PWA Fuerteventura Grand Slam day 8 - Fickle wind

by PWA on 29 Jul 2012 PWA Fuerteventura Grand Slam day 8 proved to be a largely frustrating day. Just two heats were completed, despite sailors being held until 17:30.

There was wind throughout the day, however the dead offshore wind direction and occasional clouds prevented the local effect from kicking in, meaning that what planing there was on and off and unsuitable for the competition to begin. Although the wind wasn’t up to its usual standard the beach was still packed out with crowds of people still enjoying the event.

Women’s Double Elimination
The opening heat of the day saw the start of the double eliminations. Danielle Lucas (F2 / Severne) sailed extremely well on her way to defeating Eva Chiochetti. By the end of the heat Lucas had nailed half a switch chachoo and switch vulcan as well as a flaka and a spock to dispatch of her Italian rival. The other side of the heat saw Svetlana Martynova book her place in the next round after ending the hopes Maxime Van Gent (JP / North).

Heat forty-seven between Lucas and Martynova was started but unfortunately half way through the heat the wind dropped, causing the cancellation of the heat and ultimately the end of action for the day.

Men’s Double Elimination
The only other heat of the day saw Rick Jendrusch (F2 / Severne / Mystic) versus Antoine Albert (Tabou / Gaastra), which proved to be an extremely tight affair. After much deliberation the results were eventually revealed, with Jendrusch advancing by way of a 2:1 decision. The B-side of the heat saw Max Rowe (Fanatic / North) excel in the lighter winds to dispatch of Andraz Zan (F2 / Different).

With not much action on the water taking place today we had a quick chat with the current British freestyle champion Adam Sims (Patrik).

PWA : You recently joined the Patrik team, how are you finding your new equipment?
Adam Sims : 'It’s really good. I hadn’t used the boards much but I found that some of the moves that I was struggling with, such as the double spock, I was making with a much higher frequency than before.'

PWA : You are going to be heading up Patrik UK how did that come about and what will it involve?
Adam Sims : 'That just kind of developed, I approached Patrick Diethelm (Patrik / Loft) about the sponsorship side and that went well, so it just developed from their really. When they asked me to do it, it was an easy decision for me.'

PWA : What moves have you been training for the competition?
Adam Sims : 'I’ve just been trying to get my single moves sorted, like burners, culos and konos. I’ve also had a few really good sessions where I’ve landed some flaka-shakas and a culo into culo, so I’m just trying to push myself as hard as possible.'

PWA : Ambitions for the week and the year?
Adam Sims : 'Top Sixteen and to land a culo-culo in the competition!'

PWA : Who do you think will be in the top five come the end of the week?
Adam Sims : 'Steven Van Broeckhoven (JP / NeilPryde) and Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic / North) for sure. Kiri Thode (Starboard / Gaastra), I actually think Dieter Van Der Eyken (Starboard / Severne) is looking really dangerous this year, and then either Tonky Frans (Tabou / Gaastra) or Taty Frans (Starboard / MauiSails / Mystic / Maui Ultra Fins).'

The skippers’ meeting has been called for 10:30am tomorrow morning with the first possible start at 11am.

PWA website