Jump n bump (Video).

It's been a hectic few weeks for me with visitors and it looks set to continue with friends, family and fellow windsurfers arriving all at the same time this weekend. Nevertheless I've still been getting some sailing in, mostly at Flag Beach funnily enough, a place I normally avoid nowadays because of the k**e plague. It's a shame really as I enjoy sailing at Flag when it's good and I spent many, many days there as a relative newcomer to the island 17 years ago when my old Seat Ibiza couldn't get through the sand to Punta and left me with no choice except to sail at Flag. This week we had some great sessions there and there weren't too many k***s, some of them even stayed in their area which was nice. Lucy is finally getting some smoothly rotated forwards (Punta next) which is well-timed just before the competitions in May and I shot a bit of GoPro footage on the last day... check it out at the bottom of the post.

Flag Beach 06/04/2013, Bump n Jump... from Stephen Gibson on Vimeo.

....and relax...(video).

The wind has finally abated and the island is basking under a cloudless sky again. Beautiful. Time to kick back, SUP, and recharge the old batteries- not bad. In the meantime, check out this video of some of the sessions we had over the last six weeks or so at Punta, Majanicho and one day in La Caleta. Thanks to Lucy for standing on the beach filming when she evidently wanted to be in the water! (The favour was returned, I assure you).

Stephen Gibson Winter Sessions 2013 from Stephen Gibson on Vimeo.

What? Wind from the left????

We had our first real stormy SW wind last weekend, tons of rain and superstrong, gusty winds accompanied by a decent swell (although not as big as predicted). This is the first port tack riding we've had since last June (Puerto Lajas) and before that was a year ago as we had no SW and no rain at all last winter! These pics were taken on Sunday, well powered up on my 4.5 Hero and still loving my 87 quad, although I should probably have taken the 79 Thruster out, to be honest. I didn't sail too great, but I blame that on lack of practice, hehe, and the pics came out OK...

When we finished sailing at 5pm, a massive front came through and blew a deluge of sand and dust across the whole of the north shore (see top pic). We couldn't even see the sea from the beach, and shortly after the heavens opened and kept the whole island indoors til Monday morning.

It's all passed now and gone pretty calm after four days of howling winds. Phew! Business as usual...

Batten down the hatches.

We have a huge storm headed our way which should hit us on Sunday or Monday, with howling SW winds and a monstrous swell! However, after 17 years on the island I also feel comfortable in predicting that torrential rain will accompany the wind and waves, probably making the northtrack impassable by late Sunday and leaving us to retreat to Rocky Point. Let's see...

In the meantime I leave you with a photo of myself and a short clip of Lucy waveriding on our last day at Majanicho. I'm off to build an ark...

Short clip from Majanicho from Lucy Robson on Vimeo.

Majanicho pics...

I won't bore you with details....some more great sessions at Majanicho- I love my 87 quad!!!!!

More Action...

The wind has stopped blowing for a couple of days so time to rest n recuperate before it comes back (handily) at the weekend. We've had loads more sailing, you'll be pleased to hear (check out the gopro still from Flag Beach yesterday above), and we're still getting some video footage together, mainly for training purposes. I'm sitting on mine until I have enough for a half-decent video but Lucy had loads of footage so she chucked together this little gem where you can see how much she's improved already in the short time she's been here, she really is ripping, especially at my beloved Punta. Check out her waveriding and her full-on forward attempts! She's landing them now since we shot this video...In the meantime, enjoy...

Lucy Robson January 2013 training Fuerteventura from Lucy Robson on Vimeo.
And while we're on the subject of video, check out this wee snippet from Punta a few days ago. With only a few weeks left before the Easter Clinic (places still available if you're interested), I'm getting as much freesailing in as possible.... Yep, I'm still addicted to takas...

More pics from our windy isle.

The wind hasn't really stopped blowing since my last post, the SUP is looking slightly forlorn in the garden as we head off to Punta and Majanicho every morning to get a couple of hours on the water before work. We're still shooting video so I have some frame-grabs to post up, although the light has been shitty so the quality is not so good- not sure if we'll be able to use the video footage for anything other than training purposes. It's been really useful to watch the footage, though, and my sailing has definitely improved as a result. We will be using video analysis a lot this year on my clinics for sure. The wind has dropped off today but should return tomorrow for some Majanicho action so the video camera is on charge...

Windy...

 

It´s been a good windy spell over here and we´ve been sailing a lot! Loads of big days at Punta and some good Majanicho sessions (check out the pics taken from some video that we shot). Yesterday myself and Lucy tried to sail Martillo at low tide, something I´ve never tried before and I realise now why! It´s definitely a high tide only spot as we suspected as there were semi-dry rocks peeking out as I bottom turned on logo high sets! After I threaded through two bubbling boulders on a set wave I decided it was time to head back to the van and spent the next 20 minutes picking my way across the razor sharp lava rock. Never again at low tide! 

