KAYAKSURF.NET INTERVIEWS

SPENCER COOKE / ENGLISH VERSION

2012-01-23T11:50:00.003Z

Spencer Cooke / "Coming Home" - a NEW surfkayaking DVD

Main differences between this project and the Interference…

This video is a completely different story than Joey's film, which was the first wave of Interference. We are calling this the 2nd wave of Interference, How to go surf kayaking.

Your contribution for this project…

My primary contribution to the content of the DVD is How to Go Surf Kayaking, which runs 45 minutes and documents the sport of kayak surfing from 1997 to present. Over the past fifteen years I have been traveling around the world with a group of friends on surf kayak trips (including some of the trips we documented in INTERFERENCE). As documented in the film, we have traveled all up and down the US East coast surfing, there were a couple trips to the West Coast; California and British Columbia, Costa Rica five times, Panama twice, Nicaragua, two trips to Ecuador, Ireland, Morocco and Portugal. It all started from a group who competed together in East Coast competitions year after year. Then we put together the first major trip to Costa Rica with eight people and got a good taste of international travel.

One trip turned into five, then ten, and without knowing exactly when or if I would make this film we have haphazardly documented these excursions and I tucked away footage, photos and journals as the years have gone by. Due to the fact that this project was all about passion and fun it took me over a year to write the story and do the editing. I couldn't dedicate a large amount of time to the production all at once so I had to break it up over 12-15 months. Our co-producers, Shred Ready and Astral helped fund our DVD replication but there wasn't any production budget outside of our own time and money. The title, How to go Surf Kayaking, is both sarcastic and sincere, meaning that it’s not an actual instructional video.

So, it’s not an educational video?

Rather, the title means that we as a group learned how to go surf kayaking, how to travel with kayaks, how to survive as tourists in other countries, and how to have fun surfing together. The production was, as I state in my narration, “for my friends,” merely as a scrapbook piece, but now we are going to be able to share it with the world. And hopefully this video and the others on the Coming Home DVD will inspire people to go out and travel and find the fun and beauty we have found in the sport of kayaking.

Best waves surfed and filmed in the movie…

Best waves filmed and surfed in the movie would have to be some of the more recent footage from Portugal (2009 worlds), Costa Rica (2008, 2009, 2010) and the Outer Banks of NC (2008). Not only were we surfing better and using better boats in recent years but our video equipment improved drastically wit the advent of HD. Up until 2005 we were using Standard Definition cameras. There is a clear quality difference from the beginning of the film to the end, but it's understandable because the film occurs in chronological order starting in 1997 and bringing us to present.

About Portugal footage…

The Portugal footage gives a glimpse of how incredible the event was at Ocean Spirit 2009 and shows a broad selection of the surf kayakers who competed. It is one of the more beautiful segments considering the wave quality, the surfing, the scenery and the soundtrack. One of my favorite bands, Pygmy Lush, allowed us to use a song that really makes this segment flow. The first part of the segments shows some of the most dynamic shots I took at the competition and then the flow segways into some of the free surfing we did after the contest down at Praia Azul.

When and where can we buy this DVD?

This DVD only costs $14.99 and comes with three other short films about kayaking that I produced with my good friend Chris Gallaway of Horizonline Pictures. We called the DVD COMING HOME based on how much we appreciate traveling to distant lands to kayak, but coming home can be the sweetest part of the journey.

The DVD can be previewed and purchased here
http://rapidtransitvideo.com/main/store/2011/04/23/coming-home-dvd-14-99/

Thanks Spencer and all the success for this project ;)

ALL THE PHOTOS AND VIDEO HERE:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/SpencerCooke12.html

RUI FONSECA / ENGLISH VERSION

2012-01-16T11:47:00.006Z

SPIN / All about the new surfkayak made by RPF

RPF began 2012 with a new surfkayak. It had been tested for past few weeks and has been presented early January this year. This new surfkayak breaks the usual RPF designs and introduces a fresh and new image. At the same time RPF has presented its new Surf Team, that is going to represent the Portuguese brand in the Portuguese Kayaksurf and Waveski National Circuit.

The news from RPF are not over, and Rui Fonseca, owner of RPF, is just finishing a new version of the Shark - the SOT known for allowing everyone to surf in a kayak. While we wait for the new sit-on-top, lets take a look at the new SPIN. Presentation of the new surfkayak, with Rui Fonseca.

SURFKAYAK SPECS:

Width: 63cm / 2,06 feet

Length: 2.29m / 7,5 feet

Paddler weight: up to 90kg+-

Kayak Weight: 8.620kg full-equipped (High-tech version)

Hello Rui, tell us, how SPIN has made?

RUI FONSECA - The SPIN has been a project made with lots of care because RPF has been changing, evolving and improving our kayak designs. Listening to the opinions from friends and surfers all around the globe, we corrected lots of details and then tested the prototype, before making the final mould and the first models.

You say you changed your kayak designs... why?

It's like in the auto industry. Designs evolved, tastes change and the level of demand increases. Thanks to the contribution from a close team, we managed to make SPIN. It's Light, fast and fun, and essentially it's a step forward.

Can we order a SPIN? And prices?

Off course! We are in full production and the prices depend on the construction choices. Standard from 830 euro's / High Tech from 1025 euro's / Full Carbon 1295 euro's.

You started 2012 full with news about RPF. The new surf team is one of them...

We already had a series of athletes that compete with RPF kayaks in the Portuguese Circuit. Gonçalo, Ratinho, João Vaz and Eurico had always promoted our brand, by surfing with Shark, Blast and Rapanui. Now, we invited 3 more guys to the Team. Henrique Frazão, because we know him very well from the partnership between is University, Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior, where he teaches, and also because he is a great surfer, he loves kayaksurf, and he has won the Portuguese KS Circuit on IC.

Alberto, because since the first time saw him surf, I realised he has lots of potential, he is young, has a beautiful surf and has great attitude towards life and sport. Javi, is our big international acquisition, (laugh's). He is a very dear and old friend of RPF and he had give inumerous proofs of his value, not only in Spain but also in Portugal. He is a very big enthusiast of kayaksurf and he know is way into podiums. The most important thing is that every one of them are big friends of RPF, and that is why I invited them all. If they don't won anything they are all fired, (laughs)!!!

What are your expectations for this year?

The same as usual. I'm not going to make big demands from them. I know the most important is to have fun while surfing, and of course I like to see them all surfing with RPF kayaks, that is why I have this big passion for kayaks. If they won, even better. The most important thing is that they share. I know the new kayaks will give them a better chances and a good technical starting point, I also know all of them are going to make is very best to get the best results. I also talk for myself! This year I'm going to participate in the SOT category, cause I also want my share of fun ;-)

Is there any more news, from RPF, this year?

Yes there are! We are just finishing SHARK II. This sot surfkayak it's one of you best know models, and is also the easiest and simple way to start in kayaksurf. Everyone can have fun with this kayak, and the new shape is just going to boost this. It's faster, aggressive and lighter! The first one is almost out of the mould. After this new Shark, we have a few more projects on the way, but for now let's keep them as a secret! hehehehehe

The first collaboration with kayaksurf.net has been curiously foreign. Now, RPF is a usual and Portuguese presence in the site. Any comments on this partnership?

Well, I can say clearly, like our friends from Galicia said once, "if you are not in kayaksurf.net, you do not exist". RPF had taken a big step in its visibility worldwide being present and working together with kayaksurf.net. The News are essential to increase the number of visitor on our website and the work that we accomplished is great. The promotion of our kayaks, our activities, the interviews, and the reports are essential. I speak for myself! Every morning when I arrive in RPF, I check kayaksurf.net for the latest news. We have struggling against the crisis, here in Portugal and in the rest of the world, so it's nice to see more Portuguese brands sharing the same space. We all need to promote and sell our products. I really like to see RPF in the same site as Watertech, Onda, Quiksilver Figueira. With healthy competition everyone has something to improve and gain.

Last Words?

I would like to thank to all of my friends. Everyone of them are important, Hugo Nascimento for the ideas and strategy, João Vaz for the technical collaboration in BLAST & SHARK II, the RPF work team, (Zé, Eurico, Rui Alves, Rúben, and Filomena that put up with me every day), and to all the friends that usually visit us in the "chafarica". The BLAST, the SPIN, and the new SHARK are only possible thanks to them.

Obrigado Rui!

ALL PHOTOS AND VIDEO:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/RuiFonsecaSpin.html

MIGUEL CARVALHO / ENGLISH VERSION

2012-01-07T18:32:00.002Z

Portuguese HP Kayaksurf Champion 2011

Name: Miguel Dias de Carvalho

Age:19

Address: Portugal

Occupation: Student

Paddle since: July 2008

Other sports: Surf / Unicycle

Canoe Club: Kayaksurf Figueira

Sponsors: Watertech, Gath

Main sportive achievements: 4th Junior in Kayaksurf World Championship 2009 / 3rd Junior In Waveski World Championship 2011

WWST11 Ocean Spirit Festival:

As Always, the Ocean Spirit Festival was awsome with an amazing level of waveski (I had never seen so many waveskis flying at the same time!). The true spirit was always present with the company of loads of diferent kinds of sports in the water and not a single fight or shouting and, of course, wit the friends in the water an in the night, always having fun. It is an amazing festival and i hope it continues to happen every year. This year, specially, was great as well since I achieved the 3rd place in the Juniors.

Two podiums: Kayaksurf 2009 and Waveski 2011

Back in 2009 i never expected to achieve the podium and the same happened this year. With hard work and some luck i am very happy to have achieved those places. Back in 2009, i didn't have any experience and was super nervous, so the 4rd place was almost certain. This year i knew the the level was super high, but if i could get two good waves and control more or less my position during the heat, using my competition experience that i have gather during this years, i could do better than a 4rd place. Both were great finals I had lots of fun and learned a lot, and that's the most important.

World Surfkayak USA 2011

I would had loved to go to USA with Andre to meet new places and spots to surf. I also would like to thank to all my friends that made all the efforts so I could go to Outer Banks. Unfortunatelly, the actual crisis weighed negatively in the possible supports and I just could not go. I followed the event by distance on kayaksurf.net and the level was really high!

Portuguese kayaksurf and waveski circuit

I maintained the results on kayaksurf HP and I'm very glad with this victory. For 2012, I'll try to do the same and also on waveski class. As I'm studing now in Lisboa, I'm more focused in the national events but, if I had the chance, I'll do all my best to go to the international ones.

Brazil 2013:

It is an excellent excuse to travel and visit a new place and new waves. I would love to go and i hope more help will come in the future, because alone i can't afford to go. Let's wait and see.

kayaksurf.net:

Kayaksurf.net has done an awesome work keeping up to date all there is to know about the sport (waveski /kayaksurf) and is a great place to learn some crucial points with the interviews and videos. From this site I've learned a lot and i keep learning everyday. All the best for this site, keep up the excellent work!

Last words

Good Waves for all, keep on surfing and having fun, because that's what it's all about

Thanks Miguel and all the best in 2012 ;)

FULL VERSION / PHOTOS AND VIDEOS HERE:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/MiguelCarvalho12.html

EMMA WYNTER / ENGLISH VERSION

2011-12-12T23:48:00.003Z

World IC Kayaksurf Champion 2011 / Mega Flying Squad

Name: Emma Wynter

Age: 19

Address: Swansea, Wales

Occupation: Student studying Accounting and Finance

Paddle since: I started when I was 15 years old

Other sports: wakeboarding, skiing, snowboarding, surfing and mountain biking

Canoe Club: Swansea University Canoe Club

Sponsors: Mega, Gireau Spirits

Main sportive achievements: Ladies IC World Champion 2011, Ladies IC and HP British Champion 2011, 3rd in the World for HP 2009

Gear (kayak, paddle, helmet...): Mega boost, Mega cyclone, Werner paddles, Gath helmet and Reed cag deck

About the USA Worlds 2011:

The Worlds this year was so much fun. The level of kayaking has improved so much over the two years since the previous Worlds. There was some awesome surf too and so many closely-fought heats. I got to witness some of the best competition I’ve ever seen leading up to the Men’s final. Although I was a bit disappointed with my result in the HP, I was extremely happy with my result in the Women’s IC; it came as big surprise - I had no idea how I was doing when I was on the water!

Next year I’m moving to Australia as part of my studies at Uni and hope to get in as much time in the (warmer) water as possible. Hopefully, the time there will give me some good experience of the Ozzy waters ready for the Worlds in 2013! Finally, I would like to say thank you to Mega Kayaks for all of the support this year and to Gireau Spirits who’ve recently agreed to sponsor me, and the guys who organised the Worlds this year who made it a great event!

ALL THE PHOTOS / CLICK:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/EmmaWynter11.html

REES DUNCAN / ENGLISH VERSION

2011-11-28T21:36:00.001Z

World Waveski Senior Champion 2011

Name: Rees Duncan

Age: 39

Address: Emerald Beach, NSW, Australia

Occupation: Financial Planner

Paddle since: Age 11

Other sports: Spearfishing and football (soccer)

Canoe Club: Coffs Harbour Wave Ski Club

Sponsors: Wavemaster Australia & Stix Paddles

Main sportive achievements:

4 times world waveski champ,

2 times junior world waveski champ,

2 times senior world waveski champ,

13 national waveski titles

About:

WWST11 Ocean Spirit Festival:

It was an amazing event and just what the sport needs to be recognised along with other main stream surf events

Portugal:

Friendly place with nice relaxed summer feel

World waveski scene:

We need to grow numbers and exposure. I think we need to be partners in a bigger sport (canoeing) and host multi surf discipline surf contest like Ocean Spirit

Future perspectives:

Personaly, continue surfing to push my personal level and the sport, but not compete

Brazil 2013:

Will be good for the sport, but I do not intend to compete at this stage

kayaksurf.net:

Excellent website and great for the sport

Last words:

Ocean Spirit 2011 was an awesome event but did not allow us to showcase our best surfing due to the changing conditions, I hope it will continue to involve waveski surfing in the future as our sport needs this sort of exposure.. Well done to all especially the contest organisers who had to deal with trying conditions. Good luck to the organising committee in 2013.

Thanks Rees ;)

ALL PHOTOS / CLICK:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/ReesDuncan11.html

CHRIS HOBSON / ENGLISH LIGHT VERSION

2011-11-15T19:01:00.001Z

World Kayaksurf Champion HP 2011

Name: CHRISTOPHER HOBSON

Age: 22

Address: BUDE, CORNWALL

Occupation: LAMINATOR AND DESIGNER AT MEGA INTERNATIONAL

Paddle since: AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER

Other sports: SWIMMING

Canoe Club: BUDE CANOE CLUB

Sponsors:

MEGA SURF KAYAKS, NOOKIE PADDLING EQUIPMENT, GATH HELMETS, ROBSON PADDLES, SURF KAYAK SKILLS, SPORT NORTHERN IRELAND

Website / Facebook:

CHRISTOPHER HOBSON

Main sportive achievements:

2006 JUNIOR WORLD CUP CHAMPION,

2007 JUNIOR IC WORLD CHAMPION,

2011 MENS OPEN EUROPEAN CHAMPION,

2011 MENS OPEN WORLD CHAMPION

Gear:

MEGA PROTON + TRIDENT - ROBSON F FACEBOOK LUID PADDLES - NOOKIE SPRAYDECK, TI TOP, SOCKS, SHORTS, CLOTHES - GATH HELMETS

USA Kayaksurf Worlds 2011;

WELL WHAT CAN I SAY; THIS COMP WAS GREAT, REALLY WELL ORGANIZED, ESPECIALLY GIVIN THE CIRCUMSTANCES HURRICANE IRENE LEFT. THE GUYS REALLY PULLED IT OUT OF THE BAG. WE HAD CONSISTENT SURF, CONDITIONS VARIED GREATLY, BUT I DONT THINK ANYONE WAS EXPECTING THE SURF TO GET AS GOOD AS IT DID. THE STANDARD FOR THIS WORLDS WAS DEFINITELY AT THE HIGHEST I HAVE EVER SEEN IT, THE PROGRESSION WITH IN THE SPORT AND THE PADDLERS IS PHENOMENAL, THERE WERE NO EASY HEATS! I GUESS ALOT OF THIS IS DOWN TO THE KIT PEOPLE ARE USING, AND THE KAYAKS. THE WAY THE DESIGN HAS CHANGED OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, ALONG WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF KAYAKS IS AMAZING. I AM REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT FEW YEARS TO SEE HOW THINGS CHANGE AND PROGRESS!

FUTURE:

THE FUTURE.... I GUESS TO KEEP SURFING, KEEP ENJOYING IT, AND KEEP MAKING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING KAYAKS AT MEGA!!

Australia WORLDS 2013:

IM OPTIMISTIC FOR THIS ONE, BUT IM AWARE ITS A HUGE UNDERTAKING FOR EVERYONE TO GET THERE. I JUST HOPE THAT PEOPLE MAKE THE EFFORT, AND SPONSORS STEP UP TO HELP PEOPLE GET THERE, AND HELP OUR SPORT GROW!

Last words:

JUST TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL MY SPONSORS, AND EVERYONE WHO HAS HELPED ME ALONG THE WAY TO WINNING THE ONE TITLE IVE ALWAYS DREAMT OF! IT WOULDN'T OF BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT YOU!

PHOTOS & VIDEO / CLICK:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/ChrisHobson11.html

JEFF MUNSON / ENGLISH VERSION

2011-11-02T23:59:00.001Z

SOUL SURFER

Name: JEFF MUNSON

Age: 43

Address: CORONA DEL MAR, CALIFORNIA

Occupation: SALES

Paddle since: SURFING SINCE AGE 9, WAVESKI SINCE 2009

Website / Facebook: JEFFMUNSON.COM / JEFF MUNSON

Main sportive achievements:

Before accident - BIG WAVE PADDLE IN SURFING

After accident - LONG DISTANCE PADDLEBOARD RACES (32 MILES)

About:

I’M 6 FEET 6 INCHES – PIECES - BROKE MY NECK, BACK AND FAVORITE LONGBOARD ON ONE WAVE WHILE SURFING PUERTO ESCONDIDO AT 7AM MARCH 10, 2000. I WENT HEAD FIRST INTO THE SANDBAR ON A SMALL (6 FOOT) DAY WITH MINUS TIDE AND VERY HOLLOW.

WWST11 Ocean Spirit Festival:

LOVE IT. GREAT IDEA.

Portugal:

BEAUTIFUL. CANT WAIT TO COMPETE AGAIN IN PORTUGAL.

Future perspectives:

US WAVESKI VENTURA OCTOBER 2011

Brazil 2013:

CANT WAIT!

kayaksurf.net:

I USE IT TO SEE CONTEST INFO

Last words:

SO STOKED TO BE ABLE TO SURF (SIT-DOWN SURF) AGAIN AND MOST OF ALL BE ABLE TO COMPETE AGAINST THE WORLDS BEST IN THEIR SPORT…STOKED AGAIN…FU#%$& PRICELESS!

ALL THE PHOTOS / CLICK:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/JeffMunson.html

ENGLISH VERSION / VIRGILE HUMBERT

2011-10-24T22:45:00.000+01:00

VIRGILE HUMBERT / OPEN WAVESKI WORLD CHAMPION 2011

Name: Virgile HUMBERT

Age: 19 born in 1992

Address: Guadeloupe for surfing and living good life, Toulouse, france for studies

Occupation: Student ingeenier Mathematics modelisation

Paddle since: kayak since 1999 wave ski since 2003

Other sports: Footing, raid, volleyball, tennis, swimming...

Canoe Club: Molem Gliss Le moule Guadeloupe

Sponsors: KS, Molem gliss, my parents, the département, my school

Website / Facebook: Virgile HUMBERT on facebook, website comming soon

Main sportive achievements:

World OPEN Champion 2011

French OPEN champion 2010

WWST11 Ocean Spirit Festival

Great Contest, good level but miss some goods rider ( Mat babarit ) we had waves, the spot was cool but good enough on my mind for a world championship.. the organisation of teh festival was great, good idea to group all the waves sports, and make party every night!! really goood spirit

Portugal

Amazing place for waves, i've been there in previous september and had great waves like Ribeira de Ilhas, ericeira harbour ect... peoples are really welcoming and it's a pleasure to come here.. Be back for sure!! looking forward to see ripping youngs like Miguel Carvalho!! and for sure in april with the europeen OPEN in reibeira de illas!!

World waveski scene

Hope to see more and more youngs rippers, especially in all others countries than france, because we are the most young country and there will be the best performances from thoses riders. Its a shame that all the best riders from australia, south africa, ect... are senior or masters..

Future perspectives

Continue surfing in competitions as often as possible, to progress in free surf and travel new waves! that why i surf, that's why I'll continue to surf. Spend more time trying new things and tricks, new mooves...

Brazil 2013

I'll be there for sure, hope to see as many riders as possible, locals from brazil and others, to push the level up one more time.

kayaksurf.net

A really good way to keep in touch with all the sport's news and done a very good work during the worlds 2011.

Last words

I want to give a big Thanks to all the team from guadeloupe, our coach etienne with who I caught my first wave, and with who I won the OPEN title!! Thanks to my club, molem gliss, always supporting us, to my parents too! to clement, my surf binomial, with who I've progressed in the sport from the begining and had the greatest souvenirs of my life.

PHOTOS / CLICK HERE

http://www.kayaksurf.net/VirgileHumbert11.html

TAMSIN & DAN GREEN / ENGLISH VERSION

2011-10-17T16:44:00.002+01:00

KAYAKSURF TRIP IN INDONESIA / JULY 2011
by Dan Green

July-August sees prime time swell season hit Indonesia and as such makes it a dead cert as a surf trip destination to escape the summer flat spells so common around our UK coast.

Stepping off the plane in Jakarta a wall of heat strikes and that’s it the start of sun, surf and mayhem. We take a transfer to Denpasar and then after 2 solid days of travelling arrive in Bali.
Familiar smell hit the senses straight away from the hindu offerings to appease the spirits. Incense burn on every pavement, street corner and temples are plentiful.

For me it’s the surf gods I want to appease. We want nice powerful waves and to be scared but not hurt. Its our second trip to Indo having been here for honeymoon 5 years ago and we are soon paddling out into the line up at Kuta beach.

A big town, Kuta is home to the Aussie party scene on Bali and not somewhere I like to hang around for long. We have a great afternoon surfing powerful beach break waves playing the game of take off tuck in and wait for the close out, the ratio of close out to good rideable walls is pretty high and ensures we know who is the boss. After a few hours of beatings we call it a day and rest up ready for more travelling.

After a night of fun on Poppies Lane, home to most of the backpackers staying in Kuta we load our gear into a van and head north to Medewi home to a nice “mellow” left hander and somewhere to get used to the raw ocean power of the Indian ocean. With swells originated deep in the 40s the waves have miles of ocean to cross. This has the effect of flattening the chop and increasing power as the period grows. We arrive to wave periods of 18-20 seconds which when compared to a good North east day of 10 seconds its quite special to say the least. Back this up with over 54 000 km of coastline in the tropics and it’s easy to see why Indo is one of the worlds best surf destinations.

Arriving in Medewi we find what we have come for, perfect walls reeling along the point groomed by a light offshore wind.
We surf wave after wave with a great vibe in the water. Holiday perfection,we stay for 5 nights for dawn raids of 4-5 hours surfing followed by breakfast/lunch and long beach walks amongst fishing boats and palm trees with the sun beating down. This place really is paradise.

With the waves dropping in size and swell direction changing its time to move and we hit the road to the east side of the island to take the public ferry to Nusa Lembongan.
Crossing the Lombok straight on the public ferry is a great way to travel despite the apprehension caused by the somewhat tired boats. Big swells cause the boats to pitch around, crashing down on to the outriggers with an almighty cracking sound but we make it in good time to arrive find a room and get some waves.

This time it’s a wave of consequence. Get it wrong at shipwrecks and you get pitched into the seaweed farm stakes hiding just inches away underwater waiting to take a bite of your boat or your skin. Pitching walls race across the reef as the tide pushes in tempt the brave to go deeper and deeper until you realise the water is ridiculously shallow and a wipeout is gonna leave you or your boat high and dry. It’s a great wave though and we spend days getting up before the sun to watch it rise as you surf time standing still no worries of the modern world just you your boat and the odd sea snake for company. As the sun comes up we feel lucky to be able to get away and surf these great waves. World class diving and snorkelling can also be found on this island we take a snorkelling trip and end up face to face with 3 massive manta rays gliding through the water sifting plankton unaware as we watch jaws wide open.

On the last day we awake real early and paddle out in darkness, we have one hour to grab some waves and then jump aboard the ferry to return to the main land. We arrive at the reef to find the best waves so far and are torn do we stay and surf or do we stick to our plans and move on. We chop and change our mind so many times finally settling on moving on. It is two quiet surfers that board the ferry after one perfect hour of beautiful waves. Torn between the desire to keep moving and the whole reason why we came to Indo.

It doesn’t last long though because as we land on the beach the reef by the ferry point is absolutely cranking. I ditch Tamsin on the beach to find a room for the night. I get us sorted and as I walk to the beach see a guy take off on what looks like a double overhead wave, pull into a gaping barrel and get trashed on the reef. Maybe I was hasty in booking that room. We change and head to the reef for surf no two not quite sure what it will bring. We sit on the beach all dry mouthed thinking well it s big but worth a look. It’s a long paddle to the reef pass and as I am on the way out another guy takes off in the distance definitely double overhead and he gets covered up not once or twice but three times on one wave. It’s perfect Indian Ocean blue and the colour that all the amazing waves are in the surf mags. I soon forget the leaving Lembongan worries. I have way more pressing things in my mind. Can it be done? I watch a few bombs come through and decide that I need to try at least one.

I sit fairly wide not wanting to be deep when a big one comes through. I take off it is not a set wave but no doubt it s the fastest wave of the trip. I straight line it not wanting to do anything too radical other than scope the wave. I make it off the end fired up and still scared but happier than I had been. I look to the peak to see Tamsin deep and taking off. It is as if she has no fear at all and takes off on a bomb. It barrels covering her and I smile as she makes it out laughing. It’s the wave of the trip so far and we spend a few of hours working hard to surf and get lots of very big fast waves.

This was what we d come to Bali for. This is lucky as we have hit a surf spot that is normally reserved for the wet season, found it in perfect condition with high tides, no wind and huge swell, best of all only 5 people out other than us.

We stay on here for the rest of the trip getting huge waves with some great barrels and immense beat downs handed out in equal measure. Well you have to take a hit if you are gonna get the rewards.

Expect the unexpected in Indo. The weirdest/scariest thing was when I paddled out at this spot next to a surfer to see a fin rise just in front of us. It’s a shark. Now I don’t see sharks in Northumberland so its not that nice a feeling. Even though it is only a reef shark it got the heart racing………….It happened again the following day same sort of time fin popped up as you paddle out followed by the reef fishes leaping out the water and generally going crazy. Indo place of dreams…………It certainly feels that way now back home in the chilly autumn air.

PHOTOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/GreenIndo.html

TYLER LAUSTEN / ENGLISH VERSION

2011-09-17T17:37:00.002+01:00

TYLER LAUSTEN / TL WAVESKIS

Name: Tyler LeBaron Lausten
Age: 23 till Nov 16
Address: Maui, Hawaii and Central Coast California
Occupation: Waveski shaper, builder

Paddle since: 2001
Other sports: right now none!
Main sportive achievements: 2x US waveski Champ, 11th 2009 worlds Australia

Hi Tyler! You started in whitewater sports...
Yes I was whitewater rafting by the time I was 8 or 9. I was always watching the kayakers dart about and play in the river features. I wanted to be like them...

