FM: You’re using the ‘Stubby’ boards a lot in competition, how has your gear this year made a difference to your sailing and results?
AL: Yeah I have to say, the sails this year have an awesome wind range so I really feel confident on them. Then there is the ‘Stubby’, I think Victor and myself have had some incredible results on the production ‘Stubby’. I love it, I’m using my 82 more and more, I’ve got some customs and protos but I keep pulling out the 82. I think I’ve chosen gear this year that perhaps made me a little more mobile around the contest area. Previous years I was choosing a smaller set of gear that I knew I would get a slightly better turn on. Having big gear that’s quick and early on the plane but still can hold a big rail turn is the holy grail, it’s been epic to have gear that works so well. It all plays into feeling confident as you hit the water for your heat.
FM: You’ve spent more time in the UK recently, sailing in typically variable ‘North European’ conditions, how do you still keep improving in these, less consistent conditions, compared to the Canaries, Cape Town etc.
AL: I think it really helps a lot, I’ve probably been based back in the UK for the last 3 years and it can be frustrating but it teaches you to adapt very quickly to changing conditions and you learn how to sail overpowered, underpowered and everything in between; which has been challenging but awesome. Even the more consistent spots change a lot throughout the day and tide so your constantly adapting, it’s harder to learn new moves but you develop as a more rounded sailor. Plus I live in Cornwall, so when it’s good it’s world class. That mix really keeps windsurfing refreshing.
FM: What are your tips for sailing in UK / North European conditions.
AL: Get a “Stubby” ha ha!
FM: Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in windsurfing and outside of the sport?
AL: For inspiration in windsurfing I would say Levi Siver for pure style and Bjorn Dunkerbeck for being such a champion but still giving back to the sport. He organizes events and sponsors some of the PWA events, what a legend. Outside of the sport, I’ve always looked up to Mick Fanning as a competitor, especially that year (2013) he was WSL world champ. Keeping cool and just performing in mega Pipeline, pure class. Plus that frontside rail carve of his is a thing of beauty!
FM: What motivates you?
AL: I guess I really like to improve. I think that’s what really motivates me. I always see areas that I could get better, it can be frustrating but windsurfing is such a challenging sport, so you fight for those improvements, it’s never ending and really rewarding.
FM: You incorporate surfing into your cross-training a lot – what does it bring to your sailing and what do you see as the big differences between the sports in culture and performance.
AL: I think it helps a lot in terms of wave knowledge and knowing where to generate speed on a wave. Other than that, I’d like to think it pushes you to incorporate a more surfing approach. That said, I think windsurfing is its own sport and you shouldn’t just try to copy surfing completely because windsurfing has so much more to offer. But I think that basic appreciation of rail work is really important.
In terms of culture I think surfing can sometimes be a little bit too cool for school. One thing as windsurfers we should all be really proud of is that right from world champions to a beginner, pretty much everyone is happy to stop and chat to one another and share the stoke. Windsurfing has such a great social vibe, it’s something to be proud of.
FM: What advice would you give to your 16 year old self and to groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
AL: Never give up. Sail as much as you can and do what you love. Also if your getting sponsored be professional about it, treat it as a job and hopefully it will become one!
FM: How important a stepping stone was your formative years in Tenerife?
AL: Massive, I’m so thankful to the guys at the OTC for the job I got there. I can’t thank those guys, Ben, Tris and Sparky enough. The way the centre was geared up was really by windsurfers for windsurfers and all about the windsurfing. On those good days we’d get at least 1 sail in during the day and then sail till dark after work. You did have to put the work in too, so it was a really good balance. I shared that with a great friend called Graham Woods, who I have to say was kicking my ass on the water from day one. We really pushed each other’s level. I was very lucky to have him there pushing me. Aside from all that, the level of all the locals in Cabezo is inspiring, there’s guys finishing work and going for doubles and busting big 360’s. Then you’ve got Dany Bruch and Alex Mussolini, both serious world title contenders. Both more than happy to help whenever they can, both legends! So it was a massive melting pot of sailing and inspiration.
FM: When it was finally confirmed that your were 5th, who did you call and how did you celebrate?
AL: I think I called my girlfriend Lucy and my Dad first. I had so many messages and support from everyone it was amazing, that really took me by surprise. The support blew me away. I was pretty destroyed after all the sailing in the double elimination but I went for a big steak and a few beers then and there in Sylt with Dany, Jaeger, the Twins, Max Rowe and Proffitt. I had to drive straight from Sylt to the event in Tiree so I couldn’t go too big… but when the season’s fully over I’ll have an AGM with all the fellas at home in a cider barn… I can only see that going one way!