Glide Downwind in Tenerife with Rémy Lavie

Last November Rémy Lavie, the Fanatic France endorsed waterman welcomed  us into his new home in Raiatea, French Polynesia.  This March Rémy Lavie will be running the 6th edition of his annual Downwind Camp in Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The camps will take place over four 1 week slots, with plenty of SUP and Outrigger Canoes (OC1, OC2) action to make the most of Tenerife’s windy and unique playfield. We interview the man, Rémy.

Hi Rémy, can you describe a typical winter paddling conditions  in Tenerife?

Tenerife is the island of the eternal spring, it can get a little chilly in winter. The islands barely receive any rain and the sun is shining  for the entire day. The Canary Islands are often compared with Hawaii, they both have similar volcanic landscapes, as well as consistent swells and reliable trade winds. Making perfect conditions to enjoy some epic downwind (DW) conditions with a solid and consistent wind.

What kind of DW runs do you offer and what kind of paddler is it aimed at?

There are two different runs to choose from according to your paddling  level:

– The South run, similar to the Kihei run on Maui Island: This is 11 KM of bliss on the Glide Avenue! Lined up with bumps, which are easy to read and to ride. This friendly swell and the nearby coastline makes it the ideal course for DW beginners and intermediates alike, that have a decent ability on the flat.

– The North run, resembling the Makapu’u run on Oahu Island :  This is 15 KM of technical and challenging paddling and riding, in unpredictable and heavy waters. Reading the bumps is tricky, and you will be in open sea swell. A really  great run for advanced paddlers.

Can you describe the DW camp?

The 5 day/6 night package features:

• Shuttles from and to the airport.
• Accommodation in a modern villa with ocean view, private pool and Jacuzzi.
• Breakfasts with pre-run briefing.
• 2 DW shuttles per day (10 per week).
• All SUP/ OC gear and equipment
•  1 land technique clinic
• DW t-shirt

What is in the quiver at the DW Camp ?

SUPwise, we will be riding the new 2019 Fanatic  race boards: We have the Blitz, a board that possess as versatile shape, ideal for the North run. There is also the Fanatic Falcon with its newly dugout feature, this is a board that will go like a rocket on the South run highway.

We have  Hawaiian OC1 and OC2 boats,  the latest outrigger zone models designed by Kai Bartlett and John Puakea. These are top-of-the-range canoes that regularly shine in legendary races like Molokai. Their weight, toughness and finish are unrivalled. Plus this year all our canoes will be brand new.

Regarding safety, what is organised?

Prior to coming to Tenerife, every trainee will receive a detailed safety plan of the DW Camp. Before every run, we will have a briefing where we will  review the weather conditions  for the day. All dependent on the run and according to the rider’s level. During the DW we will all be wearing a leash, buoyancy aid, taking a cell phone, a spare paddle,  and wearing a high-visibility t-shirt. This safety pack is mandatory.

What would you like to say to those who consider joining the Tenerife Downwind Camp ?

The DW Camp is desined to give paddlers the opportunity to enjoy and thrive on daily world class conditions, whilst paddling on high-end equipment. We will be meeting and sharing experiences with 7 other riders from all around the world, whilst staying in a luxury villa. There will be a mix of participants, some will be newcomers and wishing to perfect their DW skills, whilsts others will be regulars using it as a fun pre-season training. But there will be all smiles at the end of each run!

There are only a few spaces left for this year’s DW Camp, so join us for a game changing paddling experience!

For more information, please subscribe at http://paddlesports.fr/downwind-camp-2019/