60PROFILEKEITH ATKINSON
What happens to all the hundreds of windsurfers they
introduce to the sport? Personally I think It’s a savage waste
to see young people disappear when they once had a
passion just because the RYA don’t feel they’re quite good
enough. I’d personally like to see more awareness for the
other disciplines such as slalom, course racing and
wave/freestyle. There are so many other ways they can enjoy
the sport, and if competition really is their thing, then why
not aim for the ultimate: the PWA, which is the pinnacle of
the sport?
A message to all young windsurfers coming into the sport: do
what YOU want to do, go in the direction you feel is right in
your heart. Be the master of your own destiny and don’t let
other people choose for you or give their opinion on how
successful you can be. The sky is the limit! Only you can
control your outcome. Before I made the choice to move
from raceboard to formula, once another sailor told me I’d
never be any good at formula, that I was too small compared
to the other guys and I wouldn’t be fast enough to be
competitive. Find a way. Moving forward when I felt the time
was right was the best thing I ever did. I always follow my
heart and not what someone else dictates to me.
“Be the master of your own destiny and don’t
let other people choose for you or give their
opinion on how successful you can be.”
How would you go about encouraging more riders
into the fold?
I’d say come along to some events, especially ones like
the National Watersports Festival. The NWF is a great way
to get a feel for the sport, as it’s the primary event to
showcase windsurfing. No matter what level you are
there’s something for everyone and it’s a great way to
make headway into competition and meet some of the
top people in the sport.
Tell us a little about your life outside of windsurfing.
What do you do to make ends meet and such?
I’m a personal trainer. I’m passionate about fitness and
living healthy. I’m really focused on influencing healthy
living, and I’ve just started a clothing brand to channel my
passions to help influence more people on a worldwide
scale (Fitsix).
Where does windsurfing fit in your daily/weekly
routine?
I’ve had a couple of years away from competition,
however, this year as I will be racing on the BSA tour, and
being self-employed I have a little more flexibility to sail
during the week potentially. Mostly though I keep the
weekends free and if the wind is blowing I’ll try to be down
at Weymouth.
uk
WIND
SURFING