First time you crashed on a windsurfer?
BP: I’m not sure about crash but the first time I nearly drowned was the first time I was on the sea. I think I was about ten years old and we were on holiday in Cornwall. I decided I was going to have a go on the sea at Marazion. So I was waiting to beach start at the waters edge and this little wave came through and broke on top of me. It wasn’t a big wave but it pinned me to the beach! I was trapped, there was no battens in the sail so it felt like someone had ‘cling wrapped’ me to it. I couldn’t move; and as soon as the wave had sucked back out and the pressure had gone, the next wave would land on top of me! I really thought I was going to die. I can still see all the little stones washing around me as I struggled to free myself. After about four waves and what seemed an eternity I managed to get myself free, coughing and spluttering and crying, I see my dad laughing his head off! I wasn’t a happy fella as I don’t think he realised how bad it was. It took me years before I went back on the sea! Now I spend my life chasing wind and waves on every ocean of the world !
First time you did a massive jump?
BP: I was a bit of a late starter so it was probably when I started doing big stalled forwards in Cape Town. I’ve had some pretty massive jumps at Whitsands over the years and to be honest on its day Sunset can be pretty decent for rocket airs!
“ Now I spend my life chasing wind and waves on every ocean of the world ! ”
First time you rode a massive wave?
BP: Probably Elands Bay 2003/4, the beach break was mast high and out back was huge, well over mast, maybe even double; well that’s what I remember but I bet if I went back it wouldn’t feel as big now!
First time you were really angry?
BP: Really not sure about the first time but I remember this one time when I was about 17 and we had been at the Surfers Against Sewage Ball in Cornwall. I borrowed my dad’s car and there was a pretty crazy party in a field somewhere. I was sleeping in the back of the car on a board bag or something with the boot slightly open as my feet were in the way. Anyway I was passed out when I woke up to a bang. Then three seconds later another ‘bang’ and then the car was moving, half asleep I looked out the window to see another car reverse into my dad’s car again! So I jump out of bed just as the car is trying to drive off. Luckily the field was super muddy and they couldn’t get much traction. I was so angry as they were trying to drive off with out saying anything. There was no fighting as it was a girl driver and she was still drunk. But I said a few choice words before getting insurance details!
First time you had a real travel disaster?
BP: Not mine but a funny one I remember was checking in with the British youth team and some how Nick Dempsey managed to check in and then put his passport into his checked luggage! It was a total nightmare as he didn’t realise for a while and the bag was long gone!
First time you had a punch up?
BP: Benidorm, 1998, it was more a beat down! I was trying to help a mate out who was getting the sh!t kicked out of him. I took the bloke down (Big Bouncer ) but the glory didn’t last long as about five dudes kicked the hell out of me!
It’s a long story but most people who know me have heard it. My nose hasn’t been the same since!