Home-grown Andy King is one of the UK’s most progressive riders. Often seen landing moves in places most do not even dare to try, and throwing in the odd freestyle move whilst gunning down-the-line on a mast high wave. It is no wonder that even the most experienced riders fear being drawn against him in competition.

Who is Andy King

Interview

Boards – So what’s life in Andy King’s world at the moment, what have you been up to?

Andy – Just been working, continuing renovations on our cottage and windsurfing as often as possible.  There has been plenty of wind so it’s been a case of trying to find the quality sessions.  Current diesel prices have meant I have stayed local for a lot of the windy days to save the fuel for the better swells and wind directions that suit the beaches further west.  Paa beach and Daymer can be a lot of fun on their day and I enjoy jumping, so it’s all good.

Boards – Any trip plans?

Andy – Well the only trip planned is a weeks snowboarding at the end of January. So the selfish part of me is hoping the wind takes a break by then or I will be pretty disappointed to leave a stormy Cornwall, even for the mountains of Austria.  I am considering running a coaching clinic this summer focusing on jumping somewhere in the Canaries, either Pozo or Teneriffe if anyone is interested.  It will be a one off where I share all of my secrets for those lucky few looking to crack loops etc.  For anyone interested please email – [email protected]

“it has been the best late Autumn/winter session I can remember”

Boards – As far back as we can remember now the Atlantic has thrown us front after front after front. Considering the last two not-so-good years, is this more characteristic for this time of the year or has it been better than usual?

Andy – Yeah it has been the best late Autumn/winter session I can remember for consistency of strong winds. However if I was being picky there have been lots of West and North West wind and less of the South and SSW winds that make Gwithian and the North coast beaches come alive.  So some great sailing but not so many classic big down the line days unless I missed them all.  Down here the water is still around 12 degrees and thanks to two brand new Mormaii wetsuits I have been roasting and haven’t even considered wearing boots yet for windsurfing.

Boards – So come on then, describe your best session in the last 3 months?

Andy – My best session was actually a port tack side side on day at Paa beach loads of the local crew were out, all different ages and abilities but all making the most of some solid 4.7m wind and head high waves breaking. Just 10 minutes drive from my house!  I had just got my new 2012 Goya Eclipse sails and was using the Goya quad 78L, which is just so easy to sail well on, it is a magic board… but don’t let the secret out.