Steven van Broeckhoven B-72 Prof. Windsurfer

2011-11-16T08:05:00.001+01:00

Hey guys. After I came back from Dahab (Egypt), where I could score some really nice conditions, I stayed just some days back home and went straight to Maui (Hawaii). Its my first time here and I have to tell you that this place is just so amazing... Soon I will feed you with some news and media.

There is something more! As a teamrider for the sunglass brand DIFFERENT (by Tine Slabe), I am really proud, that they developed a new pro model which is named after me.

Check it out:

Different Website

Different Steven van Broeckhoven Pro Model

2011-11-02T10:33:00.001+01:00

Hey guys. There is a nice interview about me on the german windsurf-website: Windsurfers.de!

Follow the link below:

Interview on Windsurfers.de

Movie about my windsurfing life!

2011-10-31T11:16:00.000+01:00

Hey guys. My good friend Andraz Zan SLO-49 made a wonderful movie-portrait about my windsurfing career so far. I am super happy and very grateful to Andraz for this amazing movie. Enjoy it.

PWA Reno World Cup Sylt 2011 Summary

2011-10-14T09:22:00.000+02:00

Hi,

Here some small report from Pwa in Sylt.

This year we where unlucky with the wind, 10 days almost no wind. But we had realy nice wheater which bring many people to the beach. For freestyle we did 4 tow in sessions which was realy succesfull. the beach was full with people, I never saw so many people watching our sport. I got 4 times podium place, 2times 2nd once 3rd and the last one the panasonic night session i got first place with the trippel jumping Funnel. More inf about event check the PWA event summary.

Reno World Cup Sylt

EVENT SUMMARY: SYLT IS HIT BY TEN DAY OF SUMMER PREVENTING THE BREEZE FROM BUILDING BUT IT DIDN’T STOP IT BEING AN INCREDIBLE EVENT FULL OF AMAZING ACTION FROM THE STARS OF THE PWA.

The world’s finest windsurfers were treated to ten days of stunning weather on Westerland beach in Sylt as a high pressure lingering over Europe brought with it blazing sun, but it also prevented the flags from flying. Despite the wind and waves not making an appearance it didn’t stop the event from being as amazing as ever. Hundreds of thousands of spectators made their way to the event site throughout the week to meet the stars of the PWA, see the trade stalls, listen to the interviews and to enjoy the warm weather.

The huge crowds were also treated to four astonishing tow-in freestyle competitions, SUP races, wave tow-in action, at spot of slalom racing, surfing and the world champions being crowned at the prize giving. The fleets remained patiently on standby throughout the week but were unable to take part in any official competition, therefore leaving the results and world rankings unchanged.

Tow-in freestyle

Throughout the week the world’s elite freestylers battled it out in four insane tow-in freestyle competitions. With 1000 euro’s up for grabs each time, the sailors went all out trying to upstage each other with every run, much to the delight of the huge crowds.

Kicking off the week, Jose Estredo (Fanatic / North) was the man on fire behind the jet ski, wowing the judges with his super-fast burners into funnels, the world champion Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2 / Gaastra) proved he was also handy in the light winds launching into tremendous air funnels off the back of the small waves.

As the week progressed the water flattened off and the sailors got more and more used to the tow-in allowing them to break the boundaries of tow-in freestyle and up the game with the moves they were pulling. Estredo remained on amazing form winning the next two competitions, breaking the judge’s scales with mind-blowing funnel in burners. The brothers from Bonaire Taty Frans (Starboard / MauiSails / Mystic / Maui Ultra Fins) and Tonky Frans (Tabou / Gaastra) brought their unique style to the competition going for each move one-handed or as close to the crowds as possible.

Also making a guest appearance in the tow-in, former world freestyle champions Ricardo Campello (JP / NeilPryde / MFC) and the Marcilio Browne (Fanatic / North / MFC) dusted off their freestyle boards and delivered spectacular burners and burners into funnel to make the podiums.