After that, and according to your website, these three surfers influenced you a lot - Vince Shay, Fletcher Burton and Randy Phillips. How was that?
Vince put together The Search II and planned a trip to Maui. I met them when they came in Feb 2003. The were and still are great mentors of stoke! I got my first modern waveski from Fletch and now I build his boards. We travel together and he is crazy! Vince lit so much fire under my ass by filming me and putting me in his movie i still have it burning! And Randy is a classic great ambassador and a humble ripper who holds it all together.

And then, Neil Decker from Dekka Waveskis had also a main role in your shapping evolution...
Yes after the 2007 worlds in NZ I spent 6 weeks on the Gold Coast of Oz and he shaped a ski for me while I was there. Was such a cool feeling being in that room with the lights and watching the thing take shape. Planted the shaping seed there! Not to mention Neil is an awesome maniac!

Now, about these worlds in Portugal Ocean Spirit Festival, what did you think about it?
Unbelievable setup and organization! It felt amazing just to take part. I would have liked to surf better but what can you do? It was great to see the 2 french juniors (Pablo and Virgile) make it to the finals.

It's your second time in Portugal... like our country?
Love it! Could spend a lot of time from Ericeira to Santa Cruz and Peniche!

How do you see the evolution of waveski worldwide?
Well Europe is definitely carrying the torch right now. the sport needs juniors and there are none anywhere else. Here in the US we have gotten organized again and hold annual comps at the best breaks of the east and west coasts (Ventura c street and florida sebastian inlet) that are open to international competitors... definitely need to keep pushing the envelope and blowing minds to get people intrigued.

And about the skis... do you think that there is still much to improve?
Depends. if you are content with what you are riding then no. as for me I am always thinking of the next ski I am going to build! I always learn more and want to apply it as well as try new things! there is lots of room to play with waveskis! I also like to play with construction as strength is quite important.

What are your future perspectives regarding TL Waveskis?
Ill be making my first million dollars within the next 2 years... I just want to offer a new and different quality product and so far there has been a bit of interest from the US and abroad so that keeps me going!

Planning to go till Brazil 2013?
Of course!

kayaksurf.net website...
The BEST (and only) universal paddlesurfing encyclopedia! Luis you do an amazing job of keeping the world updated and informed!

Last words...
Keep checking my youtube, surf hard, and see you in the water!!!

Thanks a lot Tyler and come back again!

ALL THE PHOTOS / CLICK HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/TylerLausten.html

STEVE FARTHING / ENGLISH VERSION

2011-09-09T15:53:00.003+01:00

World Masters Waveski Champion 2011

Name: Steve Farthing
Age: 45
Address: Australia

Occupation: I’m over working, now just surfing as much as I can;
Paddled Since: Waveski 1980, Kayak 2009
Other sports: anything that involves waves and a paddle

Website: Started up http://paddlepower.blogspot.com/, haven’t done much lately but there’s heaps of stuff on it. I’m a regular on facebook.

Main Sporting achievements: 2009 Masters World Kayak HP champ and 2011 Masters World Waveski champ. Heaps of other waveski results over the years but these are my 2 favourite trophies.

-----

WWST2011:
The 2011 Ocean Spirit World Waveski Titles in Santa Cruz Portugal was a well run event from the challenging surf conditions to the judging and organization, this event had professional written all over it. It was great to see the emergence of the young French talent, which has put the previously dominant countries of Australia and South Africa on notice by pushing up the performance level. You can check out the daily “Ocean Spirit on my mind” reports to get a good perspective of what went down.

GEAR:
Personally I think the waveski is close to the top of the design cycle. There are numerous brands available in the market. I chose wavemaster because the single to double concave is fast. But hey Virgile Humbert, the new world champ rides a KS and Pablo Arrouyss the world junior champ rides an Ombak, its pretty hard to go wrong these days.

Where’s the sport heading?
In one word, France! The time and effort invested in their junior development is now starting to pay off. Australia, South Africa, UK etc. need to do the same or they’ll just be left behind. In terms of competition structure, a fairer seeding system needs to be implemented. I’d like to see everyone ranked in in terms of their ability not whether they turned up to the last world titles of not. There were quite a few stacked heats in Portugal, which affected the whole dynamics of the event; hopefully it will be sorted out by Brazil. Another thing I would like to see is the Kayak and Waveski Worlds on alternate years and then we just might get some of the hot young kayakers giving waveski’s a go and vice versa.

BRAZIL 2013:
I’ll be there; I’d encourage everyone who’s got the competitive flair to go. World Titles are the best competition the sport has to offer and a great place to catch up with people with like-minded interests.

World Surf Kayaking Championships USA 2011:
I’ll be reporting for kayaksurf.net on the World Surf kayak Titles in North Carolina from Sept 28. If you’re on facebook, don’t forget to link yourself to Kayaksurf Portugal Facebook page, the one stop shop for all your waveski and surf kayak info. Its going to be a big show again, many of the worlds top riders have entered and I know the level and equipment has progressed a fair bit in two years, an air fest I think.

Last Words:
Be careful if you get into Waveski’s or Surf Kayaks, you might just become as addicted as I am.

Thanks Steve! And all the best for USA ;)

ALL PHOTOS / HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/SteveFarthingWWST11.html

GALEN LICHT / ENGLISH LIGHT VERSION

2011-09-09T15:32:00.003+01:00

GALEN LICHT / Santa Cruz Kayaksurf Festival Winner 2010 & 2011

Name: Galen Licht
Age: 23 years old
Occupation: Energy Conservation Consultant
Address: California

Competition records:
1st place SCKSf 2010,
1st place SCPF 2011,
3 times placed top 5 in world championships

Paddling experience: I have been paddling since I was old enough to hold a paddle.

Sponsors: Valley Suf Kayaks, Kokatat Water Wear, Werner, Snap dragon
Gear: Valley rush +, Werner Stikine Bentshaft paddle, Gath helmet and Kokatat lifejacket and paddling top.

Hello Galen, do you remember how you started in kayaks?
My dad got my brother and I in boats before we could ride bikes. He taught us to roll when we were 7 years old.

Do you have any other paddling experience?
I have competed in river competitions since I was 13 years old. When I was in 8th grade I traveled with a kayak school training for river kayak contests. I am a Sea Kayak instructor during the summers as well. Other than surf kayak contests the only competing I do is down river extreme races.

Now, about this second victory in Santa Cruz... what's the secret?
It is to have as much fun as possible. I think it is important not to get psyched out. A lot of good paddlers come from all over the world to compete but I have to remember my biggest competitor is myself. All I can do is surf my best and that is what I try to do when competing. If I surfed my best and lost then I know I did all I could and need to train more. I am confident that when I surf my best I can place well so that is what I focus on.

This year the event was quite peculiar...
This was a hectic year. The organizing committee did a great job adapting to the conditions and weather. Leading up to the event the waves were great which allowed time to get comfortable at the lane again. I have to say that the waves on Saturday were very intimidating. The winds made it hard to predict where the waves were going to break and line up. Even though the weather didn’t cooperate all the competitors stayed positive and tried their best. Only once a year do we have the chance to surf the lane with just 3 others so I will take it any way I can. I am already looking forward to next year.

Besides Santa Cruz, where do you usually surf?
I have been living in the Mountains this winter so I have not been surfing much. Before I moved to the mountains I only surfed in Santa Cruz. But if I am not close the ocean then I try to get on the rivers.

What do you think about the evolution of surfkayaking worldwide?
I think surf kayaking is evolving and becoming more accepted in the surfing community. My favorite thing about the big contests is that it brings kayaks from all over the world that are pushing the sport.

And about riders… do you have anyone in special that admires very much?
Dave Johnston was the first one to take me kayak surfing and since then we have traveled the world competing. I think he has very good style, smooth and he is not afraid of the big waves. I also admire Steve Farthing’s surfing. I think he is pushing the sport forward as much as anyone else in the world. He is bringing a very dynamic style of kayaking adapted from wave sking. ,

How often do you participate in surfkayak competitions?
Whenever I can afford to travel, which is typically not very often. I love competing though and always looking forward to the next one.

Best memories about Portugal World Cup Finals 2006...
The big ship stuck on the beach, for sure.

When do you'll come again till Portugal?
No plans at the moment.

Do you follow kayaksurf.net?
I do, it’s the only place to see what other events are going on around the world.

Are you going till USA East for the Worlds?
I am planning on it.

Give us some suggestions for those who want to start kayaksurf...
My advice is start slow and with small waves. There is no rush to surf big waves. I think the most important thing is to build confidence and try to relax and enjoy the ride.

And that's all Galen! All the best for the Worlds ;)

ALL PHOTOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/GalenLicht.html

BERNIE HUIGSLOOT / ENGLISH LIGHT VERSION

2011-08-02T00:15:00.003+01:00

BERNIE HUIGSLOOT in G-Land / July 2011 / REPORT

Waveski in G-Land
By Bernie Huigsloot

I love the feeling of arriving to G-land.

After an all night hell bus trip to the fishing village, you have an epic boat journey straight to the wave, It's an awesome sight if the waves are good, because you stare straight into the barrel as you pull into boat channel.

G-land is in a national park and right at the tip of a huge bay. There is about 2 kilometers of reef which all works under different swell size and direction.
Kongs is the furtherest up the reef and holds the biggest waves when it is smaller , very rippable.You can get barrels, but very good for re-o's and cut backs, and can be quite heavy when big.

When the swell is bigger, Kongs sometimes becomes a mess and then Moneytrees is the wave of choice. This runs down the reef for 300 metres or so, then hits the launching pad and Speedies, which is the part of the wave everyone wants to surf. It barrels better and more predictable.

Past that is Quicksilvers and Chickens which needs a really big swell. Sometimes it is possible for all parts of the reef to be working on an in between swell.
This year we arrived on one of the biggest swells of the season so far. Quite intimidating.

You want to arrive there with at least 2 paddles, spare parts including screws, setbelts, footstraps, fibreglass etc. One year I broke 2 paddles and have broken four alltogether. Also snapped a nose after i hit the reef. Wear booties for the reef and sea urchins and my wife makes me wear a helmet, or I cant come.

Also, you want to be fit. swimming is necessary on big days, because every year, I lose my board on the bigger days. G- land packs a punch, it is very powerful if you are in the wrong place. A closeout or wipeout can mean a 800 mt paddle or a swim or both.

Anyway, I had another good year, I was battling a sore shoulder and taking it easy on the bigger days, and then on day 13, 1 aerial too many and badly stretched my shoulder. Ouch! then I missed 2 good days of Speedies, Oh well, Pay your dues I suppose. Every year many people get hurt and this year was my turn....... I'll be back

P.S, a funny story, it is the jungle and many wild animals roam about. This year some monkies broke into someones hut and stole the usual, you know, toothpaste, soap, pain killing drugs, but not the diahreah tablets, smart little buggers. They took a bag of viagra and for the next week the trees were shaking and they were very hyperactive indeed!!

FULL INTERVIEW + PHOTOS AND VIDEO HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/BernieHuigsloot11.html

STEFANO BELLOTTI / ENGLISH VERSION

2011-07-11T16:52:00.002+01:00

Stefano Bellotti / Waveski Surfing Titles 2011 Portugal

Name: Stefano
Age: 26
Country: Italy
Address: Recco
Ocupation: Surfactivity logistic

Paddling since: since april 2011

Sponsors: Surfactivity, Gath, Select, Gravitàzero, Watertech

Main waveski achievements:
I've never been involved in waveski competitions

Paddling Club:
Italy team, Surfactivity Team

Gear:
Guru Watertech, Select, Gath

Perspectives for this Waveski Worlds:
Since it's my first wavesky competition, it's going to be useful to realize my level and to compare myself with the best athletes of the world and learning from them.

About kayaksurf.net:
It's my favourite website ;-)

DIRECT LINK / PHOTOS:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/StefanoBellotti11.html

GABRIEL LANDINI / VERSION CASTELLANA

2011-07-11T16:44:00.002+01:00

Gabriel Landini / World Waveski Surfing Titles Portugal 2011

Nome:Gabriel Landini
Idade:41años
Naturalidade:Argentino
Morada: ciudada de Mar del Plata a 3km de las olas
Ocupação:Arquitecto
Canoagem desde:1984

Patrocínios:
Atlantikayaks--Patagoniankaykas--freeky--superdic--odisea
kayak store--kayaksurf.net--y BAD MACHINE KAYAKS -- OPTITECH

Currículo desportivo (principais títulos):
CAMPEONATO ARGENTINO DE KAYAK SURF
1º PUESTO WAVESKI 2010
2º PUESTO KAYAKSURF HP 2010

CAMPEONATO SUDAMERICANO
7º PUESTO KAYAKSURF HP 2010

CAMPEONATO ARGENTINO
1º PUESTO WAVESKI 2011
2º PUESTO KAYAKSURF HP 2011

Clube:
F.A.C.

Material :
KAYAK BAD MACHINE HP 7"11
WAVESKI NEW IMPACT 7"7
WAVESKI BAD MACHINE 8"11
SOT TRIPLO ATLANTIKAYAK
REMOS SUPERDIC
CUBREBAÑERA FREEKY

Perspectivas para o Mundial em Portugal:
1º MUNDIAL QUE PARTICIPO
CONFRATERNIZACION - GANAR EXPERIENCIA - Y LOGRAR LA MEJOR PERFORMANCE QUE PODAMOS.

Acerca do kayaksurf.net:
GRANDE LUIS ¡¡¡ SI ESTAMOS AHI ES POR VOS Y TODO EL TRABAJO QUE REALIZAN
DESDE PORTUGAL TODOS USTEDES
Abraço!!

LINK DIRECTO / MAIS FOTOS:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/GabrielLandini11.html

CHRIS HOBSON / ENGLISH VERSION

2011-06-23T14:41:00.003+01:00

CHRIS HOBSON / MEGA FLYING SQUAD

Name: Chris Hobson
Age: 22
Occupation: Laminator at Mega Surfkayaks
Address: Currently in Bude, Cornwall

Competition records:
06 junior World cup champion
07 junior ic World champion
08 mens British Champion
08 european U21 waveski champion
09 7th place World championships
10 2nd place Santa Cruz surf kayak festival, California
11 1st place Mundaka championships
11 1st St.Ives Bay
11 2nd Black Rock Festival

Paddling experience:
I have been paddling from I could walk, predominantly river paddling, but started kayak surfing at the age of 11 at Easkey, Ireland. Since then I have been very fortunate, with help from family, friends and sponsors to travel to some amazing places around the world to surf and compete.

Sponsors:
Mega Surf Kayaks www.surfkayaks.com
Nookie Paddle Equipment www.nookie.co.uk
Robson Paddles www.robsonpaddle.de
Gath www.gathsports.com
Sport Northern Ireland www.sportni.net

Gear:
Kayak – Mega Proton + Mega Trident
Vests - Nookie TI Vest, paddle shorts, surf skirt, paddle socks
Helmets – Gath
Paddle – Robson Fluid
Personal Website: on facebook

Hello Chris! First of all... congratulations for this great year of competitions!! Tell us your best scores of this year...
So far this year, placed 2nd in the Blackrock Surf festival, 1st in the St.Ives bay contest, and 1st in the Mundaka European Championships. I also organised and managed the Celtic Cup in Bude, Cornwall, I am planning on making this an annual event.

We know that now you're working full-time in Mega Surfkayaks. What exactly do you do?
At Mega, I have been very lucky and been shown the ropes fairly quickly. My role there is to do anything from laminating to testing new designs, a bit of everything.

Now, about surfkayaks... Boost and Proton are the new toys in the block. What differences do you point between them?
I guess for me, the biggest differences would be the size, and the speed! The Proton is alot more spacious, and can be comfortably paddled by anyone up to 18 stone, and 6'4” tall, so I am quite light to be paddling it. It feels significantly faster, predominantly due to its extra width and flatness.

You co-designed with Malcolm the Proton... satisfied with the results?
Very satisfied! It is definitely my boat of choice!

A few weeks ago I saw one video with a very little Chris in a competition ;) How do you see the evolution of surfkayaking worldwide?
That was probably my first ever competition, at Easkey left. From then there has been a huge leap in the standard of surfkayaking around the world, being pushed higher and higher with every competition and every new kayak that comes on the market. It is hard to know how the sport will evolve, but I would like to see it progress to a more professional sport, with more corporate sponsors and professional athletes.

When we see your moves, they really seem to be easy for you ;) How often do you practice?
During the winter I was lucky to get out once a week, but now the evenings are longer, If the surf is good I try to get on the water 4/5 times a week. Time spent on the water is better than any amount of gym work in my opinion.

For example... this great video you have - Sandymouth Surf - how do you that???? Lots of training or is it just fluid in your surf...
That was a nice quiet evening, one of my first after work surfs of the year. in my opinion, its all down to time on the water, and experience in kayaking. Although I am still young, I came from a kayaking family, and have 18 years kayaking experience, and I feel that really helps.

What are your aspirations in this sport?
Really just for the sport to continue growing, the designs to evolve, and to fend off the up and coming juniors for as long as possible!

And about the right surfkayak for each person... what kind of advices do you give...
Seek advice from the manufacturer, and try as many as you can! Try every model you can squeeze yourself into until you find the one is best for you.

I suppose your favourite one is the Proton... but, besides that one, best surfkayaks for you are:
Mega neutron, I had this model for 4 years, it rides well in all conditions, and is really comfortable. then the boost for its manoverability, speed and slashy style of surfing. For international class I have a trident, gives you lots of grip until you want to release and throw a huge slash!

Best memories you have from 2009 Worlds in Portugal...
Memories from Portugal.. I haven't very many, the night life was too good!! Probably the scale, and atmosphere of the whole event, it was by far my favourite event so far. I also have great memories from a trip I took to Ericera and Santa Cruz for the 'P10' filming trip.

Your favourite riders…
Sam Davenport, Aidan Brackenbury, Steve Farthing and Edu Etxeberria and of course Marc Woolward, his wipeouts entertain my alot!! Aidan Brackenbury, hes good to watch, definitely up and coming, worth watching at this years worlds. I like the people who are being innovative but there are so many people who I like to watch surf, and admire...

And the Worlds in Outer Banks... what are your objectives?
My objectives... I can't give away the game plan just yet! There might be a suprise in the pipeline.....

When will you come to Portugal again?
Possibly for the Ocean Spirit event in August, if not I will definitely be back for another surf trip soon!

Do you follow kayaksurf.net?
Of course, where else would I hear the news??

Let us some suggestions to those who want to start kayaksurf...
Just get out there, get wet, and have fun!!

Thanks Chris!! All the best for USA ;)

PHOTOS & VIDEO HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/ChrisHobson.html

JULEN SECO / ENGLISH VERSION

2011-06-15T23:22:00.003+01:00

The New Generation of the Basque Kayaksurf Scene

Profile

name: JULEN SECO
age:16
address: DONOSTIA, SPAIN
kayaksurfer since: 2008
club:REAL CLUB NAUTICO DE SAN SEBASTIAN

Competion results:

2008
2º HP cadete, euskadiko kayak surf txapelketa

2009
2º HP junior, gipuzkoako txapelketa
3ºHP junior, mundaka kayak surf txapelketa

2010
2ºHP junior, zarautz, gipuzkoako txapelketa
2ºIC junior,zarautz, gipuzkoako txapelketa
1ºIC cadete, bakio, cpto. de euskadi
2ºHP cadete, bakio, cpto. de euskadi
4ºIC junior, bakio, cpto. de euskadi
4ºHP junior, ocean spirit 2010

2011
3ºHP junior mundaka
3º IC junior mundaka
2ºHP junior zurriola
2ºIC junior zurriola

PHOTOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/JulenSeco.html

Emma Wynter / ENGLISH (light) VERSION

2011-05-14T10:09:00.003+01:00

Emma Wynter / British Surfkayak HP Champion 2010

Name: Emma Wynter
age: 19
Occupation: Student at Swansea University studying Accounting and Finance.
Address: Swansea, Wales

Competition records:
British Champion 2010, 3rd Women’s HP at World Championships 2009 in Portugal, England team member winning the Home Internationals 2010, England team member winning World Championships 2009

Paddling experience: I started paddling about 5 years ago now, but have only been kayak surfing since 2008. I’ve managed to surf some great spots in that time, surfing in Spain, France and Portugal.

Sponsors: Mega

Gear: I currently surf a Mega Boost, use Reed kit, have Werner paddles and a Gath helmet.

Hello Emma, when did you start paddling?
I first started paddling when I was 15; I joined the local canoe club and was hooked!

Do you have any other paddling experience (river, polo, surfski, waveski, etc)?
I started off playing kayak polo with the club and then tried out kayak surfing a year later. Since starting Uni in South Wales, I’ve really been getting in to paddling rivers with the club here, it’s great fun but I’m a surfer at heart!

Where do you usually surf?
Back home in Cornwall my favourite break has to be Godrevy. I’ve been surfing there all my life and I’ve had some awesome rides there. Now being at Uni in Swansea, I’m right next to the Gower, and some of the best waves in Wales, which is the reason I came, that and something about a degree…

What do you think about the evolution of surfkayaking worldwide?
Well, I’ve only really been on the scene for just over a year, so I can’t comment on the long term progression. But, even just in the past year I’ve watched the sport grow. It’s great – surf kayaking is becoming more popular and I think this is definitely what’s needed. Through the canoe club at Swansea I’m getting people into the waves and teaching them the ropes.

And about riders… do you have anyone in special that you admire very much?
I couldn’t choose just one person, I’ve got a lot of admiration for the England Team, everyone supports and pushes each other, which is great. Most of all I admire the people who are pushing the boundaries and trying new things. The guys landing big airs impress me the most. It’s these guys who are making it more appealing to people who know nothing about it.

How often do you participate in surfkayak competitions?
As often as possible! I try to make it to every competition in England. What I’m most looking forward to is the Worlds in US this year.

You now belong to Mega Flying Squad... how was that?
Malcolm approached me during the Worlds in 2009 and asked if I’d like to be part of the Flying Squad. I was already surfing in a Mega Mustang and I really liked his kayaks, so it was an easy “yes” for me.

Best memories about Portugal Worlds...
The best bit had to be the atmosphere during the finals when everyone was on the beach cheering for their teams. I was proud of my achievement but just to compete in the finals was amazing.

Are you going till USA East?
Yeah, I can’t wait, sun, surf and a lot of great paddlers!

Now, tell us all about this project of "hitchhiking from Swansea to Morocco"...
Over Easter I will be hitchhiking from Swansea to Morocco in order to raise money for the charity Link Community Development. LCD works to improve the futures of children in Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa and Uganda by improving and developing educational resources. I’m looking forward to the challenge of hitching through France and Spain, meeting new people and raising as much money as possible for the charity, If you’re interested in supporting this worthwhile cause you can donate on www.virginmoneygiving.com/EmmaWynter

When do you next come to Portugal?
Haven’t made any plans yet but hopefully soon! It would be great to go back, after having such good memories from the Worlds.

Do you follow kayaksurf.net?
Yeah. I think its brilliant, keeps me up to date with all the news!

Let us some suggestions to those who want to start kayaksurfing...
Get out there and the main thing is it to enjoy it! If you can, try and surf with people who are better than you so you are always being challenged. Every time you paddle out try and do something new!

Thanks Emma and all the best for USA!

ALL THE PHOTOS / FULL INTERVIEW HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/EmmaWynter.html

NATHAN EADES / ENGLISH VERSION

2011-04-20T14:25:00.002+01:00

Nathan Eades, now directly from... Peru!

Name: Nathan Eades
Age: 28
Nationality: Welsh
Occupation: Design and Technology Teacher

Competition records:
Worlds 2009 3rd, South American Championships 1st
Website: www.gcsurfboards.com

Sponsors: Nookie Kayaking Equipment, Robson Paddles, Shred Ready helmets, Green Coast surfboards.

Your Gear:
I have been using the Robson Fluid paddle for a few years now and love it, the shaft is flexible so my wrists do not get too sore and the blade area is nice a big for powerful stokes. Nookie gear has always been my favourite gear combining both style and function extremely well and they are the only company who provide surf kayaking equipment- the best surf deck available and their neoprene Ti vest are great in all conditions; from tropical water conditions to cold conditions where when worn over the top of a wetsuit create a much better seal for your spray deck.

I am using the “Shensu” and “Standard” helmets from Shred Ready-both are stylish, well manufactured helmets which I know I can rely on to protect my head!
I am mostly riding a waveski these days, and my latest one has been manufactured by Green coast surfboards based in Lima , Peru. The build quality is very good and I am very impressed with the finish of the board.

Hello Nathan. One more interview! This time... Peru. Tell us... how and when did you decided to go to Peru?
Well it was all very last minute Loui, I was sat in the UK around this time a year ago halfway through my first British winter for 4 years, the surf season had been ok but very cold, there was snow on the ground, and all I could think about was getting out of there!
I came home from work one day and Naomi had found a job on the world wide teaching job search website TES.com. The job was Lima Peru, and the idea of living 7 hours south of Chicama was too good to miss. I put an application in assuming the job would start in September later that year, in fact it started March 1st. I must have said some good things in the skype interview or more likely was so excited at the prospect of getting a job in Peru that I came across as the most enthusiastic teacher in the world, either way I got the job. Two weeks after sending off the application, I was on a plane Lima bound with a few shirts, ties and my wave ski.

Where are you living at this moment?
Right now I am on the 2 month holiday which we get from the international school so I am down in Chile scoring some waves with Naomi, when term starts I will be going back up to Lima. Naomi and I live in a big apartment on the Coste Verde in Mirraflores, we have a 5 minute walk down to the ocean and there are waves every day, so for any surfer; boarder, kayaker, waveski, knee boarder, body border, it is ideal!

Well... I suppose you like South America! (hehehehehe) What are your plans in the future... live there?
I was originally given a 1 year contract, I have already extended to 2 years and we talk contracts again in August, Naomi also has a job in the school now so there is a high possibility that we will extend for longer given the chance. I am enjoying life out here a great deal, the work pays well and outgoings are really very low so the lifestyle is amazing. You get to surf as many days as you want, eat out at great restaurants and immerge yourself in a really cool culture, what more could you ask for??

Peruan people...
Really cool friendly people, amazing surfers, and very hard workers! It seems that a lot of people think that Peru is quite a hostile/dangerous place to live or travel due to crime or violence. This is not the case, sure there are areas in Lima that you would want to stay away from at night, but this is the same for all capital cities. My experiences so far have been very positive and I have not felt threatened in the 9 months I have lived in Peru.

And how is your spanish?
It is slowly improving. I can ask for food, have basic conversations, but most importantly I can ask where the waves break best and what time it is best to surf! I am having lessons so I hope to be fluent by the time I leave.

Now, let's talk about surf. How often and where do you usually surf in Peru?
Well Loui as I said earlier, I live 5 minutes walk from the ocean so I can surf here pretty much every day… But the best waves aren’t to be found in central Lima. We rent a beach house just 40 minutes south in a place called Punta Hermosa which is an area packed with long left and right hand point breaks, and some great reefs. We head here for the weekends, surf the city breaks in the week, then when the big swell hit, head north. The best places in my opinion to surf in Peru are found in the North, by the time the swell makes it up there, it has such a great period and lines up incredibly well.

Everybody has heard of Chicama, we have been lucky enough to land 5 perfect Chicama swells so far and a few weeks ago I scored the best one so far, you could ride a rip-able wall for over a kilometre and it was big enough to be able to make it through the fast El Hombre section which is pretty rare. While Chicama is amazing, there are so many other places up North which get me excited equally as much, but require a bit of searching so those surfers out there thinking about making the trip will need to do a bit of investigating yourselves.

