Interview with Brendan Lorho:

Q: Can you tell us who you are and where you come from?

Hello Anne, my name is Brendan Lorho, I am an- 18 year old “addicted to speed” windsurfer 🙂

I started windsurfing when I was 8 at the local windsurf school called “Waveschool” in France on my home spot of La Tranche sur Mer (west coast). Being on the Atlantic coast, it is not a speed spot at all, very choppy and wavy but this is where my windsurfing roots are. I go there every summer and enjoy the local thermal wind dailI studied abroad in the Netherlands, so this is where I started speedsurfing. I have been enjoying the speed spots like Ouddorp, Kwade plaat or the kiddies pool in Oostvoornse Meer. Two good friends Wouter and Franck were the first ones to spend time explaining everything and helping me reach my first 30 knots, then 35, etc.

After finishing my exams in May, I visited La Palme in south of France for the first time. What a magical speed spot! By Tramontana, the wind can be super good. But it can also be a nightmare: choppy, wind in the wrong direction, rolling swell and generally dangerous (as it is a strong offshore wind, you need to watch out) but that is so far my favourite speedspot in open sea. I loved running the nautical mile long course there and like everyone, I hate the walk back when it is turning too north ahah 🙂. I met with a lot of speedriders there (Principe, Heidi, Christian, Jacques, Laurent, Nils) and it was so nice to share those fantastic speedruns a few meters from the sand and to learn from them.

Q: Why do you like speed?

There is no start, no watch, no other competitors than yourself. You go, you push, you score… not happy with your results, blame yourself and push harder. It is a solo fight once your gear is tuned: the only competition is yourself. Beat it and enjoy your PR in the evening.

You can’t really explain speed addiction, it is something you have in you, the adrenaline kicks in, and you push push push, always trying to grab those extra knots, coming closer to the shore hoping for the flat water and that gust, that famous gust that we are all looking for, the one with the right angle that will push you to get the extra speed to break your PR (Personal Record).

Q: Now the famous question, are you really 73kg?

Ahah not sure I think I lost weight over the summer again, but yes around those digits. I know, far from the ideal speed rider 100kg weight. But hey, things are made to change right 😉 happy to show people you do not need to be 100kg to go fast. You can’t compensate with the weight in the gust, then accelerate and go faster outside of the gusts 😉

Q: Which gear did you use over the summer period?

On the sail, I used my favourite Point 7 Ac1 speed in 5.0, rightly tuned on the battens, 100% P7 carbon mast RDM 370. Andrea Cucchi (P7 boss) is working on some new speed stuff so I am very much looking forward to test it and go even faster.

For the board, I used a AVBoard speed 40 wide, with a 19 to 21cm asymetrical Zfins.

I do wear a weight vest when speedsurfing. I use anything from 4 to 10kg weight in it. 4kg if the run is choppy or the wind is irregular, 10kg if the run is flat and easy. My weight vest has flotation on it for extra safety, and I also never go out without my favourite yellow helmet 😉

Q: Quick note on your sponsors?

Yes, a big thank you to my partners Hervé from Point7/AvBoard France, Andrea Point7 Boss, Marco MLSports FMX Boards, Julien Waveschool, and the La Tranche sur Mer townhall for supporting me this year. All the people I met with that are writing little stories on me thank you (Nicolas, Jean Yves, Anne, …) and my biggest fans of course my family (dad, mum and my lovely sis Maureen).

As Principe will say, Forever Speed 😉 and I will just add Forever Fin, Forever Fun

Interview pdf

2. Three Periods

The three periods of the Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Challenge will take place in the common time slots as the previous last three years.

01.04.- 31.05.2023: Period 1 Gran Canaria Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge

01.07. – 31.08.2023: Period 2 The Summer Edition

01.10. – 30.11.2023: Period 3 The Third

During each period, competitors upload their sessions on www.gps-speedsurfing.com and will enter in the ranking with their average speed achieved over a distance of 250 meters.

Competitors can participate from anywhere in the world as long as they have an account on www.gps-speedsurfing.com and access to a GPS device including a way to upload their results to the event website following the gp3s rules.

3. Whats New this year?

New Female Racedirector

The Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Challenge is proud to introduce their new and first-ever female racedirector in a speedsurf event. Anne Schindler – former German Speed Record holder and enthusiastic speedsailer.

This is a significant step towards promoting gender equality in watersports and encouraging more women to participate.

The new racedirector brings a fresh perspective and can hopefully motivate more and more woman to join the event in this still verry male dominated sport.

Come-Back of the period- specials

In each period we will have again an extra topic to increase the fun even more.

In the 2023 Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge Virtual Tour we´ll have:

Period 1: Who’s the fastest on the naucial mile (NM= 1,852km)

Period 2: Who’s the fastest alpha racer

Period 3: Who’s the fastest on 2 sec. maximum speed

Join the evets and battle with your friends at the spot and online- worldwide.

