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KRAFTY
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Meggie Kraft profile
WORDS: MEGGIE KRAFT
PICS: ANDY STALLMAN, DAVE WHITE, IAN KRAFT
KRAFT…YOU MAY HAVE HEARD THE NAME WITHIN UK WINDSURFING
CIRCLES. BUT IT’S NOT JUST DAD (IAN ‘KRAFTY’ KRAFT IN CASE YOU’RE
WONDERING) WHO’S HANDY WITH A BOARD AND RIG. Daughter Meggie is
also pretty swift round a race course and loves nothing better than a full
power blast. Meg now works at Buzz as a Windsurfing Instructor and loves
teaching people how to windsurf. WSUK caught up with Meg for a gas.
Tell us about your windsurf beginnings. How did you get into the sport and what did
you like about it?
Before I participated in the sport I had been to many events, national and international with
my Dad. So, I guess I had been around the scene for a long time before I became a part of
it. From watching I thought it was cool and it was something different to all the standard
hobbies (for girls) out there. With that in mind (and some encouragement from my Dad) I
had my first ever taster session aged nine.
And now? What keeps you hooked?
Eight years on and I’m still windsurfing. The thing that keeps me hooked is the fact that every
session is different. This could be anything from the kit I am using, the conditions, the
location or the people I am on the water with. All these factors are different every time
meaning I never get bored. I also enjoy the fact that every time I go on the water I can see
an improvement in the way I windsurf.
Where did you learn? Is it somewhere you still sail?
I learnt at Spray Watersports Centre, Eastbourne. This is now called Buzz Active and has
grown across two sites. I haven’t had much of a chance to windsurf there lately, however,
when I am in the area it is still somewhere I like to ride.
What are your favourite conditions?
My favourite conditions are 18-25 knots on flat water. This is because I can work on
conditioning my speed and work on my gybes. In the winter storms, I also enjoy taking wave
kit out and try some bump and jump stuff.
uk
WIND
SURFING