Original source: TWS Tenerife Windsurf Solution
This video from TWS Tenerife Windsurf Solution covered a lot of ground. Streamed.News selected 8 key moments and summarises them here. Everything below links directly to the timestamp in the original video.
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Large Foil Brands Criticized for Inconsistent Gear Quality
Rytis, a professional windsurfer, has voiced concerns over significant production variances in foil gear from major brands like Starboard and F4. He explains that units sold to consumers often differ substantially from those used by top riders, making it challenging to recommend them due to unpredictable performance and quality.
This inconsistency, often attributed to mass production in factories, means aspiring foilers are essentially "rolling the dice" when purchasing equipment. Rytis advises favoring smaller, boutique brands that produce fewer foils annually, as they tend to maintain tighter quality control and offer more consistent performance across their product lines.
"When you have to recommend someone to buy a foil... it's hard to recommend because in many brands, you realize that the top guys don't have the same stuff that you'll have buying off the shelf."
Young Talent Michael Rises to Top in Windsurfing
Michael, the youngest participant in a professional training program, has made a remarkable ascent in competitive windsurfing since joining at age 14 in 2016. He recounts his journey from struggling to competing at elite levels, attributing his rapid progress to the improving quality of training and the high caliber of fellow participants.
His dedication culminated in a successful PWA debut, where he finished first in the sole heat raced at the event. Michael’s experience highlights the transformative impact of structured training and competitive exposure on young athletes, demonstrating how consistent effort can quickly elevate a novice to a top contender.
"Every year I could come here, see how the best guys are training and compare myself from being a small kid that was struggling... to now fighting on top of the second group or even sometimes in the first group."
Rytis Credits Off-Water Observation for Performance Gains
Professional windsurfer Rytis attributes significant improvements in his on-water performance to meticulously observing how top riders manage their preparation, hydration, nutrition, and gear adjustments during breaks. He likens this learning experience to watching Michael Jordan train in the 90s, gaining crucial insights beyond just sailing technique.
The supportive community and openness of experienced pros, who offer advice and encouragement, have created an environment conducive to rapid progression. This holistic approach, encompassing both physical exertion and meticulous off-water management, underscores the complex demands of elite-level competition.
"That's like rocking up to Michael Jordan's trainings in the 90s and seeing what he does before training, what he does after training, and just trying out to pick up some stuff."
Bruno Achieves Podium Finishes After Structured Training
Bruno, a windsurfer, saw immediate and significant improvements in his results after transitioning from casual cruising to structured training with proper marks in 2015. With full sponsorship, his daily intense starts and competition against top riders quickly led to podium finishes and top 10 placements in events like the IFCA Grand Prix.
His experience highlights how a focused training regimen, even for an already experienced individual, can dramatically elevate performance. The shift from informal practice to rigorous, competitive training with elite athletes proved instrumental in his rapid ascent in the sport.
"To be honest, immediately after the first year in 2015, I already got some good results. I made one podium in the IFCA, something like that."
Sarah Secures Top 5 Finishes After Intensive Training
Sarah, a windsurfer, credits her intensive training environment for her rapid rise in the sport, achieving top 5 finishes in PWA fin and foil slalom and winning an international event in her first season. She highlights the inspiring presence of top professionals who push hard both on and off the water, fostering a community where younger riders can learn directly from the best.
This immersion into professional routines, including observing their shore-based activities, provided invaluable insights that she could immediately apply to competitions. Her success demonstrates the efficacy of comprehensive training that combines on-water practice with mentorship and observation of elite athletes.
"I got a lot of good secrets, tips from all the top guys and I could straight away put them into work, like into the competitions."
Rytis Masters Open Sea Conditions, Wins Races After Challenging Start
Rytis, a windsurfer from a flat, gusty lake background, faced extreme challenges in his initial open sea training in Tenerife, confronting 30-knot winds and 1.5-meter swells. His early goal was simply to finish a race, a stark contrast to his current achievement of winning group races through dedicated training and meticulous observation of top riders.
His progression, from fearing the conditions in 2017-2018 to mastering them, underscores the importance of continuous learning and adapting professional habits. Rytis emphasizes that observing how elite athletes prepare their gear, hydrate, and strategize during breaks has been as crucial as on-water practice for his remarkable ascent.
"I'm a guy who grew up in a flat, gusty lake... and then you go out in Almadena 30 knots, I was like, 'What the hell is happening?'"
Bruno Eyes Breakthrough Season After Intensive Training
Bruno, a professional windsurfer, stresses that consistent training against top professionals was crucial for his progression from a novice to a competitive rider. He learned by observing and following experienced athletes, a method he now credits with his ability to beat some top riders in heats this year.
Despite his improved performance, Bruno has lacked consistent overall event results due to limited racing opportunities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He feels poised for a significant breakthrough, attributing his readiness to his refined materials, preparation, and the intense training environment.
"If you really want to reach your goals, you just have to follow the best one, and then when you realize how it's working, then you can put something that is coming from you to see if you can be better than him."
Foil Technology Levels Playing Field for Younger Windsurfers
Michael and Sarah, both younger windsurfers, agree that foil technology has provided newer competitors a significant advantage in the sport. Since everyone started with foils at the same time, it allowed them to quickly catch up to experienced fin riders who had years of accumulated practice.
This equalized development time, combined with continuous innovation in foil technology, means that younger athletes can achieve competitive speeds and performance much faster than if they had to master traditional fin setups. The shift to foil has effectively reshaped the competitive landscape, accelerating the progression of new talent.
"Everybody started at the same point, so if I did it seriously, I can see the results now."
Summarised from TWS Tenerife Windsurf Solution · 58:09. All credit belongs to the original creators. TWS summarises publicly available video content.
