Racing offers a pure competition feeling. Typically on a downwind-figure-eight slalom course which is marked by buoys, the winner is who first reaches the finishing line.

Racing Rules
According to the organizer and the umbrella organization, there are different rules regarding the allowed surf material.

The new format in the Race discipline Slalom 42 which was created by the PWA is a concession to participants who are not able to buy the newest and most expensive material: competitors are only allowed to use a maximum of four sails and two boards to increase the emphasis on sailor skills and race tactics.

Formula windsurfing is a racing-format which only allows boards meeting the critera of the International Sailing Federation - similar to Formula 1 racers, who have to keep to certain standards for participating. Competitions like the DWC ( German Windsurf Cup) or the Eurocup fall back on these Racing standards.

Racing is the only olympic windsurf discipline. All surfers are supplied with exactly the same boards, fins and sails. The material is selected the way that the competitions can take place relatively independent of the wind conditions. At the moment, the manufacturer Neilpyde provides the material. The competition for providing the material always takes place before the Olympics.

At the Indoor-Racing in indoor pools, there are only two to four surfers competing, because of the limited space.

Competition Method
The PWA tries to create the courses the way that the spectators at the beach are able to see everything from as close as possible. The unique combination of tactic, surf ability, overtaking manoeuvres, crashes and neck and neck decisions makes this slalom discipline so exciting. The decision about the winner is not made by judges, it is made directly on the water.

The Best Racers
The beefy Frenchman Antoine Albeau, record world champion Björn Dunkerbeck and the American Kevin Pritchard dominate this discipline. Karin Jaggi from Switzerland holds the title of the women.

Links

International Sailing Federation (ISAF)

Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA) - Slalom 42

Find the official PWA information about slalom windsurfing in the download area:

Type in there the following title:

"PWA Information Slalom.pdf"