Dirtsurfing with Primoz - Oberkrain region of Slovenia

It is with great pleasure and pride that I have the opportunity to contribute a few words for your esteemed magazine. My name is Primoz Cerne (58y), but you may know me better as drLojz - an established figure in the wind power sports community. Hailing from Slovenia's picturesque Oberkrain region, my passion for wind sports was born amidst its stunning mountainous terrain, sprawling flatland and shimmering lakes - including our very own local airport!

For me, engaging in various forms of wind-powered activities such as kite skiing or land boarding across vast open fields brings immense joy. Similarly, exhilarating are Moth sailing or winging on crystal clear lake waters.

I hope this brief introduction gives you a glimpse into my world of adventure-seeking through winds sports!

Back in the late 90s, I had the pleasure of connecting with Dirtsurfer thanks to Mr. Graeme Attey from Australia who visited our booth during ISPO Munich. It was then that HoggerBooger/SCOTT snowboard team started using Dirtsurfer for their training and as someone responsible for snowboard R&D, it was thrilling to witness such a remarkable tool being utilized. However, life got busy and my connection with this sport faded away until one day nearly ten years ago when I stumbled upon it on Ebay - almost new! Needless to say, owning it became an obsession because having fun out there is what we all live for especially when shared among friends. As part of our wind sports activities back in the 90s', we also began exploring snow-kiting which added another layer of excitement into our lives.

Back in 90-2000, I took it upon myself to craft my own kites. Little did I know that this would spark a passion for sport and innovation within me. Fast-forward to today, where you can witness the Seajump wing - resembling modern-day wings - soaring through the skies on kite lines!

You see, sports may not be my forte per se, but they serve as an avenue for me to delve into engineering and physical science principles which are essential in creating something truly unique. As such, with each passing day spent tinkering away at my lab bench; hard wings akin to those found on AC boats' sails come closer towards fruition.

If you're looking for the perfect ride on grass or long sandy beaches, look no further than the Dirtsurfer with its 20in wheels and wing attachment. Lucky folks in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany have access to endless sand tracks that make this setup an absolute blast! And while I've used this wing on my mountain boards before, it's nothing compared to how much fun I have tearing up some turf with my Dirtsurfer.

Speaking of wings - if I want maximum performance out there then check out either a 4m2 Gong or a 5m2 Storm. But when conditions are light (under six knots), go for something bigger like Vayu's impressive 7.4m2 option. Just keep in mind that even big wings can struggle on grassy surfaces so stick to concrete if carving is your thing!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CptCnhZjlgP/

It's essential to capture memories for the grand-kids, and an action camera is a must-have. But where do you mount it? Look no further than my DIY wing mount made from MPVC tube - a quick project that produces impressive results! Don't miss out on creating unforgettable moments with your loved ones - invest in an action camera and get creative with mounting options like this one. Share your adventures on Instagram and inspire others to create lasting memories too!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqud6X0NEOd/

I may not be as spry as those young guns with their fancy tricks and jumps, but I don't need all that to feel alive. Just being in the company of these guys is enough for me. When we're cruising upwind together, there's no competition - I always come out on top!

Why not take the leap and try wing skating on a hard surface? It's an ideal way to begin your journey towards mastering wing foiling. Although Dirtsurfer is no longer being manufactured, fear not! You can still get your hands - or rather, feet - on this rare machine through Ebay or other second-hand shops. Don't let those forgotten and dusty Dirtsurfers in garages across CH, A, D, B, NL, GBR, US, CAN, go to waste when you could be soaring with the wind-powered wings of a Dirtsurfer yourself!

Snow winging on Ice or icy snow is taking over already, Ice sailing organizations will cover this in the future. Definitely, it will be nice to see some concrete/asphalt course races. And/or winging in skate- parks, freestyle competitions. Starting small, just like last summer the Germans with The first Pump foiling event!

Getting out into nature and respecting farmers is important. Have fun & be safe!

touch and go drlojz.eu