Maneuvers

Royn Bartholdi Performing a Flaka, Gorge

Welcome

The mission of this page is to help windsurfers learn new sailing skills. Learning a new maneuver in windsurfing requires a great deal of time, patience, and hard work. So don't give up because you will eventually master the move you are trying to learn. Just remember, everyone is different and some skills may take a long time. The more you try, the more your body adjusts and learns what you are trying to create. Above all, remember it's all about HAVING FUN.

I believe every maneuver has a certain and unique feeling that fuses the entire move into a single and repeatable experience. This is the act of discovery in windsurfing. Discovering that feeling opens the door to the move and enriches your experience of windsurfing. This feeling is an epiphany of sort and greatly simplifies the move to a feeling rather than the sum of a bunch of steps. This is the "I GOT IT" feeling; one of release and joy.

Recent Updates:

Nov 15 2007: Print Friendly option now available for all moves. Print it out and take it to the beach.
Nov 12 2007: I am currently visiting jericoacoara Brazil and I have added a link on my places page. Check it out!
Aug 16 2007: I added the Reverse-Sail-Body-360 to the 360 Moves category. Give this relatively easy maneuver a try. It is like a backwinded jibe fused with a cowboy.
Aug 18 2007: I added the Gecko.

Event Organized by Royn:

1. The 2008 Gorge Freestyle Frenzy

The Gorge Freestyle Frenzy, North America’s premier high-wind freestyle windsurfing competition, returns to the Columbia River Gorge this July, announces event founder and organizer Royn Bartholdi. Top windsurfers from across North America are expected to compete. Last year’s event—the only advanced freestyle competition held in North America—drew 48 competitors from as far away as Maui and Ontario.

The contest is a 1 day event to be held at the legendary HATCHERY on the first sufficiently windy day between July 6th-20th.

There are five divisions: women, men, kids, masters and the showcase division, the "Super Frenzy". The men and Super Frenzy divisions are open divisions where the Super Frenzy calls for the latest and greatest moves and the mens division is more of a gorge style freestyle format, with quality "gorge sailing" that emphasizes aerial maneuvers will win the day. The kids division isthe qualifier for the ProKids World Championships in Bonnaire.

For more information check the website at www.gorgefreestylefrenzy.com

2. The 2008 Gorge Windfest

A windsurfing demo weekend at The Event Site in Hood River, Oregon—June 28-29

Demo the latest and greatest gear all weekend! Head for Hood River in June for the annual Gorge Windfest, the ever-popular event. You’ll find a beach full of sails and boards to test drive on the water, along with a full schedule of free clinics for all abilities and free introductory lessons offered by a local windsurfing school. (Space is limited for lessons, so call ahead for a reservation.) Plus you never know who will stop by—last year, legendary Robby Naish was on hand to hang out, talk gear and sail with the crowd.

The event, organized by longtime Gorge sailor Royn Bartholdi, will run from 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday with music, prizes, and fun activities. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow sailors and share the spirit of windsurfing. Beginners are welcome!

Visit www.gorgewindfest.com for details.