Kitesurfer Carlos Aldaravi flies over Tarifa for over a minute

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 14:00:26 +0000

Carlos Aldaravi has flown over the waters of Valdevaqueros Beach, in Tarifa, Spain, for more than a minute.

The kiteboarder from Santa Pola set a new world record after pulling off a big air that lasted over 60 seconds.

People at the legendary wind sports beach cheered the Spaniard's accomplishment, which also included 20 kite loops. The previous world record was 37 seconds.

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The physics of kiteboarding

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 15:53:21 +0000

Kiteboarding is like wakeboarding with a paraglider; or windsurfing with a short board and a detached sail.

The kite redirects a mass of air each second (m/dt) from the apparent wind-assisted by the Coanda effect at a velocity (dv) relative to the kite, which creates a backward force (Force BACK = ma = m/dt x dv).

This redirected airflow pushes against undisturbed wind behind it, creating turbulence and providing something for the redirected airflow to push against.

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Francisco Lufinha will cross the Atlantic solo on a kiteboat

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 12:08:38 +0000

Francisco Lufinha aims to cross the Atlantic Ocean on a trimaran powered by a kite.

The experienced Portuguese kitesurfer adapted a multi-hull boat that is able to sail the rough sea using a towing kite propulsion system.

Lufinha hopes to leave Portugal and arrive in the Caribbean three to four weeks later, depending on the weather and ocean conditions.

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"Kiteboarding Pro": the kitesurfing game for everyone

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 11:10:17 +0000

My name is André Klein Martins. I have developed a PC kitesurfing game called "Kiteboarding Pro."

I am a sworn translator, a former IKO kitesurf instructor, and game development has been a hobby for many years.

When I started kiteboarding, I wanted to play a kite game, but there were no titles available. So, I decided to create one myself.

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New kiteboarder identification sticker helps rescue teams

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 16:03:09 +0000

The Global Kitesports Association (GKA) announced the launch of an identification sticker program for kiteboarders.

Every year, hundreds of kiteboarders experience an equipment failure, sudden loss of wind power, and get stranded or lost out at sea.

As a result, national and regional lifeguard teams and ocean rescue services are activated for hours - if not days - in search of potentially lost riders.

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The essential guide to kite pumps

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 17:25:30 +0000

How do you choose a good kite pump? What are the general care and maintenance steps you need to follow to make it last longer?

Rigging up a kite is a fundamental skill every kiteboarder should master.

The entire process could take a few minutes and involves several pieces of equipment and gear. There's no room for error.

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31 kiteboarders rescued from cold waters in the Netherlands

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 12:11:46 +0000

Thirty-one kiteboarders were rescued from the water at Rockanje, near Rotterdam, in the Netherlands.

On February 20, 2021, an unusual number of wind sports participants had to be taken out of the water by local lifeguard teams due to an unexpected disappearance of wind.

The lack of wind combined with strong currents kept 31 kites and riders floating in cold 39°F (4°C) waters.

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Dakine wind sports segment joins Cabrinha

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 16:10:17 +0000

Adventure Sports Inc. (ASI), the owner of Maui-based water sports company Cabrinha, is taking over Dakine's hydrofoil and wind-related products.

ASI reached an agreement with Marquee Brands, the global owner of the legendary Dakine brand, to take over the company's kitesurfing and windsurfing segment.

Dakine is currently operating in the snow, surf, bike, and wind sports market, producing backpacks, accessories, technical bags, apparel, and gear for those business sectors.

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Red Bull King of the Air announces 2021 roster

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 12:05:55 +0000

The athletes that will compete at the 2021 Red Bull King of the Air (KOTA) have been announced.

The world's most famous big air kiteboarding competition will run at Kite Beach in Cape Town, somewhere between January 30 and February 14.

The all-star list features local favorites, previous event champions, and up-and-coming young guns.

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Milo: the modern action sports walkie-talkie

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 11:10:42 +0000

Milo is a communication device that lets you talk with friends while kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, skateboarding, BMX, snowboarding.

This hands-free, modern walkie-talkie allows action sports enthusiasts to chat in a closed group and doesn't need Wi-Fi or cell signal to operate.

Milo combines wireless networking, audio processing, and hardware and is simple to use.

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Henning Nockel wins inaugural King of the Wing 2020

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 12:51:07 +0000

Henning Nockel has taken out the first-ever King of the Wing at Gunzenhausen, in Germany.

The event run by the newly-founded Global Wingsports Association (GWA) had good wind conditions for wing foiling's first official debut.

