accompanying his father, former world champion windsurfer, Josh Stone. Considered a “Child of the Tour”, he has not only watched the best, but he’s also learned from the best, allowing himself to become well-seasoned as he works his way to becoming one of Maui’s hottest rippers.
“I’m super excited to become a part of the Naish Team! It’s such a great environment and group of people – Naish will help bring me to levels I’ve only dreamed about. I can’t wait to reach my highest potential!” –Harley Stone
As one of America’s top youth windsurfers, Harley is currently ranked 4th overall in the AWT and is quickly becoming a permanent fixture on windsurfing podiums across the world, taking 1st at the 2012 Waddell Creek Event (Youth) & most recently, 2nd at the 2013 Aloha Classic (Youth) here on Maui.
Harley continues to make a name for himself by striving for excellence not only on the water, but off the water as well. In addition to his perfect 4.0 GPA and State Championship Title in Gymnastics, his ambitions range from windsurfing Jaws and nailing goiters to excelling in Math & Science to become an Aeronautical Engineer.
He’s very much a part of the young blood of windsurfing and is an extremely strong windsurfer in his own right. Be sure to keep an eye out for him in 2014 as he takes to the AWT & local competitions to make his mark in the circuit. This is talent that can’t be missed.
Welcome to the Team Harley!
