Craig Gertenbach
“One of the main attractions for me in windsurfing is that it takes dedication, time and a lot of patience – even just to get to the beach, rig up and make it out there in the right conditions with the right gear. There are other sports that are way easier, but far less fun once you are actually doing it. Plus windsurfing is one of the best workouts for your body, it´s an absolute challenge to just try and maintain your sailing level once you get to my age, but there is really something so addictive about it that makes it all worthwhile. And now that I have less time on the water compared to my pro days, I enjoy every moment I can on the water, with a 4.2 in Cape Town doing back loops, or blasting around with a 140L slalom and 9.0 sail at Lake Garda. Having taught my kids to sail has also meant that it´s now become a family sport, again not the easiest to organise, but the best feeling in the world when all four of us are out there together. The feeling of freedom, flying across the water or in the air, on the edge of control, is something no other sport I have ever done can offer. Camaraderie amongst friends, team riders or after successful product testing days is awesome, the energy shared by everyone on the water afterwards is something very special. I love a good challenge and windsurfing gives you that, each time you go out there; if I wanted it easy, I´d go kiting!”