The forecast is epic for the next week and we´re going to continue videoing the sessions with the aim of getting a wee video together by the end of the month. That´s the plan anyway, but it´s not that easy to stand on the beach with a camera when it´s going off on the water so let´s see...

Late late update.

 It's been absolutely ages since I last posted anything on here and I apologise profusely. I still have no internet at home and have been fairly silent on here and facebook since before xmas. However, there has been loads of action on the water between SUP and windsurf.
Just before the joyous yuletide season we had some got good easterlies and I got a couple of decent sessions in at Martillo (see pics below) and Majanicho. Over Christmas things went a little quiet with too much for paddling and not enough for sailing on most days. Probably because Hobbsy was over. When he left things got going again and we've had some cracking days at Punta and Puerto Lajs (pic above). The forecast is looking great for the coming week, got a feeling I'll be visiting El Martillo mid-week and I hope to get some photos if possible, or maybe even some video.

Crocked...

Well, here I am sat on my sofa with a lot of time on my hands. While SUPing on Friday I took a bit of a tumble (check the photo above) and wrenched my neck and shoulder. Not too bad, I could still just about paddle so I donned my cloak of invincibility the next morning and went back in at 7.30. Bad move. I think the combination of strained neck and shoulder muscles, chilly morning air and lack of warm-up (oops) combined and conspired against me and my back went big time while I was out the back. Brilliant. I managed to swim in and get back to the van, then get home and I've been bloody stuck here, almost completely immobile since then. I. Am. Bored. Anyway, it could be a good few days before I'm up and about again so I'll leave you these photos of 'the day before' to peruse in my virtual absence.

Also, check out this short clip from Punta last weekend. Typically, we didn't get any video on the better days but waited until it went onshore and messy. I videoed Lucy when there was no wind then she videoed me when it was rubbish- what a team! Anyway, from the 20 minutes of video, I managed to scrape together this short something or other. If you fancy a bit of that, but in the sunshine and boardshorts, have a look at this... http://puretourism.co.uk/blog/learn-pros-windsurfing-clinics-fuerteventura and you could be blasting back and forth with us next year. Imagine...

1 minute at Punta. from Stephen Gibson on Vimeo.

Wind, waves and sunshine..

Yeah, we've had a great couple of weeks over here with a perfect  mix of wind and waves meaning I've been busting out the windsurf kit and the SUP in fairly equal measures. Last week we had five days of strong northeasterlies meaning some nice sessions at Punta in very large but messy waves. Check out the pictures. The last few days have been sunny and windless so it's been out with the paddleboard and down to Majanicho at first light to (futilely it turned out) attempt to beat the crowds. It's getting so busy there with surfers and SUPers that it's a bit dangerous when it gets big. I caught some nice waves but I think it's time for me to head to some more secret spots now for the rest of the winter before I lose an eye or something....

More Clinic News...

Had a good couple of days this past week at Punta and Glass, great to finally get out on my new kit! I absolutely love my 87 quad. I was a little concerned that it may be a bit slow on the plane but was amazed by how quickly it got up and going and it's top end speed aswell. It's going to be my best friend this winter.

The Easter and summer clinics are filling up nicely now and we have hooked up with windsurfing holiday specialists Puretourism to promote them. Check out their site for more info here http://puretourism.co.uk/blog/learn-pros-windsurfing-clinics-fuerteventura .

Windsurf Clinics 2013

Following last year's hugely successful clinics, I have spent the past week organising next year's clinic dates.  Hopefully all the information you may need is included!  Read on and don't hesitate to get in touch with any queries or booking enquiries.  It's gonna be a great summer...

2013 Fuerteventura Windsurfing Clinics with Stephen Gibson

Dates

March

Saturday 23^rd March – Saturday 30^th March 2013

June

Saturday 22nd June – Saturday 29th June 2013

July

Saturday 26th July – Saturday 3rd August 2013

August

Saturday 17^th August – Saturday 24^th August 2013

Getting there

We have four week long dates to coincide firstly with Easter and then the summer holidays for those with families /commitments to term time.

Charter flights to Fuerteventura are available from London Gatwick with Easyjet and Thomas Cook on Wednesday and Saturday, both airlines of which will take windsurf kit at a fixed rate.  Please see their website for specific instructions on packing and charges. 

You will also find convenient flights from most UK airports on these dates (for example Cardiff and Bristol) and we’ll be happy to organise your transport /transfer once you have your flight times confirmed.

We would recommend that your book your flights ASAP as availability can be limited and the price may increase the closer you get to the departure date.

Accommodation

Luxury accommodation with full facilities is organised close to the town centre and beaches of Corralejo.

