Cesare Cantagalli, born in 1968 in Faenza, is undoubtedly an icon of International Windsurfing and indeed the most famous Italian athlete of this discipline.

Following the release of John Milius's 1978 film 'Big Wednesday', the entire Cantagalli family were captivated by this new sport during a stay in Marina di Ravenna. They were inspired by the film to attempt surfing themselves and they all took to their boards. However, it was soon clear that Cesare, at just nine years old, had a natural talent for windsurfing, and he took up the sport with an enthusiasm and passion that has carried him forward and helped him to achieve international success.

Almost immediately he was top of the national podium in all windsurf categories for three successive seasons. At just 14 Cesare moved to Hawaii, the Mecca of windsurfing that is often considered to be an open air gym for training the world’s greatest champions. It is here that Cesare would be become just that.

In 1986, Cesare, endowed with his “classic Italian” inspiration and creative impulse, invented a completely new and truly spectacular acrobatic move; the first ever forward rotation in the history of windsurfing. It was initially called the “Killer Loop” but later, in virtue of its origin, it was aptly coined “Cheeseroll” from “Cesare Roll”. This manoeuvre inspired a new vein of moves, brought impetus and spectacularity into this sport and, of course, catapulted Cesare towards inventing radical new aerial moves.

Cesare then spent over 10 years traveling extensively in order to participate in all that counted on the world circuit. The World Cup tour became his classroom and his school of life, stimulating his curiosity about the world whilst also enabling him to compete to gain a place among the world’s top five windsurfers. This gave him the opportunity to break waves with some of the most famous athletes in history, and victories in South Africa, Barbados, Japan and many other places gained him 4th place overall “Wave” in 1989 and 1990.

After securing his place in the (albeit brief) history of windsurfing, he decided to try some new experiences. He began to seek out both old and new places that better suited the abilities of an accomplished surfer - more often than not they were a long way away from mundane mainstream tourism.

'GLOB-O-TOUR' was established in 1994 to harness this zealous spirit. Inspired by nothing other than wind, water and nature, and drawing upon Cesare's natural talent, eight years of experience and acute eye for the needs of others (as well as plenty of adrenalin!), the media project was born. So intent on getting it right, Cesare personally directs and produces the videos and oversees all related publications with the media.

He also dedicates his time to another media project, 'BLUES', which follows the 'KiteSurf' sport. Unable to resist the challenge of 'KiteSurf', what began as a spin-off discipline has also become a part of Cesare's life.

Unsurprisingly, Cesare's array of talents and ambitious, motivated character are admired by many in the windsurfing world. He is a regular invitee at all the mainstream Italian surf, windsurf and kiteboard companies, and his opinion is often sought on a range of matters, whether it be getting a new concept right, honing technical design, conceiving targeted marketing or simply branding.

Today, Cesare has joined forces with his friend former RRD shaper Gianni Valdambrini and realised his dream by launching his very own brand '99 Custom Boards', inspired by Cesare's sail number I-99. Established in June 2008, with the first board off the @production line just three months later, this new brand is set to be a success. The aim of these key partners is to make cutting edge, new generation custom-made boards for the wind and the surf, be that wind, kite, pure surf or even SUP boards. Their objective is effectively conveyed by the slogan:

“Tailor Made in Tuscany”.

This simple idea has been around since the first boards hit the water and is a concept that aspiring surfers the world over are passionate about. Just as 99 proved lucky for Cesare, it is hoped that others too will find surfing with 99 Custom Boards a rewarding experience. Everybody is invited to

“build your custom board @online together with us”.

If you want a board that's just for you, or perhaps for your partner or children, 99 Custom Boards can create a product that is unique and built specifically to your individual requirements. Tell us how you surf, the surfer you are, your aspirations and even express your graphic preferences, and we can adapt the board to suit you. Contact us through one of our select dealers or come @online to meet us, where you can actually become a virtual member of the design and build process, as though you’re physically there with us in the workshop, ensuring your board is exactly as you want it.