4. Disciplines and Categories

Explore the world of speedsailing with a lot of wind-powered disciplines -the Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge, is featuring three differnt windsufing types: Fin, Foil, and Wing in each event period:

One account is valid for all events types- No entry fee!

Disciplines:

Speedsailing- Fin: www.gps-speedsurfing.com

Speedsailing- Foil: www.gps-foilsurfing.com

Speedsailing Wing: www.gps-wingfoiling.com

The participation in each and all diciplines is free of charge- inscibe to the event (in the event section), bring a friend and have a lot of fun!

Categories:

in the Fin discipline we will award the fleet as followed:

OPEN MALE & FEMALE · Grand Master (51-60) · Super Master (61-70) · Ultimate Master (71-99) · Youth (0-10) · Junior (11-14) · Junior Plus (15-18)

In the other disciplines have to be compleedet the top three. If not so, the riders will be ranked in the open category.

5. Global Participation

One of the unique aspects of the Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Challenge is that it allows for global participation. Competitors from all over the world can participate and compete against one another without having to travel to a specific location.

This aspect of the event has helped to increase its popularity and attract a diverse range of competitors from different countries and backgrounds.

One of the goals of the Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Challenge is to discover new speed spots around the world. By exploring new locations, participants can experience different conditions and challenges, making the competition even more exciting.

The event also aims to promote tourism in lesser-known areas, bringing attention to beautiful and unique locations that may not be well-known to the general public.

6. Conclusion

The Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Challenge is an exciting and unique event that brings together speed surfers from around the world in the most sustainable way. Its online format allows for global participation and has helped to increase its popularity.

With three periods and their period-specials, the event provides a challenging platform for competitors to showcase their skills and compete against one another. Bjorn Dunkerbeck’s vision has truly created a one-of-a-kind event that continues to captivate and inspire speed surfers worldwide.

2400 competitors from almost 50 different countries participated in this year’s Tour. This international participation demonstrates the level of interest in speed-surfing that has continued to grow over the years.

Europe is still the largest geographical area represented with the Netherlands as the dominant country. Followed by Germany, Belgium, UK and Sweden.
We have participants from all over the world and all continents in the ranking apart from Europe riders are pushing the gas in America (USA, Caribbean, Costa Rica), South America (Brazil), Africa (UA, Mauritius, Tunisia, SA), Asia (Turkey, Thailand), and Australia + New Zealand. The GPS online format demonstrates the opportunity for global participation and sharing the stoke.

The ranking features riders with all kinds of experiences such as PWA pro-riders, young kids, a growing number of the women fleet and a huge number of experienced riders in the Master-, Super Master- and Ultimate Master fleet.

For the first time in the history of the Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge a session was posted over 50 knots on 250m in open waters. (By Vincent Valkenears in Diaz Point- Namibia) This demonstrates the passion to get faster and faster and improvements of the gear due to the input of ambitious riders and companies.

Not only the fin sailors are in the need for speed, also the Foil riders are pushing as well as the wing sailors– all with increasing and incredibles speeds.

What's next?

We´re happy to see more and more upcoming presencial speed events and be part of some of them as well, but of course, we will continue with the online format to bring together all speed-surfing fans around the world and are looking forward to every new session. Our format is the best and most sustainable way to bring many international riders together in one event.

Business as usual:
Also this year in 2023 we will run our three periods for all passionated speed sailors:

No entry fee, just sharing the stoke
#SaveTheDates #DunkerbeckSpeedChallenge2023
All Periods are counting for the overall ranking.

Time coutns!
Get your best XMAS gift this year here:

This limited watch was created in collaboration between CHRIS BENZ and the 42-time world champion Björn Dunkerbeck. The robust watch made of saltwater-resistant marine stainless steel, an accurate and shock-resistant quartz movement and the ultra-scratch-resistant sapphire glass that is standard for CHRIS BENZ is built and tested for everyday sporting use. CHRIS BENZ is also the official sponsor of the DSC and many other surfing events.

Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge
Fan Edition Chris Benz Watch
Discount Code for all riders: DSC2022

Order here

2022 HOT SUMMER HAS COME TO AN END

Amost 900 Speedsailors and 100 Foil- Speeder enjoyed this epic summer on the water and showed the potential of European speed hot-spots 💥

Allowed GPS Devices you’ll find on www.gps-speedsurfing.com
Every registered windsurf spot is valid.
Just switch on your GPS, go to the water and sail as fast as you can.

