The speed and slalom circuit in the U.K is growing quickly and the many events in the windsurfing calendar have become the proving ground of young up-and-coming talent. With a huge number of young windsurfers transitioning into the discipline of speed we took the opportunity to catch up with one of Weymouth’s young super stars, Scotty Stallman, to find out what motivates him and why he chose the discipline.

BIO
Name: Scotty Stallman
Age: 14
Years Windsurfing: 5
Sponsors: OTC (The Official Test Centre), Starboard, Severne, F-Hot fins, 36 Knots, 109 Watersports
Favourite U.K spot: Portland Harbour
Biggest inspiration: Anyone who enjoys and does well at what they like!
Favourite food: Pasta Bake and Bananas (but not together…)

Why out of all the disciplines of windsurfing were you so drawn to speed sailing?

There is a strong tradition of speed sailing in Portland Harbour and when I was learning to windsurf at the OTC I would see these amazing local sailors like Pete Young and Kevin Greenslade flying up and down the harbour at top speeds doing the smoothest gybes with some great looking race and speed kit. I guess from that point onwards I knew I wanted to sail like that.

What other sports do you do?

When I’m not speed sailing I compete in the BSA Slalom series and enjoy a bit of wave sailing when conditions allow. I also love to get out on my road bike and at School I play in the Rugby, Football, Volleyball and Handball teams.

What do you like to do in your downtime?

I don’t really get much downtime at the moment, but when I do I like to play x-box and watch films but even those are sports focussed like the Red Bull Storm Chase and Ghosts of Speed of course!!

Who has most influenced your windsurfing? And How?

There have been so many people who have helped and guided me along the way, Tris Best and the team at the OTC taught me from day one and soon had me hooked on the sport. Once I was sailing competently the person who really inspired and mentored me in Speed Sailing the most was and still is Pete Young, he is an amazing sailor who has taught, and still teaches me so much and has always been there to help and offer advice. The speeds and distances he has set in the Harbour are legendary!!

What is the fastest speed you have recorded?

Max speed is 40.5 Knots, which I set recently at Southend.

Any big crashes?

No, not really, I’ve threaded myself up through the boom a couple of times though…

What is your favourite Rig/Board Combo?

For speed it’s got to be the Starboard iSonic Speed Special W44, with the Reflex R6 5.1m.

What is your most memorable result to date?

Winning Weymouth Speed Week (Junior) for the second consecutive year in 2015.

What does 2016 hold for you?

Speed wise I hope to travel around the UK to the top speed spots, work on breaking 40 knots on my home waters. Competition wise I will be entering Weymouth Speed Week, NWF Speed Challenge and any other speed events I can find! I would also love to visit La Franqui and maybe a couple of spots in the Netherlands, but that may have to wait until 2017.

What is your ultimate windsurfing dream?

To have a really good run down the Canal at Luderitz of course!!

Keep upto date with all Scotty’s progress on his facebook page, Scotty Stallman Windsurfing.