Dedicated
Behind the film: a winch mission in Prague.
Off the top, one session from the trip stands out the most. It was our third time back at a spot we’d already deemed unrideable. Swimming against the current, lining up the winch, sanding down this gritty 20-meter concrete ledge. Our hearts were pounding in our chest, and we were holding our breath.
It’s a narrow flood channel next to a dam spillway, with water surging down the middle and solid concrete walls on both sides. Timo wants to hit the left ledge and make a big gap across to the right. There’s no runout space, and therefore no room for error. Fall short, and you’re getting tossed into a chute of whitewater or slammed into the wall.
“It still kills me to this day that I wasn’t able to complete the spot,” Timo says. “The mental battle and breakdown I went through kinda pushed me the most out of my comfort zone. In the end I decided I’d be killing myself trying to do it.”
“You don’t just become a wincher. You have to earn that title.”
You can learn how to skate, you can learn how to wakeboard, but winching is something else. It demands an entirely unique set of skills. Commitment. Creativity. Problem-solving. There are the tricks, but there’s the challenge of riding a spot that was never meant to be ridden. These places weren’t built for cables or boards flying through at 40 km/h. Concrete surfaces, shallow water, broken glass, and low visibility. Winching is about making something out of nothing.
“It definitely challenges you in a different way,” says Elena. “You’re dealing with tough spots, unpredictable landings, and figuring things out as you go.” What you wear matters here too. “The vest and helmet are the most important and the rest just comes together,” says Timo.
Scouting Prague
From a winching POV, Prague looked promising. Timo had it on his radar for a while, after checking it out on Google Maps. But satellite and street view don’t always match reality. Some spots were too gnarly, others were non-existent, and it was impressive to see Timo, Dom, and Elena adapt the way they did: dragging tree trunks into place, lining up something sketchy, and seeing their personalities through their riding.
Winching is such a team experience, and with a crew like this, it’s like a family. It’s not always sunshine and roses. The weather’s shitty, you’re all exhausted, but when everyone’s showing up with a good soul, that’s when you know it’s real."
–Timo Kapl
Chaos and Community
At one of Elena’s spots, we were controlling the winch from a bar terrace, beers in hand. The owner watched us set up and said, “Just make sure she doesn’t get hurt.” After countless times getting shut down by police, this trip included, we were surprised that he was genuinely hyped. Each trip we feel like more people are getting engaged.Elena did end up hurting her wrist. Not badly, but we thought she might be done
“It was a rough ledge and I fell backwards. I instinctively tried to catch myself. That whole day I thought I broke it. I rode the next day and got the clip. It hurt for weeks after, but nothing serious in the end.”
– Elena Bodi
“That’s the thing, you’re making sure everyone has what they need to be able to ride that spot,” says Timo. Winching is fast, high-risk, and you’re never guaranteed a result. “You go out there as quick, as rough, and as good as you can. Anything can happen.” It’s showing up, fixing what breaks, and finding a way to ride it anyway. As was said – making something out of nothing.
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