Don´t miss a period & save the dates

01.04. - 31.05.22 Period 1: Gran Canaria Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge
26.05. - 29.05.22 Defi Wind- France
30.06. - 04.07.22 ISWC Fuerte Action Windsurfing Speed World Championship
01.07. - 31.08.22 Period 2: Summer Edition
01.10. - 30.11.22 Period 3: The Third
Each period will have their winner and rankings.
The Live-Events will be awarded separately with event trophies

In each Period we will award Top 3 in the following categories:
OPEN Male & Female · Grand Master (51-60) · Super Master (61-70) · Ultimate Master (71-99) · Youth (0-10) · Junior (11-14) · Junior Plus (15-18) · Foil (from www.gps-foilsurfing.com)

To equal the differences between windsurf spots, we'll also raffle in prices between all competitors.
DONT FORGET to inscribe- inscription is for free.

Dunkerbeck Speed Challene Virtual Global Tour 2022- Big Prices for the winners

Make sure that you don’t miss a period because at the end of the three events we'll determine the overall winners of the Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge Virtual Global Tour - who will receive the big prices from our sponsors and partners.

So everybody starts to tune his gear because at the End of the year the three fastest of each category can win cool prizes from:

Chris Benz Watches, Starboard Windsurfing, GoPro, SOMWR, Gasoil Custom Fins, Severne Windsurfing, Surf Hub Tenerife, Noer Stick, Surfcenter.nl, boot Düsseldorf, Fuerte Action, Gps-speedsurfing, Daily Dose.de, EQ love, Surf Magazin, Windsurf magazine uk, Revista surf a vela, Wind Mag, Dunkerbeck Windsurf Center

Allowed GPS Devices you’ll find on www.gps-speedsurfing.com
Every registered windsurf spot is valid.
Just switch on your GPS, go to the water and sail as fast as you can.

We want the community to grow...

Foil is triumphing and we´ll also rank the IQ Foil class and the wing foiler.

And isn't it also great to challenge windsurfers around the world who are sailing with the exact same gear as you? The WindsurferLT class is experiencing a big revival and also here we´ll shout out our speed challenge determining the fastest on the WindsurferLT.

We want to keep up the fun and racing- spirit. Therefore the worldwide-online format is just perfect.
Fin and Foil with the different classes and categories on www.gps-speedsurfing.com & www.gps-foilsurfing.com

Where are you from?
Woohoo good news wanted to have this one so good to have a global competition and was a nice battle with the others with really good open water results.

Let’s introduce myself I’m Hans Kreisel 36years old from The Netherlands I live in Renesse a small summer town next to the beach in the south where we are close to a lot of surf spots like Brouwersdam/ Zonnemaire/ Herkingen and Ouddorp.

Do you have children?
We have a small girl named Puck she is 3,5 years old and the most important thing in the world she is a little too young for surfing but I’m sure in the future she will give it a try.

Does your couple windsurf as well? – understand your need for speed? Do you have problems at home because of the windsurf?
My partner Patricia doesn’t surf but she understands my passion and supports it. Sometimes it’s hard getting everything sorted out with a full-time job and a little girl at home and both working irregular shifts nights and weekends. Luckily, we have really flexible grandparents, so we almost always have the best day-care for Puck.

Are you a Pro rider or do you have a regular Job?
Don’t see myself as a professional windsurfer more a semi pro because it still costs lots of money to per-sue my dreams of going faster and faster and breaking records. I only have a small budget and pay for most all my trips and entry fees myself.

If not, did you try to live from windsurfing?
No, I can’t live from windsurfing and don’t want because I don’t want to see it as work it’s one of my biggest joys in life.

Do you have sponsors? Who?
I’m sponsored by “Bar de Stulp” in Renesse. They help me paying the entry fee for Luderitz. I helped them a lot in the past. Best place for a party when you’re in Renesse.

And have my brand sponsors: I get a discount from JP-Australia and Neilpryde also a small budget. Hope they will increase it this year.
Z-fins with some fins and of course everybody who buys a Z-fin at www.windsurfcandy.com that supports me.

You are obviously infected by the need for speed, when you travel in search of speed, how much do you invest in that?
I’m strongly infected by the virus for over 18 years now. Maybe it’s better not to say that out loud but a trip to Luderitz incl. entry fee can easily cost 10.000, -€ adding also gear and fuel during all year for training and testing. That is also the reason why I can’t go to Luderitz every year.

How many speed boards do you have? -sails? -Fins? Is there a special fin for you?
I have 10 speed boards and 14 sails at the moment- need to sell some 😉.

Fins I have a lot: I only use Z-fins asy which I developed together with them. It’s the fastest fin in the world. Antoine Albeau did his 500m record on it so I’m proud I already own a little part of the world record and I did all my records on them and almost all the other big names are using them. But they won’t tell due to sponsor agreements. But still makes me proud.

What is the most important part of the gear for you?
The most important thing of my gear is hard to say if one part doesn’t work properly it outbalances all. But I can always trust my fins. Because they are really safe and spinning out is not a thing to be scared of anymore because if they do you can kick the grip in a split second. In the past spinning out was really bad and happened a lot

How difficult is it to windsurf at your home spot/ favourite spot?
It is really easy to surf at my home spots because we have a lot. I Prefer De Kwade Plaat because although it is hard to reach it’s really nice, quiet and fast spot. For me only downside is when something happens you are in a little trouble 2km offshore- it’s a long swim I know. Used to love Zonnemaire and Ouddorp because of the super flat waters but it’s getting to overcrowded in the mid wind days.

