Tragic news struck the windsurfing world today, as word circulated that Andre Paskowski lost his battle with cancer. Andre Paskowski was a World class freestyler and created many award winning films that highlighted the best windsurfers on the plant. He was a true inspiration and a brave person.
Andre will be missed and was a great ambassador for windsurfing. He will be remembered. RIP.
Andre took a moment to say goodbye in the touching letter below:
Hello my friends,
It’s time for me to say goodbye. Over the last years we have given everything, but this was not one I could win, not even with the great support I got from all of you. Your comments and compassion have greatly helped me and my family during this difficult time. It has given me energy and motivated me to continue fighting and makes me feel that my public dealing with this illness was right.
In the first months I was able to build on the great strength reserves in my body which enabled me to pursue my passion of windsurfing almost fully, despite chemo and surgeries. During this time, the chances of complete recovery were still very high, but with such a diagnosis, I tried to organise my life anew.
In the 10 years of my professional windsurfing career, I rarely spent more than 30 days a year in Germany. My parents almost spent more time with me at the airport than at home in Hamburg. This is why, besides putting a lot of energy into my last film project, I’ve tried to spend as much time as possible with them. I got to show them the most beautiful places in the world, show them why I loved my job so much and make them acquainted with many of my good friends. We enjoyed this time very much and are thankful that we were able to experience it.
My greatest joy was the I met my girlfriend Carolina and was allowed to spend the best time of my life with her. Despite the fact that by this time my disease was already advanced, we went on some great trips and didn’t leave a single wave unridden. She was by my side until the end, something that demands great strength and for which I am grateful.
Carolina and a few other friends will finish my last film “Below The Surface”. My Facebook page will stay on to feature news about this project in the future.
It is very hard to let go forever, I hope my family, my friends and especially for Carolina, that they will soon get over the pain.
Don’t be too hard on yourself, be nice to one another and enjoy every moment in life.
Aloha, Andre
The wave sailors are armed and ready to light up the waves of Tenerife
From the 3rd to the 9th of August the elite of the wave sailing world shall be descending upon the beautiful shores of El Medano, Tenerife. This year will see the event returning for the third year in a row and with the current forecast on offer, it looks as though the week ahead will truly be a spectacle to behold.
Situated on the Southeast coast of Tenerife, El Medano is located only a few kilometers away from the South airport making it a highly accessible, but more importantly, world-class location. El Medano has become synonymous with windsurfers all over the world thanks to its stunning golden sand beaches, reliable trade winds and of course its pumping waves, which the pros will be looking to use to their full effect as they launch themselves into the most radical stunts on the planet, in order to win the adulation of the judges.
With his extra local knowledge and guile – Alex Mussolini (Tabou / Gaastra) – will be looking to go one better than last year, when he finished in second place. The Spaniard out scored Koster on the wave in the double elimination winners’ final in 2012, so if he can find a couple of big jumps to match, Mussolini could well find himself at the top of the podium. Expect to see silky smooth wave rides combined with staggering frontside wave 360s and takas galore as he looks to make a strong start to the season.
As the last man to beat Koster – Thomas Traversa (Tabou / Gaastra) – knows exactly what it takes to beat the reigning world champion. With slightly less emphasis on jumping in Tenerife – than Pozo – the Frenchman will be hoping to use this as an advantage. Expect to see almost unrivaled wave riding and rocket-propelled backloops as Traversa sets his sights ever higher.
At the end of May begining of June Jason Polakow was in Fiji riding the infamous Cloudbreak. Check out the awesome shots as he scored!
There were some solid 8 to 12 foot sets but because the wind was so strong from the night before there was a little bump on the outside bowl.
The inside reef however was silky smooth and if you got the right one it was sick!
Two Italian friends and El Medano locals, Valter Scotto and Ishmael de Nuzzo, score some awesome sessions in Cabezo.
A nicely put together freestyle clip from Skaven, Denmark featuring Yannick Nissen and Mike Adresen.
