Do you think tow in is a good addition to the UKWA events?
I first tried it at Windfest and just got nailed, I couldn’t do anything! This time the ski driver was really experienced and made it much easier for us. I think it is a good addition for when there’s no wind and not much to do.
When there is no wind everyone is a bit impatient, people are always skating and riding turfdogs but everyone wants to be windsurfing so I think tow in is a good option. It also makes it much more impressive for the crowd.
What do you think of windsurfing in the UK generally?
I think the level of sailing is pretty impressive. There is quite a bit of interest in racing. At some of the UKWA events you meet guys from slalom and techno. All together there is a pretty good sized youth group.
Last year, we would normally have eight or nine in the youths in the freestyle events. Most people show up at most events event though it’s pretty difficult relying on your parents for lifts. My friend Josh Barks lives local to me and does all the comps as well, so we normally go together.
What is your impression of the UK freestyle scene?
The level of windsurfing is really good. The first freestyle I ever saw were guys like Kiri, Tonky and Taty. But coming back to the UK and seeing guys like Sims and Max is impressive, and then there’s Ike Bradley Baker, who’s only about twelve, and doing spocks! That’s pretty cool!
What wave moves have you cracked?
In Bonaire this year, funnels and switch konos were quite consistent at the time and Eslider 540s were quite consistent too.
Do you ever venture into any other disciplines?
I went to Nationals at Rutland once, on a Techno. I also had a go in waves a few times trying backloops, but nothing serious. Nothing is the same as freestyle to me.
Tell us about some of your windsurfing highlights?
One of my best experiences was going to this spot in Bonaire. They’ve got these big salt lagoons. We went, rigged up straight away and went out there. It’s a bit like West Kirby with a wall round it, but a lot warmer. The water there is like bioluminescent, so we windsurfed in the dark and the spray comes up light up. It’s pretty awesome. Just being on Bonaire is amazing.
What are your plans for the future?
I just want to keep competing as much as possible, travel a lot more. Hopefully, after college step up to the pro fleet. I want to take a year out go travelling and instruct windsurfing. Also, after college I want to try some EPFT events. My main hope would be to compete on the PWA. Hopefully at least a few events, but my dream would be the tour.
Check out the previous Hidden Talents interviews by Will Jones on Boardseeker:
