King of the Fjord - an important event

Since some years ago I arrange a regional speed windsurfing event not far from where I live. There are about 25 happy guys in all different ages that show up when the forecast is above 20-25 knots of wind at the weekends or a weekday when it is light enough to sail. The rules are simple; the fastest 250 metres run during the day counts. There is no course but the area is restricted to a box in about the same size as Portland Harbour, Strand Horst or a bit bigger than Sandy Point.

All riders that upload their files to GPS-Speedsurfing.com and tick the event is in the race. The format is so easy for everyone, I mean one single 250 run could everyone perform. You could say that if you get a lucky gust, you could win. But after the whole season with 5-6 days it is usually a fair ranking. After every race day we raffle some prizes from a local surf store. And after the season is over we have an official prize giving with trophies when the King, Queen, Prince and Masters of the Fjord are crowned. We also have some special trophies for Best Top speed, Rookie and Samaritan of the Fjord.

But why is it an important event, you might ask? Well, I think it is important that we create a wider base of speed windsurfing events that everyone could attend. The mood is very easy going, and all riders encourage each other to perform a little more than just any sailing day.

The big Family of the Fjord

But that is not the fully truth about why the event is important. In many places all over the world where we do speed windsurfing, we have for different reasons problems with have access to the water. Some places are birdwatchers, farmers, and industries etc. that dislike what we are doing. By organising an event like this and publish the results including youngsters in the local paper, we build an awareness that we are a part of the community and that it is important that we should continue to speed.

And what about the results? Well since the event started the European Speed Champion 2012 Daniel Borgelind has won every year, but this year the Swedish Champion finished first. I encourage you to join or start a "king-event" at your local spot too.

The King of the Fjord site here.