Zara Davis
I have really enjoyed my time in Medano and training with TWS. For me, the opportunity to train with some of the best slalom racers in the world is invaluable. Especially to work with some of the top PWA girls like Lena, Esther, Nimett and Cagla – thank you so much. The tips you pick up, on and off the water, from these very experienced racers would take me years to acquire just training in the UK. For me my slalom journey started just under two years ago when I felt that my time speed sailing was starting to lose its appeal as I had pretty much achieved everything that I had set out to accomplish. I needed a new challenge! As I’m not a bad speed sailor I felt that this would stand me in good stead in slalom. But the harsh reality of not being able to get round the corners quickly soon became very apparent! So this is my second year of winter slalom training here in Medano. Last year I was training with Mark “Sparky” Hosegood, concentrating mainly on my gybe technique and all round windsurfing fitness. As I said if you can’t go round the cans quickly and efficiently you can’t win races. Then this year I joined in with the TWS slalom training and found it great fun and very welcoming but hard work at the same time. The 20 races a day is tough and the conditions brutal so not for the faint hearted. But if you can slalom race here with the challenging conditions, you can pretty much race anywhere. Special thanks to Guille and Jordy from TWS for setting the racing up and the help and encouragement every day.