Summary for windsurfing TV Podcast with Paul and Ben

In this long, chatty episode Ben Profit and Paul Van Bellen catch up on the current mood in windsurfing optimism; as wind comes back across many regions, new riders emerging, and fresh energy around events and grassroots scenes.

They discuss recent competitions (Sil, PWA foiling results, Matteo and Pierre’s strong form), forecast drama for upcoming events, and the festival-like atmosphere on Sylt.

Gear is a big theme: sails (carbon vs monofilm, durability vs lightness, repair and rigging care), boards (volume, quiver choices by weight and conditions), masts and booms, and how secondhand markets help keep the sport affordable. Practical advice covers sensible quiver gaps, which sizes suit different weights and venues, and common causes of premature sail wear (poor rigging/rolling).

They also touch on broader topics: wave- and long-distance racing nostalgia, the challenge of making a living on the tour, sponsorship and brand moves, and the value of younger riders pushing the sport forward.

Below is a condensed, structured summary of the livestream/podcast. I’ve grouped the main topics, key points and notable names mentioned so it’s easy to scan. 

Opening — tone and mood

• Casual, chatty livestream vibe — host relaxed, joking, occasionally distracted (power/connection issues, booking confusion).
• Overall message: windsports are very much alive; the host feels renewed energy in the scene and excitement around the season change (autumn in Europe, summer in Australia).

Seasonality and overall feeling

• Autumn in Europe (Sept–Oct) is a sweet spot: warm water, returning wind, more waves; Australia and other hemispheres getting into their good seasons too.
• The importance of wind: the host argues wind availability (not just sun) is the main driver of activity and enthusiasm.
• The host sees a positive trend — new younger riders appearing, more event interest, students getting involved, and people sending footage and questions.

Events & competition talk

• Discussion of the upcoming event at Sylt (Zilt / Silt—island competition in Germany); the window is shorter this year (reportedly Saturday to Sunday instead of a longer window).
• Forecast concerns: some model runs showed very strong gusts (40–60+ knots) on the planned dates; the host emphasised the forecast is a long-range indicator and could change.
• Atmosphere at Sylt: described as a big end-of-season festival — sporting spectacle plus high-energy crowd (likened to a sporty Oktoberfest).
• The host mentioned drone coverage, TV screens on the beach and the challenge of moving a regatta window to catch the wind.

Foiling / slalom / rankings

• Foiling events are now part of the mix; there was discussion of slalom and slalom-X results earlier in the year.
• Matteo (likely Matteo Iachino / Yachino — not fully clear from transcript) dominated a prior slalom/foil event (won many heats). Pierre Mortefon was also discussed — he has changed equipment/sponsorship recently (left Phantom? switched gear).
• Brand dominance in foils was touched on — many top competitors use Patrick foils (the host guessed many of the top 10 did; not fully confirmed).
• Riders mentioned (as notable competitors to watch): Matteo, Pierre, Jordi Vonk, Alexandre (Alex) K., Amado, William Hooper, Benoit (Benoa?) — a mix of established names and new faces.

Rider demographics and age

• Windsurfing disciplines differ: foiling / slalom / freestyle / wave each have different age and athletic profiles.
• Wave sailing benefits from experience and tactical reading (older riders can remain competitive); sprint-type disciplines favour youth and peak fitness.
• Host observed a new younger crop of sailors coming up (students and juniors).

