ED’S NOTE 3
WIND
SURFING
uk
TEZ PLAVENIEKS
NOVEMBER 2018
LIGHT WIND’S BORIN’ INNIT?
Having had years of full power
windsurfing rammed home
recently I’ve started to look at
sub-20 knot days as a bit of an
idyll – especially with the sun out.
Those who follow me, or read this
magazine regularly, will be aware
of my foiling antics. But it doesn’t
stop there. I’ve been dabbling
with light air floating for some
time. I suppose you can attribute
this to countless overseas
seasons as a windsurfing
instructor. Invariably it doesn’t
blow all the time (anywhere) and
with extended periods of free
time, in between lessons, there
needs to be an outlet.
Twitter:
@tezwoz
Instagram:
@tez_plavenieks_sup_wind
Photo: James Jagger
Enter light wind freestyle, whirl and twirl sail flick flack or
general cruising off the plane whilst teaching guests. Fast
forward and this has pretty much continued at home and
during windsurfing holidays I’ve been lucky to experience.
Again, it doesn’t blow every day but there’s an itch to scratch.
With Cobra International’s announcement earlier in the year it
was bringing about the renaissance of the Windsurfer One
Design class (check the interview we did with Bruce Wylie:
http://www.windsurfingukmag.co.uk/cobra-internationals-bruce-
wylie-on-the-new-windsurfer-lt-concept/) – albeit in updated
form – my interest was pricked. As I write the modernised
version of the gear has landed and I’m like a little kid again.
How is it that something designed for light airs, mostly non-
planing, is getting my juices flowing?
I was still in nappies during windsurfing’s fledgling years but I
look back on images and the odd grainy video and what people
were up to and see it was all smiles, fun and no pressure. With
windsurfing as it stands we tend to get caught up in the full
power aspect and miss that simply getting amongst it can be
joyful bliss. Cruising in minimal knots may get pooh poohed
publicly but you can bet your bottom dollar that given the
chance (see windsurfing holidays) most sailors will still head for
a float if they have access to applicable kit.
Having been part of stand up paddling since its inception (in
modern form) and now an early adopter of windfoiling I felt I
was still missing a piece of the puzzle. With the Windsurfer LT
I can now access this missing link and
experience what windsurfing was once like
– and could be again – albeit without any
of those annoying equipment issues that
sailors struggled with.
Critics will no doubt cite the gear’s cost as a limiting factor,
whilst size impacting transport and storage will put the
kybosh on owning similar equipment for many. I wouldn’t
argue against any of this as everyone’s entitled to their own
opinion. For me, however, it’s simply about time on the water
and mixing up what I do given any forecast: ‘tools for the job’
– a mantra I live by. So whilst the updated Windsurfer LT
might not be for you I’m going to enjoy stepping aboard and
if you are interested then head to the test report in this issue
to find out what it’s all about.
2019
Although we’re not quite there yet the end of 2018 is nigh.
Before long it’ll be time for that rotund chap in red suit to drop
down your chimney and then fireworks ring in New Year. For
windsurfers that signals the start of those truly cold months in
the UK when going afloat gets harder.
There are always a handful of days, however, when
thermometer readings rise to double digits and a good blow’s
in effect. If we’re really lucky then we may get a mild and
breezy one. Whatever materialises Windsurfing UK will be here,
albeit in website form, to bring you further windsurf stoke
during the interim. Stay tuned to WSUK’s digital channels for
further windy content and then look out for NY 2019’s print
mag dropping around Feb.
Thanks for your support this year, enjoy this issue, enjoy what
windsurfing you do score and we’ll see you on the other side.
uk
WIND
SURFING