Beach Telegraph

Back in Effect

Many wave-crammed days and a training course later and Beach Telegraph is back in action.

With the dust settling from the Cabo Verde event it's time to get back up-to-speed with everything going on.

So much has happened that I gotta draw a line in the sand and just start from here instead of catching-up.

Actually, just sticking in Cabo Verde for a minute, you'll see that Graham Ezzy won the Super Session.

www.Windinfo.eu sent the flyer above for the Boardshort Picnic Windsurfing Camp (German language) in Gargano Italy.

Continent Seven editor and PWA racer Chris Pressler's been enjoying himself and winning in Vietnam.

Epic Sessions has been giving great webcast service in Maui during the past week. And GP thinks it's about time the PWA offered even a low budget version themselves. What do you think? Should they wait until they get a high-quality rig and the extra budget to staff it and host it, or should they just give us action in any way possible?

Just bear in mind though that although it's easy to park at Ho'okipa and do this, but other competition areas are harder to capture as the contest areas are huge and you'd need extra people to film edit and commentate, plus all the additional radios and someone to coordinate - which all costs money even on a low budget scale.

Don't forget to check GP out on the Flowrider at Kihei too.

Hotsails have been enjoying some Tandem action.

Before the 'line in the sand' WIND mag sent these links to videos of  Thomas Traversa and friends in Big Wave action in France and the consequences.

Boujmaa Guillol is now Blogging.

I saw this Reggae outfit on Twitter thanks to Ms. Porter. I wonder if he inhaled?

Let's not forget 'The Hustle Project' where I hassle the industry for free gear for you guys. Although I've been offline for a week I'm still holding the Fanatic T-Shirt comp open for at least today.

Here's a reminder of the question and details:

How many PWA Events were won by Fanatic Riders in 2008?

Please leave your answer in the Comments section below AND mail me at [email protected] stating why you want the shirt and like the brand for when I choose the winners. Thanks.

Rules: 1. No pros or sponsored riders or dealers are allowed to answer. We will know who you are! 2. I'll think up more rules as I go along.

More soon. Please leave links to anything you think I've missed in the Comments section below.

Outta Here

OK so I've seen a forecast for wind and waves and have decided to hit the road for a few days while the PWA have the spotlight in Cabo Verde with their live ticker updates, daily summaries, up-to-the-minute elimination ladders and photo galleries.

There's a couple of Bloggers covering the event too like  Spirit of Ponta Preta, Pietro Porcella (Italian language) and Andre Paskowski - plus don't forget the official event website.

The forecast says it's gonna be pumping there this weekend and early/midweek again. Hopefully it's gonna go off where I'm headed too...

Elsewhere, www.EpicSessions.tv are streaming live from Ho'okipa, Maui! You can live chat the camera and ask for specific zooming-in et cetera. It's in 'Beta' so please be patient. 

Please be sure to send a big thank you to David Troup for bringing you this service.

Quite a few sites are running the Pre Cabo Verde PR sent out by Fanatic. You can see that release and the pics at Boardseeker and www.Surferworld.it

SailLoft invite you to visit their newly-launched website.

If you're hungry for more news and content then please look at the list on the Links page - and feel free to add more suggested links in the Comments sections.  Thanks.

Enjoy the contest and I'll be back in action as soon as the wind and waves back off. I'll also announce the winners of the Fanatic T-Shirt competiton then too...so please keep sending your answers and I'll pick the winner when I'm back.

Sunrise to Sunset

GP gets up early and enjoys Pro-less Ho'okipa. I'm glad he liked yesterday's weather link too...

Windsurf Journal put Kauli And Victor Head-to-Head.

Freestyle film wizard Andre Paskowski announces another new release due March 9th - including 5 new moves from Gollito.

An interview with Josh Angulo at Maui.ee

Some good fun had in Asia with Chris Pressler and the Starboard crew.

Various pics from a heavy session at the 'Isle of Cows' in France including Thomas Traversa, Thierry Belbe'och and Erwan Jauffroy at U-Ride and WIND. (And in another post at WIND.)

Gollito went racing.

Hot Sails have signed a new Speed Sailor.

I see the Starboard Futura Charity Auction has crossed the 2 Thousand bucks mark. I don't know what the charity or cause is? I'll ask them. I wonder if it's something environmental like Surfrider as mentioned in our Poll?

An event to mark something important for Italian readers.

Someone lucky's off to Maui.

