FM – You sail in slalom and waves to a very high level, how do you maintain your windsurf fitness when you are working long hours in the office.
CG – High level for my age would be a more accurate description I think! I try to do a mix of running, cycling and a bit of gym in winter, I´m not too good at sitting still although I need to motivate myself sometimes after a long day in the office, just like anyone else. I try to mix it up with different activities, throw in some snowboarding, paddling etc., otherwise sport becomes too routine. As you age, you notice how exhausting windsurfing is, so it´s definitely better to prepare physically whenever possible.
FM – The slalom world title has been very close to Fanatic’s grasp the last few years – what advice have you given Pierre and is there anything you have been working on for the 2017 season.
CG – In 2015 both Pierre and Matteo were extremely unlucky not to get the Overall World Title, each winning 2 out of 6 events. Last year Pierre was also a bit unfortunate at a few events, but Matteo most certainly put it together on Sylt and deservedly won the title. I never put too much pressure on our team in terms of results, but I do watch as many of the events live or on streaming, where I sometimes have some smaller tips or advice to give. Nothing special, but for Pierre for example he was relying a bit too much on his speed at some events, being a touch too conservative on starts – he knows that anyway and I think if anything he will perhaps put a bit more risk on the line this year in that department. Other than that, the boys have been training hard and I think it´s going to be a very exciting year in all the disciplines, the level is through the roof!
FM – Victor and Gollito had an incredible year, they say retaining your title is always the hardest part – what advice have you given them for 2017.
CG – Both Victor and Gollito are really mega competitors, real pros, so it´s hard to give them any advice, they both know what they need to train on and how to put heats together. Again, here it is going to be super interesting to see who can knock them off their thrones in 2017, with both wave and freestyle having less events this year, there will be no room for errors. Consistency and fitness will be key. With the level so close in both disciplines between the top guys, the guys who are ready to risk a bit more than classic routines will win.
FM – Every year you travel the world and every year you return to your birthplace, South Africa, how do you view your country when you return home.
CG – Tricky question, I love my home country and love being there. On the other hand, if you pick up a newspaper or follow the political and social problems that actual residents face each day, then it´s a completely different world to what the European windsurfing guys see when they are there. It´s just such a shame that the opportunity to unite and rebuild the country is not being used, instead it is becoming even more divided and 90% of the people are not getting the uplift they hoped for, for so many years. Still hoping that somehow this works out, as I would love to settle back / spend more time there in the future.
FM – As an ex-pat, living in Europe, what do you make of European life and European windsurfing?
CG – I’ve been in Europe since 1991, living in France, Spain and now Germany since 2000, such a great opportunity to get to know different cultures and traditions. I really enjoy being able to sample the best of all the places I live / visit and still retain my own identity somehow. Europe has some great windsurfing spots – Greece, France, Canaries, Denmark, Spain and not forgetting the UK of course!
FM – Family is a huge part of your life; does windsurfing make you a better husband or father?
CG – As your kids get older, you need to find activities that you can do together, like skiing, SUP or windsurfing, otherwise they are off skateboarding / horse riding with their friends all day! So whilst it really was a big challenge over the last 10 years to get their windsurfing levels up to the point where we can all go out and plane around together, it was most certainly worth it. To see how much fun they have and also realizing that they are part of a very, very small group of people who can enjoy the sport, makes them feel special. I´m always surprised by how few of my friends bother to teach their kids to windsurf, especially knowing themselves how much fun it is. If every windsurfer would encourage family and friends into the sport and devote a bit of time to it, then the sport would be considerably bigger today. Better husband?, is that a trick question? – I rig my wife´s sails, does that count? Ha ha!
