(Sea)Weed and windsurfing future
Windsurfers do not like weed, seagrass, seaweed, algue, etc. The reason is simple, if you catch weed on your windsurf fin it feels like your pulling a boat and everything becomes unstable. The only way to get rid of weed is by pulling it off your fin (which means you have to take a swim deliberately, which is also something a windsurfer doesn’t like).In the Netherlands the green stuff in the water takes over more and more places in 2017. There are many theories:
- Environmental protection plans (which result in green stuff not to be exterminated);
- Farmer products (fertilizer) in water;
- Fish (less plant eating species);
- Global warming, the lack of a good winter will result in more green stuff that survives;
- Windsurfer who has (weed)seeds on board/sail/fin and bringing the green stuff to a new lake/spot.
Long term==> I believe the Netherlands will be more like Australia. In Australia there is a lot of weed, also the environment is protected well (or better, the original nature is preserved) in Australia. In the Netherlands, probably whole Europe, the government aims for nature developments and protect certain species. Windsurfing will never be a bigger priority compared to the nature and a sustainable way of living for everybody, I think this is logical a sustainable way of living with billions of people on 1 planet earth should be priority number 1 for any government. If the current trend will proceed, green stuff in the water may come to your windsurf spot too.
I have tried recently some weedfins, and there is good news too! Windsurfing doesn’t stop if there is green stuff in the water. It is a bit different, but just as much fun. Don’t worry! If you do think to invest in a weedfin, have look here for all the current possibilities
Erik Loots
Erik is windsurfer for 10+ years. In his daily life he is professional in construction dewatering, advisor, troubleshooter. Erik likes adventures, explore and to challenge himself. During his life he is trying to get the best out of it and have respect for the earth, nature and future generations. The modern world is about sharing, in this blog Erik shares his experiences, selfreflection and lessons learned.