How a City property favorite is helping surfing become an Olympic sport

It's not often one of the world's largest real estate consultancies can legitimately say it's had a hand in creating an Olympic sport - but Colliers International could be about to, after it advised on the feasibility and sustainability of a "Wavegarden" surf lagoon, part of the International Surf Association's (ISA) attempt at becoming an official Olympic sport in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Surfing is one of eight sports shortlisted by Tokyo 2020 to be included in the games. But the difficulty for surfing competitions is guaranteeing the consistency of the wave.

The Wavegarden lagoon "creates high quality artificial waves on demand", generating two identical waves which break simultaneously for 30 seconds on either side of a central pier, said Sean Young, head of destination consultancy at Colliers.

And as those involved in planning for London 2012 will remember, "legacy" is the all-important word when it comes to Olympic planning. But Colliers suggested a surf lagoon could have lasting advantages in Tokyo.

"What [our] study showed, based on our experience and strong financial data, is that a surf park would not only be an investment for the Olympics but it would also have the longevity as a commercially successful leisure destination for residents and tourists for many years afterwards. A surf park in Tokyo has a strong basis for a long-term legacy.”

The company has form when it comes to scoping out the potential of Wavegardens: it advised on the UK's first lagoon, which is due to open in Snowdonia on 1 August, as well as nine other projects across the world... [Read More]

Three Israeli teens came in first in world youth tournament held in Poland

Israeli windsurfers brought home four gold medals from the 2015 windsurfing Youth World Championship over the weekend in Gdynia, Poland, coming in first in all four competition categories.

Noy Drihan and Yoav Omer won the girls and boys events, respectively. Drihan also won the women's under-17 category, and another Israeli, Kfir Azulay, came in top spot in the men's under 17.

“I knew there were high expectations from me, but I gave my all and I’m delighted,” said Drihan, 15, who was also crowed European youth champion two weeks ago. “My goal was to win a medal in Poland and I’m happy that it was a gold,” 16-year-old Omer told The Jerusalem Post... [Read More]

Throw caution to the wind with kitesurfing in South Jersey

 A person can see amazing feats standing on the beach at 41th Street in Ocean City here when the weather conditions produce gusty winds and high cresting waves.

Kites can be seen flying as high as 90 feet in the air. Flying lines extend down from the kite to a control bar being held by a harnessed rider. With the riders feet attached to a kiteboard with straps or unattached as if riding a surfboard, you can see practitioners flying into their air, doing flips and riding on top of waves.

"It's the most fun you could ever have with you clothes on," joked Chris Doyle, the owner of Leading Edge Kite School, based in Ocean City. "It's the most fun water sport I can think of, for sure, the most dynamic."

Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, is the most extreme activity a person can do out in the ocean. You simultaneously control the kite above you and the board beneath your feet. You are at the mercy of the winds blowing all around you and the waves underneath your feet, but for people into the sport, the high that comes from doing it beats surfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing or Hobie racing or sailing.

Kiteboarding is getting more media attention and becoming mainstream during the last decade, saidMarina Chang, the founder and publisher of The Kiteboarder Magazine. References to it are showing up on Billboards and in print advertisements, and more kiteboarding locations are opening up, she said... [Read More]

Santa Cruz surfers catch waves with replicas of historic boards

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. —Santa Cruz surfers caught waves at Cowell Beach Sunday using huge boards shaped from designs crafted by Hawaiian princes more than a century ago.

Three Hawaiian princes traveled to Santa Cruz 130 years ago, shaped surfboards out of redwood trees, and rode waves at the San Lorenzo River mouth. It was the first time anyone had surfed at a U.S. mainland beach.

Shaper Bob Pearson, of Arrow Surf Shop, recreated the Hawaiian princes' surfboards.

VIDEO: Surfers catch waves with replicas of historic boards

Coming in at 250 pounds and 17 feet long with no fins, the wooden surf boards are unlike any that surfer Ken Collins has ever ridden before.

