Speedsurfing - speed alone counts

The only important thing about Speedsurfing is speed. Windsurfers are part of the fastest non-motorized water vehicles ever! Standing only a few centimeters above the water surface, with only a tiny surfboard under their feet and with the enormous wind force clenching to their hands, windsurfers shoot over the water at speeds, of which some sporting boats pilots can only dream of.

Velocities of over 80 km/h, generated only by wind force, are no rarity at competitions. This has to be rated a lot higher on the water than on the land. Following the sailors’ tradition, velocities for speedsurfing are indicated generally in knots. One knot is equal to 1,852 km/h.

The battle David vs. Goliath - windsurfers vs. high-tech yachts

For years windsurfers have fought a fierce battle about the crown for the fastest sailing vehicle on the water with the largest high-tech yachts. This rivalry still resembles a fight David vs. Goliath. One single surfer with only one board under his feet and one sail in his hands competes against a multi-million dollar trimaran-race-yacht – and he wins.

Speed rules
At speed competitions the surfer wins who reaches the highest average speed at a distance of 100, 250 or 500 meters. Speed races are also held at the distance of the nautical mile (1852 meters). The 500 meters distance is considered as the king’s distance. In competitions a special point-system is applied.

Associations for speedsurfing
Speedsurfing is becoming more popular and it is represented by the International Speed Windsurfing Class (ISWC), under the umbrella of the International Sailing Federation ISAF. Responsible for the official acknowledgement of a new speed record of a sailing vehicle is under the roof of the ISAF the World Sailing Speed Record Council WSSRC. So far, the PWA has not included Speedsurfing into its Tour calender.

Important speed events
Beside the tour calendar of the regular Speed World Cup tour there are the Masters of Speed MOS, which are held on a specially created channel in the French Saint Marie de la Mère, and the World Speed Challenge WSSC, which takes place on different spots. 2008 an other speed event in England has been launched, called "Driven by Wind".

The fastest surfers
The current world record is held by Antoine Albeau. On 05. March 2008 he reached 49,09 knots, 90,91 kilometers an hour, on a canal in South France which was specially prepared for record attempts. Current Speed World Champion of the ISA are again Antoine Albeau and Karin Jaggi from France.

Links

International Sailing Federation (ISAF)

International Speedsurfing Association (ISA)

World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC)

Masters of Speed (MOS)

World Speed Sailing Challenge (WSSC)

Driven by Wind

Speedsurfing Grand Prix

Find here the news on Antoine's world record (06. 03. 2008).

Story: The fastest Man on the Water - Antoine Albeau