Whilst the women have also been in action, these are their results from day two:

1st: Tatiana Howard (Maui) 2nd: Miho Tanaka (Japan) 3rd: Katie McAnaena (Ireland) 4th: Sam Bittner (Maui) 5th: Carolina Butrich (Peru).

Pacasymayo action

The competition is set to continue over the coming week, so follow all the AWT action at http://americanwindsurfingtour.com/

Levi Siver

Full results: *1st Levi Siver, 2nd Bernd Roediger, 3rd Morgan Noireaux.

AWT Pistol River Wave Bash 2012 – Day One from American Windsurfing Tour on Vimeo.

AWT Pistol River Wave Bash 2012 – Day Two from American Windsurfing Tour on Vimeo.

Chris Murray at Hood River.

Britain’s Chris ‘Muzza’ Murray finished a 11^th position, we’re awaiting some final words from Muzz, but here’s his report from Day two…

Day two here at the Pistol River Wave Bash and we had a lot smaller waves and slightly less wind. Day two was the youth, masters, ams and ladies double elimination day and with a final heat of the pros single at the end.

Here in America they are starting them young, standing out in the ladies was Fiona, and in the pro’s Bernd, who are both 15 year old! In the pros single final Bernd narrowly lost to Levi Siver by just a few points pulling a sick one handed backie, beating all the season pros easily to get second place. Fiona was pushing the ladies going for some crazy forwards, brilliant stuff!

Ingrid Larouche

Another stand out of the day was Ingrid, winning the ladiess and pushing Chris Freeman out of second place in the amateurs, scoring herself two podium finishes.

You can watch all the AWT heats here on the AWT heats website.

Facebook album Day Two

Facebook album Day Three

Facebook album Day Four

 Click number two for Muzza’s day one report…

With the World Tour suffering some setbacks and several events cancelled, the AWT are very happy to announce the addition of a new tour stop. The Pacasmayo Classic will be held from the 17th-26th August in Peru. As one of the longest waves ever seen, Pacasmayo promises to deliver some unbelievable conditions for the contestants and some endless wave rides. Don’t believe us? Check out the preview video below which shows the wave in all it’s glory…

The organisers have arranged some exclusive deals for the riders and free registration for female competitors, so head over to the AWT website for further details.

Looking Back, Looking Forward:

We had an excellent turn-out at all events.  Santa Cruz had 76 competitors, Pistol River had 86,  San Carlos 25, and Maui a whopping 107 competitors. Unfortunately the Hatteras Wave Jam was canceled due to Hurricane Irene, but we are looking forward to competing there next year. In all, there were 223 different windsurfers registered for the 2012 AWT. Congratulations to all who participated!

Media coverage was great this year as well.  There were over 115,000 views of the live cast from the Maui contest and we can look forward to seeing coverage of the event on Ocean Paddler TV and the Hawaiian Airlines in flight video starting in February.  We are bringing windsurfing back into the eye of the public.

I had a blast organizing the events and have already started preparing for next year.

2012 AWT Windsurfing Tour dates

> Santa Cruz Classic: May 3rd-6th

> Pistol River Wave Bash: June 14th-17th

> San Carlos Cactus Cup: July 28th-August 4th

> Hatteras Wave Jam: September 12th-15th

> Maui Makani Classic: October 25th- November 3rd

The event sites may be the same as last year but there’s plenty new and exciting things to look forward to:
> Prize Money – The Expert division will now be called Professional with prize money on the line at each stop.
> Live Casting of US Events – Competitons will be broadcast live on the internet so the action can be followed all over the world.
> Grand Masters Division Added – Windsurfers over the age of 55 will now have their own time on the water.
> New AWT Website coming soon -  a new-look site with all the info you need to know about the AWT.
> Facebook Fan Page – Be sure to follow this link and click ‘LIKE’

Register today for one or all the events atamericanwindsurfingtour.com. It will be another exciting year of wavesailing around the US.

