MY GENERATION - WINDSURFING HEARTS & MINDS
MY GENERATION – WINDSURFING HEARTS & MINDS
The invention of Windsurfing dates way back to the sixties and covers several generations of age groups who are still involved with the sport. Last year Robby Naish hit the big 50 and has clocked up nearly forty years in the straps while some of the young guns on the freestyle tour were not even born when Robby won his first world title. At the office on one of those cold winter afternoons, we thought it might be fun to pose a set of questions across the generations and see what sort of answers the young, middle aged and elder sailors throw back into the pot. What came back was a pretty interesting set of answers and that was just from a tiny cross section of windsurfing’s great cast of characters. Take a read of the first installment of what thoughts are running through the minds of the great and the good of our sport.
Words & Photos JOHN CARTER
Full name:
Maaike Helena Huvermann
Date of Birth:
25th November 1997
Where did you learn to windsurf and what attracted you to the sport?
I started windsurfing in the northern part of Holland. At first I didn’t like windsurfing at all and I was really afraid to drift off out in the water, even though there was no wind and I was able to walk back to the beach. I kept on practising and my dad eventually took me to Brouwersdam in Holland where there is more wind and people on the water. Everyone was doing such awesome moves and I soon started improving much faster, since then I have been hooked to windsurfing.
What was the first board you ever rode?
The Starboard Start; that made windsurfing so easy!
Who inspired you to get into windsurfing?
My dad and later the riders at Brouwersdam;Dieter van der Eyken, Davy Scheffers, Steven van Broeckhoven, Nick van Ingen and Rick Jendrusch. They all inspired me to go into freestyle windsurfing and push my limits.
Why do you love windsurfing?
I love using only the elements of nature. And for sure I love freestyle because of the free feeling you get doing the moves, especially the airtime with a switch kono!
What is the worst thing about windsurfing?
The costs! the new board, new sails, the travel and excess baggage costs. I really hate that, everything is so expensive!
Favourite local break and favourite destination you have travelled too?
I like Brouwersdam at home, there is a small lagoon where you can train new moves and on the outside there is chop to train for competition. I haven’t travelled a lot yet, so for now it’s Fuerteventura, but I guess this will change within this year!
Worst ever wipe out?
Spinloop out of the straps for sure, I ended up doing some sort of 1.5 loop and landed right on the boom with my face. I had a black eye for a week!
Last time you screamed or smiled when you were on the water?
Every session! So last weekend!
Best windsurfing movie you have seen?
Below the surface from André of course!
Biggest and windiest days you have ever sailed?
This winter I sailed in the same storm as the riders from Red Bull storm chase, though I was on another spot of course but still I had to deal with 47 knots… Totally overpowered on 3.3!
Three words to describe yourself?
Energetic sportive windsurfer
Words to live by?
Stop thinking, start living!
Full name:
Philip Köster
Date of Birth:
5th March 1994
Where did you learn to windsurf and what attracted you to the sport?
I learned windsurfing in Gran Canaria right in front of my house at a beach called Vargas. My parents ran a windsurfing station and I had been hearing windsurfing talk before I could even speak so I already knew lot of things at a young age. I think the jumps initially attracted me the most and motivated me to windsurf, I wanted to fly!
What was the first board you ever rode?
I think my first board was a Mistral Energy but I did my early improvements on a plastic Tiga board which was great for a beach like Vargas because of the rocks.
Who inspired you to get into windsurfing?
I guess I can thank my parents and also a few of the local guys at Vargas.
Why do you love windsurfing?
I love windsurfing because you can never be perfect at it and there is always room to go higher or deeper.
What is the worst thing about windsurfing?
Traveling with todays kind of airlines! They have some crazy overweight rates.
Is windsurfing better than sex?
That is a question that needs to be asked ? !
Favourite local break and favourite destination you have travelled too?
At home I have Vargas that is my home spot and also Salinas De Pozo. Vargas is a good wave to play on and it doesn’t get crowded because everyone stays in Pozo trying to jump. My favourite destination abroad would be Fiji, the wave Cloudbreak is just the best I have ever seen and I still need to sail there a bit more because I trashed all my gear at the beginning of my trip.
Worst ever wipe out?
I can’t remember, there are a few good ones, I think I must have hit my head!
Last time you screamed or smiled when you were on the water?
