After many years Andy Laufer is back in the GUNSAILS team and he is excited to be part of the brand once again. In this interview, the experienced windsurfer talks about his return, his passion for the sport, and the challenges that drive him. A fascinating insight into the career of a true water sports enthusiast.

Welcome back to Gunsails! How does it feel to be part of the team again after so many years?
I’m absolutely thrilled to be back with Gunsails! I can still vividly remember the moment I signed my first contract with Eberhard an incredible 30 years ago. He has always been a role model and visionary for me – I’ve always appreciated his foresight. If someone had told me back then that I’d still be actively windsurfing in 2025, I probably would have just laughed. And yet – here I am!

You were already with Gunsails between 1994 and 2000 – what excited you about the brand back then, and what brought you back now?
Back then, we were still hand-gluing the sails together in the factory in Saarbrücken – it was truly a pioneering time! Of course, not everything always ran smoothly, but in 1995, Christof Walker introduced a fresh breeze into the development with an innovative sail design. With these sails, I achieved some of my best World Cup results, including second place at the opening race of the Sylt World Cup.
Today, I see that Gunsails has retained that spirit of innovation. The sails are absolutely competitive, and I’m convinced I can achieve strong results with them at Defiwind and the Speed World Championship in France.

How has the windsurfing world changed over the past 20+ years, both in terms of the sport and technology?
The scene has changed dramatically in many ways. On one hand, there are far fewer professional windsurfers today who can make a full living from the sport. On the other hand, the demands on each rider have increased enormously – not just on the water, but also in areas like social media and self-promotion. It’s no longer enough to just deliver good competition results. If you want attractive sponsorship deals today, you also need to be digitally present and showcase the sport professionally. I see a lot of untapped potential in this area among some riders.
From a technical perspective, the equipment has evolved tremendously, and the overall level has risen significantly. The speed differences today are minimal, and while in the past only a handful of riders could seriously compete for the win, nowadays up to 15 out of 25 starters have a realistic chance of winning a slalom race. This makes the races more exciting – but also more unpredictable!

You’ve had different sponsors throughout your career – what have you learned from these experiences?
Every partnership provides valuable insights – whether in development processes, company structures, or strengths and weaknesses of a brand. Over the years, I’ve learned what really matters and have been able to carry that knowledge with me through each transition. Ultimately, the windsurfing world is like a small family. It’s important to always part ways with respect because you’ll meet again on the water!

Is there a particular competition or moment in your windsurfing career that you remember most fondly?
Definitely! My second-place finish at the opening race of the Sylt World Cup in 1995 on Gunsails was an unforgettable moment. I was leading for a long time – right ahead of windsurfing legend Björn Dunkerbeck! In the end, I had to let him pass, but it was a race I will never forget.

You’ve been active in windsurfing for a long time – what motivates you to keep going?
After my first retirement in 2005, I took a five-year break where I mostly just kited in the waves occasionally. When I came back, I was fascinated by how much the equipment had improved. In the past, I had to wrestle with 75-liter boards that were extremely challenging to ride in gusty winds. Today, 100-liter wave boards are standard, and the new fin designs in slalom boards make everything incredibly fun!
For me, windsurfing is more than just a sport – it’s a way of life. I just spent 12 days in Cape Town, and I was on the water for 10 of those days, going full throttle. After that, you feel unbeatable – both physically and mentally.

Are there any young riders or role models in today’s windsurfing scene that inspire you?
Absolutely! Thomas Traversa is one of the best wave riders out there. What impresses me the most is that he doesn’t just shine in competitions but is also fully committed to the sport outside of contests. His video clips are always a visual treat!

Is there a specific Gunsails product you’re particularly excited about or that suits you best?
Definitely the GS-R!

What does your ideal setup look like for different conditions?
Especially in slalom or speed racing, every detail has to be perfectly tuned. Choosing the right fin – in terms of stiffness and length – is essential. I’ve been working closely with my friend Günter Lorch from NoLo for years, and this collaboration works perfectly. The general rule is: the higher the chop, the bigger the fin.

What are your goals with Gunsails for the upcoming season – competitions, trips, or special projects?
Defiwind and the Speed World Championship in France are definitely on my schedule. There might be another event like IFCA or PWA later in the year, but I’ll decide that spontaneously. I’m also planning trips to Gargano, Lake Garda, and Rhodes in the summer. If time allows, Mauritius in the fall could also be an option.

How do you prepare for competitions – do you have specific training routines or rituals?
Since the wind isn’t always reliable in southern Germany, I take every opportunity to get on the water. Additionally, I hit the gym two to three times a week to keep my fitness at a high level. I also incorporate other sports like skiing, snowboarding, and skating – all of which help with strength, endurance, and coordination, which directly impact my windsurfing performance.

When you imagine the perfect windsurfing day – where would you be, with whom, and what conditions would you want?
Definitely with my family and friends at a spot where you don’t need a wetsuit! The perfect combo would be a flatwater area for everyone to just have fun – and a perfect point break with mast-high waves for "Papa."

Do you have a funny or unexpected story from your windsurfing career that you can share with us?
Oh yes – a legendary story from 1999! Back then, the windsurfing scene was a bit… let’s say, wilder. We were at the World Cup in Brazil, and one evening I went out partying with two colleagues. As it often happens, we completely lost track of time – and at 5:30 in the morning, my first heat was coming up!
We made it back just ten minutes before the start. I was still wearing my party shirt, ran straight to the beach, and Björn Dunkerbeck quickly rigged my sail for me. Without a second to catch my breath, I hit the water – and actually won the heat against my hero, Robert Teriitehau! Unfortunately, I fell asleep before the next round… I just wanted to lie down for a moment, but it turned into an unintended nap. 😄