Thank you, Hans & congratulations, again. Good luck for 2022

Where are you from?
My name is Heidi Ulrich I’m 37 years old and I come from Switzerland where I also live at the wonderful Urnersee.

Do you have children?
no

Does your couple windsurf as well? – understand your need for speed? Do you have problems at home because of the windsurf?
I’m super happy that my Partner Christian also windsurf and that he also loves the speed-windsurfing. Not 150% as I do but his 90% are also more than enough to share the passion. So, we almost don’t have problems because of the windsurf. But once the conditions become tricky and it gets dangerous and I don’t mean not only strong wind, I refer to sandbanks, too shallow water, waves or to high chop, Christian steps back. He’s seven years older and has way more experience than I and experienced several hard crashes. So, we start to discuss. He might be right, but I need to make my own experiences and I love to go out of my comfort zone.

Are you a Pro rider or do you have a regular Job?
I’m not a pro-rider. Speed surfing is a too small and specific discipline that I can live from it. Therefore, it needs at least also top skills in Slalom and Foil as well. But I’m completely fine with it because I love my job. I’m working fulltime for a big Swiss energy company responsible for the HR dep. Since 10 years I’m working for this company and receive a lot of support with super flexible working hours, which I can organize as I need according to my training and travel plans.

Do you have sponsors? Who?
Yes & thanks to them I can afford to train and compete at this level. Besides my employer, PATRIK Boards & Sails are my main sponsors and Patrick Diethelm & Karin Jaggi themselves inspiration and idols for me. Thanks to them I started windsurfing and thanks to their support I’m there where I am right now.

Also, I’m sponsored by NoLo Fins from Günter Lorch from Germany who let me be part development and listen to my feedback adapting it when making the fins for me what makes a big difference in my performance and is a huge benefit.

Coros is also a sponsor of mine. Without GPS Device no measurement & visible data. Also “Heidi Liebt” the best beanies of the world. I bring them to all occasions and love them after windsurf, after surf, biking, hiking, snowboarding and so on.
And last but not least FOCUSWATER a Swiss vitamin water for a healthy lifestyle.

You are obviously infected by the need for speed, when you travel in search of speed, how much do you invest in that?
Yes, windsurfing and surfing are not only a sport to me it’s a complete lifestyle: to go out on the water- just you and the elements, no phone, no deadlines just fun in that moment.

But when it comes to speed surfing this for me it’s real sport and I’m investing a lot on it. Especially in physical and mental fitness. Training 5 days a week between 2 and 4 hours and trying every time to go out a bit more of my comfort zone than the day before. (not only on the windsurf also climbing, biking and snowboarding for example)
And I also invest a lot in Traveling in preparation for Lüderitz Speed Challenge 2022 I’ll try to go 5 to 7 months to France for speed Training and Testing. For me it’s not an option to start a 6-week trip to Namibia tying to beat the world record on a board or with a sail I have never sailed with before. For full commitment I need full trust in me and my gear.

How many speed boards do you have? – sails? -Fins? Is there a special fin for you?
I have 5 Speed Boards: one for open water= 39 cm wide, one for the canal= 37 cm (+ one more prototype) a 33 cm wide one and a 43 cm what I barely use
Around 6 sails: two 5.2m & 5.8m production + 4.6m, 5.9m & 5.6m for testing
6 fins I have fix in my setup list: 18/18.5/19cm for open water & 17/17.5/18cm for the canal + constantly around 10 more fins as replacement and for testing.

What is the most important part of the gear for you?
The testing 😉 As I said before, for me the most important part is the sufficient testing to trust the gear in 100 percent when conditions become tough.

How difficult is it to windsurf at your home spot/ favourite spot?
My home spot is the Urnersee in Switzerland. It’s a freshwater lake with trade winds (in summer around 12- 20 knots). Super easy to for sailing, only 2 km wide and with a windsurf school. If you want to come, I’m happy to tell you all what you need to know to go windsurfing there.

My speed home spot is La Franqui in the south of France. Usually, the water is very flat, and the wind comes offshore. But… the beach is constantly changing, and you must deal with sandbanks, waves or, when the angle of the wind is not right, it can become choppy what makes speed surfing quite dangerous. The spot can be very easy but also can become really challenging.

Speed surfing is still quite male- dominated sport. Do you ever/ still have to deal with Mansplaining (Mansplaining= Essentially when a man assumes a woman (sometimes a man) lacks knowledge in an area where she (or he) is known to be an expert
Yes true, speed sailing is still a very male-dominated sport. I always try to motivate more girls for this discipline because than it’s just more fun. With several Vlogs I want to give some more Information and tips from a woman for woman and I think I could bring some more Ladies into the world of speed sailing.

