58 PROFILERUARAIDH SOMERVILLE
How would you go about getting young ‘uns involved
with windsurfing?
A better image of the sport is really important! RS:X is cool
but it’s not the only kind of windsurfing...
Sports like cycling, skiing etc are so popular with kids
nowadays because they managed to almost reinvent
themselves as an extreme sport. Forget the Tour De France,
most kids who cycle love BMX and mountain biking! Events
like the Red Bull Storm Chase are also amazing for getting
the sport out there. The more content like that we can get
into mainstream media, the better.
What type of sailing do you normally indulge in?
Waves! It’s the best kind of windsurfing. I love the feel of
blasting and jumping, but at the end of the day, nothing
beats a good wave ride, whether it’s mushy cross onshore or
clean, glassy down the line.
Any other areas, do you dabble?
I’ve tried freestyle a few times with some rather disastrous
results. It’s super fun to watch and I’d definitely like to try it
some more, but I’ll leave the double air Culos/Shaka-Flakas
to the pros!
Going out and sending it; launching back loops
and double forwards and hitting maxing lips
that most people would run away from on a
normal day, when it’s that windy, is just
mental. I have so much respect for those guys.
uk
WIND
SURFING