Uli Hölzl, AUT-123

Merry X-Mas everyone and a Happy New Year!!

2011-12-24T10:48:00.003+01:00

Merry Christmas to all of you!!!
- Wherever you are - out there on the mountains, in the ocean, with your families, in the cities, still in bed,......!!

Remember- Christmas shouldn´t be only on the 24th of december but every day. Spend time with your loved ones as often as possible, have an open ear for your friends, be generous to the poor, and show hospitality to strangers and keep your heart warm and open!!!

I wish you a peaceful day!
ULI

For sale!

2011-12-24T00:10:00.002+01:00

Hi!

Before the upcoming next year I want to sell some stuff:

Ezzy Panther Wavesails 2010, all in good condition:
- 4.7m2
- 4.2m2
- 3.3m2 NEW!!

Lorch Oxygen Waveboards 2008 Models:
- 68L
- 75L

Dakine Wave-Harness T4, Women, 2011, Size S

Camaro Wetsuits Women, 2011 collection, NEW, Size 38
longarm 3-4-5mm, short arm 3-4mm, Shorty

If you are interested, please contact me via my e-mail.
Thanks,
ULI

New reality

2011-12-08T11:47:00.017+01:00

Hi everybody!

Sorry, for a long time I didn´t update my blog..but the last time was pretty stressful and full of new impressions.
September and october I finished my traineeship in the pharmacy with a big exam. So now I am a pharmacist as well...;-)) And I will never ever work in a pharmacy, because it is too deadly boring for me!! ;-)

End of october I finally found the time and was fit enough to celebrate my finished medical studies (in the meantime nearly one year ago) and had my graduation party in Innsbruck. This was as well kind of a goodbye party in Innsbruck as I soon after moved.

So it was time to decide when and where to start with my clinical rotations and work as a doctor. My injuries still gave me a hard time, but I decided to just jump into real life, ignore the pain and start working to focus my thoughts somewhere else.
So I moved to Salzburg and started the "Turnus" - the internship beginning of november.
For now I can say that this didn´t especially help my knee but my soul.
I like my work as a doctor and I think that´s really the thing I want to do in my life. At the moment I am for half a year at the department of Internal Medicine, then I will see where I´m going to continue and hopefully I´ll soon know which speciality I am going for...I already have an idea, but let´s see what will be possible..
At the moment I am very lucky with my colleagues-funny cordial people, had a really good start, and I learn a lot. For sure nightshifts are hard and sometimes I have to do some work I cannot find any sense in , but I guess that´s normal. Compared with my life before- two studies and professional sports at one time- it is not that hard ;-)..Never believe people to much if they complain..;-)
At the moment my knee and ancle show improvement, but I´m still far away from real "interesting" sports. Thanks to that beautiful fall- sunny for 6 weeks in a row- I could cycle and mountainbike a lot and till end of november I was on the mountains in Tyrol and Salzburg in the sun in t-shirts :-))))

Now the winter is coming and I guess the next 2 months I will suffer a bit, before I can at least start to hike up the mountains with skies...
For now that´s fine for me, as I can focus on work and it doesnt stress me not to have so much sparetime anymore. For the future I will have to find a solution how to combine medicine and my love for the ocean and the mountains.. Comes time - come answers...

Salzburg by dawn and rising fog from the Gaisberg

Salzburg town

I wish you all a merry merry christmas time- don´t drink too much hot wine---;-)
Yours,
ULi

Gaining Grounds Movie released!!

2011-08-22T18:00:00.014+02:00

Hi!

BIG NEWS!!!!
The Austrian Windsurfing Movie " GAINING GROUNDS" is released!!!!! Wuhuuuu!!
We had the first Premiere in Vienna last Saturday and it was a big success.
The responsible guys Stefan Csaky and Manuel Grafenauer did a great job. Thanks guys!!
The movie is about 7 austrian windsurfers travelling to different spots in the world.
I finally got my own part from my trip to Madagascar last year.
You should check that movie out. It´s great! Good quality, professional cuts and amazing music!!
This weekend is the next premiere in Kiel, Germany.
The DVD will be distributed for free with the German " Windsurfing Journal". The issue is coming out right now!!!

For now you can watch the Tailer online on:
http://vimeo.com/18724869

Personally it was very important for me to have some good feedback from my last years trips and to awaken those memories again.
This gives me power to come back to my level where I was.
I had a difficult year until now, with many injuries and operations and personal changes...university finished, looking for the right job, etc...
The last knee operation was 5 weeks ago.
It was painfull and pretty hard for me mentally, but everything went as planned and reha goes well so far.
Thanks to the docs!!
Now I am on my way back...I can go in the water...with my "therapy boards" ;-))
During those hot days in Austria "water is my therapy" ( as usual ;-)) !!!

I hope you can enjoy your summer, wherever you are!
All the best! Stay healthy and happy!!

ULi

Impressions from Reunion and my " Rehab Holiday".

2011-07-28T10:50:00.010+02:00

Hi,
In July I went once more to the Indian Ocean. The last months I was working in the pharmacy, doing a lot of rehabilitation for my broken ankle, so I need to reload my batteries a bit before the next upcoming knee operation....
I could spent time on the water, but really carefully and far away from my 100%, so I decided to travel to Reunion and visit some good friends over there.
Reunion is totally different from Mauritius. It belongs to FRance and the EU and therefore everything is pretty Europe like, busy and expensive.
But the landscape is marvellous!! We did a lot of hiking,- to the Vulcano- the most active one in the world. Last eruption 2004. Some more hikes in the " cirque de Salazie" and "Cirque de Mafate".
For surfing you find a lot of spots, mostly unfortunately crowded and besides that there is a big shark problem on Reunion. But they are really good and working nearly every day!! The windsurfspots like " Ravine blanche", Point du Sel, St. Leu, etc...are a bit hardcore, rocks everywhere...Unfortunately I didn´t see them working as there was no wind.
I spent one week there and that time was hardly enough to see everything.
In Mauritius a had some good surfing days in Tamarin, some easy kting and windsurfing. One good day in One Eye....the smooth, clean wave in One eye was still the best for me foot.... ;-)
So I got some energy for my LASt knee operation.....
I really hope all is going to be fine!!
HAve a nice summer!
ULi

Vulcano " Piton de la Fournaise"

"Piton de Neige" 3004 Hm

Some nice surfing sessions at " les trois bassins"

Three days after I surfed this spot " St. Gilles" once more a shark attack happened there- this time fortunately nothing serious happened..

Podersdorf SWC2011-2nd weekend

2011-05-14T19:23:00.005+02:00

Hi everybody!
Hope you are all enjoying the upcoming summer!
Podersdorf was once again THE real Summer opening. After a succesfull PWA Freestyle Worldcup the weather was also delivering great conditions for the kiters.
For the Kite competition the organizers tried a very promising new competition format. Teams ( brands, shops, etc..) consisting of three persons were competing against each other. One man showing New school tricks, one man old school and one girl presenting Old School Style as well. There was a great spirit in the teams and for the spectators it was very interesting as well. They could observe not only those fast and difficult to understand new school tricks, they also could enjoy seeing the kiters flying HIIIGH!
I was for the first time on the other side of the competition- judging the girls. I have to admit that judging is not an easy job. you have to concentrate hard to see every trick, to observe every rider well and to decide fair! My big respect goes out to all the judges who are working all day long for a week in a competition- no matter if windsurfing, kiting or snowboarding!!!!

We had two days of good wind- combined with sunshine- and the athmosphere on the beach was amazing!
The winner of this kite competition was the team Kiteboarding EU. (The Worldchampion girl Pulido, - Rondina, - Tobi Bräuer),
Second- and very happy with their result- the team from the local Surfshop UpSideDOwn!
Congratulations!!!

