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2002 PWA Freestyle Qualifier Costa Brava

The wind here in the south of Spain is currently blowing from the south

mercredi 12 juin 2002 – Information PWA

A highly prestigious fleet have gathered here in Costa Brava, Spain to compete in the fourth PWA freestyle qualifier of the season. Largely due to its superb reputation for hospitality and of course excellent conditions, this event has become one of the favourite stopovers for the sailors on the PWA freestyle tour. Amongst the impressive list of International entrants are ; American freestyle maestro, Josh Stone (JP, Neil Pryde), the Brazilian Samba sensation Kauli Seadi (Naish Boards, Naish Sails) and Norwegian high flyer Vidar Jensen (Drops, North).


Josh Stone (31), who is travelling with his wife Amy and son Harley, finished second overall on the PWA freestyle tour last year and is determined to put the record straight in 2002. Vocal as always, Stone has already announced that he is confident in taking victory here in Spain. He is treating this event as a serious build up towards the first major event on the tour next month in Gran Canaria. As with many of the sailors at this event Stone has been keeping an eye on the World Cup in Japan.

"I don’t want to sound too cocky but I am feeling pretty good and I am out to win. Last year was my year off a little bit, I needed a bit of a break but I am now super motivated after hearing vice champion 3,000 times…I am sick of it ! I am going all out this year and am going to kick as much ass as I can. I am stoked that there are so many young kids here and I really think this event is going to be a battle, no matter what. Whoever wins is going to have to fight hard. Winning is all about heart and right now my heart is already to go !

Of course I am following the world cup. I heard the US won a game ! USA man ! All I know is that I have a good feeling for America this year"

Hotly tipped to challenge Stone for the overall title this year is the nineteen-year-old Brazilian sailor Kauli Seadi. Seadi, is fast gaining the reputation as one of the most dangerous freestyle competitors on the tour, stormed into the PWA rankings last season after taking victory at the Fuerteventura Grand Prix. Kauli represents windsurfings new generation and his radical, dynamic approach to sport is leading the way for many newcomers into the sport.

"I have been in Maui training freestyle, there have not been so many waves so I think I am pretty ready. There are a few new tricks around like the flat water Taka and the
switch stance spock which I have been learning. I am keeping an eye on Brazil in the World Cup, I am not a major football fan but of course when Brazil are playing for sure I am going to watch !"

Vidar Jensen (30) will be another likely contender for the podium at this event especially if the winds turn ballistic. The Norwegian sailor who is based Gran Canaria is well know to favour nuclear conditions, the harder it blows the higher Jensen goes !

"It is my fourth year here and from past experience you never know what to expect. It looks like we are in for some thermal winds but it can turn around here very quickly. I don’t care which way it blows, if we get some stronger winds it suites me better but I am OK now with the lighter winds. I have some better boards and have been practising on some freestyle days in the Canaries this winter. Norway didn’t make it into the world cup but my brother and I are both keeping an eye on Sweden and Denmark instead. I head Denmark beat France this morning so we are pretty happy about that !"

French competitors have been drowning in their sorrows after their national football team were eliminated from the World Cup in Japan this morning. Head judge Frank Roguet was particularly upset by Frances early departure from the tournament but at least can now devote his full attention to the job in hand. English sailors John Skye (F2 Arrows), Chris Audsley (Mistral) and Andy Funnel (F2, Arrows) are hoping to catch their countries game against Nigeria tomorrow but if it’s blowing in the morning they will obviously have to forsake football for the competition.

The wind here in the south of Spain is currently blowing from the south and looks extremely promising for the next few days. With a wealth of both experienced and ’up and coming’ talent in the fleet the stage nicely set up for some major showdowns once competition is under way.

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