The King of the Wing 2020 was a perfect all-around contest with race and freestyle competitions for the seasoned wing-foilers, as well as a wing festival and rider meet-ups that brought the community together.

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Mental health in extreme sports matters

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 10:44:24 +0000

As a professional athlete, artist and brand owner, depression, insecurities, anxiety, self-doubt, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and epilepsy have played a huge role in who I am today.

It's given me strength and courage to push through boundaries, but it has also plagued my road to success, competitions, relationships, and ultimately, happiness.

I see it in people, friends, professional athletes, and successful people all around me, and most of them won't dare open up when I try starting a conversion, for their fear of crying, looking weak, feeling uncool.

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Robby Naish: the ultimate windsurfer and water sports icon

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 14:11:39 +0000

Robby Naish is probably the greatest windsurfer in the history of the sport. His career stats are absolutely impressive.

But the legendary waterman is also someone who pioneered kiteboarding and modern stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

Naish was always ahead of his time, and the nearly obsessive search for perfection only added layers of success to his longtime competitive career.

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How to body drag in windsurfing

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 15:55:55 +0000

Body dragging is a classic old-school move and one of the first techniques beginners learn when getting into freestyle windsurfing.

It's a stylish and feel-good maneuver that involves dragging your legs in the water next to the windsurf board before effortlessly jumping back onto it, still planing.

"It is easier to body drag on cambered sails," explains Michael Rossmeier, competitive windsurfer and author of the "Trickionary Windsurfing Bible."

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Kiran Badloe and Yunxiu Lu win RS:X gold medals at Tokyo 2020

Sat, 31 Jul 2021 11:59:18 +0000

Kiran Badloe and Yunxiu Lu claimed the RS:X gold medals at Tokyo 2020, in Japan.

It's the end of an era for the legendary RS:X windsurfing.

The historic sailboarding class concludes its fourth and last participation in the Olympic Games since it made a grand debut in Beijing 2008.

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A new theory on sailing downwind faster than the wind

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 11:45:18 +0000

Sailing is an ancient skill and art. It involves a complex balance between wind, boat, sail, and several laws of physics and motion.

"Downwind Faster than the Wind: Sailing Explained by Newtonian Physics and Galilean Relativity" is an exciting - and controversial - book by Nicholas Landell-Mills that promises to shake up the scientific community.

The author is not your average academic or physicist.

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Robby Naish rides "The Longest Wave"

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 14:27:05 +0000

Over the course of 40 years, professional waterman, Robby Naish, won over 150 tournament victories and became a 24-time world champion.

His purpose in life every day was about competing and being an exceptional athlete.

So now in his 50s, as he figures out what to accomplish next in his life, "The Longest Wave" documentary sheds light on his career during the transition from competing to life after professional sport, a perspective rarely documented.

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The qualified RS:X windsurfers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 15:35:10 +0000

Twenty-five male windsurfers and 27 female windsurfers will compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Sailors from 31 nations will race for gold, silver, and bronze medals at the small island of Enoshima in Sagami Bay, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

The Olympic sailing venue is located 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Tokyo, and it is home to the Enoshima Yacht Club and Odakyu Yacht Club.

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Neubauer ramps it up for Lennart's Wind Park in Naxos

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 13:18:02 +0000

The Greek windsurfing phenomenon returned to his sporting roots for a wild and innovative project.

Lennart Neubauer made his first steps in windsurfing at the Laguna Beach Park in the Greek resort of Naxos in 2014.

In 2021, he returned to his roots for his latest sailing project.

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Zane Schweitzer claims 2020/2021 IWT Big Wave Awards

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 10:22:16 +0000

Zane Schweitzer is the grand winner of the International Windsurfing Tour (IWT) Big Wave Awards.

The event's ceremony was held on Maui's north shore on Saturday night to announce the big wave champions.

Covid-19 restrictions on outdoor gatherings were opened June 1, 2021, on Maui, and so the organizers immediately planned the big night for the first Saturday, June, so that everyone could finally come together for this special night.

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The physics of windsurfing

Tue, 04 May 2021 11:08:22 +0000

How does wind help propel a windsurf board and sail?

Mark, the founder of 3D Enlightenment, created a simple and straightforward video on the physics of windsurfing.

In the clip, he explains the physics of the wind's force on the sail, why the board doesn't just go downwind, how you can sail faster than the wind, why the shape of the sail provides lift, and how to steer the board.

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Decathlon launches innovative fully inflatable windsurfing kit

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 11:50:42 +0000

French sporting good retailer Decathlon announced the launch of a fully inflatable windsurfing rig.