I big thank you goes out as well to Gerhard Polak the organiser of this event. He made a great week happen once again!!
and well....the parties were not to bad either...;-) The Royal Captains were providing the best sound and made everybody dance and party until the morning!1

thanks for everybody for great ten days!!!

all the best,
Uli

Surfworldcup Podersdorf...first days

2011-05-03T21:23:00.006+02:00

Once more..

Summeropening and Surfworldcup in Podersdorf!!

There is not much to explain to the ones who have been there already!

GReat atmosphere, nice people, incredible action, best parties,....

That what it is again this year!

For me it was the first weekend, when I felt alive again after my accidents.

I can slowly walk again and even made my first steps on the dancefloor ;-)

- even if i couldn´t shake all night long! but my Reha is going fine and I hope to be on the water for my first easy sessions in June...

Over the first weekend we didn´t have any wind, but the organisers took care of the action.

There was a Tow-In-Contest which was really interesting to watch!

the winner was: Gollito Estredo

Unfortunately Max Matissek who did great and won the qualification couldn´t step up to the expectations again in the finals. Anyway - Congratulations Max!!

Today the wind kicked in and the Single Elimination could get finished!

For now Van Broeckhoven is in first position. Let´s see if the double Elimination can be completed tomorrow. Let´s pray for more wind!!

Next weekend the show goes on for the kiters...

I am looking forward to the next days.

It is gonny be fun!!!

"Tow-In" session

Autograph session for my Sponsor Camaro

Madagaskar Story

2011-04-19T13:00:00.001+02:00

Hy!

8 pages in the German SURF!!

there are more to come!!

Madagaskar Story published im deutschen SURF

2011-04-04T10:26:00.002+02:00

Hi!

Just wanted to say that a story from my last trip to Madagaskar got published in the German SURF Magazine!!

Nice pics, good story!

http://www.surf-magazin.de/service/aktuelles-heft/surf-42011-2/

Go to the next kiosk, check it out and safe one issue for yourself!!

All the best,

ULI

postponed again...

2011-03-31T12:48:00.002+02:00

Hi!

So it didn´t turn out to be an ACL revision ( anterior cruciate ligament surgery).

In the operation the docs decided just to fill up the tunnels from my previous knee OP´s with bone graft from my hip.

Cross ligament Op will be in about earliest 3 month, as soon as the bone is hard enough and healed in.

Well this "project" and all these OP´s is slowly getting on my moral, missing a body which doesn´t hurt, missing some movement and adrenalin...

But well, I am sure this was the best option to have good initial situation for the final ACL surgery. the third time there is nothing to "poker" about!!

So if my ankle injury is healing well, I might have May and June when I can do a little sports, some work, some life...Enjoying spring hopefully!!

Cheers out there!!

Cruciate ligament operation coming up tomorrow!!

2011-03-23T20:45:00.003+01:00

Hi!

The healing of my broken and operated ankle is going well.

Rips are hurting less....I can "move " again...;-)

So to safe a bit time and because it is concerning the same leg I decided to jump "into the cold water"...

The so long postponed third cruciate ligament revision operation will be tomorrow..

Yes I would lie if I´d say that I´m not scared..But I hope for the best this time, and i am positive!

I know I wont get a new knee...put lets pray for a bit more stability....for my knee and my life in the future..;-))))

Keep fingers crossed!

Wish you a nice spring!

Birds are singing!!!

ULi

The body will always stop you if the mind races...

2011-03-16T19:17:00.008+01:00

Hallo!

Well, as I sad already..things don´t always turn out the way we plan.

My third cross-ligament operation for the knee was scheduled for the beginning of march.

Three days before the planned OP I went snowboarding to some great freeriding place. It was a sunny day, new fresh snow, perfect to get some great runs and to say godd-bye to the season...

we were hiking a bit and riding steep couloirs.

With the planned operation in m mind I wanted to make the best out of the day, couldn´t stop in time, as always..didn´t get enough..but well if you have so much fun..it is always hard to stop..

In the end I had a bad accident....
On backside traverse from one couloir to another one i did not have anough speed to make it and had to go out from my back bindings to push myself up a little snow cornice.
At that moment the snow of the cornice broke. I had no chance to get to a safe spot as I was only with one foot in my bindings..pretty the worst situation you can get into...:-(((
So I tumbled down the whole couloir for 300 hight meters....horrifying...
Had to be rescued by a helicopter..was in shock
Fazit:
broken ankle which had to be operated, a twisted knee on the other side (should get ok without OP), one broken rib....
Prettty bad, but I still think I was very lucky...could have been a lot worse with a the cliffs and rocks nearby.....
Operation went well, I am on the way up!!!
But now my previously planned operation on the old bad knee will be postponed a bit, but maybe already next week. As I am on crunches anyway on the same foot the docs say it is ok to do it soon as well....will have to speak to my physios to plan the Reha for both as well..

Maybe the knee wanted some more time ;-)??

This looks like as it is going to be a Rehabilitation year for me..sad about it, as I was just to start to look for a job, see where life is going to lead me.

But now I have time to think it all over again....
Maybe that´s not bad, as I was not too sure anyway about my goals...

Well ..

The body always stops you if the mind races!!!!

Here is also an article in German in the Windsurfers Mag.

Great mag for all the windsurfing news around the world!!!

http://www.windsurfers.de/cgi-bin/adframe/news/article.html?id=13002989666247223523237

I wish you all the best.

Take your time if your body asks you to rest before accidents happen....!!

MY PRAYERS GO TO THE PEOPLE IN JAPAN!!!!

Changes....

2011-02-20T16:34:00.004+01:00

Hi everybody...

Times is racing...

Well, wanted to write a short update already three weeks ago.

I finished my Medicine studies end of January.
Hell YeaH!!!
Still I dont realize i am not a student anymore....after so many years of pharmacy and medicine studies....and freedom and travelling ;-))))
And to be honest - it is a little awkward feeling not to know what comes next....
But life would be boring if it continues always the same way- no?
and I am also excited to be soon working as a doctor...wherever in the world that might be...

Now I had three weeks of get togethers, friends, celebrations.... ( who says that after finishing an exam you can relax ;-)????)
The last week I travelled to Fuerteventura. The forecast looked pretty promising. Unfortunately the big swell got destroyed a bit by the wind for the surf, and the wind was rarely enough for sailing...but well- things don´t always turn out as we wish for.
the island is still super beautiful, desert, waves, great food....

Now one more week at home and I hope for some more snow to come.
Then I have to undergo a knee operation...pretty scared to be honest- but hopefully i have have less problems then with that knee...

Well and then I´ll see where life will lead me..
As the waiter said in fuerte:
"Los tiempos cambian"....

Ezzy Sails, Panther 2009+2010 for Sale

2011-01-23T16:06:00.007+01:00

Hi!

I am selling some of my Ezzy sails:

Panther 2009: 3.3m like new, 3.7m rarely used, great condition!

Here pics of the 3.3m and 3.7m

Panther 2010: 3.3m NEW
Panther 2010: 3,7m, 4.2m, 4.7m used but in good condtions, no tears.

Please contact me for further info and prize on:
uli.hoelzl(at)gmx.at

GReetz,
ULi

Trailer of GainingGrounds online- an upcoming Austrian Windsurfing movie!

2011-01-13T14:38:00.008+01:00

Hi!

Wuhuuuu - The trailer of Gaining Grounds is online!

This is in austrian windsurfing and surfing Project - filmed, produced and edited by:
MANUEL GRAFENAUER and STEFAN CSÁKY.

