WindsurfingUK Issue 9 December 2018 | Page 80

78 PROFILEEMMA WILSON When did you decide you wanted to compete? What do you like about events? I started doing the zone squad training but I was always too scared to do the racing. Then I made some friends, and did a few competitions and got more used to it. My first international competition was at the worlds in 2010. I came almost last and spent most of my time jumping off the pier and swimming. But I remember after that thinking I wanted to do well next year, and not come last again, haha! How often are you on the water these days? Quite a lot. Normally five days a week, either RS:X, foiling or short boarding. Sometimes double session days on RS:X depending if the conditions are really good! What kit do you use and why? When I’m training I use the One Design RS:X kit; when I go foiling we have some random old boards with an F4 foil - I just do it for fun, try and do the foiling gybe! And if I’m short boarding, anything I can get my hands on. What’s your favourite piece of windsurfing equipment? To be honest I really enjoy the RS:X in 15 - 20 knots, or when I was in Japan last week I rented a 75L Goya board and it was so nice. I’m searching for one now. Where do you normally train for an upcoming race? Do you head elsewhere in winter? Everywhere. Normally I go to the event early and train there if it’s winter to get out of the cold! Last year I spent quite a lot of time in Cadiz and Palma, this year I will base myself out of Portugal for the winter to get out of England. uk WIND SURFING If you could choose to windsurf anywhere in the world where would it be? And why? Hmmm. Somewhere warm and windy. Bonaire or Japan are pretty cool places, but I want to go explore and find some new places. Where’s your fave place for windsurfing, home or away? Away in the winter but nothing can beat a south westerly at Avon Beach, Dorset, in the summer.