WindsurfingUK Issue 1 | Page 3

3 WIND SURFING uk TEZ PLAVENIEKS OCTOBER 2016 ‘Windsurfing? It’s that has-been sport, right? Where everyone just falls off all the time!’ ED’S NOTE It’s a familiar comment and one which should have gone out of fashion years ago. The fact is, however, that far too many of Joe Public see windsurfing this way. It’s not hard to understand. Many of us only rubber up to do battle with Mother Nature when it’s blowing never been as diverse. old boots and/or chucking Sure, the UK is a tricky it down – not the best place to be a windsurfer; kind of weather for but when you score it’s so showcasing windsurfing to fulfilling. These new ways the masses. And yet, of sailing could be the even when you’re only Credit: Dave White (www.davewhite.photography) injection we need to draw blasting back and forth, riders back into the fold and encourage new recruits. the dynamism of windsurfing is tangible. But the Which is where we come in… masses never see this. And then there are those of us already indoctrinated… As if you needed convincing, we’re still as stoked on Welcome friends, we’re so glad you could attend – Windsurfing UK #1 lands! Fickle mind sets about what types of conditions we prefer, the locations we’d be comfortable riding in and the type of sailing we want to do. Which, as we all know, can make life frustrating with the UK’s changeable climate. Sailors come and go, skills are pushed by the committed, while responsibilities and commitments within daily life take over for others, causing riders to fall off the wagon – it’s a pastime you have to be involved with to appreciate fully, maybe, isn’t it? (Who’s tried to explain the concept of windsurfing to non-sailors?). Windsurfing is going through a bit of a change at the moment. Inflatable SUP technology is gunning for us, while foils continue their unwavering advance. And then there are developments such as the Arrows Inflatables iRig (see our review here – standuppaddlemag.co.uk/2016/07/26/windsup-sailaway-sail-away-arrows-irig-m-inflatable-windsurf-rigreview/), which make those first forays the most accessible they’ve ever been. Add to the colourful melee all the usual ways to sail, and windsurfing’s windsurfing as we ever were. There aren’t many sports around that give the diversity and plethora of ways to indulge. Wave sailing, speed sailing, freestyle, formula, freeride, windSUP and so on – what other sport offers such a wide variety across all conditions? So yes, we decided to put out a new windsurfing magazine. One that focuses on all these new aspects but also serves to big up our UK water brethren and the people that are involved in making windsurfing as awesome as it is in this green and pleasant land. Pros, yes, but also grass roots riders. Women, kids, dogs and ducks – they’re all worthy of inclusion here. Hopefully you’ll see that we’re trying to do something a bit different with Windsurfing UK. And, as always, if you have any ideas for articles or fancy getting involved then feel free to give us a holla – the door’s always open. For now though it’s time to enjoy autumn and winter. Maybe we’ll see you out there amongst it. Enjoy the very first issue of Windsurfing UK, stay tuned to the website for even more UK windsurfing flavour and, to quote an old cliché: enjoy the ride! uk WIND SURFING