"Those are prehistoric," Collins said. "Dinosaur boards, there's no fins on it, no control, you're pretty much trying to get it straight."... [Read More]

The campaign to get girls into windsurfing

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has partnered with Sport England to get women into windsurfing.

“This Girl Can Windsurf” is a national campaign to invite British women up and down the country to come and try the sport of sailboarding, no matter how well they do it, how they look or even how red their face gets.

“Provided you are confident in the water, there’s no reason you couldn’t take up this exciting sport. If you are aged 16 or under, RYA’s Team15 is a nationwide network of youth windsurfing clubs where young people and under can get together every week to learn new windsurfing skills and enjoy being on the water,” the campaign notes.

“Once you’ve got the basics you can hire, or purchase your own kit and take it to pretty much any beach or water to get afloat. Windsurfing is often recognised as an extreme sport that provides limitless thrills and excitement in a range of disciplines.”

Why is windsurfing good for girls and women? Among many other virtues, it is an aerobic and cardiovascular workout, it improves muscle tone, it burns calories, and it improves balance and coordination.

Be a part of “This Girl Can Windsurf” and learn to windsurf… [Read More]

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Sports & Play Surfing and kitesurfing in and around Toronto

Surfing and kitesurfing in and around Toronto is more popular than you might think. In fact, it’s easier than ever to achieve the surfer lifestyle close to home. Boasting a wide variety of options for both surfing and kitesurfing, Toronto is the perfect place to hang loose, build your bod, and go with the (tidal) flow.

Here are some of the best places in and around Toronto to kitesurf:

Cherry Beach, Lake Ontario
This Toronto hotspot also happens to be an ideal location for intermediate and advanced kiters. However, its proximity to the city and shallow water entry also makes Cherry Beach a great place for would-be kitesurfers seeking lessons.

Long Point, Lake Erie
Boasting a consistent surf and exposed beach break, Long Point is an excellent location for both intermediate surfers and those looking to develop their skill with lessons. At just over 3 hours from the city, Long Point is the perfect place for a weekend getaway.

Sauble Beach, Lake Huron
Known for its Caribbean-clear water, Sauble Beach is a bit of a hike from the city, especially on summer weekends when traffic gets heavy. However, with some planning and foresight, you’ll be rewarded with a long stretch of surf-able waves, enough wind to pick up a kite, and three great spots to start: Main Beach, The Lookout, and Grove’s Point. Watch out for riptides and vicious crosswinds – this beach is best suited for intermediates or lesson-takers… [Read More]

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Surfer Mick Fanning escapes shark attack

A surfing competition in South Africa was canceled Sunday after professional surfer Mick Fanning escaped a shark attack in the opening minutes of the final heat.

“I was just sitting there and I felt something just get stuck in my leg rope, and I was kicking trying to get it away,” Fanning said in the video.

Despite the scare, the three-time world champion wasn’t going down without a fight.

“I just saw fins. I was waiting for the teeth to come at me. …I punched it in the back,” he said.

Organizers of the J-Bay Open, the sixth stop on the 2015 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League Championship Tour, called off the remainder of the competition. After discussion with WSL Commissioner Kieren Perrow, Fanning and competitor Julian Wilson decided to take equal second in rankings points and split the prize purse awarded to the winner… [Read More]

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Windsurfers ready for AWT SoloSports Baja Desert Showdown

The 2015 AWT SoloSports Baja Desert Showdown is only 2 weeks away and there are sill spots at SoloSports to join in on the fun! Sign up with the special AWT package to reserve your spot. Come as a competitor or spectator to get away from the “real world” for a week in Windsurfer’s Paradise.

Schedule:

Fly into San Diego on Friday, July 31st. Stay with the crew at the Hilton Double Tree Downtown San Diego and jump in with us for the drive to San Carlos on Saturday, August 1st. One week full at windsurfing’s Disneyland you will never forget. SoloSports has all the luxuries you will need as well as home cooked meals for breakfast lunch and dinner. Don’t forget about the open bar: Baja Fogs and fun times every night.

