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LEVI SIVER: FLOW STATE!

Levi Siver reflects on his experiences at Jaws, his approach to the gear he rides, and his enduring passion for wave riding. From unforgettable sessions on Maui’s north shore to meticulously fine-tuning his wave quiver and embracing a teetotal lifestyle, Siver offers insight into his performance, personal projects, and the ever-evolving journey of his windsurfing career.

Photos: Fish Bowl Diaries and John Carter.

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JAWS

LS: “I have only been up to Jaws a few times in the last few years. The most memorable day for me was black Friday 2023.  It was a classic windy, fun Jaws day, and we were running laps on the sets with only a handful of sailors.  Then, this winter, I scored a session on my birthday, December 23rd. My wife and I were supposed to be in Kauai for the holidays, but I stayed behind one day to sail Jaws, and then I met her there afterward. That felt good coming off a Jaws session and then drinking eggnog by the Christmas tree with family in Kauai.

 

JAWS GEAR SET-UP

LS: “I rode a Ho’okipa board in both of my last sessions at Jaws. If the board is a little stiffer and holds a good line, it will work at Jaws.  I usually space the fins apart and move them back to drive a more prominent line.  I’ve had Jaws boards in the past; some worked well, and some didn’t. At least with a Ho’okipa board, you know how it rides.  But generally, you want more rail line, length, and more pulled-in throughout the outline.

A good session at Jaws depends on the quality of the conditions.  I took a hiatus for some years because I got tired of the ego in the line ups, not from the windsurfers but from people towing in on jet skis. Everyone knows or should know to respect surfers in the pit who are catching waves with their own two arms, but for some reason, people with engine water-crafts felt inclined not to share that respect with windsurfers.

But because Jaws is such an epic windsurfing wave, I was drawn to come back to it, and I’m glad I did. It’s the best big wave I’ve ever seen. It’s the best feeling ever when you line up a smooth one and rip a turn in the pocket.”

TEETOTAL

LS: “For me, that decision was a to give up alcohol was a long time coming. I wish I would’ve done it years before.

Alcohol takes more than it leaves, and I was getting sick of that exchange.

I was feeling more and more the side effects from even casual drinking, and I knew that my sailing performance was going to start its gradual decline into my 40s unless I stopped poisoning my system.  For me, being a Christian, I never felt comfortable sharing my faith and drinking. It doesn’t affect some believers, but for me, it does.  It’s a personal thing.”

MAUI BASED

LS: “Since I’m not traveling as a Pro windsurfer, I spend most of my time on Maui. I usually sail Ho’okipa because it’s always better than the other spots.  But when the different sides of the island turn on, I’m happy to go for a session there.”

OBJECTIVES FROM A SESSION

LS: “My fire hasn’t been deemed because my competitive side is the performance. I’m happy when everybody is ripping, but not when everyone is ripping, and I’m not, lol.   Windsurfing is a very technical and rewarding sport.  You can’t do this sport half-heartedly. If you want to continue feeling that magic, you must continue growing.  That can mean facing your fears, working on techniques, working on your gear, or even being more present and patient with the ocean. It is a lifelong school that none of us will graduate.”

HO’OKIPA QUIVER

 

LS: “The main board file I’ve been riding is 88L Quad. I continue to make adjustments to it to improve its overall performance. I test my boards through weeks of sailing and filming to see if my performance improved.  I don’t believe in trying a board in one or two days and you think you know what it is. I have misjudged boards many times, and a lot of times, they’ve turned into my magic boards. I like boards that ride smoothly and flow with you.  My philosophy is a board should be like a Mac computer. The design should feel intuitive and complement an intermediate rider and a pro.”

BANZAI SURF

LS “For me, this is our breakthrough year in sails. Previously I always jumped around on the different sail models because I never really found a home.  Not this year; I love the Banzai Surf. For me, this is a classical wave sail. It accelerates when you want it to, it depowers when you want it to, and it’s soft, which is non-negotiable when it comes to wave riding.”

BEHIND THE SCENES

LS: “I enjoy taking on a position that requires structure and creativity. The foundation of this position is that I believe in the story behind these brands.   The rest is to articulate the storytelling of why we love what we do. I’ve seen these brands from their inception in 1994, and I admired the risky decision they made to do their own thing and turn down the paved road of riding for bigger companies. The risk was worth the reward in the long run, as people see something different about how we’ve functioned through the ups and downs of the windsurfing industry. If this wasn’t about passion, the doors would’ve been closed years ago.  Everyone at the Pauwela Cannery typically leaves to surf or windsurf by 2 pm. They either work early or come back and work evenings. That’s the dream, and we get to continue living it.”

FUTURE PROJECTS

LS: “Right now, I’m focused on improving my gear. I know some breakthroughs can be reached with some lines I want to take, but the gear needs to accommodate it. It’s the ever-alluring down-the-rabbit-hole syndrome. If I leave for windsurf travel, it would have to be better conditions than Maui, and then I’m in!”

SPARE TIME 

LS: “I have a property in Haiku, and the upkeep is never-ending, but it’s fun because I’m learning many things that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise. My wife and I love to travel and be outdoors together. She talked me into returning to Europe again because I was a little burned out from traveling to Europe with tons of windsurfing bags, so it’s fun going back with her with only a suitcase and just being a complete tourist.”

GOYA WINDSURFING

QUATRO WINDSURFING

QUATRO WAVE RANGE!!

Why Windsurfing is the Most Underrated Sport Ever! (w/ LEVI SIVER) – LENNY BROS.