And yes… of cause in the beginning was quiet often that some surfers saw me rigging my sail and they could not prevent to ask if I’m sure to rigg the 5.2m when even they go with the 3.3-3.7m. I always say: “Let’s give it a try.” In my opinion it’s always better to be underestimated and then showing with my performance that I can windsurf a bit 😉
My tip for the girls: Trust in your skills and your choice especially when you know the spot.

Heidi, thanks for the interview, good luck for all your goals in 2022 and congratulations again on your souverain victory of the Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge virtual global tour.

Period-1 01.04.-31.05.
Snow in Europe but incredible entry numbers and fabulous Speeds!

Period-2 01.07.-31.08.
Epic summer- 6 nations in the Top 10 & 870 Windsurfer in the Overall Fin and 80 overall Foil Ranking!

Period-3 01.10.-30.11.
Open ocean gps-records, Top 3 entries never have been that fast! All with a top speed OVER 50 knots (92.6 km/h)

During all the year we did not stop to receive emails from rides worldwide saying thanks for what we are doing. That help us a lot to keep on with this project and put a lot of effort to make it better every time our community is growing very fast and every one is pushing their on limits like Bjorn say to go “Faster And Faster”.

We will repeat the Tour next year and also plan for the long term future as a fix date in every speed windsurfer’s calendar. And we are preparing for all of you a few surprises for next year but you will have to wait bit longer to know about that.

Open water gps- record! Diaz point in Luderitz- Namibia probably the fastest open water spot in the world

Never in six years of Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge a top 3 had been so fast!
All with a top speed OVER 50 knots (92.6 km/h)

Twan Verseput even achieved unbelievable 53,56 knots max speed of two seconds = 99,2 km/h and 100,7 Top Speed
He won the third period with his incredible 49,1 knots average over 250m = 90,93 km/h
This is also the fastest session ever posted in the history of our events.

Bjorn Dunkerbeck in second position with 50,7 knots top speed= 93,9 km/h and 47.62 knots average on 250m= 88,2 kmh
followed by Hans Kreisel with 50,12 knots max 2 sec. & 47,47 knots average on 250m.

Heidi Ulrich meanwhile in France

A solid lead and a fabulous speed of 40,14 knots on 250m= 74,33 km/h

44.67knots max 2 seconds= 82,73km/h

Heidi: “Windiest session ever on open water. My watch showed 46.03 top speed”

Wow the girls are really pushing!

In second we have Marie Paule Geldhof with fantastic 35,83 knots on 250m= 66,35 kmh

and first time on the podium Kristel Kaubi from Estonia with 35,02knots on 250m= 64,86 km/h

In total we had in this Period almost 30 women battling.

This is a great motivation for all the windsurf ladies out there to bring a gps or smartwatch for the next session and record the speeds. It’s soo much fun but be careful it’s highly addictive- ask Heidi ;))

Make sure that you don’t miss a period because at the end of the three events we’ll determine the overall winners of the Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge Virtual GlobalTour – who will receive the big prices from our sponsors.

So everybody starts to tune his gear because at the End of the year the three fastest of each category can win:

Chris Benz Watches
AV-Board speed board
GoPro Action cams
Gasoil Custom Fins
Severne Sail
Surf Hub Tenerife– Premium rental packages
Phantom– windsurfing acciesories
Noer Stick mast extensions
Surfcenter.nl shopping voucher
boot Düsseldorf– entries for 2022
Fuerte Action stylish surfer clothing
Gps-speedsurfing Premium memberships
Daily Dose.de merchandising
EQ lovesun-sticks
Surf Magazin subscriptions
Windsurf magazine uk subscriptions
Revista surf a vela subscriptions
Wind Mag subscriptions
Dunkerbeck Windsurf Center merchandising

incredible 870 windsurfers from 32 different Nations in the Fin and Foil ranking!

Conditions have not been easy- in Europe the riders had to deal with the coldest spring since decades and a snowing April but… and this it, what counts: also, strong winds for incredible speeds! Almost 50 riders with 40+ knots (average over 250m) on their gps!
The spots in the Netherlands had been the places to be really fast this spring.
Grevelingenmeer – Ouddorp Haven & Markermeer – Houtribdijk

In the top 5 of the open category, we have a lot of familiar faces and also some new riders for our ranking.

GRAN CANARIA Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge

For the Top 3 in all our categories of the Gran Canaria Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge (Period 1) you can win cool trucker caps from Chris Benz, GoPro accessories, Daily Dose merchandising, AV Board ace masks, shirts & lenyards from Dunkerbeck

A participation is completely free of charge. You just need to create an account on www.gps-speedsurfing.com or www.gps-foilsurfing.com (same account is working on both websites)
By uploading your session on the platform you enter in the ranking.
DSC reserves the right of participation.