Shut Down

***EDIT*** The link apearing here earlier to a story regarding the alleged retirement of PWA Freestyle sailor Normen Gunzlein has been removed at Normen Günzlein's personal request.

Günzlein stated that the Q&A interview with him that  appeared on windsurfersmag.de was factually incorrect and has demanded that it also be removed. 

In the meantime I have asked that Normen clarify the situation directly for you himself on these pages as soon as possible.

Here's some hope for the next generation  - according to WIND magazine (French language) Camille Juban has finally earned entry to the PWA Cabo Verde World Cup.

Get bidding people - it's for charity.

Island life.

More Go Pro action from GP.

Manu'i day from The Black Local.

Totally Twisted...

A week or two ago I forgot to mention this UMI Pictures video of Victor Fernandez in Brazil on Boardseeker. Watch out for more from UMI in the coming weeks.

Windsurf Journal have an exclusive interview with Karin Jaggi. Here's the Google translated page.

Fresh from the water at the Farmers' Market.

Winter Rocks.

Maybe I should've put these boards inside before it snowed and froze over? I guess it's that cold in the cargo hold of a plane right?

Good news. The waves on Maui will be a little less crowded around photoshoot time this Spring.

The Bad news. Starboard and Severne won't be there to gather images of their new equipment. It's OK. There's more good news. WIND mag report that the two brands have more or less already completed their shoot in Western Australia and plan another in Bonaire.

WooHoo. (Hope there's more of the same from the 14th onwards...)

Spanish PWA rider Rafael Cervero wants you to check out his Freestyle video. Thanks Rafa.

Isn't she a beauty? And not a Quad-fin in sight.

I agree. Winter Rocks. Apart from when you gotta dust snow off your gear.

More clinics in the sun  -this time with Boards magazine's Simon Bornhoft.

Someone else warming-up for Ponta Preta.

If you can't stop thinking about Cabo Verde then here's some more to fuel your addiction.

We've got another T-Shirt winner too. Congratulations Rob Hennessy who correctly answered that Fanatic's shaper Seb Wenzel has been using CAD since 2004.

Rob said "I'm a student so I've run out of clean Ts and I can't be bothered to do my laundry".

Great reason Rob - you've got yourself another days wear. I'll be in contact about the details.

Globe-Trotting

Windsurf Journal (French Language and Google translated page) have a useful news link to a windsurfing travel resource on Maui, Morocco, Maui, Australia and more by globe-trotting Frenchman Jérôme Pajaud.

Roberto Hoffman, who's also the PWA's excellent commentator, is hosting clinics with Italian Tour Operator Hollywind in Dahab, Egypt next month.

Here's some more pics of Kauli's Quad - looks like the Quatro logo's been removed now...

The Fanatic T-Shirt comp is still open...a lot of you are really showing your age.

Fins and Spins

Surfer Today announced this great looking contest down in gnarly, sharky, Tasmania.

UK board builders Moo suggested you take a look at their Super Moo.

The Peconic Puffin got caught in a [Sharky] spin.

I noticed on WSJ that Seadi is trying out Quad fins at Cabo Verde. It's funny 'cos today I was going to ask if anyone had read the 'Naked Ambition' profile I wrote [last year] of Kauli in the latest Boards Magazine?

In that feature Kauli says he'll not be playing with Thrusters or Quads, but sticking with Twinzers.

We also talked about how he likes to wear those Speedos and stay in the buff around the house. Anyone read that piece? What do you think? (About the article and the Quads - not the nudity. Well you can talk about that too if you really want.)

I got a mail from George who's suffering from serious Maui withdrawal symptoms. Hang in there and get well soon George.

Maui Ultra Fins have welcomed Florian Jung onto their team.

I was thinking. Let's hustle the industry and get you guys some stash. How about some free T-shirts or bags or something?

I can post questions here, you answer, I choose the winners and the brands send you the booty? Sound good?

Let's see who's reading and what they've got. No easy questions mind you. You've got to deserve this gear and know your stuff. Please leave any suggestions in the Comments section below. Thanks.

Brand Managers - please drop me a line and let's tee it up.

PS. I just got this PR from the Fuerteventura Wave Classic with the confirmed entries. Nice event poster too.

Hi all,

Please find enclosed the final entry list of the confirmed riders we will welcome on the first edition of the Fuerteventura Wave Classic, Feb. 28th to March 10th 2009.