Now, the same old same… you already surfed in many countries (Brazil, Basque Country, Portugal, South Africa , Tahiti, USA, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Ecuador, Tonga). After Peru last time you were there you said that would be, probably, the best spot you have surfed... and now?
I always told you it was too hard too name the best country… Peru has my heart at the moment though Loui, perhaps it’s because I’ve been here long enough now to be tuned into the right spots and the best times to surf them. Equally it could be down to the fact that I can’t think of many other places in the world which has surf everyday and the longest left hand point break in the world just up the road.

Best spots in there...
Lobitos, Pacasmayo, Chicama.

Are there already any surfkayakers?
There is one; a good friend of mine called Javier Perez. He lives in Huanchaco, another long point break just 1 hour south of Chicama. We met 2 years ago when Naomi and I were travelling through. We taught him how to roll and hung out for a while and have been friends ever since.

You won the HP class on the South American Championship this October. Tell us all the adventure!
Well I met up with Bruno who drove me around and looked after me all weekend, he’s such a funny guy and a great surf kayaker! Work gave me Friday and Monday off either side of the weekend that the event was ran over. I flew down to San Pablo on Friday then took an 8 hour overnight bus on Friday night from Sao Pablo to Joinville, then a local bus out to the competition beach and arrived at 7 am on the Saturday that the comp started. It was a bit of a mission, but well worth the effort, the Brazilians ran an amazing competition! They had pre-booked Hotel rooms for every competitor, a panel of judges, big judging tower, P.A system, event T-shirts, and even prize money.

The surf was great all weekend; a punchy beach break with a good lip, warm water, and plenty of sunshine. I wasn’t expecting to win and really made the trip down to meet up with more wave skiers and surf kayakers in South America to surf with than compete. As it turned out the conditions really suited me and the kayak I borrowed (Darren Bason’s Evo) went well so I ended up getting into the competition and was really pleased to win it.

And how was the vibe of all the event?
It was great; everybody was really friendly and welcoming to the only Gringo at the event. I tried to speak the small amount of Spanish I have and the Brazilians spoke very good English and they made a big effort to include me and make me feel welcomed, something I hope to reciprocate if ever some one speaking a foreign language turns up to a British comp. If the guys there hadn’t made such a big effort, I would have felt very isolated. The organiser; Christian was so well organised, that the event ran smoothly so everybody was relaxed and chilling out between their heats, it really was an impressive event to be present at.

An experience to repeat?
Definitely! I had more fun at this event than I have at a competition for a LONG time!

Imagine I want to go surfing till Peru... what kind of advices would do you give me?
If anybody is planning a trip out here in the next 12 months. Email me, and I will give you all the help you need to plan out the trip. I think the best advice would be; take what you hear about south America with a pinch of salt, it is developing fast and feels far from a 3rd world country. Sure there is a bit of crime, but if you are cautious and don’t behave like a complete muppet, you will be fine! The best waves are in the north and the best time of year to be out here is June until October.

Do you plan to participate next year in Portugal for the waveski worlds?
I would love to get myself to a waveski worlds, to see those guys ripping and meet some of the guys at the top of the sport, from what I can see they all have a great vibe going on. Unfortunately the worlds collide with the south swell season out here, and I do not want to miss the opportunity to surf more waves at Chicama or Pacasmayo. Maybe the next worlds will be at a better time and I’ll make it, but free surfing really is what drives me and the cost it takes to get to a comp could be spent on another trip to another country, in search of even better waves than I have here.

You're always involved in some new projects... any new one for the next times?
I got in touch with Greencoast surf boards back in October, and we have worked together to produce the first waveski manufactured in Peru. The company are incredibly exciting and professional to work with; first we all sat down together and drew the waveski on Computer Aided Design 3D modelling software, making adjustments to the design to enhance performance and suit my specific requirements, then the foam was sent for shaping. Greencoast have a CNC operated router which cuts the main bulk of the foam to the shape and size of the CAD drawing, then the shaper (Rodrigo) puts in the final tweaks before the ski is sprayed to your chosen design and glassed.

The end result is a waveski designed to your specific requirements and finished to the highest quality I have seen a ski made to… it’s incredible. I have been riding the ski on powerful waves down in Chile these last few weeks and taken some big hits, it has shown no signs of failure, so I am very impressed with the strength of the board and fixtures. If anybody is in the market for a new waveski, I would definitely recommend them to get in touch with Greencoast… You could come out on a surf trip and pick up your new waveski at the same time!!

Last words for all the surf kayakers that are going to read your interview…
Whatever your ability, whatever size waves you want to surf, whatever kind of conditions you prefer, and whatever you are surfing; you are a surfer…. So surf as often as you can and never turn an opportunity to surf down!

Thanks Nathan!!

PHOTOS AND FULL VERSION HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/Peru.html

J.P. SIMÕES / KFTP / ENGLISH VERSION

2011-04-04T23:38:00.005+01:00

Kayaking For The People / KFTP

Let's meet the mentor of this project.

Hello João Paulo. First of all, how and when did you start paddling?
I grew up in the Mondego shores and i had my first kayak experience at 15... and was hooked! At the time (80's), in Portugal kayaks and paddlers were quite rare. Then, in 1986, i spent my first Army wage in my first kayak, a Goltziana touring kayak.

At the same time, we know that you always loved to prepare and organize expeditions and “things”!
I was always an enthousiast of discovery and it's an enormous pleasure to me to chose "where" and "what" and to set up the "how"! And, for the last 20 years, in a purely amateur way, i've discovered and helped others to discover some mb and 4x4 trails, some mountains, a lot of waterways in kayak, allong with an incursion in an adventure sports corporation (Geoaventura).

And now, you decide to join all that experience in “Kayaking For The People” (KFTP). When did you had this idea?
KFTP is born from a mix of two guidelines: the organization in the last couple of years of several seakayak events in Portugal and the growing relationship with Mozambique and unverdeveloped communities issues. The idea came out some months ago, when i started to prepare the 2011 Lake Niassa (Malawi) Kayaking Expedition and whas something like this: "Just a kayak expedition? Why not something more?".

Presents us the KFTP partners…
For the next three years, our Action Plan wil be executed in cooperation with local organisations, like Associação Niassa Portugal Amizade (a portuguese NGO working in Nkholongue village, building a local medical post) and Fundação Khanimambo (a NGO working with 200 children of a poor fishermen community in Xai-Xai).

We know that, for this kind of projects, all the supports are very well coming. How can we support KFTP?
KFTP, as an independent NGO, depends on goodwill. So anyone, individual or organisation, is welcome to join and to help, supporting with an annual membership fee through the Member online aplication form. We are also looking for sponsors to help us with our Action Plan. We are talking about buying children bed nets, anti-diarrea pils for children and simple fourniture for medical posts. So, donors, sponsors and members are welcome!

The website is online, - like all the the “social networks”. And now, what are you planning for a short period?
We have already the 2011 Events Schedule (check it online), but the major events will be the partnership in Figueira da Foz Kayaksurf Session and the organisation of the Lake Niassa Kayaking Expedition 2011, a fund raising expedition along the mozambican shore of the Niassa (Malawi) lake, in August.

Well… we must ask you this: is there any space for surfkayaking as well?
KFTP aims to raise awareness among all kind of paddlers, no matter the craft, to do something more than just paddle, in order to improve the life conditions of undeveloped people.

Last words…
Just a couple of facts to think about:

- in the Niassa province, the most remote and undepeveloped province of one of the most undeveloped countries in the world, 1 of 5 children do not reach 5 years of age!
- an average carbon paddle may cost 5 mozambican minimum wages; an average fiberglass seakayak would pay the fourniture of a rural medical center!

Thanks João Paulo and all the success for KFTP.

FULL VERSION / PHOTOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/kftp.html

RENAN LeLoutre / ENGLISH VERSION

2011-02-08T14:08:00.002Z

3 times French Waveski Champion

Name: Renan Leloutre
Address: Cherbourg, Normandie, France
Occupation: surf, surf, surf

Paddling since: 1998
Sponsors: KRISS Custom
Sportive achievements: Junior World Champion 2003, Winner WWT 2009, 4x French champ
Gear : waveski Kriss, paddle select

Favourite break: St Leu
Favourite wave rider: Nicki Carsten,
Perspectives in waveski: Push the level up!

How is waveski in France? French Title 09 was the highest we ever had so not too bad!
And worldwide? it's ok
About Portugal: I've gone to Sagres and Peniche in 2006, perfect place with very good wave, enjoy 2011 world title!!

Passions: wave-ski, voyages, surf, VTT, musique
Surf Trips: La Réunion, Afrique du Sud, Canaries, Espagne, Guadeloupe, Maroc, Portugal, Brésil
Spots préférés: Etang Salé (Réunion) et Saint Leu (Réunion) Jeffrey’s Bay (Afrique du Sud), Port Louis (Guadeloupe), secret spot (Normandie)
Favourite tricks: tubes et aérials

PHOTOS & VIDEO HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/RenanLeloutre.html

JONNY GIBBINGS / ENGLISH VERSION

2010-12-14T23:15:00.002Z

Addicted to BIG waves ;)

Name: Jonny 'militia' Gibbings
Age: 40 and a half (Mental age 9)
Occupation: Designer for an Eco company
Address: Plymouth, England

Competition records:
Now, there's a question!! It's been so long since I've competed. 2nd British in 86, Won the juniors, won a couple of comps in South Africa & New Zealand in the 90's. Have to say, contests were few and far between. I'd rather slip off the reservation and score tubes and airs than points. Will be competing more for Future though.

Paddling experience:
I have been riding waveski's pretty much every day for 32 years.

Sponsors:
Future Waveski's, Spartan Wetsuits & Ainsworth Paddles

Gear:
Future Waveski's, Gath Helmets, Ainsworth paddles and Spartan Wetsuits.

Personal Website:
http://futuremayhemproject.blogspot.com

Hello Jonny. How did you get started in waveski?
Ah - that was the fault of an Australian Lifeguard in 1978. I was 8 years old, I thought he was the coolest guy on Earth and he rode a waveski. Years later I found out my Mother thought he was the coolest guy on Earth too!!. When he left he never took his ski so I had it!

And kayaksurf... do you also practice?
No, I've never been in a Kayak of any kind oddly.

I just saw an incredible photo of your summer holidays this year... tell us all about. Where were you surfing this year?
This summer has been amazing. However, the location has to remain a secret. What I will say it was off the Cook Islands. The whole area is rich with unridden perfection. You know, a lot of people want some odd things from surf trips. Bali last year, you cant help look at the night clubs, with 13 year old girls trying to sell you ephadrine outside, condoms in the street, drunks and fights. If that's your bag - have at it. What ticks my boxes is solitude, the real deal. I found an ecology island with no electricity, just a hut and a view of a reef. Locals taking you out on boats who have never seen surfers before. So, while you might get noticed in Bali and score some logo time for sponsors - at the place we found, your there for the surfing, the soul. Pure aloha, nothing but honest, not for glory, surfing. There was this one guy there from Holland, found the place 5 years ago, built a tree house and has never left. You just surf, eat and sleep. Thats the good thing about my deal with Future, they don't mind me slipping off the radar, scoring big waves.

Future Waveski's and myself have been working towards riding the biggest waves ever ridden on a waveski or kayak. We tracked a huge swell, 30 + foot at 18 seconds, giving 40 foot plus waves. The original plan was to tow-in the biggest wave ever. I towed into some big waves, and it doesn't work on a ski. You can't turn, can't use your paddle, you just skip out of control and hope you don't to die! It was amazing and terifying all at the same time. I had some big names with me like Ross Clarke Jones to help with technique but it did not work. We all agreed, the only way it would work would to paddle in. Nothing prepares you for having to paddle in on 40+ foot waves - if I could have jumped on a plane and flown home right the I would, I'm not going to lie, I was freak out scared.

I've surfed some big waves here in England, Ireland and in France, but the power and raw speed of giant waves out there was incredible. They move so fast, you cant take off on the shoulder and keep out of danger. The only way to do it was to get right under the peak, paddle as fast as I could, take the late vertical drop into the bottom of a giant pit. Not making it was not an option, this was situation critical, death was a real possibility. The wait for a set was insane. I timed one lull at just short of 9 minutes! Now, that might not seem an issue, but I'm sat in the slot. No waves, just waiting. Your mind starts to play tricks with you - have you drifted over the reef too far so that you are too deep and will get obliterated by the waves when they come? Have you drifted out too far and noway near the take off spot? Twice I paddled out of the way, only to see a huge set detonate right where I'd been only moments before. I remember hyperventilating from fear a few times.

Dropping in felt like I was getting sucked up into space, then, as if dropping off the side of a cliff - you tear down for ever into a giant bowl. The speed was insane, my ski left the water, airborne for a second, and the wave was throwing out over me, I couldn't risk it hitting the back of my ski, you had to make it, turn off the bottom and scream for the shoulder. It felt like I was going 100mph. I kept forgetting to breathe out too, I was so freaked out. The good thing about the wave was the reef stopped into deep water, so no danger of being caught inside like Pipe or Teahupoo. As long as you made the drop. In near 2 hours I had only 6 waves. The boat with the stand-up surfers, so I hear, was quiet as I paddled into the wave, as I disappeared into the belly of the beast - everyone held their breath. As I appeared, the boat erupted, I could hear screams and the boys jumping up and down. When it gets critical.

When you mutually take risks and define not only yourself but your sport, it doesn't matter what you ride. I know it sounds stupid - we went out surfers of differing craft and came away brothers. All in all was a fantastic trip. I think we achieved our aim. We pushed the limits of design, and what could be done. What I love about this sport is we have already shared the big wave designs with competitors in Australia, it's family, no other sport does rival companies share what they discover. The aim is for Teahupoo or Backdoor Pipeline next.

And about the Mayhem Project... present us this idea...

Well, it's - or I hope it becomes a place where all teams, makers and riders can have a laugh and tell stories. Where we can push sites like Kayaksurf.net and brands like Watertech, and keep the hard-core 'us' thing. Paddle-sufers have an odd sense of humor. We love to laugh at each others Fails. Like Pete Copp, the photographer. So excited about his new Ski, only days from South Africa to England - got barreled on a dry reef and ripped the fin boxes out on the first wave. He could hear us laughing from the cliff! So - it's just a fun site, for all of us.

Did you knew kayaksurf.net?
Yeah love the site. The only place to read what others are doing. Who else lets you know guys are surfing the Black Sea in Bulgaria!

Your favourite breaks to surf…
Monsters Slab & Challaborough in the UK, Ericeira in Portugal... and a very secret place in the Pacific

Your favourite surf websites…
Has to be Magic Seaweed, the US and NZ waveski forums and your Kayaksurf

How do you see the evolution of kayaksurf & waveski?
It's beginning to pick up again. You see more Kayak surfers that rip now, and in France, lots of young talent. Now the Yak and waveski groups are working together, it can only help. I love what KS are doing too. The performance is pushing the design now. Before the designs limited the performance.

Do you know Portugal?
Do I know portugal?? Snapped my first waveski at supertubos, rolled my first car there, Got arrested there and it was all down to my friend Paulo, from Setúbal. Love Portugal. Surfed up and down the coast for years. You Porto's are crazy. Paulo would party till 4am, chill out for a bit, then go surfing - without sleeping! What I love about Portugal is there is no bullshit, they let you know if they like you or not, and if they like you - they love you.

Last words…
I guess it would be to pack you bags, grab a tent and your surf stuff and go. Too many chase the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, go chase waves instead. Even a weekend finding new beaches at home - you come back different. Comps have their place, but nothing beets a group of paddlers surfing all day and laughing till the small hours around a camp fire. You don't need the Cook Islands to find that Aloha spirit - it's right at your home break. Go surf. Go challenge yourself - you never know what your capable of.

PHOTOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/JonnyGibbings.html

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kayaksurf.net

STEVE FARTHING / ENGLISH VERSION

2010-11-23T16:10:00.006Z

STEVE FARTHING / WORLD KAYAKSURF MASTERS HP CHAMPION

Name: Steve Farthing
Age: 43
Address: Brisbane Australia
Occupation: self employed
Paddling since: Kayaks 10 months, Waveskis 30 years
Gear: Random Kayak, Blades Paddle, Gath Helmet Nookie spray deck and wetsuit, Wavemaster waveski
Sponsors: Random, Wavemaster, Gath and Nookie

Sportive achievements: Waveski - world top 15 for many years, Kayak - Current world masters champion HP and 5th Open HP
Favourite break: Southport Spit on Queenslands Gold Coast

Your opinion about the Worlds in Portugal:
Unreal, best competition I've ever been to.

Your favourite destination for the next Worlds:
I now know its in the US but would prefer to have it in Australia

Your personal vision about the Ocean Spirit Festival:
Hold the next world waveski titles there

How do you see the evolution of kayaksurf in the near future:
Design improvements to get waveski like performance

How is kayaksurf in Australia:
Small but we're keen to make something happen here. I think you'll see a few waveski surfers take it up.

Personal objectives in the sport:
win the world open HP title and back up the masters title

Personal thoughts about Portugal:
great surf and great people I want to come back,

He won in the Portuguese Kayakurf Worlds the title of Masters HP. Weeks later, went home to participate in the Waveski World Titles. Steve Farthing is the right man to give us a small balance of both events. Check out the answers:

Hi Steve. You were this year in two World Championships - kayaksurf and waveski. What will you remember about this two events?

Both were terrific well run events. Kayaksurf being associated with Ocean Spirit did have the edge though with the massive infrastructure, music festival and crowds as well as exposure to other surf disciplines. Apart from the competitive side of things I really enjoyed meeting new people with a common interest and now I have a bunch of new friends living on the other side of the world. From a waveski perspective we had great surf, I got to catch up with all my old mates and had a ball behind the mic. Didnt have the best of competitions in terms of results but had some great freesurfs and landed some of the biggest aerials of my life.

Differences and similarities between the two experiences...

Waveskis have more than 30 years of competition and design behind them hence there are more guys doing bigger moves and we saw them at Coffs Harbour (just check out http://www.subgraviti.com and http://www.peniorphotography.com and http://www.kayaksurf.net/reportagem.html) . When I look at Surf Kayaks in particular the Random Evolution which was designed around a waveski I can see the gap closing particularly if you can get a few of the top waveskiers on board. They're both really fun sports with great people involved and I really think we have an opportunity to merge both disciplines, I'm hooked on both and cant wait till the next event.

Last words: I'm totally addicted cant wait for my new boat.

ALL THE PHOTOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/SteveFarthing.html

XAVER WALSER / ENGLISH VERSION

2010-11-16T20:59:00.004Z

The director passionate about waveski

Xaver Walser: Director. Born in South Africa but somehow made his way to the Alps and nowadays snowboarding in Switzerland. Xaver runs a production company in St. Moritz where he supplies news and current affairs to broadcasters from around the world.

Age: 36
Occupation: Filmmaker
Paddling since: I was 17
Gear: KS Designs
Website: http://www.subgraviti.com/
Sponsors: KS Designs, Worldriders Clothing

Hi Xaver. What can I say... you've done an excellent work with subgraviti.com !! Remind us how all started...
I started Sub Graviti as a production company with my first waveski video (then still on VHS) called Open your Mind. It was about 3 years travelling around the world with a small simple video camera 15 years ago. www.subgraviti.com went online in 2003 so that I could distribute and market my films to a worldwide audience. That was the one half of my motivation. The other 50% is just purely out of the love for the sport of waveski and seeing it grow and leaving a legacy behind.

B-Sides, Gateway to Sorga, SGP News... lots of movies. I know that they all are important for you but, what video production would you like to highlight from all these?
Its actually now my 9th video that I am working on for waveski. Open your Mind, Mutual Addiction, Cryptic Meanings, SGP News Vol 1.0, KaziLines, Amaza Africa, Gateway to Sorga, B-Sides and now Project P10.
My favorite would probably still be my first one Open your Mind. Just because it was complete freedom with very little worries travelling the globe with my brother. Chasing empty waves, experiencing different countries and its because of that film that I am doing what I am doing today.

Now about Project P10. Present us this new adventure...
Project P10 was just the name that I used to hide the film project while I was still searching for a name. It will be a combination of 5 different destinations all in one film. J-Bay South Africa, Australia, La Reunion Island, France and now Portugal. I wanted to do something very energetic with very young riders to set this film apart from anything that I have done before.

Who are the "stars" of this project?
There will be a few of the usual suspects and then the new young generation. Usual Suspects: Mathieu Babarit FR, Rees Duncan AUS, Caroline Angibaud FR, Malan Calitz RSA, Travis Best AUS and Neal Stephenson RSA
New kids: Tyler Lausten (22) HI, Lionel Angibaud (23) FR, Chris Hobson (21) IRL, Mathieu Jonneaux (17) FR, Coralie Jousset (23) FR, Virgile Humbert (18) GUAD, Arthur Schott (16) RUN, André Burger (22) RSA

Is this a project mainly done due the Worlds in Portugal?
It was partly my motivation since we will use Worlds 2011 together with the Ocean Spirit Festival as the official world wide premier for the new film (we are working closely together with the organisation of the Ocean Spirit to ensure a spectacular world wide premier at the festival). But mostly since I was super impressed with what Watertech was doing in Portugal and seeing so many good things happening for waveski in Portugal that I wanted to bring the worlds best here to show and motivate the Portuguese waveskiers. Then lastly since Portugal has got so many amazing uncrowded waves and it was about time that I did another visit to this great country.

What are your expectations regarding next Worlds?
I believe Bruno Melo knows what he is doing and that Worlds is in excellent hands for 2011. Its a great privilege for waveski to have guys like Bruno and Rui Calado as part of the sport. To see such a lot of motivation and always finding a solution to any problem is refreshing and motivates people like myself to do more for the sport.

How do you see waveski and kayaksurf evolution in the world?
This was another huge motivation why I was all amped to work on P10. Seeing Dave Speller (Surf Kayak World Champion) ripping it up this year at the European Waveski Championship in France made me realise that surf kayakers are hungry for more speed on the waves. To see what Chris Hobson (famous surf kayaker from Ireland) was doing after just 2 weeks of waveskiing in Portugal was just mind blowing. He struggled to paddle, but when he got on the waves the sky was the limit. Then, when you see whats happening coming from the kayak manufacturers side is another exciting development.

To my knowledge Rotomod Kayaks started it with the Slide waveski and now the Mathieu Babarit Pro model waveski. WaterTech is also making waveskis and started now the production of their beginner Easy board. Mega made their first waveski. Future Kayaks is starting to make waveskis. Its really a good thing to have so much competition since this will push the manufacturers to make better boards faster and provide the riders with the best equipment so that we can take the sport to a new level of riding and filming.

You have an incredible trip experience worldwide. Which are your favourites surf spots?
The best waves I have ever surfed was the Mentawais. I believe it does not get better than this. I did not know waves of that quality could exist. I have been many times to Indonesia but the Mentawais are in a league of their own. After that probably the west coast of Australia.

And about Portugal... did you already knew it?
I have been in Portugal 15 years ago hitchhiking through the country with my waveski and tent. It was a very hard 3 weeks in November with the worst storms Portugal experienced in 20 years. 23 people died during those 3 weeks and I was in a tent. Was a life changing experience but that I would not want to change for anything.

Did you knew kayaksurf.net?
I have heard a lot about Kayaksurf.net and think its great what Luis Pedro is doing for bringing the sports together. He motivated me to bridge the gap more between the Kayaksurf and Waveski. Its the future and I believe 100% in it.

"This success story is dedicated to the norm. The norm that pushed me to where I am today. Thanks to them I proved the un-imaginary for my life." - this is a great line... explain us...
Well this line says it all for me. I am not following the typical path the world wants us to follow, but thats also why I waveski and waveski gave me everything my heart could ever desire for.

Last words...
I am looking forward to the next year and the build up towards Worlds 2011. I am positive its going to be a big show and amazing things will come out of it from riders to manufacturers.

Thanks a lot Xaver! Meet you in Ocean Spirit ;)

ALL THE PHOTOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/XaverValser.html

JAMES HAWKER / ENGLISH LIGHT VERSION

2010-11-08T20:31:00.004Z

James Hawker / Waveskis and surfkayaks manufacturer

Name: James Hawker
Age: 28
Occupation: Composites Structural Design Engineer, Waveski and Surf Kayak Manufacturer
Address: Torpoint, Cornwall, UK

Competition records:

HP and IC finalist World Championships, Ocean Spirit, Portugal, 2009. IC British Champion 2006 & 2009. 2nd place British Championships HP 2009. IC Silver Medal 2005 World Championships Costa Rica and Finalist HP.

Paddling experience:

Competing internationally since 1996

Gear:

Future Kayaks Random Evolution HP, Future Kayaks Waveski, Murky Waters Salsa IC

Sponsors:
http://www.futurekayaks.com/ / http://www.gathsports.com/

England Team Sponsors:

http://www.chillcheater.com/ / http://www.buffwear.co.uk/ / http://www.saltrock.com/ / http://www.surfkayaks.com/

Personal Website:

http://www.futurekayaks.com/

Hello James! This new chat is about your new factory. How are things going?
Earlier this year I made the decision to leave my full time employed job and start making kayaks on a full time basis. Prior to then I was responsible for technical engineering within the Composites Technology Group at a large UK engineering firm, but in April I finally made the jump and decided to become self-employed. As well as making kayaks I continue to work as a freelance composites engineer, which helps to pay the bills while the kayaks become established.

It has been really busy setting things up full time, and I haven’t had a single day off (excluding competitions) for a couple of months now and I’m consistently working 12-14 hours a day. I’m enjoying it though and the feedback from pleased customers makes it all worthwhile. Hopefully I’m getting on top of the workload now and organising the factory more efficiently so I should have a bit more time for surfing!

Things seem to be building gradually at the moment as the boats are being seen and tested by people. Everyone has been really positive about the quality of the kayaks and I think that now I just need to get the boats seen by more people.

What models are you producing?
Mostly I’ve been manufacturing the Random Evo so far which has been really popular. Everyone that has been in one loves it!

I’m also still making my own designs and I will have a surf kayak design for larger paddlers as well fairly soon. I will also have an IC design in the near future. As the company grows, I’ll keep adding models to the range.

And about this new collaboration with Random...
On the trip back up from Ocean Spirit last year I was travelling with Pete Copp, who had purchased one of the Evos brought over to the event from Australia. I paddled it for a couple of hours and loved it immediately. I contacted Darren (Bason) and Terry (Petch) and arranged to manufacture it under license in the UK and Europe.
Darren had seen the build quality of Future Kayaks and was happy to know that they would be made to a very high standard here, and the collaboration has been growing since then.

You have a great experience in shaping but also on competition! Have you competed lately?
The last competition here was Llangennith in Wales, which I finished 1st IC and 2nd HP. Unfortunately I couldn’t go to Mundaka or Ocean Spirit this year because of setting up my factory, so it has been UK comps only. I will be travelling to Portrush for the Home Internationals in October though, which I’m looking forward to. Last time we had really good waves!

How do you see the evolution of this new era and brands of surfkayaks?
I think that designs will still progress much further, as well as construction. The whole composites industry is expanding quite quickly and there are new developments and products coming out all the time, which is enabling more sophisticated construction to be affordable and possible for kayaks.

For a customer it is good to have the amount of competition there is at the moment, the last few years have really pushed things on with the designs and more recently with the construction.

This year I am paddling a kayak which weighs only 7.3kg, which is significantly lighter than anything else I have ever seen (until I made one even lighter for a customer last week!).

The performance gain from a lighter kayak is considerable. Future Kayaks team member Dylan Petherick has won both junior competitions since getting his lightweight Evo, and everyone has seen a marked improvement in his surfing, just by changing to a lighter kayak. Dylan can now push his boat harder and get more from it, showing what he is really capable of.