When a friend of mine broke their harness line, it’s very funny to see your friends crash! I enjoy it unless they get hurt.
Best windsurfing movie you have seen?
The Polakow movie: a lot of windsurfing and no boring clips of trees moving in the wind or that sort of stuff, I normally skip that in every movie.
Biggest and windiest days you have ever sailed?
Maybe a bit over double mast high waves and also in Vargas when I was on a 3.2m sail overpowered, it was wild!
Three words to describe yourself?
Creative, interested in sports, flexible!
Words to live by?
Being happy at the thing you love to do.
Full name:
Youp Schmit
Date of Birth:
27th January 1995
Where did you learn to windsurf and what attracted you to the sport?
Bonaire, my parents took me to the beach and one day and I saw people jumping and spinning and wanted to do the same !
What was the first board you ever rode?
An old white Mistral board
Who inspired you to get into windsurfing?
It was the local boys from Bonaire, Kiri, Tonky and Taty that inspired me to go windsurfing. I still remember the first day coming to the windsurfing beach on Bonaire, it was a super windy day and I saw the all local guys doing big jumps and loops and all sorts of stuff, and thats when I said to myself ‘I want to do that too’.
Why do you love windsurfing?
I love windsurfing because of doing tricks and jumping high, it keeps me stoked!
What is the worst thing about windsurfing?
Injuries.
Is windsurfing better than sex?
A good windsurfing day! Always!
Favourite local break and favourite destination you have travelled too?
My favourite local spot is Sorobon, Lac Bay. That’s an easy one but my favourite spot besides on Bonaire would be really hard to say, there are so many amazing places on the world to sail. The Canary Islands, Brazil and South Africa… I wouldn’t know what to choose. I guess my favourite outside destinations are the new ones coming up!
Worst ever wipe out?
The ones when you can’t breathe anymore for a couple of seconds, haha
Last time you screamed or smiled when you were on the water?
My last session
Best windsurfing movie you have seen?
The Polakow movies are pretty sick, but the new movie by Andre, ‘Below the surface’ is also made very nice! But the movies like ‘Children of the wind’ or ‘El Yaque’ were also very nice!
Biggest and windiest days you have ever sailed?
In Fuerteventura and South Africa I have had some ultimate windy days, but my most windy day was in the north of Holland about a year ago! I couldn’t hold the 3.2 anymore !
Three words to describe yourself?
Power, dedication, motivation!
Words to live by?
Live now!
Full name:
James Hancock
Date of Birth:
16th September 1984
Where did you learn to windsurf and what attracted you to the sport?
My dad windsurfed in the Solent at Hill Head which is where I mostly learnt. I used to go after school and cycle down and meet my dad where I was always able to use his smaller gear.
What was the first board you ever rode?
It was called ‘The Plank’; it had a dagger board and was about 4 metres long. After that my first wave board was a Critical Section.
Who inspired you to get into windsurfing?
My Dad, then after that the local guys down at Hill Head, who are now my very good friends Jack Hunt, Chris Audsley, James Cox and Andy King!
Why do you love windsurfing?
It has been the most fun thing I have ever done. Everything from learning to right now! From experiencing being on the sea and planing for the first time on a board, to meeting friends and going on the first road trips and then to now which is being able to ride some of the best waves in the world. I don’t think I ever wanted to be a professional in windsurfing at the beginning; it has always been more that I really wanted to windsurf as much as possible.
What is the worst thing about windsurfing?
The internet.
Is windsurfing better than sex?
I’ve had a couple of days at the Bench which makes that a close one.
Favourite local break and favourite destination you have travelled to?
Kimmeridge I’d say. I love the Witterings but you don’t get the beauty or diversity of conditions as Kimmeridge.
Worst ever wipe out?
I almost drowned in Cape Point about five years ago. If there was a scale of 1-10 and 10 being dead, I was a about a 9. Was caught in a rip, swallowing water, everything white etc. Think after that the closest thing was probably a 5 and that is probably tearing some ligaments in my ankle from getting washed in the foot strap. Both feet stayed in but the board and sail went the opposite direction to me and the fins touched my back. The front foot slightly compressed the Achilles heal, pushed my tibia and fibia together and tore my ankle ligaments. That was on Tiree and I had to be flown to Glasgow. Most recent was a bailed aerial where I accidentally hooked in.
Last time you screamed or smiled when you were on the water?
