Laurence (NZL-252) again showed his full potential at New Zealands Slalom Nationals. He ended up first in every but one race, dominating the fleet on his 7.8 WARP F2014.
Congratulations!
Laurence reports: "The forecast for the weekend was looking very promising with 20-30knots. The direction was coming from the NW which meant a new location for racing. The race committee decided to have it at Manly, Whangaparoa Peninsula which was a great decision. The sun was shining all day with a growing wind. Racing stated at 12pm and I was on my 2014 7.8 Warp, 130 Isonic and a meanline fin.
Briefing The first race was exciting as it was my first time racng since the NZ Slalom Nationals in February. I hit the start with good speed and there was no looking back. The second race however was much more challenging, the wind had picked up quite a bit and I couldnt go and change to my Isonic 107. The start was exciting as fellow North sailor Anton Blijlevens (NZL 8) was below me and in a slightly better position. However I managed to roll over him just before the mark.
The next race I went down to my 107 and my board speed was great, I managed to clock a 31knots in some rough and gusty conditions. I was very impressed with my new Meanline fins also. Kai Hopf has been working hard on finding the right fins and my comfort on the race course is showing his R&D. Welaurence leading had a break after 4 rounds and I got all my gear ready for the afternoon. The wind had picked up a bit more which meant I was on my favourite combo (7.0 Warp and 107 Isonic). My board speed was great and there was no-one stopping me untill... my screw broke in my footstrap on the 7th race. I didnt finsh the race as it was a bit gnarley riding with only my back footstrap into the swell. However I ran into the beach and borrowed my dads 2011 Isonic 97. It was interesting to see the difference between the boards and how much softer it felt around the course. My board speed dropped a bit however the gybing was amazing. I managed to win my final race giving me 7 firsts and 1 DNF.
I was very happy with everything especially my new fins. The boards and sails were great, I now just cant wait to go to Maui for their race series in July.
Mahalo"
