Here are some words from the organisers about this years action:

Countdown to the PWA Cabo Verde 2010 finals:  The time is here and  excitment is high . For the first time in years the PWA finals will be decided in epic down the line conditions. As the title race is still wide open many of the forerunners are already here and getting used to the conditions in hopes of securing their place in windsurfing history. Current number 1  Victor Fernandez has been on the island since Oct.27 and had this to say . ” I came early in order to get very comfortable with the ocean conditions and overall vibe of this island. I also went very early to both Pozo and Denmark this year and that tactic paid off. So far here in Sal, I have surfed and windsurfed every day , pretty much alone and some days with just 1 or 2 people out. I am getting my equipment tuned up and am feeling comfortable. This is the first time I’ve ever entered the final event in first place and it definitely feels good . Here in Sal we’ve been well received and are having a great time. It’s definitely become one of my favorite places to visit.”

A name synonomous with Ponta Preta is 2 time event winner and 2 time world Champion, Josh Angulo who  we asked for his thoughts on the conditions this time of year.” November is typically the time o year when the trade winds return and the winter swells start rollling in. Everybody thinks it only works in Feb/ March, but actually many of our best sessions are in November and we pray this year turns out the same. I’m confident that between the 15th and 23rd we’ll get a bombing swell with wind and once again Ponta Preta will show why it is the world’s showcase event. This year beyond the windsurfing, the event has expanded into Santa Maria where we will have some awesome cultural events. The Cabo Verde event is basically becoming a must attend watersports festival with the coolest vibe possible. There will also be a live web-streaming which can be seen at www.caboverdeworldcup.com amongst other websites”

Also on island are 3 time world champion and 2008 event winner , Kauli Seadi ” It’s good to back in CV. I have a real affinity with the place. The people treat me like family and so I feel more and more at home each year. I’m in the run for the title and Victor has a lead which puts me in a position that I definitely need to win here to give myself a chance for the title. It will be a big challenge, but my equipment and focus is rock-solid so I go into the event feeling strong and looking forward to sailing here in Cabo Verde.”

First time visitor and windsurfing phenom Phillip Koster had his maiden voyage yesterday at Ponta Preta” Yesterday I was hanging out at the Angulo Beach Club because there was not much happening and Josh came and got me and said there was some small waves at Ponta Preta, so I headed over there with him. The waves were small and close to the rocks and the wind was very light, but it was cool to get my first session under my belt and Josh was telling me how to line up and show me some things so it was a good way to have my first ever Ponta experience.”

So with the main tour forerunners in the house and many of the Ponta Preta rippers on the way, the event is shaping up to be one of the biggest and baddest in the history of our sport.

Should anyone have forgotten how Ponta Preta is like when it is firing, then check out this video of Josh ripping it at the previous years contests. See you on Cabo Verde

Josh at home from umi pictures on Vimeo.

Check out this video of some big wave action:

Catching a big one at Ponta Preta from Emile Kott on Vimeo.

Some more images:

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With a nice sized swell pulsing through and enough wind to float out with 5.7s and big boards, the spot was absolutely perfect for some perfect easy down the line action.

Josh gave some great on the water demos and everyone followed suit, pushing their limits for the camera.

How to cut back...

This wave clinic finishes on sunday (I think everyone will be happy for the rest!) but if you would like to get involved, there are three more to follow through the winter:

2009 / 2010 clinics are running on the following dates:

Clinic 2: 12^th-17^th January 2010

Clinic 3: 26^th-31^st January 2010

Clinic 4: 2^nd-7^th March 2010

For more info or to book, please contact dawn@angulotravel.com

After finishing up at Canoa, everyone was pretty tired, so we took our packed lunches and went to watch the show at Ponta Preta:

Why do I use Angulo-Boards? For the simple reason that they make me ride a lot better. The Changos turn so well and help my waveriding a great deal. The board let’s me do what I have in mind and I am not restricted by my equipment. Wide or tight turns, the Chango doesn’t mind, it just carries the speed through any turn. What I do with the next wave is up to me and not the board’s specs. I am not a boardtester from a magazine but I can certainly tell when a board feels good and when it doesn’t. Well, my Changos feel great and they rock and they made me a better sailor. And to me that’s what matters…
See you on C.V.
Tulpe

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Footage captured on the day before the double elimantion finals, and during the late afternoon, so on a day when the competition due to the offshore wind couldn’t be held.  On the water you can see Kauli Seadi, Boujmaa Guilloul, Kai Lenny and Francisco Goya.