Tamahoo 100 is a windsurf sail and board that allows riders to tack by intuitively pivoting 180 degrees.

The kit fits in a large backpack and doesn't need tools to set up - only a hand pump to inflate the board and sail.

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An essay on bearing defeat without losing the passion

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 12:41:49 +0000

A spell was cast on Anthony Vandenberg as he attempted to complete the 2021 WaterTribe Everglades Challenge. This time, blame it on the bull manatees.

"Bermuda Boy" once gave everything he had, but luck is not on his side.

The veteran marathon windsurfer will have to wait for 2022 to try and finish the 300-mile sailing adventure along the Florida coastline, from Fort De Soto's East Beach to Key Largo.

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How to sail: the ultimate beginner's guide to windsurfing

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:56:31 +0000

Windsurfing is a thrilling water sport. Learn how to sail a windsurfer. Discover the original Windjammer's boardsailing short course for beginners.

The Windjammer's booklet - or user's manual - showcased a basic yet perfect introduction to windsurfing.

The instructions are timeless and feature everything you need to know to master the basics of boardsailing.

Have you got a windsurf board and sail? Start sailing now.

Choosing a Location

When first learning to boardsail, a good location is essential. You should look for a small lake or lagoon about 100 to 200 yards across.

Since it is easiest at first to sail on a reach or across the wind, look for a place where the wind is blowing parallel to the shore - that way, if you can sail out, you can also sail back in.

Avoid places where there are powerboats. Their wakes make it very difficult to balance.

Do not attempt to learn to boardsail in the ocean. Sailing out through the surf is for experienced sailors only.

Wind Strength and Direction

If the wind is blowing stronger than 7 to 10 miles per hour, wait for another time to learn.

Winds as strong as that are more than a beginner can handle and can make the learning experience a very frustrating one.

A 3-to-5 miles per hour wind would be ideal.

As you get better, you will be able to handle more and more wind and will seek out windy conditions for the thrilling ride they provide, but when just starting out, too much wind will keep pulling you over.

As mentioned before, the wind direction should be parallel to the shore.

If you cannot sail in a location with those conditions, be very careful not to allow yourself to blow too far from shore.

If the wind is blowing directly offshore, you can blow a long way in a hurry while learning.

As a way to counter this, you can use a tether line attached to a dock or the shore (or a small anchor) to pull yourself back.

Thirty to 50 yards of line should be enough.

Tie the line to your mast base or daggerboard handle.

As a last resort, you should be familiar enough with your rig to be able to disassemble it in the water, roll up the sail on the mast, place the rig between your legs on the board and paddle it back.

Don't worry - many beginners paddle their boards back to shore the first time out. If possible, the wind should be "clean," that is, it should approach your position relatively unobstructed.

Large buildings or trees directly up-wind can cause the wind to swirl around, making it difficult to keep the sail full.

Practicing on Land

Before you try to haul the sail up for the first time in the water, get the feel of the wind's pull on your rig by assembling the mast, booms, and sail on shore.

Place the mast base in the sand or on the grass, haul up the sail and allow it to "luff" or blow downwind like a weathervane.

Imagine the direction the board would be pointing.

Position your feet on the boards' centerline, one on either side of the mast (about 12" to 18" apart), and haul in the sail.

You can get a very good feel for what the pull on the sail will be like in the water without the additional problems of balance, waves, etc.

A little practice like this can give you valuable experience and confidence.

Preparing the Board's Surface

The deck skin of your windsurf board offers very good traction when properly conditioned.

However, when it is new, the polyethylene deck may be too slippery for your liking.

The best way to reduce the slipperiness is to scoop up a handful of wet beach sand and rub it on the deck with your hands until it no longer feels slippery.

If there is no sand where you sail, you can simply scuff up the deck with your bare feet.

Don't stand on the board while it is on the ground if the fin is in place - it could break off.

The deck should not look rough; it should just not feel slippery. The longer your board is used, the better the deck traction.

As with any board, don't lay on it wearing suntan oil, or it will become very slick when you stand up.

Note: Always clean the mast step holes to remove all sand before inserting the mast base.

Going Sailing

Assemble the board and rig as described in the assembly manual included with your windsurfing kit.

Make sure there is no sand in the mast step hole before you insert the mast base.

Insert the mast base, lock it in place, and walk the entire rig out to waist-deep water. Arrange the board so that it is pointing in the direction you wish to sail.

Your back should be to the wind, and the sail should be laying in the water downwind and at a 90-degree angle to the board.