It´s about seven windsurfers, each one moving forward to the spot, which fits best to their personality, style, and way of life.
Do not expect THE windsurfingaction, you are used to get presented from the best riders of the world. There are no tripple spocks and no big goiters. We are Austrians...but dedicated to the sport.
BUT expect a little bit more than sailing, more behind the scenes, more of the stuff which makes life worth living!!- Nature, people, friends, the smile on people´s faces, those special moments....
As the only girl in the movie I am proud to be one of them. There will be scenes of my adventures and my time on the water from the last summer in the Indian Ocean. When you see me riding the big wave in the trailer - you can get an idea about the conditions we were scoring- with a lot of patience!! ;-)
In this „natural habitat“ you´ll see us doing what we all love: „Explore, meet different cultures, make new friends and of course – WINDSURF.“ Those seven different ways of moving on, of going forward, step- by-step, this is GAINING GROUNDS.
I hope you will like it!

Staring:
MAX MATISSEK, TOM HARTMANN, LORENZ FORSTENLECHNER, ALEX SEYSS, ULI HÖLZL, MANUEL GRAFENAUER and CHRIS SAMMER

The whole windsurf movie GainingGrounds will be released later in spring 2011.
I´ll keep you updated!
But now- check it out!

GainingGrounds Trailer from GainingGrounds on Vimeo.

Good days in the snow

2011-01-06T22:09:00.007+01:00

Hi there!

Before and after New Years I had some good days on the mountains...
There was a bit of hiking necessary,- but it is always worth it!!!

At the moment the "Föhn" is blowing the "white" is melting and we are waiting for the next snow to come.
time to study for MY LAST EXAM !!! Jeah, well...!!

Enjoy the winter!!
Happy New Year 2011!!

ULI

Merry X-Mas!

2010-12-24T17:15:00.002+01:00

I wish you all a Merry X-mas!
Snow is here in AUstria!
So enjoy the snow- or the waves whereever you are!
And all the best for 2011!
ULI

STUFF FOR SALE!!!

2010-12-05T17:57:00.016+01:00

Hi!

Winter- and summerstuff for sale!!!
If you are interested in something please send me an email for further information!!
Thanx and have a good start into the winter!!
ULi

Ezzy Sails 2010, Wave Panther, red

used but in good condition: 3.7m, 4.2m, 4.7m
NEW: 3.3m
200-270 Euro

Ezzy Sails Wave Panther 2009
used: 3.3m, 3.7m ( 220-240,- Euro)

LORCH OXYGEN Wave 2008, 60L, + Straps, used - good condition

LORCH OXYGEN Wave 2008, 73L, +Straps + Fin, NEW!!! originally packed!!

LORCH OXYGEN Wave 2007, 75L, used, but like new! +Straps + Fin

DAKINE WAVE HARNESS T3, Size S + small hook, used

ATOMIC SKI - METRON 8.2, 2008, 162cm, 127*76*115cm, 11m Radius + NEOX Bindung, used - in great condition

ELAN "VERTIGO" 154cm, Boardercross- Freeride Board, NEW!!

LORCH SNOWBOARD "Advanced", 152cm, FReeride, NEW!

O´NEiLL Snowboardclothing!! NEW!!
Different Jackets and trousers. Size S-M, ( 36-38), NEw, if interested ask for more info
here Explore Jacket, M, NEW, 20.000 Waterproof

Northwave FReestyle Boots, Size 37 ( MP 245), New

FURTHER STUFF:

WINDSURF:
-Lorch Oxygen 2008-67l very used,
-Harness lines, -Extensions, -Fins,.....

SNOW:
-Helmets,
-new different BOLLE Goggles, here: Modell SHOWTIME

.
.

Back from the Indian Ocean and Madagaskar

2010-10-25T20:02:00.041+02:00

Hey everybody!

When I had to bike down to university some days ago, I had to wear gloves, a beanie, a winterjacket...Coming back home into my little cosy flat there were 5 cm of snow in my garden...
Well, I guess it is time to write a little summary of my travels this summer, which seem to be soo far away already- although it is only five weeks ago that I came back.

To sum it up, it was one of my best summers!! I had an unreal time! Great people, GREAT friends, soooo much laughter, nice sessions on the water and exciting new experiences.

I spent a month in Mauritius from where I continued for another 5 weeks to Madagaskar. My first trip to that forgotten jewel in the Indian Ocean!
Madagaskar- one of the richest countries I´ve ever visited regarding the diversity of the landscapes, the richness of its mineral and natural resources, its sealife, the surfing spots and the cordiality of its population.

Our Crew: Heidi, Tom, Stefan and me

Pic St. Louis in Fort Dauphin

All that making it hard to believe that it is one of the poorest countries in the world! -And I mean really poor! In the south children go to sleep in the evening without having eaten more than cactus-fruits during the day, if Daddy didnt catch any fish.

They don´t have a pullover to wear if a cold-front from the southwest (with big swell) is hitting the coastline, and they only get shelter under their night blanket which they wrap around their body. To be honest - as touched as I was in the beginning, as fast I got used to that picture. Quite shocking!!
Well, it is true for us it looks like people are not that unhappy. They smile- a lot more often then you see people smile in our countries.
But maybe having that point of view is also an excuse for me, because I cannot change their situation.
Because to be honest-it is really Fu...up if you go to bed hungry in the evening- and not because you wanna loose weight!!! - Here in the western world people are suffering from metabolic syndrom and diabetes...and our health systems spends millions for the consequences. This thought just blows my mind!!!
Sometimes it made me feel quite bad to travel in such a poor country just for the search of new waves...I couldn´t help questioning our whole system, the system of this world, the global economy, the corruption in those countries,....well I know too little to have even an idea for a solution.
But maybe in the future I have the possibility to help a little if I am gonna work for an NGO as a doctor...who knows where life will guide me..

The government sells the right of using their country to foreign mining companies far too cheap (corruption!!)
and all they give back to the country is corruption, criminality, drugs, prostitution, syphilis and HIV..
In the long terms education is the only way they have a chance. The analphabetism- rate is over 30%!!
Madagaskar has no government since two years. The Departments of Foreign Affairs of many countries have issued travel warnings since that time. So even the income from tourism totally minimized. In 5 weeks the only white people we met, was one Italian couple, five people from Reunion, and another five from Southafrica. Well great for us- and the amount of waves we cought- but a drama for the population.

Uli surfing in Lavanono

The locals built supercute lovely wooden huts near the surfspots - all empty now!
But people have a totally different religion than we do, also depending on their tribe and their ethnic group (18 different ones!). They don´t value life as much as we do. In their relgion, (animism, natural religion) life after death is the one that counts!
Our way of " securitiy- thinking" is absolutely not understandable for them. They live for the moment. Somehting great to learn!!

Well, I could go on to philosophize now...
But I guess you are more interested in a Surf report.
In the near future we are going to publish travel stories in different magazines,- so be a bit patient.
You will read there everything about all the spots we visited in the South- and Westcoast of Madagaskar:
The millions of spots in Fort Dauphin, the loneliness in Lavanono, Itampolo, our boattrips in Anakao, the outside reefs in Tulear....

Stay tuned!!
And all of you- Have a nice winter!!!!

ULI

The girls with their guide Tsilavo ;-)))

Heidi

href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ApIOc_i2T8E/TNWcrc484PI/AAAAAAAAAiE/VsI4Kp4R3sM/s1600/IMG_2919-Tom.jpg">
Tom

Stefan

ULi

News from Mada

2010-08-21T18:16:00.007+02:00

Hi!

