Boards advertising manager Lukasz Zajdowski, reports from Costa Brava where the Starboard/Severne dealers meeting recently took place.
Famous for hosting the PWA Slalom in Costa Brava, the Bellena Allegre camping and bungalow park has become a venue for 2013 Starboard and Severne International Dealer Conference. Retailers and dealers from all over Europe had a chance to see, try and understand the complete collections from Starboard Windsurfing and SUP, Severne and Airush for the upcoming season. This was also a great opportunity to understand the ideology behind the brands along with in-depth information on individual products coming directly from their designers and shapers.
Starboard’s Brand Manager, Tiesda You explained in great detail why Starboard’s ideology of INNOVATION has resulted lead to the success of the brand. Their cutting edge designs became a bench mark in windsurfing and set the brand as a leader in PWA Constructors Championship second year running. The meeting was also a chance to see the first ever inflatable windsurfing board. The design featuring fully compatible and easy to fit windsurfing fin, dagger and mast base will revolutionise the windsurfing teaching and accessibility to the sport!
Highlight of the Severne presentation was the new Reflex 4, the fourth edition of the sail which you could read more about in BOARDS Summer Annual! Their approach in producing the highest quality product with no compromise and dedication is clearly visible when looking at the 2013 products.
Great amount of SUPs and kites allowed the participants of the conference to get on the water in the light wind conditions. Even hardcore wavesailors, like Chris “Muzza” Murray, were dipping their toes in some kite action.
Along with presentations from each brand there was a chance to catch up with the likes of Scott McKercher and talk about his experience and history of designing the wave line for Starboard. Boujmaa Guilloul came over straight from Tahiti where he “surfed the most radical wave in the world” Teahopu’o. For those whose potion is SUPing, current leader of the Tour Sean Poynter was on spot to answer all questions and tell the stories from the tour.
The highlight of the meeting was a visit from the London Olympic windsurfing Champion Marina Alabau. Everyone had a chance to have a word with her and have a closer look at the GOLD Medal – some even had a go trying it… Marina had shared here experience and feedback on getting to the games and winning the Olympic Gold.
Till the next year!
