The PWA slalom tour returns with some high speed action tomorrow in Alacati, Turkey.
From the 19th to the 24th August both the men’s and women’s slalom fleets shall be returning to action for more warp speed racing as they head to the stunning turquoise waters of Alacati, Turkey. The men will be recommencing battle for the first time since competing in Costa Brava – in June – whilst the women will be fighting it out for the final time this season.
Six days of furious slalom as the women’s title race draws to its conclusion in their final event of the year, whilst the men’s title campaign continues to gather pace in their penultimate event of the season as they battle it out for those crucial world tour points.
Who to watch for the men? Antoine Albeau (RRD / NeilPryde) will enter the event as the favorite, and currently leads the rankings. His fellow teammate Julien Quentel (RRD / NeilPryde) currently sits in second, with Alberto Menegatti (Starboard / Point-7) wrapping up the top three. Also sitting in the top ten are some big names no doubt looking to improve there position. Notably Micah Buzianis (JP / MauiSails), Josh Angulo (Angulo / Gun Sails), Finian Maynard (RRD / Avanti) and more.
On the women’s side, things will be intense as this event decides the titles for the 2013 slalom season. Karin Jaggi (Patrik / Severne) currently leads and looks to wipe the bad taste of last season out of her mouth after she narrowly missed the title. Looking to upset the leader is Twenty-two year old Delphine Cousin (JP / NeilPryde) currently occupies second place. Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / Gaastra / Mystic / Chriz Benz / Maui Ultra Fins) the 2011 title holders joins the tour late having missed the first event. With so much at stake the week ahead promises to be an intense event for the women.
Stay tuned for more action as it unfold in Alacati.
The open day of Mission #2 of the Red Bull Storm Chase saw a full round of competition completed in challenging side-on, starboard tack conditions at ‘Temm’ in the North West of Tasmania. Strong winds reaching 64 knots and large swell up to 25-foot facesmeant it was game on!
Temma
A series of reefs near Temma Harbour offer good side-shore (wind from right) options in North or North West wind directions. The access is good with plenty of grassy areas for the crew infrastructure and athletes to prepare their equipment. Having a harbour and slipways nearby aid the safety backup crew and provide further launching options for competitors in large surf conditions.
The Heats
Competitors were divided into two man heats, with a twenty minute duration. Head Judge Duncan Coombs made the call for competitors to be towed out of the more sheltered bay behind the main foreshore and beyond the wind line in the middle of the bay.
Instead of a knockout format, the scoring system counted each riders best two jumps and wave rides, the total of which will be used to determine the overall winner following each further round.
The Action
The first heat between Leon Jamaer and Marcilio Browne was cancelled as both riders struggled to get into position for set waves or to line-up jumps. Rainbows followed heavy showers and, as the wind built, peaking at 64 knots it was game-on!
At the end of the day Thomas Travers dominated and took the highest score for wave rides and jumps. Head judge Coombs said, “said “Thomas rode the surf in the most critical situations and looked totally in control – it was like he was playing with the storm while others were struggling in comparison”.
Marcilio Browne also impressed with a very hight tweaked push loop and some solid wave scores. Leon Jamaer went for gnarly wave 360s off vertical sections, showing little fear for the insane conditions.
In another heat Dany Bruch ended up on the rocks after getting caught by a massive set. Luckily the only casualty was his sail
A nicely done clip from Gran Canaria in May and June of 2013.
Another sweet video coming out of the 2013 AWT Quatro Desert Showdown! This time featuring two Sailworks riders, Fiona Wylde (2nd place Pro Women) and Tom Soltysiak (2nd place Amatuer Men). Both tearing up the waves on the Sailworks Gyro.
Bjorn Saragosa is the latest name of the long list of amazing freestyle talent from the Island of Bonaire. Bjorn is definitely a master of style, making maneuvers buttery smooth and effortless. Check out this clip of him showing us what he can do on the Hot Sails Maui Freestyle Pro sail.
A super slowmo backloop from Thomas Bouwman.
Introducing the 2014 NeilPryde sail range. With 14 sails in the range they offer a complete lineup for what ever you style is! Here’s the press release from NeilPryde, we’ll bring you a complete run down on the lineup soon!
Every day we set out to build sails that are better than any that have come before them. We evolve, tinker, test, question without compromise. In the end, we inevitably end up with something that is bigger than the sum of its parts. A NeilPryde feeling – where you just know when it’s right.
Introducing the 2014 range, the next step in our journey to sailing perfection. We took the Forceline Panel idea from 2013 and evolved it into something bigger and better – a full sail concept where loads are dynamically controlled using advanced materials that do away with unnecessary panels and seams. The 2014 sails are built for one thing and one thing only – performance.
Variable density yarns built into the materials allowed us to follow loads and reinforce the sail where it needs it most. Segmented luff panels in freeride sails follow loads to support significant downhaul tensions. On wave sails, the fully integrated Forceline Frame radiates from tack to clew and follows the leech into the head, holding the sail’s shape and creating a shield that can support the high loads experienced in these areas.
We call it precision crafted performance.
Dear water, apologies in advance.
Some sick action in epic conditions! Levi Siver brings us a quick compilation of his heats at the AWT Quatro Desert Showdown.
Russian freestyle windsurfer Vladimir Yakovlev released this freestyle clip with action from his winter training in Vietnam.
Just out the highlights of the 2013 Maui Race Series. Some serious slalom action that attracts top names from around the World and Maui alike.
Point-7s the black team always bring us great updates of there athletes after events. Here’sthe latest from the 2013 PWA Tenrife World Cup, where they had great conditions with strong winds and big waves.
From Brazil Dieter Van der Eyken brings us a nice Burner 540.
The 2014 Gaastra wave and freestyle range is now here, with 5 new sails. The Manic, Poision and Iq make up the 3 wave sails for all around, power, and new school wave respectively. The Pure for dedicated freestyle and the Cross, a crossover sail complete the lineup.
Check out this teaser clip of the 2014 Gaastra sails range, wave, freestyle, freeride, slalom, race, or kids, they’ve got you covered!
Here’s a little preview video featuring AWT Rider Bernd Roediger who has already been at the El Faro Resort for a few weeks. He’s got some sick windsurfing action.
The event kicks off on August 25th, and attracts top pro’s and amateurs alike. At only $30 a day you will be housed and fed, thats a deal that can’t be beat. For more details on the event check out AmericanWindsurfingTour.com and accomidations www.elfaropacasmayo.com.
The Pacasmayo Classic is AWT sanctioned and a part of the IFCA South American Wave Sailing and Slalom Championships.
For more information about the event, please read the official 2013_IFCA_Slalom_Wave_SA_APW_NoR.doc.
Editors Note: We’d love to be there, but are schedule and budget is tight this season, hopefully next year!