Allowed GPS Devices you’ll find on www.gps-speedsurfing.com

Every registered windsurf spot is valid.
Just switch on your GPS, go to the water and sail as fast as you can.

So everybody starts to tune his gear because at the End of the year the three fastest of each category can win:

Chris Benz Watches
AV-Board speed board
GoPro Action cams
Gasoil Custom Fins
Severne Sail
Surf Hub Tenerife– Premium rental packages
Phantom– windsurfing acciesories
Noer Stick mast extensions
Surfcenter.nl shopping voucher
boot Düsseldorf– entries for 2022
Fuerte Action stylish surfer clothing
Gps-speedsurfing Premium memberships
Daily Dose.de merchandising
EQ lovesun-sticks
Surf Magazin subscriptions
Windsurf magazine uk subscriptions
Revista surf a vela subscriptions
Wind Mag subscriptions
Dunkerbeck Windsurf Center merchandising

impressive 48.16 knots (av. on 250m)! That are nothing more and nothing less than 89.19km/h – the mark of the Belgian Vincent Valkenaers, winner of the event and the second period and with which he managed to break the draw he had with the Dutch Hans Kreisel, winner of the first period. Both riders are part of the world elite of the speed discipline and are regulars on the Luderizt canal, third place went to the Dutchman Jacques van der Hout.

In the women’s category, won the clear favorite Heidi Ulrich from Switzerland with a speed of 39.04 knots. The newcomer Kirsten Baas from the Netherlands who won the first period with 34.19 knots made it not as easy for Heidi.

Gran Canaria Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge – Virtual WORLDWIDE Speed Windsurf Event

Period 1: 21.05.-21.06.20 / Period 2: 01.07.-31.08.20

This year, in this exceptional situation that the whole world is experiencing with all the limitations that are being imposed on us, we are happy to continue with the competition format that we have been carrying out since 2015 and to make it even more interesting for all windsurfers.

The online gps- based raceing format on www.gps-speedsurfing.com is a perfect way to compete and maintain the social distancing at the same time.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions unfortunately the Defi –Event, where we are organiszing since six years “a race in the race” had to be postponed to next year but online we can compete!

To make it more accessible to all windsurfers in the world and because there are many more spots where you can do this distance, we decided to rank the fastest average speed on 250m.

As a tribute to the Defi Wind we’ll have a first period from the 21^st of May till the 21^st of June and as an ADD ON a second period from the 01.07. till the 31^st of August.

Because it’s also our main motivation to mobilize the entire windsurfing community and regain relative normality through our sport as soon as possible using current technology to compete together from any country in the world without traveling, while promoting windsurfing as an ecological sport and healthy lifestyle.

Make sure that you don’t miss a period because the winners will be the ones with the fastest Average of the two rounds.

After being in lockdown for several weeks we are sure that we are all really looking forward to get back on the water.

Whats NEW this year?

this year we’ll also rank:

YOUNG GUNS (all kids under 18 years- from 2002 on)
GRAND MASTER+ (50 years+ born in 1970 and later)
FOIL
ALPHA RACE

(what’s alpha race? A small explanation for those who do not know what it is, is to do a distance of 250mts a jibe and another 250mts back. The trick is that there can be no more than 50m between the starting point and the return point, and this is where the ability of the windsurfer to set the fastest round-trip course and tell you about the pass comes into play.)

So everybody starts to tune his gear because this year the fastest can win:

Cool Windsurf accessories from SEVERNE,
Premium memberschips from GPS-Speedsurfing.com,
Stylish clothing from Fuerte Action
and of cause, caps, lenyards and shirts from Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge

How to register?

Participation is free of charge
Create an account on www.gps-speedsurfing.com
Subscribe to our Event Gran Canaria Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge on GP3S

Allowed GPS Devices you’ll find on HERE

Every registered windsurf spot is valid.

Just switch on your GPS, go to the water and sail as fast as you can.

Thanks to the support of:

…making the event Gran Canaria Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge possible one more year

Twan Verseput and Zara Davis World Champions

Windsurfing legend Björn Dunkerbeck and his son Liam on the podium

Twan Verseput from the Netherlands and the Englishwoman Zara Davis showed like last year the fastest runs over 250mts.

After a break of several days and a movement to the south of the island due to wind conditions , participants from all over the world were compensated for their patience. With wind of 25-35 knots. In three heats, the high-speed windsurfer Twan Verseput prevailed and he was able to defend his world title. In the ladies fleet Zara Davis was once again the fastest woman on the board in all the heats and celebrated her third World Cup title.

The 42 times world champion and host, Björn Dunkerbeck, was very happy with the event: "As an athlete, of course, you always want to be in first place, but Twan has sailed incredibly consistentlyI I want to congratulate all participants for their great performance, my goal for the next year is to be on top of the podium and celebrate a double victory with my son Liam."

