LEGACY
With the main event wrapped, it was the turn of the juniors to take centre stage. Anyone concerned at the future of windsurfing need not worry. The only concern is just how the pro fleet, will cope with the influx of Koester wannabes in the not too distant future. When 12 year olds are doing perfect table top forwards you suspect even Koester might be looking over his shoulder. It’s worth mentioning at this point just how much effort the Moreno twins put into organising this event and in particular a gateway for the local youths into windsurfing. As well as numerous competitions for the juniors, they also bussed in at their own expense hundreds of local school children to educate them in the world of windsurfing and just what is available on their doorstep. From learning to tie knots to meeting the pros, the emphasis was on the next generation. For two athletes with such a great legacy already established it’s clear their intention is for the island to continue breeding champions. Perhaps the most surprising admission from Daida was that having lived all her life in Pozo she didn’t know until the age of 15 that a round of the world windsurfing championships took place on her doorstep. It’s clear they are resolute to not let that happen again. Their mission goes some way to convey the community feel of the event the Moreno twins aptly title as a festival of wind and waves. As a spectator, it’s hard to think of a more fan orientated event. Run a competition anywhere in the world in 50 knots plus of wind and you would be lucky to coax anyone out of their house let alone to the beach. But at Pozo, perversely 50 knots at sea is comparatively pleasant on land.