Taranaki turns it on for TWC 2020
Despite the relative isolation and protection from modern day scourge of viral affliction, the Kiwi’s at the bottom of the World enjoy some pretty special moments. One of which occurs annually each October; centred around the sensationally rugged West Coast NZ surf capital of Taranaki.
Taranaki isn’t a town, it’s a legendary region. And even more succinctly, it’s a way of life. A place where windsurf reputations can be made. Or broken, along long ragged and rocky beaches, strewn with the car sized boulders, cliffs and headlands that surround the sensational scenic Mt Egmont. Otherwise known as Mt Taranaki. Or just “the Mountain”. As they say; Like No Other.
Bevan + Heidi operate Water Nomads, a dedicated high performance windsurf rental and adventure agency based in Taranaki. Always a big week for them and no shortage of Severne equipment going around. Getting in early, they were rewarded with a wild session in Bayly Road on together with local Jason Coxhead and Erik Noack and a near solo session in Kina Road with Spencer Lewis.
Wind and swell delivered in time for the (covidly unofficial) TWC 2020: a head to mast high swell with fairly light winds (10-12knts) in Kina Road on Saturday morning. The tide was low in the morning, what didn’t stop locals Erik Noack and Christophe Massa of showing everyone else how good the float and ride conditions really are. It was as busy as if the event would have been officially happening with 40-45 sailors from Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington and of course the many locals ripping solid local conditions. Yes, make no mistake. Taranaki turns it on.
Sunday dawned similar; a little bit smaller swell and a little more wind (12-15knts). Again, the road was parked up way back. Not many people were found on the beach during the peak time – everyone was on the water and came back with a big smile on their face. Good times!
Epic food and hospitality, not to mention local brew are definitely an integral part of any Taranaki event, and this year Taranaki Windsurf Club presented on the beach BBQs on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Always a classic end to a great session sharing a sausage and a beer.
Monday delivered Groundhog Day. Back to the “trenches” but minus the crowds. Many visitors headed home after the weekend, but the Water Nomads customers and the locals had another day of head to mast high waves and 10-12knts of wind to themselves. Sunny and warm, but no mountain scenes this year.
And as always, hard to leave beautiful Taranaki. Can’t wait to get back there next year.
Or perhaps on the next Water Nomads trip early December.
Photo Credits: Bevan Thrower/ Water Nomads
More Severne news
DYNO BOARD SETUP WITH SIMON BORNHOFT PART 11 – How To Boost Your Gybes
Simon Bornhoft explains on how to take your gybing to the next level and give your Dyno that extra zip, grip and a real surge of scintillating speed through the corners.
If you’ve struggled to control over powered gybes, challenging chop, excessive board speed or you’re just wanting a faster exit, being able to overseheet your rig and carve harder is a massive part of your progression. So we’re going to help take you and the Dyno into the faster, tighter turns with added confidence and greater exit speed.
Alien first encounter with Simon Bornhoft
Way back in Dec 2019, Simon Bornhoft tried and tested the new Severne Alien & Redwing Foil set up at Severne HQ in Perth. Having now had one of the early release Aliens for the last month, it is time to hear about what to expect from this addition to the Severne range. Plus, we get some impressions from Simon’s Windwise clients who were lucky enough to have had a close encounter with the Alien!
Lake Garda, Italy sets the scene for historical iQFOiL event
As the fall season is making its mark all across Europe, one event at Lake Garda in Italy turned heads all across the world. A fleet of red sails took over the lake for an incredible week filled with action. A record setting junior and youth clinic followed by the 2020 Garda International Games left no doubts about the full potential of this new, exciting evolution of windsurfing.
Nuclear “Le Jai” in South of France delivers for second stop of AFF tour
50knots+ winds hit the beach of “Le Jai” in Marignane located in the south of France, just in time for the second stop of the French racing tour. Severne rider Benjamin “babou” Augé took third place. Check out these crazy images.
Psycho & Freek take over Brouwersdam
The new 2021 Psycho freestyle board and Freek freestyle sail hit the water at Brouwersdam, Netherlands. Severne rider Dieter Van der Eyken and friends push the gear to the limit on this autumn day.
A successful 2020 Singapore wind foil nationals
The first ever Singapore Wind Foil Nationals was concluded October 4th 2020 and was a major success. The 2-day event was hosted at Aloha Sea Sports Centre and organised by the Singapore Sailing Federation.
DYNO BOARD SETUP WITH SIMON BORNHOFT PART 10 – Rig rotator
For this issue Simon Bornhoft continues the quest to give you the best possible gybes. So if you combine the Dyno’s super smooth easy turning qualities and the core Windwise skills that have enhanced thousands of gybers, you’re going to be cranking those corners!
Matteo Iachino takes second place at Prince of Speed La Palme
First time on the speed course and a near victory The "Prince Of Speed" event just wrapped up in La Palme, France. This spot is a well-known location for speed sailors who regularly visit the local La Franqui beach for some serious speed sailing. After a long holding...
Foiling, racing and free riding at 2020 René Egli test week
Guaranteed a fun time and unrivalled hospitality at René Egli Fuerteventura and Innside by Mélia Fuerteventura Despite worsening travel possibilities and coronavirus restrictions all across Europe and beyond, the Severne team made its way to the island for...