54 PROFILE SIMON PETTIFER
If you’re looking at getting into comps then
practice, practice and practice some more.
That’s it! Watch movies, note how the pros do
things and then time on the water.
Training in winter can be cold and limited by daylight,
but it’s oh so good in autumn, summer and spring. If
there’s one thing that’d help it’s not having a job that
knackers you’re back!
Support for me comes from a few people. Firstly we
have Jim Brooks-Dowsett from Puravida Board Riders
in Wales. He sorted me out when I got back into
racing. He also helps with my deal through Fanatic,
North and ION. The man himself Nik Baker provides
boards, sails and wetsuits. Also he’s really helpful and
always happy to give advice and good ideas. Then
there’s Steve Cook at F-Hot – he’s the man that
provides the world’s best fins IMO. Sam Latham at
South East Signage also helps out. Any type of sticker
making or designing, he’s the man. Sam produces my
awesome flaming sail numbers.
In return for their support I basically have to go to all the
UKWA slalom events and a couple of demo events
throughout the year, like NWF. (Sorry Allan couldn’t
make it to this one!). Also there’s social media. I’m sure
all my non-windsurfing friends are pretty peed off with
seeing my windsurfing photos all the time, but that’s
what sponsors want – as much coverage as possible.
If you’re looking at getting into comps then practice,
practice and practice some more. That’s it! Watch
movies, note how the pros do things and then time on
the water.
uk
WIND
SURFING
Full time carpenter
I’m a carpenter full time. I build houses around the
Poole area. It’s a job and it pays the bills. It
occasionally allows for quick sojourns to the beach,
but I’m not one for letting people down at work. If the
forecast is really good, and the Hamworthy Hero's are
all out playing, then I can sometimes leave early. It
only takes 10 minutes to get to the beach so it’s not
like I need all day.
I’m going to get stick for this from the boys but my
North Power XT extensions are my fave pieces of kit.
I’ve not hurt my back downhauling since I got them.
And no wet bum from sitting on moist grass. And to
top it adjusting my downhaul in the water is
unbelievably easy.