FM: Who do you credit as part of your success?
AL: Honestly, probably too many to mention all here. So many people have helped me on my way and I can’t thank them enough. Mum and Dad helped so much and still do with an insane amount of airport drop offs! Lucy my girlfriend who doubles up as a surf buddy and photographer. The Team Airborn guys, George Shillito and Graham Woods for kicking my ass when I was younger plus Bob Shilito for being the driving force behind Airborn! All the youth BWA guys when I was coming up – Muzza, Pip and Sam Neal. Mark Sparky Hosegood, who really got George, Graham and I into wavesailing. Ben Proffitt, who persuaded me to come on the tour and let me sleep on his floor that first year. Dany Bruch who gave me my first wild card for a PWA event and has helped me out so much over the years. The guys from the OTC – Tris and Ben. Nik Baker, who has always been really supportive right from the start, helps me out whenever he can. All of the guys and girls at Fanatic and North have been really supportive and didn’t push me to sail before I was ready with the injury. Actually the whole PWA tour is a pretty cool family so everyone there too! I guess looking back on it, it’s been a long time coming.
FM: Where do you see your future in the sport, immediate and long term plans and how you plan to achieve them.
AL: Immediately, I’d love a PWA podium. But I think it’s important to be goal driven rather than result driven because there is so much out of your control. So for the immediate future, I’m just focussing on getting fitter, stronger, improve a few aspects of my sailing and keep pushing! I’ve taken on a few more bits and pieces of responsibility over the years with North and Fanatic so I’d like to think I have a place there longer term. In terms of strength and physical performance I will be coming into my peak over the next few years so I’d like to keep at it. After that, who knows, the world’s your oyster!