The crescendo for the tow-in came in the form of the Panasonic night tow-in freestyle competition. The beach was jam-packed full of spectators, and the water was lit-up with powerful spot lights, providing an amazing stage for the world best to do their thing. Van Broeckhoven made his way into the final with ease by landing a perfect triple jumping funnel, as did Estredo with one of the fastest burner- funnels of the week. Also excelling was Bjorn Saragoza (Starboard / Hot Sails) who delivered a super-stylish one handed double funnel.

Having been so amazing all week, Estredo was unlucky in the final and he went down on both of his moves, opening up the top spot for Van Broeckhoven to step-up with a triple funnel. Saragoza made his way onto the podium for the first time this season with a double air funnel and Browne stole third with a perfect burner into funnel.

PWA Grand Slam Sylt 2011

2011-10-06T16:34:00.003+02:00

Hey guys. I am back from Sylt. It was a really really nice event. Unfortunately we didnt have so much wind.

Here you can see an interview with me on the 6th day.

Report on belgian television

2011-08-08T09:44:00.000+02:00

Here is a report in the belgian television, about my season 2011 and my world champion title.

Report PWA Freestyle Worldcup Fuerteventura 2011

2011-08-05T14:04:00.000+02:00

Again I had a great event in Fuerteventura. I knew before that this one will be very important for the overall result. Really focused I went into the event and wanted to win. In the single elimination I was sailing the final heat against Gollito Estredo (V-01). He was sailing a really great heat and I took the second place in this first single elimination. Later in the double elimination I had to give everything to win the event. Again it was Gollito and me who sailed in the final. I could beat him in the first heat, so we had to resail the heat to get a decision for the win of the double elimination. I tried my best and could win aswell this second final heat. It was a really close decision in the end.
As I didn't know that I will be world champion after winning Fuerte, it was really unexpected and a big surprise for me. It's hard to belive it right now. It's something totally new and I never thought this could happen. But I know I worked extremely hard to achieve this. So I'm really really happy and even more motivated to train more and more, because I know its all possible.

Thanks again to sponsors and friends for the great support.

Freestyle World Champion 2011

2011-07-28T11:41:00.000+02:00

Pic by Continenseven.com

Hey guys! I just won the PWA Freestyle Worldcup in Fuerteventura and that means I am Overall World Champion 2011. I am so super happy. A full report will follow soon.
Thanks to all my sponsors, supporters and friends who always pushed me!
Regards, Steven

PWA Lanzarote Freestyle Worldcup

2011-07-23T23:03:00.000+02:00

Hey guys. Here is my report from the Wolrdcup on Lanzarote.

1st single elimination took 3 days to get the results. The wind kicked in every day in the afternoon. The wind was really up and down, so it was hard to choose the right gear. I was using the Gaastra Pure 5.4 and 5.2 in combination with the F2 rodeo 98L and 17cm Star fish. At the end I got 2nd in the single elimination after winning against Jakub Kosmowski, Quincy Offringa, Philip Soltysiak and Davy Scheffers who beat Kiri Thode.

In the final I lost against Gollito Estredo who was in top form.

The last day we finished the double elimination, the wind was stronger than days before, I still used the pure 5.2 to be sure I had enough power in the sail.

My first heat against Kiri my 5.2 was really powerd up, so I could make my power moves as high as possible. On the inside I was struggling with some moves, but going out I landed some really high scoring moves like pushloop and Bonka. I won by 4 to 1 decision. The final against Gollito was not my best heat, I took more risk and was overpowered, but still I could make some good moves, however Gollito was sailing incredibly and was unbeatable.

From the PWA

Day 1: The world’s greatest freestyle sailors descend on to the golden sands of Costa Teguise in Lanzarote, however fluctuating conditions led to a gentle start to competition.

The opening day of competition in Lanzarote kicked off to a relaxing start, allowing the sailors to prepare their equipment and focus their minds on the challenges ahead. Once the formalities of registration and the skippers meeting were completed the trade winds had risen to around 15-20 knots allowing the competitors to hit the water at 2pm on the dot and the action to unfold.

On sails around 5.3m, the sailors ploughed their way through the opening nineteen heats of the single elimination. However as the afternoon progressed the wind retreated forcing competition on hold until the riders were ultimately released at 5pm.

