windgirls waterworld

2008-07-06T18:07:00.007+02:00

Green Games?

Yummy Green stuff... here are snid-bits from the news about it... and definitely watch the video!

Chinas latest Olympics nightmare is a vast algae bloom that covers one third of the sea where the worlds best sailors are supposed to be competing in just over a month. China scrambled Thursday to clear tonnes of algae that is covering a third of the Olympic sailing course and causing huge embarrassment for authorities trying to promote a "Green Games".

An estimated 20,000 people and 1,200 vessels have been mobilized to tackle the huge algae bloom threatening the upcoming Olympic sailing event in east Chinas Qingdao. Up till now more than 100,000 tons of algae has been weeded out. Statistics showed that as of Saturday the algae had affected a total sea area of 13,000 square kilometers, four hundred out of which was covered by the foreign stuff.

To make it worse, more than 32 percent, or 15.86 square kilometers of the guarded sea area for Olympic sailing competition, was also covered up.

Water quality has been a concern for the sailing events, given that many coastal Chinese cities dump untreated sewage into the sea. At the same time, rivers and tributaries emptying into coastal waters are often contaminated with high levels of nitrates from agricultural and industrial runoff. These nitrates contribute to the red tides of algae that often bloom along sections of Chinas coastline. But officials in Qingdao said pollution and poor water quality did not have a "substantial link" to the current outbreak, according to Xinhua. Instead, scientists blamed the bloom on increased rainfall and warmer waters in the Yellow Sea. Algae are now blooming over more than 12,900 square kilometers, or 5,000 square miles, of the sea, according to Xinhua.

ABC news report: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPxeJtePu-k

Well.... all I can say is Im glad Im not there at the moment, but Im sure theyll have it sorted by the time the Olympics come around! Yuck!
Nikola Girke

2008-07-06T18:07:00.002+02:00

The Future of F2

After the F2 International GmbH had been adjucated insolvent back in april, the creditors union has accepted the offered quote now. This makes F2 fully operational again now! The new operating manager is Gerald Pascher. The processing of orders will be transferred to the MAG AG, the new owner of F2 International GmbH. The developement of the Windsurf range 2009 has been finished and will be introduced soon. Multiple windsurfing champion Karin Jaggi will be responsible for marketing.

2008-07-01T23:42:00.000+02:00

Offringa dominates in Lanzarote

After five days of high wind and no holes barred competition; the sun sets on one of the most memorable freestyle events to date. In its wake, Sarah-Quita Offringa and Jose Estredo emerged as the dominant forces, taking home the event win.

Situated on the east coast of Central Lanzarote, the popular tourist resort of Costa Teguise played host to the first outing of the year for womens freestyle fleet. The area is famed for its superbly consistent trade winds that blow throughout the summer months, and this event was no exception.

day 1, single elimination

Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard, Gaastra) emerged as the person to beat, and challenging her in the final was Daida Moreno (North Sails). Moreno fought hard, but when push came to shove, failed to match Offringas technical, and tactically brilliant routine, leaving Offringa to take victory.

day 2, double

Treboux had her work cut out to match Nagoshis slick clue first punetas, and had to delve deep into her bag of tricks to eventually defeat her rival with some super technical switch moves in the testing conditions. Advancing into the final, Treboux stood to challenge Offringas dominance. Offringa fired in with a hefty dose of super technical moves, including flakas, puneta diablos and esliders to name but a few. Treboux replied, but got caught on the downwind side of the sailing area and struggled to find the pace to match Offringa. The final decision was conclusive; Offringa had won hands down, securing a crucial first place victory in the first double elimination. Treboux took second, Daida Moreno third, and Iballa Moreno fourth.

