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
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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 .