"I’ve had the opportunity to test several brands of wave sails at the OTC over the past months. There are several brands I like sailing but the Ezzy Wave Panther really caught my attention. I like that it’s soft and powerful at the same time. I liked them so much that I decided to switch from my North Sails Ice (which I always enjoyed sailing) to the Panther. Jeroen from The Essential Store was very happy with my decision and offered to give me some much needed support (running a website isn’t free, you know). This week I went to pick up my new sails and masts." More on Peter's blog.

Peter van Griethuijsen - 17/12/09

"The first time I visited the OTC they had not long opened and were waiting for the majority of the freeride boards to arrive. At the time, although waterstarting, I could not carve gybe and had never sailed anything less than 120L; my smallest sail had for a long time been a 5.9m, so I was in for a bit of a shock ... or should that be treat? With the NE winds howling I was sent off down the beach with a sub 100L board with a 4.7m. It was to be a baptism of fire lasting only a few minutes. Subsequent trips have seen me evolve out of my seat harness, crack my first proper planing carve gybe right outside the centre during a rare SW day, and increase in confidence in the swell no end. As a direct result of visiting the centre after testing equipment there I have purchased a Tabou Rocket 125, JP X-Cite Ride 105, North Daytona 7.4m, Gaastra Remedys 6.4 and 5.6 and a North Silver Series boom. I could not endorse the centre more wholeheartedly; the staff are fantastic and very knowledgeable, it's a great location with plenty of budget flights and low cost options for the single traveller. Year round sunshine and best of all it has never let me down with wind. I have learnt more at the OTC than any of the holidays I have taken, including those which have included "tuition"! Cheers guys, hope to see you again soon."

Clive Corder - 27/02/09

"I sailed a lot of 85L boards the last time I was at the OTC (March '08) and really liked the Tabou Da Curve 85L. I needed a mid-size wave board between my 74L and 95L freewave as I was not getting onto the 74L as often as I liked. Having sailed it before, I purchased the Da Curve and I am still delighted with it as it does everything I hoped. The great advantage of sailing and directly comparing different boards of the same size is you find the one that best suits your sailing style and weight. Mainly sail South (mostly onshore) and South West of Ireland (classic down the line & onshore) and weigh 82kg."

Stuart Hales - 23/02/09

"After my visit in November I went ahead and bought a North Sails baseplate with the long pin as I found it easier to connect my sail to it than when using a regular size pin. I also bought a North Sails Power XT extension. I often sail on the Markermeer where it is a bit harder to launch and get back. This will help me tune the sail while I'm out on the water, eliminating the need to go back to shore."

Peter van Griethuijsen - 07/02/09

"Thanks to the 'Happysport' test-week in November 2008 I decided to buy some new stuff in Holland. I bought a North Ego 5.6m and mast and I really liked the Fanatic Freewave 86 so I decided to change my wave board from Mistral to Fanatic. I think a test-week is the best way to find out personal favourite sails and boards. Maybe we see eachother end of 2009!"

Bart ter Haar - 06/02/09

"Just to let you know, I recently bought an 80 litre RRD Wave Cult on the back of my trip to Tenerife a month ago. Having tested the 75 and 85 versions from your centre, I felt that the 80 would work best for me. Thought you might appreciate the feedback as identifying a new wave board was part of the reason for coming to El Médano. Very impressed with your centre and plan to come back again next year."

Nick Harford - 06/07/08

"Thanks for the fantastic job that you all did in Medano during my visit! Due to all the tests I did, I found some very good results for me and my windsurfing stuff. I already sold all of my old kit and bought the full range of new sails and boards which I appreciated most at your store. I had the chance to test my new stuff during last weeks against my old freestyle material and the difference was tremendous. I'm pretty sure that this stuff will burst my skill to a new level ... thanks to OTC!"

Frank Klein - 01/08/07

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