Auswind has been Australia's premier windsurfing distributor for many years. We have always supported our retail network with a high level of service, good stock levels, demo programs, great supply of brochures and after sales service. However, there have been many changes in Windsurfing distribution over the last few seasons, which has led to a reduced demand for products stocked and distributed in a traditional manner.
Considering the above points and a number of others, Auswind has decided not to continue with distributing Severne Sails and Starboard Windsurfing into the 2012 season, but to concentrate on Flying Objects, Starboard Stand Up Paddle and Airush Kitesurfing products. This has not been an easy decision to make, as we have been distributing Starboard since 1999 and Severne from its beginning. We continue to have a very close association with Starboard Windsurf and Severne Sales and wish them all the best for the future and will continue to help them were ever possible.
For more info check out:-
www.seabreeze.com.au/News/Windsurfing/HALF-A-MILLION-DOLLAR-Distributor-Clearance-Sale_4806303.aspx
I noticed on Board Crazy's website that they are "Now Brisbane's Premier dealer for Starboard, Severne and Flying objects".
boardcrazy.com.au
It means that there will not be a local warehouse in Australia with a full range of boards as Auswind has had for the last 12 years.
It is certainly a sad time for us, I had hoped that we could continue as Australia only distributor to be stocking a full range of windsurfing gear, but unfortunately that is not to be unfortunately it has been becoming more and more difficult to make it financially viable.
Which is why we have decided that it is better for us not to continue distributing into 2012 and are now clearing stock at well less than cost.
Click on the link at the link on the original post to check out some amazing bargains.
Fortunately we are between seasons and timing is not critical so rest assured Starboard and Severne Sails will be Hiting the Australian market harder than ever for 2012, more info to follow over the coming weeks.
As far as Board Crazy is concerned, I certainly agree with the comment on their website, we will continue to supply them with the new Flying Objects range for 2012 and to the best of my knowledge Simon is going to continue with Starboard Windsurf and Severne Sails.
Cheers,
Ian
Auswind.com.au
Ive tried windsurfing a few times, it is great fun and I want to get into it.
Is any of this kit suitable for me?
I am 80kg and have been borrowed a long board 3 - 4 times and get around ok, but the board is so long...
Was going to buy kit during summer, but didn't have the $$$, these prices seem pretty good.
These could be suitable
Synergy righttp://www.synergy-windsurfing.com/2009/product_info_adult_6.0.php
Go board 155 or 144
www.star-board.com/2010/products/board_go.php
Tell us a bit more about what you want to do, where you are sailing, normal wind strength. From the sound of it you can sail around and turn. Can you tack and gybe? (turn round upwind/ downwind) have you used a harness?
Does this mean individual shops will import on a predictive basis - if you want aus designed and tested gear you'll have to order in advance - tough times in aus for brand competition - hope someone can fill your shoes cause it would be sad to see severne sails and starboard disappear from Aussie shelves - will we all be one brand clones? who'll b next
Hopefully this will not lead to a saturation of super lame gear on every beach like Pryde/JP-Austria and North/Fanatika...
I really wonder how they got redthumbs for this thread?
a site sponsor is allowed to advertise in the forum because of such sponsorship
a business is allowed to make decisions about their future direction surely? I guess if the redthumbing people owned a multi million dollar business, they would do all sorts of stuff out of the goodness of their hearts (awwwww) and ignore what may be best for the business
If they will no longer stock starboards that opens it up for someone else, so is a blessing in disguise - if you wanted to open a WS shop or distributorship you'd find it hard to get a couple of brands to stock as they are all already designated to others
Now Ian, how about holding one of those cheap boards for me til Sept?
I think you will find the problem is Starboard makes too many bloody models. Some tested and some not. They just make models just for the sake of it.
Perhaps those who red-flagged or object will find a hole in the Auswind business model, pick up the distributorship and make millions out of it.
To me, it sounds more like a business that used to be profitable ain't anymore.
Sort of implies that the volume of the windsurfing business is shrinking, in this case beyond profitability it seems. Ditto North Sails.
In thems parts here, kiting nearly always occupies the main part in shops, windsurfing being relegated to a small backroom operation.
Numbers are dwindling, and there is a reason.
How many of us have taught others and passed on our passion in the last few years?
The problem may be here , the "cost price" that Auswind is currently clearing their stock at appears to be comparable or more than the average retail price of the same boards in Europe?
