Arnon Dagan (ISR-1) is the only competitor from Israel on the PWA Slalom tour and he has been able to finish the races always in the top ranks. During the last season Arnon had some highlights like the third place at the Storm Rider Wave event in Israel, the second place at the Formula Europeans at Sylt and the second place at the IFCA Slalom Europeans at Rosas, Catalunya, Spain. His PWA season had ups and downs. Arnon had great speed, started with three top 20 results at the beginning of the season and then lost some ground. Now Arnon said good bye to Gaastra and returned to Neil Pryde. And without doubt, the tall Israeli (194 cm) belongs to the best racers in the world, especially when his mind is set.

We talked with Arnon about his new (old) sail sponsor, his Salom sailing and about his ideas to reorganize windsurfing. 

C7: You will return to NeilPryde after 5 seasons on Gaastra, right?

Arnon Dagan: Yes, I’m very happy to say I will be competing with NeilPryde in 2013

Arnon back on NeilPryde.

C7: You already were on Neil Pryde sails, but changed to Gaastra in 2008.  Now back to NP, why?

Arnon Dagan: I decided to go in that direction, because it’s time for me to make a step forward and because Neil Pryde was my dream since I was a kid. This company reflects perfection in windsurfing and perfection is what I need to win. As an Israeli sailor I have to work harder than almost any other competitor on the world tour to keep my sponsors as my country is not a big windsurfing market. In 2008 the Neil Pryde racing team was very small with mostly older proved champions and I didn’t manage to stay in. Gaastra took me with open arms. I’ve worked hard for them, have learned a lot and I am very thankful to Gaastra for this!

C7: Will change the board brand as well?

Arnon Dagan: Yes, it’s not a done deal yet, but it will be for sure a super top company.

C7: Was NeilPryde looking for a rider like you are, a rider, who is not only competing in Slalom, but also in Formula?

Arnon Dagan: Every collaboration has to be a “win win situation” I’ m sure the Formula Windsurfing side of things helps as Im going to help with development there. I’m also going to push NP in my country and around the world. Big thanks to Robert Stroj for helping out and being really cool.

Arnon was performing great at the Formula Europeans 2012 on Sylt.

C7: When the Slalom discipline had its comeback in 2005 you were very close to the podium in the overall ranking and made it on the podium in single events like in Sylt 2006. From 2007 on, you lost ground, but in really little steps, from 14th to 22nd. What was the reason for that?

Arnon Dagan: The reason was mainly my mind. I always believe PWA Slalom is like car racing- the one who has the fastest car has huge chance to do well. I see big differences in gear every day of my work. When my gear is not 100% perfect I sometime get frustrated too easily. This is something that I’m working to change every day.

C7: A new saildesigner, Peter Munzlinger replaced Dan Kaseler at Gaastra. Did this fact change anything in the performance of the sails for you?

Arnon Dagan: Both designers are very smart, talented and cool guys. They have different styles, both can work. I had the chance to work closely with Peter and I like him a lot as a designer and a person. The Gaastra Slalom sails are improving every year. It takes a new designer several years to get to the highest level. The company support has to be very good and understanding. In Furteventura I tried again a NP sail after 5 years and that’s all I could think of since then. I just needed a change and felt I can not wait till the Gaastra sails will be perfect, but I’m sure Peter will be there very fast maybe even this year.

click here for full story : https://www.continentseven.com/2013/01/04/arnon-dagan-leaves-gaastra-and-tabou/