About a year ago I had the idea to make a movie/documentary about speedsurfing.
What drives a man to invest so much time, money and energy in 10 seconds of euphoria or disappointment? The misunderstood battle with the elements, the internal struggle, the battle with others, 10 seconds ... is the story of the man behind the speedsurfer.
At least thats the idea but making the movie besides a daytime job seemed to much. Working out ideas, shooting, editing, find suitable music it consumed so much time and energy that I couldn't windsurf myself anymore. So I stopped but this is what I have and it deserved its place on the internet for all the guys participating in the movie. Shot on location in January and February at Strand Horst. Surfers are Sander van Huizen, John Overmeer an d Barry van Lingen among others.

I hope you like it.

Great stuff MME!
Well done to all those crazy cold weather speedsters and you for freezing behind the camera.
Big off at 9.44!
Certainly looks windy and not too flat.
Great to see a bunch of Blades in full flight.

Great work, certainly captures the spirit of our superb sport. I have to admit though, we are an old bunch of thrillseekers.....lots of beards and bellies amongst us

Good work MME, love the fact that all the old blokes are out there 'cos someone told them that water is soft when you land on it, ha ha
And good to see the koncepts out there
Good soundtrack also.

Enjoyed it MME - well done. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I just cannot fathom how you guys sail in such cold conditions but given the buzz that windsurfing offers it's not surprising.

PS -Great to see a real mix of board and sail brands although nice to see the Loft Blades.

Wot no Go Pro footage

Thanks for sharing, I had to turn the heater on while watching that Brrrrrrr

YEP NICE WORK ... SOME GREAT DROP FOCUS AND FANTASTIC PREDICTED COMPOSITIONS FAVE AT 5MIN ... GREAT WORK! SELFLESS PROJECT WELL EXECUTED.

NOW FOR THE NEXT HD OF CLIPS ;-)
BRING ON THE NEXT ONE !! BIGGER N BETTER RIGHT ?

ENJOY THE ACCOLADES AS PEOPLE REFLECT ON THE PRESENT, CLOSE THE FOURUM KNOWING U SACRIFICED 2 MONTHS FOR GENERATIONS OF PARTICIPANTS TO HAVE A PLCE IN HISTORY.

KEEP UP PASSION ENJOY THE LATE NIGHTS EDITING WITH A GOOD BOTLE OF WINE

Thanks guys.

Maybe I'll make a better version in the future but if you want to see more you'll have to wait for The Ghosts of Speed by Angelo Percere which will come out in December. It features all the major speedsurfspots in Holland and for sure has amazing footage. You'll see me blasting by with 38 knots with a white Loft RB7.8 and PD110 at Horst and sliding in the mud at the Brace on Jurjens record day.

About the cold. You have to use good gear of course. First layer is a neoprene shirt with titanium innerlayer with hoodie. Then a decent5/4 wetsuit(O'Neill Psycho 3 or so) and a ProLimit weightvest to keep you're core warm. Decent footwear(6mm) and open gloves are also essential. Dressed like this you still will curse and swear in the beginning but as soon as the pain in your hands is gone your fine. My own limit is 4 degrees Celcius for the air and 0 degrees Celcius for the water. In combination with a nice 35 knts of wind this feels like its below -10 so eating a lot and drinking is essential. But you need to be born in these Northern regions to be able to appreciate it I guess
For me it's a shock to surf only in boardshorts, I really feel naked(and thirsty)

Great stuff if that dosnt get you amped i dont know what will loved it and some great tips in the slow mows about board trim and the fine line between riding the fin and skating the board if you look carefully another great sesh from the dutch

Loved the movie ! weldone

Correct me if im wrong but in alot of shots your board seems to be well weighted to the back. You can get better times if the board is flatter by changing your fin yes/no?

Fantastic film Michel! Absolutely gorgeous shots, editing and music.

Can't wait for 11 seconds

Thanks MME, really enjoyed it!

Great job, nice video.

What is the soundtrack?

Music is:
Cheerleader-Intro(Vimeo)
Charles Atlas-Photosphere(Vimeo)
Love thy brother remix-Youth by daughter(Dubstep.net)

Always good to see people making the most of their local spot smashing it out on the tail of the board best they can, good work!

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MME said...
My own limit is 4 degrees Celcius.......

4 degrees that is about the same temperature as my fridge. I consider that as a good limit. It keeps the beer cold.…….

Great film Michel, one word to describe it...
FanBLOODYtastic!!!

A first glimpse of The Ghost of Speed

Ghosts of Speed preview - certainly spooked me. Brilliant

Great movie (Ghost of speed). It is just me or do they all contradict each other?

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da vecta said...
Great movie (Ghost of speed). It is just me or do they all contradict each other?

Yep thats what i recon as well..

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da vecta said...
Great movie (Ghost of speed). It is just me or do they all contradict each other?

Yep, an example is the adjustable outhaul, I'm not convinced and besides I just can't be bothered I like it simple Interesting video GOS thanks MME

Great Video,
Love seeing sports which keep old farts (me too) carrying on like teenagers.
Roll on summer!

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snides8 said...

da vecta said...
Great movie (Ghost of speed). It is just me or do they all contradict each other?

Yep thats what i recon as well..

Depends on how you look at this. Most guys in the vid sail different brands. Easy to understand that each brand rigs differently than the other. Starts to become interesting if the tips from guys with the same brand are different. You also have to keep in mind that the boards used are different, sailing style might be different, seat or waist harness. But if you look at the bigger picture nearly all riders use recomended downhaul, use a mid to low boom position but each one uses a different outhaul and harness line setting. To put it simple, the way the power of the sail is delivered to the rider varies.

Hey fair enough. I really enjoyed the vid and learnt heaps. Just making a point of discussion in the hope to get some more discussion going. I agree with your points.

Also noice video MME, I enjoyed that too.