Last Friday windsurfing the harbour wall in St.Ives. Think I smiled for 40 minutes straight!
Best windsurfing movie you have seen?
Fiji Namotu Classic.
Biggest and windiest days you have ever sailed?
All the windy days seem pretty windy but I remember one time at Avon where I had to hide under my sail in the water with James Cox. I could barely hold on to it whilst lying in the water. That gust lasted for about 30 seconds and I reckon that was the windiest. There have also been some big days, when I almost drowned at Cape Point, that was double mast and quite gnarly.
Three words to describe yourself?
Honest, Passionate, Creative
Words to live by?
“Life is a blank canvas, and you need to throw all the paint on it you can”
Full name:
Ricardo Campello Alvarez
Date of Birth:
July 16th 1985
Where did you learn to windsurf and what attracted you to the sport?
I actually learned first steps in Brazil but then in 1998 I moved to El Yaque, I was a surfer before and loved to surf but then we moved to El Yaque and there was only windsurfing and I really got into it!
What was the first board you ever rode?
Well the beginners was called the REVO I think , like these big plastic boards , and then I rode a RRD Slalom , but my first ever board was a blue AHD 275 Slalom it was the sickest birthday gift, then I also got a AHD 255 wave!
Who inspired you to get into windsurfing?
The ex-Husband of my mum, then when we moved to El Yaque I made lots of friends where the sailing level was insane which made me motivated!
Why do you love windsurfing?
I love the lifestyle, I love the people; we are all pretty much like a big family, everywhere in the world you go you know people, you see new places, meet new people and experience
new culture.
What is the worst thing about windsurfing?
Carrying all the gear around the world and discussing with the airlines about being overweight: also when you go to places and there are no wind no waves, it is not very fun!
Is windsurfing better than sex?
That is a tough one! Hehehehehe!
Favourite local break and favourite destination you have travelled too?
My local break is definitely Los Roques when it happens and favourite conditions overseas for me were Indonesia and of course Cabo Verde, Maui when it is good is amazing!
Worst ever wipe out?
Ja ja ja! There are many, but one I remember is one in Cabo Verde where my head was down and the gear flew far away behind the wave and my body landed right inside the waves! Luckily I didn’t hurt myself at all and it looks nice and cool on the picture!
Last time you screamed or smiled when you were on the water?
Yesterday back home we had some little waves to jump and I was upset because every time I went out the wind dropped or the waves were gone to jump while Gollito had perfect timing to jump! I also smiled a lot because we were all sailing together with the local kids there were like 10 kids sailing with us. The kids were sharing their gear and having so much fun, that makes me happy!
Best windsurfing movie you have seen?
Minds wide Open!
Biggest and windiest days you have ever sailed?
Biggest wave was in Jaws, 2011 and windiest was in Gran Canaria a couple of years ago, there were 74 knots gusts and I was mega overpowered on 3.7m
Three words to describe yourself?
Honest, impatient and fun!
Words to live by?
I have to say the worlds from our friend Andre Paskowski;‘Enjoy every moment of life and be nice to each other!’
Full name:
Klaas Voget
Date of Birth:
24th April 1979
Where did you learn to windsurf and what attracted you to the sport?
I started on a lake in the northwest of Germany. My parents own a holiday home right at the water. One day my older brother and I tried the old Tencate Windsurfer that was lying in the
garden, I was hooked instantly!
What was the first board you ever rode?
That old classic Tencate Windsurfer with wooden boom and triangle sail. My next boards were a Fanatic Rat and a Fanatic Mosquito.
Who inspired you to get into windsurfing?
The board just happened to be there; so I guess it was my parents by bringing one of those home from their holidays to the south of France. >
Why do you love windsurfing?
At first it was just the speed when you’re blasting around, then it was the first jumps and carves, then it was wave riding. The excitement never stops, as you can take your abilities to the next level over a lifetime. Also the conditions are never the same; every day on the water is unique in a way. Sometimes you wait for a year for that one perfect session, but that’s part of the addiction.
What is the worst thing about windsurfing?
The size of the gear. It’s just a pain when you’re travelling.
Is windsurfing better than sex?
Not better, different. A windsurf session is less intense, but usually lasts longer!
Favourite local break and favourite destination you have travelled too?
I’d consider myself as a Klitmøller and Hanstholm local, even though I live in Hamburg. I love the sailing in the north of Denmark and drive there all the time. Chile is probably my favourite place to travel to, but I like the mix. I’m in the lucky situation of travelling to a lot of different places.