Punta San Carlos is known for its consistent wind and waves. This is the 5th year of the AWT event in San Carlos and we have had amazing conditions each year…. [Read More]

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Perfect wave lines arrived at the J-Bay Open 2015

All South African surfers are out of the J-Bay Open 2015, at Jeffreys Bay, as the competition hits Round 3.

The jewel of Africa showed its perfection, with clean four-to-six foot (1.5 meters) waves pumping down the line. Unfortunately for local star Jordy Smith, the game is over early. Blame it on Adam Melling, who later lost his Round 3 clash against Nat Young.

“It’s obviously a difficult wave on your backhand because it slows down and speeds up, and it’s kind of hard to read. I do feel comfortable on my backhand though. I grew up surfing waves not quite this good but similar, so I’m excited to surf out here,” said Young.

Filipe Toledo survived his Round 2 heat against last-minute replacement Michael February. Fortunately for the Brazilian, an early eight-point ride dictated the final result.

“It’s really tough to be in Round 2. I was kind of nervous for sure because Michael knows the wave pretty well. It’s all different here – it’s cold, you surf rights and it’s really windy, so it’s tough,” expressed Toledo.

Joel Parking is a winner at Jeffreys Bay, but his 18.84 points nearly cost him an odd defeat in Round 2. A stellar performance by Ricardo Christie (18.13 points) almost put an end to the Australian’s run.

“That’s the heat you just dream of at J-Bay. I’ve got a couple of throw away results, but I won’t give up. I’m happy where I am and I’ve been surfing well. I just started quite bad, but I feel like I’m not the only one who started slow. It will be a race to see who finishes strong,” added Parkinson…. [Read More]

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Working the waves

Surf’s up, or rather, windsurfs will be up and surfing the waves this Sunday in Larnaca when windsurfers will be battling it out for the title of the King of Kites.

There is probably nowhere else in the world where you could get sun, sand, the very best of windsurfing and a party atmosphere than Larnaca (as the city is said to have the perfect conditions for the sport).

This is the third year that the King of Kites – The Cyprus windsurfing Championships – will be held as it is back by popular demand. The sport itself is the fastest growing water sport in the world, probably because it combines all the thrills of windsurfing, surfing and wakeboarding.

It is gaining huge popularity on the island and with the help of everyone who wants to be crowned king of the sport, the event hopes to help Cyprus put itself on the kitesurfing map. It is already on its way, as previous events have attracted windsurfers from the UK, Israel and Russia and a turnout of more than 800 people ready to see what one person can do with a board and the sea.

Every year a professional kiteboarder hosts the event and crowns the winner. In previous years Kevin Langaree and Hannah Whiteley had the honour, this year Ruben Lenten will be the big name at the event. Lenten will host the 6km Slalom race and then judge the Free Air competition to crown the champion King of Kite 2015. This year the Free Air competition includes big air tricks (old skool) as well as the very technical, new cool tricks. So whatever tricks you may know, they are welcome – just check out the rules first on http://ift.tt/1HEsGlB. …. [Read More]

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King of Kite will blend freestyle and big air tricks

The 2015 King of Kite will return to Mazotos, in Cyprus. The goal is to get the event internationally recognized as the Mediterranean Kitesurfing Championships.

Are you a freestyle and big air kiteboarding enthusiast? If so, then the King of Kite is the perfect competition for you to test your maneuvers with riders from several corners of the globe.

In 2013, the contest set up a six-kilometer slalom and off-the-wall freestyle battle. Kevin Langeree was the invited kiteboarder. He judged 60 riders’ tricks. One year later, pro athlete and invited judge Hannah Whiteley saw Antonis Anthimiades claiming his second consecutive title.

For 2015, the organization has prepared a few surprises. The King of Kite will be run in two days, and the winner will have to accumulate top points in the Free Air competition.

