SIMMER STYLE - world news

Ben Proffitt scores Esperence

2012-02-02 00:00:00

I just got back from a wicked week in Esperance with wind, waves everyday and a couple of good surfs… mostly 5m to 4.7 down the line riding at ’9 miles beach’ (So called as its nine mile from Esperance.. makes sense) couple of sessions at 4 mile (yes, you’ve guessed it… 4 miles from Esperance) and even a starboard tack day.. full power 4.7.

Now anyone that knows me will probably know what i think of starboard tack but i have to say that day was the highlight of the week!! haha… i mean it was cross on and only head high waves but super fun and i learnt a load.. ended up getting my Taka’s, back side 3's sorted… i nailed the first 2 front side 3's in a row.. and even was going round on a few backside grubbies!! now dont get me wrong there was a lot of falling in and swimming but it really felt like a good learning day and i’d took a big step forward. The jumping was far from Pro level.. but my backies were finally stating to look a little better than bum out, eyes closed and wait for the landing!! haha..

I also took some time out to put the Go pro and new Fly mount (xmas pressie.. cheers chick) into action. The fly mount is an impressive bit of kit mostly because of the ease of fitting, so i can see me getting a fair bit of use out of it. I just need to get some spray to put on the lens as i had a bit of an issue with Water sticking to it (see pic). Sailing wise.. 9 mile was going off.. and its quite a punchy wave even when it was small. in fact it felt puncher when it was smaller if thats possible… and it took its fair share of people kit. None of mine i’m glad to say (just my ankle.. but more on that in a sec) but masts were breaking all over the place!!

I should really mention the steps too.. my god there’s is a lot of them.. and after a few hours on the water there feels like millions as your climbing your way back to the car park…!! But as i was told by one Local ‘JB’ stop your whinging… it was only a few years ago it was tires and sand!!! …now that must have been hardcore!!! s the steps are bad enough.. but i think it does help keep the numbers down!!

On the last day at 9 mile it was taking me a while to get into it as the waves were a bit strange (left over from the starboard tack day before) and i just couldn’t get it together.. i decided it was best to come in and have a break but before doing so i’d hit one more aerial… hmmmmmm… bad decision as i totally kooked it up and for some reason extending my back leg far too early and landed hard on my ankle.. which it didn’t take too kindly to and swelled up pretty badly!! …i still sailed on it for the rest of the day but it just got worse (haha.. funny that) so with the forecast showing only one day left in it i decided that my Esperance experience had come to an end and it was time to head back to Perth.. Which is where i am now.. 8hrs + later… checking the forecast for Margies as a comp has been called… just not sure my ankle is going to let me make it… well still a day to fix its self!!!

Cheers,
Ben Proffitt K-800
http://benproffitt.com

Wind and Snow

2012-02-02 00:00:00

Justin Denel and his mates never have a dull moment. If the wind and waves are down, they'll take it to the mountains. Check out the video - Wind and Snow! It's on!

Keep posted with Justin at: http://justindenel.fr/

Wind and Snow from Lion Production Justin Denel on Vimeo.

Zara Davis UK windsurfer of the year.

2012-02-01 00:00:00

She was up against some tough competition from the other nominees from the cream of windsurfing including Adam Simms (Freestyle) Ben Proffit (wave sailing) Ant Baker (Slalom) and Kieran Martin (Racing) Zara’s win was decided by online voting and closed on the 30th of December. Zara won by a clear margin over her rivals and means she joins a long line of previous winners including Bryony Shaw and Nick Dempsey our Olympic medal winners. Zara said “ I was absolutely thrilled to have been nominated in the first place but to win against such a well known line up is fantastic and tops a great year for me. I would like to thank all the people who voted for me.”

Bob Ingram the president of the UKWA said “ This is the fourth year we have put nominees out to the general public to decide a winner on an online vote and it has proved to be very successful. It is particularly valued by the winners because they are voted on by their peers. Well done to Zara a worthy winner ”

The UKWA is looking forward to another full year of windsurfing competition which will include Wave, Slalom, Speed, Freestyle, Formula and long board racing. It will obviously be given a great boost by windsurfing in the Olympics on home turf at Weymouth.

Stay tuned with Zara at: www.zaradavis.co.uk

Youtube video's

2012-01-30 00:00:00

The Simmer Style youtube channel is experiencing technical difficulty's at the moment, we will soon have it up and running again.

Mahalo!

Bastien Rama Short Clip

2012-01-30 00:00:00

Here is a new video from French ripper Bastien Rama from his recent trip to Brazil.

Bastien says: " It was a super good trip with strong wind everyday. "

Follow Bastien at: http://bastienrama.blogspot.com/

Steve Thorp The Fastest Man in the World

2012-01-25 00:00:00

It's finally been confirmed that UK rider Steve Thorp's times from the 3rd of January at West Kirby have been cleared as a world record by gpsspeedsurfing.com.

This means that Steve Thorp aka the Thorpedo is now the fastest man in the world. If you follow his blog you would have already noticed that he modestly quotes " my second GPS was fine, and still gave me the fastest '2 second max' time ever on GPS of 50.48 knots! Obviously I’m beyond chuffed with that’.

We all know only too well that this is not the goal for Thorp and he will continue scouring the nation for the perfect forecast in both waves and speed. So don’t expect it to stop here and was that 54knots he had recorded really just a brief defect in the satellite signal…

All the finer details and the stats on Thorps blog here: stevethorp.co.uk

Arrianne Aukes in Brasil

2012-01-23 00:00:00

Top PWA freestyle rider Arrianne Aukes spent December training in Jericoacoara, Brasil.
" Like always in Brazil, the wind was really good and I only sailed with my 4.2 or even 3.7. After a lot of tries (quite hard and painfull ones sometimes) I landed my first ponch, and I was super happy with that. " - Arrianne comments on the trip.

Check out here movie from the trip.

Arrianne Aukes in Brasil 2011 from arrianne aukes on Vimeo.

Update from Christopher Friis

2012-01-19 00:00:00

It's been 1,5 months since I arrived here in Cape Town, South Africa for my winter training. It's been an amazing time here and we have had a lot of great windsurfing throughout the whole stay. I'm living with my fellow PWA sailors Kenneth Danielsen, Jamie Hancock and Ross Williams so there has been no lack of inspiration as to what to train. The conditions have been great for waveriding and that has also been my main focus on this trip. We haven't had much jumping yet but it seems the forecast could be changing soon for exactly that in a few days.... I'm staying here in Cape Town throughout the whole winter until de end of March and I will of course keep you posted with photos regularly ;)

Aloha,
Christopher Friis
DEN-36

Adam Gavriel freestyle video

2012-01-09 00:00:00

Adam Gavriel ISR-111 has a promising young freestyle sailor. 2011 was his first year on the EFPT tour and he finished #1 overall. 2012 will be his debuting year on the PWA freestyle tour and there is no doubt that you will see his name among the top ranking sailors.

Check Adam in action at his home training grounds in Eilat, Israel.

Enjoy!

Adam Gavriel ISR111 WindSurfing in Eilat 20-21/10/2011 from Adam Gavriel on Vimeo.

Simmer Style wins UK Constructors Rankings

2012-01-08 00:00:00

The British Wavesailing Association released their Constructors' Rankings for the 2011 season with JPAustralia boards and Simmer Sails taking the top spots after 4 from 4 events in Men's and Ladies categories. Here's the PR from Tour Manager Nigel Treacy.

2011 BWA UK Wave Constructors' Championship

Board?? 1st:
1st: JP Australia
2nd: Starboard
3rd: Simmer

A win for the JP Australia team secured by some consistent podium finished by Phil Horrocks and Andy 'bubble' Chambers. Starboard also found good form with great performances from Timo Mullen, Alan Jackson, George Shilitto and Chris Murray.

Sails
1st: Simmer
2nd: Neil Pryde
3rd: Tushingham

Between them, Ben Profitt and Sarah Bibby secured an impressive tally of 4 wins 3 second places over the four events ensuring a solid win for the Simmerstyle team. Neil Pryde team members Horrocks, Bubble and Lucy Robson came in a well deserved 2nd overall and once again Tushingham showed strength in the waves with consistent performances from Mullen, Jackson, Shilitto and Murray. 2 very impressive Constructor Championship trophies are on their way to the winners. BWA would like congratulate the winners and thank all of its brand sponsors for their continued support in another great year of wavesailing. 2011 has been a very positive year for wavesailing as we are seeing record attendances and much improved media coverage with 2 of the 4 events now receiving major coverage from Sky Sports TV.

We wish you all a very happy new year and look forward to seeing you once again in a windy 2012. On behalf of the BWA Team

Zara Davis voted UK windsurfer of the year

2012-01-05 00:00:00

Zara Davis the UK’s queen of speed has been voted UK windsurfer of the year.

The UKWA (United Kingdom Windsurfing Association) is very pleased to announce the winner of the UK windsurfer of the year Zara Davis. Zara had a fantastic year to gain her nomination including achieving a new women's production speed record in Namibia. Then back to back wins, in three rounds of the European speed tour to become the ISWC European champion for the second time in her career. She also won the UK Weymouth speed week for a record 6th time as well as the women's British GPS 2011 speed ladder. She was up against some tough competition from the other nominees from the cream of windsurfing including Adam Simms (Freestyle) Ben Proffit (wave sailing) Ant Baker (Slalom) and Kieran Martin (Racing) Zara’s win was decided by online voting and closed on the 30th of December. Zara won by a clear margin over her rivals and means she joins a long line of previous winners including Bryony Shaw and Nick Dempsey our Olympic medal winners. Zara said -

“ I was absolutely thrilled to have been nominated in the first place but to win against such a well known line up is fantastic and tops a great year for me. I would like to thank all the people who voted for me.”

Bob Ingram the president of the UKWA said

“ This is the fourth year we have put nominees out to the general public to decide a winner on an online vote and it has proved to be very successful. It is particularly valued by the winners because they are voted on by their peers. Well done to Zara a worthy winner ”

Kenneth Danielsen in Cape Town

2011-12-13 00:00:00

It's finally my favorite time of the year again where I pack up my board bags and head down to South Africa to escape the European winter. I've been in South Africa for a month now and I'm staying until end of March so I still have a few months left. The first month been quite good and I already got a lot of sailing so life couldn't be better.

I flew down here with my girlfriend and Ross Williams. Two days later Jamie Hancock and his girlfriend came down and joined us in the house we are all sharing. Danish guys Kurosh Kiani and Christoffer Friis also joined us during the last few weeks, so the house is pretty full now.

Since arriving, we have been going to the gym almost every morning and then windsurfing in the afternoon, so there haven't been much vacation about it. Sailing with Ross and Jamie has really helped to push my level as both of them are really talented world class sailors, and the competition between us on the water helps to push us all forward.

I will keep you updated here on my website about my stay here in Cape Town.

See you on the water.
Kenneth Danielsen

Simmer, F2, Chocofins, Skishop, PLASMA
Photo Credit – Line Wittrup

Dario Ojeda update

2011-12-12 00:00:00

This winter is pretty windy,most of the days we are getting east winds which means it,s windy at the north shore of Gran Canaria. There has been good swell coming and I had some incredible starboard tack sailing with nice size waves, really similar conditions like Maui.

Check out some shots from Fernando and Alberto.

All the best,
Dario Ojeda E-211
http://darioe211.blogspot.com/

Proffit outback

2011-12-02 00:00:00

After seven back to back winters training in Cape Town Ben Proffitt needed a change of scenery, what better than West Oz. Check out his video.

Enjoy!

Ben Proffitt down under

2011-11-30 00:00:00

Australia the story so far... well i've not been eaten yet :) ...and i've had some good sailing so things are going pretty dam well i suppose!!

i wasn't going to update my blog with words... the idea was just to do a video diary.. hmmmmmm... not that easy.. but its coming... i just need to learn a few new skills!! ...where's Alfie when you need him!? haha
Also i have loads of random talking and scenic shit but lacking action as my camera broke before i even set foot on a board.. so just got go pro stuff!! bit of a disaster but shit happens... plus its my own stupid fault. i tried to fashion a make shift tripod but ended up snapping something off!!! haha.. oooopps!! Always was a bit heavy handed!!

Well anyway i'm trying to get round it... the first video diary will be a bit lacking in action.. which is gutting really as we've had some awesome conditions!!

ok.. so i've been here for about.. mmmmm.. crikey 3 weeks!!! Really? already.. well that went quick!

I still haven't bought a car as i'm waiting for the right one to magically present its self to me.. haha... plus its not so bad as Justyna has 4 days off a week and we can cruise in the beast!! (check pic)

I feel like i have drove around Europe twice... i mean a short drive over here is at least 2 hours!! its crazy.. up north takes 13hrs from perth!!!! With gero taking 5hrs.. on a good run when the beast behaves herself... !!! She's gets a little hot sometimes!!

I really dont mind the driving as long as the conditions are good... Gero last weekend was a bit of a mission and it didn't come through which was gutting.. but we got Greenhead pretty good so not too bad... just dont mention the way home!! I made a bad call.. and drove away from conditions.. bad move!!

Up north is the biggest mission but the place is joy... and well worth it as it's probably the best wave i've sailed.. definitely the most fun!!
I headed up with Johan from Simmer and we totally scored it.. pretty much head to logo all week with one bigger day...
The first wave i got there i had a Taka on one of the first sections then a goiter in front of tomb stones then still enough time for another 6+ turns!! Crazy!!! ..really Can't wait for the next forecast up there :)

Sooo wish i had footage... pretty much the only stuff i have from the land was from when i took out the gopro on the nose of my board... and Johan managed to borrow a camera for half an hour! but the reason i took the gopro out was it was the smallest we'd had it!! Anyway.. you'll see.. when i get round to sticking the video together!!

So all all in all it's going really well... it's bloody expensive and i'm going to spend a lot more than i thought.. I mean its £6 for a beer when you go out!!! Whats is going on,...!!!! So pretty much going out is off... plus fuel isn't cheap.. ok its cheaper than the uk but when your driving to the equivalent of Cornwall every other day it soon adds up!!!

But its all good.. just bring on the wind and waves.. as i'm really looking forward to getting a Coronation Session which i haven't really scored yet!! ...I need my jumping fix! :)

pics.. Big thanks to Beno 'Gunfire images' for the shots!!! Skills matey...:)
The rest are screen grabs from my go pro.. :)

Cheers,
Ben Proffitt K-800
http://thewetdream.co.uk

Francisco Porcella update

2011-11-30 00:00:00

Its been a good last couple weeks of sailing with more to come as the winter is slowly kicking in.. My back is feeling better after my injury during the Maui Makani Classic, I've been training in the gym and doing yoga. We were hoping on a first Jaws swell two days ago but the wind and swell did not deliver, hoping we get some big days soon!

Aloha,
Francisco Porcella I-69

Photo credits: Jimmie Hepp and Amorphia photography

Maui session with Nick Dudet

2011-11-29 00:00:00

Its been an awesome year for west coast ripper Nick Dudet. He finished 2nd overall in the Amateurs division on the AWT, next year he is straight into the Experts division. Check out his video from Hookipa.

Stay tuned with Nick at: www.nicolasdudet.com

Maui Fall 2011 from Nicolas Dudet on Vimeo.

Icon test winner in Boardseeker

2011-10-18 00:00:00

" OVERALL IMPRESSION

A subtle but successful tweak on the 2011 model keeps the Icon right at the front of the ‘all-round’ wave sail group. This year it’s a little lighter, a little more stable, and consequently sees improvements to handling and at the top end of the wind scale. But the most impressive trait of the Icon is its versatility. Light wind or strong, cross-on or crossoff, heavy or lightweight rider, it really is hard to find fault with the Icon. "

- Boardseekermag.com

Read the complete test at: boardseekermag.com

Iron scores A+ test results in Boards

2011-11-14 00:00:00

Get your hands on the latest issue of Boards Uk and read the 5.3 power wave sail test:

Simmer Iron 5.3

Stats
Size 5.3m2 Luff 419cm. Boom 177cm. Battens 5.
Ideal Mast 400RDM IMCS 19. Extension Req 19cm.
Price £
Other sizes 3.7/4.0/4.2/4.5/4.7/5.0/5.7/6.2/6.7

You’ll like… low down grunt and unbeatable top end control

Background
The Iron is Simmers ‘hybrid’ power wave sail, designed for full power and full control. For 2012 it has been made lighter, with a lower aspect ratio for improved control and handling, it’s also available in three bright new colour options to make them standout even more on the water.
At a glance
It has a compact, boxy out-line shape, with five battens, loads of X-ply re-enforcements and a large clear view window in the middle. The build quality and materials are of the highest standard, as with all Simmer sails, it looks like it should stand up to some serious punishment.
Rigging
Rigging on a 400 RDM with 19cm of extension required, it has a huge tuning range, it sets with a fair bit of pre-shape in the foil and can be tuned to good effect for either light-wind power or high-wind control by tweaking the down and out-haul.
On the water
The Iron feels light in the hands for a power wave sail and is perfectly balanced. The bottom end pull is progressive and easily controlled, it is not too fierce and physical, making it suitable for medium or heavyweight riders. It powers up quickly and keeps on pulling, it's one of the fastest sails at the top end, which is great for launching big jumps or hitting

Icon 4.7 test in Boards UK

2011-11-10 00:00:00

The 2012 Icon has received shining test results in Boards 4.7 all-round wave sail test.

" Overall Impression

A subtle but successful tweak on the 2012 model keeps Icon right at the front of the "all-round" wave sails group. This year it's a little lighter, a little more stable, and consequently sees improvements to handling and at the top end of the wind scale. But most impressive trait of the Icon is its versatility. Light wind or strong, cross-on or cross-off, heavy or lightweight rider, it really is to find a fault with the Icon. "

- Boards UK November issue 2011.

Get your hands on a issue and read the entire 4.7 all-round wave sail test.

Nicolas Dudet update

2011-11-07 00:00:00

I am back in the Bay Area and couldn't be more stoked from my first trip to Maui! I finished 2nd place overall for the Amateur division. I am now headed straight into the Experts division!

Check out the pictures taken of me at Ho'okpa by Jimmie Hepp, the AWT, and Sofie Louca.

More action coming soon.

Aloha!

Nick Dudet
--
Simmer Style - www.simmerstyle.com
Goya Windsurfing www.goyawindsurfing.com
NoLimitz www.nolimitz.com
Chinook Sailing www.chinooksailing.com
Dakine - www.dakine.com

Simmer dominates Weymouth Speed Week

2011-11-07 00:00:00

Kev Greenslade and Zara Davis win UKWA speed championships two years in succession.

UKWA National Speed championships sponsored by Spartan wetsuits took place at Weymouth Speed week last week and delivered the goods in
terms of wind. Racing took place over seven days with Monday and Tuesday being the best.

We had 34 UKWA entrants this year for the Spartan Wetsuits UKWA Speed Trophy including the cream of the UK sailors making an appearance and racing was close. Kevin Greenslade took the top spot for a second year on the trot ahead of speed specialist from Guernsey Martin Ogier in 2nd place and Ant Baker hoping for a Speed and Slalom double had to settle for third. Zara Davis won for the ladies for a record 4th time and came a creditable 10th in the overall UKWA rankings.

Ranking for UKWA speed 2011

#1    Kevin Greenslade
#2    Martyn Ogier
#3    Antony Baker

#1    Zara Davis

Picture courtesty of Dave White.

Read more at http://weymouthspeedweek.com/

2011 AWT Makani Classic

2011-11-03 00:00:00

The 2011 AWT Makani Classic featured a stacked field of competitors and some challenging conditions for the final stop of the AWT tour at Hookipa Beach Park. Although it was a challenge to complete, the final of the men's expert division was a memorable 30 minute battle with a hard fought 4th place result for Kai Katchadourian on his Flywave 85 and Blacktip 5.3. On the last day of the holding period, in some pumping surf and super light wind everyone saw Kai take it to the lip many times to the roars of the crowd.

Nat Gill was also busy taking down many contenders along his way to the top 8, going hard early and often as he did everything he could and more considering the light winds. Francisco Porcella looked good also, but he suffered a back injury in his warm up, and after winning his first heat despite the injury, Francisco was forced to withdraw due to the pain. Nick Dudet did great sealing the deal on a long year on the AWT juniors and amateur divisions with his inspired performances during his first trip to Maui.

We'd like to thank the AWT for putting on a fantastic show both on Maui and the mainland. Simmer Style was proud to help in support for the tour.

Photos by Jimmie Hepp. Riders. Kai Katchadourian and Francisco Porcella

www.americanwindsurfingtour.com

2012 Simmer Style Catalog

2011-11-02 00:00:00

Check out the 2012 Simmer Style catalog online or get a hard copy at your local Simmer dealer, enjoy!

Open publication - Free publishing - More 2xc

Dario Ojeda video

2011-10-31 00:00:00

Dario Ojeda E-211 has had a great season. He started out strong by winning the Redbull Rocket event in Pozo in July, followed by a 3rd place in the PWA event in Pozo and a 7th place on Tenerife putting him on a 6th place on the overall wave ranking. Great work Dario!

Check out this video from Pozo!

Kenneth Danielsen wins Danish Championshop

2011-10-30 00:00:00

From the 20-23 October we had the Danish Wave and Freestyle Championships here in Klitmøller.

On the first day we had wave conditions in Hanstholm with 25-30 knots of wind and 2 meter waves, so the scene was set for a perfect wave contest.

The wind was a bit onshore which made it a bit hard to wave ride, so wave selection was really crucial, and most of the time picking up the right waves made the difference of winning or loosing.

In all my heats I was struggling to find the right waves and I didn't rank up as many points on my wave riding as I normally do, but I still managed to sail my way to the final. In the final I was against Klitmøller local Mads Bjørnå. He sails really well so I knew I had to sail my best to win this heat. Luckily this time I manage to time the waves just right and everything just clicked, and I sailed an almost flawless heat. I came out as the winner of the single elimination and was super stoked.

The double elimination started but after the semifinal heat the sun had gone down and it was simple to dark to continue. We didn't get suitable wave conditions for the rest of the contest, but with only 4 heat missing in the double elimination with a counting result.

he next day we had enough wind for freestyle and we finished the single elimination. I was ones again in the final, but didn't really sail well. The fact that I don't train freestyle anymore really started showing. So I lost to Jens Munk in a super tight heat. The next day the wind never really kicked in so we only manage to do a supersession for the spectators. That meant I finished second in the freestyle discipline, and my 4 years winning strike ended. Big congrats to Jens Munk who is the new Danish freestyle champion.

This was my last event of this incredible year. Winning the Danish Wave Championship and finishing 11'th on the PWA Wave world tour. Couldn't have hoped for a better year.

Now I'm looking forward to go to South Africa for the winter to train for the upcoming season. I'm super motivated and hungry for more.

Kenneth Danielsen

Simmer, F2, Chocofins, Skishop, PLASMA

Kurosh Kiani wins in Miami

2011-10-28 00:00:00

Just as I thought the end of the season had come, there was a change in my plans. This year, after the last worldcup on Sylt, I had the opportunity to get on the plane and head for the sunshine state of Florida. More specifically the city of Miami, where I was to take part of this years IFCA North American slalom championships. Now I must admit, that I was pretty tired of traveling before I set off for Miami, but that feeling was soon about to change.

I landed in Miami an evening, and was picked up by friends, and the next morning was rainy which forced me to just chill out inside, without getting so have any sort of look around. Eventually the rain stopped and I went out for a cruise before I picked up my friend Sean Obrien who was also attending this event. We couldn't hit the water as it was evening time, so we decided to hit the clubs and have some fun, It is Miami after all.

We then had one day to sail before the event, but the wind never really came in so I just spent the time unrolling some new sails that I had brought for this event and taking a look at them, as it was the only thing I could do. The competition was set to start out of Virginia Keys, which is in the south Miami area and a perfect place for windsurfing. I was actually surprised by how great the weather got and the temperature of the water even better.

Like many national and continental championships of this kind, you always tend to find the true windsurfers of the world. The guys who really have their motivation in the right place, the guys who will travel across the country to meet with likeminded people and the people who make it happen by organizing all of it. Like we have heard before, our sport is running at its purest form now being powered by the people who put their hearts into the sport. This event was not much different. I was met by people with that exact same description.

By the time the start of the event came, the wind had decided to stay away, at least for the first part of the day until it slowly filled in and we got called out for racing. We did many attempts to do racing, but the wind just wasn't giving it to us.

After an amazing lunch the wind filled in more, and we went out to do 3 races. It was super light wind conditions, and boy was there a battle. We were close in the top between Sean Obrien, Wilhelm Shurmann and myself. I was on my 9,5 and my big 84 Angulo board all of the time.

After the racing, Sean and myself fired up the truck to hit Miami beach, but after a big dinner, there just wasn't anymore power in us, and we had to throw in the towel and get some sleep.

Saturday morning when we finally found our way to the beach(after getting lost several times), the water was nearly glassy. Oh well, we have tried that before, so it was time for some chill-out and catching up with the guys.

The wind kind of filled in, but then not really. We went out and tried to do racing, and after pumping like madmen, we decided that it just wasn't going to happen, but at least we gave it a try.

After hanging out on the beach for the rest of the day, it was again evening time, and it was time to head back into town for a big dinner with the guys.

Sunday would proof to be the day where it all was going to go down. When getting to the beach we were met with glassy water. It didn't look good, and eventually some rainclouds came by to give us a visit as well. I was actually getting ready to pack my gear up slowly, but just as I started taking off the footstraps of my board, a slight breeze came in, and shortly after that I was back in the water, because it was now actually windy.

We didn't have any initial rounds, just different fleets, so it was very easy to get many heats trough. We went out and started out doing 5 races more or less back to back. The wind was still light, but enough for racing. Again there was a big fight for the start and the marks. We took turns winning heats, and it was actually super fun racing. A little swell was rolling in as well giving us a little bit of wave action at the marks which just made it even more fun.

After yet another great lunch, we set out to do another 3 races which brought us up to a total of 8 races for the last day. So all in all 11 races over the 3 days which is not bad.

Organizational wise it was truly a great event, and it was especially great to see so many young faces who were battling it out with each other. So if you are thinking about trying out your luck with racing in the USA. Be prepared for great atmosphere, great people and of course some great racing.

Miami is, in my mind as good as the mainland United States gets at this time of the year and for the winter time. The weather is comfortable and you will be out sailing just about everyday, and on top of that, you will have great times in a city with an amazingly high activity level. I can just say, I will be coming back here in the future.

Now its really getting winter time, and the hiatus time has come until we start up a new season in 2012.

Until then, aloha from Kiani

Hookipa on fire

2011-10-26 00:00:00

More swells keep rolling in as Hookipa continues to deliver Hawaiian tropical perfection, ideal conditions for ripping with Flywave 84 and 75. The AWT final is coming up and our troops are ready to represent and battle for the top spot so watch closely and place your bets.

