An update from Starboard rider Luke Smith:
Here is a short video of me and my mate Ollie filmed one day at Draycote Water. Actually the only reason the vid got made is that my girlfriend Becky came along to shoot and edit it.
The past times that me and Ollie have set out to make a video we would have too much fun on the water to come in and get a camera. Surely that’s what windsurfing is about, having too much fun!
Most windsurf media sites around this time of year set their readers new year resolutions or challenges for improvement. I’m just going to share mine with you and maybe you will pick up some bits too…
1. Travel more and actively seek to discover new spots. In the summer we are heading to Italy for (hopefully) some work and a lot of windsurfing. Our plan is to fly to the north and explore our way down to the south; discover some amazing spots, at some point find a job instructing, and document our travels. It wont be as long as previous seasons so this leaves some time either side for other trips, including UK ones.
2. Learn loads. I have a long list of stuff in my head of tricks I want to learn. To do this I know I have to really make the most of the lighter winds as well as focused sessions on particular skills in strong winds.
3. Play around with tuning for different wind strengths. Recently I have been experimenting with loads of outhaul to make the sails feel springy and quicker with their response. I’m really enjoying them feeling like this for when I’m powered up. Changing the rigging really helps with learning different moves as different rigging can change the characteristics of the sail. Having said all that, the Bolt isn’t particularly fussy about how its rigged and actually works really well no matter how it is!
4. Have fun! Really this should be at the top. Normally this is something that I never have an issue with at all! In fact I don’t think I’ve ever had a windsurf that wasn’t fun. Still though I don’t want to get bogged down with goals and lists, fun is to be kept a priority at all times!
