Five Years on the FPT/EFPT: A Photographer’s Perspective
March 28, 2026
When I first started shooting with the EFPT at the Theologos event, I was capturing images of athletes I had never met in person. These were riders I had only ever seen on windsurfing pages online. They were my idols. Having them perform manoeuvres in front of my camera for the first time was hugely exciting
From that first event, I had sessions shooting with beautiful lighting, including foil style shots with Steven Van Broeckhoven. One session that stood out was shooting from the back of a jet ski at the side of the competition area. It was exhilarating, and some of the best photographs from that event came from that session. I was really proud of those.
I also started pushing my framing and composition to create variety. Rather than always shooting from the beach, I looked for different angles and perspectives to keep the collection fresh.
Capturing Visually Stunning Shots
All of my work represents years of understanding light, positioning, and timing. Action and energy are essential in windsurfing photography, but composition and aesthetic skill elevate images from good to strong.
Celebrating After Covid
That Theologos event holds a special place for me because it took place directly after the Covid lockdowns ended. The prize-giving ceremony had a live band, and being able to celebrate with friends and riders who had worked so hard through such a difficult period was genuinely moving. There is a photo in the collection that captures that energy perfectly.
There is one image I included of a young kid standing in front of the professionals, waiting for photos and autographs. This shot in particular stood out. It reminded me how important it is to keep the youngest generations inspired. There is something truly special about getting to meet your heroes.
Incredible Locations
The EFPT has given me the opportunity to travel to some exceptional places. The backdrops have been extraordinary:
- The historic city of Vieste, with a tow-in performance
- Geneva, with the city skyline in the background
- Cape Town, with Table Mountain and Lion’s Head at sunset
- The beautiful classic Greek setting of Naxos
Getting Close to the Action
Getting low and close to the action means everything to me. Being in the water with the athletes, surrounded by the elements and feeling the precision of the pro riders, delivers photographs that put the viewer right in the middle of the heat. Those are the shots I am most driven to get.
Camaraderie and the Human Side of the Sport
Some of my favourite images in this collection are not about the tricks. They are about the people. Athletes supporting each other even while competing. The fist bump between two riders. There are also frames where I have managed to place two riders together in the same shot, competing side by side. Those take patience, but when they come together they are some of the most compelling images in the collection.
I have also included lifestyle and portraits shots. The raw, in-between moments. The celebrations, the beers with friends, the random crowd moments, the quiet times between sessions. These are all essential parts of complete event coverage.
Fellow Creatives
I want to acknowledge the fellow creatives I have had the privilege of working alongside over these five years. They continue to inspire me and push me to keep my standards high.
Looking Back and Looking Forward
It took a long time to pull this collection together. There were so many images to go through and so many hard choices to make. But looking back, it has been an incredible journey capturing and showcasing the memories of this tour.
Watching riders progress over five years has been remarkable. These are moments I will always remember. I am already looking forward to the next event and the next opportunity to push my creative boundaries.
Miles Taylor — Official Photographer, FPT/EFPT