Free Air is a combination of Freestyle (new school) tricks and Big Air (old school) tricks. A rider can perform one style of tricks or combine both to boost their position in the competition…. [Read More]

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RED, SURFER launch REDirect Surf 2015

IRVINE, Calif., June 17, 2015 — RED Digital Cinema and SURFER Magazine are pleased to announce the kickoff of REDirect Surf 2015.This  is the second installment of the REDirect series – a competition and   celebration of filmmaking visionaries across the globe, highlighting   varying genres. RED and The Berrics joined forces early last year to   launch the first ever REDirect, and after an extremely successful   collaboration and film festival showcasing the most renowned   skateboarding filmmakers in the world, the focus now turns to the art of  capturing surfing.
 
A total of 11 contestants – selected by SURFER and RED –  have created films for the competition. They will be judged on both   their “Best Moment in Time” – a captivating still pulled from their   motion footage – and their “Best Highlight Reel” which is their finished  short film project.... [Read More]

The best windsurfing spots in Africa

 The African coastline is huge. In over 26,000 kilometers (16,000 miles), you can find multiple wind patterns. So, it's fair to say that the African continent is a windsurfing heaven.

The most frequent winds in Africa are east and southeast winds. Therefore, you can actually detect four different consistent windsurfing regions in the birth of humanity.

Northern Africa (Morocco, Canary Islands and Cape Verde), Southern Africa (Namibia and South Africa), Southeastern Africa (Mozambique) and Northeastern Africa (Tunisia and Egypt) will likely deliver above-average wind speeds, almost all year-round.

The Essaouira is the best windsurfing region in Morocco. The place is blessed with trade winds and stable Atlantic swells. The historic town offers hot, dry summers, and mild, rainy winters.

If you plan to go windsurfing in Morocco, make sure you'll travel between April and September. Explore the local culture, and get your sail out in the water somewhere between Sidi Abdallah, located north of Essaouira, and Aghanaje, south of Essaouira... [Read More]

Longest Journey Kitesurfing by a Male

Portuguese kitesurfer Francisco Lufinha has completed an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest journey kitesurfing by a male. The current record of 446nm is held by Rimas Kinka (USA) when he sailed along the Florida coast from Jacksonville to Key West on February 5-8, 2015.

Lufinha’s effort was non-stop when he sailed off the Portuguese coast from Lisbon toward Madeira Island on July 5-7, covering 472 nm. However, the effort was not without incident or assistance.

Early on the first night, Lufinha had a big crash and was not able to recover his board. Having lost communication with the support boat, he activated a rescue light and was reached by the boat 20 minutes later which provided him with a new board to continue his course.

On the second night, Lufinha fell asleep while kitesurfing at full speed and crashed against the support boat. He was run over by the boat, passing completely under it and between the engines, but incurred only a small scratch in the incident... [Read More]

2015 Vans US Open To Take Over ‘Surf City’ July 25 – August 2

World’s Largest Surfing Competition Expects Over Half Million Spectators

The Vans US Open of Surfing is returning to the iconic Huntington Beach Pier this summer. The nine-day event has become the largest action sports festival in the world and will bring together the top athletes in surf, skate, and BMX. All events are free and open to the public.

Huntington Beach, CA (June 29, 2015) – Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, joins the city of Huntington Beach to present the 2015 Vans US Open of Surfing July 25 – August 2. In partnership with the World Surf League (WSL) and event owner and operator IMG, the Vans US Open of Surfing will host the world’s elite in surfing, skateboarding and BMX, bringing premier action sports competition to Surf City this summer. As part of a festival-wide celebration of creative expression, the fan-driven event will also feature artist exhibits and installations, beach activities, interactive sponsor displays and more.

‘Nearly 50 years ago, Paul Van Doren opened the first Vans store just a few miles from the Vans US Open event site, the same place where he met surf legend Duke Kahanamoku and made him one-of-a-kind Vans to celebrate his unique style.  It’s an honor to carry forward that legacy of creative expression here in 2015,” said Doug Palladini, Vans’ vice president, general manager of North America. “The Vans family, along with partners IMG, WSL and the City of Huntington Beach, is looking forward to our third straight year of providing action sports and summer fun for thousands of fans within this historic surf community.”… [Read More]

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For real freedom head outdoors and try windsurfing

Don't believe kitesurfing can be the only way in order to reap the benefits of Mackay's fantastic really agitates.

