Wind is your friend – open your mind and let it blow

We appreciate there’s a certain stigma attached to ‘other’ watersports if you’re a staunch surfer. Here at NCW we get it, we really do. Scoring A1 waves in the UK isn’t easy. You have to commit. There’s a lot of driving around scouring the coastline – far and wide – on flat days to scope out potential and there’s even more hunting when an optimum weather chart shows up. Heartache when it doesn’t quite come together (those familiar with the ‘goose chase’ will understand the wrench of getting skunked). And when it’s finally Def Con 1, and you slide into that first liquid pit, the feeling of euphoria is unsurpassed. Stoked! Perfect surf just doesn’t happen all the time But how often does it all come together? Really, ask yourself honestly. Unless you’re a fully paid up pro then chances are the good days – those truly off the chain awesome sessions – will be few and far between. Tide not quite right, wind just a tad too strong, or from the wrong direction, swell angles not really optimum and so on… Bit windy? Storm surf 2016 What we do get in the UK, however, are conditions for varied disciplines. What this green and pleasant land lacks in consistency of surf is made up with diversity of conditions. It’s why NCW isn’t just a one trick pony. We support, participate in and acknowledge there are other watersports out there – most of which will allow itches to be scratched. After all, isn’t it just about getting wet, having fun and feeling fulfilled at the end of a session regardless the craft you choose to ride? Another constant along our coast – some would say bane – is wind. We gets a lot of it. How many times have you rocked up at the beach only to find gusts puffing onto the sand, junking the swell and chopping up seas? At this point surfers usually can it and head for home, the pub or wherever. But why we ask? Wind, after all, can be your friend if you open your mind and let it in… Wind is a common feature of coastal locations – home or away Windsurfing and kitesurfing aren’t new sports – they’ve been around forever and a day. Windsurfing is the daddy, having spawned in the late 50s (and invented in this country we hasten to add!) it really took hold and captured people’s imagination at the end of the 70s and into the 80s. For those who can remember that far back it seemed every man and his dog had a windsurf log (board) strapped to their vehicle. Kitesurfing exploded a few years later and was touted as windsurfing’s punkier sibling. Many windsurfers switched sides seeing kitesurfing offering more. Fast forward to the present day and banter between the two teams has simmered down somewhat, although still not entirely erased. It’s not unusual to find wind aficionados who practice both disciplines – and why not? And then there’s downwind SUP… Kitesurfing also works for us in a blow Downwind stand up paddle boarding is the art of riding rolling, offshore swells, as you would on a conventional surfboard – only this time you’re gliding along the coast ala drift surfing. The main differences being paddlers use boards from 12.6ft to 18ft in length; can be found miles offshore and use wind power to propel themselves onto bumps. The rest is just surfing. (Google downwind stand up paddle boarding to see what we’re on about if you’re still confused). *** If you end bang into downwind SUPing then maybe adding a foil to the mix like Kai Lenny does below could spice things up even further *** So what does this have to do with the price of fish we hear you ask? Well, the point is, there are plenty of alternative options for surfers to get out there on less than idyllic wave days. Learning a new tricks (old dogs as well) and developing all round ocean skills is only a good thing – this knowledge will transfer directly back to your surfing. Embracing the wind and any one (or combination) of the sports described above will leave you more fulfilled, fitter/healthier and better equipped for when the surf forecast of the decade shows up. And just to prove we’re as keen on windy sports as we say we are NCW has been tinkering with rubber and developing a brand new windsurfing/kitesurfing/downwind SUP wetsuit (See vid below) to help keep all you ocean lovers warm and protected. And the best part? The suit also suits everyday surfing needs – what more could you ask for? Plus, we’ve also added a new team rider to the mix in the form of champion race board windsurfer Mark Kay – stay tuned for a catch up with him…In the meantime let it blow!