Gear and industry discussion

• Lots of questions and conversation about sails, foils, boards and materials:Carbon-reinforced sails: claim is increased wind range and reduced stretch; host has limited direct experience but noted Goya and some brands promote carbon laminates for a broader usable wind range. Carbon sails are more expensive and the resale value/market is less certain.Monofilm vs X-ply (and other laminates): differences in feel and durability discussed. Monofilm offers a crisp feel but can be less durable/UV-sensitive; X-ply / multi-ply and reinforced fabrics are more durable but feel different. Repairability varies (some windows/panels are easy to repair).Lightweight constructions: brands are pushing lighter sails and boards, but lighter often means less durable. There’s a trade-off between performance/feel and longevity.Boom and mast importance: mast stiffness/quality and narrow booms (narrow grip) were called game-changers for performance and comfort.Boards: modern boards are much stronger and lighter than earlier generations — fewer broken boards reported compared with the past.Brands mentioned: Goya, Phantom, Patrick (foils), NeilPryde, Ezzy (Ezy / Ezie), Simmer — discussion about each brand’s reputation and evolution. Some brands leveraged heritage (e.g. GA/Gaastra) while others changed factories and improved quality over time.
• Carbon-reinforced sails: claim is increased wind range and reduced stretch; host has limited direct experience but noted Goya and some brands promote carbon laminates for a broader usable wind range. Carbon sails are more expensive and the resale value/market is less certain.
• Monofilm vs X-ply (and other laminates): differences in feel and durability discussed. Monofilm offers a crisp feel but can be less durable/UV-sensitive; X-ply / multi-ply and reinforced fabrics are more durable but feel different. Repairability varies (some windows/panels are easy to repair).
• Lightweight constructions: brands are pushing lighter sails and boards, but lighter often means less durable. There’s a trade-off between performance/feel and longevity.
• Boom and mast importance: mast stiffness/quality and narrow booms (narrow grip) were called game-changers for performance and comfort.
• Boards: modern boards are much stronger and lighter than earlier generations — fewer broken boards reported compared with the past.
• Brands mentioned: Goya, Phantom, Patrick (foils), NeilPryde, Ezzy (Ezy / Ezie), Simmer — discussion about each brand’s reputation and evolution. Some brands leveraged heritage (e.g. GA/Gaastra) while others changed factories and improved quality over time.

Practical quiver and sizing guidance (host shared practical rules of thumb)

• Quiver example for waves/bump-jump onshore:Many riders run e.g. 37 / 42 / 45 (or 37 / 42 / 47) depending on local wind strengths.Suggested gaps: a 6% (approx.) gap between sail sizes is useful to cover most conditions; smaller gaps help when you have a lot of specific conditions, but for many sailors a sensible spread is 37–42–47 (or similar) works well.For an 80-litre wave board and ~60–80 kg rider: 37–42–45 or 42–45–47 depending on local winds and choppiness. Lighter riders may prefer slightly smaller volumes.Onshore bump/jump spots often benefit from a slightly larger board for floatation and to handle shore conditions.
• Many riders run e.g. 37 / 42 / 45 (or 37 / 42 / 47) depending on local wind strengths.
• Suggested gaps: a 6% (approx.) gap between sail sizes is useful to cover most conditions; smaller gaps help when you have a lot of specific conditions, but for many sailors a sensible spread is 37–42–47 (or similar) works well.
• For an 80-litre wave board and ~60–80 kg rider: 37–42–45 or 42–45–47 depending on local winds and choppiness. Lighter riders may prefer slightly smaller volumes.
• Onshore bump/jump spots often benefit from a slightly larger board for floatation and to handle shore conditions.
• Mast sizing: some sail sizes require specific mast lengths (e.g. a 4.0 m mast for a 4.7 m sail in some setups); rig compatibility and cost (masts) are practical considerations.
• Spare mast / spare sail choices: host prefers a good mast and would rather have a newer mast with an older sail than vice versa — masts make a huge difference in sail feel.

Secondhand market and cost advice

• Strong encouragement to use the secondhand market — it’s possible to build a functional quiver at lower cost.
• Many modern boards and sails from the last 8–10 years still perform well; you don’t always need the absolute newest kit.
• Buy smart: check production runs, inspect stitching, pulleys, mast sleeves and overall condition; some production batches can be better than others.

Miscellaneous topics touched on

• Long-distance windsurfing and island-hopping events — nostalgic memories of long races (e.g. “Hi-ho hook” / long 100-nautical-mile races) and the unique appeal of longboard touring events.
• Documentaries and endurance stories (someone did a long cross-channel / multi-hour challenge that was harrowing).
• The host mentioned a student crowdfunding campaign for kit/equipment (target matched by government funding) — good sign of student involvement and grassroots growth.
• The social and festival side of big events — parties, food, and a community vibe are important for keeping the sport alive.
• General plea: energy and people driving projects or events are crucial — events need organisers, promoters and motivation.

Tone and closing

• The host is upbeat and hopeful about the sport’s direction: new riders, energetic organisers, foiling growth and better content.
• Practical notes: many technical questions from viewers were discussed, and the host promised follow-ups and deeper dives for specific topics (e.g., gear tests, sail constructions, rider interviews).
• Final practical takeaway: wind (and accessible wind windows) drives participation. Good organisation, a welcoming community and sensible gear choices (including secondhand) will help keep windsurfing thriving.