Kneel on the board with one knee on either side of the mast facing the sail and retrieve the uphaul line.

Note: It's easier to rotate the nose of the board around to get the line than it is to try and crawl out the mast to find it.

Holding the line, stand up with one foot on either side of the mast base.

Your feet should be on the board's centerline about 12 inches apart and with the mast base right in the middle.

Hauling Up the Sail

With your back to the wind, lean back slightly and pull in on the uphaul line.

Keep your back straight and use your leg muscles to lift the sail out of the water.

It will be heavy at first, but as you lift the sail and the water starts to run off, it will come up easier and easier.

Use a hand over hand motion cm the uphaul line and pull the sail up until you can take hold of the handle at the front of the booms.

Pull in until the back of the booms are out of the water and allow the sail to blow downwind like a weathervane.

Starting to Sail

Reach your mast hand - the hand closest to the nose of the board - over the hand holding onto the boom handle and grasp the boom 6'' to 8'' in the back of the mast.

Lean the mast toward the nose of the board on the board's centerline while you release the hand on the front of the boom.

Move that hand your shoulder's width back to grasp the boom - this is your "sheet hand."

Pull in slightly with the sheet hod while leaning the mast toward the nose of the board.

Slide your rear foot back about 12" more. This should all be done quickly and in one smooth move.

You should now sail off in a straight line.

At this point, what usually happens to beginners is that the board beg, to turn upwind, the sail luffs, and they fall over backward.

The reason is the mast is not leaned far enough toward the nose of the board, and the board turns into the wind.

Remember to lean the mast way forward.

If you start to turn away from the wind, just lean it back a bit to resume a straight course.

Once sailing, don't pull the sail in too far. If you start sailing sideways, you've got it pulled in too far.

The wind must be released from the rear of the sail in order for you to move forward.

If a gust of wind begins to pull you off balance, sheet out quickly with your rear hand to dump some wind out of the sail.

As soon as you recover, pull back in with your sheet hand and resume your course.

If you get pulled forward too far, don't let go with your mast hand.

Always let go with your sheet hand first. As soon as you release your sheet hand, the sail will stop trying to pull you over.

If you release the mast hand first, the sail will continue to pull, and you will have to drop it in the water and start from scratch.

Steering

Turning the board is accomplished simply by leaning the mast on the board's centerline toward the nose to turn away from the wind (head off) or toward the tail to turn into the wind (head up).

What you are doing when you tilt the mast forward or back is moving the board's "center of effort" ahead of or behind its "center of lateral resistance" - the daggerboard.

When the mast is forward, the center of effort is in front of the daggerboard, and the board heads off.

When the center of effort moves back, the tail of the board comes around, and the board heads into the wind.

Turning while running downwind is accomplished by leaning the mast to the left or right, but you are still doing the same thing.

The moveable center of effort is the key to the free sail system, and the reason sailboards don't need a rudder to steer.

That's all there is to it.

It may sound complicated at first, but it's really not - just keep trying, you'll get it.

Proper Body Position for Sailing

When starting out, try to keep your front arm bent at the elbow at all times.

Adjust the pull of the sail by letting out or pulling in with your sheet (rear) hand.

Keep your back straight and shoulders back - don't bend at the waist and let your rear hang out.

Keep the boom in fairly close to your chest so that the mast stays on the board's centerline - don't lean it away from you.

Keep your front leg fairly straight and pointed toward the front of the board. Through it, you transfer the sail's force to drive the board.

Your rear leg should be slightly bent to help you adjust your balance.

In stronger winds, you will move your feet out closer to the windward rail and lean back more to counter the increased pull on the sail.

Tacking or Coming About

Since it is impossible to sail directly into the wind, to travel upwind, you must sail on a series of tacks close-hauled, making a zig-zag course until you reach your destination.

Coming about is turning to the new upwind tack by bringing the nose of the board across the wind.

To come about when sailing close-hauled, first, lean the mast way back until the board heads up into the wind.

Drop the back end of the boom into the water to slow you down and assist in pivoting the board.

Allow the sail to luff and take hold of the uphaul line or the boom handle.

Step around in front of the mast as the board heads up using small steps and staying close to the mast base.

Lean the mast to the side of the board toward which you wish to turn, and the nose of the board will come around in that direction.

This is called a "rope turn."

As the board comes around to the new direction, keep your back to the wind by continuing to step around the mast base.

When the board is pointing the direction, you now wish to sail, tip the mast forward, sheet in as before, and sail off on the new course.

Jibing

If you are sailing downwind on a broad reach and wish to turn so that the wind is coming from the other side, first lean the mast toward the nose of the board so that you begin to sail straight downwind.