Aloha from Maui
Kai Katchadourian US-33

Photo credits: Jimmie Hepp
www.facebook.com/jimmie.hepp2

Update from Arrianne Aukes

2011-10-21 00:00:00

15- 16 October was the last stop of the Dutch Championship Freestyle Tour. The tour includes three weekends where the participants have the opportunity to show what they can do, if there is enough wind at those days. The first good day of the tour was 9th of October at Amstelmeer. It was really cold, but there was just enough wind to keep an competition.

My two hardest competitors were Sarah-Quita Offringa (World Champion) and Rolien Cears (Dutch Champion 2010). I won of Rolien which made me second place during the competition. During the competition, Sarah Quita stopped because she was too cold. That was lucky for me, because Sarah-Quita is still a level higher than me, and I ended up being in first position.

There was no wind at the last stop of the Tour at Lauwersmeer last weekend, so I kept my position of first place in the Women results and became the Dutch Champion Freestyle 2011.

I'm super happy with this result, as it is nice to have such a good result in my own country and to become for the first time in my life Dutch Champion.

Next week I will go to Brazil to train for the PWA Tour of 2012.

Ciao,

Arrianne Aukes
H-131
www.arrianneaukes.com

Yogho Yogho Nk Freestyle 2011 Amstelmeer from Sjoerdposthumus.nl on Vimeo.

Update from Kenneth Danielsen

2011-10-18 00:00:00

PWA Cold Hawaii World Cup 2011

The World Cup here in Klitmøller just ended and I can look back on an awesome event and the best PWA result for me so far. On the first day of the competition the wind kicked in, in the evening, and the single elimination started. I was sheeted trough to the first round so I didn't compete on the first day. On the second day the wind was howling and the waves were massive. Out the back the waves sometimes reached 6 meters and that combined with onshore wind and a lot of current, made it really difficult to sail in.

In my first heat I was against Aleix Sanllehy Cat-555. I played it a bit save as I knew crashing could result in a lot of swimming and maybe spending the whole heat getting back to your gear. The heat went well and I came out on first. Next up was Danny Bruch from Tenerife. He was ranked 5th, so I knew it was going to be a really tough heat. I stuck to the same plan as before, but I new I had to step it up a bit, to get through this heat. I got both my jumps and some good waves and in the last few seconds of the heat I managed to boost out an aerial, which in the end gave me the highest score.

Now I was up against Ricardo Campello who was ranked 2nd in the world. This time I didn't have the best heat as I was missing a jump in the end. Although I won on the wave score and the heat was super tight, Ricardo secured the victory with a perfect dobbeltforward. I was now out of the single elimination but I finished on a satisfying 5th place. Ricardo continued on winning and ended up on a first place in the single elimination. The double elimination started in the evening on the second day. I was a long way in the double elimination ladder because I was on 5th place, so I didn't have to sail more that day.

The third day the conditions had changed a lot, the wind was now more onshore and more moderate in strength. My first heat was against my Simmer teammate Dario Ojeda from Gran Canaria. Dario just won his last heat so he was back on fire. My plan for the heat was just to go for it and don't make any mistakes. Everything came together and I ended up winning the heat even though it was super close. Next up was my F2 teammate Kevin Mevissen from the Netherlands, who hadn't competed for a while and absolutely ripped his way through this contest. I didn't start out that well as I crashed my first wave ride and had to swim for my gear. But luckily I came back strong and I advanced to the next heat.

Thomas Traversa was now my opponent and I knew that this was going to be difficult. I had a hard time finding some decent ramps but I manage to get my two jumps although none of them was really high scoring. In the last minute of the heat I had the best wave of my day; both a backside air, taka and some decent frontside hits. Just like in the single elimination I won on the highest wave score but I lost on the jumps. That meant I ended up on a 6th place which is the best result so fare in my windsurf carrier. Allover I finished 11th on the PWA 2011 Wave ranking.

This year it started out a little bad with an injury on Gran Canaria but it turned out with a super satisfying result and I'm super stocked and happy about it.

Kenneth Danielsen D-38
http://kennethdanielsen.com
Simmer, F2, Chocofins, Skishop, PLASMA

Ben Proffitt wins Tiree Wave Classic

2011-10-15 00:00:00

After the culmination of an unprecedented triple elimination at the BWA Tiree Wave Classic today, Ben Proffitt overcame John Skye in the super final to become 2011 Tiree Wave Classic Champ. Also congrats to Aleksy Gayda who finished 1^stin the amateurs!

Congratulations Ben!

See the full story at www.tireewaveclassic.co.uk

Pics by Tiree Wave Classic

A good day at the office

2011-10-12 00:00:00

Upon a well timed return to Maui after months off island, the first signs of the new season are appearing. Today was the best day so far, with Hookipa dishing out a healthy helping of fresh NW swell and solid East wind. Its early October and the crowd is generally mellow, so of course there have been some sweet moments when it all comes together. Along with Francisco Porcella and some of our local rippers we've all had several sessions to remember thus far.

Flywave is continuing to impress and amaze me what its capable of, there is nothing that board won't do !! Its opening up new approaches on the wave and multiplying the fun factor while keeping mobile. Its only a matter of time until we see bigger swells approach though for now nobody fortunate enough to be here is complaining.

Aloha from Maui !

Flykatcher US 33

Credits: amorphia photography

Steve Thorp hits 50 knots

2011-10-10 00:00:00

On Thursday the 6th of October brutal winds hit UK speed spot West Kirby which gave Farrel O'Shea and Steve Thorp the perfect speedsailing conditions with over 60 knot gusts. Steve who was on his SCR 5.0 broke the 50 knot barrier on his fastest run which puts him in the top ten 2011 speeds.

Steve Thorp comments:

" An amazing day for speedsailing at West Kirby which attracted sailors from all over the Uk and Europe including Martin Van Muers, Hans Kreisel and Jacques van der Hout. The wind was blowing from first thing and was predicted to increase through the day. I broke the golden rule in speedsailing of not believing this, and spent the first couple of hours taking pictures only to see the conditions get slower for most of the day. Luckily things started to get interesting again after 3pm and we enjoyed some really fast runs. About half an hour before dark it really started to go crazy as the sky went stormy and gusts of 60knots came through. Most sailors were too tired from a full day of sailing (and long distances travelled with little sleep) to take this on, so there were only 3 or 4 of us who stayed out until dark. At times it was just Farrel and myself on the course, occasionally stopped in our tracks and just having to sit on the kit, it was rediculously windy!

Our biggest problem though was that the wind had swung to a very broad direction and as soon as you hit top speed you were into huge rolling chop. The slingshot onto the run was amazing with incredible acceleration but it was almost suicidal and there was no way of getting a 10 second run in before exploding or sheeting out. I actually found the wind quite easy to deal with on the 5m SCR and only wiped out once when my fin left the water and I bailed! My second from last run was the fastest and I was pretty blown away to see 50.01 knots on the dial, a dream come true! The extreme conditions are shown by my low 10 second time of 44.4, and 2 second max of 48.3 on the same run. Now really looking forward to the next big forecast and hopefully some flatter water to really push the limits.

Big thanks to Simmer and Moo/k4fins for giving me the gear I can depend on when things get crazy! "

Congratulations Steve!

Stay tuned with Steve at:
www.stevethorp.co.uk
www.wavejam.co.uk
K4FINS.COM

Photo credits: Mark Bailey

Ben Proffitt leads Tiree Wave Classic

2011-10-10 00:00:00

The reigning Tiree Wave Classic champion Ben Proffitt K-800 has begun this year’s event in the best possible way, by leading the Pro's after the first round of action. Promissing British national rider, Aleksy Gayda K-412 is leading the Amateurs round. Both riders armed with new Simmer Blacktips.

Check out the action at: www.tireewaveclassic.co.uk

Stay tuned with Ben Proffitt at: www.thewetdream.co.uk

Klaas Voget challenges Dunkerbeck

2011-10-10 00:00:00

Klaas Voget G-4 and the Beetle challenges newly crowned world champion Björn Dunkerbeck E-11 to a head to head race.

Enjoy!

2011 Chia Classic video

2011-10-04 00:00:00

Check out the video from Pietro Porcella's watersports event on Sardinia, the Chia Classic 2011. It was featured on the program H20 on Eurosport.

Enjoy!

Mahalo Junko!

2011-10-03 00:00:00

Reports from Maui indicate that our top female Hookipa rider Junko Nagoshi will not be returning to the Simmer team for next year's campaign. While it is not easy for us to imagine Junko charging Hookipa with any other sail other than a Simmer, we sincerely thank her for sailing with such a bright spirit and graceful strength over the near decade she was with the team.

Good luck to you Junko, and thanks for riding with us !!

Peru video from Nicolas Dudet

2011-09-20 00:00:00

Check out California ripper Nicolas Dudet video from Lobitos, Peru where he attended the Youth World Championships recently.

Enjoy!

Yarden Meir video

2011-09-19 00:00:00

Here is a video from Yarden Meir ISR-91 from the past days at his home training grounds in Eilat. Yarden is just leaving for the last freestyle competition of the year in Sylt, Germany. Good luck in the comp Yarden!!

Niklas Stralhen GoPro movie

2011-09-13 00:00:00

Check out EFPT pro freestyler, Niklas Stralhen S-4444 during a late summer training session at his home spot.

Stay tuned with Niklas Stralhen at: www.s-4444.com

Congratulations Kai and Anni Katchadourian

2011-09-02 00:00:00

The Simmer Style crew would like to congratulate Kai Katchadourian and Anni Westerback Katchadourian who tied the knot in the archipelago outside of Helsinki this past weekend.

Best wishes from all of us here at Simmer!

Pics: Maggie Engstrom

Niklas Stralhen Swedish Freestyle Champion

2011-09-01 00:00:00

Niklas Stralhen S-4444 won the first competition in the Swedish tour this weekend.

Niklas says:
" I'm stoked to see that the level of Swedish freestyle is up there with the worldcup, in the finals you could see all the power manuevers get busted out. I was feeling really comfortable on my Blacktip 4.8 and 100 L RRD Twintip, you can blast downwind before entering the tricks. It was a great weekend with lots of crazy moves on the water. "

Congratulations Niklas!

1. Niklas Stråhlén
2. Erik Håkman
3. Henrik Olsson
...

Pics by Kalle Appelgren

Klaas Voget video from Sweden

2011-08-29 00:00:00

Klaas Voget G-4 went spot checking on the Swedish west coast last week and found some firing action, check out the video.

Stay tuned with Klaas at www.klaasvoget.com

Kattegat from Klaas Voget on Vimeo.

AWT update from Nick Dudet

2011-08-29 00:00:00

I recently arrived in Cancun, Mexico after the finish of the event in Lobitos. The event in Peru was awesome, it was an experience of a lifetime! I was bummed out on my competition result but I am so glad I went. It was my first time I in a South American country, I met a lot of great people, and the experience I gained on and off the water is priceless.

I recently bought my ticket for the next stop of the AWT, Cape Hatteras! I am so stoked I am attending the event, and excited to visit the East Coast for the first time. The event will be held from September 14th through September 17th. I will arrive in Norfolk airport the 12th of September and will return the 18th.

After the Hatteras Wave Jam, I am going to Maui for my first time to compete in the Maui Makani Classic. I am really looking forward to go to Maui!

I am attaching some pictures taken of me in Lobitos with this email, hope you like them!

All the best,

Nick Dudet

--
Simmer Style - www.simmerstyle.com
Goya Windsurfing www.goyawindsurfing.com
NoLimitz www.nolimitz.com
Chinook Sailing www.chinooksailing.com
Dakine - www.dakine.com

Photo credits, Matty Schweitzer and Gladys Alvarado

Wave 360 by Ben Proffitt

2011-08-23 00:00:00

Power house machine Ben Proffitt K-800 just sent us this clip of a wave 360 from Pozo, it pretty much sums up Proffitt's go for broke sailing style.

Ben reveals: " This wave 360 was from my heat in Pozo against the big Dutchman 'Lampie' ...I think it was my first wave... always good to start the heat like this. "

Justin Denel

2011-08-18 00:00:00

Check out 15 year old Justin Denel from France. He just spent 20 days in Pozo maxed out on his 3.3, not much else to say than the kid rips!

Enjoy!

Justin Denel - Dream 2 Go High from Lion Production Justin Denel on Vimeo.

The Timeless Simmer Style Adventure

2011-08-15 00:00:00

Simmer Style and Rudy Castorina are proud to present TIMELESS SIMMER STYLE ADVENTURE - Part01

This is a production by long time Simmer Style team rider, Rudy Castorina. He lives and works on Maui, where he runs his own fashion label, Ruebelle together with his lovely wife, Belle. When Rudy's not charging Ho'okipa or Jaws he is an avid DJ'er, hence all the music in the film is produced by Rudy himself. This is the first of four episodes, after the release of the forth episode the film will be available for download at simmerstyle.com.

Enjoy!

TIMELESS SIMMERSTYLE ADVENTURE: Part01 - H'POKO, RUDY & CREW from Mr Daii Prodz on Vimeo.

Ben Proffitt in Windsurfer International

2011-08-12 00:00:00

Check out Ben's eye view in the sweet new issue of WINDSURFER INTERNATIONAL from the recent PWA contests on Gran Canaria and Tenerife:

" Since the PWA kicked-off their live webcasting service, Brit Pro Ben Proffitt’s been a hit in the commentary box with the tour reaching staggering web traffic figures. Still dripping wet from sailing heats and dashing back to the mic, who better to pick some key moments and top performers from the recent Canaries leg " - Windsurfer International

www.windsurferinternational.com

Proffitts latest ups and downs

2011-08-08 00:00:00

Wow.. hectic 2 months complete... and back home now!
..too much to go into detail so here's a quick sum up.. starting when i arrived in Pozo:

Got my new Simmer Boards.. Wahooooo...
But only 2 days before the start of the comp.. So not long to train on them!! :(
Sailed on them at Vargas.. Hell yeah... boards were ripping.. Happy chappy :)
Felt pretty heavy though... quick check.. Forgot to put the air valve in!!!!! What a plonker... ooooopps... Not a happy bunny!! So one day to try and dry it out... :| ..must have took half a litre out!!! haha... again.. what a plonker!!!

Comp went pretty well.. had a chance at top 10 but was too Over powered to sail normally and didn't get my wave moves... Was on 3.7 when most were on 3.3!! (note: Not as hard as i thought.. need a 3.4.. must order!)
Finished 13th though so not bad... pretty happy!! Didn't even try any push forwards... :( ...After sitting on my arse doing the commentary (in bonaire/aruba) it took me longer than i thought to get back into my sailing... well where i was when i was in SA!! (need go earlier next time)

Straight to Tenerife PWA...
Top 16 so free accommodation.. in the 5 star Sheraton!!!! Yeah baby... that's what I'm talking about!!
Loads of good food.. :) = ate like a king = I'm a right porker now!!! haha
The event was really well organized.. so top makes to Danny and the crew..

Thought i sailed pretty good but had a really shitty draw... Lost to Kauli and then Musso in the double (Only by a point.. but it doesn't matter) Musso then went on to ruin a few people chances of world titles this year!! ...going from last to 5th i think!! Sea grass... hmmmmmm... no comment!!! ...ok a little one!!! F&*%king B@£$Ks Stooopid S%$£... not great when your on a Quad with upright fins!! Anyway... Ate more food.. and drank some beer.. got even fatter!!! :)

I also did the live commentary as well as competing.. which actually worked pretty good. Although next time if they tell me they want to do it earlier.. i will be a bit more organized!
Should mention Koster is on a different scale to everyone else in the jumping department.. the guy has so much control its insane!!

The event organized a Windsurfers Golf comp...   I won!!!! :) hahaha.. pretty funny really as i haven't played for a bit... Had a terrible '9' (4 over on a par 5) but still managed 11 over 82!!! Well i was happy.. :)
Not a mention in the PWA news though... boooooooooooo!!! haha... Not even my 25ft putt!!!! :)

Got a new Spanish hair cut... Oh dear... never get your hair cut over there when you dont speak the lingo!!! (see pic)
My god i got so stick!!! Rightly so though... haha...
Luckily it's started to grow back!!

Met Robby Naish!!!! ...Well the Hungarian version!!! haha (Check pic)

Stayed on to do 2 weeks training/testing my new kit... verdict.. its all goooood!!!   Go buy some... :)

Back home.. 3am.. up at 7am to see my shares have all gone tits up!!! B@££ocks...
So bread and water for me from now on...

Spent the last 2 days lining out my folks Loft.. actually pretty fun.. well bit like a big Jigsaw!!!
Although banged my head soo much my head is now like a golf ball!!!   Oooucchhh!!

Forecast looking good for mid week.. fingers crossed for some Rhossy Action!!!! :)

All my boards are being shipped and will Arrive on Monday from China.. plus my new sails!!!!
Wahoooooooooo.... its like Xmas!!! :)

Well that pretty much sums it up.. left out a bit of stuff... but you get the idea!!!

Cheers
Ben Proffitt K-800
www.thewetdream.co.uk

Jakub Kosmowski Gozzada into Burner

2011-08-01 00:00:00

Jakub Kosmowski POL-288 is in Fuerteventura at the moment where he moved few months ago. This clip shows his last combo move on a strong wind day. It's maybe not the first Gozzada into Burner but definitely the first one captured on a camera.
Jakub was using his RRD 88 and Simmer Style Blacktip 4.2.

Check out his website pol288.com

Jakub Kosmowski POL-288 - Gozzada into Burner from Freestyle Podcasts on Vimeo.

Update from Kenneth Danielsen

2011-07-27 00:00:00

I’m now back home in Klitmøller again after one month on the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Since my last update I just advanced from my first heat in the single elimination in Pozo. My second heat was against Victor Fernandez, who is almost unbeatable in Pozo. The only guy who did beat him was Phillip Köster, but I actually had a really good heat and sailed my best, so I had a good feeling even though I lost the heat. In the double elimination I was agains Jaeger Stone who was storming through the heats with some amazing sailing. I was maxed out on my 3.7 and had a hard time holding on to the boom because of my injury. So to be honest I didn’t have the best heat, unlike Stone who sailed really well in the challenging conditions, so he got a well deserved victory.That meant I finished up 17’Th in Gran Canaria which isn’t all that bad, with an injury.

Straight after the event finished I went on the ferry to Tenerife, so I could get a few days of training before the next contest started there. The contest was taking place at El Médano and it was my first time at the spot, so I was quite excited to try it out. It proved to be harder to sail there then I first would have thought. The timing of the sets and placing your self on the right spot was all crucial to get the right waves. The wind was most of the time quite light and at the same time there was a lot of seaweed in the water, which most of the time made it really hard to get speed in your board. But I actually like the spot and I think it suites my sailing really well. In the single I was seeded through to the second round and was against Moroccan Boujmaa Guilloul. I was sharing a room with him at the Sheraton hotel where the top 16 had free accommodation, so it was a must win heat :-). As I was warming up for the heat the wind started to increased and I was quite overpowered in the end. So I was struggling to land a proper jump, and I ended up spending to much time doing so. Boujmaa sailed really well and even though the heat was close he ended up as the winner. That meant I was back to first round in the double elimination and now had to fight my way back from last.

First heat in the double I was against Florian Jung. The wind was now for the first time at the event strong enough for 4.5 so I felt a bit more comfortable. Florian put up a proper fight for the win but this time I came out on top and won the heat. Next up I was agains Eleazar Alonso who was on fire after finishing 9’Th in Pozo. I concentrated on ranking up some points on my wave riding as Eleazar is an incredible jumper. My tactics proved to be right as I won on my wave riding. Next up was local ripper Valter Scotto who fought his way up to 9’Th in the single. He knows the spot better than most of the guys so I knew I had to be sailing my best to pass this heat. I felt my sailing was improving from every heat so I felt really comfortable and when I was pronounced as the winner of the heat I was super stoked, and hungry for more.

My next and unfortunately last heat was against Ricardo Campello. He started the heat with landing a perfect double forward just in front of me, so I knew it was going to be tough but at the same time I had nothing to lose. This time I also really struggled to get a good jump and only got an okay backloop which didn’t match Ricardo’s perfect double. But I got some amazing waves and ended up winning on the wave score on all the judges. But the double forward from Ricardo secured him the victory even though it was super close.

That meant I finished up 13’Th in Tenerife, and while I’m still struggling a bit with my injury this is a really satisfying result for me. After the first two events of the year I’m now currently 14’Th on the overall PWA wave ranking. I just got back home to Klitmøller where the next event is to take place, so I hope for some wind and waves so I can start training.

I will keep you updated.....

All the best,
Kenneth Danielsen
http://kennethdanielsen.com

Sponsored by: Simmer, F2, Choco fins, Skishop, PLASMA

Photo Credits: PWA John Carter, Jose Pina

Punta Experience

2011-06-27 00:00:00

Check out this Go Pro video from Fuerte local, Thijs Vancayseele.

Punta Experience from Thijs Vancayseele on Vimeo.

New video from Bastien Rama

2012-07-26 00:00:00

Bastien Rama F-109 is a well known name on the French freestyle scene, he is also making a name for himself on the international scene. With a bag full of stylish moves we'll be seeing more of this young talent. Here is Bastien's latest video from his home training grounds on the Lake Monteynard. Check it!

Stay posted with Bastien at: http://bastienrama.blogspot.com/

Monteynard Lake from Bastien Rama on Vimeo.

Dario Ojeda 3rd in 2011 Pozo World Cup

2011-07-11 00:00:00

Dario Ojeda finished 3rd in the 2011 Pozo World Cup, after going through to the quarter finals in the single elimination and to the semi finals in the double elimination. Dario's local knowledge combined with his solid bag of tricks made him a unstoppable to top names as Swift, Browne, Seadi and Campello.

Ojeda reveals his body is feeling it after three back to back competitions in the last two weeks. First the Red Bull Highest Air event which he won, followed by the Spanish Championship where he finished 4th and then the World Cup. His training is showing great results. Next stop for Dario is the Tenerife World Cup this weekend.

Congratulations Dario Ojeda!

Stay posted with Dario at: http://darioe211.blogspot.com

Pics. PWA / JC

Video from Bastien Rama

2011-07-07 00:00:00

Check out this movie from French freestyle ripper Bastien Rama from his home training grounds at Monteynard Lake.

Sunday Was Good from Bastien Rama on Vimeo.

Kenneth Danielsen update

2011-07-06 00:00:00

I've been on Gran Canaria for a little bit more than a week now. I came down early this year to be able to train and prepare, as much as possible for the PWA contest. But I was unlucky to get injured after just two days of sailing. I was doing a photo session with the Simmer team and just as we were getting finished I crashed a backloop where I got hooked in to the harness line as I was trying to jump off, and I was unlucky to land on the fins of the board. So I got a cut on my arm just next to my elbow and at the same time I bruised my elbow really badly. 4 stitches and a lot of pain killer later I was out of the medic clinic.

Unfortunately my injury was a little worse than I thought. I've been trough a few specialists now and I was told that I might need surgery to get my feeling back into my hand. Right now I cant feel anything from the tip of my little finger and down to my wrist. But if I get surgery now I won't be able to compete in Pozo and Tenerife. So I decided to wait until after the contests. My biggest problem right now is that I can't grip very hard on the boom so it is really exhausting to sail. I was out yesterday for the first time in a week and my sail form is far from on top. But at least I can sail again..

Yesterday the contest started and the conditions where going of. I was seeded trough the first round and I had the last heat of the second round so I was waiting all day for my heat. When I finally had to sail I realised my opponent didn't show up. I was against Goillito but he also got injured, so he couldn't sail. Next up I have Victor Fernandez, so thats going to be a hard one.

I didn't get the chance to take any pictures here from Gran Canaria before I got injured, but the day before I left Denmark I had an awesome session in Hanstholm, and I was lucky to get a few pictures...

I will keep you updated during the contests...

All the best,

Kenneth Danielsen D-38

Sponsored by: Simmer, F2, Choco fins, Skishop, PLASMA

Update from Arrianne Aukes

2011-07-04 00:00:00

Again a small update from the PWA event in Aruba. The competition in Aruba is done and I finished sixth place. I'm happy with that result, but I was not completely satisfied after the competition in Aruba. I was surfing one bad heat against Mio from Japan, the reason why I was out in the double and why I couldn't get more higher upon the ranking but I knew I could do better. Too bad, but now I'm even more keen for the competition in Fuerteventura next month.

But so far I'm fifth place overall and I'm really happy with that :)

Check out some photos from my training lately in Bonaire, Aruba and Jeri.

Ciao,
Arrianne Aukes H-131
www.arrianneaukes.com

Dario Ojeda Wins RedBull Rockets

2011-06-27 00:00:00

Dario Ojeda E-211 won the 2011 RedBull Rockets Jump Contest at Pozo yesterday. The conditions were super light, Dario who was on a 5.6 m Icon and with his local knowledge he found a gust and was able to pull of a 11 m backloop and claim the title.

" I'm really happy to win the first Red Bull Rockects with highest jump. Conditions were not so strong because of the calima warm weather that makes the wind drop during the day picking up late at night where we did the last heat where I could get a proper gust and a good ramp to nail a 11 metre jump. " - Dario Ojeda

Congratulations Dario!

Stay tuned with Dario at: darioe211.blogspot.com

Pics: Robert Almqvist

Andreas Olandersson in black and white

2011-06-23 00:00:00

It doesn't matter whether it's 20 or 50 knots, hooded steamer or in board shorts, onshore or offshore, 2 or 8 ft, Andreas Olandersson S-66 will go out there and leave a big impression. He's as hard knuckled as they come, pure Simmer material!

Check out these photos of Andy from a winter session at his home spot in Sweden.

Stay tuned with Olandersson at www.s-66.com

Photo credits: Robert Almqvist

Hectic times for Dario Ojeda

2011-06-15 00:00:00

High wind specialist Dario Ojeda E-211 is home in Pozo preparing himself for the hectic times to come.

Next up on Dario's agenda is Red Bull Air on the 24th of June, followed by the Spanish nationals on the 1-3rd of July and the PWA wave competition in Pozo from 4th to the 9th of July. Then Dario is of to Tenerife for the PWA event and another national event. That's right, five competitions within 30 days.

Best of luck Dario!

Stay tuned in with Dario @ darioe211.blogspot.com

Photo credits: www.underwatercanarias.com

Update from Jakub Kosmowski

2011-06-14 00:00:00

During the event in Bonaire I’m still training for the upcoming event in Lanzarote which start on the 30th of June. I can’t wait to go against all the guys after a 2 years without competing. Last weeks in Fuerte were really good. most of the time I was using my Simmers 4.8 and 4.2 Blacktips. I was using only RRD 88 which suits perfectly for those conditions. Here's some pics from Sotavento last week.

