Wie gestern prognostiziert, wurde es ein grauer und nasser Tag heute am Jinha Beach / Ulsan. Leider ist der angesagte Wind nicht gekommen. Zwar nahm  er im Lauf des Vormittags etwas zu, ausreichend um die Wettfahrtleitung aufs Wasser zu locken um die Bedingungen zu überprüfen. Jedoch kam die durchschnittliche Windgeschwindigkeit nie in die Nähe der für Wettfahrten nötigen Stärke. Damit wurde auch der dritte Tag des 2015 Ulsan PWA World Cup zum Wartespiel für die Teilnehmer und Zuschauer. As forecast yesterday, it was a grey and wet affair today at Jinha Beach. But the wind that was promised to blow in the morning never showed up. Though there was a slight increase of wind in the course of the morning that was enough to lure the race committee out to check the conditions, the average wind speed never came close to levels suitable for competition. And so the third day of the 2015 Ulsan PWA World Cup was spent in a holding pattern. With one eye on the conditions, most sailors used the lack of wind to their advantage and tuned into that other major sports event taking place on the far end of the world. During a big communal lunch in a Jinha Beach hotel, the PWA's boxing enthusiasts watched Mayweather beat Pacquiao in what was hyped to be the fight of the century. Straight after the closing bell, the entire fleet made their way to the main stage on the south end of the beach for the official opening ceremony of the 2015 Ulsan PWA World Cup. Undeterred by the rain, hundreds of spectators and numerous officials had made their way to Jinha Beach to greet the world's slalom elite and wish them luck in the competition. The show delivered fireworks in both the literal and figurative sense of the word, with encouraging speeches from many officials and great performances by local acts. Flick through the image gallery for today's pictures of the opening ceremony and life at Jinha Beach as the event is set to move into its final three days. Also be sure to check the equipment the sailors chose to register for the event here. Tomorrow marks the return of sunny weather and with it an offshore wind that looks sailable on paper. Another day means another chance to get a result in, so join us again tomorrow as we'll kick off the day with the skipper's meeting at 09:00. 

Die Hoffnungen waren groß für den vorletzten Tag des PWA Surf World Cup Podersdorf. Leider hielt sich der Wind nicht an die vielversprechende Vorhersage und pendelte den ganzen Tag über am Limit herum, einige Fahrer waren zwar auf dem Wasser, die Heats wurden jedes Mal wieder abgebrochen. Max Matissek (Fanatic / North), Paul Simmerl (JP / NeilPryde), Nic Hibdige (Tabou / GA Sails) und Romain Pinocheau (F2 / Avanti / Maui Ultra Fins) waren in der unglücklichen Gruppe des Heat fünf, der von insgesamt fünf Mal vier Mal abgebrochen wurde. Die Vorhersage für heute sagt mäßigen Wind aus Südost voraus, allerdings wird es ein Wettlauf gegen die Zeit, um am letzten Tag noch ein Ergebnis einzufahren. wenn wir Glück mit dem Wind. Sollte das nicht klappen, wäre es das erste Mal seit September 2011, dass ein Freestyle-Event ohne Ergebnis bleibt. Skippers Meeting ist um 10.00 Uhr, mit dem ersten möglichen Start um 10.30 Uhr. Day 4: Close but no cigar on the penultimate day in Austria Hopes were high on the penultimate day of the PWA Surf World Cup Podersdorf with a promising looking forecast, however the wind Gods weren’t on our side today as the breeze remained right on the limit for several hours, teasing most of the competitors out onto the water at some stage.  Max Matissek (Fanatic / North), Paul Simmerl (JP / NeilPryde), Nic Hibdige (Tabou / GA Sails) and Romain Pinocheau (F2 / Avanti / Maui Ultra Fins) were perhaps the unluckiest group of sailors as they involved in heat five, which was cancelled four times today alone and five times in total. However, each attempt proved to be unsuccessful with the wind refusing to play ball. Heats six and seven were also started but with only moves such as grubbys, e-sliders and flakas being landed those heats soon suffered the same fate - with the decision being taken that the sailors were not being given a fair chance to demonstrate their true potential. The sailors remained on hold until 4:45pm, but with the conditions failing to improve the fleet was released for the day.  Tomorrow’s forecast offers light to moderate winds from the Southeast, but it now looks as though it will be a race against time to gain a result if we are lucky with the wind. If a result is failed to be gained, it would be the first time since September 2011 that a freestyle event won’t have a result. The skippers’ meeting has been called for 10am tomorrow morning with the first possible start at 10:30am. Don't miss any of the action by tuning into www.pwaworldtour.com.