And about waveskis... I see that you also have some projects in this area...
I think that Waveski might make a comeback over the next couple of years. The performance is much higher than kayaks and the top level of surfkayaking is such a high standard now that paddlers can make the transition to a ski fairly easily. I now paddle a ski almost all of the time when I’m freesurfing. I enjoy shaping the custom skis and I will be constructing a purpose built shaping room in my factory fairly soon.

The photos show a couple of custom skis I made recently, the 7’4 swallow tail weighs 6.4kg and the 7’1 square tail weighs just 5.6kg! They are both pretty low volume high performance boards.

I am also making a couple of moulded ski shapes for paddlers making the transition across from kayaks who want a more robust ski whilst they are learning. The moulded shapes are much higher volume with lower seat positions to make them easy and comfortable to paddle.

Now about last Kayaksurf Worlds (where you reached both finals IC and HP!!)... best memories...
I really enjoyed the World Championships last year, the weather and waves were great and a few of us spent some time camping and surfing at a few spots on the way down through Spain and Portugal. I can’t wait to do it again.

I had a good event personally, and the England team also paddled really well. We are fortunate to have a strong competition scene in England and we have a lot of good paddlers. The team spirit has been really good and we are lucky to have a good team manager who makes sure things run smoothly all the time.

I intend to travel down to Ocean Spirit next year for the Waveski World Championships, so hopefully the event will be fortunate with conditions again!

Last words...
Thanks to my sponsors and the England Team sponsors for their help. Thanks to everyone that has been supportive with setting up Future Kayaks, the early stages of a business are a challenging time and the support has been really encouraging. Finally, thanks Luis for doing an interview to help spread the word!

Thanks a lot Andrew and all the best ;)

FULL INTERVIEW HERE:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/JamesHawker.html

EDU ETXEBERRIA / VERSIÓN CASTELLANA

2010-10-27T22:18:00.002+01:00

Edu Etxeberria / Waterman 2010 Ocean Spirit Festival

Name: Edu Etxeberria
Age: 37
Occupation: Director escuela de piragüismo
Address: Donostia

Sponsors: Mi familia es la ayuda mas importante y les debo agradecer de todo corazon a Larraitz, Odei, Nora y Amets (ONA, mis 3 hijos) y agradezco de verdad a Watertech, Gath, Descenskayak, Diamir y Gipúzkoa e oceanglasses.com

Personal Website: Estoy trabajando en ella (desde el 2005) pronto estará en marcha, je, je ya me gustaría. Hasta entonces publico noticias en www.rcnss.com

Hello Edu. First of all, congratulations Waterman! This year, you just won everything in Ocean Spirit. What's the secret of al this achievements?
No hay secretos más que disfrutar en el agua, y eso que me faltan horas en el día para poder experimentar nuevas modalidades como tengo pendiente con el Kite, este año la idea fue ir al Ocean Spirit sin la presión del Mundial y a divertirnos, eso lo hemos conseguido con un equipo más pequeño, disfrutando de las olas y los alrededores de Santa Cruz.

We know that you are perfectly confortable in several kayaking and surfing categories but... what's your favourite class?
Es imposible decidirme por alguna, en cada una intento de aprovechar lo mejor de ella, no hay que hacer cosas imposibles para disfrutar, muchas veces solo con correr la ola es un verdadero placer, sentir la velocidad y clavar el canto para después disfrutar sobre el fondo de la tabla, kayak o lo que sea.

I know that you just tested your new W-Waveski 24h before the contest and... you also won the waveski class in the Open! Satisfyed with your new toy?
Claro, me alegra mucho. No sabia como podría surfear en Wave y la verdad es que me encontré muy a gusto enseguida. Agradezco a Bruno que me conoce y hizo una buena maquina para mí.

I think that you come with all your Team till Ocean Spirit since 2008... I suppose you enjoy the event ;)
Es uno de los mejores eventos que he conocido y desde luego tengo que agradecer a Bruno y a la municipalidad de Santa Cruz (Torres Vedras) que sigan adelante con tal evento. Es imposible ir a Portugal a la zona que rodea Santa Cruz y no volver contento para casa.

And about your Basque Team... Ocean Spirit Festival is a great chance to test some trainning lessons?
El venir al Ocean Spirit para los nuestros es como un premio y traemos a los que mejor han trabajado durante el invierno y es un test que les dice el nivel que tienen. Es bueno para los nuestros competir fuera de casa.

Next year, Waveski Worlds in Portugal (Ocean Spirit again) and Kayaksurf Worlds in USA East. Where can we expect you and your Team?
El año que viene va a ser un poco diferente para nosotros, en nuestro club este año tenemos muchos chicos nuevos (somos 32 kayakers) y los entrenamientos serán un poco diferentes, vamos a tener trabajo extra. Por otro lado el equipo de Euskadi estamos con la incertidumbre de cuanta gente vamos a poder desplazar a USA. Pero estamos seguros que iremos un gran equipo.

Did you enjoy last year Kayaksurf Worlds in Portugal?
Para mi fue un poco locura tenia que estar pendiente de muchas cosas, muchas mangas de todo el equipo, sesiones de video, etc. y no pude casi respirar. Pienso que el formato del Mundial esta saturado y seria bueno hacer una visión general del evento para poder tener mas tiempos de espera y competir en las mejores olas y mareas. No creo que tener 2 spots es buena idea con la gente repartida por la playa, no puedes ni ver ni grabar a los palistas del equipo. Perdemos el calor del evento. Deberíamos poner más expresión sessions y hacer cosas mas divertidas en el mundial.

How do you see the kayaksurf competition scene worldwide?
Creo que tenemos un reto importante ahora y necesitamos un cambio no grande pero si para mirar hacia adelante y convertir el kayak surf en algo mas consistente.
Deberíamos poner sobre la mesa que cosas nos gusta a la gente que competimos, como; competir en las mejores olas, no solo hablo de los sitios: sino adecuar los horarios, los días y las mareas para tener las mejores condiciones posibles y la disponibilidad general de la mayoría de los kayakers. No sirve de nada competir en muchas mangas si en la mayoría de ellas hay unas olas de poca calidad.

Any new ideas to improve the actual format?
Crear mangas con Expresión sessions que podría competir la gente que se ha eliminado en el día como en un formato de manga con mas gente y solo puntuar el mejor truco y el mayor wipeout. Seria espectacular incluso mezclando long con short boat y que los espectadores depositasen un papel en una caja con quien piensan han sido los mejores, seria mas participativo. Apostar por equipos con menos gente por ejemplo 3 o 2 personas en open long y 3 en short para los hombres y quizás apostar más en junior u otras categorías. Por eso pienso que el formato del Mundial queda demasiado largo, con muchas mangas y horas de competición. A Euskadi le gustaría aportar algo mas de lo que hemos hecho hasta ahora, por ello y a pesar del idioma vamos a intentar aportar ideas para mejorar.

You designed with Bruno Melo the ONA - a major success of Watertech. When can we expect some more new toys designed from you?
Fue una de las mejores cosas que me ha pasado en el Mundo del kayak en los últimos años y por eso agradezco a Rui, Pedro y Bruno en confiar en mi para realizar la idea que todo kayakista tiene en la cabeza y llevarla a cabo. Si tengo una idea bien clara de un nuevo modelo, que seria otro estilo a la ONA, pero eso tendrá que esperar un poco.

“El mar no es de nadie y las olas son de todos, por ello disfrutar de ambos junto con todos”

No puedo terminar esta entrevista sin darte las gracias a ti, Luis Pedro. Tu dedicación que nos ayuda a todos los que amamos este deporte y nos pone en comunicación con todo el mundo, desde las fotos y olas de calidad, los viajes de unos y de otros, las motivaciones y nuevas formas, Kayak, Wave, maniobras,…
“ESKERRIKASKO LAGUNA” (Gracias amigo) haces un trabajo impagable.

Eu é que digo… Eskerrikasko Laguna! É bom ter esse feed-back vindo de um dos atletas que mais admiro e sempre admirei neste desporto Edu. Escusado será dizer que ambos partilhamos esta paixão pelas ondas mas, acima de tudo, vemos o desporto numa visão global. E isso é muito bom.

Saludos e forte abrazo,

luis pedro

TODAS AS FOTOS E VÍDEO / PHOTOS & VIDEO:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/EduEtxeberria.html

PABLO ARROUAYS / ENGLISH VERSION

2010-10-13T22:31:00.002+01:00

The New French Waveski Generation / Short & Quick Interview

Name: Arrouays Pablo
Age: 16
Address: Lacanau Ocean / France
Occupation: all water sport
Paddling since: 2005
Sponsors:solerine/matahari/pailou surf team/ding repair/CKLG
Team: P.S.T
Sportive achievements: 2sd cadet of france2009 and 9e at the first leg of WoldWaveskiTour2009
Gear (wave, paddle, helmet, etc):for the moment surf with a KSwaveski
Favourite break:Home
Favourite wave rider: Duncan brother and Mat Bab
Perspectives in waveski:World Chanpionships in South Africa
Connais Portugal? I will maybe come for the WWC in Portugal.

ALL THE PHOTOS & VIDEOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/PabloPaillou.html

DAVE SAVAGE / English Version

2010-09-06T21:03:00.003+01:00

Dave Savage / Airtime Surfkayaks

Name:David Davage
Age: 32 going on old
Occupation: boat builder, shaper
Address: Everton south yorkshire, England, UK
Paddling experience: White Water, surf ski , Squirt.

Hi Dave! Congratulations for this new adventure of Downtime kayaks. Explain us it all happened...
Thank you very much. I was looking to branch out and make myself a living building kayaks and making a success of Downtime and thats where a friend of mine Peter Cornes put me in touch with Nathan, after we spoke a couple of times we meet up in a car park at the national water sports centerer and with sketcher's to follow i headed to the workshop with a new project .

We know your brand form the squirt scene... what advantages can you take form your squirt experience to kayaksurf?
Having worked in a glass shop making surf kayaks for another brand and making solid squirt boats already for world champions in my spare time I know that i could make solid boats without a compromise on weight.

For now, we only have the Alushe... present us the new projects..
I have now finished the Maximo and Raziel mold, the Raziel is the smaller sister of the Alushe just as fast and maneuverable as the Aluhse for the smaller paddler without that extra volume. The Maximo, BIG Brother of the trio is by far the surprise of them all, great all round performance with that little extra volume in the right places. ; )

This Alushe had a great premiere in the Worlds with Naomi and Nathan! Did you expected to have so good results with this new kayak?
NO NO! I know that they would do well as they are both awesome paddlers! Both myself and Nathan knew that we had a really good product when we meet up one evening at a bar after looking over the finished plug, two very happy people!)

I know you probably have lots of thing to do in the factory but... how often do you surf with the Alushe?
Well being slightly to large for the Alushe and then some, i paddle the Maximo and am loving it. Now I have moved house and workshop I’m 45minute drive from my closest break and I am getting out once a week and the weekend too.

Now, about our sport, how do you see kayaksurf evolution worldwide?
I believe that boats will get lighter and shorter without the compromise on speed. There is no doubt in my mind riders will get bigger air and will ride some of the plants biggest waves!!

And about the new designs that are coming from several brands... how do you see these new "surf machines"?
Where can I start??? Well, there are so many out there all with slightly different tweaks and shapes. All have a purpose in mind Airtime…

Imagine I want to buy a surfkayak... what advantages do you point about Alushe?
Alushe fast along the line with the extra grip from the rails, tight fast bottom turning with the extra speed to hit the lip! Light and solid, custom your boat, choose your own bespoke design, glittered or pigment.

Did you already surfed in Portugal?
Not as jet :(

Last words for those who will read this interview...
Thank you for reading this, please keep your eye out for new produces form airtime coming very soon! Cheers Dave......

Thanks Dave!

ALL PHOTOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/DaveSavage.html

YASSEN ZHELYAZKOV / ENGLISH VERSION

2010-08-26T13:54:00.002+01:00

KAYAKSURF IN BLACK SEA / Bulgaria

Name: Yassen Zhelyazkov
Age: 37
Occupation: kayak, rafting and mountain-biking guide
Interests: ww kayaking, kayak surf, snow kite during the winter
Address: Sofia, Bulgaria

Competition records: none but our club (Tudurini Bros) organize the only show-kayaking competition which takes place in Bulgaria every year.

Paddling experience: 7 years
Personal Website: The site of our company/club: http://www.tudurinibros.org
Favourite websites: www.whitewater-bg.org
Gear: Necky Zip, Dagger ID-7. I plan to buy soon a kayak surfing boat. Paddle - Profilplast,

Ho Yassen! Are there more kayakers doing kayaksurf besides your group?
There are not so many people, that kayak-surf in Bulgaria. We are about 5-6 people which surf regularly, but it is getting more and more popular.

How often do you surf in the Black Sea...?
The Black Sea is quite closed so we do not have waves all of the time. We follow the wave forecasts, and never miss an action. During the autumn, there could be 3-4 storms per month. The best season is from September to November, when we can ride on 1,5 - 3,5 m. waves. Sometimes there are good waves during the spring and the summer.
The best wave spot is the Ahtopol harbor (South part of our coast). When there is a storm from the North /WN, N ,NE/, the wind blows offshore and the waves that come in the bay are very smooth and powerful.

The other best spot is Silistar Beach - small bay, close to the border with Turkey.
In very strong storms waves rise at the beach next to Vavara village. There also some other spots but those are the three major ones.

I notest that you all surf with playboats... did you ever tried a surfkayak?
Yes, I tried some in the past. No one of us has a surf kayak, because it is hard to get one here. Soon there will be!

And when do you come again till Portugal?
We got already tickets for 30th of September. I hope to hire a kayak and have good waves all of the time during these 10 days in Portugal. I am coming to Portugal on 30th September till 9th October with a friend of mine. We plan to spend most time surfing South of Lisboa. I guess it is easy to hire kayaks.

Thanks lot Yassen! See you in Portugal!

ALL PHOTOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/Yassen.html

BERNIE HUIGSLOOT / ENGLISH VERSION

2010-07-20T13:48:00.003+01:00

Bernie Huigsloot / Directly from Australia, the raider of the big waves

Age: 46 years old
Address: Kramer Rise ,Phillip Island, Victoria,Australia
Surfing/ ski since 1979
Favourite surf in Australia; Jakes (Kalbarri)
Worldwide: Phillip Island, Surfies Point, Express World; G-Land (Gradjagan), Mundaka.

Favourite Surf Websites:

A.S.P. surfing, Indian ocean animation (La jolla) and of course Kayaksurf Portugal- you guys do a great job!

I live on the other side of the Victorian coast from Bells (Torquay) We get plenty of waves all year round. There is only one other wave ski rider locally and not many others that come on weekends, so I spend 99% of my surfs watching and copying stand up surfers, which is why my style is a little different to other conventional surf ski riders. I would have to be one of the only ski riders still riding polyurothane boards, which are about twice as heavy (not epoxy) and a surfboard shaper shapes it for me.

I have always had a very stiff fin set up (set further back than most) and a very loose seat belt to help me get extra leverage to turn.

I don't get to copy other wave ski riders because I really don't see many good surfers around here. But some of the best I have seen are Christo and Reese Duncan. There are some guys busting out some big moves around the world at the moment and I wish I could spend more time travelling and maybe competing, but I made a choice many years ago to surf G-land once a year or some contest somewhere in 2 foot slop.

As I don't surf really well when the waves get small I make the choice to enjoy myself and get Barreled! where I know I can.

I Dont have much up to date news on contests or other surf ski guys etc., There used to be a Victoria Association, but they have since folded (stopped) but I can give you a couple of articles on performance riding, tips, ect. and surf size in the local area etc. and whatever else I come across.

Maybe a bit of history from what I have seen. There are some surf Kayakers in a group I see every summer come from Melbourne. Maybe i will take some pics when I see them.

Regards Bernie

------

Thanks Bernie!!

PHOTOS:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/BernieHuigsloot.html

HARRY UREN / ENGLISH BERSION

2010-07-20T11:59:00.003+01:00

HARRY UREN / MEGA FLYING SQUAD

Name: Harry Uren
Age:17
Occupation: Student
Address: Cornwall
Competition records: 2nd British junior Hp, 3rd British junior IC 2009
Paddling experience: I've only been in the surf scene since January 2009 but that got me off to a flying start and i was hooked since!

Sponsors: Mega Surf Kayaks and AB Paddles

Hi Harry, when did you start paddling? Well i started kayaking around 2000ish, but it runs in the blood and i cant remember a time without kayaks
Do you have any other paddling experience (river, surfski, waveski, etc)? I play kayak polo with the Penzance Canoe Club junior team and we've Won Southwest junior championships, and played Southwest division 3. Ive also played with another team at National division 2.

Where do you usually surf?

My local break is Godrevy which i love as it has such great waves and the waves vary so much between the tides. But i also have Sennen/Gwenver and a few spots on the south coast too! so whenever theres a swell on either coast, ill be there ;)

What do you think about the evolution of surfkayaking worldwide?

It's great!! the better the standard of surf kayaking gets, will mean that people will push more boundries of whats possible and hopefully inspire more people to start the sport

And about riders… do you have anyone in special that admires very much?

I dont particularly but i do enjoy watching the worlds best in videos and photos and i enjoy surfing with my local club as they're always supporting me

How often do you participate in surfkayak competitions?

I try to make every competition in the English calendar as i really enjoy the atmosphere and seeing all the kayaks in one spot

You now belong to Mega Flying Squad... prepared to be one more Mega ambassador?

I'm very happy to be on the Mega Flying Squad! It gives me such a sense of achievement in surfing and it's a conversation starter while waiting for a set on the water

Best memories about Portugal Worlds...

All of it! it was such a great event! I think my favorite memories was the first day, and just being overwhelmed by the size and amout of people there. Or it was the team competitions, just how everyone in the team stood on waterside and cheered on their competitor.

When do you'll come again till Portugal?

I want to get back to Portugal soon, i miss the warmer waters, sun and amazing surf.

Your favourite web paddling sites are:

Kayaksurf.net- its great it's updated so often and i also like Ukriversguidebook too

Let us some suggestions to those who want to start kayaksurf…

I think the best way to get into surfing is by joining a club or course and then starting the competitions early, more people at the comps, the better!

Tanks Harry!

PHOTOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/HarryUren.html

CASPER GYLDENBERG / ENGLISH VERSION

2010-07-20T10:14:00.001+01:00

Casper Gyldenberg / Danish kayaksurf

My name is Casper Gyldenberg, I am 17 years old and lives in Cold Hawaii Denmark.
I had spent many hours on the North sea in Denmark, looked at surfers. As the surf came up for a 4-5 years ago, there was no surf kayaks so you surfed in whitewater kayaks and sea kayaks. Since we had surfed in a year's time in sea kayaks began the first to surf kayaks. There began to appear surf sessions in Denmark finally was Denmark with the Surf wave.

Have surfed almost from the day when kayak surfing came to Denmark. By having lived at the North gardens, we could pull out whenever there have been waves. It has also led to local and kayak surfing has become one of the best in Denmark as it had been our daily calm waters. 2009, I was organizing the first surf arrengement. Danish Canoe and Kayak Association has three annual arrengementer where I have been organizing / em clean it.

In 2010, I was thoroughly out of Denmark kayak surf department in a club and the first kayak surf school.

In October 2010, we expect to be the first surf konkuurence abroad. We go to Wales and be on course and expect to extend our surfing holiday with participation in the surf competition. Next Soome 2011, I have plans with a buddy to take four weeks to Portugal and Surfing.

My favourite kayak surf pages http://www.kajaksurf.dk/ – http://www.kajaksurf.net/

My favorite spot is Klitmøller and Hanstholm in Cold Hawaii. And sometimes, we go farther south where there may be some great waves

My favorite spot is Klitmøller and Hanstholm in Cold Hawaii. And sometimes, we go farther south where there may be some great waves

I paddle in Mega Surf Kayaks, Neutron RV and Maverick. Otherwise is my equipment that Reed clothing Stohlguist lifejacket and Gath helmet.

The Water is Our Playgroung!

-------

Thanks Casper ;)

PHOTOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/CasperGyldenberg.html

HUGUES TERMEAU / ENGLISH VERSION

2010-07-01T14:36:00.005+01:00

Hugues Termeau / Waveski Instructor

We first interviewed the french waveski instructor Hugues Termeau and after, we met him in Peniche, Portugal. He was around here in holidays with his kind family and it was a pleasure to chat with this veteran of te european waveski. Hugues loves to teach the young generation. He has an extensive curriculum of places where he already surfed and, unfortunately, in these days he was in Peniche, the swell was pretty small. We took some photos but, above all, we liked a talk with Hugues about waveski. The shapes, the evolution of the sport, the schools, the competitions, the rules. Very good. He will be in Portugal next year for the Worlds ;)

PROFILE and some more info:

- Plouhinec coach of the wave ski club
- Lived in basque country for tree year
- Practice waveski until 20 years now

Name: Hugues TERMEAU
Age: 42
Address: EXTEME point of Brittany France (point of raz)
Occupation: coach of kayak club plouhinec
Hobbys: spearfishing
Gear: Gath and own production

Favourite break: Mundaka
Favourite wave rider: All the best wave twenty people in the world
Perspectives in wave ski: keep on coaching Young rider
How is waveski in France? Not so much develop I don't know why…

Ever tried kayak surf? yes and all of type of kayak I'm a kayak worker !
About Portugal: just best place to surf in Europe

Special thanks to: You for moving our sport in Portugal. Now we are waiting for new country to practise wave ski together!

ALL THE INTERVIEW + PHOTOS + VIDEO / HERE:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/HuguesTermeau.html

ROBYN PEARCEY / ENGLISH VERSION

2010-06-01T11:16:00.002+01:00

MISS MEGA in Direct Speech!

Name: Robyn Pearcey
Age: 22
Occupation: Operations Manager at Mega International
Address: Cornwall, England
Competition records: British Champion 2007 and 2008 currently 4th in Britain

Paddling experience: I have travelled to quite a few different breaks in the world, my most favourite being Steamer Lane, California. I have also paddled at Mundaka and Bakio in Spain in the 2007 World Championships.
Sponsors: Mega International, NOOKIE, Ainsworth
Team: The Flying Squad, England Surf Kayak Team
Personal Website: Mega

Hello Robyn or... Miss Mega? - explain us how you have this "title" ;)
Well.....it goes back about 4 years when i met a lady called Elaine Alexander AKA ‘SHOOTER!’ at the time i was surfing in Northern Ireland quite a bit which was where we met as she paddled for the Northern Irish team. When she found out who i was she immediately nick named me Miss Mega and as they say ‘the rest is history’.

You grew up in the middle of kayaks! When did you decided to follow this sport?
I first decided to follow the sport when i was bout 14. After years of watching my dad compete, manage, and then start making surf kayaks it kinda just got contagious ;)

Besides kayaking... what other sports do you practice?
I dabble in a lot of different sports including Climbing, Sailing, and swimming, but the majority of my leisure time is spent in a kayak.

You already surfed in lots of great spots worldwide... what are your favourites?
Favourite spot has to be Steamer Lane in California, not just for the wave itself but for the people too.

And about Portugal... did you like last year World Championships?
I had only been to one other world championships prior to the 2009 Worlds, so i didn’t have a lot of experience to compare it to, but none the less it was an awesome event! Sun, Surf, and a wicked crowd of people, what more could you ask for! I think one of the main things that made the event for me was the fact that it wasn’t just about Surf Kayaking. Our World Championships was a part of another event in which we got to see and meet all kind of people from various sports and places.

Now, I'm gonna ask you a few questions about Mega. You recently released the BOOST... feedback's about this new surf machine?
The Boost which is a development of the Merlin has been a fantastic success. Have lost count of the number we have made now but the mold always seems full. Amongst out team paddlers Chris, Jack, Sam,Jonny, Emma, Tamsin , and new Flying Squad member Harry Uren, are all using it. We have shipped them all over the planet so I guess people are liking it.!

We know that this year in Santa Cruz, California. Dave Speller, Chris Hobson and Roberta (Mega Flying Squad) had great results!
Chris and Dave are both superb athletes, dedicated to their sport. Chris was the only one to make both the IC and HP finals, they are also great ambassadors for Mega and it is a pleasure to be involved with them both. Roberta to is doing a great PR job for us, she has a huge club setup in Brazil and travels the world herself , she gets us great reports and publicity.

England Team is the former World Champion Team and sponsored by Mega. Expectations for USA-East...
Winning the Worlds in Portugal was great for the England team and for Mega who had by far the largest number of boats in both the England squad and the contest overall. John Watson the England Manager thoroughly deserved to get the Win with all the paddlers in the England squad coming together and giving each other great support in what at times were some very testing conditions. I am sure that we will have a very strong squad again for the USA in 2011 and with luck England will defend their title.

Any new projects in Mega for the next few months?
I know that Dad is itching to get on with some shaping and is recovering well from his spell in hospital at the end of last year. I am sure he wants me to thank everyone for the huge support that he and all the family have received from around the World. There will certainly be new models later this year. Watch this space!

What is your favourite Mega boat for surf?
Ok, so im gona go a little old school here as i am a big fan of the Mustang. It is the low volume at the stern that does it for me, she is quick and slashy and easy to chuck about on the wave ;)

And about riders… do you have anyone in special that admires?
When i first started surf kayaking, apart from my dad, my main inspiration was Tamsin Green (Current British Champion). She is a brilliant paddler and has such a passion for her sport that it is infectious! She always gives 110% and is completely dedicated.

Let us some suggestions to those who want to start surfkayking…
It is a brilliant sport to get into and so much fun! I would recommend it to anyone, not just for the sporting side of it but for the social side also. Surf Kayakers across the world just seem to be one big family and i for one and happy to be a part of it ;)

Thanks a lot Ronyn and all the best for MEGA!

---------

ALL THE PHOTOS & VIDEO HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/RobynPearcey.html

FABIEN DUCEPT / ENGLISH VERSION

2010-05-27T01:16:00.003+01:00

FABIEN DUCEPT / EUROPEAN WAVESKI CHAMPION 2010

Name: Fabien DUCEPT
Age: 21
Occupation: student in journalism

Address: Bilbao
Competition records:
French Cadet Champion in 2005,
3d cadet in the brasilian world wave-ski championship 2004,
7th junior in the South African world championship 2007

Paddling experience: 10 years riding
Gear: KS wave-ski, Select Paddle and Neilpride wetsuit

Hi Fabien, congratulations for your victory! First impressions about this great weekend...
It couldn't be better! At the beginning I just wanted to go there to see my friends and my family that I haven 't seen a long time ago... and I wanted to compete of course but I never thought about winning the competition. I was very curious about the level and the mentality of all the new young riders too. At the end all results perfect, the organization was great, people there was very nice with a lots of good vibes. The waves were there, not so big (1,20m) but perfect, and the sun too. And all of that things in a beautiful landscape. Above all, the most crazy for me was to win against Mathieu Babarit, the person who teachs me how to surf since I'm 11 and who takes me to most of the contests I did. I really want to thanks him, it was an incredible moment for both.

Do you have any other paddling experience?
Not really, I like to ride kayak for travelling but I never had the opportunity to practise kayaksurf or riverkayak..

Where do you usually surf?
I always surfed in France, in Les Sables d'Olonne but I came to Spain 3 years ago and then to Basque Country. So I now use to surf in Sopelana or Cantabrie, closed to Bilibao.

