JUDGING
In 2009 I could not windsurf for nearly a whole season after I broke my shoulder completely. I was training for the PWA slalom event in Podesdorf and had a huge crash on slalom gear. I was off the water for six months. The European Freestyle Pro tour were looking for a head judge at the time and I kind of fell into that position as I could not windsurf. I actually really liked it and felt I did a decent job and I have been doing that as well as PWA judging ever since. In the EFPT we have the best European guys competing but we don’t have the top guys from overseas like Gollito Estredo and the Bonaire guys. The level is nearly there and the tour itself is a bit more relaxed. It is a lot about helping new guys get involved and score some coverage. We try to experiment a little bit with the competition. We take entry level competitors and top level guys all in one event. It really helps the new guys gain experience and there is also a bit more on the social side on the EFPT compared to the PWA.
I like judging and felt that being a sailor myself and having competed really made a big difference. You know what competition is all about and what the riders want. I still like being connected with the whole competition scene and by judging can still have a little influence on how the sport is evolving. It is not just about giving scores but also how to develop the whole competition format. I really enjoy that!