As the board comes around, move your feet until you are standing with one foot on either side of the daggerboard well, centered on the board.

Release your sheet hand from the boom, and holding onto the uphaul line, let the sail swing around over the nose of the board so you can grab the boom with your other hand on the opposite side.

Step forward with your new forward foot slightly and sheet in to set sail in the new direction.

Running

From a broad reach, begin sailing downwind by tilting the mast toward the nose of the board.

As it begins to head downwind, step around so that both feet are placed equally on opposite sides of the daggerboard, well facing forward.

Bring the sail around so that it is approximately perpendicular to the board, with the mast leaning to the ski windward side.

Look through the sail window and steer the board by leaning the boom and mast to left or right instead of forward or back.

Leaning it to the right makes the board turn left and vice versa.

Balance is difficult in this position, so you may want to assume a slightly lower stance with knees bent more.

Breaking Down the Rig for Paddling

Should you ever be completely becalmed, break a piece of equipment, or find yourself in more wind than you can handle, you can partially disassemble your rig in the water and paddle back to shore.

First, drop the sail and release the mast base from the mast step.

Pull the mast across the board so you can reach the outhaul line on either side of the booms.

Release the outhaul line from the cleat and let it all the way out through the grommet in the clew of the sail.

Tie off the excess outhaul line.

You may then simply gather up the sail around the mast and rotate the booms up against the sail and mast, place the mast and booms down the centerline of the board, kneel on either side of the mast, and paddle.

The mast does not float, so don't completely disassemble the rig out in the water.

The daggerboard may be removed and placed on the deck to reduce drag if you wish.

Summary Tips

Safety

1. When participating in any open-water sport, it is always a good idea to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

2. Stay close to shore while learning and never boardsail alone.

3. Choose your location carefully. Avoid locations with jagged rocks, strong currents, strong offshore winds, waves, powerboats, and overhead power lines. For obvious reasons, do not sail when there is lightning in the area, even though the high winds may tempt you. Avoid sailing in the surf until you are experienced enough to handle it.

Sailing

1. Pulling in the sail without heading upwind is hard for most beginners. Remember, you have to lean the mast toward the nose of the board to get going. Once sailing, ease the mast back to hold a straight course.

2. If the wind pulls too hard, hold on with the mast hand and release the sheet hand. Always release the sheet hand first to dump wind.

3. Learn the right-of-way rules for sailcraft and other boats.

4. Check the local regulations where you sail. Sailing may be restricted to certain hours or designated areas for your safety. It's up to you to inquire.

Equipment

1. The deck of a new board may need to be roughed up with a handful of sand to make it less slick. Go easy; just rub until it feels right, don't overdo it.

2. When sailing in salt water, always rinse off all your equipment with fresh water before putting it away. Dry your sail before rolling or folding it up for storage.

3. Clean out all sand from the mast step hole before inserting the mast base.

4. If using roof racks to transport your windsurfing kit, use the soft type if possible as they don't dent the rails of your board. If you see any tiedown strap digging into the rails, use a piece of cardboard at the tiedown point to spread the load and keep it from cutting into the board. Dents will come out slowly, but it's best not to get them in the first place. When transporting on top of a car, place the board top side down with the nose to the rear of the car.

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Uri Valadão wins 2021 Sintra Portugal Pro

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 16:32:12 +0000

Uri Valadão has taken out the 2021 Sintra Pro in Portugal.

The 25th anniversary of the Portuguese bodyboarding competition gathered riders from several continents.

For the first time in two years, professional and semi-professional bodyboarders competed at the highest level in a historical wave.

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Annaëlle: the notorious French bodyboarding slab

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 10:37:31 +0000

Meet Annaëlle, a French bodyboarding wave that provides as many horrendous wipeouts as glorious rides.

How would you describe this beast? To put it simply, if Western Australia has The Box, France has Annaëlle. Got it?

Annaëlle is a slab wave that breaks on an island located north off the coast of Finistère in Brittany, France.

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California Bodyboarding Tour sees the light of day

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 12:14:11 +0000

It's better than nothing. Bodyboarding US announced the creation of the California Bodyboarding Tour, with three stages locked in for 2021.

Competitive bodyboarding is going through one of the worst phases of its 50-year history.

After the structural revolution that led to the end of the APB Tour era and the establishment of the IBC World Tour age, a pandemic struck the world.

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Tristan Roberts conquers 2021 Tand Invitational

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 11:04:43 +0000

Tristan Roberts has taken out the 2021 Tand Invitational in Cape Town, South Africa.

