Mistral Equipe II - Windsurf session Lac d'Hourtin - France

[@raduturcanu8393]

Great session! I remember dreaming with my father of buying one Mistral Equipe about 30 years ago. It was expensive and couldn't afford it, went for a Bic Calypso instead but we were still dreaming that one day we would buy the Mistral. Never happened, years later I bought Starboard, then JP and totally forgot about the concept of 1 board does it all and goes in all wind and all condition. That versatility was in fact the nicest thing in the beginning of the sport and worked much better than what we do today, we book a vacantion to a perfect spot, we fly there, we book boards and sails, we spend money and hope for the best wind and weather but the outcome is often less than expected.

[@ronald-huve]

Hi Radu, You described it beautifully and correctly! Exactly as it is. That is why we now see around us (especially in the Netherlands) that the early adopters of that time, who did continue surfing on modern equipment, are again inclined to surf on long boards to enjoy this beautiful water sport in a different way. The condition of this generation is generally not improving, at least for me. A large group of 'older-youth' is experiencing a lot of fun on and around the water again.

[@pedropesci5690]

Aun tengo una igual. Maravillosa!!! Se disfruta siempre. Ahora con Severne Convert 8.5

[@TheMartinchostar]

I've got an Alpha Fanatic 375 210 liters longboard....long relaxing speed planning sessions...love longboard experience! Bravo 👏

[@ronald-huve]

Thank you. It is indeed a class of its own and the right type of board for covering long distances, The Alphas were also good boards indeed

[@wilmabier1664]

Absolute Spitzenklasse Kindheitserinnerung !

[@ronald-huve]

Das ist richtig. Nur das Mistral-Logo und dann das Geräusch des Plätscherns des Bretts auf dem Wasser. Ich werde bald ein neues Video einer Veranstaltung am Strand Horst veröffentlichen

[@KristofJarder]

Am watching your film again and again. Just bought an Equipe LCS and cant wait to user it! I've got sails up to 10 & 12 m2 and hope it will work, since my weight went up to about 100kg... Unfortunately there are no tutorials about raceboard Surfing.. Thank you for joining your sessions! Kristof - Vienna/Balaton

[@ronald-huve]

Hello Kristof, Thank you for your message. 'Once a good board, always a good board' This is also the case with the Equipe 1. A 12m sail will be a challenge, but a 10m sail should be possible. (think of the right fitting mast for the sail. That is very important). A good fin also makes a significant difference. Try to score a few and try it out. There is a lot to read on the internet about which form has which effect. Basic rule for upwind = mast track forward +/-25% of the start of the rail, dragger board almost completely unfolded, tilt the board slightly so that the leeward (lee zeite) 'cuts' downwards into the water, with your feet near the centreboard and lean towards the point of the board (as if you want to look in front of the mast). The sail is trimmed flatter. Basic rule for half-downwind = mast track almost in the last position, centreboard fully in or almost in. Keep the board as flat as possible and try to distribute your weight a bit to find a good position. Sail trimmed less convex for more power. Just sail as much as possible and adjust your material in an orderly manner so that you become familiar with the effect. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@KristofJarder]

@@ronald-huve Hi Ronald, thank you for all your detailed description! I do have a complete NP EVO rig, so it should work just fine. I Trier it with a JP Superlightwind, 165l - that really was a challenge. Still not used to these modern wide and short boards.. That's why I looking very much foreward to sail this loooong board )).. Till then I will wach your film some time again - it's very nicely done! All the best @** Kristof

[@fw2732]

Duck jibe d'un 9,2m sur une Equipe II. Tres impressionnant. Merci d'avoir posté celui-ci.

[@ronald-huve]

Merci... Cela n'a pas été des plus faciles mais j'ai réussi à m'en sortir. (Sans une ligne sur mon visage..ha ha) Tout me semblait un peu au ralenti...

[@fw2732]

Vous êtes trop modeste. Peut-être pas Robbie Naish, mais qui d’autre l’est ?

[@wlyounce375]

I absolutely LOVE this video !!! I have the Equipe II and am relatively new to the sport and THIS is what I'm trying to aspire to. What an amazing ride. I can't wait to do this !

