Here is a promo video produced by a member of the organizing team at Fond du Lac.
Not much time left, so please make your plans, and don't forget to register now
Cheers
Will
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=BrxuhxRo6PY
Showing posts with label wissa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wissa. Show all posts
Friday, December 12, 2014
Friday, December 05, 2014
THE ICE IS NICE IN WISCONSIN!!!!
http://wilakeweather.com/rec-park-webcam-1/
Only 65 days left until http://www.wissa2015.com/
http://wilakeweather.com/rec-park-webcam-1/
Only 65 days left until http://www.wissa2015.com/
Friday, November 28, 2014
But watch this short [46 second] video taken yesterday in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin- site of WISSA 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OuTlej4mZpQ
See you on the ice!
Will
Monday, November 17, 2014
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| 17 November 2014- Lake Winnebago NOW! |
MORE BREAKING NEWS:
This is a photo of Lake Winnebago today! Lake Winnebago http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Winnebago
is so big that you can not see across it! And now it is frozen!!
Let the games begin
W
Friday, November 07, 2014
 |
| few readers can identify this! |
I will never forget 1991 in what was then the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic. I met individuals with whom I had been communicating for several years by means of the post office. I still have the double spaced letters typed out on a cryllic typewriter machine [that I wish I could own now] from friend Vasilly Laptev from Nickoliavsk- na- Amur in Russia's far east- over by Japan. We wrote many letters- always double spaced so that we could translate using a dictionary. We sent photos and stories back and forth from our distant locations
Eventually, in 1991, "east met west " at Valgerand, Estonia. It was a life changing experience for me, and in many ways it was a turning point for the sport of ice and snow sailing.
It might be time to start scanning some of the photos and posting them. After all- this IS WISSA history!
William Tuthill/WISSA
Sunday, November 02, 2014
Lake Winnebago is snow kite paradise!
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| Why do they call it the "Sturgeon Stampede"? |
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| Lake Winnebago is snow kite paradise! |
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Juha Mannermaa at Val Brilliant 2008
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| Juha Mannermaa at Val Brilliant ~ Lac Matapedia, Quebec WISSA 2008 |
The organizers of WISSA 2015 have offered one free night of accommodation and breakfast to a few folks to register now on http://www.wissa2015.com/
The offer was for "the next 10 registrants" but that was 3 days ago, and I know one who has already registered to get the savings.
The Retlaw Plaza Hotel has offered VERY favorable rates to WISSA participants. Here is a link to their site http://www.retlawhotel.com/
The team in Fond du Lac is really working hard to welcome WISSA racers.
SEE YOU ON THE ICE!
Will
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Who - where - when?
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| who can tell me where and when??? |
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| anyone who knows wissa knows this person. They call him "the fastest leg in the east" |
Friday, October 10, 2014
"Formula" sled
Feodor is a very active snow, and ice sailor, and the organizer of WISSA 2011 in Oravi, Finland. Wife Anna is also an accomplished making the Gurvits family a true winter sailing family.
Here's hoping to see all of them in Fond du Lac!
http://www.wissa2015.com/
or for Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WorldIceandSnowSailingChampionship2015
See you on the ice!
Will
Monday, October 06, 2014
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sweden at WISSA 2012
It is official. Sweden will be sending a team to WISSA 2012 in St. Ignace, Michigan USA.
The event - WISSA 2012, will be held 20-26 February 2012 on the bay directly in front of the town situated at the site of one of the oldest settlements of the Great Lakes in North America.
The town is connected to the rest of Michigan by one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.
Situated at the junctions of two of the world's largest bodies of (frozen in winter) fresh water - Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, St. Ignace, is close to the world famous Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
Conditions permitting (and this is very likely) the marathon portion of WISSA 2012 will go out to Mackinac Island and back. This area experiences extraordinarily high wind velocities year around, but especially in the winter.
So, start planing now. This is the first time in 17 years that WISSA has been held in the USA. There will be 86,000,000 households watching on TV by way of NBC Sports! Do NOT miss this opportunity to get air time for your sponsors. Racing conditions will be excellent. The Short Track Slalom (STS) will be run by the best in the world - Riçards Liepins from Riga, Latvia.
Four time race Master Renaud from Quebec will handle the course racing.
We are currently working with airlines and local hotels to reduce the costs for overseas travelers.
This is going to be an amazing event - See you there!