You can go to Lessons page to find out about the upcoming courses which will happen in July and August.

I set my release dates for freestyle podcasts. It will be one before the Lanzarote event and then the second one right after the event.

Greetings and stay tuned!

Jakub Kosmowski POL-288

http://www.pol288.com/

Yarden Meir HELL YEAH!

2011-06-09 00:00:00

I'm proud to present to you a movie we did from a Dahab trip we did last year. Its filmed at a secret spot outside of Dahab, only accessible by boat, we got some amazing material from the trip so I'm stoked to see it come together so well. A good friend of mine Micheal Summereder has filmed and edited the movie.

Hope you like it!

Yarden Meir ISR-91
yardenmeir.blogspot.com

Niklas Stralhen update from EFPT Milos

2011-06-07 00:00:00

The last day of the competition we finally got some wind and we were able to run the competition. I was on a 5.7 so the wind was still very light but just enough. I went through some heats and in the and got all the way to the finals which was a great achievement for me! I was here against Matteo Fabrizzio from Italy but unfortunately the wind dropped and we were not able to run the heat. This means that we are four guys to share the first place.

Anyway I am really happy with the result and this will be a good start on the tour for this year. My Swedish friend Erik Hakman caught the 9th place here at his first European competition. Congratts! Thanks to all the guys at Milos beach for a really good event as always! Next up is Sardininia Italy.

See ya,

Niklas Stralhen S-4444

www.s-4444.com

Kurosh Kiani's Pro Racing Tips

2011-06-07 00:00:00

The Mind Game
" The fastest guy in the world without the right mindset will never be able to win. A slower guy with just the right mental attitude will always finish first. Why is that? Strangely enough you can train as much as you want, but if your mind doesn't follow, all of that time spent training could be for no use. But don't worry, its not all lost. You can tune your mental attitude just like you can your gear... " -Kurosh Kiani

Read more in the latest issue of WINDSURFERMAG INTERNATIONAL>>

Francisco Porcella wins on home ground

2011-06-07 00:00:00

We had the Capu Manno wave event here on Sardinia last week, all the best Italian wave sailors were gather to sail some of the best conditions in Italy. We had some super nice logo high waves and perfect 20 knots side off winds. I was feeling super comfortable on my 5.1 Blacktip. The final was 1 hour long and I got to show all the top Italian wave sailors, what is like to ride the waves of Capo Mannu for a Sardo-Hawaiian. This comp is the most viewed event in Italy, combining all water sport, I always try to make it and put on a show, its my home, I love my beautiful island of Sardinia, its got my family, friends, lots of cool places and beaches and lets not forget the best food in the world !

Ciao
Francisco

BWA update from Ben Proffitt

2011-05-13 00:00:00

Well it's Friday, the last day of the Ireland, BWA Competition... and I'm looking out to sea and it's not looking good for any more competition. The wind has dropped and the waves are getting smaller so it's looking likely that i will take home the first place. After I won the double elimination ahead of Horrocks.

So all in all it's been a pretty good week.. with a good comp in Rhossy for the 1st round of the British wave championships last weekend. I came away with a 2nd there after taking it to the wire with Horrocks in the 2nd double elimination final. We then drove through the night and started the 2nd round of the BWA wave tour over here in Brandon Bay. We then had a tough week with very challenging condition but we managed to get through a full double elimination and I took home the win ahead of Horrocks.

Also by my reckonings I'm now leading the tour... as although me and Horrocks have the same points with a 1st and a 2nd each... I'll be leading as I'm winning the man on man heats 3 -2... need to check it officially but that's my take on it!!!

Photo credits: Globalshots

Windsurfer Internataional May Issue

2011-05-11 00:00:00

Check out the red hot May issue of Windsurfer International. You'll find the Simmer troops well represented, with pro racing tips with Kurosh Kiani, trick school with Mattia Pedrani and a interview with hero of the month Klaas Voget.

Enjoy!

Arrianne Aukes Bonaire video

2011-05-03 00:00:00

Check out upcoming pro freestyler Arrianne Aukes during her latest Bonaire training session. Arrianne is debuting on the PWA freestyle tour this session, so stay tuned with Arrianne @ http://arrianne.gearfreak.nl

Bonaire training 2011 from arrianne aukes on Vimeo.

Antony Ruenes El Yaque training

2011-04-29 00:00:00

Antony Ruenes is just getting ready for the first PWA event of the year in Podersdorf, Austria, fresh back from training in El Yaque with a bag full of tricks that will make his most fierce competitors dread meeting him in their next heat. Keep your eyes up for Antony Ruenes, he´s going to take down some big names this year.

Check out his video!

Yaque Friend's from antony f85 on Vimeo.

Kiani's Pro Racing Tips

2011-04-09 00:00:00

Do you want to know all the secrets of sailing like a pro racer? Check out Kurosh Kiani's racing tips in the latest issue of Windsurfer International>>.

Klaas Voget update from Maui

2011-04-05 00:00:00

After a fast recovery from my accident here in Hookipa two weeks ago, we've had some really fun days again. The wind just doesn't stop blowing. Since my arrival on the 9th of march it was windy every single day, including one amazing day out at Jaws. In the last week Tomas Persson was here and we worked on some new Blacktip sails together. Yesterday the Fanatic shoot started for me. The day before Victor and i took a few shots with my camera on our 2011 gear.

Aloha from Maui!

Klaas
www.klaasvoget.com

Tom Malina video update

2011-04-04 00:00:00

Czech Republic pro racer Tom Malina is back on track after a time of sickness. Here is his latest update from his winter training in Cape Town. Good luck on the PWA tour this year Tom!

Tom Malina video update 2011_eng from Tom Malina on Vimeo.

Congratulations Francisco Porcella

2011-04-01 00:00:00

We are very excited and honored to announce that Simmer Style
teamrider Francisco Porcella has received a nomination as one of the 5
finalists in the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards. Francisco has
been CHARGING all Winter long. Paddling, towing, and sailing, there is
no doubt that when Francisco is out there he means business no matter
what. While the announcement of the winner is a month away, we want to
salute Francisco on his outstanding achievement on receiving this
level of recognition from the surf industry.

Francisco was towed into the estimated 60 foot skyscraper at Jaws on
November 2, 2010 by Simmer Style team Captian and tow partner Kai
Karchadourian. Go to www.billabongxxl.com for all the details and don't forget to
follow the action live on April 29 as they announce the winners.
Good luck Francisco !!!

Ben Proffitt going backwards in Cape Town

2011-04-01 00:00:00

2011 has been a great season in Cape Town... this video pretty much sums up my trip.. it was going to be a bit more polished but I'm flat out at the moment and I could see it not getting finished... so I've thrown together a quick one!! Hope you like the music... hahahahaha...

Cheers
Ben Proffitt K-800
www.thewetdream.co.uk

Hookipa action

2011-03-28 00:00:00

Here are some pics i shot the last couple of days from Kai and Francisco. I had to stay out of the water for a couple days, as i got run over by a guy and had to get stitches above the eye...

Cheers,
Klaas Voget
www.klaasvoget.com

Light wind days in Eilat

2011-03-28 00:00:00

Here's some footage shot during the last 2 days in Eilat. Light wind conditions but still lots
of fun. Hope you enjoy it.

Yarden Meir ISR-91

Light Filming Light Editing Light Music. from yarden Meir on Vimeo.

Meet Arrianne Aukes

2011-03-28 00:00:00

I'm Arrianne Aukes and I'm a freestyler from Holland. I've been windsurfing since I was a little kid because both my parents are windsurfers. Three years ago I went to Brazil to windsurf for a few months. Jericoacoara is a freestyle paradise, great conditions and the best freestyle sailors in the world go there to train. I’d never seen this side of windsurfing before... so needless to say, I was hooked!

After landing my first freestye moves, I wanted more! So I finished my Bachelor degree in2008 and took a break from University, packed my bags for a whole year of freestyle. And I’m still extending that year of windsurfing – I’m on my third year now. My favourite place to windsurf is Jericoacoara in Brazil. Not only because I started to learn freestyle there, but I also love the conditions. I like to surf with a lot of wind, the wind that is blowing you away at the beach and gives you a lot of power in your sail. I love it that I don’t have to check the forecast there. Just walk to the beach in the morning, take my 3.7or 4.2, and surf till sunset.

I've been supported by Simmer since 2009 but I've pretty much sailed Simmer sails as long as I can remember so sailing for them on a higher level feels awesome. This year I have the Blacktip 5.1 and 4.8, and the Icon 4.2 and 3.7.The Icon’s are really strong and have a lot of power, and the Blacktip sails are really light and perfect for freestyle.

2009 was myfirst year of PWA, and this year I'm going to compete in all the four PWA Freestylecompetitions for girls. And my goal is to end up higher in the ranking thisyear! Therefore, I’m training in Bonaire at the moment for two months. Here in Bonaire I'm living at Sorobon Beach Resort, and I work there a few hours everyday. It is a resort right at the beach of the best surf spot on Bonaire and because of that, I can be on the water in 20 seconds if it’s windy.

After one week in Bonaire, I landed my first Funnel. I really love the feeling of landing a new move! It gives me so much adrenaline and a lot of motivation. Hopefully there is a lot more wind coming soon (and a lot of new moves! J ).

5 quick ones with Bastien Rama F-109

2011-03-08 00:00:00

Nick name: Bas Sail number: F 109 Age: 22
Home spot: Grenoble- French Alps
Training grounds: Brésil and Bonaire
Favorite trick: Spock-Culo, Kono, Backloop
Air or slide: Both
Next trick: Bob into culo, triple spock

Thanks Bas!

Stay tuned with Bastien Rama´s latest at:http://bastienrama.blogspot.com

Dario Ojeda scores Fuerte

2011-03-07 00:00:00

Here are some pics from Fuerteventura during the FWC, we had good conditions the with everything from medium size waves to really big Puertito!

Unfortunately the we never got a chance to finish the competition but we got some great footage.

After the FWC I went to Dakhla and scored some great conditions for windsurfing, incredible place for all water sports!! Check out some pics!

Saludos!

Dario Ojeda E-211

http://darioe211.blogspot.com

www.fuertewaveclassic.com

Klaas Voget scored Sal

2011-03-11 00:00:00

Nine days on Sal, nine days of perfect waves and wind. I booked this trip on a forecast and it was worth every penny! Victor, Kauli, Ricardo and Brawzinho were there with Andre Paskowski, to shoot for their new movie. We all came home with big smiles in our faces, I think we all sailed some of the best conditions we've ever had in our whole life's.

All the best,
Klaas Voget G-4
www.klaasvoget.com

Kurosh Kiani training at Cabo Verde

2011-03-24 00:00:00

Check out this video of Kurosh Kiani preparing for the 2011 slalom tour.
" I hit the island of Sal on Cabo Verde in the beginning of february this year on a crazy forecast, and thus had an amazing week together with Josh Angulo and friends cruising the waters of Sal and working on our equipment for the upcoming racing season. "

Video by Kurosh Kiani

More Windsurfing Videos

Bastien Rama F109 movie

2011-02-17 00:00:00

Seems like french freestyle expert Bastien Rama F109 is better suited for windsurfing than for being a lumber jack... check out his smoking hot video, very cool.

Enjoy!

Keep updated at Bastien Rama´s blog>>

Win a Blacktip

2011-02-10 00:00:00

Vote for the best female and male competitor in the 2011 Fuerteventura Wave Classic and have the chance to win a Simmer Blacktip, a Generator wetsuit or a Mayhem harness.

For more info check out: http://fuertewaveclassic.co m

The Simmer board project

2011-02-05 00:00:00

The rumor is true... Simmer Style is developing boards.

Thirty years has passed since the first Simmer sail saw the light at Ho’okipa, Simmer Style has evolved from a tiny shack on Maui’s North Shore to a international organization of stoked windsurfers who all share the original Simmer Style dream, to design and produce the best windsurfing equipment on the planet. Making boards is a natural step for us, completing our production range and doing so linking the rig’s performance to the boards.

We have been preparing for this project for many years, developing the manufacturing and finding the most competent people to join our team. Our boards are designed, developed and will be manufactured with the same quality regime as our award winning sails, all to meet the high Simmer Style standards.

Our prototypes have been on the water on Maui, California, South Africa, Europe and Australia for more than six months and the feedback has been extremely positive. We have finalized two quad models and we are now in the final stages of testing the FSW board on Maui. We have been durability testing three different constructions with very positive outcome.

I would like to take the opportunity to welcome Ola Helenius to the Simmer family . Ola is responsible for materializing our shapes together with Kai Katchadourian. We can assure you that this will be a unique product on the market otherwise we would not put the Simmer Style double wake logo on it.

Take a moment to read a in depth article about the project in the latest issue of Windsurfer International>>

Aloha!
Tomas Persson
Chief Designer

Photo credits: Jimmie Hepp

Team Captain Flykatcher reports from Maui

2011-02-02 00:00:00

Its been a New Year filled with windy days and big swell here on Maui. We've been blessed with many epic Hookipa days to finalize some up new equipment. On January 20, we got an XXL swell so Francisco Porcella, Rudy Castorina and myself teamed up on Rudy's ski and headed up to Jaws. We all got to sample some GIANT waves with one of us on the ski to make sure we were safe.

At times we all played it safe dropping into these mountains, but at times the temptation to go deep resulted in Rudy and Francisco to pay the price of the West Bowl. It looked like a cartoon from the channel !!! With a serious test of equipment over, and everybody safe, we headed home. The adrenaline is still there two weeks later !

Aloha from Maui-

Flykatcher US 33

Photo credits: www.IanStricklandPhoto.com

Ben Proffitt update from South Africa

2011-02-01 00:00:00

Here's a quick update from South Africa...

Not much to say apart from it's been blowing its nuts off!!! The best season for wind for a long time. The swell wasn't great in December but January has been cooking! I've been working on a few things but mostly my push loop forwards... I've been nailing myself and coughing up a fair bit of blood but its all been worth it as I reckon I've got them sorted!! Not got any dry ones on film but I do have a wet one... check it out below...

So next on the list is to get my doubles totally sorted.. bring the wind on!! Well... not broke anything so far! Which is amazing as all the other boys kit is dropping like flys!!

Hope all is good back home.. take it easy and lets hope for a good 2011.

p.s You'll be glad to know my hairs growing back after landed a double on my head!! hahaha (check pic)

Cheers,
Ben Proffitt K-800
www.thewetdream.co.uk

Edvan Souza clip from Jericoacoara

2011-01-24 00:00:00

Check out this video featuring Edvan Souza at his local training grounds at Jericoacoara in Brazil. Thanks to Marco who filmed and edited it during his last trip over there.

Enjoy!

Untitled from Marco on Vimeo.

Klaas Voget Maui video

2011-01-21 00:00:00

Check out this video portrait of PWA star rider Klaas Voget G-4.

Enjoy!

Klaas Voget in Chile

2011-01-06 00:00:00

Here is a short clip of Klaas Voget G-4 ripping it up at his favorite breaks in Chile during December. Enjoy!

www.klaasvoget.com

Cabo Verde team video

2011-01-03 00:00:00

2010 was a great year for the Simmer Style team, finishing off the year with the PWA event on Cabo Verde. The seven Simmer Style riders arrived on the island of Sal highly motivated, ready to perform on a very high end but for the first time in the history of the event the conditions were lacking and the event could not be finished. Never the less Sal presented a relaxing atmosphere for the riders.

Although the disappointment of insufficient conditions the team had a good time on Sal and will be back next year even more motivated.

Check out the team video.

Kai Katchadourian live at the Stella Blues Cafe

2011-01-03 00:00:00

If you are on Maui on Jan 15th make sure to go and check out Simmer Team Captain, Kai Katchadourian´s metall band Anesthesia play at the Stella Blues Cafe in Kihei. It will be a show high up on the Richter scale!

Kai Drumming

KK | Myspace Video

Wesh Center Windsurfing Park

2010-12-15 00:00:00

Our new kid on the Simmer team Anthony Ruenes is taking windsurfing to a new dimension. Together with his mates Thomas Traversa and Julien Taboulet, Ruenes has started a windsurfing funpark inspired by snowboarding and skateboarding, crazy stuff...

Wesh Center Crew Windsurf Park in Leucate from Julien Taboulet on Vimeo.

Sylvain Moussilmani IFCA Slalom World Champion

2010-12-10 00:00:00

After 5 days racing in Flecheiras, East Ceara, Brasil Sylvain Moussilmani secured the IFCA Slalom World title, beating names like Steve Allen, Julien Quentel, Antoine Questel and Gabriel Browne. Sylvain who is ranked 7th on the PWA World Tour got stronger and stronger through the competition and in the end he was unstoppable .

Sylvain comments: "I am extremely proud about my first IFCA World Title, especially since Tomas Persson and I have been working together on these sails for many years now and this year they are beating all the other sails out there. The performance is the best ever."

Congratulations Sylvain!!

IFCA Slalom World Championship Wind Brasil Day 4 from Morlima on Vimeo.

Slalom Pro Tips with Kurosh Kiani

2010-12-07 00:00:00

If you are interested in racing or just going really fast, check part II in Kurosh Kiani´s tuning tips in the new issue of Windsurfer International>>

Zara Davis is the womens No 1 speedsailor for 2010

2010-12-06 00:00:00

Simmer Style team rider Zara has moved intothe top spot on the official 2010 ISWC world ranking from her 2^ndplace last year. After a tough year for speed events with the worldchampionship in Sotavento cancelled it was left to the national events todecide who would be the top speedsters for the year.

With Zara achieving a new production speed record in Luderitz, Namibia earlier this year on her production Mistral boards and Simmer sails, her No 1 position is the icing on the cake after tough year.

Zara said “ Really pleased to end the year in the No 1 spot as I am not a pro sailor and hold down a full time job as an Osteopath and finding time to attend all the events especially the last event at Port Saint Louis was difficult, but clearly worth it despite the conditions.I could not have done it without the support of my sponsors and the top equipment they make and of course my husband Pete ”

To keep up with Zara for the forth coming year check out her website www.zaradavis.co.uk

Latest from Kenneth Danielsen D-38

2010-12-06 00:00:00

I just got back home from the last PWA wave contest of the year. Unfortunately the conditions never really kicked in so we didn't manage to finished the contest with a counting result. However we did get a few heats through in minimal conditions with really light winds and small waves, but just before my heat was about to begin the wind dropped completely and never returned. So I never got to sail my heat.

The only spot that picked up a few waves during the contest week was Curral Joul, so this was were the contest took place. The spot was really gnarly with sea urchins all over the place and sharp rocks. So a lot of the guys who got to sail their heat ended up with holes in their boards and sea urchins in their feet and hands. Nonetheless we all had a good time down there with a lot of good surfing and chilling at the beach.

With no result from this event it meant that the overall PWA wave Ranking stayed the same. I finished 2010 on a really satisfying 14'th place. Victor Fernandez finally took the World Champion title. After being close a few times he got the title in the bag. Congratulations Victor.

Aloha!
Kenneth Danielsen
http://kennethdanielsen.com

Mattia Pedrani Video

2010-12-01 00:00:00

Check out the infamous Mattia Pedrani I-00 putting down some gnarly shit on his home waters at Lago di Garda...

Edvan Souza Video

2010-12-01 00:00:00

Check out Brazilian wonder kid Edvan Souza BRA-250 break out a few moves in Clubventos ride of the day video. Enjoy!

2010 PWA World Tour Simmer Team wrap up

2010-11-29 00:00:00

Alas, the conditions never cooperated for doing battle in Cabo Verde.There were some BIG match-ups waiting, Porcella vs Swift, Katchadourian vs Seadi, but it was not to be.
We have closed the books here in Cabo Verde and 6 of our riders ended
up solid in the Top 22 for the year. We here at Simmer Style are very proud of all of our riders that took their game to the big stage at one point or another on the PWA World
Tour this year !

Here is a review of our top guys for the year and their year-end rank:

7th Klaas Voget: Voget ends the year in the top 8, a result to do any top pro sailor proud. His first heat here in Cabo Verde was well covered, and it would have been no big surprise to see him take down Angulo at Curral Joul in round 1. Voget closes the book on his 2010 PWA campaign with his sights set on a World Title run in 2011.

9th Jonas Ceballos: Jonas has been in contention for a World Title before, and surely his top 10 year end ranking for 2010 does not satisfy his huge competitive drive. Since there was no result here he puts his hopes on next year and beyond to fulfill his goals.

10th Dario Ojeda: Dario was all over it this year for Simmer. He makes the top 10 and was poised for top 5 with a top result in Cabo Verde. Relaxed and cool, Dario can take it all in stride and being the well rounded sailor that he is, you can bet he will build on the potential he showed in competition this year.

14th Ben Proffit : Ben hit the top 16 as well, and felt the pressure to perform here well in Sal to boost his year end ranking up into the top 10. Not at all out of the question, as Proffit can sail both tacks competitively and is UK champ for 2010. An overall fine season for our top British rider on tour.

14th Kenneth Danielsen : Kenneth emerged in his first year on tour and scored a year end top 16 result. His home spot, Klitmoller was home field for his key 13th place result, and we could have easily seen a top 10 result spike his ranking even further. Kenneth is a player, and he came to Cabo ready to play. His heat never came up here, but you can bet he was ready to serve it up.

21th Yann Sorlut : Yann definetly had a chance to move up from his 21st spot here in Cabo Verde, and he was in the first heat of the event. In a tough heat against Traversa it was not made any easier that he had a heel full of urchin spines from returning to the beach after a previous attempt at running the heat. Yann is a proven competitor and
will be a force to be reckoned with again. Tough year for Yann though.

Team Update from Cabo Verde

2010-11-22 00:00:00

The 2010 PWA Cabo Verde event has been tested to the brink to try to hold heats in what is generally considered sub par conditions by PWA standards. Hats off to Klaas Voget for showing the most professional manner in being sent out on several occasions to try to complete his first heat against Josh Angulo in some very difficult, light conditions. Voget has a lot riding on this competition, and his top ten ranking sits in the balance, so you can understand that being sent out in conditions that leave you waiting a long time for even a small rippable ripple to show on the shallow reef at Curral Joul with your ranking on the line would rattle even the most seasoned veteran. Watching Klaas handle this as well as he has shows his professional character, and he can still advance since the heat has been abandoned 4 times now !! We may have a shot to get this comp done the next few days after all, so hopefully Klaas and the rest of our 7 riders in the event can also get up on the big stage and shake things up ! Stay tuned, there is more on the way. We'll profile all our 7 riders next update.

Aloha!
Kai Katchadourian US 33
Simmer Team Captain

For more news from Cabo Verde check out: www.pwaworldtour.com

PWA Cabo Verde World Cup

2010-11-16 00:00:00

We've just finished the second day of waiting for suitable conditions here on Sal. Yesterday all the breaks were pretty flat, so we had a day off, but today a new swell hit the spots up north and after a spot check by the head judge we were sent over to Cural Joul, one of the gnarliest places of the island, with sharp rocks and millions of seaurchins, but the wind didn't play for us. It was just below the limit of getting out and into the waves for most of the day, so we were waiting for many hours in the hot sun.
I hope tomorrow the waves will be a little bigger, so we can finally get our first heats done.

Here are a few shots from one of my first days sailing here, they were taken by Sumsi in little Hookipa.

Klaas Voget G-4
www.klaasvoget.com

kennethdanielsen.com

2010-11-15 00:00:00

Check out Danish wave and freestyle champion and up-and-coming PWA star, Kenneth Danielsen´s new website: kennethdanielsen.com

You can also read all about Danielsen in the latest issue of Windsurfer International>>

See you out there!

Dario warming up for Cape Verde

2010-11-11 00:00:00

Dario Ojeda had incredible conditions on the North Shore of Gran Canaria last week. Dario reckons it was similar conditions to a good day at Ho´okipa, giving Dario the perfect training grounds for the upcoming Cape Verde event next week.

Watch out for Ojeda, he is red hot!!

Simmer Team drops into Jaws

2010-11-11 00:00:00

November 2 was a huge day on Maui, 15-20 foot waves and bigger at times were exploding on Maui's outer reefs with no wind and sunny skies. What more can you ask for ?
Francisco Porcella and Kai Katchadourian sized it up and loaded the ski for some action.
It was a very big powerful swell, and both caught some truly huge waves.
It all ends up with Porcella as the lead off shot on Surfline's story of the swell !!
http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/pacific-xxl-swell-part-one_49523/

Jimmie Hepp took the photo of Kai's bottom turn on a bomb and Francisco's skyscraper shot on Surfline is from Tommy Perkins. Thanks to both !

Team update Kai Katchadourian

2010-11-09 00:00:00

Team Captain Kai Katchadourian US 33 reports:

" Lots of excitement in the action zone here on Maui lately with Francisco Porcella, Nat Gill, and the rest of the team tearing into many super fun Hookipa sessions and I even got to hit a few secret outer spots in a variety of conditions, with much to be thankful for as we head into winter mode. My main sails of choice have been a 4.5 Mission X and 5.0 Icon, both serving me really well with low end power and control in high altitude. I noticed a few riders taking a liking to the Blacktip, and thats for sure a sail that is going to be seen more on the water in the near future. "

Mahalo to Jimmie Hepp for capturing the action !

Team Simmer is representing strong with 7 riders going into the upcoming PWA Cabo Verde event:

G-4     Klaas Voget
E-211 Dario Ojeda
I-69     Francisco Porcella
K-800 Ben Profitt
F-60    Yann Sorlut
D-38    Kenneth Danielsen
US-33 Kai Katchadourian

Stay tuned here as we'll have Kurosh Kiani on location to follow the action with regular updates from Sal with Captain Kai and the rest of the team.

Kurosh Kiani in Windsurfermag.com

2010-11-09 00:00:00

Check out the latest issue of Windsurfermag.com, Kurosh Kiani goes through the tricks and trades of tuning your slalom gear.

Enjoy!

A day in Tarifa

2010-10-29 00:00:00

Check out EFPT rider Jakub Kosmowski spot checking a super windy day on Tarifa. Enjoy!

A day in Tarifa... from JFK Studio on Vimeo.

Simmer wins the British Speed Championships

2010-10-28 00:00:00

Zara Davis the current Women’s No 1 Speedsailor and fellow Simmer team rider Kevin Greenslade took first places at the UK speed championships which is a counting round of the ISWC world tour. These wins ensure Zara stays on top of the women’s ranking of the ISWC and puts Kevin up the ranking at his 1^st speed event.

The Winds were moderate for a speed event at 18 knots average (but the round counted as over 25% of the fleet went over28 knots). Which shows Kevin’s amazing top speed of over 34 knots and an average speed over the 500m course of 32.75 knots, a testament to efficiency of the Simmer race sails.