The initial rounds of the competition saw many of the top sailors display their most mind-blowing tricks to dispose of their opponent’s and to express their dominance on the Canary Islands. Belgian freestyle extraordinaire Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2 / Gaastra) quickly defeated Jakub Kosmowski (RRD / Simmer) and Quincy Offringa (Starboard) with his enormous Culos and Konos.

Day 2: A day of contrast in Lanzarote, marginal conditions kept the sailors on hold throughout the day until a sudden burst of breeze stirred up a frenzy to finish.

A calm morning in Costa Teguise ensured the sailors we placed on standby from the word go, and the judges were left with the task of monitoring the wind.

As the morning progressed the trade winds kicked in allowing Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2 / Gaastra), Remko De Zeeuw (F2 / Gaastra) and Yarden Meir (Fanatic / Simmer), to hit the water to take advantage of the occasional gust to pull switch chachoos and the occasional culo. However large patches of light wind ensured the conditions were unsuitable for a fair competition to take place.

Head judge Duncan Coombs announced competition would commence from 5pm, allowing three heats to be completed before the conditions died off.

Davy Scheffers (Tabou / Gaastra) took on the mighty Thode in heat 21. Scheffers opened the heat with full force knowing it would take a lot to defeat his opponent. Thode fought hard however the light winds were causing a few problems in Thode’s routine, seeing a surprised Scheffers work his way into the semi-final. Meanwhile Van Broeckhoven was going about landing his perfect power moves in the challenging conditions, whilst Phil Soltysiak (Starboard / Dakine) looked to be struggling to find enough power to complete his maneuvers.

Day 3: Four times world champion Gollito Estredo returns to form and storms his way to first place in the single elimination.

Once again the freestyle fleet were greeted with a relaxing morning, providing them with the perfect opportunity to tune their equipment, discuss the previous day’s heats and prepare their minds for the battle ahead.

As midday approached the trade winds kicked into action, and built in strength throughout the afternoon. The world’s finest freestylers were tempted onto the water at 2:30pm providing them just enough time to limber up for the start of competition at 3pm.

With winds blowing between 15-20knots, sails around 5.3m were the weapon of choice, for the final heats of the single elimination.

Picking up the action at heat 23, the sailors were shuffled into their respective finals. Davy Scheffers (Tabou / Gaastra) buckled under the pressure of the Belgian superstar Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2 / Gaastra). Simultaneously Jose Estredo (Fanatic / North) defeated Anthony Ruenes (Tabou / Simmer) with his powerful ponchs and super high shakas.

The final saw Estredo and Van Broeckhoven enter the water to battle it out for first place. Estredo was on fine form throughout the heat, taking advantage of the stronger winds and the small waves. He opened with a future and quickly flew through a succession of extreme moves including a fully planning push loop and an air chachoo. Van Broeckhoven crashed his initial move and spent the remainder of the heat playing catch up. Despite the Steven’s best efforts Estredo was back in his element capitalizing on the ramps and big air maneuvers. After a tense wait while the judges calculated the score sheets, Estredo was awarded first place in front of a large crowd on the beach.

Once the victor was crowned, competition continued directly into the double elimination, allowing ten of the eighteen heats to be completed. With the opportunity to improve their overall score, the sailors hit the water with full force ready to take on their opponents.

Day 4: The astounding island of Lanzarote delivers remarkable conditions for the final day of competition allowing Estredo to stamp down his authority on the shores of Costa Teguise.

As the sailors awoke for the fourth day of competition, a storm cloud lingered over the event site reflecting the atmosphere between the remaining twelve sailors, as they entered the final heats of the double elimination.

With howling winds forecast the competition was postponed until midday, allowing the crowds on the beach to gather and the tension to rise. When one o’clock struck, the wind was blowing over 20 knots and sea state was choppy with the occasional wave rolling in, ensuring the spectators were treated to an exciting show as the sailors were able to launch into their largest aerial maneuvers.

With only one more heat between him and the final, Thode went on to face his arch nemesis Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2 / Gaastra). The two sailors matched each other move for move, in what turned out to be astoundingly close heat. Van Broeckhoven’s Bonka and mind blowing no handed burner separated the pair seeing him snatch the win by just half a point on the judges score sheets.

