As the driving force in professional windsurfing, the PWA has taken the lead in the development of racing by introducing a brand-new racing discipline called ‘SLALOM 42’. It’s fast, dynamic and high-profile: Racing has never looked so good.

SLALOM 42 is a completely new action-packed racing discipline, adapted specifically to each location for maximum exposure to both crowd and media. This means the racecourse ideally is laid out as close to the beach as possible, providing high-speed action right in front of the spectators and cameras.

Depending on the conditions, fast and furious downwind racing will be the prime format, including long distance and full fleet slalom courses. Should conditions demand however, more upwind oriented courses will still enable racing in even the lightest winds.

Each sailor is allowed to register four sails and two boards per event. The sails are to be chosen from the PWA sail registration list (maximum 12.5m), while boards are to be selected from the ISAF registered board lists for production boards (maximum width 100.5cm). Racing takes place in practically all conditions, whether there’s a light breeze or a raging storm, making it crucial for contestants to choose their equipment wisely.

The restrictions on equipment will create equality among the competitors, leveling the field so that newcomers and seasoned pros can compete fairly, side by side.

The premier SLALOM 42 events this year will be in Sylt, Germany and Almanarre, France. Both locations have a long and exciting history of racing close to the beach. SLALOM 42 kicks off end of September, when the world’s top racers take over the notoriously windy island of Sylt to fight it out for a spot on the podium in this spectacular new discipline.