[@ronald-huve]

Fortunately, it's never too late... You will definitely succeed. I watched your videos too. It's going very well. I think from what I've seen you could try when sailing half-wind to sail the mast track a little more aft and put the legs a little more together. If the board sinks too deeply, you may want to lean forward a little more (as if you want to look in front of the mast) but remain standing around the centreboard box. You may then make a cannonball faster, so be careful! Would be a shame about your beautiful board. Success (FYI, I have been windsurfing since 1981)

[@wlyounce375]

@@ronald-huveThank you for all these pointers. I am so far “self-taught”, with the exception of input from Greg Lapham in the UK. Gents like you and he have really helped this beginner along. MUCH appreciated. No one and I mean NO ONE windsurfs longboards here in North Carolina anymore. It’s a real shame. So much enjoyment on rivers and lakes wasted away in the 1990’s.

[@SlowfingerJC]

There is a feeling of gracefulness or refinement when planing on these types of boards. They are relatively fast and it's not so hectic compared to slalom boards which makes it a special experience. I loved it and miss it as I have no room for any more windsurfing kit, which is why I sold my equipe a few years ago. 😢

[@ronald-huve]

You describe it very aptly. I think the grace is a good approach. Exactly what it is, with a touch of appropriate supremacy compared to the approach of “hectic” slalom surfing. Sorry to hear that you sold your Equipe due to lack of space. Consider the fact that the appreciation for these boards continues and the new owners usually also know how to value and maintain them. Longboard surfing has declined because the dedication of the new generation lacked handling and transportation. Fortunately, that time will come back again. Live the dream and they will follow

[@TheMegacat9]

Great Video! I am working on my Megacat from the same area. Thanks again.

[@ronald-huve]

Thx… you mean.. on the same lake? megacat is also a great board! Have fun🤙🏻

[@matteofusaro4017]

Mi è piaciuto molto rivedere la grande Mistral Equipe in azione. L'ho utilizzata per tre anni quasi tutti i giorni da marzo a ottobre nel golfo di Diano (Imperia).

[@ronald-huve]

Meraviglioso sul Mar Mediterraneo. Sarebbe stato meraviglioso!

[@waynemiller6945]

I had a Mistral One Design & a North 9.2 Prizma back in the day. I used a FinWorks fin. I don't remember what size it was. It was the only fun I had, so...

[@ronald-huve]

The right Fin is so important. I'm still looking for the right one.

[@loftalofta8423]

Great vid and ride thnx…just purchased a 1.5 blue equipe Chs with power box and a Rsx 8.5 rig..can.t wait to try it out. Thnx for the settings on mast position I am still not sure how to set it right depending on the conditions or on the direction you go or both…

[@ronald-huve]

Hi. I hope you were able to sail this season. It is also important to adjust the boom height and the harness lines well. There is no golden rule for this. Just work systematically, take your time. You will get something in return.

[@TheMegacat9]

You have a great intro Graphic!! Sorry a glitch. Era... In the Stated. Used to be hundreds of sailors, now Kite boards and Paddle boards. Have a good Day!

[@ronald-huve]

Fortunately, there is enough space on the water for all water sports enthusiasts. Only when you respect each other!

[@ReparoTécnicoCompósitos]

👋👋👋👋👋

[@ronald-huve]

Thank you, it was fun

[@matiasgibbs251]

Beautiful. Do you get heel drag when it's choppy? I use a MOD and my heels tend to drag when there's some swell.

[@ronald-huve]

Hi, no that is not. I think you are referring to the fin being too small? I am curious what MOD you are using.

[@Team33Team33]

Why do you say your fin is too small ! It's HUGE. Bigger wouldn't bring you anything more; in fact it would make the board less manageable at speed. 38 is already maximum for those conditions. You could try some "trail and error" sailing by using different fins on the same day and double check which ones work best in which conditions. I really do think you will be amazed at what you find out. I also sail a mistral équipe; but the first model - Less volume, but easier for manoeuvres and faster in the manoeuvres - it actually carves like a wave board because of lack of volume at the tail and pointier tail. Nice video. I didn't know about this lake.

[@ronald-huve]

Hi Thanks for your answer. I have already tried many Finns. A 38er is a good size for a 7.5 sail with a person weighing approximately 75 kg. Now I have long since gotten over that and the sails have become significantly different. The latest generation sails provide more downforce, which means that a board is less likely to run 'free'. I personally like a board that is 'looser' to ride on the water. This is also possible with an Equipe. The Equipe 1.5 (the yellow one) had more of that than this one.

[@Team33Team33]

@@ronald-huve Over 75kgs as a person or over 7.5 sails ? or both maybe ? Glad you are happy because I didn't really understand. What the board is running 'free' from remains a mystery and a 'looser' board seems like you would enjoy - and should try - a Freeride board rather than a raceboard.