I am trying to upload some pics since hours....
yeah, connection is not the fastest here- but I don´t miss the internet...
"Mora Mora" is the quote for here!!! Slowly slowly...
Well i am pretty relaxed.
We have been to a spot in the very south of madagaskar the last ten days.
Living in a wooden hut 10m from the beach, the waves in front of us, only a little african village in the back....
Great time with good friends...Tom Hartmann and Stefan Richt. Great guys!!
We scored 2 really biig windsurfdays, then the wind was gone and surf was up...
Now i am back in fort dauphin, the boys will leave and a another girl is arriving..
then we have a girls trip only...
travelling all the way through southwest mada , and then back until tana...thats the plan
Let´s see...
MORA MORA!!

Continuing the journey!

2010-08-06T13:59:00.003+02:00

Hi!

Until now I had a great month in Mauritius!
All different kinds of conditions, wave, wind, no wind, rain, surf...
All great!
Tomorrow I will start the adventure and continue to Madagaskar.
I am totally excited!!
Hang on for news!!
All the best,
ULi

Some shots from the Indian Ocean

2010-07-21T09:12:00.004+02:00

Hi!
Since nearly two weeks i am spending again some great times here with friends in the Indian Ocean.
Just bought the Go Pro Cam before leaving and trying it out now...still didn´t find perfect positions for the cam..but here the first shots...
Have a nice summer!
Uli

Maui Spring 2010

2010-06-29T14:10:00.009+02:00

Hi!

Finally here some pictures from my trip to Maui this spring.
We scored some really goood days, some really rainy and cold days and some sightseeing days.
Always good to be back there!!

This spring was pretty busy for me. Lot of studies, now I am nearly finished with medicine, just saving some smaller exams for fall...not to be forced to start working to soon...;-))
Another education training has started for the pharmacy stuff as well...not really liking it.. and it made my drive between Innsbruck , Linz and Vienna many times..
I finally have to make decisions now!!

Well, but first of all....it is summer!
This summer I have a great trip planned....to some undiscovered spots...Will keep you updates!

Have a nice summer!!
ULi

Selling equipment!!

2010-05-31T19:45:00.002+02:00

Hi there!

I am selling a lot of my stuff....
It is all in good condition, mostly one year old..

please contact me if you are interested or if you need further information or if you want pics at:
Uli.hoelzl(at)gmx.at

- LORCH OXYGEN 73L, NEW, 2008
-LORCH OXYGEN 75L, used, 2007
- LORCH OXYGEN 67L, used 2008
- LORCH OXYGEN 59L, used 2008

-Ezzy Panther Wavesails from 2009
3.3m, 3,7m, both nearly new!

- DAKINE : Waveharness T3, Woman , Topmodell, Size: S

- CAMaro Wetsuits: Size S, or 38
Longarm, shortarm Steamer 3-4mm
Shorties

Have a good start into the summer!!
I hope it is finally getting warmer!!

Uli

Winter 2010..some memories

2010-05-16T21:10:00.003+02:00

Hi!

I know it is a little bit late and i am a bit lazy updating the blog...
...but sometimes memories are the best!

This winter was not the greatest, but definately "it had its moments"..
Good friends, some great powder days, some nice hiking..

AND - Thanks again to my Sponsors for their support!!

Lorch, Dakine, O´Neill, Bolle, Ezzy, Camaro!!

I wish you all a great summer!!

Mountains in capetown

2010-02-25T13:34:00.004+01:00

Some more pics from my lucky CPt trip...

Interview in Windsurfersmag.de

2010-01-24T11:19:00.001+01:00

Hi!

Some more pics from my last trip to Capetown and a personal interview just got published in:

http://windsurfersmag.de/cgi-bin/adframe/people/article.html?ADFRAME_MCMS_ID=1311&id=1264328361624720110029335

Enjoy, have a nice day!

ULI

Biiiiiiiig Waves in Capetown!!!

2010-01-14T10:31:00.003+01:00

Hallo!

I decided once more last minute to fly to Capetown for 2 weeks...
And luckily I did!!!
I never saw conditions and waves that big over here!!!
At the moment i just can give you a link to some news of the windsurfersmag for some pics.

http://windsurfersmag.de/cgi-bin/adframe/special/article.html?ADFRAME_MCMS_ID=1302&id=1263419514165145104177946

Unfortunaltey we got broken-in into our house two nights ago and all my cameras, videocams, with the pics etc...are gone.- SO I hope to get some from some friends...
will keep you posted!

Have a good new Year 2010!!!!

Summer 2009

2009-11-08T15:06:00.014+01:00

Hallo!

Times passes by so quickly- quite long ago that I did update my blog....
This summer has been great. Once more i stayed abroad a bit longer than planned....
Mid July I went to Mauritius. I had such a great time there with my friends that I stayed until mid september. Conditions were average this summer - a lot of wind, unfortunately not too many big swells, but I can say that I have been on the water every day.
Then I had the opportunity to travel once more to Western Australia, together with a friend from Sweden, Maria.
First I did plan to go to the Worldcup in Sylt, but Australia is definatly a bigger "seduction"...
Congratulations to all riders you showed their potential in the cruel Sylt- conditions!!!
OZ was a great girls-trip. Three unreal weeks in the north of W.A., big swells, good sailing, great surfing,camping, pure nature feeling, campfires, wild animals,....

Now I amback home since a month and i finally get used again to our civilisation and society...never easy!!
But life is good here as well, some interesting university times and winter is on the way!!

" Do what you do with all of your heart-
love it - or change it!"

Greez,
Yours Uli

Mauritius

2009-08-21T13:27:00.009+02:00

One more time Mauritius!!

We have it all!!
Wind, gusts, swell, small and big waves, chop, glassy surfing conditions, rain, sun, no wind and no waves, but parties.....
It is still paradies here, even if unfortunately more and more crowded every year!!!!
sorry, until now not a lot of sailing pics..hope they still will come. waiting for some epic conditions!!!

wish you all a nice summer!!

ULi

Wo die Almröserln wachs´n...

2009-07-04T20:12:00.002+02:00

..und der Enzian blüaht!!

MTB- Tour in Südtirol bei Sterzing, Ratschings

Flüchteten vor dem feuchten Regenwaldklima in Innsbruck ein bisschen weiter in den Süden...
Entdeckten eine super schöne Tour und .....es regnete einmal nicht!!!!!
Noch eine Woche- dann gehts ab in den Süden!!!

Mei Freid san die Küah
Und die Berg und die Bam
Ja dort auf der Alma
Ist der Frieden daham.

LOL!!!!!

Austrian Lake time

2009-07-01T15:35:00.007+02:00

Rainy weather here in Austria since two weeks.
But we had some great windy days at Neusiedlersee.
Unfortunately I didn´t bring my windsurfing eqipment, as I didn´t expect so windy conditions...I would have been on a 3.5 for two days....
But I was trying my new wave-kiteboard. Learning to jibe again!! Haha!! I was mostly just flying...
Let´s see if I am gonna be ready for wavekiting if there are lightwind days in Mauritius.
Leaving soon for about 6 weeks to the beautiful island in the indian ocean!!!.....One Eye is calling!!!!!

thanks for the pix to: http://windkraftsport.com/

entry fee on a rainy day????

MAROC

2009-06-19T17:32:00.009+02:00

Hi!!

First good news...My "so much loved pharmacy studies" are FINALLY finished!!!! YEAH!!

But luckily I have another subject to finish as well, so I will stay at university at least another year- and be able to travel some more.

Here some pics from two great weeks in Maroc end of may.

Have a nice summer!!

Summerfeelings...

2009-05-17T12:48:00.010+02:00

Hallo!

Welcome in the summertime!!

What a start in the season over here in Austria!!!

1.-10.5 was the Surfopening in Podersdorf including the EFPT Freestyle Classics and the PWA Slalom Worldcup. Both events could get finished in incredible good wind conditions!!!

For Results check:

http://www.pwaworldtour.com/

http://www.efpt.net/

http://www.surfworldcup.at/

Congratulations to everybody and especially to all the Austrians!!!!