Gordon Bourke reckons those chasing a true sense involving freedom must browse the particular 80s, whenever windsurfers decided the particular oceanic masses.

"The major factor windsurfers get more than kiters would be the sense involving freedom, inches Mr Bourke stated.

"Kitesurfers require toned mineral water. They generally keep all-around the shoreline.

"Back within the 80s it had been an enormous activity. But today should you speak to somebody in relation to windsurfing, that they imagine anyone suggest kitesurfing. inches

Mr Bourke very first began windsurfing with his 20s, in addition to go back towards activity 12 years ago.

But he / she stated over a windy evening seven had been essentially the most windsurfers although observe for the beach front, in conjunction with thirty or even 40 kitesurfers.

"The appeal having kite online would be the top as well as the methods, inches he / she stated.

But windsurfers obtained extraordinary pace... [Read More]

Master windsurfing without leaving Leeds

Whenever you picture a new windsurfer, you most likely think about gold fine sand, orange air, and turquoise h2o. Leeds doesn’t automatically spring to mind.

Yet there is no need in order to abandon this specific landlocked Northern metropolis to discover regardless of whether here is the activity for you.

Leeds Wind-surfing and Action Center, on the edge associated with Yeadon Tarn, now gives windsurfing classes pertaining to children and grownups.

Tutor Jackie Pal said: “This is the great spot for beginners and improvers. It’s generally a lttle bit windier right here compared to additionally straight into Leeds although it’s risk-free. Along with within the ocean a person experience the particular surf. ” There’s at most six to eight people for each trainer, along with a powerboat obtainable which suggests help is always currently happening if you drift within the incorrect path or even fall throughout.

The particular consultations tend to be educated utilizing a RYA (Royal Yachting Association) 2. 5m2 holiday and also a Rio method panel and start with land that may help you master the fundamental movements through crouching in order to standing and taking the holiday... [Read More]

The thrilling story of the Original Windsurfer

The original Windsurfer appeared inside sixties. Eventually inside Jan 1967, at the tropical drink celebration inside Ocean Palisades, sailor man Sean Drake and reader Hoyle Schweitzer started out dealing with merging wind-surfing and online. Following experiencing them for a while, Diane : Hoyle's wife : inhibited both minds to do something and want to do something.

Nine months later on, Diane create a state kick off celebration to talk about the brand new prototype, which included a new thrive, all 5 snowboards, accessories, a new dagger board, and also a mast. Yet Sean and Hoyle acquired without a doubt tested that. It hit a brick wall. Nevertheless the celebration seemed to be successful.

Seemingly, is actually a new mast seemed to be fixed to the panel, it had been tough to acquire upon and breeze away. When the panel seemed to be ripped, the particular breeze seemed to be positioned. It was very apparent that there were something lost... [Read More]

How to forward loop in windsurfing

If you can ride a wave with a sail, you're ready to test the forward loop. Get your boom higher than your regular setting, and give it a go. Make sure you start jumping waves on a sandbar, A-frame wave so that you can have an escape route, if necessary.

Build your confidence by trying your first forward loops in small waves. If you can't get the board out of the water, it's because you're not going fast enough, or you're not tilting the board enough on take off to get the wind underneath it.

Ready? Let's fly away:

1. Look out for peaky waves that will make good ramps;
2. Pick up speed on the flat water;
3. Sail on a broad reach with your feet in the straps - the further apart your feet are the more leverage you   have when jumping;
4. Go for the selected wave slightly downwind;
5. Carve your board towards the wind and up the face of the wave;
6. Bear away before hitting the peak of the wave;
7. The wind will get under the nose of the board;
8. Move your back hand backward and extend your front arm to speed up the rotation;
9. Look back, tuck your feet under your butt and oversheet.... [Read More]