Raising The Bar
Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) enjoyed another remarkable year on the PWA World Tour - culminating in three more world titles (Freestyle, Slalom X and Wave) - which means the Aruban gem has now extended her world title haul to 28 world titles and counting. However, Offringa arguably had to work harder than ever to achieve her world titles with the level on the World Tour continuing to rise all the time, but as you’ll hear from SQ herself, that is also part of the motivation to continue to improve and challenge for more world crowns in the future. Read the full interview with SQ below:
SQ, another season is complete and you managed to bag yourself another three world titles - where does this one rank in overall seasons for you?
“I guess result wise it must be top two if I can compare it to last year. Last year I felt a little bit more in control to be honest. This year even though I felt more in tune with my gear and was happy with my sailing, I feel like the field was stronger in all disciplines, so it was really challenging.”
You now boast an incredible 28 world titles and counting next to your name - what keeps Sarah-Quita Offringa motivated to not just keep competing, but to strive for more world titles?
“I feel like I was challenged to be my best at every contest, by competitors and conditions. So I was always coming out of the contest thinking about what I needed to improve, and that’s what made it really fun this year. As long as I feel improvement is necessary and feasible, the motivation is there!”
Out of your Slalom X, Freestyle and Wave world titles this year, is there one that means more to you? And if so, why?
“Freestyle meant a lot. Maaike [Huvermann] really pushed me to my limits, seeing her land spock konos and having such a solid heat strategy also made me re-think my heat strategy and step outside of my box. So it was an experience to feel that that kind of pressure to perform after she beat me in the double and forced the super final. Finally waves also meant a lot to me, because we competed in a big variety of conditions, Chile, Pozo, Tenerife, Sylt, Hawaii and to come out victorious then is really a treat!”
Bjørn Dunkerbeck is the most decorated sailor in windsurfing history with 42 world titles - If you were able to keep winning two or three world titles per season that record then possibly becomes within your reach - is that something you’ve ever thought about/considered?
“I think John Skye has been the one that has been joking for years now that I should go for Bjørn’s title haha.. A few years ago I would always mark the end of my competitive career… but now it’s like every year I just see how it goes and I’m quite excited for the following year, so I’ll just keep at it for as long as I enjoy it and see where it gets me.”
You’ve been getting more and more into filming and photography… should JC be watching out for his job?
“Hahah I did some interning at JC’s school of photography this year. I think he’s inspiring and it’s fun to see him go about his job! I love the galleries that he puts together, I think he’s really good at anticipating what’s going to happen and telling the story of the day in photos. He’s capturing emotions, actions and bystanders from all different angles. I hope I can apply for the internship again next year haha.”
What does your offseason look like?
"Pretty quiet for the moment! My knee has been bothering me this season so I took some time to figure out what it is. And it seems like I’m already on the right path to recovering well."
Thanks, SQ. Congrats once again on another stellar year. We hope you had a great Christmas and happy New Year.