UNFORGATABLE SAILING ADVENTUREEXPLORING WINDY WONDERS
Embarking on an unforgettable journey through the captivating waters of Sardinia, we embarked on a sailing and kitefoiling adventure that immersed us in the beauty of this incredible destination thanks to Tanguy Nef.
From the untamed landscapes of the Maddalena Nature Park to the exhilarating winds that propelled us forward, every moment of this extraordinary journey was made possible by the guidance and expertise of Tanguy Nef. Join us as we recount the remarkable experiences, breathtaking locations, and the unparalleled performance of Gin Kiteboarding products that made this adventure an unforgettable chapter in our lives.
MASTERING WIND & WAVESTANGUY NEF
CAN YOU SHARE WITH US YOUR OVERALL EXPERIENCE OF YOUR SAILING TRIP IN SARDINIA?
For our annual holiday, my brother and I made the decision to rent a sailing yacht, creating an opportunity for us and our friends to share in the joy and excitement. Navigating through the stunning northern islands of Sardinia, each stop along our journey unveiled a new realm of endless possibilities. To ensure an unforgettable experience, I packed all my essential equipment, including two GIN Instinct HB foilkites (8m & 15m), the Geek 4, a 35L board tailored for kitefoiling/pumping/winging, and a 60L board designed for winging. With favorable wind conditions accompanying us throughout, we relished a tranquil vacation immersed in the captivating embrace of the open water.
WHAT FACTORS MADE SARDINIA AN IDEAL DESTINATION FOR YOUR KITEFOILING ADVENTURE?
To begin with, Sardinia is an exceptional destination. The Maddalena Nature Park presents exceptionally preserved and untamed landscapes, coupled with nearly constant wind. We enjoyed a consistently strong wind exceeding 15 knots from the west, enabling fantastic sailing and, particularly, kitefoiling. Whenever the wind picked up, I would swiftly transition from my kitefoil board to my Geek 4 board and continue exhilaratingly riding the RAM kite.
HOW DID GIN KITEBOARDING PRODUCTS ENHANCE YOUR KITEFOILING EXPERIENCE IN TERMS OF PERFORMANCE AND MANEUVERABILITY?
To begin with, Sardinia is an exceptional destination. The Maddalena Nature Park presents exceptionally preserved and untamed landscapes, coupled with nearly constant wind. We enjoyed a consistently strong wind exceeding 15 knots from the west, enabling fantastic sailing and, particularly, kitefoiling. Whenever the wind picked up, I would swiftly transition from my kitefoil board to my Geek 4 board and continue exhilaratingly riding the RAM kite.
COULD YOU DESCRIBE SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS?
After an entire day of sailing from the northernmost point of Sardinia, we made our way back to the main island, specifically Porto Pollo, just as the sun began its descent. Accompanied by a steady breeze of approximately 15 knots, I made the decision to venture out onto the water with my Instinct HB 15m kite and Geek 4. Unlike the bustling atmosphere that characterizes the bay during the day, dusk bestowed upon us the real golden hour of tranquility. Gliding over the serene, glass-like waters with my kite fully charged, I relished in the blissful serenity. Upon returning to the boat, the temperature was idyllic, prompting us all to raise a glass of Aperol Spritz, toasting to the cherished moments we shared.
WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU ENCOUTER DURING YOUR SESSIONS?
Navigating the lighter winds proved to be a challenge when attempting to take off with my kitefoil. Riding the relatively compact Armstrong HS850, which was somewhat undersized for my skill level that had grown rusty over time, added to the difficulty. Moreover, the wind conditions at the offshore spots we selected were not consistently stable, further exacerbating the issue.
DID YOU EXPLORE ANY SPECIFIC KITEBOARDING SPOTS IN SARDINIA? IF YES, WHICH ONES STOOD OUT TO YOU AND WHY?
We were mostly off the radar with the ability that the sailboat offers, but we visited two known spots: Porto Pollo and Spiaggia le Saline near Olbia. Both were world-class with warm waters, kite schools, and enough space for everyone to enjoy. La Saline even has a small lagoon with flat water.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER KITEBOARDERS WHO ARE CONSIDERING SARDINIA AS THEIR NEXT KITEFOILING DESTINATION, AND WHY SHOULD THEY CHOOSE GIN KITEBOARDING FOR THEIR ADVENTURE?
If you can rent a boat, it will make for a unique experience, and I advise you to take your foil along so you are sure to spend as much time on the water as possible. And obviously, the all-you-can-do GIN Instinct HB kite is the perfect companion.
TOP-NOTCH SELECTIONADVENTURER
INSTINCT HB
Freerace
GEEK 4
Freeride – Freestyle
