Today’s memorial in honor of Andre Paskowski held before the opening of the 2013 PWA Tenerife World Cup. Competitors, fans, friends and organizers gathered to pay respects and two minutes of silence before the contest began.
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
Friends from all over the World including UK, Ireland, and Europe paddled out on February 2nd 2013 in Memory of the late Mikey Clancy. Mikey’s Friend Katie McAnena captured and put this together.
News passes around the windsurfing community of another tragic death this month. Andy ‘Buzz’ Buchanan lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday 29th January. Andy Buchanan served as the PWA Press Officer from 2008 through till 2009 when he was first diagnosed with cancer at the age of 27. Andy remained very much one of the team and paid frequent visits to the crew at events over the following years.
Andy brought passion to windsurfing and his life as a whole which was obvious in his work. Never one to back away from a
challenge – never mind how ridiculous and never mind how small the chance of success – Andy brought entertainment to many through his writing and his own activities. – PWAWordlTour.com
Rest in Peach Andy Buchanan.
The father of Mikey Clancy has released a statement about the sudden death of his son. Mikey took his own life and his father urges anybody who is in a similar situation to seek help and speak out.
This is a tribute to young Irish wave sailor Mikey Clancy, who sadly passed away much too early on January 6th. No wave was too big for him! Continent Seven put the tribute togeather.
Some clips of the late, great Mikey Clancy.
Yesterday tragic news passed through the windsurfing community. Late on Sunday night a passionate and beloved windsurfer left us. At 22 his passing is baffling and more details have not been released as we respect his family’s wish for privacy. This great ambassador for the sport will be true missed and send the deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