Offringa (1.), Treboux (2.) and D. Moreno (3.) rip, photos: PWA/John Carter

day 3, Womens Single Elimination 2

The Morenos battled in their heats, but failed to match Offringa and Trebouxs more technical switch moves, setting up a rerun of the double elimination final between Treboux and Offringa. consistency of Treboux dwindled under the pressure of the final, while Offringa raised her game to a whole new level. In a run that included; a shaka, air flaka, eslider, funnel and a grubby diablo to name but a few, Offringa convincingly took down her opponent. Treboux took second.

day4, double

The final showdown pitched Offringa against Treboux in a rematch of the previous days heat. Treboux skied an awesome shaka to pile the pressure on Offringa. In response, Offringa dealt out a crippling blow which included a kono, a flaka, and a grubby diablo. On the final horn, Offringa had edged the victory, further reinforcing her event lead.

day 5, single 3

A womens final of Offringa versus Daida Moreno (North Sails) served up intense action from the word go. Turning up the heat, Moreno planed out of a perfect eslider and then nailed a flaka diablo to pile the pressure on Offringa. Unphased by Morenos attack, Offringa summoned a brutish assault consisting of a puneta 540, double flaka, shaka and even an attempted air chacho. Moreno dug deep, but failed to reply to Offringas sizable repertoire, and had to settle for second place. text: PWA / Andrew Buchanan, photos: PWA/ John Carter

results:

1st Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard, NeilPryde)

2nd Laure Treboux (Fanatic, North Sails)

3rd Daida Moreno (North Sails)

men:

1st Jose Estredo

2nd Kiri Thode

3rd Ricardo Campello

2008-06-30T23:42:00.000+02:00

Hot and Humid

Since the end of my Europe stint, I have been training at home in Vancouver. I was quite excited about coming home - to summer and to get stuck into a great training program. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate for the first week or so and sailing was pretty miserable. I trained for a few days with my team mate Zac and then was joined by Steff Williams from New Zealand for my training block. We logged many hours on the water, battling each other in a range of conditions, but mostly in light air with lots of current as that is Vancouver's specialty. Coached by Jason Rhodes, both of us made huge gains - which kept our training battles alive and well. Mid-June, Dave Hayes, Canada's Youth Representative at the last World Youth Championships and runner up in the Canadian Olympic trials then joined me in Vancouver. Dave's forte is in the breeze and is physically more powerful than me; I wanted to learn some high wind techniques and for me to learn how to sail more powerful - like a guy.

Vancouvers wind forecast was not the best, so the three of us ended up driving down to the Gorge (Hood River, Oregon) for a few days for the Gorge Cup Race. The weather patterns were quite unusual there as well - we arrived to humid overcast skies and not much wind - a huge contrast to the typical hold on for your life windy Gorge.. The wind never did come for Race Day and the races were abandoned, but all was not lost. The wind did eventually came up at 7pm and like the night before, we had an incredible sunset sail - getting off the water at 9pm. It was an incredible way to spend both nights there, having fun while learning lots.

My Vancouver training stint is now over... I am on my way to Mexico for the next training camp. My first ten days will be in Cozumel, followed by a 3 day State Championship in Playa del Carmen and then the final week in Cancun. I chose Mexico as part of my training program as it has similar characteristics of China... hot, humid, light winds, current, did I mention...hot and humid. It will be great acclimatization training for me, on top of the on the water training with Demita, the Mexican Olympic representative, her coach Adrien and my coach Jason.

Hasta luego de Mexico, Nikola Girke

2008-06-14T12:04:00.002+02:00

Catalunya Costa Brava PWA Slalom:

21 girls battle it out !

Although the Rosas event has taken place for many years, the women are competing at this 10th event for the very first time here. And they are here with many: 21!!! (among them 9 women from France alone, see photo below!). At camping La Ballena they are staying this week to compete against each other.

Womens Race One In the womens fleet, Valerie Ghibaudo (Tabou, The Loft) produced a stellar performance to win both the semi final and the final. Joining her was the ever-consistent Karin Jaggi (F2, North Sails) who took second place, and Japans Ayako Suzuki (Starboard, Gaastra) in third.

Womens Race Two In the second of the womens eliminations, Karin Jaggi fought hard against her rivals, piecing together an outstanding race that only years of competition experience could have summoned. In her wake, Iballa Moreno (North Sails) took second place, in front of ex RSX racer, Lee Korzitz.

Womens Race Three Finishing up the days action was the third women’s elimination. Age old rivals, Jaggi and Ghibaudo (Tabou, The Loft) showed their mettle, both winning their respective heats, and paving the way for an exciting final showdown. However, the final was to take an unpredicted turn, when Jaggi and Ghibaudo both went over the start line early, opening the door for Iballa Moreno to steal her first victory of the contest, with Lee Korzitz coming in second, and Frances Alice Arutkin in third.

