Outer Banks: APPROACH WITH CAUTION

The timing worked out perfectly for CORE’s Lutz Englert, as a swell showed up and the trigger was pulled on a long-planned mission to Mauritius, just as he was due to start some vacation time. A few days later, Lutz and fellow CORE team members found themselves in the line-up at Manawa, a place where it’s definitely worth riding with a friend…   

Words: Lutz Englert
Photos: Thomas Burblies

There are moments in life where spontaneity leads to the most unforgettable experiences. However, a full-time office job with midterm holiday approvals usually limits those spontaneous endeavors dramatically. This time was lucky, though. Willow called me on Thursday, telling me that it seemed like there was an epic week of wind and waves ahead. I booked a flight on Friday and left for Mauritius on Sunday. A larger part of the CORE team was already on the island. Steven (Akkersdijk) arrived a few days before, and Josh (Emanuel) a few hours after me.

It was early in the season, and the buzz among the team was electric. We had been monitoring the forecast for months, and this was the first really promising one to unfold: three to four meters of swell, a 13-16 second period, and a full week of winds blowing around 20 knots. It takes around thirty minutes from the airport before you get your first glance at the waves on Mauritius' east coast. That first sight made one thing obvious: the forecast delivered what it promised.

We had our base in La Gaulette, did a quick check of all the gear, and prepared for the first sessions. After a long season in Cape Town, as well as some cold sessions on Fehmarn, it felt almost unreal to hit the water in boardshorts. However, the calm, crystal-clear water at the point of Le Morne might create a false sense of what to expect outside the reef. Once you ride out of the channel, you find the long and clean-breaking waves of Manawa on your left-hand side.

Manawa is nothing but a wingfoiler's dream. Its beauty lies in its powerful yet elegant wave structure. The waves break cleanly into the channel, creating long, rideable faces that are ideal for endless carving and nice jumps. The swell was consistent, and the early season timing meant that we often had the spot to ourselves. There is something incredibly special about sharing perfect waves with just a handful of friends, free from the usual crowds. With the spot being that empty, it is incredibly easy to connect each tack out with a wave on your way back in – leading to an almost incredible wave count per hour. Combined with the countless turns you can do on one wave, you’ll find yourself with burning legs long before you tire out your arms.

“For both the best and worst-case scenarios, you always want good mates at your side.”

Despite the seemingly perfect conditions, Manawa’s offshore location and strong currents in the channel are not to be underestimated. The wave is located quite far from shore, and the winds are blowing side-off, making Madagascar your next downwind destination. If you lose or break your gear, you'd better be ready for a long swim. With bigger swells, you might also get a proper washing cycle at the wave downwind called “Chameaux” before you get over the reef and inside the lagoon. For both the best and worst-case scenarios, you always want good mates at your side. Catching the waves of your life with your friends will always beat a solo mission – at least in my opinion. And should things go wrong, a second wing, kite, or whatever might not only be your quickest and safest way back to shore but also good insurance that somebody can fetch help.

Eventually, we managed a five-day streak with up to three sessions a day. There was nothing more you could have asked for. Usually, at least when I meet with our team, we come together to shoot new products. Every session is work – thoughtfully coordinated moves, specific angles, and everything over and over again – until we have the perfect shot. This time was different: each session was just for pure fun. No shot list, no mandatories. Everybody did whatever they wanted to, and we experienced an exceptional week – with nothing but pure dedication to our sport.