Will
Monday, September 26, 2011
STS is coming to the USA in 2012
A cool wind is blowing thru the world of windsurfing, and with it comes a fresh new way of racing. Developed in Latvia, the Short Track Slalom (STS) takes place on plowed ice. It packs more action into a tight space than any other form of wind powered competition.
A system of quick starts, rapid heats, and instant results makes racing dynamic and compelling. The close quarters and high speeds are spellbinding for sailors and spectators alike. Precision jibing, lightning acceleration and dramatic crashes are standard fare for this extraordinary new discipline. Think of it as a cross between sailing and short track speed skating.
The venue (a plowed area 200x200 meters) is a simple matter in cold climates. The small size, easy containment, and high action density make the STS a natural for the new world of spectators and media.
Get ready!
A system of quick starts, rapid heats, and instant results makes racing dynamic and compelling. The close quarters and high speeds are spellbinding for sailors and spectators alike. Precision jibing, lightning acceleration and dramatic crashes are standard fare for this extraordinary new discipline. Think of it as a cross between sailing and short track speed skating.
The venue (a plowed area 200x200 meters) is a simple matter in cold climates. The small size, easy containment, and high action density make the STS a natural for the new world of spectators and media.
Get ready!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Welcome to the 29th Ice and Snow Sailing World Championship!
Riga, February 16-21, 2009
The event is the longest running international competition in the history of windsurfing and the most prestigious winter sailing event in the world. It is held since 1980 each year alternating between Europe and North America.
There are 3 classes in WISSA World Championship:
• Sled Class: Any sled powered by windsurfing rig where the rider is standing
• Hand Held Class: Any wing held directly by hand
• Kite Class: Any wing connected by lines
Please see the Notice of Race for further details.
WISSA2009.org
The event is the longest running international competition in the history of windsurfing and the most prestigious winter sailing event in the world. It is held since 1980 each year alternating between Europe and North America.
There are 3 classes in WISSA World Championship:
• Sled Class: Any sled powered by windsurfing rig where the rider is standing
• Hand Held Class: Any wing held directly by hand
• Kite Class: Any wing connected by lines
Please see the Notice of Race for further details.
WISSA2009.org
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
WISSA 2008: Report from the Spot
Subject: WISSA 2008
The club house. Race committee HQ and possible gear storage/ waxing station. This is on the lake.
The main lodging. Maybe the architect liked Howard Johnson's ?
But check out the back yard! The WHOLE resort is OURS for the week!
Lost on the lake? Head for the twin steeples.
This is where meals, ceremonies, the Trade Mission, and many other activities take place. It is on the lake near the clubhouse. Everything is close. The main lodging at the mountain is connected by free shuttle bus.
Welcome to the land where the mountains meet the sea. Fresh shellfish, lobsters, and all manner of fruits de la Mer can be enjoyed with upland game, Maple syrup, and a rich array of locally farmed produce. Local dairy products are excellent as are the many items produced using the region's copious raspberries and blueberries.
The Gaspe is truly majestic. The geography and culture are special and unique to North America.
Its position down wind and up from the generally ice free gulf of St Lawrence makes it a catch basin for beaucoup de poudre and the winds are always cranking.
One whole side of Lac Matapedia is undeveloped wilderness. There are 3 towns on the lake and it is possible to sail from one to the next.
10-17 Feb.
This is a first installment. PLEASE plan on coming
Will
p.s. Bon Noel
The club house. Race committee HQ and possible gear storage/ waxing station. This is on the lake.
The main lodging. Maybe the architect liked Howard Johnson's ?
But check out the back yard! The WHOLE resort is OURS for the week!
Lost on the lake? Head for the twin steeples.
This is where meals, ceremonies, the Trade Mission, and many other activities take place. It is on the lake near the clubhouse. Everything is close. The main lodging at the mountain is connected by free shuttle bus.
Welcome to the land where the mountains meet the sea. Fresh shellfish, lobsters, and all manner of fruits de la Mer can be enjoyed with upland game, Maple syrup, and a rich array of locally farmed produce. Local dairy products are excellent as are the many items produced using the region's copious raspberries and blueberries.
The Gaspe is truly majestic. The geography and culture are special and unique to North America.
Its position down wind and up from the generally ice free gulf of St Lawrence makes it a catch basin for beaucoup de poudre and the winds are always cranking.
One whole side of Lac Matapedia is undeveloped wilderness. There are 3 towns on the lake and it is possible to sail from one to the next.
10-17 Feb.