From June 29 to July 4, it was all about speed in the Mercedes-Benz Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge. The riders had one hour per heat to complete the fastest run in a 250 meters circuit of which the two fastest speeds would give the average for their ranking. The average speed was measured by GPS in each heat. Windsurfers from around the world from 11 years to 61 years participated.

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Podium ISWC World Championship Open

1º Twan Verseput (NED)
2º Andi Laufer (GER)
3º Bjorn Dunkerbeck (ESP)

Podium ISWC World Championship mujeres

1º Zara Davis (GBR)
2º Anne Schindler (GER)
3º Anja Kruse (GER)

Podium Dunkerbeck Speed Chall. “Father & Son“

1º Bjorn & Liam Dunkerbeck (ESP)
2º Oliver & Lea Schaarschmidt (GER)
3º Stephan & Pepe Krause (GER)

Podium Dunkerbeck Speed Chall. “Kids & Youth“

1º Aron Etmon (GBR)
2º Cyril Evrard (BEL)
3º Liam Dunkerbeck (ESP)

As in all Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge events on the website www.gps-speedsurfing.com there is a global virtual ranking where all windsurfers who wish can participate for free from any beach in the world, using their GPS, uploading their speeds to this platform.

This time the top three of the virtual winners made their time in Fuerteventura:

1º Andi Laufer (GER)	38,87nudos
2º Oliver Schaarschmidt (GER)	35,88nudos
3º Patrick Oberlender (GER)	34,52 nudos

Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Challenge 2017

Speeds new guard, dominate in Fuerteventura.

24 year old Dutch speed star Twan Verseput is the new ISWC speed world Champion. Twan together with a huge junior fleet of young talented sailors from around the world, were the stars of the Dunkerbeck GPS speed challenge.

The speed spot in Matas Blancas in the south of Fuerteventura once again delivered a fantastic week with challenging conditions that pushed the 55 strong fleet of men, women and kids to their limit. Conditions varied all week, from riders being maxed out on their smallest 5.0m sails and speed boards to the minimum wind limit slalom baoards and 7.8 m sails.

The surprise upset from the 1st heat was that 42 times world champion and the winner of the last 3 years at this event was not winning!. The young speed star from Holland, Twan was on form from the start. He then went on to win 3 of the 7 heats and 2nd place in all the rest, despite Bjorn using all his experience to fight back. Both he and the Strong man from Sweden, Markus Emanuelsson had to fight all week for the 2nd and 3rd place positions. With Bjorn on the last heat of the week taking 1st place and 2nd overall. As if to make a point, Bjorn achieved the fastest run of the week at 38.66 knots . The new world champion Twan had this to say at the prizegiving at the prestigious R2 Rio Calma hotel “This is my 2nd time at this event, the Pro Am concept works great here and I would encourage anyone to come. When I was younger I never thought I would be competing with my hero Bjorn Dunkerbeck let alone beat him. I am still in shock“

The women’s fleet went more according to the form book. With the double world record holder Zara Davis from the United Kingdom winning all of her heats to become World champion for the 2nd year. This was despite strong challenges from her rival from last year Anne Schindler from Germany in 2nd place and attending her first speed event PWA rider Miriam Rasmussen in 3rd place. Zara said on winning her 2nd world title at this spot.“ I was super happy to win here again, the other girls are getting quicker every year and I can’t afford to take any round for granted“

The truely international fleet of riders from all over the world came together to create a very special vibe. Rivals on the water for sure but they offered support, encouragement and help to each other, to go faster and faster. The real stars of the show was the large youth and junior fleets with entries coming as far away as Canada and the youngest entrant, Ancor Sosa at 9 years old. They all performed brilliantly in some very tough conditions, out pushing hard for a hour at a time in their rounds without stopping. They drew some of the biggest smiles from their parents and admiration from the rest of the competitors and public. 1st youth place went to Jonas Thyme from Denmark and the fastest junior Alexa Escherich from Germany.

The last word must go to Bjorn Dunkerbeck the events founder and last years ISWC World Speed Champion.“ We are very happy with this years event, great vibe 4th time at this site and second time hosting the world championships. Congratulation to Twan, at half my age he just had more speed than me this time. But watch out, I will be back!“

The BIG surprise of the event: Brendan Lorho with only 18 years and 73 kg he smashed all his PBs and finished in 2nd position- ahead of one of the fastest guys in the world- Vincent Valkenaers. Who is Brendan Lorho?

First foil session over 40 knots

Gran Canaria Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge (first of three periods)- The Winners Are Crowned!