This was one of my best trip of the season. It had to do with the great vibe and the over all positive energy of everyone involve in this American Windsurfing Tour event.

We made our camp right at the point, facing the famous San Carlos perfect point break. This was the ideal set up as it turn out that we got glassy waves in the morning and amazing windsurfing conditions in the afternoon right in front of our living room. And this everyday for the entire week we were there.

It was cool to hang out with the US RRD team Riders, Jordan Reid and Royn Bartoldi, and between the 3 of us we had a large quiver of boards to use, test, share and enjoy.

This trip was a non-stop waveriding festival, full of adrenaline rush, tacos and cervezas. The Baja California, San Carlos Mexican Desert point-break once again lived up to its reputation, delivered the goods and had us return to the modern world with a big smile on our face.

More at www.insidertrrding.blogspot.com

Ho’okipa Beach Park, October 31st – on what AWT announcer Chris Seeley dubbed “Monster Monday”, huge 6-8 foot surf started pounding the North Shore of Maui as the winds went a little light, making for incredibly challenging but incredibly exciting conditions. Veteran Ho’okipa sailor Josh Stone called it when he said the tricky conditions was going to leave lots of sailors on the rocks – indeed, not ten minutes into his first session, the Ho’okipa veteran took his own trip into Ho’okipa’s infamous rock garden. Fortunately, most sailors were able to to avoid the danger, and navigate the light winds, and the contest was on!

Full results at www.americanwindsurfingtour.com – more from KP at www.mauinerdproductions.com

Nathan Mershon Ho'okipa aerial, courtesy of AWT

It’s official! Naish Team rider, Nathan Mershon, has been announced the overall winner of the 2011 American Windsurfing Tour.

After a series of three events throughout the year, Nathan positioned himself on top and came into this last and final event – the Maui Makani Classic in Hookipa, Maui – as tour leader.

Expectations were high as the event unfolded. The winds were light and gusty during the series of divisions before the final showdown of the Expert division’s single elimination. On the last day of the event, the conditions provided a massive swell but very light wind. Nathan fought his way to the semi-finals with outstanding bottom turns, cut-backs and aerials on his Naish Session sail and Naish Wave 80 board. Ending up in 5th place in this competition, he was still able to maintain his lead and will be crowned the 2011 AWT Champion in tonight’s Closing Ceremonies gala.

Congratulations Nathan!

More at www.americanwindsurfingtour.com and www.naishsails.com

Camille Juban, 2011 AWT Maui Makani Classic Champ, by Dave White

The American Windsurfing Tour report from the last day of action at the AWT Maui Makani Classic 2011…

Wow, what a ride! Today rounds out the last day of competition in the 2011 Maui Makani Classic. Event directors decided to finish out the Double Elimination brackets for both the Youth and the Amateur divisions and run the remaining heats in the Expert division’s Single Elimination. Due to time constraints, we were unable to complete the Double Elimination for the Women and Masters divisions.

By mid afternoon, the conditions had significantly improved – prompting the judges to increase the heat length in the three finals scheduled for the day. The Youth and Amateur divisions (each with two competitors) were run at 18 minutes each while the Expert final heat (with four sailors) ran for 30 minutes. We saw some jaw-dropping wave rides in all three final heats – giving the huge crowd on the bluff plenty to cheer about. Although there were a few instances where competitors found themselves on the rocks, we are happy to say that everyone made it out safely (not necessarily the same for their gear).

What a great way to end the event – wind, waves, and a complete rainbow across the sky. Don’t forget to join us Tuesday evening at the Maui Tropical Plantation for our closing ceremony and award presentations!

1st – Camille Juban

2nd – Marcilio ‘Brawzinho’ Browne

3rd – Josh Stone

4th – Kai Katchadourian

Full results online at www.americanwindsurfingtour.com – and here’s a final day photo gallery from our very own man on Maui, Dave White!

