Sad day for the windsurfing community.
RIP
www.surfertoday.com/windsurfing/peter-volwater-passes-away-at-40
Only met him once to say hi,but in that brief exchange he seemed very friendly and down to earth.
He certainly loved his windsurfing.
RIP
What a super nice guy sadly missed my last sail with him down at Augusta lots of laughs what a top bloke!
RIP Peter Volwater
from PWA
The windsurfing world HAS BEEN shocked again this morning by the untimely death of one of the Netherlands finest windsurfers, Peter Volwater.
Pete was one of the biggest characters on the PWA Tour since his debut in 1995 and was an incredible all-round talent, with regular top 5 finishes in multiple disciplines. Known for everything from massive double forwards in the 50 knot winds of Gran Canaria, to blistering speed on the slalom course, Pete was a truly spectacular in all aspects of the sport.
Off the water the story was no different and, with a massive smile and a drink in his hand, Pete led the charge in the bar just as much as on the water, always ready to have fun with the huge number of people who were lucky enough to have him as a friend.
Despite Pete's massive energy for life in June 2014, he Began to sufferable terribly with depression and Began treatment for the condition. Sadly, after a long hard battle Pete was found dead in the early hours of this morning.
Our thoughts and deepest Sympathies are with Pete's family and girlfriend who have been by his side through everything with love and support he HAS BEEN through, and with the many, many friends who will miss Everything that Pete brought` to life and to windsurfing.He will be very sadly missed.
RIP Pete
Very sad news. Although I never met him I enjoyed our long distance work together on the 2015 Race sails last year. I was very aware of his battle with depression and was really looking forward to him being well enough to continue working with him on sails and boards going forward. Only last week he tested one of my prototypes in the Netherlands. My condolences to his family, his close friends and the wider windsurfing community who have enjoyed his company over the years.
I just can't believe depression. It is hard to reconcile that somebody with everything can be so sad. Bit like Robin Williams.
And then I feel bad because one may not notice, or help enough, or put it down to just a bad patch, and they will be alright cos their life seems better than ours so surely they will buck up and be fine. Not so. I still don't get it - bloody horrible thing to happen to somebody - and wish I did more... or something different... at times.
Will miss you Pete. ![]()
Tragic loss, depression is a terrible disease that takes too many lives, its not well understood, but the brain just seems to fill with thoughts of death, till it becomes the only option, and we all get let with "If only........
A great windsurfer and from what I've read a great guy too.
I'm sure he got as much and more enjoyment from windsurfing as we do and he gave a lot to it too.
It just shows that windsurfing doesn't cure everything or protect you from everything.
I've only read and seen good things about him and that's how I'll remember him.
Really sad to hear ! Depression is a terrible disease and too often a killer.
Spent just a few hours with Pete a long time ago, giving him a ride up from Margies to Perth. I remember thinking what a top bloke he was and that he had it all. He was living the dream, being the best at doing what he loved!
R.I.P. Peter Volwater
What an awesome guy, i re-watched all those fanatic falcon movies he was in that made me want to get into slalom/GPS. I wish i had the chance to meet him in person. Make the most of those around you and the green arrows
Peter will be greatly missed by all that new him .He has a house in Margaret River and was a regular at the point in summer .For those in the Margaret River region a wake will be held at the point this Sunday @ 2 pm to remember the good times we all shared with this top bloke