The most sustainable Speedsurfing Tour kicking off the first of April

Intoduction

3 Periods

Whats New

Categories & Disciplines

Global Participation

Conclusion

1. Introduction

2. Three Periods

3. Whats New this year?

New Female Racedirector

Come-Back of the period- specials

4. Disciplines and Categories

5. Global Participation

6. Conclusion

Never had been a Tour so fast-paced, so action-packed and suspenseful

First session ever posted over 50 knots av. on 250m

DUNKERBECK SPEED CHALLENGE GLOBAL VIRTUAL TOUR 2022

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What's next?

Period 1:

01.04. - 31.05.23

Gran Canaria DSC

Period 2:

01.07. - 31.08.23

The Summer Edition

Period 3:

01.10. - 30.11.23

The Third

"The Third" is closing the Tour with a BANG💥

First ever session over 50 knots av. on 250m

Open water gps- record! Diaz point in Luderitz- Namibia probably the fastest open water spot in the world

Never in seven years of Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge we registered a session over 50 knots average on 250m!

Vincent Valkenaers achieved unbelievable 50,46 knots av. on 250m = 93,45 km/h and 98,12 km/h Top Speed. He won the third period by setting new limits.

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Outstanding second and third position also sailed at Diaz Point.

Second place goes to Twan Verseput with 49,17 knots on 250m = 91,06 km/h and on third position the Dutch Speed Record Holder Hans Kreisel with solid 48,73 knotos = 90,25 km/h. Congratulations!

Bjorn Dunkerbeck

Top 3 “The Third”

Top 3 “The Third”

...Girl on fire 🔥

Heidi Ulrich running like a swiss watch

Not "only" achieving a new female world record she won consistently all three event-periods Now in "The Third" she got an incredible speed of 40,64 knots on 250m= 75,27 km/h

43.8 knots max 2 seconds= 81,12km/h

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The second position took the PWA rider and Female Speed World record holder on Foil Blanca Alabau from Tarifa/ Spain with stunning 36,65 knots av. on 250m = 67,87 km/h. Third in the event classification was the Belgian Rocket Marie-Paule Geldhof with 35,38 knots on 250m = 65,52 km/h.

Florian Madec nailed it: with 36.03 knots av. 250m on a Foil! (66.73 km/h)

Tough battle in the U18 category but Brendan Lorho gave it all and won in the U18 categorie.

Incredible Wingfoil Action!

On the new Speed-Wingfoil platform www.gps-wingfoiling.com the Top three riders achieved speeds over 30 knots. The winner Bruno André took stunning 31,65 knots average over 250m = 58,62 km/h

Time coutns! Get your best XMAS gift this year here:

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Stay save on the water: Björn's recommendation:

Recovery after a great performance on the water

Save the dates for 2023!

.. don't forget to take part in all three online events: Period 1: 01.04.2023- 31.05.23 Period 2: 01.07.2023- 31.08.23 Period 3: 01.10.2023- 30.11.23

2022 HOT SUMMER HAS COME TO AN END

Amost 900 Speedsailors and 100 Foil- Speeder enjoyed this epic summer on the water and showed the potential of European speed hot-spots 💥

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2022 Dunkerbeck Fuerte Action Week... What counts is windsurfing and good vibes only- KEEP THE SPIRIT UP!!

1st period - the GRAN CANARIA DUNKERBECK SPEED CHALLENGE is finished and proud to present their winners!

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We are so happy to see 770 windsurfers in the FIN Ranking and 100 riders in the FOIL Ranking. Bringing together more than 20 nations from almost all continentes like (North America, Africa, Europe, Asia & Australia)

EVENT RANKINGS

Check here all categories

Dunkerbeck Speed Challene Virtual Global Tour 2022- Big Prices for the winners

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We want the community to grow...

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Contact Us

INTERVIEW WITH HANS KREISEL

OVERALL WINNER DUNKERBECK SPEED CHALLENGE VIRTUAL GLOBAL TOUR

OVERALL WINNER of the DUNKERBECK SPEED CHALLENGE VIRTUAL GLOBAL TOUR 2021

With the help of this interview, we want to learn a bit more about the fastest man and woman of the Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge virtual global tour:

Hans, you are the winner of the first edition of the Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge

Virtual Global Tour-

Congratulations!

Not "only" achieving a new female world record she won consistently all three event-periods
Now in "The Third" she got an incredible speed of 40,64 knots on 250m= 75,27 km/h

The second position took the PWA rider and Female Speed World record holder on Foil Blanca Alabau from Tarifa/ Spain with stunning 36,65 knots av. on 250m = 67,87 km/h.
Third in the event classification was the Belgian Rocket Marie-Paule Geldhof with 35,38 knots on 250m = 65,52 km/h.

Florian Madec
nailed it: with 36.03 knots av. 250m on a Foil! (66.73 km/h)

Time coutns!
Get your best XMAS gift this year here:

.. don't forget to take part in all three online events:
Period 1: 01.04.2023- 31.05.23
Period 2: 01.07.2023- 31.08.23
Period 3: 01.10.2023- 30.11.23