Worst ever wipe out?
Morocco 2007. I went for a big push loop in Moulay and got hit by a strong gust. The rotation was way too fast, so I let go. I came down from quite high and when I hit the water, my own knee knocked my nose out of it’s position. Very bloody situation! I had surgery in Marrakech and a second one back home.
Last time you screamed or smiled when you were on the water?
This last month in Hookipa. I was floating in the channel when Victor threw a perfect wave 360 right next to me in the end bowl. You get sick views of the others all the time at Ho’okipa – it’s like sailing right through a windsurfing video.
Best windsurfing movie you have seen?
I like the Windsurfing Movies 1&2 and of course Andrés latest movies – ‘Minds Wide Open’ and ‘Below the Surface’. But I also like to watch the old Polakow movie every now and then. Good motivation!
Biggest and windiest days you have ever sailed?
Biggest was the 15th March 2011 at Jaws. Pretty chunky sets! Scariest was probably the first Fuerte Wave Classic at Puertito though. Windiest was probably the Red Bull Storm Chase 2006 – Gusting to 156 km/h.
Three words to describe yourself?
North-German, persistent, passionate
Words to live by?
“Don’t be too hard on yourself, be nice to one another and enjoy every moment in life.” Andre Paskowski!
Full name:
John Skye
Date of Birth:
28th June 1977
Where did you learn to windsurf and what attracted you to the sport?
Brogborough Lake. Originally it was a mix of my dad and my best friend Joe that pushed me to windsurf, but soon it was the amazing mix of all the sports I loved at the time. Skateboarding, snowboarding, sailing…. windsurfing seemed to combine them all perfectly.
What was the first board you ever rode?
Waylar Yipsy was the 1st board I sailed. My first owned board was an F2 Sunset Slalom and I loved it!
Who inspired you to get into windsurfing?
Mainly my friend Joe. He was so into it and kept badgering me, showing me magazines, brochures etc. I could windsurf already, but it was him that really got me hooked.
Why do you love windsurfing?
The simple feeling of planing is still the ultimate for me, but I also love the combination of all the different aspects of the sport. Tricks of skateboard. Waves of Surfing. Jumps of snowboarding and super high speeds too. There are not many sports that combine all that and are relatively safe and pain free too.
What is the worst thing about windsurfing?
Relying on the weather to give you what you need. I have learnt to live with it, but if you had perfect conditions everyday our sport would be the number 1 in the world.
Is windsurfing better than sex?
On one of those rare perfect days I think so.
Favourite local break and favourite destination you have travelled too?
I am a nomad so I have so many and also no local breaks. Brogborough is the original local break. Kimmeridge is now local UK break. Vargas is local GC break. Favourite destination is probably still Maui, but I also love South Africa and Fuerte when its good.
Worst ever wipe out?
For craziness I think my first push forward attempt, which ended up as a double push loop crash. But worst injury wipe outs have been really stupid things. Tiny aerial off a 1ft white water (destroyed my foot for 2 years). Goiter where my foot slipped out strap (ankle ligaments, 2 years recovery and pretty much ended freestyle career).
Last time you screamed or smiled when you were on the water?
Everyday! I always scream when I mess something up and always smile when something goes right.
Best windsurfing movie you have seen?
Namotu inspired me the most. Four Dimensions reignited the inspiration.Biggest and windiest days you have ever sailed? Biggest was Jaws. Windiest were probably some of the White Air events 10 years ago. I remember a skateboard half pipe blowing towards me at 10 mph as I de-rigged in the carpark! Most extreme mix of both was the Ireland event in 2009 with waves breaking to the horizon and stacked on 3.6.
Three words to describe yourself?
Committed, Driven, Easy-going
Words to live by?
Work hard, but have fun along the way.
Full name:
Arnon Dagan
Date of Birth:
12th April 1977
Where did you learn to windsurf and what attracted you to the sport?
One day while I was on an Olympic Kayak camp on some shitty lake, my brother showed up with a windsurfer on the roof. My Kurdish coach that had a massive nose and looked like Gargamel told me that I’m out of the Kayak team if I try it, but I couldn’t resist and that was it! From the first meter I sailed I was hooked.
What was the first board you ever rode?