Did you make a hard preparation for this comp?
I generally surf all the days if there are some waves but I added a swimming preparation to my surf to strengthen my back and my physical resistance, and I trained some days with Mat Babarit and others french riders. I think I never be so prepared but it's pleasure above all.

What do you think about the evolution of waveski worldwide?
It really exploded these last 3 years. It started to be more serious, more professional maybe, and many young riders rose the level very high, like in French Brittany, Reunion Island, Guadeloupe... The image of our sports has progressed a lot these last years and this is very important if we want to be considered in the extreme sport's scenery, with the sponsors and in the water above all.

And about riders… do you have anyone in special that admires very much?
Of course because I started when I was a child, and children need idols. I really admire Mathieu Babarit. It sounds strange to say that because he's a good friend but I know him since a long time ago and I love his style, his simplicity with people and the passion he has for wave-ski and for teaching it.

How often do you participate in waveski competitions?
My last compete was 3 years ago before that one but I normally used to participate to the french competitions and some international one until I was 18.

Which was the best spot that you surfed around the world?
I think that's Mundaka or Larrabasterra near Bilbao.

And in your country?
La Gachère, closed to Les Sables d'Olonne.

Are you coming till Portugal next year?
I don't think so for the moment because I'm going to live and study one year in Filippines Islands from october to november 2011. I would like to be there, it's always nice to pass by Portugal but it's a very great opportunity for me to can go to Filippines and practise there.

Your favourite web paddling sites are:
I'm sorry, I nearly never surf on the paddling or surf sites, I prefer go surfing in the water and if I'm at home I just play music, read or have a drink!

Let us some suggestions to those who want to start waveskiing…
Always keep cool and enjoy each moment, we are lucky to can catch some waves in front of a sunrise or others beautiful places. Lets take pleasure and have fun above all!

Thanks a lot Fabien! Cool vibe ;)

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ALL THE PHOTOS & VIDEOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/FabienDucept.html

STEFANO BELLOTTI / ENGLISH VERSION

2010-04-20T10:56:00.006+01:00

STEFANO BELLOTTI / AFTER SCKS 2010

PROFILE:

Name: stefano bellotti
Age: 25
Occupation: student
Address: Recco, Italy

Competition records:
(13th place) 24th festival of santa cruz,
kayakpolo italian chapionship (7place1st division),
winner of second division kayakpolo championship in 2008,
2nd place under21 championship kayakpolo.

Paddling experience:
kayaksurf: portugal , california, Canary islands, italy, spain. kayakriver: I have paddled in many rivers in France, Italy, Slovenia and Corsica. Sea kayak experience: 7 days around Elba island, 5 lands (5 terre) 3 days tour, etc

Sponsors:

watertech.com / www.gravitazero.info / surfactivity.net

Personal Website: www.kayaksurfrecco.com facebook:kayaksurf recco
Favourite websites: kayaksurf.net :-)
Favourite surf spots: steamer lane california

Hello Stefano. You started in kayak polo and now... kayaksurf. We have some portuguese great surfkayakers that also have this curriculum. Do you still practice kayak polo?
yes I play kayakpolo in PROSCOGLI CHIAVARI that won the Italian 1st division championship in 2009 and placed 3rd in Champions League (Europens for clubs..)

And GZ Kayaksurf... present us this project...
Our first aim is to make sure that people get to know Kayaksurf here in Italy, partecipating to international competitions and expeditions around the world. This allows us to have a lot of attention and makes people curious about our activity.

Now, about your first kayaksurf international competition - Santa Cruz. When and how did you decided to go?
I really wanted to participate to an international kayaksurf competition and visiting your website I discovered this contest and decided I really had to go!

And your participation... are you satisfied? (Stefano was 13th just after Dave Speller, World Champion!!)
Yes. Both for the result and for the fact that I had the chance to see and learn from the best kayaksurfers in the world.

Describe us the Festival... you were the "Italian Guns"! An experience to repeat?
The festival was really well organized. Organizors were available for any problem we had and we met a lot of kind and nice people, in particular I would like to thanks Galen and Dennis who helped and hosted us!

I saw that a journalist asked you if the Mediterranean usually have waves... and I ask you the same. How often do you surf in the Mediterranean?
Unfortunately here waves are not so often, it's rare we can surf more than once a month. Only in wintertime there's more possibilty to have nice waves.

And about Watertech Kayaks?
I had the chance to try "Speedy" and "Lucifer". They are both excellent kayaks but Speedy, my actual one, is incredibly light, tecnichal and reactive. It's recomandable for advanced surfers I believe. Lucifer is easier but i'm to heavy for it so I can't give a correct judgment, anyway, it forgives more errors. Soon i'll try "Ona" and will give you my opinion!

You were in Portugal last year for surf trip. Best memories from Portugal...
My first real oceanic waves in a clear sea and the kindness of Portugese people.

And when do you come again?
For "Ocean Sprint" in the end of July.

How do you see the evolution of kayaksurf in Italy?
In this last year kayaksurf grew a lot here, also for our activity!

Last words for all the readers of this interview...
A big hug to my kayaksurfer friends from california and to all readers. Ciao!!

ALL THE PHOTOS & video HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/StefanoBellotti.html

NATHAN Le BARS / ENGLISH VERSION

2010-03-09T22:47:00.003Z

NEW GENERATION / WAVESKI

Name: LE BARS Nathan
Age: 14
Address: Douarnenez (Brittany, France)
Occupation: student
Paddling since: 2003
Waveski since: 2006
Sportive achievements: 3rd at France championship 2008 in category less than 15 years old, and 25th in open ; 19th in open ; 3rd at Brittany championship in category less than 15 years old.

Waveski: KS Performance
Favourite break: Baie des Trépassés

Perspectives in waveski sport: Get on the Podium at each competition (France championship 2009 and Brittany championship 2009 in category less than 15 ; go to world championship.
Riding on all possible spots and having much fun over all !

Figure préférée : aérial et tube
Riders préférés : Mathieu Babarit, Fletcher Burton (debout!!) et Hugues Termeau
Team: Breizh / Mamgoz Productions

ALL THE PHOTOS HERE:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/NathanLeBars.html

URKO OTXOA / VERSIÓN CASTELLANA

2010-03-05T11:03:00.004Z

URKO OTXOA / WORLD IC CHAMPION 2009

Profile

Name: Urko Otxoa Erauskin
Age: 29 anos
Address: Donostia (Euskadi)
Occupation: Educador social
Paddling since: Ando en kayak desde que era nino, empece con 12 anos saliendo a remar y jugar con la piragua, tambien hice algo de slalom, pero hace solo cuatro anos en el mundial de costa que conoci el kayak surf.
Gear: Megas Bullitt "s"/ Trident, pala Werner diamond, casco Gath.
Sponsors: ya me gustaria ;=)
Favourite break: un bonito dia de invierno con amigos y la playa vacia

Olá Urko! Your opinion about the Worlds in Portugal:
Volvi muy contento de portugal, me quede impresionado de la organizacion y de todo el montaje que se hizo en torno a una competición de kayak surf, nunca habia visto nada asi. Por otro lado me hizo mucha ilusion ver tantos kayaks y tanta gente, se nota que de ano en ano estamos creciendo y eso es senal de que las cosas se estan haciendo bien. Si tuviese que hacer una critica, quiza comentar que habria que mejorar la comunicacion entre organizacion y palistas, para estar mejor informado y mas relajado.

Your favourite destination for the next Worlds:
Australia sin lugar a dudas, es la meca de la olas y no deberiamos dejar escapar una oportunidad asi para surfear y llevar el kayaksurf a otro continente

Your personal vision about the Ocean Spirit Festival:
impresionante, muy bien organizado, y con mucho trabajo por detras, se cuidaba hasta el mas minimo detalle, me pase la mejor semana de todo el verano, la unica pena que no pude ir a ver conciertos porque no me quedaba ni una gota de energia por la noche. Tenemos que aprender a organizar mas competiciones asi.

How do you see the evolution of kayaksurf in the near future?
En este mundial hemos podido ver q el kayaksurf esta en plena evolucion, nuevos marcas, nuevos modelos de kayaks, maniobras cada vez mas radicales y mucha gente joven andando a un gran nivel. Creo que en este mundial hemos podido constatar la evolucion que se ha dado en el kayaksurf durante los ultimos anos. De todos modos veo el surf como un referente a seguir en cuanto a maniobras, radicalidad, y velocidad y creo que en ese sentido todavia nos queda un camino por recorrer

How is kayaksurf in Basque Country?
En Euskadi cada vez hay mas gente que practica el kayaksurf. Hay una fuerte tradicion entorno al piraguismo y hay gente del slalom que esta empezando a andar en kayaksurf. El nivel que hay en Euskadi es bastante alto, y creo que gracias al trabajo que se esta haciendo va a seguir creciendo

Personal objectives in the sport...
Seguir mejorando, aprendiendo, y sacando nuevas maniobras, y sobre todo que el kayaksurf siga siendo una de mis mayores fuentes de felicidad en la vida

Personal thoughts about Portugal:
Me impresiono ver tantos kayaks y tanta gente remando en una playa, nunca en mi vida habia visto algo asi. Por otro lado creo que el ambiente fue muy bueno y la organizacion espectacular. Creo que tambien hay aspectos que podriamos mejorar de cara al siguiente mundial, pero eso es trabajo de todos

Last words:
Agradecer a todo el mundo que hizo que este sueno se hiciera realidad, gracias a la organizacion, gracias a todos los piraguistas con los que tuve el placer de remar, gracias a esta web por mantenernos informados, gracias a mi super equipo por los animos, las risas y el buen ambiente, gracias a Adriana por ligarte a Jon, y gracias a Edu por todo lo que me has ensenado y por tantos momentos bonitos que me has regalado en el agua sin ti no hubiese sido posible llegar a escribir estas lineas.

Eskerrik asko Urko!

TODAS AS FOTOS / ALL THE PHOTOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/UrkoOtxoa.html

CAROLINE ANGIBAUD / ENGLISH VERSION

2010-02-01T20:34:00.004Z

CAROLINE ANGIBAUD / 8 TIMES WORLD WAVESKI CHAMPION

PROFILE

Name: Caroline Angibaud
Age: 26
Address: Seignosse France
Occupation: Surfing and waveskiing teacher
Paddling since: 1996
Gear: Rotomod Waveski
Sponsors: Roxy, Rotomod
Sportive achievements: 8 times World Women Champion
Favourite break: Tanchet, Hossegor
Caroline on the web: http://www.mathieubabarit.com/ / http://www.octopusglisse.com/ / http://www.awwp.org/

SHORT & QUIK INTERVIEW

Hello Caroline! One more chat with kayaksurf.net. Let's start with your opinion about the Worlds in Australia...

That was a great event with big organization, we had good waves. The only negative thing was in the women draw in the semi final, we had to surf with all girls who where in the last world final (Coralie, Lisa and Melissa), that was a hard heat with no recap. I was very confident during heats but during the final we couldn't ear scores so I didn't know my final place... Then I was very happy! But also disappointed for Mathieu because he surfed very well in semis and in the final he had a great score but had to wait too long for the second good score...

And the Reunion contest…
We had very good swell and could show the best riders in the best waves. That was really impressive to watch guys in big waves. For the women event, the level was also very high and all girls trying to do their best in the powerful wave of St Pierre.

Your personal vision about the evolution of waveski…
That is motivating to watch new young riders as Zoe Schott or guys like Virgile Humbert, Arthur Schott. They all surf very well and push new moves. In my opinion, waveski will develop with quality events, with good riders and good waves! That's also great to watch new countries as Portugal to develop fast wave skiing!

How is waveski in France?
We have a lot of young riders all over the Atlantic coast and in the French island (Reunion, Guadeloupe...) and some in Mediterranean Sea also. In French contests, a lot of cadets and juniors succeed into reaching finals in open division. The future of the sport will kick out regular riders...

Personal objectives in the sport
I'd like to develop the World Waveski Tour with the AWWP.

Why don't we see more girls on kayaksurf and waveski scene?
I think we don't show a good image of the sport. We need to sell more “dream” and to try to follow the surfing scene instead of kayaking scene (who is not really glamour…). We also need more waveski specialized for girls. We need light and good shaped boards.

2011 Worlds in Portugal: personal opinion about this...
I'm really happy for Portugal but also really sad because I can't take part into the event. It will be in the middle of summer season and we have to work with our waveski school. This will be the first World Title where I won't take part since 1998, so I leave my title to someone… 2013 will be far so I don't know... I wish you all the best for this event.

About kayaksurf.net…
I like it. It has always great news and interviews so: go on!

Last words for all the women that want to start waveski…
Try with a board not too big! And find an easy beach not too crowed, it's also very important in my opinion to surf stand up surfing, bodyboarding etc to change the way you surf the wave with a waveski. You can also practise and improve in a waveski school off course lo learn basics or to train harder.

Merci Caroline! Let's see if you can be in Portugal 2011 ;)

ALL THE PHOTOS HERE:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/CarolineAngibaud.html

VIRGILE HUMBERT / ENGLISH VERSION

2009-12-17T22:28:00.002Z

WORLD WAVESKI JUNIOR CHAMP 2009

INTERVIEW SHORT & QUICK

Name: HUMBERT virgile
Age: 17 ( born in 06/02/92 )
Address: LE MOULE, Guadeloupe, french West Indies
Occupation: Student
Paddling since: kayaking since 1999 and waveski since 2003

Sponsors: KS, Worldriders, Le Moule molem gliss club.
Team: Guadeloupe team, Molem gliss le moule club, Worldsriders, KS

Sportive achievements:

World junior champion 2009,

8th Open worlds 2009,

French champion cadet 2007&2008,

3dr french Open 2009,

Guadeloupe champion 2008 (break my board 3 times and the paddle 4 times).

Gear: board KS, Paddle Select, helmet Gath...
Favourite break: Duranbah australia, reunion's breaks, LE MOULE and all good breaks of guadeloupe.
Favourite wave rider: Mathieu Babarit, Mael Divialle

Perspectives in waveski: Carry on the comps if i'm not too far and held developing the sport.
Ever tried kayaksurf? Yes but just at the beggining of my kayaking carier with Sit on tops or polo's kayaks. laugh..
Connais Portugal? No never been, but expect to see! supertubos!

Special thanks to: My parents allway suporting me, my coach Etienne, le moule club, my friend clement Guilbert who bring me surfing everywhere and progress with me, and vincent from KS for the perfect board he shaped for me..

ALL THE PHOTOS . CLICK BELOW:
http://www.kayaksurf.net/VirgileHumbert.html

MATHIEU BABARIT / ENGLISH VERSION

2009-11-10T22:10:00.003Z

5 WORLD WAVESKI TITLES

THE CHAMPION THAT LIKES TO TEACH SURF

Name:Babarit Mathieu
Age: 32
Address: Hossegor France
Waveski since: 20 years now, I am getting old!!
Sponsors: Rotomod (RTM), Select paddle, Quiksilver Technical division, Worldriders,
Webpage: http://www.mathieubabarit.com/ / http://www.octopusglisse.com/ (my riding school)

Sportive achievements in waveski scene: 5 World titles which 2 in Open division, organising the World Waveski Tour to develop our sport, to do clinics everywhere in the world the push the level in every country and to try to get more young riders!!

Best spots for surfing:

Raiatéa in French Polynesia

Now, about your presence in Portugal. Did you enjoy this experience of being a chief of judges?
It was my first time in Portugal, not in France of course, because I do often during the French comp. That's interesting to see how each country judges differently the same sport. It depends of if they are thinking kayaking or surfing. I really push for the surfing judgement because it's much more spectacular, fast and in the most critic part of the wave so more radical.

How it was to be on this side of the event?

It was fun, but I definitely prefer the other side!! hihhihihihih

What did you think about our National Circuit that involves kayaksurf and waveski together (like you saw in Ribeira D’Ilhas)?

The event is bigger like this, so more impact, but the judgement have to be very different between kayak and waveski. The event was very well organised but, the most important for Portugal, is to do some waveski schools to have some new young riders. If not, the waveski will be nothing in 5 or 10 years.

Best memories from the times you have been in Portugal...

Spent good times with Portuguese riders!! Like in the last session early morning before to back home.

Balance of this last Worlds in Australia...

The event was great, very professional. Caroline won her 8th Women Open titles!!! Amazing! I was quiet mad again me about my final again Rees (Duncan). But this is the sport, that's why I like also the comp...

When can we expect you again in Portugal?

Soon, I hope! Caroline will be also keen of coming to Portugal...

About USA...
A very friendly competition. Bryan did a real good job, thanks to him. Caro and I have done teaching clinics with 6 Americans riders. We missed some good waves to do a real training but we have done the eskimo roll, the duck dive, the technical surfing in small condition and I hope they enjoyed!! We had a very good time in there.

Thanks a lot Matt. We'll wait for you in Portugal!

FULL VERSION WITH PHOTOS & VIDEOS HERE:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/MattBabarit.html

AINHOA TOLOSA INTERVIEW / ENGLISH VERSION

2009-11-02T21:31:00.004Z

SHORT & QUICK INTERVIEW

Ainhoa Tolosa Inda

WORLD IC CHAMPION 2009

Name: AINHOA TOLOSA INDA
Age: 28
Address: SAN SEBASTIAN
Occupation: SCHOOL SPORT MANAGEMENT, AND SPORT TEACHER
Paddling since: 1992
Gear: KAYAK: MERLYN HP and I Haven´t IC, HELMET: GATH, PADDLE: ROBSON

Sponsors: KIROLGI

Sportive achievements:

Kayaksurf
2º in the European championship 2008 Mundaka,
I went to the world cup final to France 2008

Slalom:
1º spanish championship junior k-1 1999
5º pre- word championship junior k-1 1999 Bratislava
9º European championship junior k-1 1999 Slovenia
I made the absolut world championship 1999 in Spain

Freestyle:
1º spanish championship senior k-1 2001
9º European championship k-1 in Spain 2004
I went to the world championship in Gratz (Austria)

Favourite break: Zurriola (San Sebastian), Zarautz (Gipuzkoa), Hendaya (France), Vieux Bocau (France)
Favourite websites: www.slalomatss.com , www.slalomatss.com/4paddlers, www.kayaksurf.net

Your opinion about the Worlds in Portugal: It was great, the festival was very good made. The waves were a little bit big and strongs, but it was funny. The worth thing was the timetable, because there were a lot a changes and some times I didn´t now what time was me competition. It was crazy.

Your favourite destination for the next Worlds: I don´t now, I think that for me is better USA because is nearest.

Ocean Spirit Festival: It was incredible, the environment was marvellous and the facilities unsurpassable. It was very well.

How do you see the evolution of kayaksurf in the near future? I think that this growing, and that every time there are more people than practise kayak surf

How is kayaksurf in Basque Country? I think that this growing little by little and that the quality of the paddlers are improving but there is still a lot of way for doing. This sport is very new here and a lot a people it doesn,t knows.

Personal objectives in the sport: Go to the world cup final in the 2010 and of course go to the next world championship 2011

Personal thoughts about Portugal: It is very beautiful, I liked very much the whole coast, his cliffs and his beaches and in general the people have been very nice.

Last words for all the girls that wants to do kayaksurf: That encourage to practise the kayak surf because it is very enterteining, funy and healthy and you can know places and very interesting people

Thanks Ainhoa and all the best!

FULL VERSION WITH PHOTOS HERE:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Ainhoa%20Tolosa.html

REES DUNCAN / ENGLISH VERSION

2009-09-16T18:59:00.004+01:00

Rees Duncan
Senior World Waveski Title 2009

SHORT & QUICK INTERVIEW

Name: Rees Duncan
Age: 37
Address: Emerald Beach, NSW, Australia
Occupation: Financial Planner
Paddling since: Age 11
Gear: Wavemaster Waveski and Styx Paddles
Sponsors: Wavemaster Waveski and Styx Paddles

Sportive achievements: 4 Open, 2 Juniors, 1 senior world Waveski titles, 13 Australian Titles
Favourite break: Hideaways in the Mentowies

Waveski World Titles: These titles went very well, great surf and weather all week and everyone had a great time
Your favourite destination for the next Worlds: Portugal
Waveski in Australia: It has reduced in size over the past 10 years but in the last 3-4 years has seen a increase in numbers and now becoming a member of the canoeing federation will hopefully seen a greater increase

Evolution of waveski in the near future: Construction will still mainly be epoxy resin, but shapes will be re produced by computer shaping and the board shape will become more stream lined and less volume similar to a surf board, which will allow for more radical manoeuvres

Experience in surfkayaking? No

Surfkayak & waveskis: Similar and will hopefully be able to feed off each others competitor numbers allowing each discipline to grow together
Did you ever been in Portugal? No.

Personal objectives in the sport: To help the sport to grow in Australia in number and for the average age to get younger rather than older.

Last words for all that want to try waveski. Give it a go, but ensure you try the right size board for your experience. We reciently had several very established stand up surfer try waveskiing and found themselves hooked, but found it quite hard as they started on a high performance, low volume ski. One of these surfers was Shaun Cansdell, a professional surfer, who admitted he quite enjoyed it and would like to try it again.

Thanks Rees and congratulations for the World Title!

FULL VERSION WITH PHOTOS & VIDEO:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Rees%20Duncan.html

LUIS ABANDO / ENGLISH VERSION

2009-09-08T03:01:00.004+01:00

WORLD IC & HP GRAND MASTERS KAYAKSURF CHAMPION 2009

Luis Abando on the right

SHORT & QUICK INTERVIEW WITH LUIS ABANDO

Name: Luis Alberto Abando
Age: 50
Occupation: Owns a sports store; runs kayaksurf, waveski and rolling courses during the Summer and is also a free lance journalist.
Paddling since: More than 25 years.
Gear (kayak, helmet, paddle, etc): Salsa from Murky and Neutron from Mega; Helmet Gath, Lendal Mystik paddle, anorak Nookie, spraydeck Nookie, buoyancy aids Delta.

Sponsors: Only the support of the Federación Vasca Kayak en Santa Cruz (Portugal).

Sportive achievements:

Most Recently:
2009 Kayaksurf World Champion, Grand Master IC and HP,
2008 Euskadi- Basque Kayaksurf Champion Masters long y short.
2007 1st place on the Bakio Kayaksurf Open HP and 2nd in IC.
2005 1st Place on the Bakio Kayaksurf Open, HP Class.

Also participated in six Waveski World Championships:
1992 - La Torche, World Cup.
1995 - Lacanau, France.
1998 – England.
1999 - Florianopolis, Brasil.
2000 - J. Bay, South Africa.
2001 - World Waveski Champion / Masters / Bakio.

Six Kayaksurf World Championships:
Since1997 (Thurso, Scotland), till 2009 in Portugal.

Two times European Champ (94 and 96) in Waveski, Grand Master Class – at this time, Grand Master Class was after 35 years old).

Favourite break: Bakio-Mundaka / Steamer Lane, California and Jeffreys Bay, South Africa.

Personal website: I don’t have any but you can check the website of my club in http://www.bakio2001.galeon.com/

Worlds in Portugal: Excellent championship, with waves for every tastes during the event (like the sand bottoms cause).

Your favourite destination for the next Worlds: USA East.

Ocean Spirit Festival: Awesome. Long live for the event.

How do you see the evolution of kayaksurf in the near future?
It will grows in proportion with the media exposure that is around our sport.

How is kayaksurf in Basque Country?
In Basque Country, we’re still a few but every time more. There is a growing interest around kayaksurf and it is already familiar in the beaches.

Personal objectives in the sport:
Surf till 80 years old, between kayaksurf and waveski just like I did till now.

Personal thoughts about Portugal:
Nice place and nice people.

Last words:
I would like to thank Santa Cruz Ocean Spirit organization and all the staff for the efforts done to run this World Championship and I hope to see you all in the water doing kayaksurf.

Un saludo,

Luis Abando

Thanks Luis!

RANDOM KAYAKS / English Version

2009-09-03T22:21:00.004+01:00

RANDOM KAYAKS by Darren Bason

The light version of our latest chat with Darren Bason. This time, more as a designer and partner of Random Kayaks - his new aussie adventure. On the top, we can see Darren and Steve Farthing - Random Team in the Portugal Worlds 2009.

Hi Darren. First Worlds for Random Surfkayaks. Satisfied with the experience?
Yes very satisfied. We only had the finished product 2 weeks b4 the worlds and it seem to to perform out standingly.

Steve was World Champ with the Evolution... present us this model…
This is our 1st model the evolution its basically a wave ski design with a deck on it ,its just simple technology and it really works well myself and Terry my partner looked at all the other kayaks and ski's we had surfed and just put all our ideas together.

You also have a wave-ski. That's the one you're going to surf next waveski worlds?
At the moment my ski is in production, but it is the evolution with the deck cut down to a ski hopefully it will be the same feeling as the kayak version which will make it easy to transfer from one to the other. Fingers crossed anyway.

New projects for Random in the near future…
The next thing in the pipeline is an international class kayak, we will need to get an Aussie team for the next worlds and i want to use our own international kayak for the team. We also have no international kayaks available over here at the moment.

One Evolution went for England and the other for Japan. When will we have some in Portugal?
You just have to mail Future Kayaks! Talk with James and he gets you the Random surfkayak or waveski you want. He represents us in Europe (UK).

Can we count with you on kayaksurf.net for all the news from Australia ;)
Of course we will keep you guys at kayaksurf fully up to date on everything down under.

Thanks a lot Darren and all the luck for Random!

http://www.surfkayaking.com.au/

ALL THE PHOTOS HERE:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Random%20Kayaks.html

luis pedro abreu

www.kayaksurf.net

TONY CHERRY / ENGLISH VERSION

2009-07-06T13:04:00.004+01:00

US WAVESKI OPEN CHAMPION 2008

Name: Tony Cherry
Age: 35
Occupation: production supervisor
Waveski experience: 18 years
Sponsors:

TSUNAMI WAVESKIS - http://www.waveski.co.nz/
SEVENTHWAVE WETSUITS - http://www.seventhwave.co.nz/
Address: New Zealand
Competition records: 8 Times New Zealand champ, 2nd in the world and current US open champion

Hi Tony... you made a great career on waveski… how often do you usually practice?
I practice a lot. I don’t have natural talent like some people who can be out of the water for months and turn up at a comp and win. If I don’t practice I surf like I’m just learning, its sad to watch. Just before an event like the US comp or World titles 3 months leeding up to the event I’m in the water 3 times a day every day.

I suppose it's an old question but, do you present yourself as a surfkayaker or waveskier?
I have to say wave ski as I have never been in a surf kayak. My background was stand up surfing and 18 years ago I watched a wave ski event at my local beach and was hooked for life.

How, when and what did you start to paddle?
My first wave ski was a moulded tsunami 225 that had been broken in half twice and had fallen off a roof rack, so it was in bad shape it had been repaired so many times that it weighed about 28kgs I almost couldn’t lift it. After 2 years of riding this I was at a comp and was washed up on rocks and because of the weight of my board I kept getting hit by wave after wave. I finally got to the beach and my dad said I could get a new board that was lighter and wouldn’t try to kill me. So he paid for a custom ski that weighed about 8 kgs and 1 year later I won my first New Zealand open. So if you are starting out waveskiing make sure your parents come to watch and you might find it easier to get an upgrade if you’re struggling to ride your titanic boat.

And regarding waveski and surfkayaks, what do you think will be the future... more waveskiers or surfkayakers?
In New Zealand I’m seeing more and more surfkayakers than waveskiers. There are more shops selling kayaks than wave skis. Its hard to say what the future will bring but with waveskiing now having a semi professional circuit I hold high hopes for waveskiing to be launched into the limelight, and a little more with DVDs from these events getting into the hands of the media.

