Overmast

The Ultimate Windsurfing Wipeout

I found the one: a big, west-oriented wave with a little gust. I almost air-dropped it.

With no wind on the bottom of the wave face, my sail inverted toward me because of the wind speed.

I had to let the pressure go by pulling on my backhand so that the sail opened. The boom reached my low back at that point, making the turn impossible.

I went a bit longer, straight in front of the wave, to get wind in the right direction, and went on the opposite rail with my toes.

That’s when you have a look at the wave that finally came alive and realize it is really west, and I am losing speed with no power coming in.

I opened the end of my turn to optimize my escape and gained a few meters that saved my equipment at the end.

During the process, I put in place my sea snake diving skills – head first, below the sail, at the right angle – to penetrate as deep as possible, considering the size, speed, and position of the wave.

I slapped my left face and ear and feared for my dear life. I was surprised and really glad that both of us made it.

I resurfaced safely a few seconds later and saw my equipment intact, floating ten meters away.

I have to say I felt like Teahupoo’s luckiest survivor! It is not the most glorious title I could dream of, but a life-changing event that day for sure.

The second wave came, swallowed my gear in front of me, and I swam back to the ski.

I barely made it, but I was OK for a quick ski ride over the reef to reach inside the lagoon and pick up the pieces.

I found my board, base, extension, and mast intact, together, and still rigged.

The boom extension was cut apart, and I saw just a little piece of tissue at the bottom to remind me that a sail was there before.

I kept searching all around for an hour with another friend but found nothing.

The beast was hungry and took her meal. She loves Goya equipment even more than we do, with a bit of salt and french meat.

That was my 30-minute session of the last six months – Teahupoo life.

Words by Charles Vandemeulebroucke | Windsurfer