A massive plastic Alfa 360m long with a pink logo (forgot the name maybe Chicci)
Who inspired you to get into windsurfing?
My brother. I wanted a surf board so we went looking on a good day at the surfers and windsurfers. He told me: look the surfers are riding for 5 sec on the waves and the windsurfers are flying all the time jumping and riding all day.
Why do you love windsurfing?
Windsurfing just gives a feeling no other sport does. It has everything in it: Power, feelings and unlimited fun!
What is the worst thing about windsurfing?
Carrying the gear around like a dog and rigging at events.
Is windsurfing better than sex?
If the day is shit and the chick is hot no. If the day is good and the chick is ugly yes. If it is an amazing wave sailing day and the chick is super-hot, hmmm probably run to the beach and hope she’ll be still waiting for you
Favourite local break and favourite destination you have travelled too?
Bat Galim beach Israel my home break is great when it works! I’ll have to be boring here and say Maui, Chile, Australia and South Africa. I cannot choose one or the other all great when you get it good.
Worst ever wipe out?
During a 35knots Slalom final in Fuerteventura the nose of my slalom board snapped off while I was hammering along full speed into the waves. I got slammed so hard, head first into the water. It was very quiet under the water and I felt my body was not reacting and my mind shutting off. Jimmy Diaz that was sailing behind me said he saw me coming up and directly diving back down. I lost orientation and thought up was down. This was harder than any wave sailing wipe out I have ever had including all my injuries.
Last time you screamed or smiled when you were on the water?
Two days ago wave sailing I was water starting in the waves with no wind. A big one came and I screamed FU***ING WIND!
Best windsurfing movie you have seen?
The first Windsurfing movie, Levi in Morocco just wave riding perfection!
Biggest and windiest days you have ever sailed?
Lanes Maui in double mast Kona wind was still the most perfect day I can remember. I had amazing gear for that day and felt like Robby Naish ahahahah
Three words to describe yourself?
Not Very Normal!
Words to live by?
“Know it, love it, be like a fish in the water”
Full name:
ANTOINE ALBEAU (On right)
Date of Birth:
17th June 1972
Where did you learn to windsurf and what attracted you to the sport?
On my Island where I still live ‘Ile De Ri’, I started windsurfing because of my dad, he started way back in the 70s.
What was the first board you ever rode?
Oh man, I don’t remember was too long ago, it was those first longboard with daggerboard.
Who inspired you to get into windsurfing?
My dad.
Why do you love windsurfing?
It is now in my blood since a long time, I love the freedom to go where you want with who you want. >
What is the worst thing about windsurfing?
The “no wind situation”!
Is windsurfing better than sex?
Hummmm it depends with who!
Favourite local break and favourite destination you have travelled too?
New Caledonia, Tahiti, Caribbean, and France.
Worst ever wipe out?
I had a big crash in Hookipa in a big wave, which broke the mast and it went straight into my leg! This was one of the best ones.
Last time you screamed or smiled when you were on the water?
Yesterday I was smiling again when I got planing, like I do all the time getting planing, I did cry when I cross the finish line of a race and I became World Champion after a big battle to win it! There was lots of emotion believe me!
Best windsurfing movie you have seen?
The ones form André Paskowski.
Biggest and windiest days you have ever sailed?
Audierne 2009 with Julien Taboulet and 2 others friends, was triple high waves with 60kts of wind!
Three words to describe yourself?
Strong, focussed, fast!
Words to live by?
I don’t understand this one!
Full name:
TIMO MULLEN
Date of Birth:
5th December 1972
Where did you learn to windsurf and what attracted you to the sport?
My dad was one of the first windsurfers in Ireland and also owned one of the biggest windsurfing shops, he was hooked on the sport and as kids we would love to watch him blasting across the water outside our house. Anything your dad does as a kid is cool so it was only natural to follow what he was doing! We have always lived by the sea so it was pretty easy to just walk across the road from our home in Carlingford Lough in N.Ireland and be taught by our dad. Sibling rivalry between myself and Finn definitely helped to push us both to improve quickly!
What was the first board you ever rode?
Pretty sure it was on our dads Dufour Sun, then he bought us a Disney Kids board with wooden daggerboard and fin, the best bit though was the sail it had a massive Mickey Mouse logo on it!!
Who inspired you to get into windsurfing?
My mum and dad.
Why do you love windsurfing?