Which do you think is more easier to start with?
Because the only kayak I have ever been in is in flat water I found it quite stable and easy to keep balanced but a wave ski you can put your legs over the side if you start to tip and in the surf I think a beginner would find it safer and easier to start on a ski for that reason.

Certainly that you have notest that the new surfkayaks generation, are very short, light and fast. How do you see this designing evolution?
Once again hard for me to comment but from what I have seen and the way they perform they look as manoeuvrable as a wave ski if not more so, the design looks very streamline and sleek I would love to try one.

You belong to Tsunami Team. How is your work with them?
I have been riding for Tsunami for 5 years now and am now riding boards that are perfectly suited to my style of riding. Nick from Tsunami and I got together on a couple of my boards and I shared my design input but he does all the hard work in the shaping bay. When Nick first suggested to me about the adjustable foot block and moveable seat I though he was drunk but after riding it I couldn’t go back to a wave ski that does not have this innovation as it has helped me understand my boards a lot more and know exactly what a board does if you move you balance point 1 inch forward or back without having to re glass it. Being part of team Tsunami has been the best part of my waveskiing learning experience and has increased my performance in the waves.

And paddler… do you have anyone in special that admires very much?
Years ago I had given up waveskiing competitions and only surfed when it was warm and great waves then I saw a DVD by Xavier Walser called Kazi Lines featuring Mathieu Babarit this DVD and Matts surfing got me so amped that I got back into the sport and re found my love for competing. I still think Matt is the best waveskier in the world and because watching him surf inspires me to try different manoeuvres and get out there I admire him for this.

You won last year USA waveski championships. Tell us how did you made it...
This contest for me was a highlight in my surfing life, the competition was so well organised and all of the people made me feel so welcome it was a pleasure to compete. Everything went right for me in this event I won every heat and the final of the seniors and open.
And I have learned from this comp that the more relaxed I am the better I surf instead of getting stressed and over thinking everything, so the whole thing was well worth the trip.

How often do you participate in waveski competitions?
In New Zealand we now only have 1 comp a year which is the New Zealand open I try to attend this event but if it’s the same year as the worlds or another international comp then I go to those events as waveskiing is not that high profile its very hard to get funding to travel more than once a year for me.

And this year, what are your expectations regarding the Worlds in Australia?
I’m going to the worlds this year with a new relaxed attitude that worked so well for me in the US, in past world events I surf great in the first half of the event and then my head gets in the way and I start to go down hill from there. 2007 worlds I got 7th in the open so I would like to improve on that maybe 1st would be a nice goal.

Which was the best spot that you surfed around the world?
My best surf I have ever had was in France in Lacanau 1995 but my favourite surf spot would have to be Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast in Australia.

And in your country?
The Waimak river mouth which is 20 mins drive from my house, a very high performance wave.

Your favourite web paddling sites are:
waveski.info , uswaveski.com , playak.com and boater talk.com

Let us some suggestions to those who want to start waveskiing...
Start in flat water first learn to roll before you even get in the ocean that way you have confidence before you get in the situation of getting hit by a wave. Half the battle of waveskiing is to be confident in what you doing. Once you have mastered balance, rolling and catching waves, the best thing to do is to surf with other skiers or watch DVDs and slow them down so you can see exactly what the riders are doing. Waveskiing has been a big part of my life and I wouldn’t choose to do anything else.

Thanks a lot Tony and all the best for Australia Worlds!

NATHAN EADES / ECUADOR & PERU / ENGLISH LIGHT VERSION

2009-06-16T14:22:00.003+01:00

ANOTHER SURF TRIP: ECUADOR AND PERU

Name: Nathan Eades
Age: 26
Nationality: Welsh
Occupation: Design and Technology Teacher
Competition records: Top ten at last worlds, but I consider myself a traveling surfer and not a competition chaser, although I recent won a couple of competitions this season, must have got lucky...
Website: www.ImNotSadEnoughToHaveMyOwnWebsite.com
Sponsors: Nookie, Robson paddles, Lobster Bob ocean wear, Shred Ready helmets, Zeal Optics, Atlantic waveski, Canoe Wales, currently no kayak sponsor...

Ecuador Team were (names):
Marc Holland- Wales
Joey Hall- USA East
Naomi James- Wales
Rob Hearn- Jersey
Pete Blenkinsop- England

Hi Nathan, to start, the regular question: after Teahupoo in 2003, Sri Lanka in 2007, Morocco in 2008… Ecuador in 2009! Tell us… where did this new adventure just started?
We had been looking for a destination which along with consistent waves, also had small numbers of surfers in the water so that we had plenty of space to get on with surfing and collecting film. Of course the quality and size of waves was a major factor, and during November and December, Ecuador scores some pretty tasty waves!! During November we didn’t see a single day without waves and instead saw plenty of solid days. As Ecuador has a smaller number of traveling surfers drawn to it, we pretty much surfed alone!
The Ecuador part of the trip was just the beginning, when Joey and the rest of the gang went home in December, Naomi and I stuck around until the new year, then carried on traveling south, into Peru.

What were the main purposes of this trip. Just for fun or some work on the film?
It was all Joey’s Idea to go to Ecuador, to film more footage for ‘Interference’ surf kayak film which I promise is coming sooooooooooon. Joey is just a bit of a perfectionist and wants it to be perfect (it already looks pretty amazing so I’m excited to see just how good it will be when it’s in production). Along with that he also had us working like crazy out there to help produce the next flick: ‘Interference instructional surf kayak video’.

About Ecuador: where have you been surfing?
We travelled to a lots of different spots, but most of the time we surfed a break called ‘Ayampe’. This break was great for us; it had super steep walls which shut down at the end and gave us a nice steep ramp to launch off and get aerials. our only mistake really was that we loved surfing the wave so much that we forgot to take shots so there aren’t nearly enough shots to do it justice! Marc Holland was getting some huge air and Rob Hearn was ripping, but unfortunately we didn’t get it all on camera. At the end of the day though, a trip like this is all about surfing and having a great time with your mates and not stressing about shots.

And the local people… received you well?
The thing about Ecuador Loui, is that because Chile and Peru have got such a great reputation for waves, Ecuador seems to get forgotten by so many traveling surfers. Because of this there isn’t much competition in the water and the vibe is really mellow.

Best memories from that country and people…
Staying at ‘Finta Punta Ayampe’ in these really cool cabins set back in the jungle, with an ocean view. We got up every morning at 6 am to check the surf from our balcony before racing down to the water to have another amazing session! Joey was responsible for finding that spot, and I think we all agree that he found us an incredible surf destination!

You’re now surfing with Riot surfkayaks. Tell us what surfkayaks did you took and your appreciation about them…
Well that’s a story which doesn’t have a happy ending I’m afraid. The boat I surfed in Ecuador was the Ninja 7’6” designed by Spencer Cook. It was a fantastic kayak, but sadly Riot has gone into liquidation and the production of the Ninja at this point has stopped. A real waste of a fantastic design, but I hope Spencer sorts something out with it to compensate all the hard work that went into designing it and the other kayaks: the Ninja 6’8” and Sword IC. It would be a real shame if the surf kayak community didn’t get a go in these kayaks.

What gear do you use right now to surf?
Nookie Kayaking Equipment: I am very fortunate that I have had such amazing support from Nookie over the past 10 years! I have always loved and used their equipment even before I became part of the Nookie team. Right now the Nookie ‘surf skirt’ spay deck and the ‘Ti vest’ is a great combination to keep the water out, but to be fair anything with that Nookie logo on is going to serve you well and last forever!
Robson paddles: I use the new Robson ‘Fluid’ paddle which looks very similar to the Chile, but has more flex in the shaft and paddle so its a little kinder to your wrists.
Atlantic Waveski: The guys at Atlantic make great skis, anybody thinking of making the cross over, should take a look at an Atlantic wave ski.
Shred Ready: The Shensu is the model I use; it has a nice close fit so it doesn’t get ripped from your head every time I take a hit. I would recommend it to any kayak surfer. their new Standard is a sweet lid too for any river paddlers out there!

And that waveski?
I’ve been playing around on a waveski since I came back from Sri Lanka after meeting Steve Chivers out there. We exchanged numbers and he lent me a ski of his for a few months until I was convinced enough to order my own. Riot sent my kayak down to Ecuador so I decided to take my wave ski across with me and surf it in Peru. I absolutely love riding a ski, I find it way faster than a kayak, much quicker to turn and it seems to leave the water much more often than a kayak. It was nice to get a sun tan on my legs this trip too. Don’t get me wrong though, I still love to ride a kayak, I just think; seeing as kayaks and skis are so similar, more people should give one a go. It’s all paddle surfing at the end of the day.

Now, the same old same… you already surfed in many countries (Brazil, Basque Country, South Africa , Tahiti, USA, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Morocco). Now, after this trip, what is the best country to surf? (hehehehe)
I’m close this time Loui, really close to being able to tell you that yes I have found my favourate destination. I had such an amazing time on this last trip, and all I’ve talked about is our time in Euador. I haven’t even got going about our 2 months in Peru surfing countless long, long left point breaks along the coast from the border all the way down to Lima, getting in classics like Lobitos, Pecines, Los Organos and Chicama. South America is a super cheap, easy, friendly place to travel. It offers great weather and very very consistent surf, with plenty of space to find empty line ups. In 4 months we only saw a fraction of what this place has to offer, so a return trip is definatly on the cards! As for a favourite, I’m not old enough to stop traveling Loui, and until I do, I can’t answer that question. But anybody looking for a surf destination, Ecuador or Peru should be high on their list.

Imagine I want to go surfing to Ecuador… what kind of advices do you give me?
Learn some Spanish!! I managed to pick up a little during the trip, but really regret not going to evening classes before I left. You do come across a lot of people that speak good English, but traveling is all about meeting new people, and it’s frustratong when you come across some one who is really cool, or funny, and you can’t have a real conversation! As with all developing countries, be on your guard, and be careful with personal possetions. I didn’t find Peru or Ecuador too dodgy.... just be sensible and it’s all good!

The best memories you keep from this 4 months…
Surfing, eating amazing food, getting a sun tan on my legs, meeting great people, riding a waveski, travelling with Naomi, getting barreled on New year’s eve, the huts in Ayampe, getting to know such a cool culture!

Expectations for the Worlds in Portugal…
Catch up with the Northern Ireland guys, ‘Ozzie Bason’ and other mates.
Get plenty of waves.
Go partying with Andre Punto and Loui.
Have a lot of of fun.

Last words for all the surf kayakers that are going to read your interview…
Life is too short to save it for retirement. You can’t surf when you are 65 anyway, so play now and work when you’re old!

Thanks Nathan! Meet you in Santa Cruz!

ALL THE PHOTOS HERE:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Equador%20&%20Peru.html

Published: 17.06.09
Text - Luis Pedro Abreu
Photos - Marc Holland + Naomi James

DARREN BASON IN AUSTRALIA / ENGLISH VERSION

2009-04-21T22:25:00.004+01:00

DARREN TELL US ALL THE STORY ABOUT HIS MOVING TO AUSTRALIA

Hi Darren! Tell us... why did you move to Australia?
Mainly because of the weather and the outdoor living its pretty much always over 20 degrees even in the winter and the water never drops below 21.The kids love it and i also get a chance of pioneering my sport.

What kind of projects are you involved?
I have started to organizing some comps to boost the interest in surf kayaking over here and i am currently talking to various people and organizations about hosting the next worlds over here.

Where are you living right now?
I’m living on the sunshine coast in a place called Mooloolaba its got loads of surf options within 5km including a 6 piont breaks an off shore island with 2 reef breaks on it pretty damn good oh yeah and the water is 28 degrees and as the name says its almost always sunny and I only live 20mins from Noosa which is pure paradise.

And about Mega... how do you manage your contribution for the Flying Squad?
Not sure you would have to ask Malcom that one all I know is that I’m pushing the sport of surf kayaking in places that its never been seen before.

How is kayaksurf in Australia (where you live right now)?
I get alot of positive comments as most people have never seen a surf kayak before and I always get stopped after a session with questions about the kayak. I have just got a friend who was a surf ski shaper into surfing one of the plastic neutrons and he is already ripping and i have 2 others waiting to get a kayak to surf as well.

Did you have any contacts with Jervis Bay Kayak?
Yes I have spoke to Ross down at Jarvis Bay and I hope to meet them soon, I am off to enter a wave ski comp in may down in NSW which is a 7 hour drive away so hopefully meet up then, they have done a lot for surf kayaking over here so far.

International kayaksurf competitions... do you plan to i participate?
I’m still settling in here and trying to get some more work I work part time in a kayak shop at the moment but i need to get some more work, hopefully selling kayaks, this time next year I plan to get over to Santa Cruz and maybe the Europeans it all depends on finances, its so nice here travelling seems to be harder than when i lived in Cornwall.

And about the Worlds this year in Portugal... do you come?
I hope to, I would like to come over and be a chief judge for the team events and enter the individuals as a competitor I think that having someone like me as a chief judge would benefit the competition (lol).

I know you made some contacts with portuguese surfkayak brands... what were your objectives with this strategy?
Over in OZ the biggest selling kayak are the sit-on-top and as I want to push surf kayaking I thought that it would be good to bridge the gap from sit on big kayaks to our hp style sit in, so the RPF and Wavyak seem to be a good idea but as the dollar is so low they are very expensive to import so I will have to wait awhile maybe.

Your life project in Australia is...
To continue pushing the sport of surf kayaking over here and hopefully getting the worlds over here in 2011 I think you would like it here. Also to shape some new kayaks that’s what I have been trying to do for a while so, fingers crossed. I am also planning to enter a couple of surf ski comps over here and to enter the worlds in September which is in Coffs Harbour NSW, my plan is to enter and also demo new surf kayaks at the events hopefully getting some new paddlers from the ski side.

Your message to all of us that miss your presence in our competitions (England, Basque Country, Portugal, ...)
Hope to see you all at the worlds and kick your asses .lol if anyone wants some info or to come over here to oz feel free to contact me i have a big place and its only 50mins from Brisbane come get some sunny waves!!!!!!

Thanks Darren and all the best for you and family!

ALL THE PHOTOS HERE:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Darren%20Bason%20OZ.html

luis pedro abreu

http://www.kayaksurf.net/

SPENCER COOKE / ENGLISH VERSION

2009-01-19T15:32:00.007Z

SPENCER COOKE TALK WITH US ABOUT THE RIOT SURFKAYAKS

ALREADY ON PLAYAK!! JUST CICK HERE:

http://playak.com/article.php?sid=1393

luis pedro abreu

http://www.kayaksurf.net/

MARC HOLLAND - ENGLISH VERSION

2008-12-09T23:59:00.004Z

WELSH SURF TEAM

Name: Marc Holland
Age: 23
Occupation: Self employed plumber
Kayaking experience: 11 years
Sponsors: DB Exclusive, Mitchell Blades, Nookie
Address: Im lucky enough to live in south west Wales. There is a wide variety of surf breaks and good rivers in this area!
Competition records: World surf kayak championships Ireland 2003 – 3rd junior HP
website: http://www.dbexclusive.co.uk/

Hi Marc... how did you started on kayaksurf?
I started kayaking with my local club GVP. The instructors there introduced me to river running, freestyle and kayak surfing. There I met Bethan, Ben and Tim Thomas who all surf kayaked for Wales. They invited me to a welsh team training day where I got to meet the rest of the welsh team. From this point on I was hooked on surfing.

You started very young to enter on the World Championships (Ireland 2003 for example). What kind of memories do you keep of that contest?
I was only 18 and it was my first international competition so I was well chuffed to win a bronze medal. I was amazed how friendly and helpful these top surfers from all over the world were and the atmosphere was buzzing…. And I don’t think I will ever forget playing minesweeper with yellow boy!!

You're a member of the Welsh Surf Kayak Team. What kind of support do you have?
The Welsh Canoeing Association give us a lot of support and help with funding for competitions.

Describe us the best surf spots you have in your country...
Living in Pembrokeshire I am lucky enough to be surrounded by a selection of consistent breaks. Freshwater West is on the south west point of Wales. It is a very popular break, with a series of reefs linking two bays, which catches all of the Atlantic swell and is big enough to cope with a lot of surfers.

You also were with Nathan in the great surf trip to Morocco. Best memories from that adventure...
It has to be just living, traveling and surfing with a great bunch of people!! As this was my first big trip I have loads of memories – some of the best waves I have ever surfed, going out with Andre in Lisbon, amazing sunsets, barbecued fish and Christmas in morocco.

You've already surfed in Portugal several times. What do you think about our waves and country?
Portugal will always be one of my favorite countries! Nathan and I spent a month traveling down the coast and surfed some of the best waves I have ever surfed.

Your favourite surf spot...
It would have to be Tafadna in Morocco because we had the place to ourselves, it was a great right pointbreak.

And paddler… do you have anyone in special that you admire very much?
I have to thank Nathan Eades for all his help over the past few years. Even though we compete against each other he will always point out ways in which I can improve. He doesn’t take life too seriously and he’s always up for a laugh.

Describe us your gear at this moment...
Fusion 77 surf kayak by dbeclusive, Nemesis paddle by Mitchell Blades, deck, bouancy aid and gravity cag from nookie.

What was the biggest scare that you've had in the sea?
When my deck blew on a point break in morocco in big surf. I wasn’t wearing a bouyancy aid so it was a tough swim back to the head.

What's your one favourite thing about the paddling lifestyle?
Chilling out by the sea with a good group of friends and ending the day’s surf with a cold beer.

What are you hearing this moment on your ipod?
Jack Johnson, cold play, shwayze, streets, stereophonics

Your favourite web paddling sites are:
Of course http://www.kayaksurf.net/ is great for photos and interviews. http://www.nookie.co.uk/ , http://www.dbexclusive.co.uk/ and http://www.mitchellblades.co.uk/ are all good sites for getting kit. Most days I look at http://www.magicseaweed.com/ to see what the surf is doing.

Can we expect you in Portugal again for the Worlds 2009?
Yeah can’t wait to return to a great place.

Projects you have for kayaksurf in your life...
I have just booked my flight to Ecuador, surfing out there for a month. After that I just want to travel to as many different countries and surf as many different breaks as I can.

Thanks Marc! See you in Portugal!

ALL THE PHOTOS AND VIDEO RIGHT HERE

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Marc%20Holland.html

Text - Luis Pedro Abreu

Photos - Nathan Eades / bakio.com

Vdeo: RapidTransitVideo.com

NATHAN EADES / ENGLISH VERSION / MOROCCO TRIP

2008-09-05T23:46:00.005+01:00

FROM WALES TILL MORROCO

The story of another great surf trip. Great surf, huge pics and a trip that makes us jealous...

PROFILE:

Name: Nathan Eades
Age: 25
Nationality: Welsh
Occupation: Design and Technology Teacher
Competition records: Top ten at last worlds, but I consider myself a travel surfer not a competition chaser!
Website: www.dbxclusive.co.uk
Sponsors: Dbxclusive, Zeal optics, Lobster Bob Ocean Wear, Nookie kayaking wear, Robson Paddles, Shred Ready helmets.
Morroco Team were (name and country):
Nathan Eades; Wales, Marc Holland; Wales, Joey Hall; USA, Spencer Cook; USA.

"I think it is so important to get the right crowd on a trip to prevent stupid arguments and disagreements. These guys were the best company on the trip I could have possibly hoped for! Marc is just the most modest guy you can ever meet- he absolutely rips but you’ll never hear him talking himself up, he just quietly gets on with it pulling into some amazing waves and tearing them to pieces!! Joey is pretty well known in the surf kayak scene as a bit of a joker and trouble maker… His sense of humour had the entire van in stitches for the whole trip and his surfing speaks for itself! Spencer joined us for 2 weeks in Morocco so wasn’t along for the whole ride which was a shame as he’s such a great guy!"

Nathan Eades

Hi Nathan, after Teahupoo in 2003, Sri Lanka in 2007, Morocco in 2008. Main differences between these adventures...

Well the major difference this time was the lack of flying. We drove down so the only travel other than road was on a ferry! The achievement of getting to Morocco in the first place was cool, but then to surf for 4 months strait just made the trip even better!! There were a few more differences that spring to mind about the surf side of things too though:

• Tahiti and Sri Lanka are home to super hollow, shallow reef breaks which really leave very little margin for error while Morocco is renowned for its long point breaks.

• Van Life- living in a van with two of your friends and a pile of kayaks and surf boards for four months certainly helps you get to know one another’s dirtiest of habits, and with long periods with no one in the van washing, the smell became pretty unbearable at times!

• Going away in the company of other kayakers was a little strange for me at first too- on my past two trips I’ve gone away with board surfers only and this is what I’m used to. Hanging out with fellow kayakers out in the line up just gave us way more opportunity for banter humour out on the water!!

And the local people… received you well?
Yeah they were all pretty cool to be honest. I’ve got used to people looking at me as if I’m some alien now so the first

looks of amazement or surprise at a kayak paddling out into the line up don’t really faze me any more. Moroccans are generally friendly and although I went to the country with my van kitted out like a safe on wheels with padlocks all around it, I found the place to be really safe and we didn’t experience any crime!

Where did you go surfing?
Man we went everywhere! We took a long time to get to Morocco, surfing as much of Spain as we could, and of course Portugal! We met up with top Portuguese Kayak surfer Andre Punto surfed Ericeira together which was amazing and got some big days in at Peniche, the venue for the next worlds! Andre also took us for a very funny night out in his home town, Lisbon which I don’t think we’ll forget for a long time! Before we got that far south though we scored some amazing days a bit further north at a place called Afife- if you haven’t surfed it yet you should really soon! We had a great time in Portugal- that place has some great waves! When we got to Morocco, we had 2 months left so we managed to surf every break we wanted to and got some incredible waves! Our favourite spots had to be Sidi Kauki, Sidi Tafadna and Immsuane. We scored some amazing waves at these places and had them to ourselves which is one of my main reasons for surf travel! Finding an amazing wave is easy- finding one that you don’t have to share is the hard part!

Did you saw anyone there doing kayaksurf?
When we were in Portugal we met up with Andre and drank some beer (ok a lot of beer) and went for a surf. He’s a great kayak surfer so he counts as one right?? The second was a local Moroccan that had quite a basic wave ski by RTM but could surf it pretty well. Other than that it was just us!

You already surfed in many countries (Brazil, Basque Country, South Africa , Tahiti, USA, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka). Now, after Morroco, what is the best country to surf?
You always ask me this and it’s the same answer I’m afraid!! I’m still searching for the best spot! The day I can give you that answer is the day I stop exploring! Every country has incredible qualities to offer; culture, climate and waves unique to each one… It’s simply to hard to choose!

And your Fusion… how is "his" career? Are you working in any new surfkayak model?
Ok so the first ‘Fusion’ was going really well and I loved surfing it…. But the new design, the Fusion 7’7” is just amazing. I love surfing it! It is very, very fast, really nice and easy to turn and very forgiving when you’re landing big moves. It’s great on big waves, it’s great on small waves, it’s great on steep waves and great on sloppy waves! I almost gave up kayak surf last year when I started surfing a ski. The 7’7” has helped me get more air than the ski ever did- I love that boat… I am well and truly hooked on kayak surf again!! The latest world championships has given me a new interest in the competition scene and I found myself enjoying the International class so when I got home I put some time into designing a new International class kayak- check it out on the DBXclusive website

Imagine I want to go surfing to Morocco… what kind of advices do you give me?
Take a Fusion 7’7”!! Like all third world countries there is a real risk of getting robbed so be very careful and keep your third eye open at all times! It sounds harsh but don’t trust anyone and assume every one you meet is trying to rob you. You’ll have a few pleasant surprises of genuinely nice people who really do want to help you too but as long as you keep your wits about you- the bad ones won’t manage to rip you off!

The best memories you keep from there…
Hanging out with Andre in Portugal! Waking up every morning and opening the van door to see how the surf was, then eating an egg sandwich before going surfing. At the end of each day, enjoying fresh food cooked on a bar b q and watching the sun go down with great friends after a long day of surf kayaking! Surfing on both my Birthday and Christmas Day this year!

And the less better…
Sharing the van with 2 other smelly surf kayakers, 3 kayaks and a pile of smelly wetsuits!

You missed the World Cup in Portugal… when do you plan to come till here?
The whole idea of the world cup event is great, and the hard work that is put into the organisation of these events is essential- I think all Kayak surfers should take more time to thank the guys in the world surf kayak committee. They are after all volunteers and put a great amount of time and effort into the sport! I was hoping to go to this years world cup event, but it looks like It’s going to collide with the next trip abroad unfortunately. For me trips come first, and competitions come after that if I have time, life for me right now is about seeing as much of the world and surfing as many different waves as I can!

Last words for all the surf kayakers that are going to read your interview…
Go surf! Try a Fusion 7’7”! Search for what makes you smile, then do it as much as you can!!!

Thanks Nathan! Can't wait for your next surftrip!

SEE HERE ALL THE PHOTOS AND VIDEO:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Nathan%20Eades08.html

Text - Luis Pedro Abreu
Photos - Marc Holland / effort.tv
Vídeo: Dead Man Productions
Published : 09.10.08

MR.MEGA PRESENTS NEW TOYS FOR SURFING

2008-08-24T22:45:00.002+01:00

The motiv of this new conversation with Malcolm Pearcey, were the NEW toys just released from MEGA - Merlinski and this new surfkayak (still without a name) but one more choice among all the other great surf machines that usually came out from Mega Factory.

KAYAKSURF.NET - Mega had already worked on waveski's but now, came with a new generation: present us the Merlinski.

MALCOLM PEARCEY - Unlike some who have taken waveski hulls and planted them onto surf kayaks i thought it would be fun, and original to try it he other way around. The Merlin kayak has proved itself at the highest level and the Merlinski has had some great feedback from those who have tried it, Great performance and somewhat easier to paddle than some of the high performance ski's from more taditional ski manufacturers.

Waveskis or surfkayaks? - the eternal question...

As you say the "Eternal Question" and I don’t think there is a "right answer" , Both have their own merrits and disadvantages. For example, In a kayak ,the ability to roll is pretty vital, whereas on a ski you can simply climb back on. Kayaks tend to be more stable, and easier to get out through the break, are definately a warmer place to be in really cold conditions. If you look at the Strong Countries in Wave Ski , South Africa, Australia the weather and water tend to be somewhat warmer than Europe. The French of course have always been strong on Ski's but kayaks are certainly becoming more popular there aswell.
I think the bottom line is that you choose your weapon of choice, and just go enjoy yourself.

And about the NEW surfkayak. Present us the new toy from Mega...

The latest boat from Mega is a development of both the Short RR's and the Neutron RV. Its not a replacement for either but a new boat aimed at both the larger paddler and also as a stable platform for those new to surf kayaking. There are a large number of river boat paddlers who take their river boats out into the surf because its what they are familiar with and they can find some of the high performance surf kayaks quite intimidating. This latest boat with its high, wide knee position has some of the attributes of a river kayak but with the added benefit of a true surf kayak hull and performance. The extra width also makes it somewhat more stable.
It 1st outing, in less than ideal conditions, at the weekend got a good response from those that had time to try it out. It will be interesting to see how it performs once we get some good waves to try it on ,but I think it will be very good.

Which is, until now, the most successful model from Mega on the market?

With such a comprehensive range of boats covering a wide range of paddler sizes it is logical that the most popular boats are probably the Neutron and the Merlin. These are aimed around he middle of the population weight range wise, are both awesome boats performance wise and have had big exposure in the hands of some of the worlds best paddlers.
If you look at some of the other models, then the lighter guys and girls are going for the Reflex and at the top end the Scarab and Megatron are both selling very well.
I think the boat that has really been a real revelation as regards sales though is the Bullitt "S". Its combination of ease of paddling, ability to surf a wide range of conditions and comfort for long paddling sessions has made it an instant success. It was aimed firmly at the recreational surfer which makes up by far the biggest numbers out in the surf.