Costs

Despite the peak times of the clinics and with the inclusion of luxury accommodation and vehicle we price our clinics very reasonably, especially in light of the committed and high level of coaching from Stephen Gibson!  Prices listed below per person:-

·         Tuition, accommodation, transport (hire car to be shared by four people with two insured drivers) and four evening meals - £499

·         Holiday only with all the above except tuition for an adult (over 18) - £350

·         Child between 12-18 years - £300

·         Child under 12 years - £250

·         Tuition only if you organise your holiday at the same time - £160

Numbers

There is an availability of 10 places per clinic for our inclusive tuition holiday, but should you wish to travel and holiday with friends and /or family that do not windsurf there is plenty of space and availability regarding accommodation and transport and we can assist with your specific needs.

Flights

As set out above, please be aware that you will need to book your own flights.  We would recommend that as soon as you have booked your place on the clinic that you also book your flight.  There are lots of flights available from all major UK airports on the clinic dates and we would ask that you just let us know your flight information as soon as you have this available so that we can arrange airport collections and transport arrangements. 

Level and coaching information

Our clinics are aimed at improvers and will be tailored to suit everyone who attends.  The one-on-one time will work towards your personal goals and we will team up groups at similar windsurf levels /looking to achieve the similar goals on the days we have.  Ideally you will be competent at waterstarting and using the harness /footstraps as a minimum suggestion to work from.  At the more advanced end of the spectrum there is nothing that Stephen cannot teach you – from forward and back loops, pushloops, takas, shakas to advanced wave riding depending on what you wish to achieve on your week.  Please check out our facebook page to see Stephen’s videos and pictures from previous clinics /training sessions to give you an idea of the sort of windsurfing we do and the high level of instruction you can expect to receive.  Take a look at http://gibboinfuerte.blogspot.com/ and http://vimeo.com/user744739/videos for Stephen’s blog and video updates.

Stephen is also assisted by fellow Fanatic /North /ION sponsored pro windsurfer Lucy Robson who will be on hand to provide video footage and photographs and additional coaching.

Previous clinics have seen clients progress to tacking on small waveboards, learning and progressing carve gybes, working on jumps, waveriding and looping.

There is a great variety of spots in both the north and south of the island depending on the conditions, providing everything from waves to flat water freestyle and Stephen’s expert local knowledge gleaned from 17 years on Fuerteventura will ensure that we are always in the right place to make the most of the conditions on offer.

 

 

Equipment

Once you have booked your place on one of the clinic dates we will be able to give specific equipment advice to best advise you individually on what to take and whether to consider bringing your own kit or hiring.

Basic details of the trip and what’s included

·         All-inclusive clinic cost - £490pp (hire car transport included being car share or own car for friends /families)

·         Kit can be your own which you have brought out on the flight and you have paid excess baggage for or you can hire locally which we can organise at an extra cost

·         Afternoon snacks are provided each day on the beach but we would recommend that you bring your own lunch depending on your own dietary requirements

·         Accommodation is a luxury villa which includes a pool, hot tub etc and is located only 5 minutes from the beach /town centre for convenience

·         We include 4 evening meals in the price (1 BBQ and 3 restaurant meals)

·         Nights out including one big Saturday night around the town visiting the local bars

·         Light-wind alternatives including Stand-Up Paddle boarding, surfing and golf

·         Video and photo feedback (including CD of photos to each member of the tuition group)

·         Tuition for all levels over seven days

·         Awards ceremony and prizes on the last night

·         Daily tuition including one-on-one time working on your specific windsurfing goals with Stephen Gibson

 

It´s been a while...

Not much to report of late unfortunately. We have been becalmed for the past 8 weeks now over here, nothing at all! To be honest, it came at the perfect time, after a long summer of relentless wind and much adventure! I was also waiting for my 2013 kit to arrive, which it has now, so the calm period has been a welcome break giving me time to relax, SUP and organise my life before it all starts again.
My new kit is now in my van, ready to go and I´m chomping at the bit to get it on the water. In particular, the 87 quad as I have never had a quad before, always going with the Twin previously, and am looking forward to see how it goes this winter. I tried a fellow teamrider´s at Puerto Lajas last June and was very impressed. Given that between now and March we´ll get a lot of classic down the line days, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to give it a whirl so I´ll keep you posted.
Anyway, it´s glassy again today with a big swell so I´m off on my SUP, gotta keep busy, hard life...

What a summer!!!!!

Yeah, I´ve been a bit quiet on the blog front lately. The wind actually dropped at the end of August and there´s been no sailing at all since then. Not to worry, this summer was amazing and this rest period is quite welcome. Not that I´m sitting idle, however. Oh no, it´s been incredible for SUPing for the past couple of weeks and I´ve been getting amongst it almost every day (mainly getting battered and bruised and getting washed up on rocky outcrops), with a bit of luck I should get some pics from tomorrow morning´s session so I can post em up on here. In the meantime, check out these pics from the last bit of wind we had at Punta, right at the end of August. What a summer!!!!!!!!!