With the current standings after three eliminations, Karin Jaggi leads the pack, edging ahead of Iballa Moreno and Lee Korzitz. Antoine Albeau leads the mens fleet, followed by Finian Maynard and Micah Buzianis. Current standings here!

Before the event began not all the women were there yet, but we had a nice dinner with all the women at the PUB of camping La Ballena. The photo at our start page shows almost all of the following female competitors in Rosas: Maria, Alice, Lena Erdil, Haruna, Valerie, Sarah, Marta, Karin, Ophelie, Lee-el, Cagla, Aida, Magali, Astrid, Olivia, Marion, Magda, Iballa, Ayako, Dominique and Lise. (text: PWA/Mara van der Schaaf, photos: PWA)

2008-06-10T18:19:00.003+02:00

TRAINING CAMP MORENOTWINS

Iballa and Daida Ruano Moreno are organising another Training Camp for 2008. It will take place in august (26 - 30) in the twins home Gran Canaria. The camp is supposed to be limited to 40 girls, registration fee is 200 euros.

More info + pre-registration here!

Read a report from last years camp here!

(photo: Nicky Cotterill)

2008-05-30T09:34:00.004+02:00

Development Initiative for Windsurfing

By Maria Lyness.
Earlier this year, when the windsurfing season was at its peak and Cape Town full of international visitors I stumbled across Peter Garzkes initiative for windsurfing with kids from the "townships". The townships are (often underdeveloped) urban living areas that, under Apartheid, were reserved for non-whites and till today are the home to the poorest South Africans. Peter had the idea to give some kids from these difficult circumstances the chance to learn windsurfing and to build bridges through the passion of our sport. I found his project extremely interesting and asked if he could do with some help for the next session. more

2008-05-28T09:34:00.000+02:00

Delta Lloyd Holland Regatta

The first race started in about 8-9 knots, I decided that I wanted to go right so I was fighting for the committee boat end of the line. I had a super start and was able to hold my own for the most part. I was about to round the windward mark in 6th or 7th, when the boat at the top mark signalled to me that I was OCS (I was disqualified because I was over the start early). A bit of a bummer - but at least I was pushing the line. I really did not think that I was over the line early, I was perfectly in line with all the girls below me but since I was the closest boat to the committee boat, I was all they saw.

Race two of the day wasn't anything special - I had a good start but wasn't able to turn that into a good result. I finished 11th or 12th, which wasn't enough to put me into the top 10 for the medal race, especially with the OCS in the previous race. So, it was unfortunate to miss out on the medal race, but it was pretty close and with starting the regatta with a DNF (did not finish) and then an OCS, it was pretty tough to make a comeback.

Today the non-medal racers (all but the top 10) had a race of our own. The wind finally came up - it was up to 25knots with very big chop and waves on our course. Somewhat challenging - many girls decided to not sail the final race. I, of course revelled in the conditions and won the race by "a country mile" the 2nd place finisher said. It felt great to let a can of whoooop-ass out finally.

I guess my next medal race will have to be at the Olympics!!!!

My regatta stint here in Europe is now over, I head home tomorrow!!! To say that the coaching I have received in the past two regattas from Jason Rhodes was incredibly valuable would be an under-statement. I have been on such a huge learning curve and we have figured out so many things that I only wish I could have learned much earlier. I will now be able to take home key aspects to work on - I have great faith in my program and I'm sure it'll all come good on the day.

Nikola

2008-05-19T17:49:00.003+02:00

Dora Bria

Happened already 4 months ago, but we just learned about her tragic accident: Former Brazilian windsurfing champion Dora Bria suffered a traffic accident in January. Online tribute

YouTube vid:

2008-05-13T17:04:00.002+02:00

Waiting... European Championships

Sorry about the lack of communication about the last few days of the European Championships in Brest, France. The last five days of the championship were very very long - mostly because we were postponed on shore for the majority of the days. Day 3 had us waiting onshore until 7:15 pm when the first and only race of the day was raced. The scheduled start was to be at 11 am, which means that I get there at around 9 am - so it made for a very long day..

