STRENGTHS
Iballa: So Daida tell us what your strengths are?
Daida: My strength in windsurfing is my jumping. I have also been working on my wave riding in Pozo so I can be consistent in all my manoeuvres. But I still feel my biggest advantage over the other girls is in the air. I feel strong in the wave riding at Pozo as well, I can land moves like wave 360’s goiters, takas and shakas. I don’t think the other girls can do these moves. It is always easier for me when the wind is strong. I have not often lost a heat because of my wave riding, only to Iballa a few times.
Iballa: What about mentally?
Daida: We are different mentally. I am stronger mentally than Iballa in some areas! We both cope well with pressure at competitions after so many years on tour. When you are competing it is always exciting to be at events and you want to do your best. You are dependent on the wind and waves and it is a waiting game. You have to control all of your emotions while you are hanging around. I think I am stronger than Iballa because I am more secure about my capabilities on the water especially in windier conditions.
Daida: So Iballa how about your strengths?
Iballa: I think my strength is my sailing on starboard tack because it is my right side and I am a regular surfer. I learned windsurfing in Pozo on port tack but I feel more comfortable riding on starboard especially in wave riding. In Fuerteventura I found some spots where I can train starboard jumping and I think I am quite strong in the air also. In Pozo I prefer bigger waves on port tack so I can perform my better moves. Daida is more consistent on landing her moves but I think if I train more I can give her a run for her money. In the waves I can land 360’s and takas but shakas are a little more complicated for me.
Daida: Has SUP helped your windsurfing?
Iballa: SUP helped me in my wave riding but also just my surfing has played a major part in improving my windsurfing. We started windsurfing at 17 but I have always surfed as well. Now combining stand up paddle and windsurfing it has helped me physically and mentally to prepare for competitions. There are a lot of strategies you can do in windsurfing and stand up events and I have learned this over the last few years. We are different mentally. I get nervous even though I know I am capable on the water but Daida has more confidence than me. I try not to think about it when I am in the water and just have fun and enjoy the conditions.
