This week on Boards we are celebrating why windsurfing is awesome for kids, so to keep on theme we catch up with a very talented young windsurfer who’s clocking up speeds that most adults would be proud of!

Name: Scotty Stallman

Age: 11

From: Weymouth

Years Windsurfing: Just under 3 years

Favourite Discipline: GPS Speedsurfing

Local Spot: Portland Harbour

Occupation: Schoolboy

Sponsors: OTC – The Official Test Centre

How did you get into windsurfing?

I had always been amazed at how the windsurfers in Portland Harbour seemed to keep up with our car as we drove to Portland, then a friend recommended a taster session at the OTC and since then I have been hooked.

What do your friends think of windsurfing?

Some think it’s an unusual sport to be involved in, but after they have seen some photos I took in for a school project quite a few have changed their minds and even tried it; a couple of them have even joined T15!

Are you doing competitions?

I have been competing in the local BSA Slalom events in the Master-blaster class for the last couple of years – great fun, for the future I would like to progress into the Amateur class.

Have you been involved with Team15?

I have been going to T15 since I was 9 years old, I regularly attend T15 meetings, which in the summer are held after school and in the winter on Saturday mornings as much as I can, but if it is really windy I will be out on my own kit trying to improve my times on my GPS.

T15 is really good because it will help you to develop your windsurfing skills and progress. One great thing about T15 is that you’re training and windsurfing with people that are your own age. You’re learning new skills all the time that will help you to improve, not to mention it gives you plenty of time on the water to practice.

I enjoy T15 because the emphasis has been on enjoyment, it has helped me to progress my windsurfing and has given me lots of support, encouragement and opportunity’s within a safe teaching environment.

Do you like racing?

I hadn’t really been into racing much but a recent opportunity came up for me to compete in the RYA zone racing I didn’t think it was really the thing for me but I will now look a bit more into it especially as the centre has now got six dedicated RS-ONE boards and sails.

At another recent event ‘The Dorset inter school challenge’ I represented my school, Wey Valley, it was a fun event that we were lucky enough to win and retain the title for a second year. So maybe a bit of racing experience would be a good thing!

What is your most memorable moment in windsurfing?

Breaking 30kts in Portland Harbour recently.

What’s next in store for you on and off the water?

On the water, definitely waves and learning to forward loop. Off the water I am getting into mountain biking so I am going to dedicate some of the non windy days to that!