Strahlender Sonnenschein begrüßte die Teilnehmer und Besucher auch am zweiten Tag des Surf & SUP Openings am Wulfener Hals auf Fehmarn. Bei drei Windstärken konnten zwei Wettfahrten in der Disziplin Racing durchgeführt werden. Der Kieler Vincent Langer (GER-1) dominierte beide Wettfahrten und führt nach dem ersten Tag vor Fabian Mattes (GER-202) und Oliver-Tom Schliemann (GER-1001).

In der ersten Wettfahrt herrschten 12 bis 16 Knoten (knapp vier Windstärken). Vincent Langer und Nicolas Prien (GER-7) hatten einen sehr guten Start und konnten sich frühzeitig vom Feld absetzen. Gunnar Asmussen (GER-88) und Oliver-Tom Schliemann (GER-1001) lieferten sich einen packenden Kampf um die Positionen drei und vier. Kurz vor dem Ziel leistete sich Nicolas Prien einen taktischen Fehler. Der Schönberger wurde deshalb auf Position vier durchgereicht. Klarer Sieger wurde so Vincent Langer, vor Oliver-Tom Schliemann und Gunnar Asmussen. Nicolas Prien konnte noch Platz vier vor Fabian Mattes verteidigen.

Bei leicht nachlassendem Wind konnte direkt im Anschluss eine weitere Wettfahrt gestartet werden. Auch in diesem Rennen profitierte Vincent Langer von seiner jahrelangen Erfahrung und übernahm direkt in Führung. Auf Platz zwei folgte Johannes Schade (GER-185), der hiermit unter Beweis stellte, dass er auch nach einjähriger Wettkampfpause noch ganz vorne mitmischen kann. Fabian Mattes und Nico Prien blieben den beiden Führenden dicht auf den Fersen. In der zweiten Runde wurde es dann noch einmal richtig spannend. Die Führenden verschätzten sich beim Anpeilen der Luvtonne und mussten noch mehrfach wenden. Nicolas Prien nutzte die Gelegenheit, um sich an die Spitze des Feldes zu kämpfen. Allerdings verspielte der Youngster die Chance auf den Sieg auf dem letzten Downwindschenkel. So konnte Langer sich einen zweiten Laufsieg sichern. Fabian Mattes eroberte Platz 2 vor dem Polen Pavel Dittrich (POL-381). Platz vier ging an Nicolas Prien vor Oliver Tom Schliemann.

Am Ende des zweiten Tages führt Vincent Langer mit der Idealpunktzahl 1,4. „Die zwei Rennen waren extrem anstrengend, obwohl ich ganz gut in Form bin. Nico hat mir den Sieg im zweiten Rennen außerdem nicht leicht gemacht. Ich freue mich momentan an der Spitze zu stehen und bin gespannt auf morgen!“ fasst der erschöpfte aber glückliche Langer zusammen. Kopf an Kopf folgen dahinter Fabian Mattes und Oliver-Tom Schliemann mit jeweils 7,0 Punkten. Nur aufgrund der Tie-Break-Regelung kann Fabian Mattes aktuell Platz zwei erobern. „Guter Saisonstart. Vor allem Rennen zwei! Natürlich darf man das Ergebnis noch nicht überbewerten. Aber am Sonntag wird es bestimmt spannend!“

Trotzdem war Schliemann hochzufrieden: „Für mich lief es viel besser als erwartet. Ich konnte mich nicht so intensiv auf die Saison vorbereiten wie sonst. Mit den böigen Bedingungen kam ich exzellent klar. Morgen gerne mehr davon!“ Mit zwei vierten Plätzen zeigte Nicolas Prien konstant starke Leistung und erobert so mit 8,0 Punkten Platz vier. Einen weiteren Punktgleichstand gibt es beim Kampf um Platz fünf. Hier kann sich der Pole Pavel Dittrich (POL-381) gegen den Hannoveraner Helge Wilkens (GER-63) durchsetzen. 

Doch noch ist nichts entschieden. Denn der Finaltag beim GWA Windsurf Cup Wulfener Hals verspricht spannend zu werden. Am Sonntag soll der Wind drehen und im Laufe des Tages deutlich zunehmen. Dann könnte neben dem Formula Racing auch die zweite Disziplin Slalom zur Austragung kommen. Hier sind über 100 Starter gemeldet. Die Siegerehrung für den GWA Windsurf Cup Wulfener Hals ist für 16:30 angesetzt.