This is a first installment. PLEASE plan on coming
Will
p.s. Bon Noel
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Some pictures from Kajaani
2X world Champion [Open Class] Juha Mannermaa did his first session on Oulujarvi [Lake Oulu]. The lake is HUGE! With a surface area of 930 square kilometers and a location at 64 degrees north ICE is not the problem-but daylight? That can be troublesome at this time of year. Cheers to Juha for getting his daughter Lotta involved.
View Larger Map
William Tuthill
See more...
Monday, April 30, 2007
Photos from WISSA 2007 updated
By William Tuthil
I have much to report. We JUST got in from a LONG drive to Gaspisie and back. It is beautiful out there and WISSA 2008 accoms will be set up for families...
More later - much more.
For now, here are some fresh pics from Estonia.
[8 more images]
Do you need text?
Estonia 2007. Kalev Allikveer on a 3 blade sled.
Estonia 2007. Just after the start.
Estonia 2007 Vitold Nerling. Legendary windsurfing coach from Poland.
Estonia 2007. The technology and talent at WISSA World Championships is as up to date and radical as ANY windsurfing race on the planet. Here is to keeping the Open Class alive and strong FOREVER!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Report from Gaspe
By William Tuthill
Greetings All
Here is a quick report from lasts week's epic adventure to the race site for WISSA 2008.
It is Sunday night, and we have just returned from driving over 2000 km for WISSA. It was a productive trip.
The 3 day trip up took place during a record breaking storm that dumped 10- 50 cm. of snow and rain up and down the east coast. The whole family, with gear, and a load on the roof battled gale forced winds and swirling snow while packed into my rather small Honda. It was a stressful ordeal, but on Wednesday 18 April, 2007 we met up with Dominique Robichard [chief organizer for WISSA 2008] at Val Briiliant on the shores of Lac Matapedia. Things are looking GOOD!
There is a 9 member organizing committee, with a budget, and a plan.
The original accommodations were to be some condominiums on the lake, but they were just sold making them unavailable.
As a perhaps better substitute, the organizing committee has secured the base lodge at Val d'Irene Ski Mountain instead. Web: Val d'Irene
The base lodge has 26 rooms and a total capacity of 120 persons. It is 14 km. from the lake and will be connected by buses running continually between the two locations.
At the lake, there is a community center which will serve a center of activity for skipper's meetings, lunches, and equipment storage.
The lake is beautiful! We sailed on 60 cm. ice with the typical strong NW winds. At 20 km. x 3-5 km. there is plenty of room to move! The town of Sayabec is at one end and Amqui is at the other. Val Brillant is in the middle. There is NO DEVELOPMENT on the north side of the lake! This makes for exceptionally pure scenery.
Dominique has gone off to windsurf at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina for a week, and I have to get back to work. Just know this as you go into your summertime routines- WISSA 2008 is well under control! The dates are 10-17 February 2008, and we are looking forward to seeing you there. :-)
Look for more information and photos of Lac Matepedia on the WISSA web site soon.
Don't forget to "summerize" your skis!
Will
p.s. The ice on Matapedia is still good!
Greetings All
Here is a quick report from lasts week's epic adventure to the race site for WISSA 2008.
It is Sunday night, and we have just returned from driving over 2000 km for WISSA. It was a productive trip.
The 3 day trip up took place during a record breaking storm that dumped 10- 50 cm. of snow and rain up and down the east coast. The whole family, with gear, and a load on the roof battled gale forced winds and swirling snow while packed into my rather small Honda. It was a stressful ordeal, but on Wednesday 18 April, 2007 we met up with Dominique Robichard [chief organizer for WISSA 2008] at Val Briiliant on the shores of Lac Matapedia. Things are looking GOOD!
There is a 9 member organizing committee, with a budget, and a plan.
The original accommodations were to be some condominiums on the lake, but they were just sold making them unavailable.
As a perhaps better substitute, the organizing committee has secured the base lodge at Val d'Irene Ski Mountain instead. Web: Val d'Irene
The base lodge has 26 rooms and a total capacity of 120 persons. It is 14 km. from the lake and will be connected by buses running continually between the two locations.
At the lake, there is a community center which will serve a center of activity for skipper's meetings, lunches, and equipment storage.
The lake is beautiful! We sailed on 60 cm. ice with the typical strong NW winds. At 20 km. x 3-5 km. there is plenty of room to move! The town of Sayabec is at one end and Amqui is at the other. Val Brillant is in the middle. There is NO DEVELOPMENT on the north side of the lake! This makes for exceptionally pure scenery.