I was in the east of Austria as well for this ten days. Was not quite planned as that...but somehow I didn´t get away there anymore...

Sailing with 3.7m, 4.2m, 4.7m, and kiting a lot as well. So great to be on the water again with all my friends from vienna!!!

And yeah, there are to mention the best parties of the year....AND I mean really the best ones!!! Great sound, great people, great athmosphere- starting with a sundowner at the lake after a day in the water........Whoever was there knows what i am talking about...

Shaka!!!

I will go to Maroc and continue celebrating summer in two days!! thin k I´ll have to pray for wind...

Have all a good start in the season!!!

pics by: John Carter , Tanja Emig and Uli Hölzl

Skitouring for Easter

2009-04-16T23:06:00.011+02:00

Hallo!

for once I was at home in Austria for easter.
the weather was incredible. After a real long winter the summer suddenly started from one day to the other. 14 days of blue sky and temperatures up to 25 degrees. Crazy!
the powder was unfortunately gone, but very good touring conditions on the mountains.
A 2 days trip to the Ötztal, some daily tours around innsbruck, some normal snowboarding, bbq´s, drinks in the city, first spring parties full of life....It was all in there.
No I gotta go back in front of my books,- not easy!
soon, soon - in may- I will be off to the water again. It will be time!!
Have a nice spring!
Yours,
ULi

Short Capetown Holiday

2009-03-18T18:58:00.007+01:00

Hallo!

this post comes a little late....Too much stuff going on at the moment!

Mid february my urge to swim in the ocean was getting too big and I went in a last minute decision to Capetown for two weeks.
The first days on the water were a little hard for me. After a nearly four months brake my arms didnt have the usual power, and I also just recovered from a flu. But I was very lucky those two weeks with really good wind and wave conditions. Some good days at Platboom at the cape, some super windy sessions with 3.3. in Melkbos, a nice clean waveriding session in Yzer-Fontaine... Some more kitesurfing sessions trying a directional in the wave...Good sushi, good food, nice people. All in all a great holiday...and really necessary to load my batteries for the next University months...
Coming home we had incredible snow conditions for two weeks. Everyday again riding powder in front of my house in Innsbruck. UNREAL!!
Unfortunately I cannot post any pics, as the stupid baboons in the Cape national park stole my Camera- believe it or not!!!!
So as soon the little monkey baby sends me back the camera I will let you see some pics of this incredible winter!!
In the next six weeks I will hopefully finish my pharmacy studies and then everythings is going to be a little more relaxed....

Have a good day!
ULi

Ski Touring in Tyrol

2009-02-04T14:14:00.006+01:00

Hallo everybody!

After some stressfull weeks at universityI finally had some days off and could enjoy the Tyrolean Alps. We have good snow conditions at the moment. Even if not as good as in the southern part of the alps, there are enough powder runs to be found.

Some days ago I did a very beautiful tour with some friends to the "Stempeljoch". First we took the gondola uphill straight on my homemountain the " Seegrube". The first downhill run was on the northern side of the mountain, away from all the official slopes. Super nice, steep, and really good snow. Follwing were two more times an hour uphill walk, some little climbing over a ridge and more powder runs. The landscape there in the " karwendel" - a nature resort is just stunningly amazing! Peaceful, white, silent, no people!!

We ended our day with some hot chocolate and beers (what a combi!!) in an old mountainpasture and then skied down directly to the bus-station to get a ride back to Innsbruck

Merry X-mas and a Happy New Year!!

2008-12-22T20:28:00.002+01:00

Winter is here!!!!

2008-12-08T18:31:00.004+01:00

The winter has arrived!!!!

Last week it snowed already for a couple of days and we got a good first layer of snow on our mountains. This weekend "Frau Holle" braught us some more ....

Enjoyed some ski- touring in the Italian Alps and some snowboarding on my home mountain n Innsbruck. Had a great time. finally some distraction from university!!! The second picture is the view from the " Axamer Lizum" to the Inntal- quite nice,no?

Have a peaceful Christmas!

Back in Tyrol

2008-11-18T12:01:00.006+01:00

Hi there!

Back home in Innsbruck I enjoyed last weekend with its beautiful weather on top of my home mountain... Went up to the " Seegrube, Nordpark" and then continued to clime the Brandjoch. I could even see my house from up there. Amazing view over Innsbruck and the Inntal. Guess it was the last time without snow up there...right now the coldfront and the snow is getting close...Winter is coming! Get ready!

Slideshow OZ

2008-11-16T20:33:00.005+01:00

Hallo!

Now I am back home in Austria since one week. Oh what a change!!

Having a nice fall here in Innsbruck, but I cannot deny that I am missing the ocean, sailing, surfing, my travel friends in down under, the whales, easy life...

Back home universtiy is full on for my and i am just hoping that winter will kick in soon!

Here finally more pics in a slideshow from down under!

More about Western Australia

2008-11-04T12:25:00.008+01:00

Hi there!

Mh...what should I say- I had three more awsome weeks in Western Australia. Incredible sailing, surfing, snorkling, watching sunsets, yoga on the dunes, watching fullmoon rising, campfires, new people. Just magic times. Now getting back to Perth , selling the car, saying good-bye, which is going to be HAAARD!
Then some more days stopover in Mauritius before finally heading back home to Innsbruck...
Life is good. check out the pics!
See u out there!!
Uli

Sorry having probs to upload some photos now- will be online later in a slideshow!

West Coast Paradies

2008-10-02T03:24:00.010+02:00

Once again,-and for that time finally at the beginning of the season I am back in Western Australia.
Juhuuuu!! After two weeks in Mauritius I flew directly to Perth with a 7hrs flight. Pretty easy going.
A good friend of mine- Stian- was already in Perth, just waiting for me to go up north again with his fully equipped camping car.... So in a three days time we made it back up to the "G-Spot" of the West coast. This time an incredible confortable trip!
At our arrival we were immediately welcome with a huge- I mean huge- swell!!!
This spot looked totally different then later in the season. The tide was scary low 8 like it is many times in september)- the reef clearly visible- and the waves were not only biiig, but massive!!!!!!! I went straight out sailing! Took me some time though to get used to this "New Place". the wave was sometimes really really sucky, Bubbles coming up all of a sudden and some broken gear was seen that day. Fortunately not mine...maybe i took it too easy...
The first three weeks up there were just great. Temperatures still very nice, not too hot, big waves, good surf, a second HUGE Swell. and tons of wales passing by on her way down south.
Now we are on a shopping trip back down in Carnarvon, getting food for another three weeks in Paradies!!
How much I love this place!!!!!

So next news will be at the end of my trip....
Hope you all had a good summer!
ULI

Sumbawa Story online!!

2008-09-07T13:36:00.001+02:00

Hallo!
Finally i can announce that my story from my trip to sumbawa is online under:

http://www.windsurfersmag.de

enjoy!!

Surfing and Kiting time in Mauritius

2008-09-05T12:14:00.005+02:00

Hi!
Already ten days in Mauritius now. Having a great time. Unfortunately the swell never has the right size. Either it is dead flat- thats when it is kiting time for me...funny and quick to learn...
Or..yesterday the swell picked up to a 3.8m and 18seconds period. All channels in Le Morne were closed and we had a great day surfing in Tamarin!!
Still Paradies here. The evening ended with some great Barbecue!!

Mauritius once more...

