Getting Tricky

When the one gust of the day did hit, the professionalism amongst the competitors was outstanding. With a chance that the competition could run at any moment an elite entourage of freestylers were on the water and ready to rock out their radical tricks. The current world champ, Jose 'Gollito' Estredo (Fanatic, North), was seen throwing down many a move during the one-minute period of wind including a clean cana brava. Hopefully it'll blow for long enough tomorrow to allow official competition to commence.

Tense Times In The Tent

Being on standby for the whole day with the threat of competition imminent, the sailors can get rather frustrated at times, and if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time, you definitely know about it! Mid way through the afternoon, a group of the world's most fierce freestylers were seen arguing over which moves should be scored the highest. According to the sailors, a willy skipper in Fuerteventura is as difficult as a chachoo in Bonaire! Head judge, Duncan Coombs, commented: "Generally we all agree that a regular chachoo is perhaps the most difficult move to perform, but it does all depend on the conditions, and moves will be scored accordingly."

Chat Show

Here in Podersdorf there are often a few new faces on the world tour. We hooked up with two of freestyle's freshest to rack their brains about their exciting new experience.

PWA: What's it like coming to your first PWA event?

Max Rowe (Mistral, Simmer): "It's all a bit surreal sitting here with all the guys that I've watched so many times in the videos. I've met a few of them before but have never seen them all in one room like this. It's pretty exciting really. I just hope we get some wind!"

Dieter Van Der Eyken (Starboard, Severne): "It's really cool. I remember just last year, looking at the pictures in the magazines and wishing I could go to the events. I decided to join a while ago and the last six months have gone really quickly.

PWA: How do you feel right now? Anxious or scared?

MR: "I do feel a little bit anxious, but I've got Andy Chambers (JP, NeilPryde) in my first heat. I'm hoping that by having a familiar face on the water it'll make it easier, and perhaps take the pressure of the whole event."

DVDE: "I'm quite scared of the scoring format because I haven't practiced that many power moves recently. I was landing Culos fairly consistently during my training though, so hopefully they'll help to push me through.

PWA: Do you feel star struck with the current world champion, sitting right next to us?

MR: "I've met Gollito a few times before when I worked in Margarita so it's not too bad with him.