Original source: Goya Windsurfing
This video from Goya Windsurfing covered a lot of ground. Streamed.News selected 3 key moments and summarises them here. Everything below links directly to the timestamp in the original video.
How much difference can one centimeter make? For an elite athlete, a small adjustment to a fin can unlock a new level of speed and control.
Pro Windsurfer Anthoine Albert Standardizes Board Length, Prefers Larger Fins for Speed
Windsurfer Anthoine Albert has standardized the length of all his custom wave boards at a compact 2.14 meters, a size he finds fits best in the waves. Rather than changing length, he and his shapers adjust volume and width to suit different conditions. This philosophy of consistency extends to his fin choices, where he uses specific MFC K300 and TF models for his quad and thruster setups, respectively.
In freestyle, Albert has shifted to a larger 20cm fin after discovering that "bigger is better." He reports the larger size gives him more speed, grip, and control without negatively impacting his ability to perform sliding maneuvers, illustrating a key insight gained through on-the-water experimentation.
"I found out that bigger is better. I can go faster, more grip, more control, and it doesn't bother me on the slide, so why not use bigger?"
Windsurfer Anthoine Albert Reveals Adaptable Board Setup for Varying Wave Conditions
Professional windsurfer Anthoine Albert presented the core of his board collection, or "quiver," centered on two versatile 70-liter custom wave boards from 2016. These boards are equipped with five fin boxes, a design feature that allows him to change his setup based on the day's conditions. This adaptability is crucial for performing at a high level across different locations.
He modifies the fin configuration to match the power of the surf, using a four-fin "quad" setup for better grip in powerful, offshore waves and a three-fin "thruster" setup for mellower conditions. This highlights how elite windsurfers constantly tune their equipment to the ocean's changing character.
"If it's really offshore, like a powerful wave, I prefer to go with the quad. And when it's like more mellow, I use a thruster."
Anthoine Albert Details Trade-Offs Between Performance and Durability in Custom Boards
Windsurfer Anthoine Albert described two highly specialized boards that highlight the compromise between performance and durability. One 75-liter model, built with only foam and epoxy, offers extreme flexibility that feels "like a skate" on the water but is too fragile to jump with. Another custom board is exceptionally quick and responsive—a "toy" in the waves—but has broken frequently.
These specialized designs reveal a key challenge in high-performance sports equipment. The materials and construction that create the best feel and responsiveness are often the least durable, forcing athletes to choose boards suited for specific maneuvers or conditions rather than all-around use.
"It's a super fun board... I cannot jump with it because it can bend."
Summarised from Goya Windsurfing · 11:09. All credit belongs to the original creators. Goya Windsurfing summarises publicly available video content.
