ED’S NOTE 3
WIND
SURFING
uk
TEZ PLAVENIEKS
BACK TO THE
OLD SCHOOL
MAY 2018
I’ve just read a news
story stating the
Thailand based Cobra
Factory, where many
windsurfing and SUP
boards (among other
things) are
manufactured, is set to
release an updated
version of the original
Windsurfer. For many
the Windsurfer was the
epitome of what the
sport stood for in the
early days.
Things, however, moved on in terms of technology,
development and performance, much to the dismay of some.
There have been countless exercises at reintroducing that
yesteryear windsurfing experience, through various initiatives,
and make windsurfing (in particular the lighter wind end)
mass appeal once again. In most cases these exercises have
fallen flat – although some have been semi-successful. And
yet, during the past few seasons, I’ve noticed more and more
riders getting back out on old school longboards and/or just
floating about on their big gear (and I’m not including SUPs
with rig attachments in this).
Now I appreciate things are cyclical. Maybe this has been the
case previously and I’ve simply not been paying attention. I do
feel, however, there’s a bit of a light wind renaissance going on
(finally) with sailors simply happy to be out on the brine
whatever the wind. Obviously we all love full power blows but
for many lining up suitable forecasts with windows of
opportunity is tricky – life often conspires to get in the way
meaning a large % of windsurfers get what they get. Perhaps
banging the active lifestyle drum is now being absorbed by
windsurfers who are back at it on lighter air days? Or maybe
peeps are fed up with hitting the beach only to be confronted
by marginal conditions. Rather than jack it all in it could be the
bullet’s being bitten and riders are heading for a float
regardless, simply wanting to scratch an itch anyway they can?
Twitter:
@tezwoz
Instagram:
@tez_plavenieks_sup_wind
the press release states it comes part of a package. What’s
also interesting is Cobra themselves stepping up as the
supplier brand, rather than badging said kit up with some
other company logo. Cobra has always been a tad under the
radar about what goes on within its walls. Maybe this is them
coming out into the light?
Plentiful amounts
If you’re perusing for the first time then hopefully you’ll find
something to stoke your breeze addicted fires. And don’t
forget to check out Windsurfing UK’s website where we have
all manner of other windy related stuff on display for your
reading/watching pleasure. In particular pro windsurfer and
long time racer Keith Atkinson’s series of fitness vids aimed
specifically at windies (you’ll also notice Keith’s mug
somewhere on the following pages as we dish out a grilling
via our Q&A sit down).
As always if anyone’s got any suggestions for articles or ways
they want to get involved then feel free to tap us up. The
door’s always open and we’re happy to hear ideas from all
corners of the fabulous world of windsurfing.
Until next time – stay steezy.
So could this new/old bit of kit, designed by ex-80s race
champ Bruce Wylie, from Cobra rejuvenate light wind areas
of windsurfing even further? Maybe. Only time will tell – as
with most things. It’s certainly not cheap gear ($1,999) but
uk
WIND
SURFING