The Windsurfing Wave: Gear, Events, and Pro Tips for 2024
From Cutting-Edge Equipment to Must-Watch Competitions
The windsurfing world is riding high in 2024, with innovations and adrenaline-pumping events reshaping the sport. Brands like NeilPryde and Starboard have dropped game-changing gear, including lighter carbon-fiber boards and sails with adaptive tension systems. These releases promise faster speeds and sharper turns, catering to both pros and weekend warriors.
“This year’s designs blur the line between athlete and equipment—it’s like the board reads your mind,” says 3-time world champion Sarah-Quita Offringa.
Competitions are heating up, too. The PWA World Tour kicks off in April at Costa Teguise, Canary Islands, followed by July’s Defi Wind in Gruissan, France—a marathon event drawing 1,500+ participants. Meanwhile, up-and-comer Leo Takahashi is turning heads after clinching two podiums in the 2023 season, proving youth is no barrier to dominance.
Technique and Conditions: Mastering the Elements
For those honing their skills, experts emphasize footstrap positioning for control in choppy waters and “sail flicking” to harness gusty winds. Weather plays a pivotal role: La Niña’s lingering effects mean stronger trade winds in the Caribbean, ideal for winter training, while Mediterranean spots like Tarifa face unpredictable gusts.
“Windsurfing is 70% forecasting, 30% muscle memory. Check wind apps hourly,” advises coach Javier Jaramillo.
Ready to dive deeper? The International Windsurfing Association’s event calendar and Windy.com’s real-time maps are goldmines for planning. Whether you’re eyeing new gear or a competition slot, 2024’s winds are calling—loudly.