Day 4: Event directors wasted no time jumping right into competition today. Shortly after the skipper’s meeting, the heat order picked up where we left off from yesterday. We progressed through Youth, Amateur, and Women’s divisions today – finishing up their single eliminations and moving into the double eliminations for some.
Here’s a recap of the Single Elimination results for the four completed divisions:
WOMEN: 1. Junko Nagoshi 2. Anne-Marie Reichman 3. Ingrid Larouche 4. Shawna Cropas
MASTERS: 1. Jeff Henderson 2. Giampaolo Cammarota 3. Yasuhito Ogasawara 4. Rob Funk
YOUTH: 1. Morgan Noireaux 2. Bernd Roediger 3. Zane Schweitzer 4. Ridge Lenny
AMATEURS 1. Jehyug Jay Lee 2. Neil Turpin 3. Jordan Reid 4. Nick Dudet
The Expert division still has three heats in round three, two heats in the semi-final round, and a final heat yet to run before their single elimination is completed. Postponing the Expert division is in hopes that the wave size increases and the wind remains steady – two factors that could make for a very exciting final heat.
People’s Choice Expression Session was today around 4:30 in the afternoon. Fans tuned in to watch online then texted their votes for the windsurfer they felt impressed them the most. Jordan Reid came out on top to become the first ever People’s Choice Champion. His prize package includes 2012 American Windsurfing Tour Event Registration, Dakine Wheeled Duffle, Chinook Pro Carbon Boom, and an afternoon Hookipa Photoshoot with high resolution DVD by Jimmie Hepp. Way to go Jordan!

AWT Maui Makani Classic - day 2

Here’s the latest release from the American Windsurfing Tour after the first day of action at Ho’okipa (overnight for us Euros!)

Today kicked off the first day of competition in the Makani Classic 2011. The weather started off cloudy and cool but as the day progressed, we saw more sunshine and the wind and waves picked up – allowing for some exciting windsurfing. The Amateurs competed first, showing off some great talent. Next, was the Masters. Although this division is for our oldest competitors, they displayed classic style mixed with inspiring passion for the sport. Conditions stayed steady as we got into the Expert division. We saw a mix of clean, technical wave rides, risky aerial manoeuvres, and some personal flair from all of the riders.

Rounding out the end of the day was two of the four Women’s heats. Those talented ladies were ripping right to the end. After the first two heats, Head Judge, Matt Pritchard, decided the conditions were not suitable to continue. Tomorrow we will finish the remaining heats from Round One and move right into Round Two of the competition.

Thanks to all of the spectators who came out to watch and support our windsurfers! The beach was covered with colorful sails and the hillside with tons of fans. We would also like to say “Aloha” to all of our fans who watched LIVE from home! Tune in tomorrow [from 9pm UK time] ]for more action at www.americanwindsurfingtour.com/live-4

In addition to the normal contest, voters who follow the link at the MauiSails widget will be able to vote for their favorite contestant as well as be eligible for winning a new 5.3 Ghost XT wave sail, one of the hottest new designs from the first sail brand to emerge on Maui. The GhostXT utilises Technora fabric to produce amazing handling and range in an ultralight, soft feeling performance package. Get in early and vote for your favourites.

Go to the MauiSails Facebook page for your chance to win – www.facebook.com

Devastation in the wake of Hurricane Irene

The American Windsurfing Tour are sorry to announce that this year’s Hatteras Wave Jam has been cancelled…

With the massive amounts of damage sustained to the local area, we decided it would be best to call off the contest. Washed out roads and flood damage have made it next to impossible for us to run an event. We are extremely disappointed to announce this decision, but when considering the amount of damage, we feel it is the right thing to do.
 The AWT wants to thank everyone for their support, and interest in this event. For all those that have registered and paid their entrance fee to compete, we will contact you about compensation.

