As some of you may know already I’m not headed to Bonaire for the PWA event, and I will no longer be attending PWA events. I’m including a press release below regarding this, but basically I’ve moved to Hood River, Oregon, taken up an opportunity to work more closely with my sponsor Sailworks, and decided to focus my windsurfing efforts on travel and media projects as well as local and North American competitions.
So what have I been up to since my last PWA contest in Sylt?
The fall sailing season in the Columbia River Gorge was a good one, and I scored a ton of awesome freestyle days. The Gorge is known for it’s West winds and big swell that builds due to the opposing river current. In the fall and winter the weather pattern is different, and often East winds prevail, meaning smooth water and amazing freestyle sailing. I drove around and experienced quite a few new spots, including discovering some new favourites.
I spent the winter months taking advantage of Mt. Hood’s impressive 11m of annual snow per year. I explored with my girlfriend Kelsey, brothers and some new friends.
I also escaped on a winter adventure which I kept in wraps, because it will be featured in your national windsurfing magazine. Keeps your eyes open for it, it’s from an amazing windsurf spot which I’m surprised isn’t more popular.
Now with spring here I’m getting ready to fly to North Carolina on the East Coast of the US for the OBX-Wind event. The event takes place from April 14th-20th, and they expect around 300 racers this year. Last year they had well over 200. I’m taking part in the long distance race, slalom, and the freestyle competition which crowns the US National Freestyle Champion.
After that it’s back to Hood River, a few Gorge Cup races and off to the coast for the IWT Pistol River Wave Bash.
Now that plans are set make sure to stay tuned to my blog and social media feeds to follow all my adventures!
Press Release:
“April 3, 2019
After 12 years of competing on the Professional Windsurfers Association World Tour–including seven years ranked top ten in the world–Phil Soltysiak announces he will no longer compete at PWA events.
“I plan to direct my energy to travel and media projects, many of which you may have seen in your local magazines,” says Soltysiak. “Over the years, my adventures have taken me to Mexico, Colombia, Kenya, Greece, Egypt, Poland, Brazil, Canada, Aruba, and the United States. I’m excited for projects to come, including a fresh feature that will newstands in the coming months.”
Phil will continue to compete too, opting for OBX-Wind in April. OBX-Wind is North America’s largest windsurfing event with an expected 300 competitors. He will compete in freestyle, slalom and long distance disciplines.
“In the continual pursuit of the dream windsurfing lifestyle, I’ve relocated to Hood River, Oregon, the North American windsurfing capital,” continues Phil. “I am thrilled to continue representing my sponsors in my travels and local and North American competitions out of my new basecamp.”
Follow Phil’s continued adventures at:
www.PhilipSoltysiak.com
https://www.instagram.com/philipsoltysiak/
https://www.facebook.com/philipsoltysiakcan9/
Phil is sponsored by: Sailworks, Starboard, Dakine, Streamlined, Camaro Wetsuits, Nolimitz Masts, Makani Fins, Sundog Eyewear and Helm Watches. ”