THE TARIFA YEARS
The other vital factor in Loftsails development is undoubtedly their location in beautiful Andalucía and the wind-swept shores of Tarifa. Why is Tarifa so special? After living and working in exotic locations such as Maui, Hong Kong and Italy’s Lake Garda, Spindler’s seen it all. Plain and simple though, Tarifa is windy. ‘Here we have the Levanter which may blow for sail sizes under 4.0 for days on end’, he explains. ‘The Levanter is side-off and famous for the steep, short chop it produces, which makes for very challenging conditions placing a high priority on control. The Poniente winds remind me of the Ora on Lake Garda, but bring waves from the Atlantic Ocean as well. Tarifa’s huge range of wind and sea conditions most definitely have their impact on the sail designs developed here.’
Those conditions and the annual winter pilgrimages of contributing pros to Tarifa has benefited Monty and the effects his designs can bring to customers. Loftsails philosophy is don’t ‘buy’ results but ‘grow’ riders and they have definitely been the springboard brand for top names that have made their impact on the PWA tour. Again, clicking through the brand website pages it’s easy to see the names and titles and records and other accomplishments Monty’s sails have achieved, but you won’t find him banging his chest about any of those moments. He’s quiet and understated on that front. In fact he still competes in raceboard and sailing regattas himself. He could probably smoke many good racers out of the water. Yet he modestly never tries to claim his sails are responsible for results. ‘I do experience a feeling of satisfaction’ he admits. ‘Loftsails riders arriving on podiums does bring an enormous source of contentment, but I support their [the riders] dedication and commitment to windsurfing – and so in a small way I get to share in their success.’
PAST, PRESENT – FUTURE
Since starting his own brand back in 2000 Spindler missed out on selling his own designs in the glory days. But he just shrugs when any decline in windsurfing or challenges in industry are mentioned. You can tell none of it really matters to him apart from making the most efficient products that he can. No doubt there’s more of this intriguing story to be written and many years ahead for Monty Spindler in a fascinating game where ‘the next cutaway’ maybe just around the corner. ‘I’m fortunate to have been involved in windsurfing back when it was all the rage’ he reminisces. ‘Windsurfing was the buzz all over the world. The businesses involved reflected this. Windsurfing represented a lifestyle that’s free, independent and close to nature. These days the buzz remains for many, however now fewer people are entering and exploring the joys the sport can bring. A strange reality really, considering the wind remains. Designs have evolved and the thrill of performance windsurfing is better than ever’ he says, but it’s clear there’s more yearning for his next session on the water than for the past. In a recent online video Spindler says ‘I never get tired of it. It’s been 40 years now that I’ve been windsurfing. I’m ready to go, if the wind is in let’s go now!’ Perhaps that says it all? IM.
“ We play in the air and water interface. Using that wonderful wind on the water to move in the most natural way that we can is beautiful ”