The crowds on the beach were treated to an exceptional display of talent as yesterday’s duo Jose Estredo (Fanatic / North) and Van Broeckhoven took to the water for the final. Estredo delivered a colossal air chachoo providing him with the edge shortly followed by a succession of enormous air moves. Van Broeckhoven fought hard, however he appeared to be overpowered and crashed a few essential moves in his attempt to slay the four times world champion, allowing Estredo to take advantage and win the event title.

The victors were crowned at the awards ceremony on the beach, where each sailor was presented with a novelty trophy. Van Broeckhoven’s second place means he now sits at the top of the overall event rankings and Thode moves down into second.

Results

1^st Jose Estredo (Fanatic / North)
2^nd Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2 / Gaastra)
3^rd Kiri Thode (Starboard / Gaastra)
4^th Anthony Ruenes (Tabou / Simmer)
5^th Davy Scheffers (Tabou/Gaastra)

High resolution images of Freestyle Action & Lifestyle are available from the following link:-

http://www.pwaworldtour.com/index.php?id=1517

PWA Freestyle Worldcup Bonaire Report

2011-06-23T08:02:00.000+02:00

Hi,

Here is my report about my competition in Bonaire.

I knew in Bonaire it would be really hard to beat the locals, even the young kids are sailing good. The light wind also makes it more difficult for me against the lighter guys. I really wanted a podium finish, but I knew I would also be really happy even with a top 5. But my 2nd place was a big surprise!

The key to my success was that I was really focused on what I was doing and showed as much as possible the power in the moves that I was doing. I just sailed good heats and tried to make better moves than my competitors.
Another important part comes down to the equipment I was using. During the competitions the wind was really light and I was using the new Gaastra PURE 5.4 in combination with the 107L F2 rodeo. This combination is really special for light wind and fast planning. It is super light which makes the power moves much easier and higher.
These the heats I sailed to finish the conest in 2nd place.

1st single elimination;
After winning a few heats I beat Philip Soltysiak who is consistently in the top 8, after I lost against Kiri Thode in the semi final, but won in the losers final against 4times world champion Gollito Estredo and finished 3rd.

1st Double elimination
I have to sail again against Estredo, and once again I won. Then for 2nd place I lost against Taty Frans who was sailing very well and so I managed to keep my 3rd place.

2nd single elimination;
I won against one of the upcoming dutch talents Remko de Zeeuw, then beat the frenchman Antony Ruenes who was training in Bonaire earlier this year and can always suprise his competitors, followed by Dieter Van der Eyken. In the semi final I had to sail again against Taty, but this time I beat him, which gave me good motivation for the final against Kiri Thode. Somehow I managed to win the heat and so finished the 2nd single in first.

2nd double elimination;
I got Kiri again, but this time he was unbeatable, and I lost 2 times, losing my concentration during the heats.

To decide who finished 2nd and 3rd between Taty and me we had to do one more heat; a sail-off. This heat I got my focus back and felt confident about how I sailed. So I finished the contest in 2nd place, much higher than what I was expecting.

1st Kiri Thode (Starboard / Gaastra)
2nd Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2 / Gaastra)
3rd Taty Frans (Starboard / MauiSails / Mystic)
4th Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic / North)
5th Davy Scheffers (Tabou / Gaastra)
6th Dieter Van Der Eyken (Starboard / Severne)
7th Tonky Frans (Tabou / Gaastra)
8th Choco Frans (F2)
8th Bjorn Saragoza (Starboard / Hot Sails)
8th Philip Soltysiak (Starboard / Dakine)

High resolution images of Freestyle Action & Lifestyle are available from the following link:-

http://www.pwaworldtour.com/index.php?id=1454 there are 29 action pictures of me

More info check www.pwaworldtour.com

Whats new?

2011-06-15T17:26:00.001+02:00

Hey guys. In the moment I am in Bonaire for the PWA Freestyle Worldcup. After the 1 Double Elimination I was on a very good 3rd place and even could win the 2nd Single Elimination, what makes me really really happy. I hope for the best in the 2nd Double Elimination.