Der zweite Tag des 2015 Ulsan PWA World Cup begann vielversprechend, am Ende reichte der Wind aber doch nicht aus. Mit einer guten Prognose und einem frühen Beginn der Thermik sah es so aus, als könnten die ersten Heats gestartet werden. Während die Böen mehr als stark genug waren, war dazwischen fast kein Wind. Teilweise ließen es die Slalompiloten auf dem Wasser ordentlich krachen und man konnte den Eindruck bekommen, dass tatsächlich gute Bedingungen für die Wettfahrten herrschen. So oblag der Regattacrew die schwierige Aufgabe, die Teilnehmer so lange auf „stand by“ zu halten, bis über dem gesamten Kurs ausreichend Wind war. Kurz nach Mittag gab die Wettfahrtleitung grünes Licht für den ersten Heat der Herren. Aber kaum waren die Teilnehmer an der Startlinie, verschlechterten sich die Bedingungen, so dass der Wettfahrtleitung keine andere Wahl blieb, als den Lauf abzuschießen. Den ganzen Nachmittag über spielte der Wind ein frustrierendes Wartespiel, immer wieder frische es auf, richtig durchgezogen hat es aber dann doch nicht. Tantalisingly close, yet so frustratingly far. The second day of the 2015 Ulsan PWA World Cup started off promising, but failed to deliver in the end. With a good forecast and the thermal winds kicking in already early in the day, the stage seemed set for the first heats of the event. And while the wind was indeed more than strong enough in the gusts, it was the lulls that threw the much unwanted spanners in the works. While the sailors made the conditions seem great at times, the race crew had the tough task of holding off on racing until the wind was strong enough throughout the entire racecourse. Just after lunchtime, the crew gave the green light and decided to try and sail the first men's heat. But just as the contestants arrived at the starting line, the conditions deteriorated, leaving the race committee no choice but to stand down again. The rest of the afternoon the wind played a frustrating waiting game with the fleet, coming close a few times, but never really pushing through. While the conditions may not have been suitable for professional racing today, Jinha Beach demonstrated once again its potential as a first class slalom location with its clear water, sandy beaches and sideshore winds. Tomorrow it looks like the weather will turn, bringing some rain, but hopefully wind as well. Conditions appear to be most promising in the morning, so we're reconvening at the beach at 08:30 for the skippers meeting. If the wind is up, it's the men who get to kick off the event at 09:00 sharp. Pictures of the second day of the 2015 Ulsan PWA World Cup are up in the image gallery. Hopefully tomorrow we can add some racing shots as well.

Wie erwartet blieb der Wind am dritten Tag des Podersdorf PWA World Cup leicht. Der Tag stand deshalb voll im Zeichen des Chiemsee Tow-in Freestyle. Auf dem Veranstaltungsgelände wird es zwischenzeitlich immer voller,  die Side Events und Partys rund um den Worldcup sind in vollem Gange. Day 3: Tow-in qualifications completed as hopes turn towards tomorrow for completion of single elimination As expected the wind remained light on the third day of Podersdorf PWA Surf World Cup meaning the tow-in freestyle took centre stage again. Throughout the day the event site gradually began to get busier and busier as everyone prepared to celebrate the start of their Bank Holiday weekend in style. Tow-in Qualification Heat 1 The first qualification heat of the day saw six-time PWA Freestyle World Champion - Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic / North / MFC) - qualify in style for the final as he stomped an amazing flaka-shaka-flaka. Also joining the Venezuelan in the final will be Taty Frans (Starboard / GA Sails / Mystic) and Julien Mas (JP / Avanti) - both of whom advanced with triple air funnels. Heat 2 Davy Scheffers (Tabou / GA Sails) qualified in top spot from the final qualifying heat in front of a packed out evening crowd. The Dutchman flew threw a super clean double air funnel to advance ahead of Kiri Thode (Starboard / GA Sails), who also qualified with a double air funnel. Adam Sims (Patrik / Sailloft Hamburg / Flymount) grabbed the final qualifying place as he showed a refreshingly different approach by abandoning the air funnel and popping a double spock. Lucky Loser Antoine Albert (Tabou / GA Sails) also qualifies for the Chiemsee Tow-in Final as the lucky loser. The New Caledonian was another sailor to completely mix things up as he rotated through a full switch kono and his risky tactics deservedly paid off. Tomorrow looks promising with moderate to strong north-westerly winds being predicted from 11am onwards. However, to ensure that no competable wind is missed the skippers’ meeting will be held at 8am with the action commencing from 8:30am - if conditions are suitable. Don’t miss any of the action by tuning into www.pwaworldtour.com.

Der erste Tag des Surf & SUP Openings auf Fehmarn begann verheissungsvoll. Nach der offiziellen Einschreibung wurde ein neuer Teilnehmerrekord von 111 Windsurfern gemeldet. Eine Schnapszahl schlechthin.

„Wir freuen uns, dass wir mit dem Long Distance Race eine immer größer werdende Beliebtheit erlangen. Besonders nach der langen Winterpause ist es ein großes Wiedersehen mit allen Teilnehmern und unserer Crew“, so Matthias Regber (Veranstalter).