After three years of lying dormant, the beast has finally awoken with firing barreling waves exploding down the line.

This year, the iconic bodyboarding event had four world champions competing for the trophy - Jared Houston, Iain Campbell, Tristan Roberts, and Sacha Specker.

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"TriBBo": the story of bodyboarding in Portugal

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 12:22:11 +0000

The digital age may have put an end to thousands of newspapers and magazines, but there are still books that surprise us.

"TriBBo: The Genesis of Bodyboarding in Portugal and the World" is a 192-page book written by António Fonseca, co-founder of Vert Magazine.

The crowdfunded project reached its target in just three and a half days of a 30-day window period.

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10 things you can do if you lose a bodyboarding fin

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 13:23:33 +0000

Fins are an essential piece of equipment for any bodyboarder. But what should you do if you lose your left or right flipper?

Bodyboarding fins help you paddle, move faster and get into waves that are usually inaccessible to, for instance, stand-up surfers.

There are premium, good, and average fins, but there's one thing that is common to all of them - flippers can all fall off after unexpected impacts, currents, and wipeouts.

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The bodyboard celebrates its 50th anniversary

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 12:18:28 +0000

On July 7, 2021, the bodyboard celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The boogie board is a revolutionary wave riding craft that changed the way millions of people engaged for the first time with water sports.

Tom Morey created the world's first modern bodyboard on the summer morning of July 7, 1971.

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Pierre-Louis Costes: the bodyboarder with salty blood

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 15:34:59 +0000

His wave riding style influenced a new generation of bodyboarders, and his trademark backflip set a new benchmark. Meet Pierre-Louis Costes.

He is one of the greatest bodyboarders of all time, and someone who can easily spread the Aloha spirit in and out of the water.

Equipped with his infectious smile and a bagful of tricks, Costes is always humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

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My time with Mike Doyle and the bodyboarding pioneers

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:16:39 +0000

Being with Morey Boogie when they became the first company to put on bodyboard competitions, I got to meet all the emerging stars of the sport.

Most of them were 12 to 16 years old, and some are still revered as the first bodyboarding innovators and pioneers.

People like Jack Lindholm, who first brought serious cred to the possibilities of riding big waves like Pipeline kneeling on a bodyboard; Mike Stewart, who was the kid to beat at every contest for many years; Keith Sasaki, who was an intense competitor, and many others like Ben Severson, JP Patterson, Jay Reale, and David Cunniff.

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IBC cancels 2021 World Tour and announces 2022 calendar

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 11:07:49 +0000

The International Bodyboarding Corporation (IBC) announced the decision to cancel the 2021 tour.

After a long silence, the promotors of the newly created professional bodyboarding circuit revealed that, with ongoing travel restrictions and uncertainty regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, the wise move is to cancel the crowning of world champions in 2021.

Despite the 2021 tour not going ahead as planned due to ongoing global health restrictions, the competitive calendar will feature at least two contests going ahead as World Cup, IBC-sanctioned events.

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The water skier who helped boost bodyboarding's popularity

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 11:32:56 +0000

Craig Libuse has been a waterman from an early age. He was raised summers at his grandparents' home on a chain of lakes in Wisconsin.

Libuse became a good swimmer and boater at a young age and felt a special kinship to the water world.

When his father, an Air Force pilot, was transferred to Riverside in 1954, the nine-year-old moved from the Midwest to Southern California.

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UKBA: the new voice of British bodyboarding

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 14:43:25 +0000

In 1971, inventor and surfer Tom Morey created the first bodyboard.

Now 50 years later, the UK Bodyboarding Association (UKBA) is revitalizing the sport and moving it forward in the British islands.

The UKBA is a non-profit, unincorporated association established to serve the British bodyboarding community through nurturing, developing, and bringing professionalism to the sport within the country.

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Manasota Beach: a unique Floridian skimboarding spot

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 12:15:31 +0000

As a skimboarder, I have recently visited Manasota Beach, a small beach located in Englewood, Florida.

The way I, and most visitors, arrive at this spot is via Manasota Beach Road, which ends with a small drawbridge spanning the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).

The main structure of the road features well-maintained restrooms, showers, and vending machines.

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Foam vs. wood skimboards: what's the difference?

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 15:32:35 +0000

Skimboarding is a highly versatile sport that can be practiced and enjoyed both in and out of the water.

A skimboard is a finless, solid, and smooth plank that can be ridden in shore break waves and also inland, wherever there's a thin layer of water.

