NorthSails teamrider Tom Malina reports about a wild adventure in the heart of Prague:

"It has been 2 years since I had the idea to try sail in the center of Prague at the Vltava river. There have been few attempts before but never in the city center. It is really not a good place for windsurfing as both banks and the river its self are covered with buildings. That is why you have to choose the right place for launch and hope for some gusts coming thru. I found out that only one sailable direction is south west and I could hit the water from the left bank under Vyšehrad castle. All was set up but the wind never showed up. To have at least a bit of wind on the river you need everywhere else strong wind around 40knt.

Long time of waiting but right before the Christmas I got my chance. On the 19th of December early in the morning I checked the forecast one last time then called my good friend and photographer George Píša and we went check the spot. After one hour of waiting even if the wind didn't play ball with us I rigged my Warp 9.0 & Falcon 138 and hit the water. Under police supervision I tried to catch some gusts to get planing and after few runs I did it. One fullpowered reach to the other side and that's it. Another 2 hours of waiting and in the end only rain. The wind died completely. I know I know. You might ask if it paid off. Cold air cold water and only one good reach. No doubt it worth it! It was my dream to sail at this place while watching all the Prague sights. What a view I had.

Just in case we stayed in our position until the dark to be sure we won't miss anything. Then we packed our gear and left fully satisfied. Mission accomplished!"

photo credit: prazskyfotograf.cz