2008-08-31T11:46:00.007+02:00

Uli in One Eye

Babsy Table Top

Hi!
I arrived here in Mauritius with my friend Babsy Strasser one week ago.
We are sharing a great time here!
Although the swell is not the biggest at the moment we had already good sessions in Manawa, One eye and some jumping on the little reef. Also getting on my kite some more when it is really flat and practising some jumps,- getting in the waves with the kite is not far away anymore..
Some more days to wait and it will get really biiiiig again! Enjoy life!
ULi

Pics Pozo

2008-08-01T21:38:00.004+02:00

Hallo !
Finally I got some more pics from the Comp in Pozo, Gran Canaria ( thanks to John Carter) and some days sailing in Fuerteventura! In the meantime I am back home in Austria since one week. Nice weather. Back in the mountains. Mountainbiking, climbing, next week in internship on the surgery departement of an hospital in Linz. For short time serious again.....

Gran Canaria Worldcup is over...

2008-07-17T12:59:00.004+02:00

Hallo!

Finally I give you some updates about my contest in Pozo, Gran Canaria. I was quite crestfallen after the results- but now I am finally back on my computer...
This year i only did the wave- comp.
The days before the competition we had really good sailing in Ojos de Garza and also in Pozo. Nice waves and i felt pretty good for the comp. although i did not sail for a long time..
the waveriding started straight away on the first day of competition. Waves were a smaller than the days before, but ok for Pozo.
In my first heat I was against Laure Treboux- the amazing freestyle sailor.
I got a nice wave right at the beginning,rode it and tried to hit the endsection...but too close to the rocks...And up there I was. On the nice slippery pozo rocks, right in the onshore corner of the bay..like a turtle. Not soo nice..I spent 3-4 min there until I made it back on the water after the set. Still had a good forward and a tabletop and another waveride- which I maybe did a little bit on the secure side..Actually I thought it would still be enough to advance as Laure is not the big jumper. But concerning the judges it was not. I was quite broken after that, but tried to keep myself head up for the duoble elimiation to come back!!
then the waiting game began......6 days without any waves. the wind getting stronger and stronger each day- and still flat.
I got a little impatient those days to be honest. Sitting on the beach in that wind killed me- and not geting to sail alot, as the bay was " closed" for the freestyle and slalom sailors..Maybe I lost focus a bit. That´s not really me , as normally i am quite competitive- do not know what happened..maybe still sad about the result in the single.
Finally on the second last day we could conplete the double.
I won my first heat against the Isreal girl: Lee-el Kortsiz, but not with a good performance to be honest. The next heat I was against Junko Nagoshi from Japan. that was a pretty hard seeding right at the beginning of he double. I could have beat her with a relly good perfromance.- But I missed out a second jump. I had a solid forward, but did not find enough steep ramps. Had a crashed backllop, but no safe tabletop....Too bad. Out! Over for me. With a ninth place. How bad!
My worst result since i am doing competitions...
Guess it was a mental problem here. did not figure it out yet...

Now i am a week on fuerteventura. Easy nice wavesailing with 4.7m, a bit of kiting, visiting friends...good for the soul!!

Here some pics- hope I get the new pics from Pozo soon!
ULI

Some memories-Slideshow from Australia

2008-07-06T00:14:00.005+02:00

Hi there!

Here in Pozo we did already the first single elimination yesterday....Conditions were "so-so". Windy for my 3.7m, in the morning still some nice waves, getting smaller and smaller when the tide came in. Riding small waves seems not to be my strong suit.....dropped out far too soon. Now I can only give my best in the double elimination and make my way back!!!!
Let´s hope for some waves in the next days to have a fair competition for everybody!!
Today there was only slalom racing for the men. Antoine Albeau still on the TOP!!
In the meantime- getting bored today in the stones here- I sorted out some pics of my trip this winter to Australia...some better waves..Enjoy!

PWA Worldcup in Pozo, Gran Canaria

2008-07-03T23:32:00.007+02:00

Hallo!
Finally the first worldcup is starting.
The whole PWa-circuit meets again at the windy island of Gran Canaria for competitions in wave for men and woman, freestyle woman and slalom for men. We are welcome again by strong wind and lots of stones...
I arrived here four days ago. Little late as I had to do some exams at university....
the first two days pozo showed itself in a different light. No wind. Classy swimming conditions. the last two days we found pretty good wave- conditions in the north of the island- "Ojos de Garza". the putside point was working very fine and I had a lot of fun sailing again!!!!
Today we had inscription in Pozo and finally could get on the water here. the wind was strong for my 3.3m, and the whole crowd showed the big jumps...was pretty busy, but nice!
Looks like we are going to start the waves competition tomorrow. I hoped I would have some more days to get used to this conditions again, after a long time not beeing able to sail....But it is like it is- and fortunately we have some waves...it can also be different here!!
So I´ll give my best tomorrow. With the age comes the experience, no?

this is the nice view from the plane to the "inntal " and Innsbruck

the Hintertuxer Glacier

a little spanish football fan with the german flag...????

Material-storage at the Bar "La Ola"

Tall Tine Slabe from Slowenia and small Uli Hölzl from Austria at the Opening ceremony

Selling stuff!!!!

2008-06-24T18:00:00.002+02:00

Hallo!

I am cleaning my cellar and I am selling a lot of windsurf ( snowboard) equipment to make some space and some money for my next trips.....
Most interesting for you might be:

Ezzy Sails from 2008, NEW: 4.0m, 4.7m
Ezzy Sails from 2008 used: 3.7m ( nearly new!!), 4.2m, 5.0m
Ezzy Sail from 2007: 3.7m

Dakine Harness T3 Wave, Size S, in great condition!!

LORCH Oxygen Waveboard 75L, from 2007, like NEW!

Wave-Fins , Us BOX ( F2, Maui Fin Company): Size: 19-23cm, NEW and used

Extension, Arrows, 25cm, normal diameter
Extension Arrows, 0 cm, ND

Contact me soon before I am on the Canary islands!!

Have a nice summer!!
ULI

Shorttrip to Marocco

2008-06-17T20:04:00.003+02:00

Marocco!!!

This journey was i real last minute decision for me. Three very good friends of mine ( Heidi, Natascha and ULi und Markus) had planned this trip already a lont time ago...( yeah,- they are working doctors and cannot be so spontaneous anymore...)
As I had to wait for some "university dates" I only could decide in the last minute if I could go. And two days before - when the wind- and waveforecast looked incredible good, I also found a very cheap flight.
Nicola Thost- a german friend of the good old snowboarding times- and now also dedicated windsurfer, also joined me. Great - no travelling alone!!
So, two days later we sat in the plane from Munic to Marrakesch. Finally going to the ocean again! I was so much looking forward to it! More than three months I haven´t been on the water.
In Marrakesch we took a local taxi, which drove us directly to the windsurfing capital of Marocco- Moulay. ( 20km near Essaouira).
Heidi had already organised that we could stay with them at a local family´s place in this fishervillage. Simple- but really nice!
So interesting to get to know their culture. The life of these women is definately not the easiest one, but they seem to be happy and it is so nice to see a whole big family living together in peace!!!! Their son- Abderazaq Labdi- is one of the next future pros of Maroc. Real good stylish sailing! There are actually a lot of young guys now in this village who have a great potential. Since some years Fta ( a guy who also helped Boujmaa to travel out of Marocco, and who is having a big nice restaurant now in Moulay) is organising some equipment for them - and they are totally addicted!! A real good thing.- At the moment it is a guys sport only in Marocco. It might take another long long time until the girls have the possibility and the "permission" to practise some sports- watersports, wear swimsuits, neopren.....It is still another world. And I still do not know and somewho it is hard for me to understand what the marrocain girls think when they see us women practising this sport....would they like to try?..or does it just not exist in their heads to have the possibility to move so freely on the beach and on the water??.....Are they jealous??..or do they think that we are just crazy???...doing a men´s thing and acting against our femininity?......MHHH?????
It makes me think a lot!!!!!!!!
So, to keep it short- we had a great week. For four days the wind was howling for my 3.3m and 3.7m ezzy sail and the smallest Lorch Baby- My Oxygen 60L. the waves were about 2 meters every day. The last two days the wind was light and I was kiting....First days in waves. Totally exited about that! I still have noooo control at all, and I had to walk back upwind, dropped the kite in the waves.... - but it is Adrenaline again....
Yeah WE had a GREAT week together!!!
Two more weeks to go - then POZO in GRAN CANARIA.
I know that I did not train at all for this competition...But I still go, will give my best and I am really looking forward to see all the people from the tour again- and to sail !!!

