WindsurfingUK issue 4 July 2017 | Page 3

ED’S NOTE 3 WIND SURFING uk TEZ PLAVENIEKS THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS As many will no doubt have seen the big man himself Dave ‘Mighty’ White recently suffered a stroke whilst out in Mauritius. At the time of writing we understand Whitey to be comfortable and on the road to recovery. For anyone that knows Dave you’ll be aware of his obvious enthusiasm for getting out there on the water and doing it, whatever the discipline. At the merest sniff of breeze Whitey’s on it, his passion instantly rubbing off on anyone who’s within his vicinity. He’s not a bad photographer either (understatement), Dave’s work having adorned these very pages, as well as our sister publication SUPM, on many occasions. It’s no secret Dave has fought off health issues in the past and we’re sure he’ll overcome this latest hurdle. In no time at all we’ll be seeing Whitey back out on the brine, living life to the full, and getting amongst it. Without preaching too much none of us know what’s around the next bend. All too often we prioritise the things that really don’t matter too much. If you’ve been putting off getting wet then take a leaf out of Dave’s book and just get involved, you’ll be glad you did. We only have one life so we may as well live it to the full – cheesy, I know, but true. For now our thoughts and prayers are with Dave and the White family. Hopefully we’ll see you at the beach, full power, in the not too distant future. Get well soon Dave! JULY 2017 Twitter: @tezwoz Instagram: @tez_plavenieks_sup_wind Photo: Dave White Onwards and upwards With summer being here proper there’s no end of opportunity for getting wet and having some fun in the sun. With high season (some would say silly season) conditions aren’t quite as consistent as autumn and winter. That said, winds still blow – you may score a fun sea breeze session – and waves do still pump from time to time. Summer’s a chance to get out and simply enjoy a blast. OK, your regular gear may be wave orientated but don’t dismiss the euphoric feeling of simply skimming across the brine. And if airs are light, then so what? We’ve waxed lyrical before about all the alternative windsurfing kit available to riders in this day an age – windSUP, foils and inflatables – so now’s the time to use them With this in mind we have a bunch of test write ups featuring equipment that may suit you well this summer. Big freeride gear from JP, Pryde, RRD and Severne with a review of Fanatic’s Freewave Stubby 105l for when winds ramp up a tad. Then we have AHD’s Sealion Wings, a real Swiss Army Knife of a board. WindSUP (in waves), surf SUP, wind foil and SUP foil, it’s all possible. This time round we just look at the windSUP benefits though. Stay tuned for a spotlight on its foiling potential. That’s all from me. Enjoy the ride, this issue and I might see you out there… uk WIND SURFING