Pro Sailor and No 3 on the female PWA Freestyle Worldtour, Yoli de Brendt, training before the Fuerteventura Freestyle Worldcup in difficult conditions and fully powered on her North Sails VOLT 3,7 and with her Fanatic Skate TE 89. Enjoy.
The 2013 AWT Quatro Desert Showdown in Punta San Carlos will go down as the most epic Pro/Am wave events in history!
Day 4 at the 2013 AWT Quatro Desert Showdown saw more wind and waves with competitors garbing there 4.5’s down to 3.5s. Conditions were epic, riders were stoked, plus long heats and the fair “second chance” bracket system had everyone smiling. Check out the wrap up of the final day of action below!
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Robby in the pipeline was one of the first Big Wave Riding videos for windsurfing. It was way before Jaws and the riding of the pipeline showed what could be done be done in a thick hollow wave.
Enjoy the epic action from legend Robby Naish, and film maker Yuri Farrant in this video from 1986!
A nice air funnel by Romain Pinocheau in Fuerteventura.
A south swell silled in to Punta San Carlos bringing consistent logo to mast high waves at the point that rolled into the Chili Bowl. Competition began at 11:30 and ran all the way until 6:30, with 16 minute heats, and all 4 division seeing some exciting action!
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The international Funboard Class Association wants to lower the minimum wind requirement for racing from 11 knots to 7 knots, in order to give event organizers certainty more races will be sailed and sailed on schedule.
We want to give our event organizers certainty that more races can be sailed, and sailed on schedule. This will make our sport more attractive to the media; they will send reporters and camera crews to report live about our events.
Increased media attention means that our sport is more attractive to potential sponsors. Better funding for events will also bring more competitors to our events.
We do not want to search for venues with just enough (7 knots) wind for organizing the IFCA Class Championships. We remain committed to our principles – we are the Funboard planing class with the motto “the more wind the better”.
In addition to the wind mimumum changes IFCA has also proposed to allow competitors to register 3 boards and 6 sails for an event up from 2 boards and 4 sails currently allowed.
The final decisions will be made until October 2013, so that manufacturers can adapt to the new rules and be ready for the 2014 season.
PWA pro Jonas Ceballos from the Canaria Islands brings us this awesome windsurfing clip with some sweet slow motion effects.
PWA pro freestyler with some awesome action from Bonaire, check it out!
At 1:30 Head Judge Keith Teboul made the call to start the Amateur Division with 16 minute heats! With the new competition bracket system in place first round winners would automatically advance to the third round, while second and third place finishers would have to battle it out in round 2 to stay alive.
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MauiSails 5 Battern (The Legend & GhostXT) vs 4 Batten (Mutant)
Most major brands have 4 and 5 batten wavesails, but what’s the difference, and which is the right choice for your quiver?
MauiSails sail designer Arthur Szpunar takes a look at MauiSail 2 distinct styles of sideshore wave sails. We have our moderate-low aspect ratio, 5 batten Legend and Ghost lines and the super-low aspect ratio 4 batten Mutant.
5 Batten
The Legend and Ghost both share a classic, neutral feel with a more forward oriented draft. The 5 batten skeleton gives a slightly stiffer and more locked profile compared to a 4 batten. The Legend and Ghost’s balanced, efficient outlines smooth out gusty conditions and allow for easy handling whether slicing up wave faces or blasting in windy bump and jump conditions. Our classic 5 batten outlines versatile nature and smooth character helps them maintain a place in the hearts of many as proven performers.
4 Batten
The Mutants greatest advantage is in maneuverability both on the wave and in the air. The ultra-low aspect ratio, combined with our unique shaping techniques makes the mutant an amazing combination of easily accessible power and acceleration together with incredible mobility in 3D space. The significant power advantage allows the Mutant to be sailed approximately .3 m2 smaller than traditional. The low aspect ratio is especially suitable to the 4 batten outline as it brings the battens closer together as well as lowering the center of effort down, close to the riders body. These factors, combined with our highly refined skin tension give the Mutant excellent wind range and control while maintaining a soft breathable feel. The Mutant provides the magic combination of instant acceleration and drive with radical maneuverability that is necessary for the most progressive modern wave style.
