Red Bull Storm Chase 2012: Challenging The Elements

The most challenging windsurfing contest: Red Bull Storm Chase is back • 10 windsurfers – 3 storms – 1 champion • Rider registration and spot submission starting May 1st

Körber/redbullcontentpool

3 massive storms beyond wind force 10, tough duels man vs. man vs. nature, and the entire planet as a stage: Red Bull Storm Chase 2012 gives 10 of the world’s best windsurfers the ride of their lives. The most challenging windsurfing contest of all time is set to find the champion in storm surfing. Starting May 1st, anybody is invited to suggest favourite competition grounds on www.redbullstormchase.com. Amateurs and pros alike can also register to take part – if they dare. In July, the community votes the 10 finalists for this fierce challenge against the elements. And from August to November, the global hunt for the storms is on.

Extremly high waves with overhanging crests, and large amounts of airborne spray reducing visibility: these are some of the characteristics of a 10 Beaufort storm. In 2006, Red Bull Storm Chase Europe created the concept of windsurfing in stormy conditions. In 2012, the event is going global and evolving into a competition. By hunting down 3 massive storms anywhere in the world, the 10 best and most courageous athletes will battle for the crown of the champion in extreme storm windsurfing. Because, as windsurfing legend Robby Naish put it: “Sailing in storm surf separates the men from the boys!”

Bootz/redbullcontentpool

The contest format of Red Bull Storm Chase is simple: 10 riders will compete in the first mission. 6 advance to the second mission. In the final mission, the top 4 riders will battle for victory. To guarantee raging conditions, Red Bull Storm Chase 2012 will be mobile to the max, with a 4-month holding period and just 48 hours to mobilise riders and global contest crew on-site before the storm strikes. The starting flag will drop as soon as the wind exceeds 10 Beaufort (54 knots / 100 kmh / 62 mph).

World-class windsurfing needs first-rate judging. That’s why Red Bull Storm Chase will be held in association with the Professional Windsurfers’ Association (PWA). World Tour head judge Duncan Coombs will oversee the contest: “Red Bull Storm Chase gives us a dream contest. We’ll travel to the storm instead of waiting for it to find us. We can expect to pull off a competition in the most extreme wind and wave conditions, in new found places. We will do our best to push the boundaries of competition and to explore the world’s most radical conditions.”

For further information, please visit www.redbullstormchase.com

Red Bull Storm Chase 2012

• May 1-May 31: Spot submission: www.redbullstormchase.com
• May 1-June 28: Rider registration: www.redbullstormchase.com
• July 2-July 15: Top 50 Online Voting for the 10 finalists
• August 1-November 30: Contest, 3 storms