Day 4 was a rest day where I went exploring along to coast to a really beautiful surf spot called Pointe de la Torche, about 45 minutes south from Brest. We were very lucky to have a beautiful, sunny and warm day (25 degrees). Unfortunately for our next racing day, day 5 - the weather changed dramatically, it was miserable - 8 degrees and non-stop rain and no wind. Once again we were supposed to start at 11am but were postponed on shore until about 5 pm when they finally blew the day off. Day 6 of the regatta wasn't much better weather wise, but luckily the wind collaborated a bit more and we were able to sail 2 races.

I can't say that I was very happy with the racing... it was horribly cold on the water and when hands are numb holding on to the boom become an issue. I had some very strong points in both my races but wasn't able to turn them into a result on the scoreboard. On the 7th and final day of the regatta we were supposed to have one final race and the medal races for the top 10 were to be held. Once again... no wind and lots of waiting around. 3pm was the latest they could start us, but there was still no wind so the regatta ended very uneventfully. I have never been postponed during a regatta as much as this one, the waiting around all day is almost more tiring than the racing itself as it's so hard to be on constant "stand-by" mode for hours on end. A bit odd for a place that is known for it's very windy and stormy conditions.

I finished 33rd in the regatta - a result that I'm not really thrilled about, but lots of good came out of the regatta. I had my coach, Jason Rhodes with me for the regatta and a few days prior to it. We were working on very specific technique changes and the goal of the regatta was to get solid starts, work on my strategy, especially for the first leg, while sailing with my improved technique. I can honestly say that I sailed quite well, but when trying to work on changing technique or working on something particular, the short term focus is lost a bit and the immediate results suffer a bit. Not to worry though... I am very confident that I am heading the right direction.

I write this from Medemblik, Holland - the site of the next regatta, the Delta Llyod Holland Regatta (May 21-25). I arrived here bright and early this morning (5am) after a 20 hour mission to get from Brest to here, towing a coach boat with a van that would need to be in 2nd gear up hills. Oh well - nothing a bit of sleep can't fix... luckily no dramas or break downs!

Greetings from a much warmer Holland!
Nikola Girke

2008-04-30T09:32:00.005+02:00

PWA Women's Windsurfing Manager!

The PWA has hired a women's Marketing / Event manager. Mara van der Schaaf is just getting started in this new job, basically to improve the position of the female riders in the PWA.

This is what she wrote about becoming the women's manager: "It is a great opportunity for me to represent such powerful female riders and work together with them on improving the position of women in windsurfing internationally".

She has been hired for this job because of her educational and professional background:

Education
The most interesting part of her studies ( pedagogy with a Specialism (specialty) in Sport Movement and Policy.) regarding women's windsurfing is the part where she has researched the meanings given to windsurfing and in what way they are influenced by gender. For example: in a pilot study she explored 'the identification process' of male windsurfers. In the thesis 'Dare to be different' following this study, she explored in what way female windsurfers challenge or reinforce dominant constructions, or discourses in sports.

In her free time she started Mara-sports (Maximum Adventure and Real Adrenalin - sports). The main objectives of Mara-sports are management, consultancy and research, specialized in ' lifestyle' sports for women. The name Mara-sports evolved from her being a role-model to other women, from 'just doing it' ( she is a passionate windsurfer), to take a role in stimulating, motivating and coaching other female windsurfers.

Profession
There are several challenging objectives expounded for Mara. One of them is to focus on researching and developing potential women's only events and contacting the organisers. Another objective is to get in touch with potential women's sponsors, in particular focusing on products and brands that may be specific to the women's market. And last but not least: promoting and increasing coverage of women's events to both the mainstream and the women's interest press.

Some additional information:
For her to get started in a good way, she booked a flight out to Maui. Not only is she there meeting some of the women that are training for the PWA tour, but also she will start brainstorming with them about the women's division. She already had the chance to see them out on Hookipa...

If you want to contact her:
Mara@pwaworldtour.com
Skype: marapwa
Phone: +31614044945

2008-04-28T22:42:00.003+02:00

F2 files for Bankruptcy!

Some windsurfing readers of Austrian business daily "wirtschaftsblatt" were quite shocked, others found their fears reinforced: Austrian based windsurfing and snowboarding company F2 International has filed for bankruptcy. Due to Austrian AKV (Alpenlaendischer Kreditorenverband, creditors association) the adjusted liabilities amount to almost 5 million Euros (source: AKV , German only). It is expected that the company will continue its operations after a compulsory settlement (the debtor can meet at least 20 percent of the simple claims obligations), but substantially downsize its business.

