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DEVELOPMENT OF WINDSURFING IN NEW ZEALAND

(extract from the NZWA Instructors Handbook)

After Jim Drake and Hoyle Schweitzer invented the windsurfer and patented the "freesaiI’ system the Europeans popularised the sport with Schweitzer enforcing his patent around the world except here in New Zealand. We did not see any windsurfers here until 1973 when a few people started bringing them in from overseas trips. In 1974/75 John Bangers produced the 1st New Zealand board, the SAILSURFER’ and one design racing became moderately poplar. The NZ BOARDSAILING ASSOCIATION was formed in 1980 at the Sailsurfer Nationals which from then on catered for all classes. Local board manufacturers with board names like COMET, CHICA, BLUE DOLPHIN, SEA SKATE etc became very popular as restrictions made imported boards unaffordable.

The sport really took off with the development of the short board and sailing in the surf. Division II boards and the development of rigs has led to a strong following throughout the country. A significant step towards promotion has taken place with sailboards being included in the WORLD YOUTH SAILING CHAMPIONSHIPS. Many New Zealanders will now have the opportunity to gain valuable International competition before being exposed to the Open International and Olympic scene.

Our first overseas successes were Wally Bird who qualified with the Australian Team for the 1976 Windsurfer World Championships in Sardinia finishing 6th overall. Glen Cockrane was the National champion 1980-81-82 and also competed with distinction in many overseas competitions. Some of our most celebrated windsurfers are SANTHA PATEL, World Women's Champion 1982 and BRUCE KENDALL 1984 OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALLIST. New Zealanders continue to produce highly ranked performances at overseas regattas.

Windsurfing was given a major boost in the public awareness by BRUCE'S GOLD MEDAL at the 1988 Olympic games in Pusan, Korea. During 1988 Bruce also won the Hong Kong Open Champs, and the Australian Div II Nationals, but many achievements like these go unnoticed by the rest of New Zealand.

BRUCE KENDALL has excelled in many other international regattas:

• 1984 Olympiv Bronze medal
• 1988 Olympic Gold medal, Pusan, Korea.
• 1989 1st Malta to Sicily Marathon
• 1990 2nd Windsurf World Festival, Sicily
• 1990 1992, 1993 - 1st in the Singapore Open
• 1992 4th Olympic Games, Barcelona, Spain.
• 1993 1st Mistral Worlds, Japan
• 1994 1st International Classes Regatta, Aust.
• 1994 2nd Mistral Worlds, Canada

BARBARA KENDALL is New Zealand’s leading female windsurfer at present. She gained an AGC Young Achievers Award in ‘ 1989, and has never looked back since then.

• 1989 4th overall in the World P-B-A- Tour
• 1990 3rd Women, Lechner Class, Goodwill Games, USA.
• 1990 2nd overall in the World P-B-A- Tour
• 1992 Olympic Gold medal in Barcelona, Spain (awarded an MBE for being the first woman to gain a gold medal for New Zealand in 40 years.)
• 1993 awarded Sailor Of The Year Trophy.
• 1996 Olympic Silver at Atlanta, USA.

AARON MCINTOSH is one of New Zealand’s top young windsurfers Like the Kendalls, he gained his tactical racing experience through competing in P Class and Starling classes. He is right behind Bruce in his bid to win selection for The 1996 Olympics. His achievements so far:
1990 3rd Youth Worlds, Holland

• 1991 2nd European Youth Spa Regatta
• 1993 2nd Mistral Worlds, Japan 1994
• 1994 1st Mistral Worlds, Japan
• 1994 an AGC Young Achievers Award
• 1996 4th at Atlanta Olympics

There are many other windsurfers who have represented New Zealand internationally. They have returned with improved skills which has improved the level of competition here. The NZWA is presently introducing more advanced levels of training using our top windsurfers, and rims to set up courses for Advanced Instructors in the future.

To keep up to date with our top windsurfer's latest achievments and new developments on the windsurfing scene, be sure to read the NZ Windsurfer magazine - the only windsurfing magazine produced in this country.

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