The Hidden Talent series brings forward the UK’s up and coming names, this month Boards finds out more about talented racer turned BWA competitor Luke Raistrick. 

Name: Luke Raistrick

Age: 17

From: Northallerton, North Yorkshire

Years windsurfing: Seven

Favourite discipline: Wave!

Local spot: East Coast or Rhossy, always depends on the weather.

Occupation: Student

Sponsors: I joined the Juice Boardsports team a while ago now which is pretty awesome, never short of kit, Gump’s always up for a sail or to give me a hand with anything.

How did you get into windsurfing? 

My dad started windsurfing with the RAF, then taught me and I haven’t been off the water since.

What do your friends think about windsurfing?  

As I live in the middle of the countryside, not many of my friends really know what windsurfing is. But through windsurfing over the years I have loads of friends dotted all over the place now…

What moves have you just learnt? What are you working on now?  

I landed my first clean backloop not so long ago so I’m really trying to land it every time. I’m also trying wave 360’s at the moment, as I really want to be able to guscrew eventually.

How long have you been competing on the UKWA tour? And what competitions have you been to? 

I used to race on the UKWA circuit and did this for about five years as I progressed through the RYA pathway. For the past year and a half I’ve been wave sailing and have competed in two BWA events, but I’m still new onto the scene and there’s a lot to learn.

What was your competition experience like? What other youths were there? Would you encourage others to come along too?  

On the UKWA racing circuit there were many youths going through the RYA pathway racing on Techno and RS:X. But coming into BWA circuit there aren’t as many youths but the experience is great and I would definitely encourage more to come and give it a go.

What are your plans for the rest of this year?

To compete in the rest of the BWA circuit for this year (Tiree is going to be epic!) and continue progressing on my sailing, possibly find some more hidden gems on the east coast.

What are you longer term aims in windsurfing? 

Really want to travel around the world and sail some of the world renowned places ( Pozo, Ho’okipa, etc.) Then to go as far as possible competing in wave and work in windsurfing whether it be production or design. Looking for an apprenticeship…any offers..??

Check out the rest of the Hidden Talents series on Boards: 

Tom Bennett-Lloyd http://boards.co.uk/features/the-rise-of-the-youth-champion.html

Nick Hibdige http://boards.co.uk/features/freestyles-future-star.html

Find out more about Juice Boardsports http://www.juiceboardsports.co.uk/

Check out more on the BWA tour and the upcoming events on their website http://www.britishwavesailingassociation.com/