Zara’s comment after the days racing was“The sails made the speed a lot easier to maintain in the choppy water and light winds as the forward pull of the 2010 race sails just keeps you planning through the lulls and chop”.

Kevin said “ Amazing speed out of these sails in the conditions. I was knot faster than my nearest rival, I can’t wait to see what Tomas will produce for 2011 ”

Photos by Dave White

Kenneth Danielsen Danish Champion

2010-10-28 00:00:00

From the 21-24th of October the Danish Wave and Freestyle Championships were held in Klitmøller. With all types of conditions to test the sailors on both port and starboard tack Kenneth Danielsen D-38 claimed the title of both Wave and Freestyle Champion of Denmark.

Congratulations Kenneth!

Check out Kenneth online: www.kennethdanielsen.com

Meet Kurosh Kiani

2010-10-27 00:00:00

Meet Danish windsurfing pro Kurosh Kiani in a interview where he tells us about his passion for the sport.

Zara Davis sets new speed record

2010-10-25 00:00:00

Congratulations Zara Davis who set the new Women’s speed production record of 36.99 knots on her Mistral speed board and 5.0 SCR 2010 this weekend!!

Andreas Olandersson S-66 West OZ video

2010-10-21 00:00:00

South Africa schooled Andreas Olandersson S-66 presents his skill set in epic Western Australian conditions. The video was filmed last October during his last trip down under.

Enjoy!

Edited by: Kulingvarning.nu

S66 in Gnaraloo Western Australia from kulingvarning.nu on Vimeo.

Kai Katchadourain joins the Simmer Wetsuit program

2010-10-18 00:00:00

We are proud to announce that Kai " Flykatcher" Katchadourian joins up with the Simmer Wetsuit program.

" I have never used a more comfortably performing wetsuit for windsurfing or surfing than the Simmer Generator wetsuit. At Waddell, it only required using the 3/2mm and it was fine. My old suit would have been a bulky 4mm in the same situation to stay just as warm. Generator's ease of entry, flex, and pure warmth generated give the freedom to tackle any frigid session and stay out there way longer. " - Kai Katchadourian

" Kai has remained steadfastly dedicated to Simmer Style for over 24 years now. No single professional sailor has remained with the same company as long as Kai has ridden for Simmer Style. Kai and I have worked closely together for many years so when we now are designing and manufacturing high-end wetsuits it feels natural to incorporate Kai in the program. With his life long experience as a top performing waterman, he’ll bring invaluable information and feedback to our development work.

Welcome on board Kai. " – Tomas Persson Chief Designer

Besides using the Simmer rash guards and neoprene tops in Hawaii, Kai is also armed to the teeth with our brand new 6/4/3 mm suit with integrated hood and only time will tell where these suits will tempt him to venture as long as the water stays unfrozen.

For further information about the Generator wetsuit series check out: www.simmerstyle.com/wetsuits

The Tiree Wave Classic

2010-10-17 00:00:00

Well a good end to a long windless week... to be honest i always thought we'd get something... as a week in Tiree this time of year rarely provides nothing!

It wasn't classic conditions but it was really good fun... small waves (biggest being head high.. smallest ankle high Haha) and the wind was light but it was perfect for wobble out wave riding! I used my 5.1 black tip and 83 quatro... and it really was perfect, the combo is awesome and suits my sailing! Sometimes it was tricky to get on the wave and you needed to pump your ring off to get on them... i knew that olympic one design sailing would come in handy at some point. Although after a week of playing golf and drinking... i have to say i was ready for bed after the final!!

It's nice to finally get my name on the Tiree Classic Trophy (Well list anyway) I actually have won the waves before (the year Jonas did it!) but back then they also had super x and freestyle added in (Which i messed up in) so my name never went down!! I've always been a bit gutted about that as the Tiree wave classic has always just been the waves!! But anyway i'm now finally on the list which has some pretty big names on it!

Back to this years comp.. a big mention should go to Bubble who sailed really good (and helped me out in the overall as he put places between me and skyeboy) he even landed his first goiter back on the wave in the expression session (Which he won) so good skills... and i'll definitely be giving him less tips in cape town this year!! haha..

Next comp is in Cornwall in 2 weeks which is the final UK event... So far it's going well, with 2 wins but it would be nice to win the last event as well... then maybe this year i can take home the British title. (Although with Skye off to Maui.. i'll really only have myself to blame if i mess it up this year!)

Anyway lets hope for Cornwall to be firing... Head to logo would suit me... bring it on!!! :)

Cheers
Ben Proffitt K-800
http://thewetdream.co.uk

Results below:

Good skills to Scotty... sailing good and using the best kit ;)

Skykon Tiree Wave Classic 2010 – Results:

Pros:
1. Ben Proffitt - Quatro / Simmer
2. Andy ‘Bubble’ Chambers
3. John Skye

Amateurs:
1. Scotty McDowell - Quatro / Simmer
2. Adam Sims
3. Jim Brooks-Dowsett

Masters
1. Russ Jenkins
2. Craig Hamilton
3. Mark Lloyd

Women:
1. Debbie Kennedy
2. Jodie Ward
3. Helen Bainbridge

Edvan Souza rips it up in Jeri

2010-10-16 00:00:00

Edvan de Souza BRA-250 was Club Ventos 'Rider of the Day' with this cracking video. Check out Club Ventos web site here >>

More Windsurfing Videos

Kai Katchadourian loud n fast

2010-10-14 00:00:00

You've all seen Kai Katchadourian rip it up at Ho'okipa. Now this is what he does when there is no wind or waves or when he simply needs to blow of some steam after a cranking session.

Tiree Wave Classic update from Ben Proffitt

2010-10-12 00:00:00

Well the forecast is looking a little shaky for the week... so to get the comp in is going to be a struggle. But fingers crossed we get something... otherwise it looks like golf is going to be the order of the week!! :)

It has been blowing it's tits off for weeks up here so it's typical the comp week is windless. In saying that though we did manage a couple of days of sailing before the comp started.

Not really sure where the waves came from but as the tide pushed they just came in.. cross shore Baliphuil... sailed on my 5.1 black tip and 83 Quatro Green machine (KT quad) and i have to say i'm really getting into my new gear. I imagine everyone will turn off now but no joke my gear is working like a dream. I actually have a quiver of icons which are sweet but thought i'd give the new 4 batten Blacktip's a go! ..and they feel super nice on the wave. The power seems in the perfect spot and they are super light. If i go to Cape Verde i'm for sure taking these!! Also my new green machine (KT quad) feels awesome on the wave and the more i sail it the more and more i like it. Just goes exactly where you want it to go, grips when you want it to grip and and breaks out when asked.. absolutely loving it!!!

Well glassy here again today.. where did i put my clubs!! :)

Cheers
Ben Proffitt K-800
www.thewetdream.co.uk

Hookipa swells

2010-10-05 00:00:00

The arrival of the first Hookipa swells of the new season brought the long hibernation of Summer to a close as the North Pacific has become active once again.

The entire Simmer Maui team has been eager to swarm the lineup from the word go and we have seen the recently married Nat Gill (congrads from the entire Simmer Family Nat !!), Katchadourian (sporting some new boards - more on that soon), Junko Nagoshi ( on every session) , Porcella (hungry for extreme action at all times), Mannuchi, Nico, Masa and the rest of the Simmer Maui crew out there at one time or another during this great spell of conditions we have been experiencing here at Hookipa the last few weeks. Nothing beats a bunch of 4-6 foot swell with 4.7 wind after about 5 months of very small waves and it seemed not a single rippable ripple has gone un-ridden.

Its a brand new season being met with great enthusiasm here at Simmer so stay tuned as it all unfolds right here !!

-Flykatcher US 33 andPorcella reporting from Maui

Photo credits Jimmie Hepp

Alberto Menegatti Italian FW Champion

2010-09-27 00:00:00

After four days of racing in Numana, Italy, Alberto Menegatti ITA-4 won the 2010 Italian Formula Windsurfing Champion title. Menegatti dominated the racing, scoring 5 firsts and 2 seconds. Congratulations Alberto!! We caught up with Alberto for 5 quick questions:

How were the conditions during the last event in Numana?

We pretty much had all type of conditions, starting with with 9-11knots the first day, then dropping the second day to barely planning conditions. Then it picked up to a blasting 30 knots on the last day.

Which gear did you use?

I used all my Formula sails, from the12,3 on the first 2 days, out planning even the lightest guys! Then switching to 11,5when the wind got to 15 knots and going down to the 10,7 on the last day.

That together with my Starboard HWR and my Z fins made the job!!!!

What is your secret to going really fast inFW?

I was born as a FW (formula windsurfing) sailor and I practice a lot on this discipline in the past years, and even if in the very last year I haven't been racing that much in FW I still have the mind and the speed for it. I have a very good tuning and feeling with my gear that allows me to fly in all conditions!!

And, you're in Sylt now. How are theconditions for racing?

The conditions are there, even though it’ssuper cold and I'm not used to the cold weather, but I’m sure that tomorrow we are going to goin the water racing. It’s going to be very tactical and hard for racing, andevery decision will count. But I’m here ready for it, hoping to use my 9,5one more time!!!

What are your goals for this year, next yearand in the next five years?

The season is basically over, and it’s time to setgoals for the next season.

My goal is to step in the Top 10 in the PWA in the nextseason and to enter in the Top 5 in the next five years. Wanting to Climb alsoin the FW Ranking and to get stable into the very top positions.

Thanks Alberto!

GoPro race action with Kurosh Kiani

2010-09-22 00:00:00

About a week ago there was a historic event in Hvide Sande, Denmark just before the PWA worldcup in Klitmoller. A combined water sports event which included a long distance windsurfing race with some of the biggest names in windsurfing attending.

With 200 windsurfers and 100 kiters in the race it was action packed, and after the race Simmer's Kurosh Kiani found the time to do some cruising. He took his GoPro head cam to give everybody out there the feeling of how it is blasting around out there with your friends and guys like Antoine Albeau, Peter Volwater etc.

Check it out and enjoy!

WaterZ Hvide Sande GoPro from Kurosh Kiani on Vimeo.

West Kirby action

2010-09-21 00:00:00

Wednesday was a great day for British speed sailing with a big turn out and a big forecast. Although conditions weren't quite perfect angle wise and the wind could have been stronger, Farrel O'Shea and myself managed to peak at 48 knots. The sails are working really well; incredibly easy to sail with and amazingly quick. I'm sure we can go way faster if the conditions allow us. I can't wait for the next big day...

Check out the video.

Cheers,
Steve Thorp
www.stevethorp.co.uk
www.wavejam.co.uk
K4FINS.BLOGSPOT

Kirb48 from steve thorp on Vimeo.

Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup day #5

2010-09-21 00:00:00

After an epic PWA event in Klitmoller the Simmer team gathers in the company expo tent to sum up the nuking week, sign some posters for stoked fans and have a chat with the Simmer Chief Designer, Tomas Persson.

We hope to be back next year for more brutal North Sea action!

Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup day 3

2010-09-16 00:00:00

Day 3 in Klitmoller presented epic conditions, with cross-off perfection in the North Sea. The worlds best wave sailors fought their way along the double elimination ladder. Check out the Simmer teams pod cast.

Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup day 2

2010-09-15 00:00:00

Check yesterdays action at the Cold Hawaii World Cup in Klittmoller.

Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup day 1

2010-09-13 00:00:00

Kursoh Kiani takes a look around the event area at the Kia Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup in Klittmoller and talks to the Simmer team.

Get a signed poster

2010-09-09 00:00:00

Get a signed poster with Dario Ojeda, Klaas Voget or Jonas Ceballos at the Simmer expo tent at the KIA Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup in Denmark next week.

UK National Windsurfing Festival

2010-10-09 00:00:00

I've just got back from the National windsurfing festival held in Halying Island over the weekend. We had awesome conditions with sun and wind both days.
I won the freestyle competition and finished 3rd in the night windsurf... so a really good weekend for me... and a good first outing on my new Black tip 5.1!!

This event has fast become the biggest in the UK and this year was bigger and better. It had support from all the industry with stands showing off all their new 2011 kit. The new Simmer stuff looks awesome! It also had over 300 competitors competing in the day time master baster races, plus thousands of spectators coming to watch the windsurfing over the weekend.

All in all an awesome weekend and a top laugh.. can't wait for next year.

Cheers
Ben Proffitt K-800

www.thewetdream.co.uk

Jonas Ceballos massive backloop

2010-09-06 00:00:00

This is just another day at work for Simmer Stylist Jonas Ceballos. Next week Jonas will be in Klittmoller in Denmark for the second PWA wave event of the year, looks like he is ready to explode!

Kenneth Danielsen explodes in Klitmøller

2010-09-05 00:00:00

The world cup here in Klitmøller is soon to begin, and in 2 weeks time all the best windsurfers in the world is gathered here for the first ever PWA world cup on danish ground. The last couple of weeks provided some good conditions here in Klitmøller. I have been sailing as many days as possible on the “Reef” where the contest takes place, to be as well prepared as possible.

But this thursday we got a classic day in Hanstholm. It doesn't get any better than this in my opinion. Wind between 3.7 and 4.0 and around 2-4 meter waves. I got a day of from the “reef “ and sailed the whole day in Hanstholm, which provided some epic conditions.

Cheers,
Kenneth Danielsen

Foto/Credit : Casper and Timo

Thanks to my sponsors:
Simmer, RRD, MFC, Mystic, Ski Shop, PLASMA

Franciso Porcella at the Reunion Wave Classic

2010-09-02 00:00:00

I'm on the Reunion Island for the Reunion Wave Classic. We 've had some awesome conditions in Etang Sale' and hoping for more, I've been riding the new Mission 4.7 here in Reunion, but then its been getting really windy and going on 4.2 in Ravigne Blanche.

Check out the pics and video's from the competition at: www.reunionwaveclassic.com

Before coming to Reunion, Rudy Castorina and myself had a insane trip to Fiji!! We scored epic Cloud Break. Man, this is a world class wave. I got a opportunity to try out the new four batten Blacktip and it felt really good in these conditions. Rudy was on the Mission X and ripping.

Ciao,
Francisco Porcella I-69

Dario Ojeda movie

2010-09-01 00:00:00

?Simmer Style's Dario Ojeda E-211 shows of his bag of tricks in a new movie on his blog... Check it out.

http://darioe211.blogspot.com

Jonas Ceballos showcases the 2011 Mission X

2010-08-30 00:00:00

Jonas Ceballos E-40 needs no presentation, but the new 2011 Mission X does. So sit back and relax and let Jonas take you through the basic rigging and fine tuning.

Klaas Voget testing in Guincho

2010-08-17 00:00:00

Hi,
I’m in Guincho doing some testing. We’ve had some nice conditions from really light to super strong winds. Right now it’s calm, but in the next two days the wind should come up again... Attached some pictures of the windiest session. Photos by Bea

All the best,
Klaas Voget
www.klaasvoget.com

2011 Simmer flatwater video

2010-08-06 00:00:00

Simmer is proud to present our 2011 flatwater sail collection. Team captain Kai Katchadourian takes you through the range.

Klaas Voget German Wave Champion

2010-07-27 00:00:00

I'm just back from the final event of the German Championships on Sylt...
I finished second place in the event and won the tour and the German Champion title with this result in the Wave/Freestyle discipline, with Philip Köster finishing on a second place.

The new Blacktips work really nice in the shorebreak of Sylt. I'm looking forward to take them up to Klitmöller in the coming week...

All the best,
Klaas Voget G-4
www.klaasvoget.com

2011 Wavesails

2010-07-20 00:00:00

We are proud to announce the launch of our 2011 wavesails. Here’s a quick look at a few highlights for 2011.

REDUCED SWING WEIGHT
For 2011 we have reduced the weight above the stretch control tendon with approximately 10-15% all through the range. We have done this by using a lighter laminated film with multi directional fibres, laminated in four directions between a super thin and light scrim, it’s called Q-PLY. Furthermore all 2011 sails have a more compact top outline and have been updated with reduced diameter battens on the upper battens. All these design features combined provide a sail which feels lighter in your hands and is more responsive.

REDUCED DIAMETER BATTENS
We have employed the use of a reduced batten diameter, from 8.5 mm to 7.0 mm on the top batten. A part from reducing the swing weight this also as promotes a more energetic twist hence a livelier sail character.

LIVELIER CHARACTER
All 2011 Simmer wavesails have a more compact sail outline, this generates a more radical handling, better suited for the new boards, such as quadfins and twinsers with more rocker and a compact outline. To compensate the shorter luff, the two upper battens are positioned with a steeper angle, and as a result of this each sail has less surface in between the top batten and the luff. This effectively releases tension on top 1/3 of the mast, generating a far more livelier character.

POWER VS STABILITY/MANEUVERABILITY
The softer nature of the new Q-PLY provides a smoother twist while the Stretch Control System secures the shape in the bottom half of the sail. Considering that the stability and power of the sail in located in the bottom of the sail and the manoeuvrability in the top part of the sail, it is very beneficial to use a lighter material in upper half to create a sail with a lighter feel and better manoeuvrability.

WIDER SPACED X-PLY
We have introduced a new wider spaced X-Ply in the main body panels on ICON, for better visibility. Its is also 20% lighter than the X-Ply seen previously on the ICON.

4 BATTEN BLACKTIP
Tested and developed together with Klaas Voget, we are proud to present the four batten BLACKTIP. This will be the weapon of choice for Klaas Voget on the PWA tour this year.

Update from Jonas Ceballos

2010-07-15 00:00:00

Hello friends,
Straight after the PWA Pozo event, we had the Spanish Cup in Pozo this weekend. The conditions where pretty much the same as during the PWA event, but warmer and a bit gustier.

On Saturday we could finish the single elimination, I was sailing very consistent and was feeling super confident. But just before quarter finals I got a big cut under my foot and it was difficult to sail because my foot it was hurting so much, I was putting all my energy out there to keep going. Anyhow I made it into the final and meet my friend Victor Fernandez.

The conditions weren't really happening in the final and it was hard to find good waves, and my foot wasn't really helping either. Victor took the 1 st place in the final.

The level of the local young talents is incredible, young kids like Omar, José, Alessio, Moritz and Pablito who are absolutely ripping out there, these kids will soon be top names on the PWA tour - respect!

The following day we had the double elimination. I woke up the day after and my feet was not better and I was thinking to do not compete because I couldn't even do walk but the head judged push me to go just to try. The event doctor patched med together and I was able to hit the water!

On the semifinals I was against my friend and team mate Dario Ojeda who was climbing towards the semifinal, his sailing very consistent, beating all the young locals who was sailing amazing. I was sailing with a lot of pain in my foot in this heat but in a really close heat I got 3 judged decition for me and two for Dario, so I was able to keep my second place but i couldn't go sailing again in the final against Victor because I couldn't even walk.

Anyway I'm stoked with the second place and I just hope to get better to be ready for the next Spanish Cup that will take place in Tenerife next weekend.

From here I would like to congratulate Victor for wining and my team mate Dario for his 3rd place! And for sure congratulate all the new generation for their level, keep ripping....

Thanks to Richard Aleman for all the pictures and Jose Piña for the podium picture thanks a lot...

Final results.
1ºVictor Fernandez
2ºJonas Ceballos
3ºDario Ojeda

Saludos!

Jonas Ceballos E40
http://jonase40.blogspot.com
SPONSORS:
http://www.simmerstyle.com
http://www.mistral-boards.com
http://www.tecnolimits.com
http://www.umipictures.com

Yarden Meir Eilat video

2010-12-07 00:00:00

Hey everybody,
I'm back in Eilat and it's windy like hell since I arrived!!! I mean its Eilat so the winds are about 24 at the gusts but its my home spot and I missed it so much! haha...

It's super nice to be back home and sail with my friends... the wind is already blowing for 2 weeks... something that is not happening that often at this season... buttttttt I'm enjoying and training in some new moves.

Anyway, here's a video of some Eilat action, I hope you like the video.

Yarden Meir ISR-91

Eilat Summer 2010 from Adam Gavriel on Vimeo.

Dario Ojeda #3 in Pozo

2010-07-08 00:00:00

With his local knowledge and balls of steel, Dario Ojeda E-211 finished 3rd in today single elimination in the Pozo Grand Slam, taking down big names as team mate Jonas Ceballos, Mussolini and in the semi final Marcillo Browne.

Congratulations Dario!!

For more infomation check out: www.pwaworldtour.com

Katchadourian 3rd place at Pistol River

2010-06-21 00:00:00

After some major battles on the Oregon Coast, Simmer Team Captain Kai Katchadourian scored a 3rd place showing at the Pistol River Wave Bash. Smooth wave riding and tight jumps got him thru just about every heat he was in. Nat Gill was not far behind in 5th.

" Its been great to be up in Oregon with Simmer Riders like Nat, Nick Dudet, Mark Johnstone, Tom Burlingame, and Har Rai Khashla. The event had a great vibe plus the conditions and waves were really clean. Good to be back again for sure ! " -KK

Photo credit. Trudy Lary

Les Mouss updates from Costa Brava

2010-06-14 00:00:00

Hello everybody,
Just back to the 2nd PWA slalom event to Costa Brava, Spain, great week for us except still the light wind & medium conditions, we make nice races.
We are totally in our goal on this event and at the middle of year. We 're waiting now the next windy events to Canarias and Turkey, our smaller equipment go really fast too.

Costa Brava results :
Sylvain : 6th
Benoit : 7th

Overall results on this moment :
Dunkerbeck : 1st
Sylvain : 4th
Benoît : 9th

This week, we will be focus on our extreme sports event to Marseille, the forecast is really good for windsurfing and kitesurfing contests, included too, Worldcup skateboarding bowl series event, Sunset music festival, sky diving, Roller & Bikinni shows. All of you guys, are invited...

See you soon

Best of luck

Sylvain & Benoit Moussilmani

Edvan Souza 2nd in Greece

2010-06-13 00:00:00

Edvan Souza BRA-250 powers through the EFPT season with another top result, finishing 2nd at Milos Beach in Greece this weekend. Followed by team mates, Yarden Meir on an 5th place and Niklas Stralhen on a 9th. Next event up is Naxos.

Congrats Edvan!!

Bonifacio freestyle project

2010-05-27 00:00:00

Hey ya'all !!
After a long journey from Eilat I arrived to the beautiful island of Corsica. For the first days we didn't have any luck with the wind but finally yesterday it was ON !! The wind was side off so the water was super flat and there was a small sand bank about 200 meters off shore with a small wave breaking.

It was a great atmosphere during the hole competition and everyone was going off !! The water was packed with action, photographers and all the latest moves, it was off the wall. I'm super stoked about the event and happy with my result. I'll for sure be back next year !! Corsica rocks !!

#1. Adrian Beholz
#2. Antony Rueness
#3. Yarden Meir
#4. Thomas Traversa
5. Adrien Bosson

Here are some action from the event, enjoy and let loose the beast next time on the water !!

Aloha!
Yarden Meir ISR-91
http://yardenmeir.blogspot.com/

Kai Katchadourian in Finnish morning radio

2010-05-26 00:00:00

Simmer team captain Kai Katchadourian US-33 just blew up Finnish Radio airwaves this morning both the biggest stations full airtime on the morning shows.

Check it out !!!
http://areena.yle.fi/video/1008014

The Essaouira Wave Classic 2010

2010-05-25 00:00:00

Hi gang !
I just returned from Morocco where 4 Simmer team riders had a great showing in some
fun conditions at Moulay.

Franisco Fonseca,Yann Sorlut, Francisco Porcella, and myself all fought some hard battles. Fonseca was firing on all cylinders winning his round 3 heat with some polished wave riding. Sorlut and his team finished in second with Yann helping take that spot with his consistent riding. Porcella and I ended up in third position. I was stoked to win my last heat as it helped our team win that last round. We'll be going back there for sure, what a spot !!

Check out the video !

Aloha
Kai Katchadourian US-33

Andreas Olandersson S-66 Cape Town video

2010-05-21 00:00:00

Oi Oi Oi!! Bangers and mash!! Andreas Olandersson sure knows what he's doin'!
One thing is certain, he'll be a brutal force to be counted on, this season on the PWA wave tour.

Check out this footage of Olandersson and his mates from doing up the Cape in South Africa.

Film credits: Emil Hakansson

Jonas Ceballos latest Pozo action

2010-05-20 00:00:00

Here is a video from last Monday in Pozo. I just got a new watercam which I was experimenting with, you can get some pretty cool angles. Hope you like it!

Saludos
Jonas Ceballos E-40

More info: jonas40.blogspot.com

Max Rowe training video from Dahab

2010-05-20 00:00:00

Max Rowe (K-448) sent us his latest video filmed in Dahab and El Tur (Egpyt), where he was training before the first PWA event in Austria. Now, before his next freestyle event, which will be the PWA freestyle event on Lanzarote, he is going to Vassiliki, Greece and will train hard there. Check it out!!

Kurosh checks out the opening ceremony in Korea

2010-05-20 00:00:00

Here's a update from Kurosh Kiani from the opening ceremony in South Korea,Jinha Beach. Kurosh reveals:

“Josh Angulo and myself decided to take a look around at what isgoing on around the opening ceremony at Jinha beach, and give everybodyout there an insight of how things happen at PWA events, and of courseget ourselves psyched up for the racing on the upcoming days.” Well done boys!

Korea, Ulsan slalom worldcup intro from Anguloboards.com on Vimeo.

Klaas Voget in BMW racing event

2010-05-11 00:00:00

Just after my return from Maui I was invited to join a press event of the formula BMW racing series in Valencia. Those cars are quite similar to formula 1 cars, just a little smaller. A bit tired I got into the plane the day after my arrival with a 12hr jetlag and not too much sleep. But once I saw the cars waiting in the pitlane of the Valencia race track, i was 100% awake.

First day everyone got their car, seat, suit and shoes, second day was a full day of learning and training with some worldclass racing instructors and the Nr.1 newcomer of the tour. After some shifting lessons and theory courses the instructors opened the track for free practice sessions. It was amazing! The excelleration is unbelievable, from zero to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds, going with 200km/h towards the next turn. It felt a bit unreal, like being part of a computer game, bit more dangerous tho... It’s quite hard work to drive these cars, there is no power steering or break support, and you need to be 100% concentrated all the time. Also shifting gears is not just pushing a button, there is a manual shift, a clutch, and a special technique to not block the wheels in the turns and spin.

Three participants of the group span into the gravel, but nothing serious happened... The drive to the german island of Rügen the next morning for the Big Days contest felt a bit like slowmotion!

Here some of the shots (I’m Nr. 10)...

All the best,
Klaas Voget G-4
www.klaasvoget.com

Ben Proffitt K-800 Cape Town video

2010-05-10 00:00:00

Ben Proffitt K-800 takes on Cape Town feb/march 2010.

Enyoy!

Supremesurf Big Days 2010

2010-05-10 00:00:00

It's was a Simmer show down in the final at the Supremesurf Big Days in Germany last Thursday. Upcoming star, Kenneth Danielsen D-38 and world #4 Klaas Voget G-4 presented their best performance with massive one-handed backloops, taka's, double forwards. But in the end Kenneth had a better heat and claimed the crown.

Kenneth reveals, “ It was almost 10 hours of travelling from Klitmöller to here, butit really had paid off. A great contest. I’m super happy that I have won! “

Congratulations Kenneth!

Result:
1. Kenneth Danielsen
2. Klaas Voget
3. Lars Gobisch
4. Philip Köster
5. Matze Bade

Check out the video.

Supremesurf Big Days from Supremesurf on Vimeo.

Klaas Voget's last days at Hookipa

2010-03-05 00:00:00

Just on my way back from Maui, on a stopover in San Francisco... I took some watershots with Victor couple days ago... Pretty small, but good fun! The waves got smaller and smaller in the last week.

All the best,
Klaas Voget
www.klaasvoget.com

Jakub Kosmowski's Tarifa training

2010-04-27 00:00:00

-It's already half way through my training time in Tarifa. Until now we have really different conditions. First week was something that Tarifa didn't see in a long time. Levante wind blew up to 67 knots. Well, 90 liters freestyle board and a smallest sail like 4.0 is not the best choice but when the wind dropped a little bit I could go in a straight line.

Second week was a little bit more close to what we are used to. Most of the time I was using my 4.5 and a 5.1 sails. Now we are going to the second half of the trip and hopefully the wind is back cause last few days we had only waves.

My scheduled arrival in Poland is for the 27th of April but I don't know if I can go back to Poland if the whole cloud situation in Europe stays on. This is not the best option because the first event in Podersdorf starts on the 30th of April.

All the best,
JakubKosmowski POL-1288

Dario Ojeda E-211 video

2010-04-20 00:00:00

Check Dario Ojeda E-211 scoring a nice lightwind day with starboardtack at Las Salinas, Pozo.

Dario's blog>>

Rudy Castorina scores Jaws

2010-04-19 00:00:00

That day until now turn out to be the closing session for the Pe'ahi season, Hawaiian name of the little bay across from Jaws. I flew in the night before from the Caribbean, as i arrived, still sleepy from the plane, i check my local voicemail and had a message from my friend:

" Tomorrow should be good for Peahi !! Let's go !! Are you into it???

Allright lets see what it looks like, but for sure !!! "

The next day here we are, rigging on the ski with at least 30 knots, Huge chops, and my 4.7 mission X downhauled to the max. Rigging on the jetski in those conditions, is a Mission !!! Some waves were just huge chops that even my jaws board coudn't handle, in between those it was possible to find some clean faces. It turn out to be a session of good drops, and not much waveriding, but always so much thrill and so much fun !!!

I was happy to be back at home straight into action !!!

Aloha
Rudy Castorina

Kiani tuning up in Maui

2010-04-16 00:00:00

Maui has been firing for slalom the last few weeks. I have sailed significantly less waves and totally “slalomed” it out. Every single sail in the SCR range has been out getting worked. After spending around a week on 5,5 and 6,2, the wind let go a bit and let me spend some time on the 7,0 and 7,8 in medium winds. And the last few days have given me the chance to play around with my 8,6 and 9,5 in pretty light winds.

The significant difference of the SCR sails is the low end “GRUNT” giving you acceleration out of the jibes, down a wave, up a wave, just whenever. While still holding on super powered, you feel how the sail does the work for you with new light top materials and general lighter feeling. I just love them.

I have turned my attention more towards jibing now and real life racing situations. With about a month to go for the first PWA worldcup in Korea, it is time to bring in other facts than just blasting out and in. With a mobile course consisting of whatever I found in the supermarket, I now have buoys on the water racing with the guys here. And I can tell some hours are getting clocked on the water. With a training log that says over 80 hours on the water, I feel the form coming and slowly getting prepared for the season.

The forecast still looks good, but I am now going to rest a bit and do some wavesailing before I start on the last part of my training on Maui. When that is finished, it is back to Denmark to sail a bit in the lakes for some more lightwind training.
All I can say is that I feel I have the right tools to make things happen out there, so I am just super psyched to get out there racing.

Check some photo´s from my daily training here on Maui, and you will see how much attitude the new SCR´s throw on the water.

Greetings from Maui
Kurosh Kiani

Kurosh Kiani's blog>>>

Dario Ojeda E-211 video

2010-04-14 00:00:00

Pozo has been on fire the last couple of weeks and Dario Ojeda E-211 has been there to get the action. Check out the video!!

Klaas Voget at Hookipa

2010-04-13 00:00:00

Here are some photos from todays action at Ho'okipa. We are scoring some really nice conditions here in the moment and another massive swell is on it’s way.

All the best from Maui,
Klaas Voget G-4

www.klaasvoget.com

Thanks to Femke Geestmann for the photos.

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION EUROPE JOINS CHIA CLASSIC

2010-04-13 00:00:00

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION EUROPE HAS DECIDED TO BE PARTNER OF CHIA CLASSIC, A GREAT COMPETITION PRO-AM OF WATER SPORTS FROM MAY 2TH TO 8TH 2010

Chia, Sardinia, March 2010,

Surfrider Foundation Europe” – a non profit
organization, dedicated to defending, saving, improving and managing in a
sustainable manner the ocean, coastline, waves and the people who enjoy
them – will be partner of the 20th edition of Chia Classic from 2th to 8th of
May.

Organized by the Italian sport and cultural association Wave Sardegna,
this great competition will gather professionals and amateurs around different
water sports such as Surf, Windsurf, Kitesurf and Sand-up Paddling.

" For the 20 years anniversary of the Chia Classic, I would like to do an

International event PRO-AM. The invited PROs will play for the

SARDINIA WATERMAN trophy and will be able to move in different sides of

Cagliari Province. The amateurs will play for the equipment and for the glory

of the CHIA CLASSIC. They will be divided in ‘age group’, from kids to

Grand Masters. They can use the equipment provided or use their own.

Disciplines listed are: Surfing (Longboard, shortboard, body-board),

Windsurfing (slalom, free style and natural Course, Old Windsurfer team

Racing and Match Race), Kitesurf (Natural Course), Stand up paddling

(Wave and Slalom). One thing is for sure: Everybody is going to enjoy the

beauty of Sardinia and will be playing together after 6 pm, at the parties and

exhibits in the old Windsurfer spirit ”, says Pietro Porcella, president of Wave

Sardegna.

On Saturday 8th, 9.30, the final day of the event will start with a big beach
cleanup organised by Surfrider Foundation with the help of Wave Sardegna.
Surfrider will provide tools and pedagogic materials in order to raise
awareness about the macro-waste issue. This cleanup is organised in the
framework of the Surfrider Cleanups that gather several thousands of
people each year across the world.

Such a partnership focuses on this fact: water-activity practitioners are the
first to notice the coastal pollutions. Indeed, more and more surfers are
seeing their playing field damaged by macro-wastes. That’s why
Surfrider Foundation Europe collaborates with Wave Sardegna to display this
message:

HELP US KEEP THE OCEAN CLEAN!

More information about:
www.surfrider.eu
www.initiativesoceanes.org
Chia Classic>>

Calle Nyberg at Hookipa

2010-04-12 00:00:00

Simmer's videographer, Calle Nyberg took the opportunity in between shoots to tear it up at Ho'okipa. He's got some Polakow-style aerial action happening.

Nice one Calle!

Klaas Voget at Hookipa

2010-03-30 00:00:00

Klaas Voget G-4 just arrived from Chile to score a massive swell at Hookipa.

Gear: 4.7 ICON / RDM 10 / Blackline boom.

Photo: Femke Geestmann

Yarden Meir ISR-91 training in Dahab

2010-03-23 00:00:00

Here's a bunch of good lookin'moves from the energizer, Yarden Meir ISR-91 getting steamed up for the upcoming EFPT season. At only 18, Yarden finished his first year on the EFTP tour 7th. Things are looking good for the young freestyler expert.

Keep it up Yarden!

Yarden Meir Dahab 2010 from yarden Meir on Vimeo.

Kurosh Kiani raports from Maui training

2010-03-19 00:00:00

I have been on Maui for a bit more than a week now, and it has just been a good startup. I came over here with all the new SCR sails all of them brand new and never unwrapped. After a week of sailing, nearly all the sails have been on the water and I can just say that i am happy for them.

I started off with two days of high wind action sailing with maxed 5,5. It was kind of hard coming from a winter break and jumping directly into nuking conditions, but now it just seems like easy cruising sailing with the bigger sails.

The next few days, I had the 6,2 on the water. It instantly became my favorite sail as i could feel the smooth power transforming into acceleration when sailing. Not bad!. And as always, handling and camber rotation was not an issue here. One new addition is the light technora top which makes the sail feel light in your hands especially when sailing in choppier conditions.

Then some days of smoother winds made it possible to sail with 7,0 and 7,8. Last year the 7,8 was my favorite sail, and now I get the same feeling, just with that smooth accelerating feeling that you just love in the sail.
Since then the 7,0 has been my most used sail, and testing against other guys shows that this and all the sail sizes are well competitive with good speed and acceleration.

I am looking forward to more testing on the new SCR sails during the next many weeks.

Aloha!
Kurosh Kiani

Dario Ojeda interview

2010-03-18 00:00:00

We took a moment to chat with Pozo local Dario Ojeda (E-211), who finished 5th at the PWA Pozo Grand Slam this year. A heavy name on the tour, and a true force to be counted with on the Simmer International team.

When and why did you start windsurfing?
I was surfing before I started sailing, when i was 11, thanks to my dad, he decided to start a windsurf course in the south of the island where we were living…

How many days do you go windsurfing in a year?
If you mean surfing I go everyday if it’s good waves in the winter then when it’s windy I go windsurfing.

What are your favourite conditions? And your favourite boards and sails?
I like all kind of conditions, but I don’t like when it’s small and cold. I prefer a good size and warm places all my boards works good so the rave twin fin in any size and same with the sails, Simmer Icons, for Pozo I my favorite sizes is 4.2 and the 78 rave.

Describe your Big Day, the one you’ll never forget.
I had couple of big days, one of then in Fuerteventura, in La Caleta years back and then in the north of the Gran Canaria.

Where is your home spot? Do you have any tips for your spot?
All around Gran Canaria but Pozo most of the time. No tips just be ready for hardcore winds.

Which is your favourite overseas spot?
Hookipa, Cape verde, Indo.

In your opinion, which are the most important skills needed to be a windsurfer?
In the beginning just a bit of patience and then certainty, like in any other sport.
Before running you have to learn how to walk.

What kind of training do you do outside of the water?
Thaiboxing and mix martial arts…

The first step in learning to jump is to overcome the fear of executing a forward loop … could you describe the sensations and feelings of your first forward loop?
I learned to forward before i knew how to jibe, I just asked how I have to do to try a loop, went to the water and first chop went for it.

What does windsurfing mean for you?
It’s my life, It’s everything for me, it’s a my way to be free.

What don’t you like when you’re in the water?
Too many people and when people don’t respect the rules.

What is the most beautiful thing that windsurfing has brought into your life?
A way to keep you out of the bad life and many joyful moments plus many friends and thanks to windsurfing I have seen half of the world.

So to finish off, is there anything you would like to say to the readers?
If you windsurf never stop doing it.
if you don’t, start windsurfing will bring you freedom and happiness.

Thanks Dario!

Stay tuned in with Dario's latest @ www.darioe211.blogspot.com

Calle Nyberg on Maui

2010-03-17 00:00:00

Simmer's dedicated film photographer, Calle Nyberg caught on the opposite side of the lens at Hookipa last week. Looking good Calle!

Sail. Mission / Board. Fanatic TW

Photo. Gisela Helenius

Ben Proffitt K800 back on the water!!

2010-03-15 00:00:00

Back on the water!!.

Well for a week anyway... then i ended up splitting the kipper again!!

That's got to be my best week of the trip so far... well it was windy, wavey and I wasn't injured.. well not that injured anyway!!

We also had a big team effort on the video front, with all the house taking it in turn to film... top effort boys!!

I wasn't at full, full power but the conditions were fun and we managed to get some pretty good stuff... so I might be able to make a mini movie from capetown this year!! ...well we'll see i'm just going through the footage now.. not holding my breath!!

All the action is pretty much from 'Little Britian' (most northern car park at Sunset) I much prefer it there as it can be pretty good for jumping and the riding is usually smoother!

Like I said; I had about week of sailing and was really starting to get back into it... and although I could feel my Gooch (groin) it wasn't getting worse!!

That was until I got a bit carried away and started doing a bit of freestyle... yes, freestyle.. don't ask!!!

Anyway I went for a 'toad' off this little wave and over cooked it!! The result was me landing full speed but with my back foot out the strap!!! Trust me, I couldn't have done it worse if i tried... as my foot got dragged behind and it totally split my kipper!!! OOOuuuchhhh... it made a noise that you could hear from the beach... shortly followed by me swearing about how much of a penis I was for trying the stooopid move. Which i imagine you could have heard back in England!!! ....I'm such a tool sometimes!!!

So that was it.. back to camera duty for me and another couple of weeks on the sidelines!!! Gutted.. especially as I'm nearing the end of my trip and I have to get pics!!

cheers
Ben
http://www.thewetdream.co.uk

ICON wins Boardseekers graphics poll

2010-03-14 00:00:00

We are proud to announce that for the second year in a row and with over 5000 votes counted the ICON has been nominated the best looking wavesail of 2010 by Boardseekermag's readers.

Since firstly introduced back in 2006 the ICON has probably claimed more titles than Cassius Clay did back in his days. Most recently #1 in Boardseekers 4.7 wavesail test, #1 in Windsurfers 2010 and #1 in Windsurfers Jahrbuch.

So it's simple folks: if you want the best, there is only one choice - ICON

Check out the graphic poll @ http://www.boardseekermag.com

Chia Classic -THE SARDINIA WATERMAN trophy

2010-03-11 00:00:00

" For the 20 years anniversary of the Chia Classic,I would like to do an International event PRO-AM. The invited PROs will play for the prize money of the SARDINIA WATERMAN trophy. The amateurs will play for the equipment and for the glory of the CHIA CLASSIC. They will be divided in 'age group', from kids to Grand Masters. They can use the equipment provided or use their own.

Disciplines listed are:
1) Surfing (Longboard, shortboard, bodyboard)
2) Windsurfing (slalom, free style and natural Course,Old Windsurfer team Racing and Match Race)
3) Kitesurf (Natural Course)
4) Stand up paddling (Wave and Slalom).
One thing is for sure: Everybody is going to enjoy the beauty of Sardinia and will be playing together after 6 pm, at the parties and exibith in the old Windsurfer spirit".
See you in Chia,

Pietro Porcella
President Wave Sardegna.

Registration + Informations:
pietroporcella@libero.it WAVE SARDEGNA tel.+39-3356560789 in USA 808-2053056
mircobabini@tin.it I LENTISCHI surfing club tel. +39-3357015959

ACCOMODATIONS
Special prices in the luxury Hotel Torre where obtained by Wave Sardegna for the partecipants of the Chia Classic if they reserve and pay by April 15th

TARIFFE
HOTEL
Double bd/use single
Double bd/ per person
Triple bd/ per person
Torre
€ 90
€ 65
€ 60

CONDITIONS
Rooms are limited. Prices are in Euro, with VAT 10% and breakfast included. Rooms has to be paied through Wave Sardegna by April 15th.

AIRPORT TRANSFER
Transfer from and to Cagliari airport can be obtained by the Chia Laguna Resort or Wave Sardegna.
www.chialagunaresort.com
www.sportestremi.blog.tiscali.it
www.wavesardegna.it

Registration + Informations:
pietroporcella@libero.it WAVE SARDEGNA tel.+39-3356560789
mircobabini@tin.it I LENTISCHI surfing club tel. +39-3357015959

Klaas Voget reports from Chiles post-quake chaos

2010-03-02 00:00:00

We are all right, in Santiago since yesterday. The earthquake was absolutely
frightening. I was alone in a house in Matanzas that is sitting on quite a
steep hill. Victor was arriving at the evening in Santiago and wanted to
come down to Matanzas the next morning. Robby Swift and his girlfriend Heidi
were in a house 300m away from me. Around 3:30 in the night i woke up, as my
bed was sliding around the room and i realized the earthquake. It took me
three seconds to have my hand on the door handle of the front door, but i had
the doors locked. The house started to shake in all directions like a bull
that just wants to throw you off. It was cracking and i heard glass
exploding in the living room. From second to second it got stronger and
stronger while i was hectically trying to stick the right key into the lock of
the shaking door in the darkness. There was a moment when i realized that
this could be the end, as a concrete wall of the house cracked and a part of
the houses structure got disconnected and was flapping and hitting the side
of the house. The power of this earthquake was just unbelievable. After a
minute i managed to unlock the door and flew out onto the road, shivering
from the adrenaline...

I ran over to Robby and Heidi who were also outside their house with the
eyes and mouth wide open. From the village down in the bay we heard people
screaming and saw cars coming up the hill. Just a minute later we saw the
wave going through the bay in the moonlight. It was a mass of whitewater
that didn't even look that scary from the hill, but a little later people
came running up the hill under shock with wet clothing that was ripped in
pieces and injuries in their faces. With the first light we saw the
destruction. There was no electricity and no reception for the cellphone...
The wave destroyed some of the buildings in the bay completely. Cars got
washed out to sea and the main road is just filled with black sand and all
kind of things from the houses. The road going north is blocked by a huge
landslide. The water went out of the bay and filled up again a few times
during the day. Also we had around 100 more or less strong aftershocks
during the next day and night making it impossible for us to rest or sleep.
Every time the houses started cracking and moving in unpredictable
directions... A lot of the people slept outside or in tents the next night.

Yesterday in the morning also the water supply broke down and we decided to
make our way to Santiago to get water, food, petrol and a power generator
for us and the people of Matanzas. Lots of the bridges are down, which
turned the drive to Santiago into a longer journey, as we couldn't take the
usual route. Santiago seems to be less affected be the earthquake, but also
Victor reported us from his scary experience in the 6th floor of a
22-stories building and a huge panic everywhere. Tomorrow we'll drive back
to Matanzas to bring water, help and with the cleanup and start fixing the
houses...

Robby's brother David has set up a donation account to help to rebuild the
infrastructure for the friendly local people of Matanzas. We hope the
windsurf world can help to give something back to the warm welcome the
windsurfers from around the world always experience by the locals here.

Here the link: http://www.justgiving.com/ChileEarthquakeResponse

We hope water and electricity will be back soon.

Best regards from Chile,
Klaas Voget

Steve Thorp K-4 #1 of the 2010 GPS ranking!!!

2010-03-02 00:00:00

Equipped with SC Race English speed freak, Steve Thorp K-4 maxed out a 47.4 Knot max and a 44.27 five times 10 second average on Friday, which puts him top of the 2010 world GPS ranking!!

Congrats Steve, great speeds mate!!

See Steve's full story at: www.stevethorp.co.uk

Cold water action in Catolonia

2010-02-25 00:00:00

Here's a winter report from Catalonia, Spain from our favorite local ripper, Matteo Muraro. 35 knots, blue sky's and 2 degree's warm, or cold how ever you choose to see on it. Matteo says he was stoked to be able to sail with hoodie, gloves but no booties. Spring is around the corner in South of Europe.

Thanks for the pics Matteo.

Photo credits. Josep Ciber_99

Stefan Gobisch scores Taranaki

2010-02-25 00:00:00

Armed with bright new ICON's, our German Simmer team rider and experienced windsurf traveler, Stefan Gobisch is off exploring the Taranaki region on the north island of New Zealand and scoring some awesome conditions.

Keep updated on Stefan's adventurous on: www.stefangobisch.de

You can also find pics and travel stories from Stefan at:
www.stehsegelrevue.com
www.dailydose.de (quick pic)
www.windsurfersmag.de
www.windsurfersmag.de

Simmer troops going mental in Cape Town

2010-02-24 00:00:00

Simmer Style's finest Andreas Olandersson S-66 (yellow ICON) and Ben Proffitt K-800 (orange ICON) are going mental in Cape Town. Check out the mean machine Olandersson blowing off steam with some major tweakage at Sunset Beach riding his 4.2 ICON and Fanatic twinfin 79 l. And hell charger Proffitt skying over Melkbos Beach with his 4.0 in small surf.

We are proud to have these fine young gents on our team!

Thanks to Adela Frola for the pics

Keep up with the latest action:
Olandersson: www.s-66.com
Proffitt: www.thewetdream.co.uk

Kai Katchadourian's Big Monday at Ali Baba's

2010-02-22 00:00:00

Simmer team captain, Kai Katchadourian US-33 sums up the action packed week on Cabo Verde and reveals the wave of a lifetime at Ali Baba´s.

Thanks to Kurosh Kiani for filming and editing.

Kai Katchadourian wave of life from Kurosh Kiani on Vimeo.

ICON 4.7 testwinner in Boardseekermag.com

2010-02-18 00:00:00

Overall Impression
Last year, the Icon was a favourite amongst our Clones and it remains the same for 2010. The sail retains all the great traits of last years model, whilst being slightly softer in feel this year, slightly more forward pulling and lighter in the hands. On the beach, the sail offers good tunability (for different feel and conditions), but once tuned and on the water, the Icon still performs through the widest range of conditions, with a reassuringly stable and powerful feel. - Boardseekermag

View the complete review: http://www.boardseekermag.com

Tom Malina Cape Town update

2010-02-17 00:00:00

My Cape Town time is gone. I spent over 9 weeks over there full of sailing and training for the upcoming PWA season. Even if the wind and waves were little bit strange this year I had a great time as usual. Lots of wave sailing and jumping with my Simmer team mates at usual spots as Melkboos or Sunset with couple fantastic sessions at Elandsbaai and Paternoster and two big days with mast high waves in Big Bay. My favorite wave sail of the Cape Town mission was definitely 4.7 ICON.
When there were not conditions for wave I have been sailing slalom or speed mostly on the Rietvlei lake, Langebaan or on the open sea. I took part in couple competitions as well where I took 2nd place in a slalom event and 3rd place in a speed event. Most of the time I was using 7.0 racing sail for the slalom and 6.3 for the speed. Good practice and start for 2010. I have to say that for me is Cape Town like a second home and this year didn't disappoint me again. Best place during the European winter where you can sail, improve your skills, chill out from the racing stress and recharge your batteries for the upcoming season.

Best wind,
Tom Malina CZE-109

The El Nino winter of 09-10!!

2010-02-03 00:00:00

Sorry its been so long, Captain Kai and I have been kinda busy. After the best two windsurf months in recent memory in Oct-Nov, we have had 20 to 30 foot back to back swells for the last two months, Thanksgiving and Christmas included ! Armed to the teeth with Mission X and all the necessary toys, we were there at Peahi for the swell of the decade Dec 7, bagging some serious bombs and witnessing massive insanity on levels unprecedented. There has never been a dull moment, so take a look at some highlights of Kai and Francisco's big adventures !!

Stay tuned there are sure to be some shots in the mags as well.

Aloha!
Francisco Porcella I-69

Photos by Thouard, Westerback, Shimi

Pic #1: Francisco Porcella having a VERY VERY Happy Thanksgiving
Pic #2: Nice view of Jaws.....Francisco tows Kai into bomb !
Pic #3: Francisco on a solid left at Jaws
Pic #4: Team Captain Kai Katchadourian at Ho´okipa
Pic #5: Francisco and Kai armed and ready

Kenneth Danielsen D-38 training in Cape Town

2010-02-02 00:00:00

I´ve been down in Cape Town for about three weeks now, and the plan is to stick around until end of March to have enough time to prepare for the upcoming PWA season. Last year was my first year on the tour, so with that experience I´m feeling more motivated and focused in how to train and prepare, not at least which gear to use and how to get it ready for competition.

The conditions down here have been really good, with solid swell almost every day and a few days with really pumping waves. Normally January is super windy, but this year the wind has been lacking a bit, but when it has been windy we´ve had some epic days on the water.

A few of the top guys have been down here training this winter, Klaas Voget, Victor Fernandez, Marcillio Browne and a few other of the Fanatic team riders, testing new boards. Most of the top British riders are here, Ben Proffitt, Hancock and my PLASMA team mate Phil Horrocks. Also some of the really good freestyle sailors are here, Antxon Otaegui, Steven van Broeckhoven and Phillip Solttyslak. PLASMA team captain, Robert Sand came by for 18 days, so we had some good days sailing together.

Cape Town is the place to be right now if you want to train with the top wave sailors, it´s super motivating!

To be continued...

Cheers,
Kenneth Danielsen D38

Simmer, RRD, MFC, Mystic, Skishop, PLASMA

Photo credits: Robert Sand

Yarden Meir schredding up Eilat

2010-01-28 00:00:00

Finally, after one month without wind here in Eilat, I am super amped to get back on the water training!! Just geared up with the new Fanatic 100 and 110 liter freestyle boards which are super fast and poppy just the way i like it. And the new Blacktip which is really sick, fast and direct with your actions . Combined I´m feeling really balanced on my new gear and can´t wait to get back on the EFPT tour this season .

Here is some action shots from today! Njoy :D

All the best,
Yarden Meir ISR-91

Tom Malina CZE-109 2nd in WSA

2010-01-24 00:00:00

The final event of WSA windsurfing tour took place from 21st till 24th of January in Langebaan, South Africa. With over 40 riders competing in slalom and wave disciplines and some well known names as Ben V.D.Steen or Hennie Bredenkamp on the starting line it seemed to be pretty tough race for me at the beginning of the season. First day we managed to finish four races with the wind between 15-25knt. Format of the course was 2 laps of typical “8” with total length of 6km. I used my 7.0 SC Race which I feel comfortable and fast on in this kind of conditions. I finished all races on 2nd place just behind Ben who was pretty fast as well and it was pretty hard to beat him especially on the straight line.

Even if the forecast was not looking good for the rest of the event we did 3 more races on Saturday with the wind just above 12knt. 9km long downwind course made this races even more tough then the other day and more difficult for me as I had to race with the 7.0 again because it is my biggest sail here in SA. Reminding me my old times in Olympic windsurfing I was pumping almost from the start to finish, but it paid off I finished 2nd overall and I'm pretty happy about that. Good warm up for the upcoming PWA season.

Tom Malina CZE-100

Results available on www.windsurfingafrica.org

Pics by Liz Metcalfe (capessesions.com) and Mike

Klaas Voget tearing up Haakgat

2010-01-15 00:00:00

After the first days of tuning my gear with proper waves, my new sails finally got the ultimate test in the biggest waves of the season. Haakgat was fireing with almost double mast high sets and wind for my 4.2 ICON. It was pretty choppy on the biggest ones, but still a lot of fun. The gear is definitely strong, as i took a few of those bombs on the head without any problems. Looking forward to some more of this, the next swell is already on it’s way...

All the best,
Klaas Voget G-4
www.klaasvoget.com

Photo credits: pic 1-5 Ingo/windsurfers.de and pic 6-9 Caitlin

Words from Ben Proffitt

2010-01-07 00:00:00

Happy New Year!!
Perfect... first mag of the year and I'm on the front cover... sweeeeeet!! Not exactly Polakow... but I'll take it!! haha...

Just to let you know I've been in Namibia for the last 2 weeks so updates have ground to a halt... but I've just got back to Cape Town and the conditions are looking sick for the next week.?So you can look forward to some regular updates from now on... it also helps as we have a man down and he's keen to get the camera out!!??...also stay tuned for the Namibian road trip story.. with pics... lots of pics!!!
haha... it was a top laugh, with some cool people and we even scored Elands bay on the way home for a sweet surf... which was perfect end!! ....Anyway more about that later!!

Cheers,
Ben Proffitt K-800
www.thewetdream.co.uk

Greetings from the Moussilmani brothers

2010-01-07 00:00:00

Hello everybody,
We are just back to South Africa, we have had a nice condition for training and spend some time to discover this beautiful country.

We finished the R&D of Simmer slalom sails and tested already our new stuff, new Starboard boards, new Deboichet fin, new Simmer sails SCR and new Oxbow wetsuits, really enjoy about it.

We wish you all a happy and prosperous new year of 2010!

All the best
Sylvain and Benoit Moussilmani

Klaas Voget G-4 joins Simmer

2010-01-04 00:00:00

It’s a pleasure to introduce the radically versatile German sensation Klaas Voget G-4 to our International Simmer Style team. Klaas joins a welcoming squad and will assume a starting role immediately. Klaas was born in Aurich, Northern Germany and began to windsurf in 1992. Over his career he has balanced top results with inspiring explorative travel to almost all the corners of the earth. He can adapt to any environment and always goes out no matter how big, scary or cold it is. When it comes down to it Voget is one of those guys that just loves to windsurf, and he does so at the top level. Klaas’s sail of choice is the Icon and it seems only natural that he chooses Icon to cover his need for a versatile and powerful sail that will adapt to all the environments an elite travelling professional, such as Simmer’s Klaas Voget, encounters.

Chief Designer, Tomas Persson, flew into Hamburg on the 23rd to sign with Klaas and arm him with gear for his upcoming winter training in South Africa. With years of design and research experience Klaas will be working hands on with Tomas on the new Icon. They had this to say:

Tomas - “ I have been watching Klaas closely for the past few years and have been highly impressed with his progression and professional manner both on and off the water. He is one of the most focused professional sailors out there, and with an outstanding understanding of product development Klaas’s energy, experience and go for it attitude will echo into our products. Besides this, he is also a top guy and a fantastic ambassador for our sport. It is with great pleasure that we welcome Klaas to our team! “

Klaas - “ I’m stoked about my signing with Simmer. Just like my boardsponsor, Fanatic, Simmer has always been focused on the performance of their equipment and it feels great that I’ll be part of this process with Simmer. The people behind the brand are like minded, motivated, professional, forward thinking and I’m sure we’ll work well together - a meeting of minds if you like. I’m looking forward to the upcoming weeks of testing and tuning my gear for the new season! “

Welcome to the International Simmer Team!!

Pic 1 & 2: Tomas Persson and Klaas Voget
Pic 3: Ralf Radtke (TT-Project), Tomas Persson, Klaas Voget and Ron Nagorsnik (TT-Project)

Alberto Menegatti No1 in the FW World Ranking

2009-12-01 00:00:00

15 races came with the event in Fortaleza. We raced from medium to strong Wind, using mostly my 10,9 and sometimes the 9,9.

Great venue, sometimes gusty but everyday windy, allowed the organizer of the event to set every hour one race, making this one of the Best Spot to compete.

The event started with lots of names, and the top 2 at the World Championship, Steve Allen and Wojtek Brzozowki starting as the favorites. With the race going on, the light turned into an other direction with Alberto Menegatti and Gabriel Browne taking the lead and the fight for the Top 2 places of the competition. One day to the end Alberto was on the lead with 13 races done, with Gabriel that anyhow menage on the last day to secure victory of the event with great Racing.

“ I had most of the times amazing speed, that allowed me to fight for victory till the last race, able to recover also when had a bad start or something was going wrong. I made few mistakes that cost me a lot, specially on the first day of the event, where after leading the event with a big gap i took the wrong course and lost it or the last day where i stopped in a hole for over 15 seconds. I’m stoked anyway on the result i had and specially on my speed that i got thanks to my toys 11,8 10,9 9,9able to fly in all conditions ” - Alberto Menegatti ITA 4

At the end of the year, Alberto Menegatti is No 1 of the Formula Windsurfing World Year Ranking. Next World Championship is in Argentina at the end of March. For more infomation at the FW World Tour visit: http://www.formulawindsurfing.org/news.php?id=1692

Speed - Flow - Power

2009-11-28 00:00:00

Wise words of Ozzy windsurfer Scotty McKercher. These 3 ingredients ‘Speed, flow and power’ totally guide me through my moves. Whether it is a jump, a wave ride or anything else to perform. Without the speed you are no where to continue your motions. The flow means to me; to go with what ever the wave or the moment allows you to do. The power is your personal power, your strength and the will power to go for it a 100%. This bottom turn (see pic) felt good. I remember ‘laying it down’ and I recognized myself getting my ‘groove back’. Good feelings, and good times. For sure a day to remember: Great waves, good solid winds, amped sailors (preparing for Jaws that will brake tomorrow!), big smiles and Dan watching me sail and taking this picture!

- Anne-Marie Reichman H-98

My toys of joy today were:

Simmer Sail Mission X (4.2)
Starboard Kode ’68.
DaKine 'chick' harness 2010

Andreas Olandersson in West Oz

2009-11-27 00:00:00

After a season of injuries behind me I´m finally back in full force, more motivated than ever! And what better way to kick of the training season than with a road trip in Western Australia. We´ve been cruising up and down the coast, following the weather patterns for the past month or so, scoring some mental conditions!!! Everything from perfect down the line sailing in mast high conditions to high wind jumping. Western Australia provides some of the best training grounds in the world this time of the year. It´s our last week here and the forecast is looking good. So folks, it´s on!!!!!

I´ve been on the new 2010 ICON´s and I just received the new Simmer RDM10. The rig feels super light and lively besides this I´ve taken some massive beatings and come out smelling like roses.

Next stop is Cape Town for 3 months high wind jumping boot camp. Stay tuned for the latest updates on my website, www.s-66.com

Word!
Andreas Olandersson S-66

Jonas Ceballos on fire!

2009-11-23 00:00:00

Here's some action from this weekend in Pozo which I put together. A bit unlucky that I didn't get more action but at least something.

Hope you like it.
Saludos

Jonas Ceballos E-40

The ICON testwinner in German WINDSURFERS

2009-11-23 00:00:00

“ Last year was the icon of the favorite of many of our testers. The situation has changed nothing in 2010. The sail has retained all the positive traits of its predecessor. This now feels a little softer, has a bit more power and is lighter in the hands of the surfer. On the beach you can tune it very well for the conditions and preferences. On the water it needs, even if the conditions change so no trimming, and always retains its overall stable and powerful character. “ Translated from www.windsurfersmag.de

To view the test in full: www.windsurfersmag.de

The ICON test favourite in BOARDSEEKER

2009-11-23 00:00:00

OVERALL IMPRESSION
" Last year, the Icon was a favourite amongst our Clones and it remains the same for 2010. The sail retains all the great traits of last years model, whilst being slightly softer in feel this year, slightly more forward pulling and lighter in the hands. On the beach, the sail offers good tunability (for different feel and conditions), but once tuned and on the water, the Icon still performs through the widest range of conditions, with a reassuringly stable and powerful feel. "

To view the review in full: boardseekermag.com

Just a day or two

2009-11-16 00:00:00

You don't get much more fire than with Yarden Meir ISR-91. It sure shows on the water. He is clearly one of the main players on the EFPT tour along with team mates Edvan Souza and Niklas Stralhen. Nominated UNDERDOG OF THE YEAR this year, Yarden has proved that he is a force to be counted with. Here is just a day or two with Meir in his home spot in Eilat.

Just a day or two... from yarden Meir on Vimeo.

Hookipa on fire!!

2009-11-11 00:00:00

I´ve been sailing Hookipa point a lot lately with swells after swells that lasted for a great long time and now big storm is coming! Sailing with the Simmer gang and trying to keep up with team captain Kai Katchadourian, whom pulled off 10 days straight Hookipa sailing.. a record if you tell me!!

Ciao
Francisco Porcella

Photographer: Tormod Martinsen.

Zara Davis wins Speed European Championships 2009

2009-11-10 00:00:00

After a very frustrating week wind wise, The result from Dungarvan Ireland was down to the 11^th hour, the wind all week was just not enough to race till the final day when a chance came midday Zara was ready with her new SC RACE sails and Mistral boards and hit the start when the flag when up.

Little did she know the wind was to last only 10 minutes out of a 90 minute round. She managed to get the two runs in that see needed to take the Women’s 2009 European Speed Crown.

Zara said” I was very lucky to be ready for the start and got my two runs in, a lot of riders didn’t get the second run in the time, I took my Mistral Slalom 95 and Simmer SC RACE 7.0m which was a bit big but I wanted to get two safe runs in then change down, but I didn’t get the chance. The site is defiantly got potential with the right wind.”

Congratulations Zara!

10 epic days and counting..

2009-11-09 00:00:00

It´s been a epic November here on Maui!! Fired up as always, Kai Katchadourian got an hour at Ho´okipa all by himself yesterday, check out the pics @: http://blog.mauiwindsurfing.net/?p=1246

Aloha!

IRON 5.3 Test in WINDSURF UK

2009-11-07 00:00:00

You’ll like… Knowing that whenever you need a recovering pull the Iron will always have it.
You won’t like… The aggressive style needed if you’re a lighter sailor, especially with the larger sizes.
Why not try…The Icon if you prefer less power and more maneuverability.

FROM THE BEACH
Simmer market the Iron predominantly towards a sailor who loves to have a powerful sail. Taking off from the beach you certainly have instant power. Staying quite soft as a gust hits, collecting power and passing it smoothly down to the board getting it up and going with ease. The short luff gives a compact ride and keeps the power low helping not to get pulled up out of your sailing position. The low centre of effort also helps you lock in going up wind getting you where you want to quickly. The sails pull certainly means you can get through lulls with ease but if you are a smaller sailor this pull
also means that you are able to choose a smaller sail size and still have full power.

SHOWING OFF
The Irons enthusiasm from the beach certainly passes on to you as a sailor and gives you confidence to try moves. The soft feel and power in the air make you want to sheet in and go for stylish maneuvers. Although being one of the most powerful sails on test there was still a fair amount of maneuverability to be had from the iron. This comes into play as you drop down a wave making corrections as you reach the bottom. You do need a lot of aggression sheeting in and holding the power as you come back up the wave to hit the lip and most of the time the top turn is a smooth powerful one with lots of spray. Backside wave riding or onshore wave riding is where you need the Irons power the most. With all that white water pushing you in, the extra pull will carry you through the lulls and bring you right up into the steep part of the wave consistently trying to bring you out of the turn with speed carrying you on to the next section.

SUMMING UP
With a good reputation as a power wave sail this year the Iron upholds that. Staying composed through gusts and charging with confidence towards any challenge you ask of it.

HISTORY OF THE IRON
The Iron is new for 2009 and is Simmer’s hybrid power range of sails.

TIPS FROM THE TOP
" We have changed the construction and reinforcement along the luff and sleeve to make the leach tighter, the sail still twists the same but visually it has less looseness. For optimal performance, downhaul the sail so it is loose half way in between the top two battens, if you downhaul the sail to much you will loose a lot of power and performance and if you apply to little downhaul the sail will feel top heavy. The Iron has extremely versatile rigg settings, in stronger winds or for a more neutral draft apply more outhaul or in lighter winds or for more power apply less outhaul. "
–Tomas Persson

Ben Proffitt 2nd overall in the BWA

2009-11-06 00:00:00

BWA Cornwall... 2nd!!

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... so close yet so far!!

2nd!! ...Bloody annoying... as with out the last event (late addition thanks to my sponsor.. cheers Murray!) ..i would be Champ!!

But as it stands now I slip to 2nd overall in the BWA... just one point off 1st!! ...pretty hard to take after a really good year and leading after Tiree (the orginal last event!)!

To be fair though.. maybe the more rounded sailor won.. skills Johnny!!! ...as my Starboard tack jumping isn't exactly world class!!

Although i did manage to stop Hancock in Cornwall... who kills it in Starboard tack jumping (he must be low!) ...tactics and luck is better than skill any day!! hahaha... hmmmmmm... although all 3 is killer! I also wasn't far off Skyeboy in the final... I beat him on waves but the judges weren't really into my Shaka!!!

I have to say though... if we'd have run the finals in the morning at Mazza it might well have been a different outcome..!!!

So Cornwall.. a really good event and everyone worked hard to make it happen (Bastards.. haha!) so a big thank you (Twats!) for making it happen..
We got some nice mellow down the line in on the first 2 days... then some starboard tack jumping on the last day!

Should mention G-man 'Graham Woods' was ripping it up in the small stuff.. must be the new boards... Quatro!!! He came right up to finish 5th... nice work!

To me the highlight of the event was the amateur/masters event... really good to watch and awesome atmosphere (Even if a few jumps were missed!)

It was also cool to get involved with the team idea (3 in a team... choose a pro rider as mentor!) and i think it worked really well... especially as 2 of my 3 team made the amatuer final and the 3rd got savaged by the judges!!
Which meant we finished 2nd team... good work boys.. although i think the team that won had a women in it which gaurented a 1st or 2nd!! we were robbed!! ..protest!!

So for me a slightly disappointing end to the year... but i think it's only because i dropped a place overall... in the big scheme of things it's been an awesome tour... easily the best ever... all 4 events had different conditions and all went off!! ...and i finished 2nd... which is pretty bloody good!!!

I should be happy.. actually I am happy.. :) Plus I'm off to Cape town next week.. Wahey!!!!

Lets hope next years tour can be just as good.. I'm off to start training!!

2009 Overall BWA Wave rankings

Pro:
1st John Skye
2nd Ben Proffitt (Simmer/Quatro)
3rd Jamie Hancock (Quatro)
4th Timo Mullen
5th Phil Horrocks

Women:
1st Louise Emery (Simmer)
2nd Katie McAnena
3rd Sarah Finney

Junior:
1st Aleksy Gayda
2nd Alex Mitchell
3rd Tom Knox

Amateurs:
1st Dave Horrocks
2nd Steve King
3rd Darren Thurston

Masters:
1st Nigel Treacy (Simmer)
2nd Damien DeBacker
3rd Gerry Wilcock

Niklas Strålhen 5th overall in EFPT

2009-10-15 00:00:00

Just got back from the finals of European Freestyle Pro Tour at Naxos.
With early mornings we got through a nice competition even though the wind
was a bit up and down. One single and one double-elimination were made
during Thursday and Friday where I ended up on a 9th place. During the
weekend we did some jibing where we got dragged to planning behind a boat
and so on. A really good time, great organization and of course a great
show! EFPT is really stepping it up at the moment, putting a lot more
effort in making the comps something to watch. Great for the tour, riders
and spectators!

So this was the last competition of EFPT 2009, which gives us an overall
result of the year that looks like this:

EFPT overall result

1.   Steven Broeckhoven
2.   André Paskowski
3.   Niko Akgatzian
4.   Davy Scheffers
5.   Niklas Stråhlén (Simmer/RRD)
6.   Edvan Souza (Simmer/RRD)
7.   Yarden Meir   (Simmer/Fanatic)

Thanks to my sponsors who made this possible!
Simmer Style, RRD, Surfers and RipCurl

Schredd hard! Blacktip is the shit guys!

Niklas Stråhlén S-4444
S-4444.com
Surftrip.se
EFPT.net

Ben Proffitt @ Tiree

2009-10-13 00:00:00

Tiree: Day 2 ...Single Elimination

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
...It didn't go well!!

Knocked out first round... Total shocker.. i didn't think i sailed bad but still lost on count back!!
Pretty annoying... i won on one sheet and drew on the other 2... so you'd of thought i'd have got it... No... i lost on best wave on the 2 drawn sheets!! ...As you can imagine i wasn't best pleased!!

Even worse, i was knocked out by Hunty... Hunty is a PWA judge and sailed about 5 times this year after getting over knee surgery!! Gutted!!

...and what was worse...   the forecast for the week is not looking great!! British title down the tube!!!

I was pretty low... although things started to look up when Hancock and Horrocks got knocked out early too!!

But like usual Skye didn't didn't buckle and cruised into the final!!

Advantage skye... again!!!!

Single results:
1st Timo... one pretty happy chappy!
2nd Skye
3rd Danny Bruch
4th Jack Hunt

Move of the day:
Jack Hunts suicide aerial... you can see it on the boardseeker update... god knows how the hell he managed to safe that!!! haha.. nice work fella!!

Tiree: Day 2 ...Double Elimination

I'm on the come back...   pheewwwwww... i was pretty worried after the single.... especially as i knew the route through the double would be loaded!!

To just get back to the top 5 i would need to beat... King, Cox, Hancock, Hawkins, Hunt and Horrocks... plus others.... bloody nightmare!!!

But i was fully fired up.. i had a bit of a moan at the judges because the conditions were awesome and we wasted about 2 hrs for lunch!!!

I think if i'd been sitting in first i wouldn't have cared but sitting in last place i knew we needed to get moving... i was fully charged!!!

So i went out free sailing which i think was a good move... it tired me out a bit but i got in the zone!!

Luckily everything went my way and i managed to advance through 4-5 tough heats... beating Horrocks man on man to get to 5th...

Next up was Jack hunt...   if i beat him i would move into 4th... i started good as well... some nice early waves came my way and it was looking good... but half way through the heat the wind swung totally off shore and we couldn't even get on a wave!!!   Canceled.... Gutted!!

So that is how it stands so far... i'm super happy to make it back up to the top....   but we need more conditions if i'm to get my chance to move up further!!!

I bloody hope so as i really don't want to finish 5th... especially after coming through the double so far!!

Still I'm a happy bunny again... and if it all stopped now i would be leading the title race again.. 0.3 ahead of skye!!! (Once Danny Bruch is taken out!)

So it's all looking rosy again after a near disaster!!!

God.. i don't make it easy on myself!!

...I should mention... I used the new Quatro Quad 85... and it is ripping!!! (not out until jan though!!)

I used Simmer 5.0 icon and Quatro quad 85!!! Sweeeeeeeeeet.. i love my kit!!

Cheers
Ben

--------------------------------------
www.thewetdream.co.uk
Sponsors: Quatro, Simmer, Oshea, Gul, Da Kine, Funsport

Calle Nyberg ripping it up!

2009-10-12 00:00:00

Our Simmer Style videographer and filmmaker, Calle Nyberg just sent us some smoking hot shots from his latest session at his local break, Toro just outside of Stockholm Sweden. Well, it sure shows where Calle spends his time when Sweden is frozen over, yeah that´s right.... Ho´okipa.

Photo Credits: Pontus Altin and Fredrik Hallander

www.carlnyberg.com

Windsurfer International Magazine

2009-09-29 00:00:00

There is a new smoking hot windsurf mag for both existing and potential windsurfers worldwide. Packed with travel stories, gear reviews, action and lifestyle shots from some of the best photographers from the best spots around. All this in an eco-friendly format and best of all, it´s free to read with a monthly page-flip publication.

So check it out @: www.windsurferinternational.com

New Swiss windsurf mag online

2009-09-29 00:00:00

There is a new windsurf mag online now: SURFMAG.CH
Make sure to check it out for the latest Swiss action, film clips and news updates!
Windsurf fur alle!

Mattia Pedrani loud n´fast in Oman

2009-09-22 00:00:00

We´ve seen him freestyle, we´ve heard him rap but now it´s time for Pedrani I-00 to take it to the waves. Hell yeah, he´s looking pretty damn smooth! Check it out...

www.mattiapedrani.com

Alberto Menegatti 4th in Formula WC

2009-09-22 00:00:00

Alberto Menegatti ITA-456 finished 4th in the Formula World Championship in Santa Pola, Spain last week! We are super happy for Alberto, who on his first year on the Simmer Race Team has dominated the Italian Slalom Tour, won the Swiss Championship in Almanarre and proved that Simmer is a force counted with on the PWA Tour.

Congratulations Alberto!!

" It was a really hard event, with 6 full days racing and 12 races in every single conditions. We sailed from 8 knots in the lightest wind you can imagine in over 30 knots fully overpowered, using the full range of sails, from 9,9 to 10,9 and in the light wind also the 11,8. I was really fast in all condition. Stable into Top 5, fighting for 2nd and 3rd place for a long time. I'm stocked with that results which gives me confidence for the upcoming events in Brazil " - Alberto Menegatti ITA-456

Matteo Muraro at Lake Garda

2009-09-14 00:00:00

Matteo Muraro is one of the Italian Simmer riders supported by Link Distribution. Matteo lives in Barcelona, Spain but spent august cruising around his favorite spot in Italy, Lake Garda! Good times! Check it out...

If you want to know more about windsurfing on Lago di Garda, check out our Simmer Style windsurfing center there: www.pierwindsurf.it

Tempesta Ormonale from windsurfer.es on Vimeo.

ALBERTO MENEGATTI WINS AGAIN IN ITALY

2009-09-09 00:00:00

29-30 august, 46 athlets, 6 races, 20 knots and lots of adrenaline... That is the Michele Nogler Trophy that took place in Lake Garda, and that our team rider Alberto Menegatti won. 6 Races, 5 of them dominated from Alberto Menegatti on his Starboard 133 and his Simmer SC Race 9,9 and 9,0. A perfect combination, for this Slalom long distance format crossing the lake 3 times and a long downwind on the last leg, passing from light wind on the beginning on stronger gusts up to 20 knots on the other side of the lake.

Congratulations Alberto!

Alberto Menegatti      1         1         1        1        1        3             2.8 2
Marco Begalli              2         2       2        2        3        1            6.7 3
Thomas Fauster          3        DNS     3        4        2        5           12.0

Klittmöller action

2009-09-07 00:00:00

Top Danish Simmer Style rider, Kenneth Danielsen D38 has been scoring excellent conditions at his home spot in Klittmöller. The water is freezing so Kenneth and his mates spend most of their time 20ft above it. The Danes are radical jumpers, check out the shots.

UMI action in Pozo

2009-08-27 00:00:00

Buckle up and enjoy this amazing action that UMI captured during the PWA event in Pozo Izquiredo. Great HD quality rider interview´s and off the wall action by Jonas Ceballos, Dario Ojeda, Kauli Seadi, Victor Fernandez, Thomas Traversa, Alex Mussolini, Ricardo Campello and the event winner Philip Köster.

For more action, check out UMI at: www.umipictures.com

PWA Pozo Wave 2009 from umi pictures on Vimeo.

Andreas Olandersson S66 in Cape Town

2009-08-25 00:00:00

Just recovered from a knee injury earlier this year, Andreas Olandersson S66 is back in the game and ready to explode!! There is no doubt that he is a world class jumper in high winds. Check out this footage of him during his winter training in Cape Town.
Photo Credits. Emil Hakansson

S-66 Andreas Olandersson Cape Town winter 08-09 from Emil Håkansson on Vimeo.

Yarden Meir in Dahab

2009-08-24 00:00:00

Break on through, break on through, break on though to the other side... YEAH!!!
Check out Mr Yarden Meir sliding in Dahab....

Yarden Meir Dahab Aug 21-22 from yarden Meir on Vimeo.

Andreas Olandersson S66

2009-08-03 00:00:00

Andreas Olandersson S-66 is back on the water after a serious knee injury in early May. After countless hours of physiotherapy and just about 4 months off the water, Olandersson has found new motivation and is more amped than ever to get it on out there. Next up is qualifying for PWA in Sylt.

Photo Credits. Fredrik Dahl

Yarden Meir walking on water

2009-07-29 00:00:00

Check out this video of Yarden Meir ISR-91 and his mates on a freakin´spontaneous roadtrip up to Lake Kinneret in the North of Israel. Before Yarden was claiming moves here, the lake was mostly know in the Old Testament when Jesus walked on water here. Yarden reckons it pretty great training grounds... Check it out!!

Yarden Meir UNDERDOG OF THE YEAR

2009-07-28 00:00:00

Israeli freestyle specialist Yarden Meir ISR-91 has been chosen "the most interesting underdog" on the EFPT tour this year. Currently ranked 12th, Yarden has made a name for himself on the tour as one of the main players. At only 17 he has a bright future.

Congratulations Yarden!

Jakub Kosmowski POL-288

2009-07-24 00:00:00

New sponsors, new equipment, back in the game!

It’s been a long time since my last sailing. After a hand injury which I had in Cape Town, I hurt my knee which added few extra days to my non sailing period.

Luckily it’s all gone and I’m happy to say: I’m coming back. I am on Fuerteventura already for some training before the PWA event which will start on the 25th of July. It’s quite hard to get back to shape but after three days it’s already going quite well so I look forward for the next days and for the contest.

Secondly I totally changed all my sponsors in the season 2009. I joined two great international teams. This year I will use RRD boards and Simmer Style Sails. All of my trips will be secured by Unimil which started a new internet portal Uclub.pl which I will promote. I will also join a new clothing brand straight from Danish Klitmoller called Plasma Boardriding. The new brand is growing very fast and launching new style very fast. The founder Robert Sand is very ambitious about the brand so for sure we will see a lot of great stuff from their side. All of those products will be provided in Poland by new internet surf shop called eSurf.pl which is also my new sponsor. One brand which didn’t change and still gives me a lot of support is Da Kine. I’ve already received the new version of the T4 harness and for sure I will write a bit more about that later from the Canaries.
This season will be for sure my way back to the professional windsurfing and I hope I can sail good in Fuerte and promote my sponsors. I will launch my “Freestyle Podcasts” again with the first episode very soon. I hope we will have great conditions and I can get back in shape in no time!

See you out there!
Jakub Kosmowski POL 288

Check out Jakub´s blogg in Boardseeker - http://www.boardseekermag.com/forum/read.php?3,3331

And his online presentation: www.pol288.com

Saludos from Jonas Ceballos...

