Have you ever wondered when you’ll get to strap back in your board for the season?
With a strange season ahead of us Ratoongers around the world have had their plans greatly altered and are finding themselves in places they didn’t expect to be! For all those who usually chase the summers and find themselves in snow, well we hope that snowboarding can fill your void and the fluffy powder days will be enjoyed for everyone who can’t make it to the snow!
What if you’re stuck away from the snow however? We’re writing this piece to get you excited about any and all boards you find yourself on this season, and to talk specifically about Windsurfing!
In top european destinations like Spain, Portugal and Greece you can find great October windsurfing conditions, and relish in the solidarity and freedom of the board! Windsurfers share in the obsession of checking the weather as boarders do, but rather than watching for powder days, they relish in optimal wind days to get the same floating feeling you get while gliding down on fresh powder days. Your snowboarding skills can make windsurfing an easier and faster experience.
“Thanks to my experience as a snowboarder, I was able to apply the spin technique and learned how to make a tack, upwind turn, and look pretty cool! I was excited to challenge myself and pull off some tricks like I do on my board.”
– European Rider, author, Patrik Longauer
Some major differences with snowboarding and windsurfing is of course the lack of alpine and steep mountain ranges. While the incredible force of gravity aids your board to the base, windsurfing you’re playing on the elements and working with the wind to gain your speed. A significant difference can be seen with the fastest recorded windsurfer clocking in at 96kph, Antoine Albeau, while the fastest recorded snowboarder 203kph, Edmonton Plawczyk. Both however have an average speed of about 40-50km/h. Another difference in the fitness requirements for each, windsurfing requiring much more upper body strength than snowboarding! If windsurfing is going to be your board of choice when resorts are closed, better throw in some upper body workouts! Lifting the sail, sheeting it in and changing direction will require some agility and strength, and certainly work some muscles your snowboarding body will not be prepared for.
So if you’re finding yourself stuck on the water and away from the slopes in the upcoming months, we hope this board and you find excitement in each other!
“Don’t be a victim of your circumstances.”
– Steve Maraboli
This year has been challenging for many people in many different ways, but you can choose the way you will react to those challenges. We hope everyone in the ski communities worldwide keeps hope in the idea that we will be able to travel freely around to our favourite resorts again one day and are excited for the season of local riding and testing other boards to make the best of 2020’s wrath. You may just find that your new sport will improve your winter boarding skills in ways you never expected!
Guest Author Patrik Longauer: young student who is working to develop his inbound marketing skills to a higher level. He is starting with us as a guest blogger to gain more practical experience in creating content for companies! If you found this article interesting and engaging, you can contact Patrik on his LinkedIn profile and help him develop a portfolio involving content creation.