WindsurfingUK Issue 9 December 2018 | Page 3

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