For daily action and coverage you wan visit the PWA Website by clicking this LINK.

The EFPT Event in Sardegna was not windy enough to run a competition, so we only did a Tow-In Contest in which I could achieve a 3rd place.

Furthermore we released a nice videoclip from the last summer in Dahab. Michael Sumereder did a great job!! Thanks for that. In the movie you can see action of my 2 friends, Andraz Zan Yarden, Meir and me. Enjoy watching.

==> Click here for the movie <==

Before I went to Sardegna I had a nice video shooting for a Belgium Kids TV Channel. Young belgian windsurfers around 12 years old asked me some question and we went windsurfing together. It was great fun and you can see the result by clicking the following link:

Link to the movie of this day!

I will keep you updated!

Regards, Steven

New Clip

2011-05-10T17:36:00.001+02:00

Hey guys. Here is a short clip from my last stay in Dahab, before Podersdorf. I will upload some more... Regards, Steven... :)

PWA Podersdorf summary

2011-05-07T17:47:00.000+02:00

Hi,

This year Podersdorf has been again a big success for me. Last Year I took the 2nd place and I was even able to win the event. This was the first time I could win a PWA Event!!

Im really happy and motivated again. After my injury in Vietnam, i didn't feel so comfortable. I knew, that I have to return really strong in the next event and thats what I was focused on.

My seeding in the single elimination was not easy. After winning against the young and talented riders Rick Jendruch from Holland and Davis Paternina from Venezuela, I had to face Tonky Frans. In the beginning of the heat, it was really difficult to show the high scored moves, but during the last minutes I had a really good run and could win this heat. In the next heat against raigning world champion Gollito Estredo, I knew, that I have to sail a really really good heat in order to win and go through to the winners final. I was fighting and gave everything and in the end I was winning the heat.

The final of the single elimination I had to sail against Kiri Thode from Bonaire. The wind was super strong an I made all my moves with a lot of power. I had a really good Culo and a very high No-handed-Burner try in my heat. I think this impressed the judges the most.

When they announced my as the winner of the single elimination, I could not believe it and was speechless.

The next day we were running the double elimination and I was super relaxed because I had nothing to loose. The wind was super light and I was using my new 5.4 Gaastra Pure and the 107 F2 Rodeo. Davy Scheffers was really sailing great, but was stopped in the battle for the final heat by Kiri Thode. So it was again Kiri and me, who were fighting for the crown. In the first heat, I had totally no wind and Kiri was sailing strong, so he won rightful. We were sailing an all-important 2nd heat for the win of Podersdorf 2011. I couldnt believe my ears, when I heard my name in first position. It was like a dream. So I could win my first PWA Event ever.

Now I went to Bonaire for some training and relaxing. My next stop will be Sardegna for the EFPT Event.

Stay tuned. Regards, Steven

PWA Podersdorf Final Result!

2011-05-05T18:42:00.000+02:00

Pic by J. Carter, PWA

I am super happy to announce that I could wind the PWA Podersdorf Freestyle Event 2011! Its still unbelievable for me and I am super stoked.
We had to sail in quite rough conditions with low temperatures and all kind of winds, during the last 2 competition days.
After I had won the Single Elimination, I could defend my first position the day after in the double elimination.

Final Result:

1st Steven van Broeckhoven B-72
2nd Kiri Thode NB-61
3rd Davy Scheffers H-311
4th Gollito Estredo V-01
5th Taty Frans - NB-9

I will publish an event summery and some more pictures soon.

Thanks to everbody!
Steven

Stay tuned for mo

PWA Podersdorf Day 2 & 3

2011-05-01T19:53:00.002+02:00

Pic by: John Carter/PWA

Hallo again from Podersdorf!
First of all I want to say that Podersdorf is again a great event! Unfortunately we didn't have so much luck with the wind yet and only 2 heats could be sailed today! As I am already seeded in the second round, I still have to wait for my heat which will be against Max Matissek from Austria or Rick Jendrusch from the Netherlands! Both of them are really good sailors!

As I mentioned before, there was a Tow-In Night Session yesterday evening. I am really happy about a 2nd place.
I hope for some good wind during the next couple of days, so that we can run our competition. The forecast looks really promising for tuesday and we all keep our fingers crossed.

