Increase in numbers of windsurfers aged 50plus

One is never too old for windsurfing

Björn Dunkerbeck is 40 years old and competing for this year’s championship title. Robby Naish is 46 and surfing the hugest waves imaginable. One never gets too old for windsurfing. There are more than a quarter of a million people above 50 in Germany who spend their free time wind surfing. Between 2006 and 2008, the number of people surfing at least once in a while has increased for the first time in a decade, especially with those aged 50-something (an increase of 40.000 people). But also more people in their 40ies and 60ies have (re-)discovered windsurfing.

The old board is still waiting in the shed

A lot of “pioneer surfers“ of the old days still have their old equipment sitting around in the tool shed. Once having been an essential accessory, dragged around everywhere on top of a run-down car during college years, the surfboard now spends its time almost forgotten hanging from the tool shed’s roof. The old sail is rolled up and stowed away, just like the memories of those summer days at the beach. The majority of those, having started the windsurfing movement back in the 1980ies, was not or only rarely active in the meantime at their home spots. Due to careers, families and other commitments the old hobby had to be put on hold.

Modern equipment facilitates the re-entry

In the last few years, however, it became obvious that many of the original surfers are taking up their hobby again. In order to enjoy the surfing a lot more, one should exchange the old equipment for something new: in those 25 years since windsurfing’s high times, when it became an olympic discipline in 1984, many things have changed. Modern boards are broader, which makes them easier to ride. The sails are shorter with the boom and easier to handle, and a lighter weight makes them easier to hoist and to maneuver. Plus: today’s soft decks are comfortable to stand on, which makes surfing also attractive for children or grandchildren.

The latest Trend Stand Up Paddling (SUP) for the trend-setters of the first generation

The latest surfing trend is called Stand Up Paddling (SUP) and is quite interesting for those wishing to return to windsurfing as it gives them a broader spectrum of surfing varieties. When SUPing, surfers stand on a long but light board and move forward by means of a tall paddle. This technique is originally from Hawaii and currently finds many followers in Germany. The first SUP World Cup took place in Hamburg just recently (Jever SUP World Cup, 10.-12. July 2009).

It is not quite clear whether this method is an old and traditional means of transport for the Hawaiian kings, or whether it was the surfing teachers in Hawaii who invented SUPing in order to move around quicker between their students. Either way, Stand Up Paddling gives you an opportunity to move your board around without any wind. Besides this, SUPing is considered a great workout that tones the whole body gently and is fun to do, both for grown-ups and kids. The Stand Up Paddlle-Boards are also available with a mast foot, hence they can be used for windsurfing also. An SUP board can on the other hand also be used for wave riding, as well as a lying on in the middle of the sea...

Be up to date – which equipment is best for ‘refreshers’?

Windsurfers with some skills should choose a light sail without camber (bending the sail) – even after a long surfing break. With a price of approximately 450 Euro, these sails are in the mid-priced segment. The sail should be around half a square meter bigger than 15 years ago. Depending on the surfer’s weight and the conditions of the surf area, the ideal sail should be around 5.7 and 7 square meters in size.

As described earlier, a good board is a SUP board with an optional mast foot. If a pure windsurfing board is preferred, one should either go for a glide board for light winds or a freeride board – it gives intermediate surfers the most possibilities. Generally speaking, a board should be chosen depending on its volume these days, whereas in the past it was chosen by length. A modern board tends to be ten liters less in volume. In absolute figures, the board’s volume depends on body weight and riding skills. For an in-depth consultation, it is best to go to a specialized shop.

Where? New Spot Guide with information on locations and shops

To find good surfing spots in the vicinity, the new spot guide should be consulted. It is designated to beginners and those wishing to take up surfing after a long break. 400 windsurfing and SUPing locations have been registered all over Europe. What is more, the database holds information on nearly 400 shops and 143 schools and windsurfing centers.