52PROFILEGINA CHIPPINGTON
women are involved in windsurfing (or have been) for a
number of reasons. Initial perceptions may suggest it’s a bit of
a lad’s pastime, not true I know, and as I’ve said already social
media could dispel that myth. Some of the advertising going
back less than a decade was distinctly sexist and that in turn
was/is alienating. I’m glad to see less of it.
Whilst on the Dalmatian Coast about five years ago I had a go
a stand up paddling and to my surprise I enjoyed it, the bonus
being you get an all over tan. I have tried it at home but I’m
strictly flat water and fair weather.
I think windsurfing events could possibly do with more input
from local businesses and a little more clarity/commentary
Getting me afloat isn’t really very likely. I hate it when my hair
gets wet. It does funny things like with Monica from Friends
when they went to the Caribbean. I’m not especially
competitive either and I definitely would need to see the
bottom or I’d freak!
Zara Davies has had an amazing year. I can’t believe she
hasn’t been snapped up for an ad campaign by a non-
windsurfing brand. That would be a brilliant for raising the
female profile. It’s also great to see the likes of Jenna Gibson
and Sarah Jackson being great ambassadors – all’s boding
well for the women if they’re anything to go by. Watching the
youngsters it’s quite amazing. Do they realise how good they
are? They’re only getting started so who knows what the likes
of Sam Anstey and Scotty Stallman can achieve.
from the organizers. Often I’m not aware what race is on and
that’s the case with some of the racers too.
When I’m playing the dutiful wife I love reading, cooking,
watching classic films and visiting art galleries. If I could do
that in Tuscany (Italy) it would be heavenly. I don’ t really try
too hard to involve Simon. If he wants to great but you can’t
or shouldn’t make someone do something they’d rather not.
When Simon competes it’s often a good time for me to meet
with my more aesthetically minded friends – birds of a
feather and all of that.
Although I think windsurfing is a fairly costly past time there’s
nothing to stop someone giving it a go on knackered kit. It
would be a good place to start. There must be ton of stuff sat
in garages nationwide no longer in use. The likes of T15 might
be able to put it to good use. There are often outward bound
days touted at schools which could also. Perhaps the likes of
T15 or any other water park business could stick their neck
out and offer a skills day?
Ultimate destination
Holidays are what Simon and I are good at. We normally
take it turns to choose a destination. Our criteria is
opposing so we find this the fairest way to do things. Simon
is totally off the chart with excitement (think badly trained
Labrador) as we are off to Mauritius for him to compete
soon. As you can imagine it’s a stretch for me to lounge in
the sun at a lovely hotel, gin and tonic in hand but
compromise I must! My ultimate destination is Croatia:
culture all around, great food, beautiful coastline and a bit
of wind to keep the surfy one happy.
uk
WIND
SURFING
The secret of a happy marriage to a windsurfer is give and
take. Be prepared to be flexible. If the wind gets up suddenly
your plans might change. However, speak your mind and
develop some good negotiation skills. Combine this with a
long memory and you might have him (or her) over a barrel
next time you want your own way!