The sport has two main disciplines - wave and flatland skimboarding - with different requirements when it comes to equipment.

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How to wax a skimboard

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 14:13:07 +0000

Wax is often used to help you stick to your skimboard while flatland or wave skimming.

There are specific techniques for waxing a skimboard so that it sticks to your board, and so do you.

The surface of a skimboard is slippery, which is great for the side in contact with the water but not good for under your feet.

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The different types of skimboarding rails

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 15:43:40 +0000

Rails are a very important technical feature in flatland skimboarding.

However, when discussing a skimboarding rail, there are two meanings.

One refers to the edges of the skimboard that run from nose to tail, and the other a type of ramp or obstacle that a skimmer uses to launch off or do tricks.

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The most common skimboarding injuries

Mon, 31 May 2021 14:36:14 +0000

Wounds and injuries are just part of any sport. Let's take a look at the particular injuries affecting skimboarders.

There are the basic abrasions, bruises, sprains, and strains that often plague frequent skimmers and the more nasty deep cuts and broken bones.

Most injuries from skimboarding are recurring pains caused by intense, repetitive actions, which are - eventually - unavoidable, although treatable.

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The anatomy and characteristics of a skimboard

Wed, 26 May 2021 14:16:40 +0000

Skimboards are board riding vehicles specifically and technically designed for a particular form of skimming.

Therefore, there isn't really a one-size-fits-all board.

One might be great for some styles of skimboarding, but it may not be optimal for another.

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What is flatland skimboarding?

Fri, 14 May 2021 14:43:26 +0000

Skimboarding has been around for a long time. It all started in the 1920s when beach lifeguards used long, flat wooden boards to ride the shoreline.

In the 1960s, skimboards made another comeback, with riders using completely round planks.

The sport has evolved yet again but, this time, people are noticing.

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The glossary of skimboarding terms and slang

Mon, 10 May 2021 13:48:46 +0000

Skimboarders have their own breed of language. The vocabulary of skimming has been growing since the sport was created in 1920s California.

Skim lingo and jargon evolved, like the sport itself, from a mix of surfing language and skateboarding terms.

So, if you hear someone say something like, "dude, you killed it last sesh with that no-comply before grindin' the railside! Steezy!" you will understand what they are saying by checking the following glossary of skim terms.

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How to skimboard

Wed, 05 May 2021 13:49:03 +0000

Learn how to skimboard with a step-by-step tutorial that will quickly help you master wave and flatland skimming.

"I don't need to learn how to skimboard - it's easy, just run and jump right..." I hear lots of people say this before they even try skimming.

"Ok, go ahead and do it then," I say as I pass them my board.

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The complete list of wave and flatland skimboarding tricks

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 15:30:31 +0000

The list of skimboarding tricks is quite long and rich. Explore the sport's fundamental maneuvers.

Skimboarding is an exciting sport that can be practiced in the waves and on a flat surface with a thin layer of water.

Throughout its evolution, skimming took inspiration from surfing and skateboarding to adopt and create its collection of tricks and maneuvers.

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Adrien Raza: "Real skimboarding is still in its early stages"

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 11:44:22 +0000

Adrien Raza is truly making skimboarding great again as the sport celebrates its 100th anniversary.

But, to get from good to great, the 25-year-old went through a long process of trial and error, succeeding and failing, landing and falling.

The French-born, Rotterdam-based, flatland skimboarder sat down with SurferToday to discuss and reflect on the past, present, and future of the sport.

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The science and art of stone skipping

Wed, 20 May 2020 15:33:36 +0000

What is stone skipping? The art of throwing flat rocks across the water has become a semi-professional sport involving technique and science.

The goal of stone skipping, also known as stone skimming, is to see how many times a stone bounces off the surface of a pond before sinking.

Believe it or not, skipping stones is more than just a pastime and has become a highly competitive outdoor activity with thousands of participants and fans.

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Timo Kapl storms the 2021 Red Bull Wake Capital

Sun, 08 Aug 2021 12:52:55 +0000

Timo Kapl was the surprise winner of Red Bull Wake Capital.

The world's best wakeboarders descended on Hamburg, Germany, to tackle a hugely challenging course in the shadow of the iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall.

Held in Hamburg's Sandtorhafen harbor, Red Bull Wake Capital saw 16 competitors take on a spectacular course.

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Waterskier Nikolas Plytas unveils slick tricks on snow

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 15:11:11 +0000

Nikolas Plytas has made a name for himself with a series of challenging stunts, such as conquering the famous shipwreck at Elefsina.