2009-07-19 00:00:00

Hello friends,
Finally we are done, Pozo 2009 is finished! Unfortunately I couldn´t keep my 3º position in the double elimination, I was against Ricardo Campello V-111 and it was a good heat but I was not happy with the judge waves scoring I was just ripping the waves even with frontside 360º. I had a couple of good jumps but I have to say that i couldn´t get any good ramp to do the massive jump. I also have to say that I was with 3.7 during all my heat and I was in the begining of the heat just perfect a bit over power but good with power, in the middle of the heat the wind picks up and I was totally over power. I looked my watch and decided not to change to my 3.3 because I would loose at least 1 minute because I was to downwind and Klaas Voget was doing cady for me and he was to upwind so I just decided keep going with the 3.7. I was totally over power with half meter more sail than campello, when normally it is the opposite but, I´m happy in the other side because it was a tight heat and I sailed good.

I would like to thank all these people who has been at the beach pushing up for me and gaving me lot of motivation with their comments, thanks a lot to my family and my girlfriend who also has been at the beach suffering even more than me...

I also would like to congratulate Phillip Köster, at only 15 he shows us than nothing! Amazing sailing Phillip!! I would also like to congratulate my team mate Victor Fernandez, he also was incredible, very good heat Victor! Also Ricardo Campello, I want to give him my congratulations for his 3º place, he also was sailing really good and crazy like always.... and to finish congratulate my friend Dario Ojeda E-211!! He also was sailing very good and he made a fantastic 5º place!

I can not say I´m very happy about the result but im happy about my performance. This year I have been training so hard, I was feeling good, in good shape both psychically and mentally and very focus and positive. I am back in the ranking and I´m looking foward for the next PWA event in Sylt, this year nobody knows what is gonna happen there...

Thanks a lot also all my sponsor, Craig/Fanatic&Sebastian! I have to say I have had just what I was looking for, amazing turning boards with good bottom turn and good top turn with speed and the most important incredible the control I have with it, thanks a lot and really good job also.

Simmer & Tomas Persson, I didn´t receive the new sails for the competition but that it was not a problem for me because I'm feeling soo confident with my 2009 Mission X sails that I can not believe it, the sails are so good even if you go over power is amazing the control. I have jumping and waveriding. Thanks a lot guys and looking foward for the 2010 Mission X sails.

Mystic&Max, Thanks guys this is our first year and thanks a lot for wearing me with the perfects wetsuits and harnes,, I feel very confident.

MFC&Pio Also thanks a lot... also a good fin is an important key.

Also thanks a lot to Jonh Carter for his incredible job and pictures.

Saludos and thanks a lot to you guys.... will see whats happend in Sylt????

Jonas Ceballos E-40

Spanish Cup in Pozo

2009-07-18 00:00:00

Not a days rest for the Simmer squad! After 7 days competing the in the Gran Canaria Grand Slam Jonas Ceballos E-40 and Dario Ojeda E-211 presented a worldclass performance in the Spanish Cup in Pozo Izquiredo today.

In the final against Victor Fernandez E-42, Ceballos opened the heat exploding into a 30 ft backloop straight into a perfectly landed one-handed backloop only to race down to the Pozo bunker to finish of the run with a double forward!! The score sheets where maxed out from both the competitors in this extremely close show down, but Fernandez took home the title.

Also Ojeda showed the crowed what he was made of, with spectacular delayed forwards and flowing connecting wave rides, claiming the loosers final!

Congratulations Dario and Jonas!!

Result
1. Victor Fernandez E-42
2. Jonas Ceballos E-40
3. Dario Ojeda E-211

Gran Canaria Grand Slam Day 7

2007-07-17 00:00:00

Men´s Wave Double Elimination
Windsurfing doesn´t get any better than this, Pozo was firing with mental 3.3 conditions and a solid swell. The competitors where writing history out there today. First out of the Simmer fleet was Junko Nagoshi J-11, with excellent wave selection and vertical top turns, Junko set the level high in her heat against Karin Jaggi Z-14.

Pozo local José Remero E-45 sure turned some heads today, at only 18 he already has a natural fluent style, relentlessly making his way through the the elimination ladder. We will be hearing more about this young Spanish ripper.

Next out in the semi-final was Dario Ojeda E-211 against Ricardo Campello V-111. Ojeda wasted no time, opening the heat with a massive backloop over the horizon which Campello answered with a high stalled double forward. You don´t get much more action than this heat.

Jonas Ceballos E-40 was next out to take on Campello, opening the heat with a massive stalled forward. This is real Pozo action with both competitors boosting high above the horizon, well over 40 feet into the air. Stalling about six seconds before executing their rotations. Both sailor putting a lifetime of performance.

Results
Mens Wave
1. Philip Köster G-44
2. Victor Fernandez E-42
3. Ricardo Campello V-111
4. Jonas Ceballos E-40
5. Dario Ojeda E-211

Womans Wave
1. Daida Ruano Moreno E-64
2. Iballa Ruano Moreno E-63
3. Karin Jaggi Z-14
4. Nayra Alonso E-4
5. Junko Nagoshi J-11

Gran Canaria Grand Slam Day 6

2009-07-16 00:00:00

Men´s Wave Double Elimination
With a 47 knot wind and a growing swell the conditions for the mens double elimination was off the wall! With 12 minute heats and the three best jumps and two best wave rides counting there´s is no time to wast when 48 of the world´s best windsurfers are battling for the prestigious title at Pozo Izquiredo.

The competitors were looking maxed on their 3.7m sails but the Simmer team was well represented with Ben Proffitt K-800, Ben van der Steen NED-57, Yann Sorlut F-60, Kenneth Danielsen D-38 all ready to go.

First out on the water was Yann Sorlut (F-60) looking well powered up, pulling of a massive forward of the lip back into the wave and a huge backloop within the first minutes of the heat. Even though Sorlut is well rounded Pozo sailor, his performance wasn´t enough to pass through into the next round.

Even with a injured knee Ben Proffitt was unstoppable landing a massive tweaked pushloop and backside 360´s of the lip. The strong winds seemed to be no challenge for top slalom sailor Ben Van Der Steen, airing into one of the highest forwards of the day. Showing of their capabilities to handle these hectic conditions both Ben Proffitt and Ben Van Der Steen advanced to the second round.

The upcoming Danish sailor, Kenneth Danielsen delivered a impressive performance, with huge delayed forwards and stylish backloops, but not even this was enough to advance into the next heat.

The forecast is looking good for the continuation of the double elimination tomorrow, when Jonas Ceballos E-40 and Dario Ojeda E-211 get to battle for the title.

Tune in tomorrow for a further update.

For more info about the event: www.pwaworldtour.com

Dario Ojeda words up about Pozo

2009-07-15 00:00:00

Pozo local ripper Dario Ojeda (E-211) is 4th after the single elimination. We caught up with him to hear his word about the contest so far.

So tell us about the single elimination.

In the first heat I met a Italian sailor Ivan Zecca (I-601) and the tide was coming up so the waves were pumping. I am really happy with this heat as I had some really big jumps and as well as connecting wave rides.

My second heat was against Robby Swift (K-89) and I was feeling super confident on the water. Robby was sailing super well but I managed to get two really good waves and some good jumps so I claimed the heat.

In my third heat I came up against Kevin Pritchard (US-3), this was the forth time I met him in Pozo so I knew I had to pull out my A-game. Considering that Kevin is ranked third in waves right now I am stoked that I beat him.

In the semi final I came up against 2008 Vice World Champion, Victor Fernandez (E-42). I got some nice size waves and pulled off a sweet frontside 360 connecting into a frontside turn and a backside aerial, giving me one of the top scoring waves of the day. I was missing one high jump to pass through to the final.

In the loosers final I came up against fellow team rider Jonas Ceballos (E-40). The tide was going down so the waves were getting smaller. It was a close heat but Jonas claimed the third place.

4th, how does that feel?

I am happy to be up there in the top four with my close friend and fellow team rider Jonas Ceballos E-40 and I am stoked to see a young podium with (Phillip Köster G-44), Victor and Jonas on it. The level of sailing is just absolutely mental so to be one of the top guys makes me extremely proud.

What´s the secret behind your top performance this year?

To be able to perform your absolute best in a 12-15 minute heat is extremely demanding, this year all my gear is working really well and I am feeling super comfortable. It doesn´t matter how much you practice, if your equipment isn´t working for you, the right equipement is about 60% of your performance.

How do you plan to attack the double elimination?

We are waiting for the right conditions to finish the double elimination, the more wind and waves we the more preferable it is for me as I am used to hardcore Pozo conditions. In the right conditions I am sure I can place in the top 3!

Thanks Dario! Good luck in the double elimination!

Gran Canaria Grand Slam Day 3

2009-07-13 00:00:00

Jonas Ceballos (E-40) and Dario Ojeda (E-211) finshes the top four after exceptional heats in the single elimination, that saw them pass Alex Mussolini (Tabou) and Kauli Seadi (JP/NeilPryde/MFC/Mormaii). Both locals made their loyal followers proud, busting massive airs and shredding the waves with incredible style.

Also Junko Nagoshi (J-11) had a impressive single elimination and finished 4th after meeting a local ripper Nayra Alonso (Fanatic/Severne).

For more news on the event check out: www.pwaworldtour.com

RESULTS:
Men's Single
1 Phillip Köster
2 Victor Fernandez
3 Jonas Ceballos
4 Dario Ojeda

Women's Single
1 Daida Ruano Moreno
2 Iballa Ruano Moreno
3 Nayra Alonso
4 Junko Nagoshi

Francisco Porcella Interview

2009-07-10 00:00:00

At only 23, Francisco Porcella (I-69) has made a name for himself as one of the top wave sailors around. Meet Francisco in a recent interview in Boardseekermag.

Boardseekermag.com

Junko Nagoshi 2nd in Lanzarote

2009-07-01 00:00:00

It was on for Junko in double elimination at the PWA Costa Teguise Freestyle World Cup. With a six-foot swell and a 40-knot wind, it was a epic days competing. But not even Daida Moreno´s double forward in the semi final could stop Junko, who claimed the heat and finished 2nd after Sarah-Quita Offringa.

" I am very tired but super happy about my performance in Lanzarote.
We had all kind of condition in 5 days. Flat, choppy, wavy, gusty, mild to 30 knots wind. I used all the sizes I brought here which is 3.3 to 5.3. Last winter in Maui, it was not good condition for training so I was really worried in the beginning.
But in the first elimination I did almost all my routine consistently that gave me good confidence. I tried to keep me calm and controlled my pace all the way to the end.

A lot of freestyle girls are training very hard these years so since last year in Pozo where I took 3rd in freestyle I thought that was the last time for me to go podium in this discipline. But I did it again and even better!!!
Thank you very much for all your support! " - Junko Nahoshi

1st Round Double Elimination Results:
1 - Sarah-Quita Offringa
2 - Junko Nagoshi
3 – Laure Treboux
4 – Daida Ruano Moreno

2nd Round Single Elimination Results:
1 - Sarah-Quita Offringa
2 - Junko Nagoshi
3 - Yoli De Brendt
4 - Laure Treboux

For more news on the event: www.pwaworldtour.com
Photo Credits. John Carter

Alberto Menegatti Italian Slalom champion 2009.

2009-06-30 00:00:00

Alberto Menegatti (ITA-456) just got back from the Italian Slalom Championship and out of the two races, he crossed the finishing line first, twice! Making him the 2009 ITALIAN SLALOM CHAMPION!
That´s right, this kid is fast! The fastest man in Italy - Earlier this year Alberto also won the Swiss Championships in Almanarre using his Race 9.0 and 7.8.

Congratulations Alberto!

Yarden´s rock n´rolling

2009-06-30 00:00:00

Back on his home waters after the last EFTP event, Yarden Meir is on the water from sun up to sun down banging out his favorite moves. Folks, the kid´s got talent. Check out his latest video....

Some traning in Eilat. from yarden Meir on Vimeo.

EFPT Alacati

2009-06-20 00:00:00

European Freestyle Pro Tour Alacati, also called King of the bay is now over after two double eliminations. The competition should go on the whole weekend but the chanses for wind are pretty much zero so thats why they do the prizegiving already today.

I ended up on a 6th place in the first double and a 4th place in the second, after a judgingdesission against Paskowski that I don´t really agree with, but thats competition I guess! Overall I got a 6th place in Alacati wich put me in a 5th place in the EFPT-ranking.

My teammates Yarden Meir and Edvan Souza are also sailing good over here and I´m sure they had good fun!

After all we had a great time here in Alacati, as always! Tonight we go for some party with the guys and on monday I fly back to Sweden to try to catch up with midsummer..

Take it easy!
Niklas Stråhlén
S-4444.com

Results:
#1. Steven Broeckhoven
#2. André Paskowski
#3. Nicolas Akgatzian
#4. Davy Sheffers
#5. Phil Soltysiak
#6. Niklas Stråhlén
#7. Sassa Teixeira
#8. Andraz Zan
#8. Edvan Souza de Pedro
#10. Stam Promponas
#10. Yarden Meir

EFPT Alacati

2009-06-19 00:00:00

Now we just did the first day of competition in EFPT Alacati Turkey. We did a single and a double-elimination already today. Good winds even tho it was very up and down. I was sailing both pumping 5.7 XD and full on 4.7 Mission.

I ended up on a 5th place after the single after winning Meir but got eliminated by Davy Sheffers. I thought I did a good heat but Sheffers stuck all his moves and was very hard to beat!

In the double I was winning 2 heats against the Jericoacoara-Brazilians Chico and Sassa. I was happy about that but I was stopped by Nico Akgatzian and ended up on a 6th place. I have a hard time to do really good in the double because I have to sail so many heats after each other and there is no time to rest. But anyway Im happy with 6th place the first day. Hope for good winds tomorow!

RESULTS:
#1. Steven Broeckhoven
#2. André Paskowski
#3. Phil Soltysiak
#4. Davy Sheffers
#5. Nico Akgatzian
#6. Niklas Stråhlén

Take care!
Niklas Stråhlén
S-4444.com
SURFTRIP.se

EFPT Palekastro Crete Day 2.

2009-06-13 00:00:00

Day 2 is just over and we had sick conditions for competition, 4.7 full power the whole day.

We started with finishing the finals of the single-elimination from yesterday. Affortunatly I lost against Paskowski, even tho it was reeally close, and I ended up on a 4th place in the single, still superhappy about that!

Then we started the dubble-elimination straight away and there I finished 5th. After some break for lunch we did another single-elimination where I won against Davy Sheffers again, and ended up on a 4th place. Super stoked about the results so far, tomorow we do the last dubble and the wind will be strong!!

No we go for some dinner and a rock concert tonight. This is not really the party-town we ended up in so probably we get some early sleep..

Take it easy!

Niklas Stråhlén
S-4444.com

European Freestyle Pro Tour Milos

2009-06-09 00:00:00

We just finished the competition in Milos Beach for this year. We got some wind for the single elimination the first day but then it was never really enough to get through the double. It was a fun competition tho with high level of sailing, cool people and nice party´s!!

Thanks to the organizers and to Christos for everything! Now we leave for the airport to go to Crete, where the next competition will be held in a few days. The forecast is looking pretty sick with strong winds, 40 knots. Might be a really cool weekend.

// Niklas Stråhlén S-4444

Result Milos:
1. Steven Van Broeckhoven
2. Davy Sheffers
3. André Paskowski
4. Nico Akgatzian
5. Niklas Strahlen
5. Edvan Souza

...
...

European Freestyle Pro Tour Milos day 1.

2009-06-05 00:00:00

First day of competition in Milos Beach Lefkada is just over. We had good winds for the single elimination already today and got it all through. Good fun competition with sick level of sailing compared to last year. Everyone is doing new moves like Kono, Burner and Culo, sick!

I was sailing with 5.7 XD and Twintip 100. With this I had full power through the heats and got good speed, go big or go home!

I got through the first heats but went out against new 17 year old rider Davy Sheffers. This guy has improved alot the last year and makes now all new moves in light winds and he also got up to a second place today.

I ended up on a 5th place wich I´m really happy with, a good way to start of the new season!

My team-mates Yarden Meir and Edvan Souza where also doing good today! I share my 5th place with Edvan and Yarden got a 9th place.

Tomorow we will go on with the dubble elimination!

//

Niklas Stråhlén S-4444

Ben van der Steen 1st in Isla Margarita

2009-06-03 00:00:00

" Just arrived back in holland after some good racing on the last few days in Margarita. On friday the 29th we did an other 3 slaloms wich the first 2 were not the best for me. The first i was over with Volwater as we were testing and did not get the timing from the boat right. The next one i spinout on the first mark testing a other fin and on the last one that day i put my old setup on and had a good start and won that race. Then on Saturday the 30th we did 1 elimination with all windsurfers competing to give them a chance to battle the pro fleet. I managed to get to the final in the pretty light winds for the 7.0 but managed to get a good start and won the last slalom of this event, so with all mistakes i got 4th but great practice and testing. After the slalom was finished we did 2 more long distance races till half way to coche and back , on the 1st one i managed to finish 2nd just behind volwater and on the last and final longdistance i managed to win and that put me in 1st for the overall long distance. " Ben van der Steen (NED-57)

Margarita Wildwinds Results:
Slalom Pro:
#1 Peter Volwater
#2 Gonzalo Costa ( Exocet )
#3 Taty Frans
#4 Ben van der Steen ( exocet , simmer , Select)

Long distance:
#1 Ben van der Steen ( Exocet , Simmer , Select)
#2 Peter Volwater
#3 Willem Shurman
#4 Gonzalo Costa ( Exocet )

Ben Proffitt #1

2009-05-18 00:00:00

UKWA Rhosneigr, North Wales
Result: 1st.. Wahooo.... get in!! Rhossy was firing too...

I won.. yeahhhaaa.. wahooooo... Fanny bloody tastic...

It was the 2nd round of the UKWA British wave tour this weekend and I managed to take home the win against some good opposition!!!
Rhossy is my home spot (2hr drive.. haha) and it was firing so it felt really good to come away with the win!

I have to be honest as well... after we'd scored it so good in Ireland last week I thought there was no chance of it happening again!! ...even on the Wednesday before the event i thought there was no chance! But how wrong could i have been... Rhossy delivered some awesome conditions and it was firing!!!

It was good in the morning.. 4.0m weather and built through the day. By midday i was on 3.7m and pretty stacked... and waves were getting on between logo to mast as the tide filled in!!

I've been waiting for a Rhossy comp like this for ages... we've been unlucky in the past but we definitely scored it this time.. so anyone who missed out... unlucky!!! Just check the pics and video on Boardseeker.com when they update it this week... you'll be gutted!!

The comp was really tight... I knew i was in with a chance of winning but also knew another 5 people could also take the title!!
My biggest heat of the day was against Skyeboy in the semi... he sails really really good on port tack so i knew i was going to have to sail well... luckily I did!!!
I managed to get 2 good waves with takas on the end of both of them... which i think just edged me ahead on a 2:1 decision... at last a bloody 2:1 decision went my way!!! ....it definitely felt good to have a decisions go my way for once!!

I was pretty surprised to be in the final with fellow Quatro riding Hancock as it's not his preferred tack... but he's a slippery customer and took down Horrocks in the semi!!! I have to be honest it would have been cool to have 2 Rhossy boys in the final but it just wasn't to be!!

So it was the 2 Quatro boys in the final... The conditions were perfect and i felt really at home in the conditions. I sailed a pretty solid heat and kit was really working well... 4.0 icon and my trusty 75 twin fin.... I nailed all my jumps and got some good waves... although i was gutted not to nail my wave 360 as i had the perfect section... never mind just how it goes sometimes!!

I got back to the beach to everyone saying.. 'In the bag my son' ...Shit... that usually is the kiss of death so I was relieved when i finally had the official word!!!

Wahoooooooooooo... Bloody feels good winning on your home patch!!!

So a big congrats has to go to everyone that turned up and made it such a good competition... cheers!!!

Forgot to mention Simmer also took home the Masters (35+) title with local boy (man) Nigel Treacy!!!

- BEN PROFFITT K-800

Results:

1st: Ben Proffitt
2nd Jamie Hanock
3rd: Phil horrocks
4th John Skye

Spanish Cup in Pozo

2009-05-15 00:00:00

The contest was in general excellent training for the upcoming PWA event. We had the best conditions on the first day with nice waves and fully powered up with my Mission X 3.7 and 69 l Fanatic twin. With 10min heats scoring on 2 waves and 3 different jumps, I was feeling very confident that I could make it all the way to the final. On the way I met Alex, Dario etc. My brother was sailing well and made it trough to the final beating Phillip Koster in the semi final. Luckily I won the final against him.

The second day was not that good as the first day with less wind and less waves but we could finish the entire double elimination. I just was waiting at the beach for my heat all day long finally end of the day my heat started, Koster could make it into the final and I was very unlucky to not find good waves and loose twice, very unlucky but I have to say that Phillip was ripping really hard!! Congratulations Phillip, very good sailing!!!

- JONAS CEBALLOS E-40

Final Results:
1º PHILLIP KOSTER
2º JONAS CEBALLOS
3º ELEAZAR ALONSO
4º DARIO OJEDA

Ben Proffitt scores in Ireland

2009-05-14 00:00:00

I've just got back from the first UK wave event in Brandan bay, Ireland.. it was a wicked event with over 40 people entered. We had some superb conditions and some absolutely wild conditions.. with gust over 50knots and mast + high waves!!

The gear was working really well and I had a good event finishing 3rd in the double elimination... also 3rd in the expression session!
-Ben Proffitt K-800

Overall Results:
1st Jamie Hannock
2nd John Skye
3rd Ben Proffitt
4th Andy King
5th Phil Horrocks

pics attached: credit: simon crowther

www.thewetdream.co.uk

Edvan Souza in Dahab

2009-05-13 00:00:00

You don´t get much more fire than with Edvan Souza (BRA-250), he sure shows it on the water. At the moment Edvan is in Dahab training for the upcoming EFPT event i Sardinia.

" Dahab is a wonderful place, the water is beautiful and the wind is super reliable. This is excellent training grounds for freestyle. I´m feeling really confident with my sailing and I´m looking forward to the next EFPT event. "
- EDVAN SOUZA BRA-250

West Coast Trip #4

2009-05-11 00:00:00

Spanish Castle Magic...
Or at least it felt like it, Tom kept playing that Hendrix song and it only seemed fitting that we would catch some magic today at Arroyo Laguna. Great day, not the biggest of swell, but one of the most fun waves I have ridden in a long time. More people today, found the local sailors to be real cool, and fun to hang with. Brian Caserio graced us with his presence, and hung out in the break snapping some shots. (he also went kiting, but we'll forgive him.) Memories of the incredible Hulk twin that he killed the west coast on will be forever etched in my mind. Speaking of which, got to ride my twin today and it worked beautifully in those waves. Had a blast, thanks to Jeff for hookin us up with the Big Sur bars, that saved my ass and fueled me for a second sesh. Damn good too! Driving back up to the Bay for the night, and then maybe Santa Cruz area tomorrow. Thanks to all that let us rock your homespot today, had a great time.
-WHIT POOR

Andreas Olandersson S-66 injured

2009-05-11 00:00:00

Swedish badboy Andreas Olandersson blew his knee last week during a classic session:

" After training in Capetown all winter I was feeling super confident, this was going to be my year! But man how wrong was I... One of the first days sailing back home, a poorly landed forward and I blow my knee. What a freakin´disappointment!! Now I´m putting all my energy into rehab and hopefully I´ll be back on the water in 8-10 weeks; more psyched than ever! "
- Andreas Olandersson

West Coast Trip #3

2009-05-09 00:00:00

3 PM

Arrived at Jalama State Beach at about 4:30 in the evening to one of the windiest days I have seen in a long time. I think the average was 35 for a while, gusting to 40. We rigged as fast as possible and ran to the water. Meanwhile you have to make it through the heavy shorebreak that Jalama is famous for. Tom got caught by a heavy one on the inside and took the trailing edge of the fin on his shin. When I asked him what happened, he just said "damn man, I'm just glad I didn't break a mast" Went to bed feeling a little flustered, wordering what tomorrow would bring.

Woke up at 9, got some stretching in, saw that conditions were looking a little less fierce. Rigged up and had a pretty fun session. Broke camp at 12, headed into Lompoc so that we can get Tom some stitches and are on our way to Arroyo Laguna for the evening session.

-WHIT POOR

West Coast Trip #2

2009-05-06 00:00:00

10am
Loaded up the car for the second part of the trip. Headed south to jalama from the bay, should be about 230 miles, so driving at about 75mph that gives us a 4 hour drive time?? Hopefully thats the case. Either way stoked to get on the road again after a short period of waiting for the weather. The pics will only get better from here so stay tuned!

-Whit Poor

Sylvain Demercastel in the Philippines

2009-05-05 00:00:00

Sylvain Demercastel truly lives the dream; traveling to uncrowded spots and scoring perfect waves. These days you´ll find Sylvain bustin´out aerials in pretty much any of the south european windsurf mags.

We caught up with Sylvain in transit...

What´s been going on lately?
Been to Morocco for the first time...!!!

Best session this season?
Mast high waves in south China sea. New spot ! Just Fab and me in the ocean. Unique !

Worst session this season?
January I broke my mast extention and the pieces of metal were stucked in the sail. I had to cut it to finaly be able to re-rig...

What´s up next?
California shooting for Planetblow II.

Check out the trailer : www.planetblow.com

West Coast Trip #1

2009-05-04 00:00:00

Just back from our Maui photo shoot Whit Poor and his fellow Simmer rider Tom Burlingame are off on a trip through Cali and the west coast for some classic spring time wavesailing. They´ll be blogging the trip and keeping us updated with jpg´s so stay tuned folks!

West Coast Trip

May 2nd, 2009
Saturday 4:56pm

Day one of the epic journey has begun. Me and Tom left the house at roughly 11:30 this morning, after an important business meeting at D2 that left us a little less than 100% for the beginning of the trip. Oregon sucked, rained most of the way down the freeway. About an hour ago my hangover finally disappeared and things are looking good. Constantly reminded of an old Sinatra quote " I feel sorry for those that don't drink cuz when they wake up in the morning thats the best they are going to feel all day ". Passing through the town of weed with a great view of snowy mount shasta, Burlingame wishing he could throw some skiis on and get some powder. Me not so much... Driving into the storm at this point. Next stop SF ...Stay tuned for pics next time.

Over and out.
-WHIT POOR

Edvan Souza in PODERSDORF

2009-05-04 00:00:00

Our young promising freestyle specialist from Jericoacoara, Edvan Souza is on his second European tour this year. He just finished off at the first EFPT event of the year in Podersdorf, Austria.

" I am really happy with the competition in Podersdorf and I´m super motivated for the next event in Sardinia. Right now I´m on my way up to Hamburg to fly out to Dahab for two weeks training and photo shooting before the next EFPT event. " - Edvan Souza

Simmer Power!!

2009-04-28 00:00:00

Simmer power is dominating after the first round of "Circuito Italiano Freestyle".