Mega surfkayaks won the Expression Session and the World Cup in the Santa Cruz Ocean Spirit this year in Portugal. A brief comment about these results...

We were hoping to make it out to Ocean Spirit but the timing was just not right this year. It is without doubt a Premier Event and those who made the trip this year from the UK have nothing but praise for the event.
I believe that in the Mega Flying Squad we have some of the most skilled and dynamic surf kayakers in the world. What is really encouraging is to see the performance and skill increase in the group of Juniors that we now have. The dedication and effort put in by these guys is a real example to others and with what support we at Mega can put in I am sure that they represent the next generation of the Worlds top senior paddlers. It was great to see Philip Watson take the win in the expression session and get 4th in the Mens World Cup. Edu and Roberta both taking World Cup Wins in their respective finals.

When do you come to Portugal again?

I am guessing that our next trip to Portugal is likely to be for the Worlds next year. I am really looking forward to coming back there as I am sure are all the Pearcey familly and Team Mega.

Thanks Malcolm! See you in Portugal.

ALL THE PHOTOS RIGHT HERE:

http://portugalks.blogspot.com/2008/08/mrmega-presents-new-toys-for-surfing.html

Cheers,

luis pedro abreu
www.kayaksurf.net

SEAN BOZ - ENGLISH VERSION

2008-06-16T22:35:00.004+01:00

SEAN BOZ / THE FREESTYLER KAYAKSURFER

Name: Sean Bozkewycz
Age: 24
Occupation: Kayaker, Raft Guide
Kayaking experience: Ten years
Sponsors: Kayak4Play, H2O Paddles, EW Canoe Gear
Address: My home is Melbourne, Australia, but I'm currently chasing creeks in BC, Canada.
Competition records: 2nd Tofino Surf Comp 2007, 2nd place on Australian Freestyle Team 2007, 1st Mixed Team 2006 Lea River Extreme Race with T-Faux, 4th Australian Freestyle Nationals 2006.

Hi Sean... you made a career on rodeo kayaking, steepcreeking, expedition kayaking… and kayaksurf, do you usually practice?

Over the last ten years in south eastern Australia our rainfall has been steadily diminishing, so basically since I started kayaking the beach has been my primary training ground. Coming to BC has been amazing for my creeking, but I most definitely miss the ocean. When I'm living in Melbourne I work during the week and then hop in my car and drive to the beach for a few days until I'm forced back to work! I grew up spending most weekends at the beach so it's a very familiar, comfortable environment.

Do you think that the river experience is essential to the kayak surfer?

While I would say that there's a lot to learn from paddling rivers that could be applied well to ocean surfing, I wouldn't say it's essential. The basics of being in a kayak are obviously similar, but the dynamics of ocean vs. river waves are substantially different in many areas. Essential to a kayak surfer is a knowledge and a feel for the ocean, instincts about which waves to catch, where to be on the beach and how to charge back out through the swell; these things can't be learnt overnight.

When you paddle, what is your favourite move?

I've really enjoyed the challenges of learning combo moves, and I'll always have a soft spot for clean bunts and airscrews.

And paddler… do you have anyone in special that admires very much?

Anthony Yap's style, fluidity and amplitude are unparalleled

In 2002 you and your mate Yappa, produced a film called "Boz and Yappa's Big Summer Bash". What new projects do you have in this filming area?

Last season I focused on getting my creeking skills up to scratch and putting a few short films together from BC's Lower mainland creeks. The cream of the footage has just been released in Skippy Films' first offering, 'Downunder the Horizon Line' (Heliconia Press). After seeing Bryan Smith's excellent 49 Megwatts and learning about the issues facing BC creeks I'm hoping to document the Chilliwack Valley in it's entirety next season. This small valley has more than a half dozen paddleable creeks and a few first descents still to be had. With BC's new Energy policy each creek could be sold off to a private company for the measly sum of $10,000. There are applications pending for every creek in the Chilliwack Valley - I'm hoping to raise awareness and show people the valley's riches before they're lost forever.
I'd like to have a full length film after this season, and with SE Asia, California, BC and Tasmania trips this year it's looking promising.

Which is the best kayak to surf?
The best kayak I've paddled to this day is a Wavesport Project 52. But I'm really hanging out to try the larger version of Bliss-Stick's newest, the Specialist. I'd also like to try a glass surf-specific kayak - I had a go in a Flyer last year in Bali but the small swell didn't do it justice. That new fluid beastie looks the goods too…

Do you usually participate in kayaksurf competitions?
I ran and competed in most surf freestyle competitions held in Australia up until I left for Canada early last year. In the lead up to the Ottawa River World Championships, we successfully trialled and implemented video judging at surf competitions. The same system was then used for an incredible week long selection event in large Phillip Island surf.

Recently, you had in Bali (November 2006) doing kayaksurf! Teel us all the story…
I took my Project to Bali with the hope of some epic waves, however it ended up more of a holiday than imagined. An hour's boat ride took us to our first reef hideaway where we enjoyed small sucky waves in crystal clear warm water. Snorkelling passed the low tide hours and the hammocks the rest of our three day stay. The local kids here were just ripping; little mongrels, but ripping nonetheless. Bali's prime tourist spot, Kuta beach, was the site of two bomb attacks earlier this decade that severely dropped tourist numbers. The stall holders and returning shoppers stopped to gawk each time I passed carrying my boat toward the waves. The Kuta beach waves were small and weak yet still allowed some fun amongst the myriad wannabe surfers. When the swell was right we headed out to the airport breaks for some fun fast overhead waves (for a kayak) that broke on scarily shallow reef. We were plagued with small swell, so amused ourselves lazing by the pool, drinking goldfish bowls or riding hired motorcycles around the island.

Which was the best spot that you surfed in a kayak around the world?
Buseater for it's size and violence, Nile Special for the weather and it's consistency.

And in your country?
We don't have any river waves worth mentioning, so in Aus the beach is where it's at. Phillip Island in Victoria handles all conditions and is generally reliable even in the smallest of summer swells.

What was the biggest scare that you've had in the sea?
On one of my largest days out, a legs-out rest to relieve the pins and needles was cut short as a dark line appeared on the horizon. Wary of tipping with the deck off I carefully, yet hastily, re-seated myself and went for the deck. Unfortunately the cold had robbed my dexterity and as I fumbled and cursed, the approaching wave grew larger. Murphy's Law – largest set of the day always comes when you're least prepared. It closed out and crashed down violently metres ahead of me, shooting whitewater into the sky. The deck was attached but the sides gaped open as I was engulfed; instantly feeling the cold rush of sea water filling my kayak. Sunk, near 200 metres off shore, I bailed and swam for it. Right then was the most scared I've been at the beach.

What are your long-term projects?

Exploratory creek and river running is number one on the agenda, so it's off to tropical Queensland at the end of this year to explore its mountainous rainforests. After that, who knows; plans are great but not having plans is good too…

What's your one favourite thing about the paddling lifestyle?
Exploring new places from our unique perspective and finding other paddlers to share stories and rivers with along the way- that's pretty special.

What are you hearing this moment on your ipod?
Dub and reggae from down under - Red Eyes, Fat Freddy's, trinity roots; Sevendust, Sweatshop Union, Rise Against.

Your favourite web paddling sites are:

Kayaksession.com, loungekayaker.com, Oregonkayaking.net, xackers, playak.

Let us some suggestions to those who want to start kayaking…
Get your roll down and you can do anything, so go to a few rolling sessions until your comfortable then take it to the river. Clubs, if you can find an active one, are brilliant for meeting people to paddle with and learn from. A few professional lessons will give you a great kick start too – consider a three to five day intensive to really get you off and running. The beach is great for teaching you to take beatings because here they always eventually end!

Thanks Sean! All the best for you.

ALL THE PHOTOS RIGHT HERE:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Sean%20Boz.html

Published: 17.06.08
Text - Luis Pedro Abreu
Photos ans Video - Personal Archive of Sean Boz

GOLTZIANA / WAVYAK - ENGLISH VERSION

2008-05-09T02:53:00.011+01:00

WAVYAK - HOW IT ALL STARTED...

It’s a two voices interview. Eduardo Traveira, president of GOLTZIANA KAYAKS and renown shaper, and João Paulo “Joparesi” Simões”, early member of our news team and Wavyak designer. The first kayaksurf adventure of Traveira was in the early 80’s, but 25 years later he founds a huge potential of growth in this sport. Since the 90’s, Joparesi was looking for the ideal surfkayak, and combining his design with Traveira’s expertise, both create an hybrid, half surfkayak, half waveski. The immediate goal is to sell the Wavyak abroad.

Goltziana was created in 1979. Is Wavyak your first surfkayak?
E. Traveira – This is not the first Goltziana kayaksurf adventure! In the early 80’s I’ve create a sit-in surfkayak and a sit-on-top for bigger waves, with some commercial success for the time! Then the enthusiasm went down. For the last years, we saw it growing easily, with the help of internet and other Medias. For Goltziana it’s time to resume that we start 25 years ago.

How started the Wavyak project?

E. Traveira – From a contact with JP Simões (Joparesi). At the time I had in mind building a sit-on-top surfkayak, but our main activity at Goltziana remains the sea kayaks, that we sell worldwide. So, no time for fun! The concept and the prototype that Joparesi brought to us was very interesting and we saw all the potential. But the most interesting, and that made us jump in the project, was the “noise” and the interest caused in local kayaksurf community and in internet abroad by Joparesi’s concept!

Joparesi – The Wavyak was born from the fact that, in then years, I haven’t found the surfkayak of my dreams, a user friendly surf kayak, light, fast, responsive, and, most important, sit-on-top. This is the way to bring new paddlers to surf, without the trauma of being trapped in a sit-in in the shore break, or going directly to the physicist with panes in the back caused by some sit-on-tops, or even spend six months to catch the first wave in a frenzy waveski! For me, surf is pleasure, not pain or sacrifice!
Then came my first design, the first Wavyak prototype, the contact with Goltziana, the surfing tests and this efficient joint-venture with E. Traveira (great shaper!), whose immediate result is this Wavyak.

And what next in Goltziana?

E. Traveira – I’m working in a longer version of this sit-on-top surf kayak, for bigger waves. This one is the Malibu and the Wavyak is the short board. A junior version will be also released this year. The aim is to call young blood to the kayaksurf/waveski. I think that the sit-on-tops surfkayaks are the easy way to a beginner and Goltziana will be there with good options!

Joparesi – We are full throttle in the dissemination of our new born in Portugal and in some interesting spots worldwide. The aim is to have Wavyaks surfing in a huge number of spots as possible. Besides the participation in the National Kayaksurf Circuit, Goltziana will be on the road in demo sessions, bringing the Wavyak and the kayaksurf/waveski to ordinary people on the beach.

You said waveski?!

Joparesi – Yes, waveski! Let me explain the Wavyak concept: the great innovation is the possibility of being fitted as a

user-friendly waveski, with foot straps and back strap, and also as a surfkayak, with knee belts, back rests and feet rests. Both ways with performance, responsiveness and speed!

What about the recent evolution of surfkayaks designs?

E. Traveira – The design and the manoeuvres evolution have walked side by side and, today, the shapes reflect the stage of kayaksurf as a sport, whit the rails and rocker as critical points! In my opinion, some HP class kayaks have too much rocker, compromising the speed in bigger waves. In Wavyak we have a medium rocker and sharp rails in the rear, also with a flat bottom with bodyboard inspired edges. The result is speed, control and responsiveness.
In the future, we are not expecting huge evolution in manoeuvres, and, by the way, in shapes.

Joparesi – Well, people tend to claim that there is nothing left to invent in surfkayak. The Wavyak denies this theory (Lough!) But I’m firmly sure that the real breakthroughs are over now. The future is in some good designs, rockers and rails combinations and in composite materials, colours evolution and building methods.

What do you think about the world kayksurf scene?

Joparesi – I believe that kayaksurf competitions have increased the prices. Today, someone who wants to begin must spend thousand euros or more. It’s not suitable for juniors or for people who just want to have fun surfing with a paddle in the summer. More democracy in kayaksurf, please! Young people are welcome, and there are some good examples of competition schools: Edu Etxebarria in Basque Country, Roberta Borsari in Brazil and Dessie McGlinchey in Northern Ireland. But we need more, and not only in competition. We must spread surfkayaks abroad like surfboards.
Talking about competition: more professionalism, more development and growth strategy, please! By the way, I don’t understand why the sit-on-tops are not aloud in World Championship and World Cup, since they are aloud in several national championships!
I’m sure that the future of kayak surfing lays in ordinary people who surf for fun in the nearby beach or in the summer holidays, much more than in championships with Formula One surfkayaks.

And how can we buy or test or know a little more about Wavyak and Goltziana Kayaks?

E. Traveira – In the next couple of months, Wavyak can be found in the Goltziana distributors’ network in Europe and

USA. But we are working to enlarge quickly the number of distributors. For prices and information: http://www.goltziana.com/ and http://wavyak.blogspot.com/

Thanks a lot!

SEE HERE ALL THE PHOTOS:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Goltziana%20Wavyak.html

Text: Luis Pedro Abreu

Fotos: No Fraangos Productions

Published on kayaksurf.net on: 13.05.08

CHRIS HARVEY INTERVIEW - ENGLISH VERSION

2008-04-18T11:46:00.004+01:00

THE FLYING SURFKAYAKER - HOW HE WON AMERICA

Name: Chris Harvey
Age: 28
Nationality: UK (Guernsey)
Occupation: Outdoor Education Teacher

Competition records:

World Championships 2005: 9th
World Cup 2006: 3rd
World Championships 2007: 3rd
British Championships: 2005 and 2006: Silver
UK High Performance Series 2007: Silver
Santa Cruz Festival 2006: Bronze
Santa Cruz Festival 2007: Gold

Paddling experience: 15 years (sea, river, surf)

Website: www.chrisharveyonline.net

Sponsors: Mega, Teva, Gath, Streamlyte, Nookie, RunandJump Clothing, Majorsporty, Suunto

Hi Chris! Your pictures of Steve Childs are simply one of the best memories of the Worlds. Do you realize that your aerials are really huge? I'm always looking to go big. Occasionally everything happend perfectly and you just fly off the lip...you know it's big and it feels great, but it's always a bonus to get it on camera!

And about these Worlds... satisfy with your participation?(OPEN SHORT FINAL 3rd Chris Harvey)
Main ideas about this championship: what did you like the most?

This was a difficult worlds for me. I've just started a new job and despite a great summer training, the last month I didn't get out as much as i'd hoped. The surf conditions were tough too and i really feel for everyone who had to suffer with poor conditions. I had some hard heats in the opening rounds, which is a reflection of how the sport has grown and the the standard raised. However, as the week unfolded, I gained confidence and belief in myself and was really excited to make the final. In the final I just went out to have fun. It's so great being able to compete against such world class talent and I knew how exciting a heat it woudl be to watch. Unfortnately for me i couldnt quite find the waves in the final and everytime i looked out Rusty was all over it. 2007 was a great year for me though and finishing 3rd at the World Chamionships was another result to be proud of.

I read an interesting post of you on Boatertalk about the conditions of the sea regarding the competition scene... remember us your opinion...
Yes there were certainly frustrating times at the competition. I wouldn't want to take anything away from what was a great event but since the world's there has been a great deal of talk about what constitutes suitable conditions. Obviously competition organisers are restricted by time, but we also want to ensure that competitors are able to showcase their talent. The high performance end of our sport is relatively young and we're all learning a great deal. I think there's a lot of promise for the future and personally i'm looking to the World Cup as an event with really exciting potential.

Your career as a paddlesurf is full of great highlights... now, an interview on Canoe&Kayak and Majorsporty support. How do you manage your personal promotion searching for sponsors?
Sponsorship has really helped me to pursue the sport i love. And i'm grateful particularly to Mega who were my first sponsor and helped me really pursue my ambition. It is hard work securing sponsors and particularly sponsors who aren't involved with the sport. With a relatively low profile it can be hard to sell kayak surfing but i really believe we're getting there. This year i've picked Suunto who are a major company and until now havent been involved in the sport at all. For me it's about raising the profile of the sport, enthusing people and sharing my passion. I regularly get emails from youngsters who are interested in pursuing kayak surfing and it's great to see them so excited and share the vision that will certainly drive the sport forward in the coming years. In terms of sponsorship it obviously helps having competition sucess but it's also about getting the media involved. As well as CKUK i've also got other projects in the pipeline for this year, with other magazines and also the BBC so it's an exciting time for me and the sport.

Do you believe that one day we can have professional surfkayakers just like in the sur scene?
That's a difficult question! I think we're close...One event, one video, one mainstream magazine article, could be all it takes to tip the balance and pull in some major sponsors, but we need to look beyond out sport and sell it to multinational companies that's the challenge!

Tell us the gear you used to win this World Champ: kayak, paddle, helmet and PFD.
Kayak: Mega Reflex...my weapon of choice! What can i say...i love it :)
Helmet: Gath RV: I've been using the RV for a few years now and find it really comfortable
Paddle: Streamlyte (custom spec): I'm really pleased with performance of the Streamlyte paddles. Good construction, light weight, and a powerful blade...it works well!
Software: Nookie: Nookie have really extended their range over the last year and it's good comfortable kit.

Do you have in mind any new "rule" that should be respected in future surfkayk contests?
To be honest i just love surfing. So I havent really considered new rules a great deal...yet.

Why don't we see you on IC class? Unconftarble?
I've tried my hand at IC occassionaly and had mixed results. I really compare IC with longboard surfing and although it's fun for me and where i'm at is the Short boat, more dynamic style. It's just what i prefer. I'm focussed on pulling bigger moves, riding more techinial waves and raising my game in HP.

And in 2009, the World Championship will be, for the first time, in Portugal. Satisfyed with the decision?
Portugal is a great venue for the next World Championships. The 2006 World Cup was held in Peniche and it's really got every angle of beach, so whatever the conditions you can almost always find a decent wave. There are numerus breaks around the peninsula, but a couple of really quality waves. If the organisers manage to secure use of those waves it'll make for a really exciting event.

After all your great experience in surfkayaking, how do you see the future of our sport?
We're growing and learning and the sport is developing in a truely high performance sport, which is dynamic and exciting to watch. We're beaking new ground every year in terms of design, performance and media and hopefullt that will continue. I'd like to see some pro-style events similar to the board surfers that fly out to a nice break for a week, judging each other and filming etc. I think the World Cup has a lot of potential and hopefully in the next few years we'll see this attracting major sponsorship and media attention. It's an exciting time!

Your mentors in kayaksurf are...
I remember when i started taking surf kayaking seriously and i bought Vince Shay's dvd, it was exciting to see someone promoting the sport so well and sharing his obvious passion. It was a real inspiration to me. I've now surfed with Vince a few times and it's great. His enjoyment and love for the sport is totally infectious...ride on Vince!

Gotta Mention Malcolm (Mr Mega)...i don't think many people realise just how passionate Malcolm is about the sport, but he's had some brilliant achievements in the past and he has a wealth of knowledge in terms of design, technique etc. After a long time off the water, Malcolm jumped back into the boat last year and seeing him get tubed in Spain and the grin on his face summed it all up for me.

SANTA CRUZ KAYAKSURF FESTIVAL 2007 and 2008 - 1st Place!

- First place in Santa Cruz 2008! After the bronze in 2006, two times gold. What's the secret?
Ahh...now that would be telling! I think the main thing at Steamer's Lane is to stay patient and wait for the right waves. I spend a lot of time watching and working out where to sit. The 'slot' wave is the nicest, with a deep take-off and a nice wall, which is much better for High Performance, but often you'll only get 3 waves in a heat so it's a case of waiting and making each wave count. Obviously when you get a good one you've got to do something good with it!

- And about Steamers Lane... Vince says, for example, that's a very good or very bad wave... what do you think about that?
Hmmm...i think i've just answered that. Yeah sometimes it can be classic. In fact the day before the competition was beautiful. But that's the same anywhere, you get good days and bad days. Generally i find the waves a bit 'fat' without too much off a wall so you've got to have a solid roundhouse to really work the shoulder.

- Main ideas about SCKSF... why do you think is THE major world kayaksurf festival?
Denis and the guys put in a lot of time, effort and money to make the event a success. For us Brits it's nice to get away to warmer weather in the winter, but it's a great social event, there's often good surf and the location makes it good for spectators and competitors alike. That's a tough combination to top!

- Expectations for next Worlds in Portugal...
Obviously we cant book the surf, but it would be great to see it held on a really technical, world class wave which pushes everyone and enables the top guys to pull off the best moves. It would be great to see the media profile raised so that we have tv coverage of teh event. Ultimately i'm looking forward to surfing great waves, watchng and putting on a good show.

- Your purposes on a short time period about kayaksurf...
Over the next year i'd like to do more 'surf safari' trips, meeting up with some of the top guys to get some of the best photos and footage in the best locations...it is a bit of a dream but i'm working on a couple of possible trips (watch this space!). My focus is on promoting the sport and showcasing the high performance level that we're at. So i'm working on more magazine articles etc.

Final words to all that read this few lines...

Go Surfing! :-) Pursue your dreams! People often say to me "I wish I could...." whether its carving a nice bottom turn or pulling an aerial. My answer is always...you can. It doesn't take a superhuman to surf at the top level, it just takes committment and self-belief. Anyone can be the best if you believe in yourself and focus your mind.

Thanks Luis, hope this is ok for you.
Take it easy
Chris
www.chrisharveyonline.net

Cool Chris! Meet you in Portugal!

ALL THE PHOTOS HERE!

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Chris%20Harvey08.html

Trabalho publicado em 18 de Abril de 2008
Texto - Luis Pedro Abreu
Fotos - Tim Harvey + Steve Childs + Dan Green + Jordan Deltsheff
Vídeo - Firts Third Films

TRACY SHERRINGTON - ENGLISH VERSION

2008-02-12T15:08:00.001Z

TRACY SHERRINGTON - WORLD IC CHAMPION / BASQUE COUNTRY 2007

Name: Tracy J Sherrington
Nationality: Scottish
Occupation: Outdoor Education Lecturer

Competition records:
Scottish Champion since 1997
World HP Champion, Santa Cruz, USA 2001
World Long Boat Champion, Basque Country 2007.

Paddling experience:
I have been involved in paddle sports since 1988; I have River kayaked and surfed in many countries. Started competitive surf kayaking at the World Champs in Thurso, Scotland in 1997 and absolutely loved it! I am a Level 4 Coach Inland Kayak and the worlds only Lady Level 5 Surf Kayak Coach which I love doing!!

Sponsors: Reed Chill Cheater, Lendal Paddles and talking to more.

North Glasgow Colleges' Personal Development Programme in conjunction with The Princes Trust Scotland gave £150 each to our juniors Tom Ford and Greg Miller to assist with the cost of being part of the Scottish Team at the World Championships in Mundaka which they would not have been able to participate without – THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH TO John Montgomery for organising this.

Hi Tracy. First of all, congratulations for your victory in Basque Country! World Champion! Did you ever thought that this contest run so well for you?
No – I have been plagued by injuries for the last few years - from a thumb double dislocation which in 2004 meant I couldn't surf for a year and a half and had to miss the champs in Costa Rica - to the joints in my pelvis and spine being out of place due to a skiing crash in April 2007! But during that time I have been coaching continuously which helps you to keep connected to the waves.

How is kayaksurf in Scotland?
Surf kayaking in Scotland is fantastic – I love the North Coast – we have brilliant reefs, uncrowded beaches and great Islands off the west coast to explore. Our surf areas have wonderful scenery and wildlife; the areas are also really unpopulated and unspoilt although it is beginning to get busy with travelling board surfers now! We can run surfing courses for 5 days and never meet another person out on the water! Some people might say that it is cold but this is really only during Jan – April! (Normally my snow skiing season). We have a bunch of really friendly and keen surf kayakers in Scotland and a long history of highly skilled competitors including several World champions from various categories. We are only really just getting into surfing with small kayaks as they do not really suit the big waves that we get on the Reefs at Thurso. So watch out at the next world champs in Portugal!

You were in Ireland in 2003... what differences do you see between that time and the nowadays kayaksurf?
The main differences I can see from Ireland in 2003 to Basque Country 2007 are the importance that end moves seemed to play in scoring points – people seemed to be winning heats for how spectacular the end move was and how much of a beating you could take in the beach dump as opposed to any surfing that had been involved in the ride. The long boat short boat only categories was new - which for me was a bit weird as now you have to go out in conditions in a boat which isn't suited to that sort of wave on that sort of day! I am not sure yet if this is a move in the right direction as it has taken away your choice and decision making which should be part of your tactics.

Now about this World Kayaksurf Championship...did you made any special training for this competition?
I had been sitting my level 5 coach assessment the year leading up to the world champs so as part of my coaching programme in the summer of 2006, I took one of my long term students from Scotland, on a surf trip in my van all the way from Basque country around the coast and down into Portugal and back this took us 5 weeks. We explored the beaches and surfed our way along and back up. We met loads of good people, had a great laugh and visited Bakio and Mundaka to tune into the area. I did a lot of coaching but not much surfing due to my injury which happened the very last day of my 4 month long ski season in the Alps. I think I was able to do well in some of my heats due to already having been a technically good surfer, through spending lots of time coaching people for competition and taking lots and lots of pain killers also helped as did my team looking after me!!!

Main ideas about this championship: what did you like the most?
I liked the really friendly atmosphere at the champs. Most of the Scottish Team had never been at a big competition before and were really apprehensive but they all absolutely loved it - they enjoyed meeting new surfing people and watching great surfing the only down side was the intimidating beach dump which with our quality waves in Scotland we would not normally have to paddle in conditions like this!!!!!

Aspects that should be reviewed next time...
I think for next time having the ability for everyone all being able to stay around the same area and getting help before hand with the accommodation would be really beneficial. Also being able to keep the cost of the entry fees down as this almost excluded some of our team due to the expense .

Tell us the gear you used to win this World Champ: kayak, paddle, helmet and PFD
This year I paddled my Carbon Kevlar foam core Double Dutch Screamer Long Boat – Neil Baxter made me it as the lightest boat he had ever made. My paddle is a Neil Baxter made Lendal Carbon bade and shaft. As for the rest of my gear it was really old Kogg gear which was all made to measure in Scotland at the time but the company has gone bust so for now on Reed Chill Cheater is going to sponsor me and make me made to measure gear. I think this is really important as it is really hard to get padding gear to fit girls properly and still be really functional.

Where do you feel more comfortable surfing... IC or HP?
I think of it as long and short as opposed to IC and HP. I love my long boat as it is so versatile for coaching in and comfortable even with a really sore back I can still sit in it and really enjoy my surfing, I couldn't do this in my short boat! So I am awaiting a new short boat from Malcolm at Mega which should be more comfortable.

And in 2009, the World Championship will be, for the first time, in Portugal. Satisfyed with the decision?
I think this will be great. I have never been to this part of Portugal so I am really looking forward to the Scottish team getting over there and surfing in some warm water! I think if the organisers can ensure security it should all go well.