Die Sonneninsel Fehmarn zeigte sich wieder einmal von Ihrer besten Seite. Überall genossen die Besucher die ersten warmen Sonnenstrahlen. Leider blieb der Wind bei den sommerlichen Temperaturen auf der Strecke. Es konnten keine offiziellen Wettfahrten gefahren werden. Dadurch ergab sich für die Teilnehmer die Möglichkeit, über das neueste Material zu fachsimpeln und sich über die besten Tuning-Möglichkeiten auszutauschen.

„Auf Fehmarn scheint einfach immer die Sonne. Durch die einmalige Infrastruktur mit dem Materiallager direkt am Wasser und auf dem Gras zieht es immer mehr Teilnehmer an den Wulfener Hals. Das zeigt sich auch immer wieder bei unseren Flaggenseminaren, “ so Holger Lass (Regattaleiter).
„Auch für Begleitpersonen ist der Campingplatz optimal. Während die Profis auf der Ostsee fahren, können alle Kids auf dem Burger Binnensee ihre ersten Windsurferfahrungen sammeln“, ergänzt Thomas Gläser (GER-25).

Neben der Regatta bietet das Surf & SUP Opening  zudem ein Testival. Speziell BIC Sport freute sich bei dem optimalen SUP-Wetter über die vielen Besucher. „Der knietiefe Burger Binnensee war heute das perfekte Revier, um unsere BIC SUP Range zu testen. Bei diesem Wetter waren zeitweise sogar alle SUPs von uns im Verleih. Wir freuen uns schon auf die nächsten zwei Tage, wo bei uns ab 10:00 Uhr getestet werden darf.“ (Dennis Sann, BIC Sport)

Ab 17:00 Uhr kamen dann auch noch die Windsurfmarken zum Zuge. Bei einem speziellen Profi-Rigg-Seminar stellte sich der amtierende Deutsche Meister Vincent Langer (GER-1) allen Fragen zu den Point-7 Segeln. Um 18:00 Uhr ging es dann direkt weiter mit Gunnar Asmussen (GER-88) und einer Präsentation der aktuellen Patrik-Boardrange. Den krönenden Abschluss bildete das gemeinsame, entspannte Grillen im Sonnenuntergang.

Morgen geht es ab 09:00 Uhr direkt weiter. Die Windvorhersage sieht mit vier Windstärken sehr gut aus, so dass sowohl die Racer als auch Slalompiloten  zum Zuge kommen könnten.

Die 2015 PWA Slalom Tour hat nun offiziell begonnen, die erste Veranstaltung der Saison läuft. Leider hat es der Wind versäumt, an diesem ersten Tag des 2015 Ulsan PWA World Cup mitzuspielen. Das hochkarätige Fahrerfeld, das sich am Jinha Strand eingefunden hat, verspricht eine spektakuläre Show sobald sich die Bedingungen in den nächsten Tagen verbessern. Der heutige, ruhige Tag gab den Teilnehmern Gelegenheit, nach der Registrierung, ihre Ausrüstung für die nächsten Tage vorzubereiten. Der 2015er Ulsan PWA World Cup ist auch der erste Slalom Event seit der italienische Slalomstar Alberto Menegatti Anfang diesen Jahres unerwartet verstorben ist. Josh Angulo, Jimmy Diaz und Arnon Dagan sprachen bei einem Gedenken an ihren früheren Mitbewerber und Freund einige Worte. The fleet is ready for action after a sunny, but calm first day. The 2015 PWA slalom tour is officially underway as the first event of the season has kicked off. While the wind has failed to materialise on this first day of the 2015 Ulsan PWA World Cup, the amount of slalom talent that has touched down on Jinha Beach promises a spectacular show once conditions improve over the next few days. Today’s calm gave the sailors a laidback chance to register, catch up with the other competitors after the winter break and prepare their gear for what is to come. The 2015 Ulsan PWA World Cup also marks the first slalom event since Italian slalom star Alberto Menegatti passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. Coming together for the first time since Menegatti’s untimely death, the sailors paid their respects by using their boards to lay out the Italian’s sail number ITA-4 on the beach. Josh Angulo, Jimmy Diaz and Arnon Dagan spoke a few words about their late fellow competitor and friend. Like previous years, the town of Ulsan has proven incredibly hospitable, giving the sailors and race crew a very warm welcome. Even on a windless day like today, the arrival of the world’s top windsurfers draws a great deal of spectators to the beach in anticipation of the racing up ahead. The forecast for tomorrow looks promising and the racecourse is set, so tune in again tomorrow for what will hopefully be the first slalom action here at the 2015 Ulsan PWA World Cup. The skippers meeting is scheduled for 10:00, with things kicking off at 10:30 if conditions deliver the goods. In the meantime, check out the pictures of the first day under the South Korean sun in the image gallery to get a taste of PWA slalom world tour life here on Jinha Beach.

