JUSTYNA SNIADY
“This year I decided not to do the race. I don’t really do slalom or have the gear and my trustworthy “coach” Steve Stratfold was away in Europe, and that’s who I usually borrow the kit from. Somehow the vibe at the LOC is always one of sharing and helping out. Not only do people offer you lifts back to Ledge Point the moment you finish the race (this time I travelled in the back of a pick-up squeezed between gear – thanks boys!), but they are also keen to give you tips and even lend their gear!
After the FOMO (fear of missing out) feeling started to sink in, I decided to run around the parking lot and try to put together a set of gear. I literally scrambled every bit of equipment from someone else! I scrounged a sail from Ben Severne, boom from Blair, mast from Paul, boom shimmy from Spotty, foot-strap screws from Tom; the list goes on. All within an hour from the start. Thanks legends! I managed to collect everything and was set and ready 15 minutes before the start with a 95 litre old freeride board and a brand spanking new 7.0! As I ran into the water I was quite excited as I had my best ever start! I was thinking, “Yes! That’s it! This year no dramas!” And just as I went for my first jibe – my front footstrap broke! I catapulted and face planted into the water at full speed. The sail got stuck wrong way around and heaps of people passed me. I was a bit gutted, but as I have always finished this race (even with a broken rib) I decided I will keep going without a footstrap to keep the stats up!