Your mentors in kayaksurf are...
The Scottish Team – I have spent time coaching and encouraging a lot of the guys in the team and when I was suffering with my back pain they really really were fantastic in looking after me, putting up with me moaning, motivating me and making me laugh!! My Husband Ian, who I surf with all the time and who was my Level 5 coach mentor, is great he knows when to give me a kick up the arse, when to stay away and not to complain at me for my endless surf trips away! The old boys of the surf in Scotland - Jock Young, John Ingles and Neil Baxter for always encouraging me, looking after my equipment and making me go out on the reefs at Thurso when it is MASSIVE and last but not least my Outdoor colleagues and Outdoor students at North Glasgow College, who are very supportive and told me that I'd better win or they would never let me live it down and I would let them down!! One of the girls called "Squeak"" kept sending texts telling me to stop whinging about my sore back and to "MAN UP and get on with it!" The finals were one year after the day my Dad passed away and I though a lot about him as he always knew I was a water baby and was very proud of me.

Your favourite paddling spot is...
North Coast of Bonnie Scotland .

Did you knew kayaksurf.net ?
Yes – Very good, well done!

Final words to all that read this few lines...
I can't wait to get my injuries fixed so I can get out carving it up performing at more than 40% for a change!! I am looking forward to my new wee Megs boat arriving and really going for it at the end of the ski season when I hope to start surfing again. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Home International Competition in Portugal in October 2008.

Love your surfing

Tracy S xxxxxxxxxx

Thanks Tracy! Meet you in Portugal!

CHECK OUT HERE ALL THE PHOTOS

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Tracy%20Sherrington.html

Interview: luis pedro abreu / kayaksurf.net

Published: 15.02.08

Photos: Ian Sherrington

FABRIZIO ROMBJ - ENGLISH VERSION

2007-12-28T16:55:00.000Z

ITALIAN KAYAKSURF

Name: Fabrizio Rombj
Age: 39
Occupation: Electrical engineer
Kayaking experience: many years of river kayak around the Europe and kayaksurf in the Mediterranean sea and Atlantic.
Address: Genoa - Italy

Hi Fabrizio ... kayaksurf in the Mediterraneo, when is it possible?

Most of people think that in the Mediterranean sea is not possible to find good waves for the kayaksurf , but this is not right.Sardegna, Toscana and Liguria regions offer good waves expecially during fall and spring seasons and spots like Varazze or Levanto in Liguria and Capo Mannu in Sardegna are well known from the most famous pro-surfers of the world.

Almost all the kayaksurfers have the river experience... do you think that the river experience is essential to the kayaksurfer?

Technically speaking the river experience is not essential, but I think that it is propedeutic to become a good surfkayakers. Moreover most of young people without river experience prefer to learn the surf instead to kayak…………it is most published from the media and probably also less expansive.

What do you think about the evolution of this sport in your country?

Up to 2 or 3 years ago, in Italy the kayaksurf was practicized using river kayaks and consequently the interest of this activity was limited to a small group of people. Now, with the introduction of surfkayaks like Mega and so on, the surfkayak is not more considered like a “holiday to the sea” and the interest for this sport is increasing day after day both from river and sea kayakers.

And about gear.. how do you see the actual evolution in surfkayaks?

When I started with surfkayak I used a river kayaks. It was good for river running or surfing but in the sea waves it was not possible to use it like a surf. The absence of fins and the different shape didn’t permit most of manoeuvres like bottom or top turn, floater and so on…. Now the actual surf kayaks are simply fantastic: fast in the wave, easy and precise in the manoeuvring………..thanks a lot to Malcolm and all other shaper for their work.

What is your favourite surfkayak?

Now I have a Mega Merlin and it is the best surfkayak I ever used.

What future do you see for kayaksurf in the world?

This sport is increasing, but a lot of work must be done again. The competitions like World championship are important for the growth of the kayaksurf, but I believe that the sport must be promoted by means demonstrations, schools, camps, and so on. For example: in Italy everyone knows the surf, but even most of kayakers ignore the existence of dedicated surfkayaks. When I bought my boat I contacted directly Mega by the website and probably I have been one of the first Italian people to have a surfkayak……

What was the biggest scare that you've had in the sea?

Each time I surf a wave bigger than 2 meters I have a “shock” for my heart, but after many eskimo rolls I have understood that it is only a problem of confidence of the water. I hope will never have a big scare…..I’m too old to change sport again!!!

Your favourite web paddling sites are:

Kayaksurf.net, Playak, and CKI (Canoakayakitalia). This is a Italian paddling site with a interesting forum, where most of kayak arguments are discussed.

Did you knew kayaksurf.net?

It is most of time I know Kayaksurf.net, I decided to buy a surfkayak looking at your site. Moreover writing in double language you give me the opportunity to learn a little bit of Portuguese. Thank you for your lessons!!!

Next worlds will be in Portugal 2009... can we expect an Italian team?

I hope so… Also in Mundaka two Italian kayakers was present and they come back in Italy enthusiastic of their experience. This is a brief report of their comments: The level of surf is incredibly high… wonderful people…. good wine……good food…. So, an experience to repeat!

You are a member of the kayaksurf.net.net News Team... what kind of contribution do you plan to give?

Italian rivers like Noce, Sesia etc. are already well known from kayakers of all the world. I would like to demonstrate them that in Italy it is also possible the find good waves….Waves, but also spaghetti, pizza and good red wine….!!!

And besides the competition scene, which are the surf spots that you have like a "dream" to surf?

I'm just come back from my honeymoon in New Zealand; it is a paradise for the surf. But I “dream” to surf in Portugal very soon. Good waves and great surfkayakers; a perfect place where to improve my surf…

Let us some suggestions to those who want to start surfkayaking…

Stay in the water all your free time; surfkayaking is funny with each condition of the sea and it is a wonderful outdoor activity.

Thanks a lot Fabrizio! Meet you in Portugal.

Published on 02.01.08
Text - Luis Pedro Abreu
Photos - surfers.it + Personal Archive of Fabrizio Rombj

ALL THE PHOTOS HERE:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Fabrizio%20Rombj.html

JOEY HALL - ENGLISH VERSION

2007-09-19T11:58:00.000+01:00

Joey Hall

PRESIDENT OF THE EAST SURF KAYAK ASSOCIATION (USA)

Name: Joey "jHo" Hall
Age: 29
Nationality: USA East
Occupation: Ninja
Competition records: 2006 ESKA Circuit Champion, IC and K-1, 2nd place HP. 2006 US Nationals 3rd IC. US East Surf Kayak Team 1st Boat, IC
Wbsite: http://www.deadmanproductions.com/
Sponsors: Riot Kayaks, H2O Audio, Smith Optics, Peak UK, Aquabound, Shred Ready, Fortress

Hi Joey. How did you start surfkayaking?

I've actually been surf kayaking since right around the time I learned to kayak. My family would go to the beach for summer vacation and I'd always take my old Perception Dancer with me, that was around 93-95. I finally got serious about surf kayaking in the late 90s.

You're actually the ESKA President. Describe us in a short way what are your activities and team events that you have on your agenda?
The Eastern Surf Kayaking Association governs surf kayaking events on the east coast of the United States. We started the ESKA in 2002 because there was little to no organization on our coast. We've worked hard to keep the competition scene going on the east coast, but we have a lot more we want to do, it is hard because we rely solely on volunteer work. We were proud to host the US Nationals in 2006. We hope to have another great circuit of events in 2007 and 2008. We've focused a lot on making our judging more consistant, and we're lucky to have a panel of experienced surf judges that are getting really good at judging surf kayaking. The main thing we hope to do is promote the sport and encourage people to have fun. We encourage beginners and intermediates to come out to ESKA events and participate or at least hang out and meet the ESKA members, everyone is really welcoming and we love to see new people get into the sport. You can find out more about the ESKA at www.eskasurf.com

And to Mundaka at the Worlds... how many of you will be there to participate? We will have a nearly full team competitng in Mundaka this fall, we are really excited.
In the last Worlds (Costa Rica), your Team reached the 3rd place. Did you enjoy the event? I really enjoyed the Costa Rica Worlds. I had such a good time with folks like Stuart McGlinchy and the Jersey team, getting to know those folks was great. As a team the US East was really excited to do so well. We were in the lead for a good portion of the event, and we wound up tied for 2nd with Ireland. It came down to how many 2nd place finishes each team had to break the tie....we barely got bumped to 3rd, we were really proud. We hear people all the time tell us how bad our surf is on the east coast, but I love it, we have a lot of gnarly steep shorebreak and hurricane swell, it's not always easy, but I think if you can surf the East coast, you can surf anywhere!

And you, personally, were ranked last year in the 2nd place Men's HP (USA East). How are things going this year?

Haha, yea I was actually in first in HP last season until the very last event, my good friend Anthony Bell beat me out in the last round and bumped me to second overall...it was close just like it should be! This year I had a shoulder injury that I was rehabbing all winter, I didn't paddle much at all, and I wound up having over 8 weeks of physical therapy. A week after the doctor cleared me, I competed in our first event of the season. I'd just intended to surf the first round and drop out, but turns out I made finals in HP and IC, I was stoked, I think I'm 4th on the Circuit in HP right now. Last season was my best comp season ever, so I'm sort of bummed that I've had these injuries, but I'm working my way back It took me many years of being eliminated in the first round to get where I am today, and I've got a long way to go, I'm just thankful to still be learning.

Wich class do you enjoy the most to surf?

That is a difficult question, but I'd have to say my favorite class to surf is the IC class when the conditions are right. I love throwing big moves off the closeout in my Cyclone when the surf is dumping right on the beach, gets the adrenaline pumping!

In 2006, at ESKA circuit, you won IC class and K1. Besides IC and HP (Open) what class is K1?

(in Europe K1 is mainly for rivers)

K1 is a unique class to our circuit. It is limited to only plastic production whitewater boats. It is a mostly trick based class, where competitors link up river-style moves in the surf. You get extra points for doing surfing maneuvers while you link up tricks. It is a really fun class where you can get creative, I've heard it is really exciting to watch too. I love it because I really like paddling whitewater too, you can go out and just have fun, try new moves, etc. We had a lot of fun at the US Nationals last year in the K-1 class. The objective is to create a class that the hard-core river boaters can come out and compete in and still have fun.

What other sports do you practice?

Lets see, I used to play disc golf but I hurt my shoulder doing it, I love soccer but I don't play much anymore. I like skateboarding, in-line skating, and a little BMX. I just started playing 4 Square.

And the kayaks... what are your favourites to surf?

I paddle for Riot Kayaks, and I absolutely love paddling my Flair 57 in the surf to do tricks, such a fun boat, it really is like a very small HP boat, and it is great on the river too. As for surf boats, my old orange Cyclone "Patchy" is probably my favorite kayak of all time, we've been through a lot together.

What was the biggest scare that you've had in the sea?

When we went to the Ireland Worlds we arrived at the airport, drove 3 hours to the west coast, and immediately got in at Easky to practice. I was in a boat I'd never paddled before, and the surf was really big with a nasty thumping break zone. I was dead tired from being up 24 hours, so it wasn't the brightest idea for me to be out there. I paddled out a little ways and all of the sudden someone was heading straight for me, surfing towards me. I was forced into the break zone, next thing I know a 6 foot wall of foam is hitting me, and I got absolutely chundered, even broke a fin somehow. I paddled in and got out of the water, I'd not even surfed a wave yet! The practice sessions in Ireland were definitely the most scared I've been in the surf, waves with 10 people on them and foam piles with 10 more people getting chundered in them...all heading towards you at once....very dangerous.

Do you some surfkayaker in special you admire most for his skills and technique?

My hero in surf kayaking is Dave "the Wave" Johnston. I've learned more by watching him than from any other source. I respect the way he mixes smooth surfing and big moves. My all time favorite move is the Karate-Chop in the Cyclone, and he is the person who put that on the map. I like seeing him throw that old orange Cyclone of his around. He has a unique style, you can always pick him out on the water. At the US Nationals in 2006 I got to surf in the IC finals with he and my two friends Spencer Cooke and Anthony Bell, that was one of the most fun heats I've ever been in. I imagine Dave is a little weirded out that I look up to him so much....but I can't help it. I won't say I bought an orange Cyclone to be more like him...but my Cyclone is orange ;) I also learned a lot by being coached by well known east coast veteran Bruce Watkins, he taught me a lot, especially about having confidence in the surf. Other surf kayakers I really admire are Demany Smith, Spencer Cooke, James Hawker, Vince Shay, Dessie McGlinchy, Darren Basson....the list goes on, I do NOT, however, admire Yellowboy nor Drew Haynes

Your favourite surfing spots…

The most fun I've ever had surf kayaking was at "The Peak" in Bundoran Ireland with a few of my close friends. I really like to surf the steep beach break at Masonborough Island in North Carolina, and I often surf at Folly Beach South Carolina, and Wrightsville Beach North Carolina. I also love the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Favourite paddling sites...

Boatertalk surf zone, riotkayaks.com, paddlesurfersunited.com , effort.tv

Did you knew this site - www.kayaksurf.net - what do you think about it?

kayaksurf.net has an amazing amount of surf kayaking information, photos, interviews and more, it is impressive how much content has been collected there.

New projects...

Spencer Cooke, myself, and some others are making a sequel to our previous kayaking DVD "Enter the Donkey", it is going to be called "Night of the Living Donkey", and it is sure to feature surf kayaking from around the globe NightoftheLivingDonkey.com. I am currently in pre-production on a new surf kayaking film, to hopefully be out in late 2008. I am also planning on releasing a new surf kayaking publication this year called "Interference", look for more info on that soon.

Let us some suggestions to those who want to start kayak surfing....
If you want to start surf kayaking, work on your roll, you definitely need a good roll in the surf. I think whitewater kayaking can really help your surf kayaking technique, it really helps me out a lot. I always like to think of "driving the boat with my knees". Watch lots of surf kayakers surfing and take mental notes, meet them, ask questions. Go to contests, and when you get knocked out in the first round, use that opportunity to watch the competitors who beat you in the later rounds, eventually you'll start beating them! Most importantly have fun

I'd like to say hello to all the jackasses I've surfed with over the years, I've made some of my best friends in this sport.

Thank you very much Luis!

Meet you in Mundaka!

ALL THE PHOTOS RIGHT HERE:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Joey%20Hall.html

Published in 20.09.07
Text - Luis Pedro Abreu
Photos - Felipe Aschliman; Chuck Hall; Effort.tv; Vincent Shay; Geoff Kegley e Riot Kayaks
Video - Effort.tv

DESSIE McGLINCHEY - ENGLISH VERSION

2007-08-13T15:33:00.000+01:00

Name:Dessie Mc Glinchey
Age:33
Nationality: N. Irish
Occupation: Lifeguard at local swimming pool
Recent Competition records: 2006 N.I Number 1 H.P and IC 2006 British Open Hp Champion World Cup 5th Portugal 2006 European IC champion, 2007 Santa Cruz USA IC Champion, 2007 Europeans 2nd HP and 3rd IC, Spirit of Santa Cruz 2007 1st place.
Website: http://www.nisurfkayak.com/
Sponsors: nookie, lendal

Hi Dessie... first in California, now in Portugal. Santa Cruz givers you luck!!
Did you enjoy the contest in Portugal?
yeah portugal was great again. It was the biggest contest set up that id ever been to. We arrived on Saturday morning at 3.30am to find around 1000 people partying on the beach and from that moment i knew it was going to be a good weekend

You have travelled a lot doing kayaksurf... how do you see the evolution of the contests?
The contests are constantly improving and each big event that i travel to, it seems that the organisers out do the previous event. I think that the organisers know what works well and what doesn't and only keep the good bits. The spirit of Santa Cruz event had a real party vibe to it, and it worked well throughout the contest.

And about the judges... in Portugal were two surfers and one kayaksurfer. Was it the ideal team?
I try not to think about the judges when I'm at an event, if I'm having to work out what is scoring well then that takes away from the way i surf. All that you can do as a competitor is get on the water and try to enjoy my waves. if your surfing well and enjoying it then there is a good chance that the judges will put you through to the next round.

I know that you're working on a new DVD about kayaksurf... do you want to tell us something about it?
Ive been meaning to put together an instructional movie for years and i always get so far then stop when i hear my own voice doing the voice-over, i hope that i can see this one through to completion. Ive about 10Min's done so far with take offs, bottom turns and top turns. My camera has just stopped working so until i get another this project is on hold.

And what projects do you have in tour NI Team, besides the Worlds in Mundaka?
We have a healthy scene in Northern Ireland with lots of young kayakers coming through the ranks but we aren't looking past Mundaka, we are hoping to improve on the last two world rankings of 8th in2003 and 5th in Costa Rica.

Your are almost a veteran in Mundaka... many expectations about the contest?
Id love to be surfing on the last day with mundaka firing, but there will be a lot of the contest run in bakio, so who knows what will happen. Ive been out to mundaka/bakio 6 times now and i have not yet managed to get any good sized waves, it always seems to be working just before or the day after i leave. I'm planning on driving down through France and taking at least 2 weeks in the basque country. It cant stay flat for two weeks. ( or can it.)

And next year... can we expect more members of your team in Santa Cruz Contest?
I hope that next year around 10 or so paddlers attend the contest, we have been the best represented team at a lot of recent contests, we sent 15 paddlers to mundaka in may.
Ive said to my wife that if there is one place that we will visit next year it will be the Santa Cruz contest only this time we will stay for a week and id love to enter the tri action and have a go at the board surfing and one of the other events also.

It was your second time in Portugal... besides kayaksurf, what did you enjoy the most?
Spending time with the Portuguese surfkayakers, its great to meet up with other paddlers from all countries that share the same interests, and i hope that portugal send a lot of people to the worlds. one of the things that i enjoyed most was the welcome that we received throughout the weekend from everyone that was involved with the event.

And the worst?
Getting moved on by the police at 3.00am in the morning from where we were camping. saying that we were on a golf course, then the police found out we were from Ireland and he showed us were to spend the rest of the night.

Can we continue to count with your contribution with Kayaksurf News Team?
its an honour to be asked to contribute to the news on kayaksurf.net so as long as i have news i will keep sending it.

Thanks Dessie! See you in Mundaka.

ALL THE PHOTOS RIGHT HERE!

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Dessie%20McGlinchey%20NI.html

Published - 13.08.07
Text - Luis Pedro Abreu
Photos - CANISURF PRODUCTIONS
WEB - www.nisurfkayak.com

TRACY GRANER - ENGLISH VERSION

2007-07-27T13:21:00.000+01:00

KAYAKSURF MADE IN AUSTRALIA

Name: Tracy Garner
Age: 33
Nationality: Australian
Occupation: Sea Kayaking Instructor/Training Co-Ordinator for the Jervis Bay Kayak Company
Competition records: Australia currently has no formal competition circuit and I haven't competed internationally to date so as
yet no formal records but I live to surf and I love new challenges.
Paddling experience: Sea Kayaking professionally for 7 years, Surf Kayaking 3years
Website: www.surfkayaks.com.au/team/tracy_garner.htm

Sponsors: Jervis Bay Kayak Co., Mega Surf Kayaks Australia, Werner Paddles, Solution Paddling Gear, Sierra

Hi Tracy. First of all, congratulations for your great work with kayaksurf in Australia. It seems that it all started with sea kayaking in New Zealand... tell us how you then jumped to kayaksurf...
I have always been inspired by watching the power of the surf so as my sea kayaking skills got better it was somewhere I naturally wanted play more in my kayak. While surf paddling in a sea kayak is fun and great for developing strong technique it has only been in the last couple of years as we discovered the Mega Kayaks that this world and what is possible has really opened up to me. I started, as most do, using my white water kayak in the surf but when I felt the speed and control of a Mega Prowler for the first time I was addicted to this sport instantly. I love the feeling of freedom you get when you are flying down a wave!!

You work at JBK as a sea kayaking instructor and training coordinator. Explain us better what do you do in your functions...
My role at Jervis Bay Kayaks involves developing kayak educational programs and co-ordinating our staff of instructors and guides to conduct our on water paddling and training activities for private, school and corporate customers alike. During our busy months this also has me on the water around four days a week teaching and guiding myself. JBK has a very busy retail store also which we are very involved with managing and the manufacture and sales of Mega surf kayaks Australia through JBK provides for a varied and exciting environment to work in.

Everyone of us has this dream of one day surfing in your country. Is it really a dream to surf?
Yes Luis it really is! .. We are so fortunate in this Country to have so much pristine, accessible and surfable coastline that it is easy to take it for granted some times. Particularly where I live at Jervis Bay on the New South Wales (NSW) south coast we have at least a dozen top quality waves all within a 20min drive. In this area also the breaks are mostly uncrowded (except for school holidays!!) and the local board riders are pretty kayak surfer friendly. While a good handful of us now surf kayaks here we also have a regular group of friends we surf with who are short board, mal board, boogie board and knee board riders so there is a great vibe at our surf sessions with respect and admiration for what each other is doing on a wave.

Where do you usually surf?
My local surf break is Cave beach in the Jervis Bay national park only 5 min from home. This is mostly a beach break but with recent big swell events has developed a beautiful peak in the middle of the beach. Waves also work off the point here in the right swell direction. Crescent Head on the mid north coast of NSW is an awesome spot too. We travel there annuallyfor a surf odyssey holiday. I surfed there with Sean & Brigitte Egan from Ireland for a few days while they were on holidays last year. Byron Bay is also another favorite further north. Both these spots have brilliant point breaks which you can ride forever to the left! In October Spain will be the first time I have surfed internationally but then when you are spoilt for choice here it is hard to justify the expense of the travel overseas. I would like to go to Indonesia in the near future though.

Besides seakayaking, do you have any experience in creek, slalom, marathon, etc? Do you usually do white water kayaking?
I have done very little white water really. It is an awesome paddling discipline but given that I don't live anywhere near good rivers it isn't something I have really looked too. Many of our white water and freestyle paddlers are looking more and more to the surf to get their adrenalin fix since the rivers have been so low here because of the drought.

kayaksurf.net and other surfkayaking websites have each day, more visitors and the curiosity around kayaksurf is growing. How do you see the future of kayaksurf?
It is a very exciting time to be involved in surf kayaking. The sport and interest around it seems to be increasing so quickly and with the progresses in kayak design and with so many skilled paddlers out there pushing the boundaries, there is just so much potential. With faster, shorter more maneuverable kayaks we are showing now we can surf a wave with as much finesse, style and athleticism as any wave ski or short boarder. Internationally, the professionalism of the organizations and the passion of the kayakers behind them are doing a great job to promote surf kayaking as a real disciplinary skill. I am loving being a part of it and I am hoping to do something similar here in Australia to move the sport forward and grow Aussie talent.

Ross told me that S urf Kayaking In Australia is to be recognised by the Peak Australian Body and subsidiary State Bodies as a real discipline. Great news! What will be the consequences of this fact?
It is a great step forward to earn the respect and recognition of our governing paddle sports industries for surf kayaking as a skilled kayaking discipline. We have already established the first surf kayaking club in Australia called "Make for the break" (you can see photos of our club days at http://www.surfkayaks.com.au/products/Caves_Beach_Surf_Session.htm ). We run local events in NSW on a monthly basis and we are hoping to have members joining and running their own activities Australia wide in the future. With support from our Paddle sport authority we have scheduled our first Australian comp in March of 2008 with several demo days and social comp days booked leading up to this at the end of the year. We are hoping to combine the talent and disciplines of Wave Skiers and have white water surfing categories to give an wholistic voice to everyone who paddles in the surf.

And, particularly in Australia, how do you see the future of kayaksurf?
I see it taking off!! We are a purpose built country for surfing. What we are trying to do in growing the sport here is about making surf kayaking fun and appealing to all ages of men and also women. I ran our first all ladies surf kayaking course a few weekends back and these girls matched their enthusiasm with their spirit of adventure and were surfing some great waves by the finish. Two of them walked away with Mega Prowlers they were so buzzed and the buzz is what its all about. The immediate aim for me is to use my experiences in October to build our own competitions here to give people a focus on the sport and to establish our own country ranking system and give surf kayaking talent a platform to grow from with the ultimate aim of having an Australian team to compete internationally in the future.

You'll be in Mundaka in October to participate for your first time in a World Championship. A dream become true?
I am so excited about it and training hard. It will be a very interesting challenge and a highlight in my paddling career for new experiences. It is difficult for me being so far away from International competition and not having any Tamsin Greens or Roberta Bosari's in the line up to lean from but I do surf with a good crew of surf kayakers here all madly passionate about surfing and while we don't compete against each other we certainly do encourage each other to push our limits. I will be giving it my best and am working hard on dynamic moves, wave selection and getting the most out of every ride.. I am looking forward to being a part of it and meeting so many awesome surfers.

Is it your first time in Europe to surf?
Yes it will be my first time and I'm hoping the airline baggage handlers are GENTLE to my equipment ... Any tips for traveling with a kayak would be greatly appreciated ... perhaps I should ask the boatertalk fraternity for advice?

What kind of training do you do for kayaksurf?
I surf and surf more ... At least I try and get out a few times a week. I have a gym strength and flexibility program several nights a week where I swim also and then where I live is brilliant for mountain biking and I have plenty of hiking trails to run on from my home with my dogs. When there is no surf I watch loads of dvds of wave skiers and surf kayaking on the net. You can learn alot by seeing the moves in your head.

Now, about the kayaks... what are your favourites to surf?
I still have a soft spot for my Mega Prowler. It is awesome when it is really BIG! ... I am training in a Mega Neutron now and it rips .. I am enjoying the snappy feel and freedom in the turns plus the extra speed down the line. I am making sections that I was coping on the head before.

In your opinion, what is the current state of surf kayak design? Are things innovating? What, if anything, is exciting to you about current designs?
I like the direction that it is taking. The shorter more aggressive boats that allow for more dynamic moves are really allowing paddlers to explore what is possible.
The combinations are endless for rails and hull design and I like the style and look of the new Bullet kayak as well.

Do you some surfkayaker in special you admire most for his skills and technique?
I admire everyone out there putting themselves in the places that make others hesitate. It drives me to want to push myself further.

What was the biggest scare that you've had in the sea?
Probably getting caught and lipped off a 6fter onto a sand bar (a low tide lesson learned there) ... cracked my kayak but thankfully not my head!!

Favourite paddling sites...
http://www.jervisbaykayls.com/, (there's no place like home) http://www.coastalwatch.com.au/ (for the best Aussie surf spots) & http://www.surfkayaks.com.au/

Did you knew this site - http://www.kayaksurf.net/ - what do you think about it?
Yes.. this is also a favourtie to keep up to date with whats happening in kayaking surfing round the world .. love the video and pics.

What have you been hearing in your ipod lately?
A couple of Aussie favorites The John Butler Trio, Wolfmother, and Powderfinger.

Sometimes I receive mails saying that are not many girls on kayaksurf! Why do you think we have (still) so few?
I think some girls find it imposing or intimidating to have a go at.... It is about providing a fun environment for them to learn in and building confidence in themselves, their kayak and their skills and I think with this mindset we will see more women getting out their to laugh and cheer each other on.

Let us some suggestions to those who want to start kayak surfing....
I think doing a course is a great idea to give the right technique basics. After that it is about getting the right kayak for you and just practice. Start small and in a surf zone that is ungrowded and be persistent... keep with it .. you will fall over a lot & you'll have good days and days where you get worked but this sport is like board surfing or skiing in that it will take a bit of time to get the balance and understand how to turn... but be patient and it will all be soooo worth it!!

Thanks Tracy. See you in Mundaka!

Kind Regards

Published on 27.07.07
Text - Luis Pedro Abreu
Photos - Jervis Bay Kayak Company + MEGA Australia

ALL THE PHOTOS RIGHT HERE:

http://www.kayaksurf.net/Tracy%20Garner.html

--
Luis Pedro Abreu
www.kayaksurf.net
KAYAKSURF PORTUGAL
http://portugalks.blogspot.com

SPONSORS: MEGA SURF KAYAKS / GATH SPORTS / ROBSON PADDLES