VAN DE BURGT ITW

Exclusive Interview with Bob – High-Level Windsurfing, Gear Development & Future Challenges

Bob Van De Burgt has been making waves in the windsurfing scene, pushing limits with the new Point-7 F1sl and playing a key role in its 2025 development. He’s also been training hard in Tenerife, surrounded by some of the best riders in the world. We caught up with him to talk about his experience on the F1sl, the competitive vibe in El Médano, and his latest endurance challenges.

1. You’ve been on the F1sl for three months now. How do you find the sail? Has
it improved any specific aspects of your sailing?
When you’re sponsored by a brand, it’s easy to say that you like the sail. The reality is I truly
love the F1SL. The sails are naturally quick, combined with a very stable feeling. Which is a
crucial ingredient for (foil) speed. I feel much more at ease pushing my limits, breaking
personal records on all sizes, and setting a new benchmark for my own speed. Also when
the conditions get more gnarly.

2. You played a big role in the development from the 2024 to the 2025 model.
What differences stood out to you between the two?
It was a privilege to work with Andrea on the new sails. I feel like we did a great job making
the sails more efficient by improving the leech. This, combined with better handling by
shortening the boom, has made a noticeable difference in performance and control.

3. How did your involvement in the sail development process work? Were there
specific areas you focused on improving? We started by focusing on the feeling of the sail. I’d go for some runs on the water, and feel
areas that could be improved. Then Andrea would make adjustments—either right on the
beach or later that day in the loft. We worked very hard, sometimes until late at night in the
loft. Constantly shifting between testing on the water and refining in the loft, something which
I really much enjoyed. Some improvements, like easier gybing, were immediately noticeable
and didn’t require a testing partner. For speed improvements, we did final checks by lining
up with other riders to confirm the sail was indeed faster. Overall, I’m really happy with the
end result!

4. What feedback did you give during the testing phase that directly influenced
the final design?
The sails were already really good, but I noticed some imbalances in the leech on certain
sizes. In other sizes, I felt the sail was almost too stable, and we could actually trade a bit of
that stability for more speed. The final key adjustment was improving the handling. I provided
feedback straight from the water, and Andrea always found ways to translate that into design
improvements.

5. How do you think this new model compares to other sails you’ve used in the
past?
It’s going to be awesome, and I’m really excited for the season to start! I’ve never felt so
comfortable on the foil while pushing speeds, and I truly enjoy getting faster with every
session. Compared to other sails I’ve used, this one gives me a level of confidence and
control that I’ve never experienced before.

6. You’re currently in Tenerife—what have you been up to there?
It has been quite an easy start, recovering from an injury I had in December. Followed by a
private clinic for one week. Afterwards I felt good again and it was time to start the winter
training full power!

7. What are the main conditions you’ve been facing in Tenerife? Any
particularly challenging days on the water?
We’ve had all conditions already, being full power on the 5.8 to light wind blasting with the
8.8.

8. How’s the training vibe in El Médano this year?
It’s been quite easy so far! But everybody is waking up now and the winter training definitely
is in full swing now.

9. Who’s already arrived on the island, and who else is expected to join?
Fellow Dutch-man Jordy Vonk arrived more or less the same time as me, so I had some nice
sessions with him. Other PWA Riders like Maciek Rutkowski and Hugo Sjoberg are also
already here. Which is a nice group to train with.

10. Are there any exciting rivalries or standout performances in training so far?
Not yet 😉

11. What are your main training goals during this period?
I want to set a new benchmark for myself now that I have all the tools available to perform at
my best. Be comfortable and fast on my gear, get to know it better. Race good and have a lot
of fun while working hard.

12. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from training with such a
high-level group?
It’s definitely that you should always keep working on your gear, and make as many hours as
possible on the water! and not worry about being unstable in racing or freestyling.

13. You recently completed a charity crossing from the Netherlands to the UK—an
incredible feat! Do you have any similar projects in the pipeline?
It was an amazing experience to raise money for charity through my passion for windsurfing.
The downside was that I faced some serious physical problems afterward—low energy
levels, constant nausea, and numb body parts. Also during the Sylt worldcup I really didn’t
feel good. It took about 2 months before it got better. It’s a very small price to pay compared
to what the kids supported by the charity go through. This season, my main focus will be on
racing, but I’ll definitely take on another crazy challenge. Maybe a 24-hour windsurfing
challenge next?

14. How did you prepare physically and mentally for that crossing? Any lessons
learned?
It’s comparable to training for a marathon—you never train the full distance, and in the end,
the last part is all about character and willpower. I spent a lot of hours on the water, so I was
very fit. Adding in extra long-distance training helped prepare me for the physical demands.
Mentally you have to feel like you can do everything. Tell yourself you will never stop and
truly believe that you can do it. Once you have that mindset, you zoom in, stay in the
moment and don’t think about all the kilometers ahead of you. Go for it, keep pushing
forward and don’t even think about quitting. The biggest lesson learned is the power of
perseverance and mental toughness. Especially after the failed first attempt.

15. Would you ever consider an even bigger endurance challenge, like crossing the
Atlantic? What motivates you to take on these extreme challenges beyond traditional
racing?
I definitely would. One challenge I’m interested in is windsurfing for 24 hours—or until the
body just can’t go anymore. I love those intense moments of pressure and uncertainty,
where you’re not sure if you’ll make it or not. They come with very special feelings and
memories that last forever.
What motivates me is the combination of pushing my own limits and raising money for
charity. The energy I get from that mix is incredible and fuels my drive to take on these
extreme challenges.

16. Do you think endurance challenges will become a bigger part of windsurfing in the
future?
I’d hope so! It’s a completely different game and also gives another dimension of freedom.
I’m very excited to go to Malta this year, w

18. What’s next for you in the coming months?
I will be in Tenerife until the end of March. Making a lot of hours on the water. Afterwards I’ll
go to Garda in April to tune up.

19. Are there any upcoming competitions or events you’re particularly focused
on?
The first stop of the PWA Worldtour will be in Guadeloupe at the end of April. I’m really
looking forward to that!

20. What are your long-term goals in windsurfing—both in competition and
beyond?
I want to compete on the highest level and climb the PWA rankings as much as possible.
Beyond competing I want to inspire others to start windsurfing, and keep making impact with
big challenges for charity.

21. If you could push one aspect of windsurfing to the next level, what would it
be?
I would grow the sport much bigger, and get many more people on the water!

22. What advice would you give to riders looking to improve their
high-performance sailing?
Spend a lot of time on the water, and enjoy every moment on the water! When you get the
opportunity: take some clinics or private sessions to improve faster.

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