When Bad Kit Happens...

Most seasoned windsurfers have memories of windsurfing on less than optimal kit. You know what I mean; heavy rig, thick mast, slipping boom, badly rigged, baggy sail, slipping deck-plate...The list is endless and I'm sure many of you have particularly encountered these issues when hiring kit from less than scrupulous centres. Still worse is when they simply do not have enough of the right kit; it's perfect 4.2 weather and you're having to ‘make do' on big old slalom kit.

Enter Club Vass

Nearly 30 years ago when Club Vass was founded, its owners realised that having decent gear can make or break your holiday. From the outset, they decided that stocking the best kit available was key to providing the ultimate windsurf holiday. They knew that this meant always replacing all the kit every year to ensure it is in prime condition. They also needed to ensure they had plenty of gear, particularly the most sought after boards & sail sizes; they now have well over 330 each of boards and rigs waiting in their racks. Club Vass understand how the industry works, with kit design changing annually, often because manufacturers need to create obsolescence. Club Vass are so closely in touch with industry development they can sift out what may be change for change's sake. This relentless dedication to getting the best and latest gear, every year, has been a cornerstone of their philosophy ever since. Nobody does it better!

Club Vass Choice

So how does Club Vass choose what kit to carry every year? A lot of it is down to the sheer weight of 29 year's experience; really knowing their spot and really understanding their clientele. This means they know from year to year exactly how many of which type of boards and sail sizes will be required to ensure everyone can virtually always get exactly the kit they want. They remain at the cutting edge of the industry by employing top riders/instructors (Max Rowe, Ollie Scott, Marco Wedele and Jamie Howard to name but a few) and maintaining close associations with key industry players, such as Dave White and Andy Bubble Chambers. This enables them to make informed choices based on real performance assessments by people who really know Club Vass and its clients.

Pick & Mix

Club Vass only select the best of the top brands out there; for 2016 this will include Fanatic, Starboard, RRD and Severne. And it doesn't stop there; they pay great attention to the details that really make the difference. For example they only use 100% carbon masts (skinny where appropriate), high quality booms, harness lines and deck plates; all the little things that can enhance your experience at any level. In fact very few people have personal kit as good or as new as this, unless they're sponsored! And it's all racked and ready to go with the ever helpful Club Vass crew on hand for advice, adjustments and a often a helpful hand to the water's edge.

Something for Everyone

Club Vass have an intuitive understanding of the different needs of different levels and users, for example providing light rigs and soft-deck boards for beginners. Their kids-specific gear is aimed at enabling kids to really progress in the sport, with performance enhancers such as having straps closer together on short boards and scaled down adult rigs. This latest investment in dedicated kids' kit is particularly aimed the next generation of freestyle champs via the new Club Vass ProKids program.

Being the Best

As a Club Vass founder Tony Booth says: ‘We created Club Vass as a windsurfing holiday that we wanted to go on and that's still the case. Being the best in the world has always been the aim, we believe we've reached it but we'll carry on pushing the limits!'