Gestern zeigte der Neusiedlersee erneut wie unvorhersehbar die Wind- und Wetterbedingungen dort sind. Nach einem sonnigen Tag zog kurz vor Sonnenuntergang eine Kaltfront durch, die eine kurze Zeit für Wind sorgte. Der Wind reichte aus um zwei weitere Läufe der Single Elimination durchzuführen. Schon früher am Tag wurde der erste Qualifikationslauf des Chiemsee Tow-In gefahren. Single Elimination Heat 2b and 4b were the first heats to be sailed this evening as Mattia Fabrizi (Fanatic / North) took on Yarden Meir (Goya Windsurfing / Maui Ultra Fins) and Adam Sims (Patrik / Sailloft Hamburg / Flymount) competed against Yegor Popretinskiy (Fanatic / North / Flymount / Maui Ultra Fins). Fabrizi was able to advance into the next round with a culo helping make the difference. Meanwhile, Sims defeated his Russian counterpart after landing the only shuvit spock of the day. Julien Mas (JP / Avanti) delivered a standout performance in heat 3 as he clinically dispatched of Jamie Howard (JP / NeilPryde). The Frenchman exploded through a repertoire of the latest power moves to setup a tie against Davy Scheffers (Tabou / GA Sails) in the next round. On the b-side of the panel seventeen year old Sam Esteve (JP / NeilPryde) successfully navigated his way passed Loick Spicher (North).  Chiemsee Tow-in Qualification Tonky Frans (Tabou / GA Sails) stole the show in the first heat of the tow-in qualification as the man from Bonaire landed a superb double burner, whilst local boy Max Matissek (Fanatic / North) also booked his place in the final with a flaka-shaka. German Marco Lufen (JP / NeilPryde) grabbed the final qualifying place with a smooth double funnel to narrowly defeat Yentel Caers (JP / NeilPryde) by half a point. The wind looks like it will be very light tomorrow, but as Podersdorf showed today virtually anything can happen. The skippers’ meeting will be held at 10am with the action commencing from 10:30am - if conditions allow. If the wind does indeed remain light then there will be more action with the tow-in freestyle. Don’t miss any of the action by tuning into www.pwaworldtour.com.