Summer in Tyrol

2008-06-01T22:34:00.018+02:00

Hi there!

Some short news....unfortunately still not from the water...but i am having a good time here at home.
I as for a great mountainbike tour today at the "Seegrube". Pretty hard to bike up those 1300hm, as I did not move too much lately.
On the Top of the Nordkette they are getting prepared for the Soccer European championships by building a VIP tent for all the important rich football-people....
the cable car to the Top of the "Hafele-Kar" was still running. Believe it or not- there were still people with their skis and snowboards. I was skiing down with the "Figls". This are super short skis , which you can only use in the mushy summer snow. You just go straight- thats super fun!!!!
There was also a competition of the hang-gliders. Great! That´s my next sport I have to learn!!
I hope I can soon give you some news from the water again!!- Going to Maroc on tuesday for a shorttrip. The wind should be good.- Let´s see!

Website online!!!!!

2008-05-14T09:45:00.003+02:00

Hallo!

Finally I can announce that my website is online! Check it out under:

http://ulihoelzl.windgirls.com/

Freestyle Worldcup Neusiedlersee , Austria

2008-05-10T17:41:00.004+02:00

Hallo !
Just some short news from the Worldcup at the Austrian Surfers Mekka- the Neusiedlersee.
There was a ten days action going on at the lake near Vienna. First starting with the free Surftest for all visitors. Then from the 29.4.-4.5. the PWA FReestyle Worldcup took place. Once again- "Men only". What a pity !!! We girls, we only had one time the chance to participate. This was in 2000- when I unfortunatley just could watch with two crutches after my knee operation.
Unfortunately not a lot of things are changing in womens sports...I guess there are several reasons why they do not want the girls to compete....First of all the would need another 10.000 Euro prizemony extra for the girls- which cannot be a problem at such a huge event. Maybe the PWA doesn´t try hard enough to get us in. Maybe the organizer of this event is not a "girls-fan". For sure our level of sailing is not far as good as the men´s- but I guess we do not look bad on the water- especially those new girls on the tour are ripping!! - on the beach we look better as well... So why? Maybe- and I guess most of all- they make enough money anyway out of this huge event- without the girls being there... Sad but true. If this can change one day? Maybe we have to sell ourselves in another way..!!
This event is also THE biiiiig party-summer opening for the whole Vienna area..The sports part of this event is for most of the peope not the main reason to come! ( I would not wonder if some of the visitors would not even know that there is a windsurfworldcup going on....)
And to be honest I also went there mainly to meet people, lot of old friends, and to party - like a real groupie!!. There were great concerts, great music, dancing the whole night through...I had a lot of fun. Good, there are no more pictures existing...
beside the party performance- which was exeptional from everybody- the guys showed an increible new range of manouvers on the water.- Please do not ask me the names of the tricks....
The wind was not great for the guys, just enough to get a comp going. They were sailing with 100L freestyleboards and 5.8m sails...but their show was amazing!!
The last sunday they were lucky with the wind and could finish the whole single elimination. Results:

1. Jose "Gollito" Estredo
2. Marcilio Browne
3. Tonky FRans

Austrians:
9. Michael Sumereder
9.Michael Roßmeier
17. Chris sammer
17. Tom föda
17. Max Matissek
33.Tom Hartmann
33. Max Schanda
33.Alexander Seyss

Still winter in Innsbruck

2008-04-14T18:40:00.010+02:00

Hi everybody!

It´s april! Springtime and winter are fighting each other. Last week we finally got again a huge amount of new snow. At Arlberg it was 120cm. Powdertime!!! Juhu!!! Still loving it like in my old times. Had a little photoshoot at Stubaier glacier. thanks to Tommy Bause!!!! GReat job. check out: www.bause.at

Uzbekistan

2008-04-07T08:26:00.016+02:00

Hallo!
I am back from Uzbekistan from our Heliboarding trip since a couple of days. Check out: http://www.snowxplore.de.
It was a great week for us girls as we could spend some time together again. Unfortunately - snowboarding wise - the trip did not turn out as planned. After some good rides on the first day, one Helicopter ingenieur had a very bad accident. This was a terrifying experience for all of us and we had to see that middle Asia is definately still a very different country concerning medical support. Good that our group was sticking together very well and we handled the situation quite good. I am still so sorry for that guy!!! After that accident we did not get any allowance to fly anymore. Very sad. So we made the best out of it and spent our time visiting this incredible country. Did some sightseeing in Samarkand- a great old city on the "silk-road", visited markets and bazars, went hiking in the mountains and had some parties together like in old times...I guess the three guys who were brave enough to join us - definately learned something new about woman.. ( Although I guess we did not behave like " average" woman..- sorry guys!) Definately we have to do some more trips the following years all together again! Ride on!

( pics by Marco Igel, Uli Hölzl)

href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ApIOc_i2T8E/R_nK9JZ_siI/AAAAAAAAAIk/UsDM0ToQ8Hs/s1600-h/Usbekistan-77.jpg">

Flying to a Heliboarding Trip

2008-03-19T23:31:00.002+01:00

Tomorrow I am leaving for a Heliboarding Trip to Usbekistan with a lot of my female Ex- Snowboard collegues...!!!
Girls-Power rivival for ten days! I am stoked. More news soon!
ULI

Ski Touring in Italians Dolomite Alpes

2008-03-16T13:32:00.013+01:00

HI!
After some gray,rainy days in Innsbruck we decided to drive down to Italy for one day of the weekend. We went to the Dolomites, approximately 2 hrs driving from Innsbruck. ( Brennero- Brixen- Bruneck-Villa Bassa). The landscape is amazing and you find a lot of uncrowded terrain and touring possibilities down there.
On the south side of the alps the weather was fine. So good to sea the sun again!
We started our four hrs hike at the "Prager wildsee". ( Lago di Braies)..Fortunately it was frozen...It was an incredible beautiful hike up through steep couloirs, beside these steep 1000m high cliffs....It was my first big Ski tour this year after spending 4 months on the sealevel...was not in my bst shape, but made it up to the top of the "Senner Karspitze (2700hm) without problems.
WE chose another route for skiing down. A steep northern face. Incredible powder!
Beautiful day. The beer tasted really good afterward!
Enjoy the incredible landscape pictures!

New LORCH Snowboards!!!

2008-03-11T12:50:00.002+01:00

Hi!

A big thanks to the guys from LORCH for supporting me as well with their new snowboards and skis!! They are just great!! Check the modells at : www.lorch-boards.de
I just had in incredible day in my new snowboard. Lot´s of powder in the " Axamer Lizum"

Home in Austria

2008-03-07T11:32:00.006+01:00

Hallo!