Regards, Steven

PWA Freestyle Worldcup Podersdorf/Austria 2011

2011-04-29T19:38:00.001+02:00

Pic by: John Carter/PWA

Hey guys. In the moment I am at the PWA Freestyle Worldcup in Podersdorf. All the guys are here and I hope for some good action and that we can have a nice competition.

The will take place a Tow-In Supersession on Saturday night. For sure we can give a great show to the spectators.

You can follow the live ticker on: www.pwaworldtour.com or get some daily news on www.continentseven.com.

Regards, Steven

Dahab News!

2011-04-04T13:27:00.000+02:00

Hey guys. Since some days I am in Dahab. We had pretty good wind in the beginning and than it dropped a bit. I am sailing quite a lot and my knee is ok for now. Here is a short video of a CULO 540 in lighter wind. Enjoy!

2011-03-30T09:43:00.002+02:00

No-handed Burner 360° in Captewon:

The PURE 2012

2011-03-29T20:02:00.001+02:00

Here you can view some pics of the new Gaastra PURE 2012:

PURE 2012 Photo-Album on Facebook

PWA Video Portrait & Interview on Continentseven.com

2011-03-29T19:58:00.002+02:00

Hi guys. There is a small video portrait on the PWA Website about me. Follow the link below and check it out..:)..:

Portrait on PWA-Website

Interview on Continentseven.com

Soon off to DAHAB again...

2011-03-18T11:38:00.000+01:00

Hey guys! I just wanna let you know that I will fly again to DAHAB on the 24th of march for some training! Hopefully we will get some windy conditions for some good action!

Will keep you updated from there.

Already on the water again...

2011-03-15T19:58:00.001+01:00

Hey! Today I went sailing, and my knee is fine. Just some easy freestyling in very light wind with my new pure 5.6 and rodeo 107.

A lot of people asked me already about the new PURE! I will write some small summery about the upcoming Freestyle-Weapon and will publish it very soon here on my blog!

Stay tuned...

News about my knee...

2011-03-14T16:10:00.002+01:00

Hi guys! I just came back from the Orthopedist, and the result is that i have a bone bruise, because of the impact. Actually it will take 4-5 weeks untill the bone is again strong enough. However, the doctor said, that I am allowed to do "easy" sports, in order to strengthen the knee. If there are some news, I will let you know.

Steven

New Blog and some news!

2011-03-14T11:57:00.000+01:00

Hallo and welcome everybody to my new blog! From now on you can follow me step by step and I will keep you always up to date with fresh news!

What I did this winter?
Most of the winter I spent in Capetown to train for the new season and test some new prototypes for my sponsors. We had quite good wind and Capetown was real fun and good for training.

After Capetown I spent some days at home, before I left for the first PWA Event in Vietnam.
As you probably all know, I injured myself and couldn't compete anymore after half of the event. Read the whole story about the competition HERE!

Today I will go for another check on my knee. Hopefully its not too bad and I am soon back on the water. But I am pretty optimistic, as I don't feel so much pain.

Probably I will fly soon to Dahab in order to train again, before my next PWA Event in Podersdorf.

I will let you know about my knee asap.

Steven

Yachtman of the year 2011!

2011-02-15T11:20:00.001+01:00

Hi all,

Just before my take off to the Worldcup of the Professional Windsurfing association in Vietnam I won one of the most wished prices.

Beside of all my windsurfing results (2 times European Champion freestyle windsurfing, 4th in World Championships, rookie of the year in Professional Windsurfing Association), I became Sportsman of the year 2010 of the city Lommel.

In 2010 I became Yachtman of the year 2010 in Belgium and on january 23th I won "the bay of Limburg". I'm really very happy with that as an acknowledgement for my sport.

These prices will give me extra motivation to go further with my professionality for my sport and to continue my progression despite the injury I faced during the PWA contest in Vietnam.

In particular I want to thank my family who support me for 100% when I'm abroad, and also my sponsors F2, gaastra, O'Neill, Choco Fins. They all make me do this.

I also thank the province of Limburg for this very special price.