2006-10-04
Rider - Introducing Storm Chaser Norway #1 -Hans Kristian Waarum
Time to introduce the riders: Hans Kristian Waarum, Age 22, Norwegian Freestyle Champion 2005, one of the youngest participants in the Red Bull Storm Chase and already successful in international wave competitions, windsurfing since 2000!
Which spots work in high winds and which winddirections in your region?
There are a several good spots in Norway, but the best wave spots are located at the west-coast.
There we can get side-shore wave-riding conditions on almost every wind
direction. But the best conditions we get, is when the wind comes from the
south and there´s a big low-pressure that generates swell from the west or
south west...If this happens, spot Y which is the best spot I`ve sailed in
Europe when it´s on fire!!!! This spot works usually about ten times a year, and it always rains a lot when we are sailing there. But who cares when you
have 5-8 bottom turns on every wave , and get to share it with a couple of
friends??
Usually I`m really powered up on my Voodoo 4.2 when this spot works, but
often also with 3.7 or 3.4.
Also on the north west winds, the conditions can be great.
Usually on a good day you are powered up with 4.2 or 3.7, and the waves can
be up to seven meters on the biggest days....
But on the northerly winds in Norway IT GETS COLD!!!! BEWARE!!!
Comment: your best/worst storm experience so far?
My best storm experience must be at the west coast of Norway this January.
Sailed my 3.7 in great down the line conditions with up to eight bottom turns on every wave!!! Only me and my friend Dag Arnfindsen was out in the water that was about 5 degrees....
My worst storm experience must be at a spot called Kvassheim a few years
ago...Lost my gear on the first wave, and the current took my gear one kilometer
down the coast...Had to pick it up by car afterwards...It was my longest
swim ever......
How do you prepare for the DayX?
Just keeping my small sails ready, and do as I always do, pray for big waves and perfect winds!!!
