Marks windsurf journey (so far)

My windsurfing objective has always been to go fast (for me), with control, until the point of exhaustion. The battle in my head has often got in my way which is where getwindsurfing has really stepped in.  Relentless patience, exceptional windsurfing and coaching skills and their great eye for a perfect holiday destination (UK and abroad) have transformed my skills and enjoyment of windsurfing. From the moment Phil and Danielle convinced me to use the carry handles as foot straps (literally sailing behind me shouting footstraps as we crossed Weymouth harbour is a particular highlight of mine) I have focused on getting faster – I am addicted to flat water blasting.  This is my comfort zone and it is only the enticing destinations and great support from getwindsurfing that has got me into waves, jumping and even gybing.

Phil has an unbelievable ability to see the next thing you need to work on – removing the noise and tailoring the advice to you, so you can really focus on building up to success.

Dahkla has become my new favourite windsurf location (although Crete is still my favourite all round windsurf and wing holiday destination). For me its attraction is the speed spot – an unbelievable location along the edge of the Western Saharan desert that is accessed via a short tractor ride. Combine this with unbelievably flat water and it is a must do experience if you windsurf or wing (tides matter so check before you travel). The easy access to bump and jump blasting from the door step of the hotel is also a massive bonus (not to mention the sand at the end of each run which is perfect for turning if you are too tired to gybe!!).    

March 2024 was the first time I travelled with kit – I decided to take my carbon isonic 63 (96litres) and a couple of rigs.  With some trepidation, I dropped my van at Heathrow meet and greet and wheeled the board bag through to check-in.  It was super straightforward to drop the kit off at oversized luggage before Royal Air Maroc handled the transfer to Dahkla via Casablanca.  Other than collecting and putting it onto the hotels transfer vehicle which they use for all the winging/kiting and windsurf equipment I didn’t have to do anything until it arrived at the kit store at the hotel. Was surprisingly easy and it inspired me to take my wing kit to Crete (another fantastic getwindsurfing holiday) in June.

Mark Lowries