#1 Pedrani (Simmer Starboard)
#2 Bestetti (RRD RRD)
#3 Lorioli (Simmer RRD)

The riders below all finished in the top 20´s:

Pedrani Mattia (Simmer/Starboard)
Roby Smart (Simmer/Rrd)
Lorioli Stefano (Simmer/Rrd)
Testa Matteo (Severne/Starboard)
Testa Jacopo (Simmer/Starboard
Manuel Poli (Simmer/Tabou)
Fabrizi Mattia (Simmer/Starboard)
Vinante Fabio (Simmer/Starboard)
Vinante Marco (Severne/Starboard)
Matteo Romeo (Simmer/Starboard)

Pics: Mattia Pedrani I-00

The latest from Franciso Porcella

2009-04-26 00:00:00

I've been on the road a lot the last couple of months, from Capo Verde to Fuerteventura for the competitions. I´m in Sardegna right now waiting to do the Nissan Capo del capo competition, check it out on the website www.capodelcapo. Its going to happen on the west coast of Sardegna in a famous wave spot called Capo Mannu in the province of Oristano, there will be lots of media coverage from this special contest too with a dvd coming out in the Italian mags with the article.
Here are some pics from all over ;) enjoy

Ciao
Francisco

Meet Rudy Castorina

2009-04-24 00:00:00

What´s been going on lately?

Healing my foot rrrrgggg ... I had such a good session before that. So in the mean time i finished and updated some projects. Check "Aina Kai Makani", I just made this video while my friend "Wesh' was on Maui. Don't forget to put the music on from the video! I also finished the design of the new website for RueBelle, check it out: www.ruebelle.com. More than that I´ve been swimming and doing lots of physiotherapy to get back on the water!!!!

Best session this season?

I must say the most radical one was surfing Towards Hana !!!
And windsurfing.. I had a lot of really good evening sessions, when the park empties out, the wind goes down a notch, and the waves glassy off, right before the surfers go out. Really good moments, that are often shared with Frederick Steineck ripping the last sets.

Worst session this season?

10 days ago when my front foot got tweaked by that pounding white water.

What´s up next?

On Maui and then ready to go catch south swells in Oahu... Diamond Head.
Planing a summer escape in the south Hemisphere.... who knows what´s waiting.

Finally, why do kiters wear shorts on top of their wetsuits?

LOL !!! LOL !! because they are kiters!! Why not!?

Stay updated with Rudy´s adventure´s at: www.myspace.com/mrdaii

And don´t miss Ruebelle: www.ruebelle.com

Aina, Kai, Makani. from Mr Daii on Vimeo.

Anne-Marie Reichman joins Simmer

2009-04-22 00:00:00

We welcome Anne-Marie aboard the Simmer Team and it's a real plus to work with as genuine and hard working a person as she is. The gear looks like it's going great for her, so we're stoked.

Kai Katchadourian,
Simmer Team Captain

After having spent 5 weeks on Maui, Hawaii, I just made it back to Holland.
Here, I am working on a Stand Up Paddle project for September 2009, since I like to see people also having fun on the water when it is not windy. May 10-23 I will be in Peru for a Starboard Travel story. All my play tools come with me. I heard good rumors about an insane windsurfing spot an 1.5 hour drive away form the longest left hander wave in the world!

I will bring my Mission and Mission X sails with me (I have them mixed, as long as the color is blue!...) I love my Simmer sails. The short time I have been sailing them, I have noticed the luxury of having a broad range in rigging your sail; strong winds, light winds... You can make it work with 1 sail a long time in rigging it suited for the conditions. The control in the waves and the way the sail feels I am very happy about. Can't wait to sail more and get tuned in more.

For more updates, please visit my website: www.annemariereichman.com
Aloha,
Anne-Marie.

Alberto Menegatti wins and wins again

2009-04-21 00:00:00

It is safe to say that Alberto Menegatti ITA-456 has had a pretty good start on the season and a even better start on his new Simmer SC Race´s.

He just won two back to back events; first winning the Swiss Championships in Almanarre using SC Race 9.0 and 7.8 and this weekend Alberto won the first event of the Italian Slalom Tour.

" I had really good speed, we had 12-18 knots in both races and I used the 9,9. I easily beat Andrea Cucchi that has been the best Italian racer for many years. " Alberto Menegatti

EVENT RESULTS:

Alberto Menegatti 1 1
Andrea Cucchi 2 3
Marco Begalli 4 2

Congratulations Alberto!!

The ICON - test winner in Windsurfing Jahrgang

2009-04-21 00:00:00

The ICON scores top test results the German Windsurfmag, Windsurfing Jahrbuch (windsurfing yearbook) yearly wave sail test. Here is the test summary:

" The ICON is a really great uncomplicated wave sail, it does also offer a great performance also if only using one setting in a wide range of conditions. We have absolutely nothing to complain on and so it is one of our personal favourites from the test. "

To read the full review get your hands on a copy or/and check out there website at:
www.windsurfing-jahrbuch.de

Classic Easter Session at Hookipa

2009-04-14 00:00:00

KK aka Flykatcher at Hookipa, Maui during a very memorable session in absolutely rippable and juicy West by Northwest peaks.

" Its been a good streak in general for sure, lots of days that were best in the early session, some days with lots of traffic, and others that rewarded you for going out just that one more time. Aloha from Maui and stay tuned we got our photo shoot coming up..... " - KK

Stay tuned with KK at: http://flykatchersweb.blogspot.com/

Photos by JC Morin.

Simmer Wins Beauty Padget

2009-04-09 00:00:00

Now, windsurfers are all a vain bunch of people. We all want to look good on the water right.....

So as proved in Boardseekermag´s recent sail graphic poll; if you want to look you´re best (or second best) on the water you choose a Simmer sail.

It´s as simple as that, and as a bonus you get the best performing sail and if you on top of that get nailed on the reef you come out smelling like roses!

Check out the results at:
http://www.boardseekermag.com/mini_features/windsurfing-poll/sail-graphics-2009-103.html

" Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the prettiest of them all!
Once again, you guys have showed that you have an opinion on what you like and dont like when it comes to sail graphics!

We have had over 4000 votes in our sail graphics poll since the 4.7 test went out in mid-March. So here are the results voted for by
YOU: "

Dario Ojeda Spanish Champion

2009-04-07 00:00:00

Its clear that Dario Ojeda E-211 means business! This weekend he battled his way through the double elimination taking down Marcos Perez twice and won the Spanish Cup in El Medano, Teneriffe.

Dario Ojeda...

" The first two days we had perfect conditions in El Medano which allowed us time to finish the single elimination and start on the double. It was really hard for me and I had to sail my absolute best to win this contest because I was out in the second round of the single and I had to start from the beginning in the double elimination and work my way through all the way to the final, defeating Marcos twice!! I can just say that it was worth the hard work and that I´m super stoked to win the Spanish Cup in Tenerife!! "

Congratulations Dario!

Fast, Faster, Les Mouss

2009-04-07 00:00:00

The Moussilmani brothers are fast!! Sylvain F-73 clocked the top speed of the event, closely followed by Benoit F-72 at the French Speed CUP taking place on the 25th to 29th of march at Port St Louis.

Sylvain comments on the event:
" We had two heats with lighter winds and one heat with good wind. Port St Louis is a perfect speed spot, glassy, close to the beach. "

EVENT RANKING :

F-71 MOUSSILMANI Cyril 1er : 35.48 knt
F-800 BOULANGER Pascal 2ème : 35.34 knt
F-72 MOUSSILMANI Benoit 3ème : 37.36 knt
F-73 MOUSSILMANI Sylvain 4ème : 37.66 knt
S-10 BRINGDAL Anders 5ème : 35.95 knt
F-3 PENDLE Fabien 6ème : 35.54 knt
LUX-22 GARREL David 7ème : 35.43 knt
F-916 916 TOSELLI Pascal 8ème : 35.74 knt

Next event for the Moussilmani brothers is "Le Mondial du Vent" on the Orange Speed crossing. The TOP 5 World kitersurfers against TOP 5 World Windsurfers. Dunky, Albeau, Les Mouss, Bringdal.

For more news on the French Speed Cup check out: www.omfc.fr
And make sure to check out Les Mouss site for the latest updates: www.lesmouss.com

Latest from Ben Proffitt

2009-04-06 00:00:00

Just a quick update and some pics!!

Well, I've just finished my 4 month winter training in Cape Town.It wasn't exactly the best season ever but still better than the UK!!!

I've swapped board sponsors from Fanatic to Quatro (more on that soon) which has been a great move cuz the new boards are ripping!!

Next up I'm off to Maui for the photo shoot and I get to try out all the new 2010 kit.. can't wait!!
The forecast is looking rocking as well.. finger crossed!!

Cheers.... Ben
www.thewetdream.co.uk

Pics from Cape Town (Cape sessions)

Kristoffer Living in Pozo

2009-03-29 00:00:00

Team rider Kristoffer Living is in Pozo training for the upcoming season.

"We had some ok days with 4.5 conditions. It was really great just to get some time on the water as I've been at home all winter. The funny thing about being "away from the water" for a while is, that every time you get back, you realize how much fun windsurfing still is after all these years!"

Its always windy somewhere...

2009-03-22 00:00:00

...and on the 8th of March it was windy in Francisco Fonseca´s backyard. Check out this fresh footage of Fran and his mates rippin´ it up in Guincho last Wednesday.

Yarden Meir ISR91

2009-03-19 00:00:00

Our 17 year old Israeli rider Yarden Meir ISR-91 is back in action after a long time injury. He´s back and he´s charging Eilat harder then ever before! Here is a new short video of him.. enjoy!

Ceballos & Porcella 2nd in Fuerte

2009-03-16 00:00:00

Jonas Ceballos E-40 (Simmer/Fantic) and Francisco Porcella I-69( Simmer/Mistral) teamed with local talent Will Ward (Withcraft/Ezzy) and finished 2nd in the Fuerteventura Wave Classic after 9 days of competition on the north shore of Fuerteventura.

The FWC is a different format of competition where 5 teams of 3 riders team up and battle their way through the elimination ladder in 30 minute heats with 5 riders on the water, judged by non other than the riders themselves. Now that´s windsurfing democracy if you ask us!

We caught up with Jonas after the contest:

It´s been a really good competition and for sure also very good training. We scored the biggest swell of the year, it was so massive and Cotillo is a very dangerous spot. To get out you have to jump from the rocks and it is a small bay with really heavy waves braking in the middle of the channel. When I got on the water it was even more dangerous than I first thought... I mean the waves where great but Cotillo is not a very easy spot to sail and its very easy to hurt yourself. Anyway it was a great experience and contest itself was great with no injuries we could make it through two rounds with really good conditions my team finished 2nd. WELL DONE PORCELLA AND WILL!!! But the best of all was that we had a lot of fun, I just hope next year will be even better! So thanks to all the organisers and riders and I´ll to see you all next year!!

Check out the contest website @ www.fuertewaveclassic.com

Pictures by FWC.

Solid northwest swell at Hookipa

2009-03-16 00:00:00

Hookipa on a solid Northwest Swell.... here are a couple of shots from when it was going off last week.

Aloha... Kai Katchadorian

Shots from: Stefan Gobisch

The Icon - test winner in Boardseekermag

2009-03-15 00:00:00

The Icon is best in test in Boardseekermag.com

SIMMER ICON 4.7
The Simmer Icon fits between the Iron (power wave) and Mission (side shore wave) sails. It is marketed as a powerful all-round sail that is designed to perform in a wide range of conditions.
Sizes: 3.4, 3.7, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.3, 5.6, 5.9, 6.2
Price:
Availability: Aug 08

MANUFACTURERS CLAIMS
“An international best seller, Icon can handle anything; sideshore, onshore, gusty, overpowered, choppy, you name it! With Icon´s powerful profile and full x-ply body, the capacity to adapt to any conditions means you are going to be ready for anything when you hit the water. Even when nearest repair shop is several time zones away”. – Simmer website

OFF WATER DESCRIPTION
The Icon is a classy looking sail. Graphically it stands out (particularly in the blue that we had on test) and its clear that Simmer have not cut corners when it comes to build quality and detailing. Luff length is middle of the group at 413cm, whilst boom length is second shortest (to the Mission) at 159cm.

The foot features a nice integrated pulley block that takes the strain out of downhauling and the fixed head (without locating prong) makes sleeving the mast a fuss free affair. Other notable details include a height scale on the boom cut-out and a plastic badge to keep the luff sleeve open whilst threading the mast through the cut-out. Simmer don’t offer a visual trim system on the Icon.

When it comes to tuning, the Simmer has a lot of versatility. As much as any other sail on test in fact. Its sets (and works!) with a tighter leach (less downhaul) and more outhaul for a gruntier power delivery or with a looser leach (more downhaul) and slightly less outhaul for smoother performance and a lighter feel in the hands.

ON WATER DESCRIPTION
The Icon feels one of the stiffer sails in this group. This was favourable with many of our clones who liked the way the sail held its shape through the lulls but also maintained its shape and stability in stronger gusts.

The great thing about the Icon is that although the foil is relatively stiff, the rotation is not clunky – a negative trait that we fond on many of the other stiffer and fuller profiled sails.
In the hands, the Icon has a powerful, grunty feel. It’s not quite as light in the hands as sails like the Manic and Ice, but it makes up for this by offering a lot more grunt when underpowered. Overpowered the sail copes well and despite feeling powerful, the power delivery is stable and well positioned ensuring that the Icon remains comfortable. Even our lighter weight clones (around 70kg’s) were happy with the Icon in overpowered conditions.

Where the Icon really excels is in its un-tuned wind range. In UK conditions, you often find the wind gusting and lulling throughout your session and a sail that can work effectively through the gusts and lulls without needing to be re-tuned is a big advantage. The Icon stood out as the best in the group for this.
The only slight negative is that the full X-Ply construction does limit visibility through the sail, particularly when wave riding in bright conditions.

OVERALL IMPRESSION
It’s fair to say that Icon was a favourite amongst our Clones. On the beach, the sail offers good tunability (for different feel and conditions), but once tuned and on the water, the Icon performs through the widest range of conditions, with a reassuringly stable and powerful feel.

For the full test, www.boardseekermag.com

Farrel O´Shea 45.29 knots

2009-03-14 00:00:00

Britain’s fastest, Farrel O’Shea K-81 has teamed up with Britain’s sexiest custom board builders. Farrel has put much effort into the speed situation over the last few years and is keen to push forward to the next level. One of the best parts of custom board building is the ability to listen to the customer’s requirements and Farrel knows what he wants from a board down to the last half millimetre.

At West Kirby on Sunday after a wind drought over the winter and on the day before the lake is due to close for wall repairs the conditions almost delivered. It was a bit parky, not quite enough wind and from a slightly too square angle but a good days speed sailing was had by all.
Farrel scored the top speed of the day with a 45.29 knot max, using his new Moo Custom and Simmer SC Race 6.3 in 25knots of wind gusting to 30knots. Surely a very pleasing indication of speeds to come!

Check out Moo Custom Boards @ www.moocustom.co.uk

Pics by Steve Thorp

Niklas Strålhen in Jericoacoara

2009-03-02 00:00:00

You know we´re on the right track when windsurfing makes national television. Just back from freestyle boot camp in Jericoacoara, wonderkid Niklas Strålhen S4444 and his gang made it on to swedish national television. Well, what we´re all wondering is which trick you need to claim to get on the CNN seven o´clock news?

SurfsessionTV4 produced Stefan Eriksson on Vimeo.

Ben van der Steen in Chile filming documentary

2009-03-01 00:00:00

Ben van der Steen NED-57 is part of a unique film documentary project run by New World Spirits, a pioneer in action sports and outdoor film making. The film maker is Tomas Miklautsch together with production crew whom consist of strongly committed and passionate film makers, truly gifted artists and daring extreme sportsmen. The aim of the project is to illustrate the combined the elements of adventure, nature, sports, culture and arts.

Here is a update from Ben,

"We are now in the south of Chile were we will go and sail on the mountain lakes for the next week and after we will go to Lago de Argentina were we will go and sail in front of the glassiers with big pieces of ice braking of it. When we are done there we will start and attempt to round the cape horn on a windsurfing board as the second windsurfers ( Ben van der Steen ) ( Tine Slabe) to ever sail around the horn. This all will be filmed and photographed by NewWorldSpirits which is run by legendary adventure windsurfer Tomas Miklautsch. And it will be made in to a documentary that will be spread and sold by redbull world wide." Ben van der Steen NED-57

For more info about the project check out New World Spirits web presentation: www.nwspirits.com

Stay put for more news on this later but until then check out some footage from the south of Chile and Argentina.

Jonas Ceballos @ Cabo Verde

2009-02-26 00:00:00

Jonas Ceballos E40 just sent us a video clip from the Cabo Verde PWA event.
Check out his first aerial! Smack!!

The latest from Andreas Olandersson

2009-02-25 00:00:00

We caught up with top EFPT rider and wave slayer Andreas Olandersson S-66 to get some of the latest from South Africa.

How many seasons have you been training in South Africa?

This is my 9th season down here and I still enjoy it very much. It´s a nice place for both freestyle and waves. I´ve decided to focus completely on my wave sailing and not spend so much time training freestyle as I used to. I spent five incredable years on the EFPT tour and on the PWA Freestyle tour, so it´s time to move forward, take it to the waves and leave the freestyling to the youngsters ;).

How has the season been so far?

The season has been good, maybe little less wind but on the other hand the waves has been better ...and that is for sure nice.

Who are you sailing with?

Man, there´s been some sick sailors down here this year! Victor Fernandez and Klaas Voget amoung many others but I´ve mostly been training together with Antxon Otaegui and Ben Proffitt, these´s boys rip!!

What moves are you training on at the moment?

I was training a lot on high one-handed backies and high stalled forwards, got them in the bag now so it´s time to move on :) At the moment I´m training on doubles and tweaked pushloops, I´m still a bit scared for the second rotation. But those two moves are my goals before I go back to Sweden... and be more powerful and vertical in my waveriding.

And when you´re not sailing....

When it´s no wind, then it´s time for rest!! I´m always on the water a bit to much the days with strong wind so for me it´s good to take it a bit easy those days. But mostly I´m to restless for that, an hour on the gym is a common thing. It´s good as well to train there and build some muscles to prevent injurys, especially for the shoulders.

Thanks Andreas! It´s on....

Photo Credits. Emil Hakansson

Cabo Verde PWA World Cup

2009-02-21 00:00:00

The first PWA event of the year provided great conditions and the level of sailing was sky high! A great start of the year for the Simmer team, Jonas Ceballos, Francisco Porcella, Yann Sorlut and Dario Ojeda. We caught up with Francisco who placed 11th, after battling his way through the double elimination ladder taking down many of the big names doing so.

How would you rate the level of sailing from this first event?
The level was high and you got to go big if you want to advance, these 32 wave riders are the best in the world and they were all ripping. But everyone went to the famous rocks at least once. The conditions were challenging and you see who will risk more then others.

How did you prepare for Cabo Verde?
I 've been sailing Ho´okipa the last few months and training in this tack has helped me a lot. I sailed some in Sardegna too in December were you get side off winds and good waves that are similar to what you get here in Punta Preta, but for sure not as good...

How is the Punta Preta wave compared to Ho´okipa?
The wave of Punta Preta is just more perfect! Longer rides, you can do 8 turns and a couple airs in one wave.. The wave face is smother but closer to the rocks.. So for me is a lot better then Ho´okipa. It's a bit more offshore then Ho´okipa but it works good with the sections that come up fast in front of you. It´s just a wave that when it works it just goes off! And the frequency of good wave is unbeatable, its just a wave machine, but Ho´okipa will always be the windsurfing mecca!!

You got nailed pretty hard on the rocks, what´s your heat tactics;
Nice and landed or go hard or go home?
We all went to the rocks... but yea´ sometimes I wanted to risk more then others and that payed off in the double to advance some tuff heats against big names like Mussolini, Sky, Campello, Volwater, Cameale and more, I just went out and did what I was capable of and made it though, so I´m thankfull.

Are you happy with the event overall?
I´m stocked, but wanted to finish better then last year and I got the same result.. So this thought me some mistakes I did in my last heat were the wind picked up in the beginning of the heat and I was overpowered so I couldn't perform as I wanted too. And this is a lesson I learned and will not happen next time. But overall its a great result for Simmer and for the Italians that really were behind me on this event! Ciao a tutti and thanks Simmer for been a great company supporting me all this years and the great product that works great and handles the rocks like butter ; )

Solid performance Francisco! Ciao a tutti!!
Simmer HQ

Photo Credits. Pietro Porcella

Dario Ojeda E211 joins Simmer

2009-02-17 00:00:00

There´s a new kid on the block, the airborne Pozo local Dario Ojeda E211 just joined the Simmer squad. .

The young Spaniard didn´t get off to an smooth start, when arriving at Cabo Verde for the PWA event he had some passport dramas and got put straight in jail, without passing go.

" To make a long story short, they locked me up in Praia police cell for one day before the Spanish embassy sent through all the necessary paper work and they could let me out to Sal. It was a frustrating time but now its all good and I´m amped to be here. " Dario reveals.

" I am really happy to be part of the Simmer team. I´ve been on the Mission X here at Cabo Verde and also before home in Pozo, it suits my style of sailing perfectly! I am stoked to be working with Tomas Persson, with the Simmer team and also with my close friend and travel mate Jonas Ceballos E40. After Cabo Verde I´m going to the Fuerte Wave Classic for some more action. It´s going to be a awesome year. " Dario finishes off.

Chief Designer, Tomas Persson on Dario:

" Dario has a great knowledge and understanding of modern windsurfing. He is perfect for our team. His radical and explosive style together with his excellent product understanding makes him a valuable asset in our r&d program. ”

Simmer team captain Kai Katchadourian on Dario:

" Dario will bring some fire to this team straight away. You don't get much more fire than with Dario. It sure shows on the water. He is clearly one of the main players at Pozo along with his close friend Jonas Ceballos, and its also clear that he intends to shake it up wherever else he sails. The fact that he is a really well rounded sailor is why we signed him. "

Welcome on board Dario!

Les Mouss ripping up Marseille

2009-02-11 00:00:00

We just got this email from the Moussilmani brothers...

Hi,

Last windsurf session,
Home spot, Marseille
T°C = 8
02/08/09

Well boys, you´re looking pretty red hot from here.

photo credits. photodingo.com

Kai Katchadourian riding Lanes, Maui

2009-02-09 00:00:00

Kai Katchadourian getting a piece of the action at Lanes Januuary 15 2009.

6 - 12 ft West bombers and steaming with 4.5 winds.

"Good fun lining up some sets and really trying to stay out of trouble. I almost got served up really hard a few times. This one was pure carpet ride all the way across Lanes back to Hookipa, a pretty rare thing. We got more on the way stay tuned !"

Photo: Wilson

Les Mouss talkes about 2009

2009-02-05 00:00:00

To read their article click the image below.

You can also visit the homepage: www.lesmouss.com

Kai Katchadourian explores Maui South Shore

2009-02-02 00:00:00

With 22 years on Maui, Flykatcher knows the island on all points of the compass.

Wind France's Windsurfer mag just went with a two pager after tracking Katchadourian down and hiding in the bushes to get a shot of this secret spot back in October.

"Lots of surfers out, but I went to high school with most of them, so they let me catch a few rides with my kit before they made me promise to paddle out and surf. I actually had more fun surfing this day than sailing, though the sailing really was pretty special."

SIMMER STYLE - world news

Ben Proffitt scores Esperence

Wind and Snow

Zara Davis UK windsurfer of the year.

Youtube video's

Bastien Rama Short Clip

Steve Thorp The Fastest Man in the World

Arrianne Aukes in Brasil

Update from Christopher Friis

Adam Gavriel freestyle video

Simmer Style wins UK Constructors Rankings

Zara Davis voted UK windsurfer of the year

Kenneth Danielsen in Cape Town

Dario Ojeda update

Proffit outback

Ben Proffitt down under

Francisco Porcella update

Maui session with Nick Dudet

Icon test winner in Boardseeker

Iron scores A+ test results in Boards

Icon 4.7 test in Boards UK

Nicolas Dudet update

Simmer dominates Weymouth Speed Week

2011 AWT Makani Classic

2012 Simmer Style Catalog

Check out the 2012 Simmer Style catalog online or get a hard copy at your local Simmer dealer, enjoy!

Dario Ojeda video

Kenneth Danielsen wins Danish Championshop

Kurosh Kiani wins in Miami

Hookipa on fire

Update from Arrianne Aukes

Update from Kenneth Danielsen

Ben Proffitt wins Tiree Wave Classic

A good day at the office

Steve Thorp hits 50 knots

Ben Proffitt leads Tiree Wave Classic

Klaas Voget challenges Dunkerbeck

2011 Chia Classic video

Mahalo Junko!

Peru video from Nicolas Dudet

Yarden Meir video

Niklas Stralhen GoPro movie

Congratulations Kai and Anni Katchadourian

Niklas Stralhen Swedish Freestyle Champion

Klaas Voget video from Sweden

AWT update from Nick Dudet

Wave 360 by Ben Proffitt

Justin Denel

The Timeless Simmer Style Adventure

Ben Proffitt in Windsurfer International

Proffitts latest ups and downs

Jakub Kosmowski Gozzada into Burner

Update from Kenneth Danielsen

Punta Experience

New video from Bastien Rama

Dario Ojeda 3rd in 2011 Pozo World Cup

Video from Bastien Rama

Kenneth Danielsen update

Update from Arrianne Aukes

Dario Ojeda Wins RedBull Rockets

Andreas Olandersson in black and white

Hectic times for Dario Ojeda

Update from Jakub Kosmowski

Yarden Meir HELL YEAH!

Niklas Stralhen update from EFPT Milos

Kurosh Kiani's Pro Racing Tips

Francisco Porcella wins on home ground

BWA update from Ben Proffitt

Windsurfer Internataional May Issue

Arrianne Aukes Bonaire video

Check out upcoming pro freestyler Arrianne Aukes during her latest Bonaire training session. Arrianne is debuting on the PWA freestyle tour this session, so stay tuned with Arrianne @ http://arrianne.gearfreak.nl Bonaire training 2011 from arrianne aukes on Vimeo.

Antony Ruenes El Yaque training

Kiani's Pro Racing Tips

Klaas Voget update from Maui

Tom Malina video update

Congratulations Francisco Porcella

Ben Proffitt going backwards in Cape Town

Hookipa action

Light wind days in Eilat

Meet Arrianne Aukes

Check out upcoming pro freestyler Arrianne Aukes during her latest Bonaire training session. Arrianne is debuting on the PWA freestyle tour this session, so stay tuned with Arrianne @ http://arrianne.gearfreak.nl

Bonaire training 2011 from arrianne aukes on Vimeo.