The Greek waterskier's latest project saw him take to his board on snow as well as his beloved water.

The 25-year-old from Athens started in 2006 with a bullish ambition to not only break his own personal records but also smash longstanding records laid down by other athletes on the water.

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Dakar Rally race truck tows wakeboarder Russian wakeboarder

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 15:34:07 +0000

Russian wakeboarding star Nikita Martyanov and Kamaz-Master team driver Anton Shibalov broke down the borders between their two sports.

The duo put on a wakeboarding session powered by the rally-raid truck, which has dominated its Dakar Rally class in recent years.

The idea formed when Martyanov saw a photo of a Kamaz truck ripping down a levee across an artificial lake and thought to himself: "What if that mad truck towed me? I could do some sweet tricks."

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Omeir Saeed breaks two Guinness World Records

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 15:21:05 +0000

Omeir Saeed has broken two new Guinness World Records (GWR) for farthest wakeboard ramp jump and most wakeboard rail airs in 30 seconds.

The 23-year-old wakeboarder from Abu Dhabi eclipsed the long-standing mark by Jérôme Macquart.

In 2011, at the Al Forsan Club, a 15-year-old Saeed got into the water to "mess around" with his friends.

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Wakeboarder rides Philadelphia's pink-lit Boathouse Row

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 15:22:04 +0000

Meagan Ethell marked the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month by lighting up her backdrop in pink in a stunning series of wakeboarding photographs.

The 22-year-old has long worked to raise awareness for and funds against the threat of breast cancer and lit Boathouse Row, in Philadelphia, for the occasion.

Boathouse Row is a strip of 19th-century homes along the Schuylkill River, and Ethell chose the location having seen the marina lit in pink in previous years.

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Nic Rapa and Meagan Ethell win 2020 wakeboard world titles

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 15:55:50 +0000

Nic Rapa and Meagan Ethell have taken out the 2020 Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships, held in Pine Mountain, Georgia.

Rap put down a fantastic performance in the pro men's final, taking the overall title with a nearly flawless run of 95.00.

Nic threw down a mute mobe 5 and a double cab roll for the win.

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Moxie Pro: the first ever female-only wakeboarding series

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 10:38:44 +0000

Moxie Pro is the first-ever standalone professional wakeboarding series for women.

The inaugural three-event series is open to female participants across the globe for both boat and cable disciplines.

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"Sound of Wake": Dominik Hernler plays big in Salzburg

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 10:31:45 +0000

Sticking to the diktat "holiday at home," Austrian pro wakeboarder Dominik Hernler set out to explore Mozart's haunt of Salzburg, Austria, on a mission to play with the Salzburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

The 28-year-old's instrument of choice is his well-tuned wakeboard and a pair of cymbals.

Confused? Just wait for the crescendo.

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2020 Pro Wake Tour goes digital

Tue, 19 May 2020 12:08:22 +0000

The novel coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic forced the 2020 Supra Boats Pro Wake Tour (PWT) to go digital.

As a result, the organization designed an unorthodox competitive formula comprising of one digital qualifier, two PWT digital events, and two PWT audience-attended stages.

The digital qualifier offers wakeboarders and wakesurfers a chance to qualify for the PWT while riding at their home lake behind their own boat.

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The day Brian Grubb combined wakeskating with snowboarding

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 10:57:33 +0000

In 2015, Brian Grubb traveled to Bosnia and Herzegovina to pull off a magical project.

The wakeskating pioneer is constantly pursuing new challenges, so he embarked on a trip to a winter wonderland to try something new.

Grubb headed for Bjelasnica, a glorious Olympic mountain located just 25 kilometers from Sarajevo.

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Wakeskaters ride the stunning opal lakes of Lençóis Maranhenses

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 15:25:02 +0000

Zuzana Vráblová and Brian Grubb traveled deep into the Brazilian wilderness to wakeskate the stunning opal lakes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.

The Slovakian and American athletes, who both had the other-worldly location on their wakeskate bucket list for a long time, were based in a camp along the northeast coast of Brazil.

Then, the duo had to navigate a river and drive off-road for two hours to reach the opal lakes and lagoons.

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The 2020 Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour schedule

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 17:05:29 +0000

One of the most exciting water spectacles in the world is headed to four American cities this Summer.

The 2020 Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour (PWT), recognized as the number-one wakeboard series on the planet, will feature the world's top-ranked wakeboarders competing alongside up-and-coming athletes, just breaking into the elite level.

The tour, currently in its 28th year, will run May through August at prime water sports venues in Texas, Colorado, Oregon, and Indiana.

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