2008-04-28T04:34:00.000+02:00

Butterfly Effect Maui 2008

Visit www.tatianahoward.com for more pics

2008-04-24T08:53:00.004+02:00

Last Day of Racing

Racing was scheduled to start at 11am but due to no wind, and then very unstable winds, we were postponed onshore until 3:30 pm. Finally, us girls got off a start close to 5pm after 2 general recalls. The wind was quite light - anywhere between 4-6 knots.
My plan was to start near the pin end of the line, which was favoured but also super crowded. I ended up tacking onto port within 30 seconds to go, fought hard to keep my place and had a perfect start. Up the first beat I was in the leading bunch, but when the wind continued to shift to the left, a few girls were able to pass me on the inside. I rounded the top mark in 8th.

Through out the race I was able to keep my position for the most part, I only lost one girl on a reach as she went low (which I didn't think was going to be to her advantage) and another on a run (Chinese silver medalist in Athens) to finish 10th - which I am very happy with. It is my first time that I have finished top 10 in a World Cup Grade 1 event in these conditions.
I thought that the 10th place would pull me up in the standings a bit, but with the points so close and it just happened that the girls I was around in the standings also had a good final race, I only moved up one place to 22nd overall. I was 33 points out of the top 10, which when I look back at my races could have been attainable. For my first regatta of the season, I am stoked with my result and will continue to push forward for the upcoming regatta, the European Championships.
The European Championships are in Brest, France starting May 1-10. I will be driving there in the morning.
Thank you for your support and emails!
Nikola Girke

2008-04-24T08:53:00.002+02:00

Guincho World Cup Postponed!

press release: "Regrettably, the PWA, in conjunction with Club Overpower, has been forced to announce the postponement of the Guincho World Cup, previously scheduled for early June. Due to reorganization of the Portuguese Tourism Authorities, it has been impossible for Club Overpower (the event organizers) to get confirmation of the event funding in time for the event to take place in June as had been planned. Club Overpower, in collaboration with the PWA, are now looking at possible rescheduling and / or relocation of the Portuguese leg of the tour for dates later in the year. Further details of dates, locations and disciplines will be announced as and when available. The existing relationship between the PWA and Cub Overpower will continue and the event will be back in the future."

2008-04-21T09:53:00.002+02:00

French Olympic Sailing Week

Today was the first day of racing for the Semaine Olympique Francaise (French Olympic Sailing Week). I've been here in Hyeres, France for a week now training up for this regatta. In the 6 times that I've sailed this regatta, I've seen every condition - but it's mostly both extremes, either it's quite warm and no wind or it's absolutely windy from one of two directions... from the south it's windy with huge steep waves and generally rainy or from the northwest the "Mistral" blows, offshore, flat water and chop - days can be blown out from either of these directions.

The day started off sunny with great breeze of about 15 knots from the South. Racing was to get underway at 11am, but us girls waited around till about 11:50 before we started as we had to wait for two men's fleet got underway. I had a game plan to start on starboard near the pin end of the line, go out left to avoid the huge waves and be on my way. Unfortunately, right at the start FRA50 (on port) collided into me (on starboard). I had the right of way but it doesn't really help me when I'm swimming. So, up out of the water I got and continued to race - with the fleet already hundreds of meters ahead of me. I sailed really well, had great speed and made some great tactical decisions to finish in 17th place...not too shabby out of 60 girls and the start that I had.

Race two; I had a pretty lame start as I misjudged my timing and did not have my own lane...which forced me to tack out onto port and go right to clear my air. I was struggling now in the big waves as a squall came through and with wind against tide, the waves were now very steep ramps, launching us wave by wave. Needless to say, it was a graveyard around the course. I was in the water at least 6 times, until I finally moved my mast track more forward which helped control me a bit better in the waves. After being quite deep at the start, and albeit my many swimming sessions, I still was able to reel in over half the fleet to finish around 26th. The race was so tough that many girls ended up not finishing and going ashore early.

I am pooped after today...and it's only day one! It was super fun though and with at least 8 more races, many changes in the results can happen. (I sit in 22nd at the moment). Tomorrow it's forcasted to be much the same, but even more windy. Should be interesting with the waves as they will have even more time to build overnight.