Windsurfing will always throw up a new challenge; it is the ultimate game that can never be won! Windsurfing I believe has given me everything I love in life, I met my wife through windsurfing, my kids I’m pretty sure were all conceived on windsurfing trips (must have been no wind), my job is related to windsurfing, all my close friends I’ve met through windsurfing and it makes me very, very happy!
What is the worst thing about windsurfing?
It takes over your life!
Is windsurfing better than sex?
I definitely windsurf more than I have sex.
Favourite local break and favourite destination you have travelled too?
I guess it will always be Magheroarty in NW Ireland, I don’t live in Ireland anymore but that will always feel like my home spot and still I rarely miss a session there! My favourite destination I’ve travelled to is Scotland, give me a good day in Isle of Lewis or Thurso over Maui any day! Its hard to explain to people but the combination of the solitude and beauty of the land and waves up there is something very special.
Worst ever wipe out?
Actually nothing too bad, I’m pretty calculated on anything I do, I wouldn’t say I’m wreckless, I’ve had loads of stiches and I tore my ACL landing a push loop. I guess the one that sticks in my mind still to this very day was when I was 14 I made some harness lines just out of rope, I got catapulted and got stuck under my sail but the rope harness lines I made got twisted around my harness hook and I couldn’t get from under the sail to get air. I really did think I was going to drown and the only way a I was able to get up for air was to take the harness completely off! Things like that still scare me when I think about them!
Last time you screamed or smiled when you were on the water?
That’s an easy one, the last session I had with my brothers and JC in Ireland, a rarely sailed point break was just firing it was clean as a whistle and mast high plus I literally was laughing after every wave it was so so good!
Best windsurfing movie you have seen?
RIP was inspiring as was the first Polakow video but I think my younger brothers Greenie is my favourite because I’m in it!
Biggest and windiest days you have ever sailed?
In Ireland we get a lot of big days so I guess over the last 5 years we’ve been hunting out bigger and bigger spots. I guess I’ve sailed in waves over double mast high quite a lot but sometimes wave height can take away from wave quality, I’d much rather windsurf a big wave that you can actually crank a turn in the pocket or boost an air. More often the really really big days are more about survival and the feeling you get is more an adrenaline kick rather than a feeling you’ve sailed well! Same goes for strong winds, this winter I used my 3.3 a lot but again I find this more exciting rather than performance orientated as it is so windy you cannot really do anything unless you’ve got a screw loose!
Three words to describe yourself?
Addicted to Windsurfing
Words to live by?
If you don’t go you won’t know!
Full name:
Björn Dunkerbeck
Date of Birth:
16th July 1969
Where did you learn to windsurf and what attracted you to the sport?
My Mother Ulla and father Eugen moved from Denmark to Gran Canaria and opened a windsurfing school in 1978 in Maspalomas where I learned to windsurf.
What was the first board you ever rode?
I had a stock windsurfer with the first aluminium boom on the island!
Who inspired you to get intowindsurfing?
My parents.
Why do you love windsurfing?
Windsurfing is the greatest sport there is! The reasons are that every day is different, every spot is different and it’s not an ‘EASY’ sport and that means that you are a very talented person or a person that does not give up and really wants to do it!
What is the worst thing about windsurfing?
Bad wind conditions and cold.
Is windsurfing better than sex?
At a different time of the day yes!
Favourite local break and favourite destination you have travelled too?
Impossible to know, this year I will have competed as a pro for 30 years with minimum 200 days on the water a year. That makes around 6000 days on board some where. Ponta Preta for waves, Pozo, Gran Canaria for jumping, speed where ever it is flat and 40 knots plus!
Worst ever wipe out?
Not sure Tarifa, Sotevento, Leucate, Ho’okipa and Punta Preta, all big ones.
Last time you screamed or smiled when you were on the water?
Last Sunday with my son Liam teaching him how to Jump he was on Severne 2.1m star board 60 kids pro and I was on the Nuevo 101 and 5.5 Blade!
Best windsurfing movie you have seen?
Don’t remember, haven’t seen too many lately.
Biggest and windiest days you have ever sailed?
Jaws many times big. Windiest Japan, Pozo and France all 60 knots plus!
Three words to describe yourself?
Action, family and fun!
Words to live by?
Treat other people the way you like them to treat you!
Full name:
Robert Staunton Naish
Date of Birth:
23rd April 1963
Where did you learn to windsurf and what attracted you to the sport?
