Fifty years have passed since Ralph Roberts imported the first windsurfer into New Zealand. In 2024, Bruce Trotter commemorates this milestone by chronicling our history in his new book In the Footstraps of Giants.
In the Footstraps of Giants is more than a celebration of the sport – it’s a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable individuals, places and events that have shaped half a century of windsurfing in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Set sail on a nostalgic journey into the exhilarating world of New Zealand windsurfing.
We’re transported back to the humble beginnings of windsurfing in New Zealand – to an era of Dacron, daggerboards, wooden booms and skegs. We meet the pioneers who ventured far from the shore, carving their own paths through uncharted waters.
“There was a bit of fetch between Pete and Antartica, to say the least.”
Pete Wilkins conquers Foveaux Strait on his fifth attempt, 16 May 1982.
Photo: Pete Wilkins Collection
But it’s in the 1980s that our story truly takes flight as windsurfing rides a wave of popularity and success. Through Bruce’s vivid storytelling and a good dose of Kiwi humour, we meet the legends who conquered the waves the world over.
“Bruce, slim and strong, and forever young, his eyes nearly as blue as the New Zealand flag that he carried in his left hand.“
New Zealand’s flag bearer, Bruce Kendall at the 1988 Olympic Closing Ceremony.
Photo: New Zealand Herald
In the Footstraps of Giants is an inspiring collective memoir – a story giving voice to larger-than-life personalities and unsung heroes. A shared wave. A salute to the indomitable spirit of New Zealand windsurfing. So, grab your harness, hook in, and relive the magic in the footstraps of giants.
“Who could have foreseen that this crazy new sport, which somehow combined surfing and sailing, would draw us all together and shape our lives in the way that it did?“
Available directly from Bruce ($60 + shipping) or through participating watersport centres ($70 + shipping RRP):
NZ Boardstore
NZ Sailing
Groundswell Sports (Christchurch)
NZ Foil Centre
Underground Surf
To order your copy, including all trade enquiries, email: bruce.trotter@gmail.com