Es ist wieder soweit, die schnellen Jungs und Mädels der PWA Slalom World Tour bereiten sich auf ihren ersten Event vor. Mittlerweile sind alle Teilnehmer des diesjährigen Ulsan PWA World Cup vor Ort, die Rennen finden vom 01. bis 06 Mai statt. Wie in jedem Jahr, ist der erste Slalom-Event der Saison immer eine sehr interessante Angelegenheit. Wer steht am Ende auf dem Treppchen, wer hat über den langen Winter  sein Material am optimalsten abgestimmt?
Mit seinen wunderschönen weißen Sandstränden und dem zuverlässigen Passatwind, die konsequent zwischen Mai und Juni zu blasen, ist Jinha Beach, an dem der Event stattfindet, mittlerweile „das“ Ziel für Windsurfer aus ganz Korea. Ulsan war auch in der Vergangenheit eines der anspruchsvollsten Stationen auf der Tour, wir sind gespannt auf die High-Speed Action der nächsten Tage. Ones to Watch Men’s As the reigning world champion - Antoine Albeau (RRD / NeilPryde) - will be the man that everyone else needs to beat in the opening slalom event of the year. AA was in great form last season as he won two events - Costa Brava and Fuerteventura - whilst carrying two second places and a ninth to win back-to-back world titles. Albeau will now be hungry to complete a famous hat-trick of world titles and you can expect the big Frenchman to come flying out of the starting blocks when the green flag goes up. Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard / Severne) pushed Albeau all the way in last seasons title race with the champion being decided in the last winners’ final of the year. Unfortunately the duel didn’t go Moussilmani’s way on that occasion, but his superb consistency should mean that he is heavily involved in the battle for the 2015 world championship again.  Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / North) completed an all French top three last year as the twenty-five year old enjoyed his best season to date. Before last season Mortefon’s previous best had been twelfth place overall in 2013, but last year he showed that he is one of the most promising young talents in the slalom world. Mortefon is lightning quick on the straights and tactically very aware too making him one of the most dangerous sailors out there. Expect to see him pushing for the top again. Ben Van Der Steen (Tabou / GA Sails / Mystic) finished the season on a high last year as he captured his maiden event title in New Caledonia. The flying Dutchman is one of the quickest sailors on the tour and after finishing fourth overall last season, he will be hoping to regain his place on the prestigious overall podium for the first time since 2011.  Another French sailor who enjoyed a fantastic season in 2014 is Pascal Toselli (99NoveNove / Point-7), who claimed his first podium finishes - third in both Fuerteventura and Turkey - and completed the year in an excellent fifth place overall. Toselli changed board sponsor over the winter to 99NoveNove and it seems he has quickly adapted to his new boards after claiming victory in the first French National Slalom event of 2014. Toselli showed on many occasions last year that he has the pace and the mindset to challenge for the top and he should be there or there abouts come the end of the event.  Julien Quentel (RRD / NeilPryde) recovered from a slow start in 2014 to finish sixth overall. The man from Saint Martin began his comeback in Turkey, where he claimed his first event victory before backing it up with third and fourth place finishes respectively. If Quentel can pick up where he left off then you would expect him to feature in the top five at a minimum.  Arnon Dagan (RRD / NeilPryde) is another man to have tasted victory for the first time in 2014 after coming out on top in Sylt. Dagan will be hoping to carry on his fine form from last year and if he is able to do so he should be challenging for the top. Matteo Iachino (Fanatic / North) is one of the most exciting talents rising through the PWA Slalom ranks. The Italian is still only twenty-five, but is already a regular in the top ten at events as he continues to sail with experience and guise beyond his years. After finishing eighth overall last year he should be in the thick of the action over the course of the next six days. Britain’s Ross Williams (Tabou / GA Sails / Mystic) completes the top ten attending the event, with Taty Frans (Starboard / GA Sails / Mystic) absent from proceedings due to competing in Austria. Williams is one of the top all-round sailors in the world and as frequent finisher in the overall top ten he should fare well in Korea. Of course there are plenty of other sailors who could easily feature in the top ten and beyond, such is the fierceness of the competition on the PWA Slalom World Tour right now. The likes of Josh Angulo (Angulo / Gun Sails), Cedric Bordes (Tabou / GA Sails), Micah Buzianis (JP / NeilPryde), Maciek Rutkowski and the current PWA Youth Slalom World Champion - Tristan Algret (Patrik / Loft Sails / Mystic) will all be in contention, as should Gonzalo Costa Hoevel (Starboard / Point-7) after his winter move to Point-7 and his emphatic success at the formula worlds. Our thoughts will also be with Alberto Menegatti’s friends and family too as the first event since Alberto’s tragic passing takes place - Alberto will be sorely missed by everyone involved. Women’s Having won back-to-back world titles Delphine Cousin (Starboard / Gun Sails) will enter the first event of the year as the favourite. The twenty-three year old changed sail sponsors over the winter from Loft Sails to Gun Sails so it will be interesting to see how she fares on her new equipment. In 2014 Cousin won two out of the three events and she will be determined to complete a hat-trick of world crowns. However, Cousin, will face a stern test with Turkey’s Lena Erdil (Patrik / Point-7 / Mystic / AL360) gunning to go one better than last year and become world champion. Erdil also won the PWA Slalom Indoor World Championship in Poland and she seems more motivated than ever to come out on top.  It’s not only Erdil who will be hoping to put a dent in Cousin’s title hopes as Sarah-Quita Offringa prepares to compete on the entire PWA Slalom World Tour for the first time since becoming world champion in 2011. Offringa claimed a comprehensive victory in Turkey last year - winning seven out of the nine eliminations completed - and the lady from Aruba could prove to be a formidable figure if she can find her best form. Also in contention will be multiple time world champion - Valerie Ghibaudo (Tabou / GA Sails) - who completed the podium last year, whilst PWA Youth Slalom World Champion - Fulya Ünlü (Severne) - will be hoping to make a strong start to the 2015 campaign.  Meanwhile, the Japanese duo of Mio Anayama (Starboard / NeilPryde) and Ayako Suzuki (Tabou / GA Sails / Mystic) should be a threat too, whilst Turkey’s Cagla Kubat (Starboard / Severne) prepares to return to competing full-time on the PWA Slalom World Tour having only competed in Alacati last year, having become a mother for the first time. Kubat finished fourth overall in 2013 and she will be hoping to feature in the top five in the opening event.  Find out whether the reigning world champions - Antoine Albeau and Delphine Cousin - can make the perfect start to their title defence or if someone else can take an early season lead by tuning into www.pwaworldtour.com between the 1st-6th May - here you’ll be able to follow the amazing action as it happens via the PWA live stream and live ticker. 