16 riders : 4 locals and 12 of the world top waveriders, which makes 8 teams of 2 riders (very certainly drawn lots)

International guests
_Jonas CEBALLOS
_Klaas VOGET
_Marcilio BROWNE
_John SKYE
_Alex MUSSOLINI
_Boujmaa GUILLOUL
_Francisco PORCELLA
_Philip KÖSTER
_Anthony RUENES
_Dario OJEDA
_Thomas TRAVERSA
_JB CASTE

Local guests
_Yannick ANTON
_Will WARD
_Stéphane ETIENNE
_Ilya ESCARIO

You can find all the informations, poster, logos, pictures, portraits and details of the Fuerteventura Wave Classic on our "blogsite" www.fuertewaveclassic.com ! Stay tuned!

Uncut

Maui's Top Dog Blogger GP Cammaro gives it to you uncut.

And Tom from Hot Sails went boom-cam crazy too.

Chris Pressler's been testing Starboards  in 'Nam.

The Black Local enjoyed Ho'okipa too.

JP sent out a Press Release containing an interview with Antoine Albeau.

I've uploaded the [Word] file so you can read it uncut. Antoine's contract with JP/NeilPryde started February 1st.

WIND magazine (French) have an interesting piece on how up-and-coming youngster Camille Juban was refused entry to the Cabo Verde World Cup.

 With old-skool riders like Goya being allowed in instead, Juban is feeling the cold wind outside of the PWA Top-32.

However some youngsters such as Kai Lenny and Graham Ezzy have been given Wildcards, which is great in terms of seeing fresh blood, but a bitter pill to swallow for a youngster with experience.

What are your views on this? Should Juban have been given his chance? Please leave any comments below. Thanks. (No sign-in required.)

Continent Seven posted something 'Baltic' to contrast those balmy images of Maui. Check out the link 'Halliday' on their front page.

Boards Mag report a new Ocean Source clinic in Morocco with John Skye and Nayra Alonso.

Mind you, 'Skyeboy' is out for a while after picking up an injury in Cape Town. Let's hope that heals swiftly before Cabo Verde.

Planche Mag 316 is out on the stands.

That's all for now folks. Please leave any news of other new print issues out or hot links in the Comments section underneath. Thanks.

Are you Bored?

Gregg Dunnet from Ocean Source scored on a site visit to Morocco.

Tatiana Howard needs to concentrate more in class.

It's not quite over for the Legend of board repairs.

Epic Sessions feature video from the Gorge Freestyle Frenzy. Thanks to Clyde for the link.

Mooooooo...

Simon Alexander debates a tough environmental dilemma involving the River Severn Bore. And I wonder what the flipsides are for this project too?

Alex Mussolini picked up his new sails for Cabo Verde.

Some nice advanced SUP, surf and tow-in action on video from Atlantic PaddleSurf/Paddle Surf Hawaii.

Windy today so please leave any links we should know about in the Comments section underneath. (No sign-in required.) Thanks.

Snapped

Caught on film. It's official. Severne have signed one of Windsurfing's most successful riders ever - Karin Jaggi, seen above in Western Australia.

Elsewhere, Makani made videos while the sun didn't shine.

Josh Angulo's been unlocking and unloading his Magnums. Schmokin.

C7 Interview World Wavesailing Champ Kauli Seadi. Seadi states that Werner Gnigler 'shapes exactly what I ask for' but there is no mention of his ongoing relationship with Quatro.

Deepfried report that Carbon Art are looking for team riders.

Top photographer John Carter is hustled into the Starboard corner to confess everything. (Video).

U-Ride treat you to video action from Tasmania, Vintage Fiji PWA footage, and news from Surfrider foundation. (If you haven't already, please don't forget to vote in the Environmental Poll on this page).

More later. Otherwise, if there are any hot links to be checked-out then please leave them in the Comments section underneath. Thanks.

Here's Karin on her new Code Red.

Fresh Air

JP have a video from the Big Bay Classic won by international team rider Phil Horrocks on his geniune Werner Gnigler boards...

World Champ Kauli Seadi just went on a boat trip to the Caribbean. I'm not sure if this is set to be published in magazines but personally I'd prefer to read this kind of story in print.

Lot's of websites got sent the PR for this trip but I hope by putting it online so briefly it's not spoiling what could be an extensive feature in a 'real' windsurfing publication.