Thanks and Aloha, The AWT

More at americanwindsurfingtour.com

Graham Ezzy

Tanya Saleh reports from day four of the American Windsurfing Tour’s Cactus Cup, Punta San Carlos, Baja. Images by Clark Merritt…

We awoke to slightly larger swell again, but the fast increasing large high tides once again meant that the point waves did not exist. Therefore it was decided to hold round 3 at the beach break by the Solo Sports camp. Solid head high and larger sets were coming through so everyone geared up for the 12 minute, 2 waves to count heats.

The Youths were first to go out and they were clearly all fired up because they were all charging getting right under the lip with every hit. This was accompanied by several crashes so all together was rather entertaining to watch. Morgan took 1st place with Jordan in 2nd an Jay in 3rd.

In the men’s, Keith Teboul and Kevin Pritchard progressed from the first heat, Kevin McGilvray and Skylar Haywood moved on from the second heat, with Graham Ezzy and Morgan Noireaux joining them from the 3rd heat. The final sailors were Keith, Graham, Morgan, and Kevin P. The set waves were becoming a little less frequent and Graham and KP got the better longer waves therefore progressing to the super final. This 20 minute heat was truly fantastic to watch; experience vs. youth. Both of them were getting 4 turns and 2 or 3 aerials per wave. Graham scored on the larger wave front, and his additional goiters thrown into the mix gave him the edge to take 1st place.

In the amateurs, Solo Sports Staff member Joey Sanchez finally made it passed his first heat. Joey has only been windsurfing for a year and a half, is very competitive, and therefore was a little upset that he hadn’t made it yet. Today was his day and he got through to the final. Conversely Pete Dekay (editor of Windsport) has been lying flat on his back for 24 hours thanks to a random back injury. With no Dr’s within a couple of hundred miles he has been taking it easy and nursing it with plenty of Baja Fogs. Hopefully it will head as quickly as it came.

In the women’s we all struggled to find waves but I managed to grab the biggest and landing an aerial pretty much sealed the deal. Event organiser Sam took 2nd place with her increasingly aggresive turns, Miho in 3rd and Catherine in 4th.

Huge shout out to Solo Sports owner Kevin Trejo who some of you will know. He got bullied into joining the Master’s having not windsurfed for 10 years!! His first round resulted his highest score being a waterstart, but has redeemed himself since by winning the next 2 rounds!

Tanya Saleh's bikini tabletop

Tanya Saleh reports from day three of the American Windsurfing Tour’s Cactus Cup, Punta San Carlos, Baja…

Glassy conditions led to extended surf sessions this morning both down at the point and at the main beach break. Unfortunately the high spring tides meant that by the time the wind kicked in, the swell wasn’t playing ball. Although some waist to head high sets rolled in they were very few and far between.

After lunch it was full on 4.5 weather and the judges called a pro – am event. What is this I hear you say? (Since I wondered exactly the same thing). It’s a team event in pairs where each Amateaur picks out the name of a Pro man to team up with. There are 10 minute heats and you are ONLY scored on overall impression.

This obviously ended up rather similar to an SWA event, except for imagine Kevin Pritchard killing a head high wave with a blonde wig, starboard cape on and beer in hand. It was hilarious. There were wrestlers, there was sabotage, there were tears and much more.

The whole event took all afternoon and was certainly a fine display of skill combined with creativity. The moral of the story was … that to win, you couldn’t just bust some amazing moves; you had to do so with a special twist.

The winners were Russ Faurot and Yossy who heat after heat landed synchronised jumps and wave rides. 2nd place went to Morgan and Robert who put up an incredibly good fight with their own synchronised moves. 3rd place went to Nathan Mershon and Josh Sampeiro; whose wardrobes earnt them many points for request. Not only were wrestling masks involved, but also women’s swimwear … AND world class waveriding.

Tomorrow afternoon the ‘real’ swell will be back and competition will (unfortunately) be restored to normal

More at www.americanwindsurfingtour.com