After four months in Western Australia I finally made it back home...Not easy! REality got me straight away. Strike of the ground personal on all the German airports ( I always have to fly to Munic because of my "little" luggage...No airplane would take it to the small Airport in Innsbruck...)HAd to wait a couple of hours in Frankfurt until I could take a flight to Munic. I made the best out of it and relaxed in the Miles and More lounge a had a couple of Proseccos at seven in the morning after 28 hrs of flying. I have to admit - that´s quite effective.....( Australien Beer-time is over..) The good thing was as well that my luggage got lost..and I didn´t have to carry it around the airport and load it on my car all by myself. HAte that! It should be delivered to my home by Lufthansa. the bad thing...It is still not here...SOmewhere between Frankfurt and Bangkok...Let´s hope!
In the evening back home in my flat ( all the flowers dead....2kilos of mails....) I just fell in my bed, deadly tired. But the next morning I woke up with this view in front of my window...See first pic!
--It was definatley not hard to get up!!
The first big snowfall since six weeks- just when I am back home. Great!

I quickly picked up my new Snowboards and up on the mountain!!!!!!
Lorch - my Surfboardsponsor, is now already developing and building Snowboards and Skis since two years. I was so excited to finally test them!!! And I have to admit they are great!!! Tested two different sizes and ended up loving the Advanced 152 for the slope and the Professional 157cm for powder. It is a bit big for me, but with that powder we had...perfect!!!!
Had a great day on the Stubaier Glacier...Just too many people here...I am not used to crowds in gondolas anymore...

Thats the view to the" Inntal" from up there..

This morning I went to a quick Backcountry-tour with the skies with a very good friend. We were pretty slowly getting up...First of all because we had to tell each other the last four months..second of all because I have to admitt that I am not in the best physical "mountain" shape at the moment. could really feel that my legs were not as strong as they used to be...Surfing is definately more for the arms....Hope it comes back soon!!!!

We had a great steep virgin white powder downhill face in front of us! SMile!!!!!!!!!
Thats a good way to come back!

This afternoon is now filled with a lot of organisation-work. I guess now I slolwy should start to get serious....have to get all four months of post and letters looked through, bills and bills to pay,....exams, university..
Its time!

2008-03-06T22:25:00.011+01:00

Hi!

This was my last day in Western Australia. Had some good kiting and sailing in Lancelin. Got a little bit more into kiting- but no worries,- it is definately NOT better than sailing! Far toooooo dangerous! SOme friends of mine got hooked on Windsurfing. Two more girls out there! GReat!
thanks to Stian - the guy with the baby cream on his head- for the pictures and for helping me out with starting and landing kite and the lines....
Now i am already back home in Austria. I just came for the right time. The first big dump since 6 weeks.
will be on the snow tomorrow!

aloha,

Uli

2008-02-29T04:13:00.003+01:00

Hallo to all of you!

My last days in Perth have come....
I am still workingat the hospital. Having a good time there.
At the moment there is no wind arounf Perth, but still alot of lot of things to do!
At the moment the Culture Festival in Perth is on for one month!

There are great events: Operas( Md Butterfly), theatres like Shakespears Midsummernight´s Deam, a lot of Music events and Concerts, Open air Cinemas. This city is just great!! I am really enjoying some culture for once.....

I will have one last day sailing according to the forecast on Sunday.
than some last packing and organisation, have to give my rental car back. Here I want to say a big Thank you to the guys of the Car rental from Club red.- They helped me out a lot! Great deals. Find Info under:
http://www.clubred.com.au/hire.htm

Tuesday off to Europe...
Gonna be sad!!!

See you!
ULI

Back in Perth

2008-02-23T05:46:00.012+01:00

Hallo to all of you!!

Yes, yes, I am still Down under. Instead of seven weeks, it finally came dwon to four month...!!
I am just really enjoying my time here!
I stayed up north until the beginning of February. Had an incredibnle last day there at my birthday. Double head high surf in the morning- only me and another addicted girl, and then a four hours logohigh session in the afternoon. The perfect day to finally say Good- bye to this magic place!!
Now i am back in Perth since two weeks. Back in the hospital, loving it more and more every day, as I slowly can start to treat patients, stitch them, put canulas in, tc...very exciting!!!
GReat doctors there- ferv friendly, patient and nice looking......third of them is windsurfing!

At the moment I cannot really sail though, as I sprained my ancel three weeks ago and it is still not good...
but good enough for kiting, which I have plenty of possibilities here for it in Perth.
Also the Perth Festival is going on at the moment. Yesterday we have been Downtown in a sper beautiful park with the skyline of Perth in the background,- watching Madama Butterfly from Puccini. A different and incredibel nice experience!!!

Going back home in one week will bring the tears in my eyes....
But once I have to go..
But back home a have NICE Plans: End of march going for a Heliboarding Trip to UJsbekistan with all my Ex- Professional SNowboard Girls!! GReat - all getting together again for once!

Life is beautiful at the moment!!!!

2008-01-19T02:27:00.000+01:00

Back in the North of WA!

I spent Christmas in my Paradies..New Years as well, which was very special this year with a lot of rain at midnight..Good party as always. The conditions have not been super great lately, but there is always something to learn. My waveriding is getting a lot better,- still working on the Backies and Pushies though!

some great surf lately...

Guess I will stay in Down under for some more weeks, enjoing the waves the wind, the stars, the moon, the animals....

2007-12-04T13:03:00.000+01:00

Back in Perth!

Two weeks in Gnaraloo are over....Leaving here makes me always sad!!
Until Geraldton the drive back to Perth was nice ( and hot), we passed the blowholes in Carnarvon and had some easy driving. But in Geraldton we had two flat tyres, had to stop for the night. the next day early morning in the garage and then continuing back to Perth.
Now I am doing an Elective Intern here for my medicine studies at the Hospital of Freemantle. Will be for three weeks at the Emergency departement. All doctors are really nice, take their time to explain things and the ambiance is great! I guess I will learn a lot here. But I have to say that sometimes I feel a little bit insecure, as the Australian medicine students know a lot more in practical terms. In austria we just study our books and in front of the patient we are idiots.....anyway- it will be good for me! My boss is a dedicated wavesailor as well, so I guess it will not be too hard to get some days with good swell off.....
Had already a beer with him in Gnaraloo....
Lucky me!!!

Finally back in Australia

2007-11-29T09:50:00.000+01:00

After a 4 years break I finally made it again to Western Australia! Yupeeh!!!
It is sill the same easy going, laid back country. I rented a car in Perth and went first of all as fast as possible up to Gnaraloo- my most loved spot in the world! Having now already two great weeks up here! Some lightwind wavesailing days, some days with small waves and jumping, and some of these glassy surfing days. just amazing! The best about this place is still its remote environment, just nature all around you. that´s what i love!
These are my last days here though as I am going back to Perth soon for an intern elective at a hospital in Perth for my medicine studies.......
So I will enjoy my last evenings under the stars and in front of the fire with the sound of the ocean in front of my tent ..

2007-11-05T21:14:00.000+01:00

Summer 07

My last trip in this summer brought me once again to the Island Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Unfortunately this summer the wind was not very consistent and very light, and the spot also got already quite crowded. Nevertheless I got some great sailing sessions at the radical spot in One Eye. Two epic days with over masthigh, down the line peeling waves. Incredible.

At one of the next days the swell picked up once more, one and a half mast and I have to say I got a bit "high-spirited". I tried to sail out at the little channel in front of One eye, which was pretty stupid. The next big set came, the wind died... and there I was - in the washing maschine of these 6m monsters...

First I lost my equipment for a short time, which I fortunately managed to reach again. Then I got pulled out in the channel and washed back several times in a circle. I really fought hard to get back in the lagoon and pushed myself away from the reef with full power with one foot.

Result : over 50 stings of a sea urchin in my foot. Got operated two times. Once in Mauritius , once back home in Innsbruck to get the stings out. I am still recovering from this "accident".

Unfortunately I could not take part at the competition on Sylt because of this. So my whole overall Ranking for the 2007 season does not exist. A bummer- but thats life!

But now I am getting better and I am off to Australia mid november. Havent been there since five years and I cannot wait!!!!!

(photos: Msky.at)