But then his style, control and technical ability defy his years. Koester boosts so much projection from his airs it’s crazy. I was shaking my head in disbelief at some of the multiple rotational moves he was nailing on one wave. It was definitely handy to be able to analyze his technique – even this old dog learned some new tricks once I realized how early a sail needs to be back-winded for a taka when it’s sideshore!
Bruch was also ripping the bag out of it with a more lightning-quick, vertical approach to the wave where he’d go flying into a section and come out of it going just as fast.
Iballa was tearing it apart as well, throwing buckets and airs like only one other woman in the world can. And it’s a shame that Daida wasn’t with us as well, for somehow I think that would have inspired Iballa even more. I don’t think it’s any great mystery that they’ve pushed each other to the top of women’s wave sailing.