The evening before the start of the 2015 Podersdorf PWA Surf World Cup saw winds gusting in excess of 50 knots and as day light broke it was cold and sunny, but more importantly still windy. However, the opening day always looked as though it would be a race against time with the front forecast to pass through by the early hours of the afternoon. Unfortunately this is how the day played out and only one heat could be completed before the wind dropped completely.  With registration running between 9am-11am quite a few of the sailors were eager to register as soon as possible to make the most of the wind on offer. Davy Scheffers (Tabou / GA Sails) was the first man out on the water before being joined by Dieter Van der Eyken (Starboard / Severne), Hugo Sousa (RRD / RRD / Maui Ultra Fins), Nick Van Ingen (Fanatic / North / MFC), Rick Jendrusch (F2 / Severne) and Sam Esteve (JP / NeilPryde). Single Elimination The single elimination began at 1pm with the usual seven minute heats, extended to nine minutes to allow for the gusty nature of the wind. Nick Van Ingen successfully booked his place in the next round after defeating Italian Marco Vinante (JP / Hot Sails Maui / AL360). The Dutchman sailed a tactically astute heat as he managed to land some of the latest power moves such a regular kono and culo despite the tricky and gusty conditions on offer. On the B-side of the panel Giovanni Passani (Tabou / GA Sails) fared better than his fellow countryman - Vinante - as he continued his fine start to life on the PWA World Tour by defeating Marco Lufen (JP / NeilPryde) - after making his debut appearance in Leucate, France, last week where he finished joint seventeenth.  A few more heats were started, but the wind became too inconsistent for the sailors to be given a fair chance to show what they are capable of and as a result were cancelled. With the conditions failing to improve the fleet were released at 3:45pm. The forecast is currently predicting light winds from the South for tomorrow, so the skippers’ meeting will be held at 10am with the action commencing from 10:30am. Don’t miss any of the action by tuning into www.pwaworldtour.com - here you’ll be able to follow everything that happens via the PWA live ticker.

So stürmisch wie der März endete, ging der April leider nicht weiter. Trotzdem war einiges los im Ranking des Bayerischen Speed Kini 2015. Noch im März fuhr Daniel Joppe mit seinem Fanatic Falcon 25,2 Kts auf 500m und 27,74 Kts Topspeed über den Altmühlsee, Durchschnitt 26,47 Kts und somit auf Rang 13. Am 11.04. war Niklas Rottenbach auf der Lechstaustufe bei Augsburg. Niklas gab ordentlich Gas und liegt mit einem Durchschnittsspeed von 26,295 Knoten auf Rang 15, übernimmt jedoch die Führung  an der Lechstaustufe. Chris Bolley war am gleichen Tag mit seinem Formula auf dem Starnberger See und verbesserte seine bisherige Zeit auf 500m 20,13 Kts, Topspeed 22,35 Kts, Durchschnitt 21,24Kts. Am Sonntag den 19.4. lieferte der Walchensee gute Bedingungen. Vorjahresvierte Alexandra Sachse nutzte den Tag und lies ihren Starboard Futura ordentlich laufen, am Schluss standen 18,92 über 500m, ein Topspeed von 22,34 und im Durchschnitt 20,63 Knoten auf ihrem GPS. Neu dabei in diesem Jahr, Thomas Ricken, auf Platz 14 mit 23,93 über 500m, Topspeed 28,89, Durchschnitt 26,41Knoten, gefahren ebenfalls am 19.4. am Walchensee. Richtig krachen ließ es aber Kochel- und Walchensee Local  André Wacke. André, im letzten Jahr auf Platz 8 der Gesamtwertung, will es in diesem Jahr offensichtlich wissen. Er flog mit seinem Starboard iSonic, befeuert von einem Neilpryde H2 Racing 8,7 über den Walchensee. Sagenhafte 30,55 über 500m, ein Topspeed von 33,34 Knoten und damit eine Durchschnittsgeschwindigkeit von 31,945 Knoten – aktueller Rang 2. Wir sind gespannt was da noch kommt, André wartet derzeit noch auf seine neuen Racesegel, mit denen er wohl kaum langsamer unterwegs sein wird. Auch bei den Junioren tut sich was, neu in der Wertung ist Neil Rottenbach. Er fuhr auf der Lechstaustufe mit einem Neilpryde One 3.5, JP Young Gun 115    einen beachtlichen Topspeed von 12,6 Knoten! Guten Westwind gab es am 23.4. am Sibrisee /Binswangen.  Bernd Stegmüller steigt mit  23,25 Kts  über 500m, Topspeed 27,78, Durchschnitt 25,515 Kts in die diesjährige Wertung auf Platz 18 ein und platziert sich auch in der Seenübersicht! Der Kochelsee lieferte am 25. und 27. 4 noch etwas Föhnwind. Rainer Motloch wurde schon kurz nach dem Start von einem größeren Holzstück im Wasser abrupt ausgebremst und beendete seine Session mit beschädigtem Board vorzeitig. Ergebnis der superkurzen Session - Platz 6 mit einem Durchschnittsspeed von 30,015 Knoten. Vorjahreszweiter Tobi Ullrich verbesserte seine bisherige Zeit mit einem Durchschnittsspeed von  31,185 Knoten und liegt derzeit auf Rang 5.

