Simon Bornhoft is just back from another incredible coaching clinic in Mauritius which again provided great conditions for all in one of the most beautiful of settings. Boards catches up with Simon to find out more about the trip:
We’ve just had one of the best ever trips to one of our favourite Windwise locations. Our annual Pilgrimage to Le Morne on the south western tip of Mauritius is one we always look forward to immensely, and this year it delivered something really special.
With a large lagoon offering everything from flat water at low tide to bump and jump at high tide, you can just blast back and forth or try what we affectionately call ‘comfy pillows’, which is a small wave break that’s perfect for those wanting to try waves for the first time in total safety. There is also the option to venture out through ‘Little Reef’ and sample the smooth but impressively large rolling swells of Manawa! Real waves on a real point break! Down-the-line heaven!
During our October Windwise Freewave course we covered: how to hover for, catch and ride waves – both front side and back side. How to strategise for wave safety, selection and maximise you precious time on a wave. We polished up the vital short board uphauling, fast tacks, flat water wave riding and gybe variations to get round those corners in all conditions. Plus we covered how to either avoid or enjoy jumping over waves on your way out and learnt what to do when faced with white water or large swell.
So, I wanted to say a big thank you to all those who joined us in Mauritius. Everyone sailed brilliantly, worked really hard, had their own eureka moments, which included everything from learning to control and sail smaller boards in a wider range of conditions, to catching their first or biggest waves. Plus the more experienced sailors were starting crank and master their top and bottom turns, jumping and confidence in, on and over the waves!
With an amazing wind record of 10 out of 10 planing days on sub 100L boards with average size sails between 4.7m-5.9m we were treated to some fabulous conditions. In fact, it was too windy and wavy to even think about dolphin trips, paddleboarding or adventure walks up Le Morne mountain!
The Windwise Mauritius Freewave course and conditions offer plenty of variation and excitement for anyone who can sail a sub 120L board. We are already filling up with reservations for Mauritius 2013. If you want the best possible Freewave experience and to improve your windsurfing let us now ASAP, as ever places will be limited. Head to http://www.sportif.travel/coaches/show/simon_bornhoft to find out more about the clinics Simon runs with Sportif.
