If you had to pick one event that changed the perception of professional windsurfing in the eyes of the general public, the Maui Windsurfing Grand Prix 1982 would be one of the greatest examples.
The historical competition got underway in 18 knots of wind, 10-foot wave sets, and attracted sailors from Japan, Africa, England, Switzerland, Australia, and North America.
Tom Tatum filmed the windsurfing contest that defined a new era for the sport.
The high-quality documentary explores the competition itself - the freestyle (wave surfing and jumping), dual surf slalom, and course racing action - but also features interviews with the athletes, and showcases the social side of the event.
Back in the day, windsurfing looked different, but it was by no means less spectacular and less competitive.
The boards were a bit big and wide, but the sails worked really well.
As you can witness, sailors were already performing smooth turns, cutbacks, big jumps, and elegant bottom turns in the waves of Maui.
Windsurfing was truly competitive and exciting to watch.
Unforgettable Days
The voice you'll hear doing the narration belongs to David Stanfield, the veteran commentator behind many of the ASP World Tour, World Surf League, and Triple Crown of Surfing live broadcasts.
"Born on the wind and riding the new wave of popularity, windsurfing has become the hottest new water sport on the planet," announces Stanfield in the film.
You'll see the legendary windsurfer-adventurer Arnaud de Rosnay, the stars of the 1980s Robby Naish, Mike Waltze, Matt Schweitzer, Pete Cabrinha, Ken Winner, and pioneer female sailors Rhonda Smith and Julie de Werd.
Waltze went on to win the wave surfing and jumping division, while Robby Naish conquered the overall Maui Windsurfing Grand Prix 1982 title.
Competitive windsurfing would never be the same.