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Windsurf Journal 03.02.2010
Interview with Tor Bakke
President of Kona Windsurfing Association
Windsurf Journal; Five years, how and why was the idea born for a longboard like the Kona One for windsurfing.?
Tor Bakke; I was competing and enjoying the spectacular competitions and social atmosphere of the Original Windsurfer in the 70's and early 80's. It was the simplicity of it all - that attracted 100's of thousands of people into the sport. The One Design aspect was of course a key factor as well, so the formula to that remarkable success was actually consisting of those two elements only, well - including the fact that it was a revolutionary "in thing" that everybody wanted to identify themselves with. We miss that approach today.
Having been with this sport and industry since 1972, I have seen all the ups and downs, and you do not have to be a rocket scientist to understand its downfall. It simply became too difficult and physical. Something for the very few. So to answer your question, the idea has been with me since the late 80's when the "funboard hysteria" happened, and you needed a truck of gear to compete - or wait for wind. However, and although working for another major brand for several years, nothing materialized. Understandable perhaps, because the said brand was quickly gaining market shares - but windsurfing as a sport was still declining. It was only when I met Patrice and joined Exocet late 2004 - that opportunity arrived - and at record speed. He instantly shaped a classical longboard, but with modern features and sufficient volume. Believe he must have had a concept in mind for quite some time.
WJ; Commercialy, it is a project that was risky ?
TB: Yes, and for several reasons; We knew it would require a huge amount of man hours and support (like in charter boards and promotion) to re-introduce the basic idea of windsurfing. It had nothing to do with short time gains, and it still hasn't. We feel we are on a mission, and committed to it.
WJ; What is the path to recognition by ISAF as a new windsurfing class ?
TB; Long and painful I would say, as it involves written support from National Authorities, based on activities and sold boards in each country - text book class rules and a sound constitution. THEN you have to convince the conservative ISAF delegates that the class is needed - alongside others. As an obvious feeder class we got a large majority vote at the ISAF conference last November. I believe we also got sympathy due to our "no pumping" rule which is unique and open up for sailors of all ages. It is tactical and easy accessible -in contrast to all other classes.
WJ; What does this recognition mean for windsurfers around the world now ?
TB; As said above, the road to ISAF status is not easy, and it proves our seriousness and presence in terms of activities and boards sold. That is a fact that National Federatios can not overlook. What builds windsurfing; An elitist Olympic direction, or an "open door" to encourage a much wider audience.? Both perhaps - but not one without the other. That said, we hope the National Sailing federations will adopt and support the class- which again will help many more potential windsurfers to join the sport.
WJ; Is it true that you proposed the mold of Kona One to other brands to expand the class but nobody answered ?
TB; Yes, after our successful 2006 Worlds, Patrice and I invited several -or all major brands to join the concept. We saw it as the perfect "white board" entry level promotion tool - and with joined marketing forces it could be a massive instrument for the sport. No commercial aspects involved as it was all served on a plate, but unfortunately we are still facing the "ego" of this industry. We got answers though -like the rig is not optimal, the board is too big, or whatever, which is all irrelevant to my opinion. Some of the brands have developed their own longboards in the aftermath - but the rest of the job remains; Go out and create the One Design concept and community.
WJ; Do you think Kona One could be one day an Olympic class ?
TB; Yes, it could and it would be the first time in the history of windsurfing, that weight advantages do not exist. We have carefully tuned sail sizes to match the body weights, (4 weight groups) and the result is one fleet - equal opportunities. However, our policy is not to go to the extreme elite side. It would destroy the spirit and original idea of the Kona class. We are here as a "soft entry level" opportunity - although very competitive. Not sure how many Olympic and World champions that have taken part in our international events so far - but perhaps more than in any existing classes - because they are coming back.!! The seasoned sailors are encouraging the newbies. A great mix of all skill levels.
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