After a one year absence the elite of the freestyle world will return to the shores of Neusiedler See, Austria, between the 29th April to the 3rd May. The freestylers are ready to provide another explosive display in their second event of the year after a great start to the season in Leucate, France, which saw Steven Van Broeckhoven (JP / NeilPryde) take the opening victory of 2015 with a scintillating display.

Podersdorf is one of the most unique locations on the tour with Neusiedler See being located inland, but there are many reasons that make Podersdorf a great addition to the tour. For example the unpredictable nature of the weather means that a whole variety of conditions are possible from glorious sunshine and light thermal breezes, to torrential rain and nuclear, freezing winds, which can make Austria one of the trickiest locations for the sailors to prepare for. It’s not just on the water that the action goes off either as Podersdorf is renowned for its festival like atmosphere with thousands of party goers celebrating long into the night.

Ones to Watch

As the current leader of the PWA World Tour - Steven Van Broeckhoven - will enter the event full of confidence having remained undefeated in France. The Belgian usually fares well in Austria having won here in 2011, whilst finishing fourth and second respectively in 2012 and 2013. Van Broeckhoven stated that victory in the opening event of 2015 has given him even more motivation, so he could prove extremely difficult to stop again.

Hoping to return to the top of the podium will be Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic / North / MFC). The Venezuelan couldn’t quite force a super final in the double elimination in France - narrowly missing out by way of a 3:2 decision in SVB’s favour - and so had to settle for second place. However, history would tip Gollito to perform brilliantly in Podersdorf having won the last two events here in 2012 and ’13. Expect to see the reigning world champion coming out with all guns blazing as he bids for a hat-trick of event titles in Austria.
Kiri Thode (Starboard / GA Sails) completed the podium in France and will be hoping for a top three finish again at a minimum. The 2013 PWA Freestyle World Champion has never won here in Austria, so will be calling upon his whole bag of tricks to try and write the record straight.

Belgian Dieter Van der Eyken (Starboard / Severne) will enter Austria with confidence at an all time high having achieved his best result to date in the season opener - fourth. Van der Eyken showed great consistency and diversity in France, but just ran out of steam when sailing his fifth heat in a row against Thode, so making a strong start in the single elimination could prove key - not only for him, but everyone else too - if they want to break into the formidable top three.

The remainder of the Bonaire crew will also be a huge threat over the course of the next five days. Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne) will be hoping to continue his charge through the freestyle fleet as he looks to build upon fifth place in the season opener, closely followed by Taty Frans (Starboard / GA Sails / Mystic), who finished sixth in France and will have fond memories of Austria having claimed victory here in 2010.

Meanwhile, Youp Schmit (99NoveNove / Avanti) made a confident return to the competition scene in his first appearance since a serious knee injury and you would expect to see the nineteen year old featuring in the top ten again. Fellow Bonairean’s Tonky Frans (Tabou / GA Sails) and Bjorn Saragoza (Starboard / Hot Sails Maui) will be hoping to kick start their season after a slightly disappointing performance in France - given their usual high standards.
Anthony Ruenes (Tabou / GA Sails) is renowned for being one of the most stylish sailors on the tour and he certainly didn’t disappoint in France as he finished in joint seventh alongside Dutchman Davy Scheffers (Tabou / GA Sails). Both sailors have excellent records in Austria, frequently featuring in the top five, whilst Scheffers’ only podium to date came here in 2011, so both will need to be watched very carefully.

Nicolas Akgazciyan (99NoveNove / Point-7 / AL360 / Maui Ultra Fins) looked to be in fine form in the season opener will be looking to perform even better in Podersdorf after claiming joint ninth in France, whilst Romain Pinocheau (F2 / Avanti / Maui Ultra Fins) and Yentel Caers (JP / NeilPryde) both caught the eye as they broke into the top ten for the first time.

The opening event of 2015 served up a few shocks and surprises with new talent coming through in the shape of seventeen year old Sam Esteve (JP / NeilPryde), Italian Giovanni Passani (Tabou / GA Sails) and Brazilian wonder-kid Hugo Sousa (RRD / RRD / Maui Ultra Fins) all making their mark. As a result we could see further upsets in Austria, or we could see a backlash as the likes of Phil Soltysiak (Starboard / Sailworks), Adrien Bosson (Fanatic / North / Maui Ultra Fins), Adrian Beholz (Fanatic / Sailloft Hamburg / Maui Ultra Fins) and Max Rowe (Fanatic / North) all look to hit back.

The forecast for Neusiedler See keeps changing at the moment, but it looks as though there should be at least one day of strong northwesterly winds, but as previously mentioned the weather in Podersdorf can change almost in an instance so anything could happen. Don’t miss any of the action by tuning into www.PWAWorldtour.com Here you’ll be able to follow everything as it happens via the live ticker.