Mistral Equipe II - Windsurf session Lac d'Hourtin - France 

Thank you. It is indeed a class of its own and the right type of board for covering long distances, The Alphas were also good boards indeed

Das ist richtig. Nur das Mistral-Logo und dann das Geräusch des Plätscherns des Bretts auf dem Wasser. Ich werde bald ein neues Video einer Veranstaltung am Strand Horst veröffentlichen

Hello Kristof, Thank you for your message. 'Once a good board, always a good board' This is also the case with the Equipe 1. A 12m sail will be a challenge, but a 10m sail should be possible. (think of the right fitting mast for the sail. That is very important). A good fin also makes a significant difference. Try to score a few and try it out. There is a lot to read on the internet about which form has which effect. Basic rule for upwind = mast track forward +/-25% of the start of the rail, dragger board almost completely unfolded, tilt the board slightly so that the leeward (lee zeite) 'cuts' downwards into the water, with your feet near the centreboard and lean towards the point of the board (as if you want to look in front of the mast). The sail is trimmed flatter. Basic rule for half-downwind = mast track almost in the last position, centreboard fully in or almost in. Keep the board as flat as possible and try to distribute your weight a bit to find a good position. Sail trimmed less convex for more power. Just sail as much as possible and adjust your material in an orderly manner so that you become familiar with the effect. Greetings from the Netherlands

@@ronald-huve Hi Ronald, thank you for all your detailed description! I do have a complete NP EVO rig, so it should work just fine. I Trier it with a JP Superlightwind, 165l - that really was a challenge. Still not used to these modern wide and short boards.. That's why I looking very much foreward to sail this loooong board )).. Till then I will wach your film some time again - it's very nicely done! All the best @** Kristof

Thx… you mean.. on the same lake? megacat is also a great board! Have fun🤙🏻

We hope to get on the water here soon with the group of longboarders. A few friends have already braved the cold. (see the last post of 10-FEB-2024 :)

Merci... Cela n'a pas été des plus faciles mais j'ai réussi à m'en sortir. (Sans une ligne sur mon visage..ha ha) Tout me semblait un peu au ralenti...

Vous êtes trop modeste. Peut-être pas Robbie Naish, mais qui d’autre l’est ?

You describe it very aptly. I think the grace is a good approach. Exactly what it is, with a touch of appropriate supremacy compared to the approach of “hectic” slalom surfing. Sorry to hear that you sold your Equipe due to lack of space. Consider the fact that the appreciation for these boards continues and the new owners usually also know how to value and maintain them. Longboard surfing has declined because the dedication of the new generation lacked handling and transportation. Fortunately, that time will come back again. Live the dream and they will follow

Fortunately, it's never too late... You will definitely succeed. I watched your videos too. It's going very well. I think from what I've seen you could try when sailing half-wind to sail the mast track a little more aft and put the legs a little more together. If the board sinks too deeply, you may want to lean forward a little more (as if you want to look in front of the mast) but remain standing around the centreboard box. You may then make a cannonball faster, so be careful! Would be a shame about your beautiful board. Success (FYI, I have been windsurfing since 1981)

@@ronald-huveThank you for all these pointers. I am so far “self-taught”, with the exception of input from Greg Lapham in the UK. Gents like you and he have really helped this beginner along. MUCH appreciated. No one and I mean NO ONE windsurfs longboards here in North Carolina anymore. It’s a real shame. So much enjoyment on rivers and lakes wasted away in the 1990’s.

The right Fin is so important. I'm still looking for the right one.

Meraviglioso sul Mar Mediterraneo. Sarebbe stato meraviglioso!

Fortunately, there is enough space on the water for all water sports enthusiasts. Only when you respect each other!

Hi Thanks for your answer. I have already tried many Finns. A 38er is a good size for a 7.5 sail with a person weighing approximately 75 kg. Now I have long since gotten over that and the sails have become significantly different. The latest generation sails provide more downforce, which means that a board is less likely to run 'free'. I personally like a board that is 'looser' to ride on the water. This is also possible with an Equipe. The Equipe 1.5 (the yellow one) had more of that than this one.

@@ronald-huve Over 75kgs as a person or over 7.5 sails ? or both maybe ? Glad you are happy because I didn't really understand. What the board is running 'free' from remains a mystery and a 'looser' board seems like you would enjoy - and should try - a Freeride board rather than a raceboard.

Thank you, it was fun