Windsurfing
5 reasons why Red Bull Storm Chase is the heaviest windsurf contest ever
This once-in-a-blue-moon competition is unlike anything else in the entire world – it needs gale-force winds to happen.
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3 min
Take a look at the numbers
How heavy is Red Bull Storm Chase? Let's check out the numbers.
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It's been almost four years since the last Red Bull Storm Chase – that's how perfect conditions have to be to hold the toughest windsurfing contest on the planet. Tons of wind, massive waves, brutally cold temperatures – it all has to come together at the right place and the right time for a contest. But when it does – watch out! Athletes like Kai Lenny, Philip Köster and more will hope be on a plane chasing down the storm. It's windsurfing action you don't want to miss. Let's look at the numbers.
1. 130kph winds
The contest requires 'Force 10' windspeeds to get called on. A number on the Beaufort Scale might not mean much to you, so let's put it into something we can understand: kilometres per hour. Around 130kph is a fairly normal speed for cars traveling on an expressway – that's how hard the wind could be blowing during Red Bull Storm Chase.
Red Bull Storm Chase in Brandon Bay
© Sebastian Marko / Red Bull Air Race
2. 14m waves
Waves up to 14m are absolutely possible during the contest. They'll be generated from even more extreme wind speeds out in the open ocean. When they hit the coast, they can be the size of a six-story house – literally tons upon tons of moving water that the contestants will literally be staring right in the face.
3. Windchill below zero degrees
All this? It's happening in temperatures around 4ºC – and with those heavy winds, it's going to feel even colder – making it tough for frozen fingers to grab boards and booms, as the competitors attempt to maintain precise control of their bodies and their gear in the maelstrom.
4. 20m jumps
High-flying fun at Red Bull Storm Chase
© John Carter/Red Bull Content Pool
Big waves and high winds mean big action – especially big jumps. Traveling at board speeds approaching 50kph, these windsurfers will be able to execute jumps up to 20m in height, as they launch themselves off the crashing waves for tricks like push loops and forward loops – even the rarely-seen double-forward.
5. Broken gear, broken boards, helis and jet skis
It's almost guaranteed we'll see some carnage – masts, sails and boards are sure to take a beating in such extreme conditions. Broken gear is always a bummer – but out here it's also a serious risk. Without functioning gear, the sailors might not be able to get back to shore safely – that's why there's jet ski and helicopter support as a part of a 20-person safety crew watching over the contest.
Tracking the riders during the huge swells isn't easy
© Red Bull Content Pool
How do you win?
It's safe to say that winning isn't easy – first, you've got to excel at what windsurfers called 'survival sailing' – then you've got to get the attention of the world's best windsurfing judges. Power, style, jump height – sailors will have to have it all to win. With an esteemed list of potential competitors on top, action is sure to be on if a storm shows.
When will Red Bull Storm Chase happen?
The question is not 'when' – but rather, 'if'. The waiting period has been open since early October, with a short holiday break, but no proper storm has shown. There are just over two weeks left in the contest window – and while no specific day is on the books, there's a lot of activity in the ocean, and forecasters and organisers are keeping a sharp eye on the forecast. Stay tuned!
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