28PROFILESIMON BASSETT
How often were you sailing then? Is it the same now?
Lots back then, every spare moment. For me now after 41 years windsurfing I pick my moments. I always go windsurfing or SUP surfing on holiday and my kit is right on the beach at West Wittering so I can go when it looks good.
What kit couldn’ t you be without?
My Goya custom made quad and my Ezzy Taka 4.
How has that changed over the years?
Gear has got lighter and stronger and has a much bigger wind range. It’ s just so much easier to windsurf now. You need a lot less equipment, which is great.
What piece of windsurfing equipment really gets your juices flowing?
I have a big windsurf toy box so lots of choice depending on the day. A perfect session would be on a 5.3m Ezzy Taka, Streamlined carbon boom with14 knots of wind and
WIND
uk
SURFING my Slingshot windfoil board. Then when the wind and waves pick up at high tide a 4.7m Ezzy and Quatro Super Mini 85l.
When did windsurfing turn into a performance sport for you?
Windsurfing has always been about performance since I was about 11 but it also has been about simply being on the water and in the ocean. It’ s all about that magic feeling you get after a decent session.
Was your sailing about moves or speed?
Originally it was a voyage of discovery, not many moves to start with. I remember watching Jurgen Honscheid doing a planning carve gybe on Grandstand. It was inspiring so we tried it at speed along with many other moves.
And now?
Now it’ s more about waves, fun, not getting injured and riding with friends.