60PROFILEMEGGIE KRAFT
Do you do anything else outdoorsy? Currently I study Outdoor Adventure Education at Plumpton College. This means I am frequently kayaking, canoeing, climbing, navigating, mountain biking and dinghy sailing. I am very busy and it all involves being outdoors. I also had two expeditions to North Wales at the start of 2017. These included climbing Mount Snowdon( the biggest mountain in Wales) in the dark. We reached the top just in time for sunrise. We have also climbed Yr Aran, the mountain opposite Snowdon. During these expeditions we got the chance to experience some white water canoeing on the River Dee and some extreme MTB at the centre, Coed Y Brenin. This summer I will also be embarking on an unplugged sailing expedition to Lake Runn, Sweden. This is a seven day trip where we will be sailing dinghies and wild camping. We will have no luxuries and no technology – phones and watches will be completely unplugged. As you can see I am quite an outdoorsy person!
How does the above compliment your windsurfing? I sail a dinghy every Wednesday, with a group from college. Having previous windsurfing experience has helped with my sailing because I understand the theory. Overall this has made me realise the differences between sailing and windsurfing and this has motivated me to work harder in both sports.
What about windsurfing at large. Do you think it’ s got the appeal of other disciplines like kitesurfing and SUP for instance? I think in general the sport has a good appeal. This is thanks to social media, the press, the events put on and the people who are keeping the sport alive. I think youngsters in windsurfing also help because they are good at promoting how much fun it can be and the different pathways it can open up.
How difficult is it to windsurf as a teenager? Do you rely heavily on parents? Unfortunately being a windsurfer as a teenager does have its limitations. This is because we do not have the ability to take ourselves to events or training, meaning we have to rely on our parents to put the time aside to take us places. Once I can drive I will have a lot more freedom and I will not have to rely on my parents. This is good because it means I can go training or just windsurfing whenever it is windy.
If you could be anywhere in the world windsurfing right now where it be and why? There are so many places that are good for windsurfing, and I’ m sure in the years to come I will get the opportunity to explore them. I would, however, like to
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WIND SURFING visit Club Vass in Greece. This is because it is sunny and generally windy. There are also lots of people there who share the same passion for the sport, meaning I would get the chance to meet them.
Any final thoughts on windsurfing in general? Windsurfing is fun. There are too many sports that are serious. Every session is different meaning it is always interesting and the people involved are friendly. All round it’ s sociable and offers you the opportunity to meet new people and travel the world. I would definitely recommend windsurfing to anyone who wants to have some fun out on the water in the summer months.
Shouts and thanks? My windsurfing journey has been a long one so far, with hopefully plenty more to come. So firstly, I would like to thank my family, and in particular my parents, who have supported me since day one. Thank you for driving me to events and training at stupid hours in the morning, for supporting me financially with kit, for showing up at events and cheering me on, but most of all for the all-round support. I wouldn’ t be where I am today without my parents so I am incredibly grateful for everything they have done for me.
Secondly I would like to thank my sponsor. 4boards, https:// 4boards. co. uk have been supporting me with kit for the last three years. Without them I would not have all the equipment to get out on the water. I am very appreciative of all the support I have received from Bob and Stu. With additional thanks to Ross Williams for his support and encouragement as the Tabou and Vandal UK importer.
I am pleased to announce that I have a new sponsor for the 2017 season. The man who’ s father invented windsurfing, Guy Chilvers, is now enjoying a new lease of life in the renewable energy industry. His new company, Richmond Green Energy Limited, will be supporting me this season.
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who has coached me throughout my time on the water. This includes everyone from Charlie Holman who delivered my first ever taster session at Spray Watersports, to Paul Sibley who has known me( and coached me for a few years) since I was two years old as he was competing in the UKWA series with my Dad. Also thanks to Sam Ross, Ben Lee, Ali Masters, Graham Colam and Lewis May who coached me whilst I was in the RYA Zone Squad. Huge thanks to everyone who has helped me out on and off the water, I just wanted to let you all know that it is hugely appreciated.