Dominique has gone off to windsurf at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina for a week, and I have to get back to work. Just know this as you go into your summertime routines- WISSA 2008 is well under control! The dates are 10-17 February 2008, and we are looking forward to seeing you there. :-)
Look for more information and photos of Lac Matepedia on the WISSA web site soon.
Don't forget to "summerize" your skis!
Will
p.s. The ice on Matapedia is still good!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The spirit of the wind lives here. This is a place where individuals from all walks of life, and all parts of the world, join together to celebrate their passion for sailing on snow or ice. There are no restrictions or judgments - only enthusiasm and accommodation.
The history of this extraordinary sport flourishes in the hearts and minds of the many and varied individuals that make up the membership.
Since 1980 we have convened a once a year World Championships with the goal of finding the best racer in the world at that time.
In the beginning, we were a widely scattered group of windsurfers just learning about sailing on frozen surfaces. Over time, we have become the oldest and best established community of ice and snow sailors in the world.
On the race course we have three divisions:
1] OPEN CLASS: Any sled powered by a windsurfing rig- the only restriction is that the rider must stand while sailing
2] HAND HELD: Any sail or wing held by the sailor directly
3] KITES: All forms of tethered sails (sails on lines)
The World Ice and Snow Sailing Association (W.I.S.S.A.) was officially formed at Lake Worthsee in Germany, in 1987. At that time, the existing requirement of at least 5 different nations to make an official World Championships was formalized.
The WISSA organization was registered, rules and by laws were created and a degree of formality was established. Thankfully, it never got too far out of hand, and the informality that has been the hallmark of WISSA’s survival took over.
In 1991, Victor Hendriksson, acting on behalf of the Estonian Yachting Union organized a World Championships (in the then Soviet Socialist Republic of Estonia) that would forever change the course of WISSA – that’s all of ice and snow sailing history.
The incredible mass of talent, ideas, and enthusiasm that had been bottled up behind the “Iron Curtain” was introduced to the western world. The chemistry was magic and the sport was eternally altered for the better.
The first kite turned up in Finland in 1990. The first wing in 1991. By 1993 both were welcomed as official racing classes.
Throughout all of it, racing on an Olympic Course has been the constant. Speed Trials and a Long Distance Marathon have been important as well, but the main emphasis has been upon course racing- always.
Venues shift from North America to Europe in alternating years so as to be fair to all. We have affiliates in Australia, Asia, and New Zealand, but the main body of participation is centered about the Atlantic so racing continues to go between Europe and North America.
The history of this extraordinary sport flourishes in the hearts and minds of the many and varied individuals that make up the membership.
Since 1980 we have convened a once a year World Championships with the goal of finding the best racer in the world at that time.
In the beginning, we were a widely scattered group of windsurfers just learning about sailing on frozen surfaces. Over time, we have become the oldest and best established community of ice and snow sailors in the world.
On the race course we have three divisions:
1] OPEN CLASS: Any sled powered by a windsurfing rig- the only restriction is that the rider must stand while sailing
2] HAND HELD: Any sail or wing held by the sailor directly
3] KITES: All forms of tethered sails (sails on lines)
The World Ice and Snow Sailing Association (W.I.S.S.A.) was officially formed at Lake Worthsee in Germany, in 1987. At that time, the existing requirement of at least 5 different nations to make an official World Championships was formalized.
The WISSA organization was registered, rules and by laws were created and a degree of formality was established. Thankfully, it never got too far out of hand, and the informality that has been the hallmark of WISSA’s survival took over.
In 1991, Victor Hendriksson, acting on behalf of the Estonian Yachting Union organized a World Championships (in the then Soviet Socialist Republic of Estonia) that would forever change the course of WISSA – that’s all of ice and snow sailing history.
The incredible mass of talent, ideas, and enthusiasm that had been bottled up behind the “Iron Curtain” was introduced to the western world. The chemistry was magic and the sport was eternally altered for the better.
The first kite turned up in Finland in 1990. The first wing in 1991. By 1993 both were welcomed as official racing classes.
Throughout all of it, racing on an Olympic Course has been the constant. Speed Trials and a Long Distance Marathon have been important as well, but the main emphasis has been upon course racing- always.
Venues shift from North America to Europe in alternating years so as to be fair to all. We have affiliates in Australia, Asia, and New Zealand, but the main body of participation is centered about the Atlantic so racing continues to go between Europe and North America.
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