SAILOR IN FOCUS

Which sailor is rising through the ranks on the PWA Wave World Tour?

Leon Jamaer (Fanatic / Hot Sails Maui) made his debut on the PWA World Tour in 2008, however 2012 has proved to be an incredible year for the twenty-two year old, with a couple of significant land marks being achieved. First of all the German was able to break into the top ten at an event, 9th in Denmark, and his final performance of the season proved to be enough to see Jamaer also claim his place in the top 16 of the world for the entire season. We caught up with Jamaer to gain his reflections on the season and to find out a few tips about his signature super tweaked pushloops.

PWA: Firstly, what are your thoughts on how the 2012 season went and how would you rate your results?

LJ: “The competition season started for me quite poorly but got better and better. I am happy with the way some heats went, not happy with others. Being in the top 16 now is great and I am motivated for the coming season!”

PWA: Your results improved a lot throughout the season, with your best finish being 9th in Denmark, is there anything in particular that you think helped you to do better in the latter events?

LJ: “The conditions in Denmark were pretty tough. Light onshore wind, big waves and strong currents. I think a lot of sailors are not used to these kind of conditions. I sail a lot up there in Klitmoeller where the conditions are not always perfect, so I kind of knew what I had to expect. On the Canaries it is still very hard for me to get a good result as there are so many experts, who are hard to beat in those kind of conditions.

PWA: Your super tweaked pushloops consistently caught the eyes of both the judges and the crowds on the beach, do you have any tips for people wanting to learn or improve their pushloops?

LJ: “I think it is important to not think of it as a pushloop! You rather take off like you were going for a backloop. When you initiate the rotation you have to separate the movements of your upper and lower body from each other. Your upper body (head, shoulder, arms) starts the rotation while you lower body (hips and legs) remain in the old position for a while. Thats pretty much it!”

PWA: How long have you been windsurfing?

LJ: “I started about 12 years ago.”

PWA: Who has been you biggest influence on your sailing?

LJ: “Probably my brothers. We taught each other everything, from waterstart to backloop.”

PWA: What would you be doing if you weren’t windsurfing?

LJ: “Some other sick sport. Surfing, skating, snowboarding. Something like that.”

PWA: Where is your favorite place to windsurf and why?

LJ: “Australia, Maui, Capetown... they are all incredible places!”

PWA: What is your favorite move and why?

LJ: “Backloop, because it has the smoothest landing.”

PWA: What new moves are you currently learning?

LJ: “Still working on the push forward, air takas and some day I also have to face the Double loop again.”

PWA: How do you learn your moves and improve your sailing? Videos? Watching others?

LJ: “I go sailing and try different stuff, try to adapt to the water and do what feels natural. I also see what others do on the water or in videos and get inspired. Sometimes you even get inspired by a different kind of sport and and you try to adapt it to windsurfing.”

PWA: Where is your favorite spot on the PWA Tour?

LJ: “I like them all. Any of those spots can be fantastic when they are on but they can also be horrible! This year Sylt was super fun and I really struggled to find waves in Tenerife!”

PWA: How does competition sailing make you feel? And how do you prepare for your heats?

LJ: “When the conditions are good and you can show all your tricks, it is a great feeling. When you are desperately looking for waves without finding any, it can be a hard time. Getting in rhythm with your gear and the conditions is the best preparation I would say.”

PWA: What do you do when you’re not windsurfing?

LJ: “At the moment it´s about 30 percent studying, 30 percent working and 30 percent surfing. The remaining 10 percent I chill hard!”

PWA: What are your plans for the winter?

LJ: “Cabo Verde in January. Thats it so far.”

PWA: What are your goals for 2013 and the future?

LJ: “To spend more time on the water, improve my sailing, results and enjoy life!”

PWA: Thanks Leon, good luck with your studies and we hope you score some great conditions in Cabo Verde.