SARAH-QUITA OFFRINGA – 2016 PWA Slalom and Freestyle World Champion
My focus is progress and developing myself further in anything I do. That’s how I stay motivated to do things. Because if you’re not progressing your standing still, and then things get boring. I guess that’s why I moved into different disciplines in windsurfing. An important part of progressing is liking what you do. After trying all these disciplines I’ve come to find that the things I can learn in this sport are endless. And that the more I learn, the more fun this sport becomes!
There are different types of training sessions for me. Usually I go out on the water with a specific move in mind, but I adapt my focus depending on the conditions and how I’m performing. Sometimes that specific move goes well and I keep on practicing till my arms drop off. Other days I’m out of focus and I just do the moves that I can already do. Usually I’ll be a bit bored by the end and not satisfied with the session, because I didn’t push myself. Other sessions I’m so inspired by windsurfing that it doesn’t matter. I crash hard, I land a new move, I’m stoked about landing a move I did a thousand times. Those are the best sessions. For freestyle I focus on learning moves both sides. Isn’t it cool that per definition as a windsurfer we are ambidextrous! Since I don’t have a surfing background, for wave sailing I’m focused on getting more wave knowledge. I’ve been getting more into regular surfing to understand how the wave works. For slalom, I’m focused on understanding my gear better and gaining knowledge on what setup works best. I stay focused when I put things in perspective. Sometimes I lose my focus, but by looking back on what I’ve achieved, evaluating where I am right now and thinking about where I want to go, I reset myself and get back on track. I think sometimes it’s okay to lose the focus, because sometimes the reserves are just empty and you need to recharge. I think that’s exactly where you should relax, re-evaluate things and then go for it when the energy is back. I stay focused when I’m inspired. When I compete on tour I’m surrounded by the best people in the world and that’s inspiring. It also restores my focus. I’ve moved into new disciplines to challenge myself and stay inspired. Is it weird to say that music keeps me focused? Put on the right sounds and I can tackle the world. Bring it on!
Since last year I started to focus more on my gear setup. For slalom this is crucial, but it matters a lot for freestyle and waves as well. Not just having the right downhaul, but also figuring out which masts works better with what sail and in what conditions. Strap positioning, base positioning, fin position, boom height, harness line position and length. Everything influences each other. I’m more focused on getting the little things right so that ultimately all the little adjustments lead to the best setup and that will enhance my performance on the water. For 2017 I’m so excited to progress in wave sailing. I can’t believe I started so late in this discipline. I’ve improved quite a bit every year since I started and it seems the fun in this discipline is endless! Sure I’d like to be on the podium again next year. But honestly I just want to land double loops and push forwards. Now watch me whip, now watch me nae nae!