Kailua on Oahu in Hawaii. I surfed and sailed, and windsurfing combined those in a uniquely addicting way. Once I tried it, I simply couldn’t get enough.
What was the first board you ever rode?
When I began windsurfing there was only one windsurfer…. which was the “Windsurfer.” It was twelve feet long, Polyethylene, wooden daggerboard, plastic fin, wood and metal universal joint, wooden booms, one piece fiberglass mast, and a Dacron sail. It was awesome. Other brands began to show up in 1977 and onwards.
Who inspired you to get into windsurfing?
Mike Horgan, Larry Stanley and Ken Kleid.
Why do you love windsurfing?
The freedom, the power, the workout, the ever changing environment, the sensation of speed, waveriding and jumping, seeing and riding new locations, and on and on.
What is the worst thing about windsurfing?
Waiting for wind.
Is windsurfing better than sex?
No
Favourite local break and favourite destination you have travelled too?
Ho’okipa. I do not really have a favourite destination. The cool thing about travel and sailing different spots is that they are unique. Conditions do not have to be perfect to have a really good time, and a memorable session. Traveling halfway around the world to ride a spot that is killer, but basically the same as what you may have at home might be a lot less memorable than going and riding some cold, onshore, stormy spot that is the polar opposite of what you normally ride. Variety is the spice of life.
Worst ever wipe out?
Jaws two winters ago. Of all of the times that I have gone down out there, only once was I really worried that I might never breathe again. That’s a bad feeling.
Last time you screamed or smiled when you were on the water?
Two days ago… (I didn’t ride yesterday).
Best windsurfing movie you have seen?
Hard to say!
Biggest and windiest days you have ever sailed?
Windiest, Omaezaki Japan, Scheveningen Holland, Pozo Gran Canaria, La Torche France. Biggest: Phantoms, Revelations (Oahu) and Jaws (Maui).
Three words to describe yourself?
Stoked, focused, hardworking!
Words to live by?
Life is what you make of it. Every day on the water is a good day. Smile.
Full name:
Matthew Hoyle Schweitzer (On left)
Date of Birth:
March 3rd, 1960
Where did you learn to windsurf and what attracted you to the sport?
I was 9 years old, it was 1969. Since my father invented the sport, it was a family affair with weekend regattas constantly.
What was the first board you ever rode?
It was one of the original prototype fiberglass Windsurfer, called the Baja Board, (which was the Original name for the Windsurfer which we named because it was where we tested all the prototypes in Bajia Santa Maria, Mexico.)
Who inspired you to get into windsurfing?
Again, it was a family affair, and it was just what we did, I was 9. The entire neighbourhood got involved too.
Why do you love windsurfing?
It is an individual sport, and it is such a peaceful, soulful feeling to be gliding on the water and it is a great source of pride for me; it is my family’s legacy to the world.
What is the worst thing about windsurfing?
Teaching good friends (haha). The learning curve is not quick and gets people frustrated. But really the most frustrating is driving to sail, rigging up, and then the wind dies, but then I just got surf!!!
Is windsurfing better than sex?
???? Really – do you have to ask????
Favourite local break and favourite destination you have travelled too?
My favourite local break is anywhere it is going off on Westside Maui. Quiet, beautiful, and no one else out! I have travelled ALL OVER THE WORLD and still nothing compares to Maui for windsurfing.
Worst ever wipe out?
Big day at Outer Reef Sprecks, 30 feet in the air jumping, I bailed out, and then landed hard on my board on my stomach and ruptured my spleen, internal bleeding, hospitalized…
Last time you screamed or smiled when you were on the water?
Yesterday, sailing with the Humpback Whales jumping everywhere!
Best windsurfing movie you have seen?
Old School: Warren Miller Classic Movie: “Have Board Will Travel”
New School: All Levi Siver movies are epic! And any Freestyle movie blows my mind; they are doing what we literally dreamed about.
Biggest and windiest days you have ever sailed?
Big: Westside ‘Happy Opu’ breaking on the 4th reef, over 50 foot faces, and waves you can ride forever.
Windy: South Africa about 50 knots on a 3.5 still way too windy and not controllable.
Three words to describe yourself?
Adventurous, loyal, thrill seeker.
Words to live by?
Pono: In Hawaiian it means “Do what is right” and I’m married so Happy Wife, Happy Life ha ha! JC
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