Windgirls magazine focus on a future star - another feature that would be a good read on a beach between sessions. What do you think?

GP  takes you for a ride at Kanaha. A perfect piece of online windsurfing journalism.

You gotta love U-Ride for scoring original content. Today they're showing a Freestyle clip of the Bonaire crew raising the bar for the 2009 PWA Tour.

Fuerteventura Wave Classic Press Officer Steve Palier enjoyed some storm-force sailing at Brutal Beach in the South of France. Steve also sent links to more pictures of the action from Prisca and Fred.

Something handy for Tow-In teams.

Some good news for Ben Proffitt.

Shaka Sir

U-Ride are showing some clips and videos of the recent storms in France on their homepage.

Windsurfing Democrat John Kerry didn't make it into the White House but someone else shows-off their Hawaiian upbringing here. (Remember his bodysurfing skills too?)

Robby Swift finished editing his footage of Lanes from last week.

World Freestyle Windsurfing Champ Gollito enjoyed a special day out. Congratulations Gollito.

No wind in Cape Town means chaos for up-and-coming young British Pro Chris Murray.

Here's some sadder news from South Africa though.

Steve Bodner has some photos to share from the Alex Caviglia Blue Water Classic in Miami. Thanks Steve.

Here's those Irish Speedsailing event dates mentioned yesterday.

Check back for more later. Please paste any interesting links in the Comments section below. Thanks.

Perfect Storm

A big storm caused havoc across France and Spain this weekend with many windsurfers dodging the chaos to enjoy a few survival sessions. (More pics here and here. Muchas gracias to Rafa for the links.)

GP Cammaro has a bit of a back-log of stuff to post for you but he's working on it...starting with some cool pics of Levi Siver at Ho'okipa.

The Italians are taking over the world. Here's another cool Blog to follow by old-skool Windsurfing legend and Sardinia Waterman event organizer Pietro Porcella - father of PWA star Francisco Porcella. (Francisco just signed for Drops by the way.)

Surferworld report about Victor Fernandez's planned trip to the Fanatic Boarders Center on St. Martin.

Heating it all up for the PWA event next month, Josh Angulo files another Cabo Verde report - including a video of Traz Leo, or 'Little Ho'okipa" for you.

Continent Seven report on the latest entry status for the Fuerteventura Wave Classic event.

Mikey Clancey is churning out the videos for you guys. Check out his latest effort from Ireland and let him know that you like them - especially as he's about to hit Cape Town and is sure to collect more sick footage.

It's not all about waves on The Emerald Isle. Irish Speed record holder John Kenny recorded the 'fastest 500m time ever done on Irish waters by any sail powered craft with a speed of 39.15 knots this weekend - and that was under powered on a Severne 5.6 Code Red. Dungarvan looks like it has a lot more to offer...'

John discovered the Speed World Cup event site at Dungarvan, which was then organized by Martin Waldron who has since announced 5 dates for Speed events in 2009, and an Irish GPS Speed ladder. There's a new website set to go live any day now but in the meantime you can find out more at John's website.

Please check back for more later...or leave any links in the Coments section underneath. Thanks.

Green Light

It's great to see so many contests being confirmed for 2009. A really positive sign in fact.

The latest event getting the green light is The 2009 South American Championships confirmed for March 20th to March 23rd in Potrerillos, Mendoza, Argentina. 

This festival event will decide the continental champions for 3 classes : Formula, Raceboard, and Techno 293. You can find out more at www.amwindsurf.com.ar

France is also lucky to have a Speed event confirmed too. (French).

Stehsegelrevue (German language )interviewed Andre Paskowski about his Road Trip film.

George Markopoulos  has been enjoying his Maui experience.

Here's some nice shots of Klaas Voget and Victor Fernandez training at Melkbos in Cape Town from the Fanatic website.

French PWA Pro Leo Ray took on the chill and currents of France's River Rhone. Don't forget, if you're a fresh water freak, there's always gallons of fast flowing action to be seen at RiverRippers.net

Epic Sessions are all excited by new Waterproof HD cameras.

Continent Seven have a Cape Town spot tour and their Blog confirms the comments that Thomas Traversa left here clarifying that he's staying with Tabou. Thanks for clearing that up for us Thomas and good luck for 2009.

Jonas Ceballos has a clip of Pozo action posted a few places but where better to see it than at his Blog?

More Later. As usual, any interesting links left in the Comments section below are much appreciated.