NOT JUST FOR KIDS
Rob is 40 now, and the last move he learnt was the regular Kono. The move was invented a few years ago by PWA star Kiri Thode. It involves ducking the sail to a backwinded position whilst sailing along fully planing in the straps, carving upwind and taking off into a Wymaroo/Clew-first Backloop type of aerial.
Since his return to the sport and heavy focus on freestyle Rob has managed to master an impressive array of the modern tricks such as the Shaka, Bobs and Air Funnels. Many people wouldn’t even consider or attempt to learn these kind of tricks after 35, but Rob shows it’s still possible to learn them.
He has a very systematic approach to learning, constantly breaking down and analysing each step of the moves. Whilst Wellington is super windy, the majority of crew there are wave sailors, which leaves the odd visitor, the Tricktionary and various websites as the only sources of inspiration and advice on what he is doing wrong.
Some people might be surprised that he hasn’t yet found injury a major problem, as this is a common concern when attempting freestyle for the first time. Whilst he has found learning to be more difficult as the years go by, Rob says ‘you have to accept that it’s going to take slightly longer to reach your goals’.