Nikola Girke

2008-04-19T17:04:00.003+02:00

Morocco Video

Our new Morocco story has made you curious?

Iballa Moreno, Silvia Alba, Nicole Boronat and Stephane Etienne have been there, too.

And you can find a nice little video about that trip to wave-rich shores at the Moreno Twins' website!

2008-04-12T00:01:00.000+02:00

Butterfly Effect Maui

2008-04-04T22:48:00.002+02:00

Nayra Alonso recovering after Surgery

After breaking her right foot in South Africa, and after a surgery back home in Gran Canaria (plate with 5 screws) Sylt-2007-winner Nayra Alonso is on the mend: "It is healing well, still needs to stick a lot more, but it is going well. I can start putting some weight on it really gentle, so that is so f*cking good! Cant wait to put my foot on the floor! We start working tomorrow with the physio guys." All the best, Nayra!

2008-03-25T20:23:00.003+01:00

Young Guns Camp Fuerte

Already for the 6th time in a row the successful "Young Guns Camp" is taking place between the 28.06.2008 and the 12.07.2008 on Fuerteventura. Young talents can improve their Freestyle, Slalom and Speed riding abilities and are looked after 24 hrs a day. Trained by a professional instructor team, especially flown in for this camp.
Info: www.rene-egli.com

The 23rd (!!) Windsurf & Kiteboarding World Cup, organized by Pro Center Rene Egli & the local authority of Pajara, will also be held on Fuerteventura (Sotavento) from:
19.07. - 23.07.2008: PWA Slalom 42 Grand Slam
14.07. - 28.07.2008: PWA Freestyle Grand Slam
26.07. - 02.08.2008: ISA Speed Grand Prix

2008-03-13T00:07:00.002+01:00

Tenerife World Cup Postponed

The women-only-wordcup event in Tenerife will not take place the way so many women windsurf pros had hoped: A message from the PWA says:

"The 2008 Tenerife PWA Womens PWA World Cup has now been rescheduled due to changing requirements of the local organisation. The event, previously scheduled for April, is now expected to take place later in the year as a joint mens and womens event."

We will keep you updated...

2008-03-03T08:22:00.003+01:00

Butterfly Effect New Zealand Camp and Clinic

This past weekend we had a Butterfly Effect Camp and Clinic. It was great fun and a great learning experience for everyone. To see more photos visit www.tatianahoward.com/blog or CLICK HERE. Next time the Butterfly Effect will be in your windsurf area! Keep your eyes and ears open!

2008-03-01T09:47:00.004+01:00

"An Evening for Jacquline"

It has been ten months since we held our first fundraiser for Jacquline Steves, the 6-year-old Maui girl who was diagnosed last year with Ewings Sarcoma -- an extremely aggressive form of bone cancer.
Join us for another benefit show at Jacques Bistro in Paia/Maui on Saturday, March 15th at 8:00PM to support Jacqulines continued fight with cancer.
Live music will be performed by various artists, and 100% of your admission donation will go directly to Jacquline
Over the past year, Jacquline has undergone fourteen rounds of painful chemotherapy treatments to fight the cancer, which had spread to her lungs. She has also endured eight intensive surgeries, one of which involved replacing half of her pelvis to remove the cancer from the bone. Jacquline will celebrate her 7th birthday on April 16. She is an amazing little girl who has been through a lot this past year, and is truly an inspiration us all.
You can learn more by visiting Jacqulines website: www.4jacquline.com

2008-02-24T21:43:00.004+01:00

Windsurfing New Zealand

New Zealand has been so awesome so far! I have been traveling from North to South getting excellent wind and waves. Taranaki was port tack with big waves that I could ride on for miles. Then there was Eastbourne that had completely opposite conditions. Eastbourne had flat water and was a starboard tack. Both places were fun and unique in their own way. What I liked best about Eastbourne is that there is an island that you can sail to.

Later this week I will be flying down to Chirstchurch to do an all-women windsurfing camp and clinic on Lake Clearwater. If you are around the area feel free to contact myself through my website (www.tatianahoward.com) or Groundswell at www.kitesurf.co.nz for more info.

2008-02-21T21:59:00.003+01:00

Uli's Blog!

Check out Uli Hoelzls new weblog:
http://ulihoelzl.blogspot.com