PWA Board
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PWA President and Chairman of the PWA Management Board
Jimmy Diaz
Jimmy Diaz followed in the footsteps of former chairman Phil McGain, who held the position for twelve years. First elected as Chairman in 2004, chairman Jimmy Diaz has been windsurfing since the age of twelve and competed in his first professional event four years later. While getting his university degree in electrical engineering, Diaz competed in the 1992 Olympics for the Virgin Islands. After university Diaz returned to his passion for racing and has been competing on the PWA tour ever since. Diaz has been very involved in the development process at several windsurfing companies, most currently as head of development at a major sail brand. Having seen the PWA go through a fair amount of changes as a competitor Diaz has continued to contribute to its existence and success in his new role as PWA chairman; “I believe these are very exciting times for the PWA. There is a lot of energy and thought being put into developing a stronger, healthier tour which will help in the growth and promotion of our great sport on all levels. I look forward to working together with the media, event organizers, and other associations to bring about the necessary changes to accomplish this"
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PWA Vice President
Rytis Jasiunas
Although a comparatively recent addition to the PWA Tour, a wealth of education and experience in business and finance, combined with drive, energy and a desire to push the sport forward, led to Rytis being coopted into the position of PWA Vice President during 2021.
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PWA Board Member
Graham Ezzy
Born and raised at Hookipa, Graham is known for integrating the classic Hawaiian surf-style into the new-school approach to wave riding. Graham's favorite wave to ride is Jaws and his favorite hobby is reading. He also writes.
Results:
2014: 2nd Omeazaki World Performance Event, 9th PWA Cold Hawaii, 5th PWA Aloha Classic
2013: 1st Defi Wind Video Contest, 9th PWA Aloha Classic
2012: 1st Omeazaki World Performance Event
2011: 1st AWT Mexico
2009: 1st PWA Cabo Verde Expression Session
First full year on the PWA tour: 2015
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PWA Board Member
Sarah-Quita Offringa
Having leapt on to the tour at an early age in the Freestyle discipline, Sarah-Quita has become one of the most successful professional windsurfers in history. With total domination in Freestyle, partial domination in Slalom and with a World Title in Waves too, she has a total of 19 World Titles to her name. Having been formally honored for her achievements by the Dutch government, and with a perpetual, infectious smile, she is arguably one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors.
Starboard, NeilPryde, Brunotti Sportswear, Maui Ultra Fins
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PWA Board Member
Maciek Rutkowski
A memorable face on the PWA Tour since 2003, Maciek's determination, persistence, and desire to succeed in the sport he loves, has made him a force to be reckoned with on the Slalom course. Equally capable of taking on the old sweats and young blood alike, his tactical knowledge and windsurfing skill make him a threat to anyone, regardless of fin or foil.
FMX Racing, Challenger Sails, Quiksilver, Easy SurfShop, Ustka na fali
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PWA Board Member
Svein Rasmussen
Born 5.6 1963 in Norway.
10 years on the PWA tour,
Previous sailors representative on the PWA board.
12 years as Managing director of Starboard and Severne sails.
Participant in the first Olympic games of windsurfing in Los Angeles, 1984.
4 times World champion in windsurfing.
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PWA Board Member
Craig Gertenbach
Fanatic Windsurfing Industry Representative to the PWA. I am the brand manager for Fanatic, have been with the brand since 1995 as PWA racer, then later as tester and finally in the office working in Marketing, product management, sales and brand management since 2000. I work closely with our shaper and team riders on the R&D of the boards, testing almost all final protos with the team. So I know the complete business of our company and industry from a few different perspectives, which helps and keeps it interesting.
I am really looking forward to working together with the rest of the Management board on promoting the PWA and our sport. I believe the PWA is actually in a really good position at the moment, with a lot of potential to grow the number of events. Hopefully the industry, media and riders can work together to keep growing the Tour for the benefit of the sport.
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PWA Board Member
Werner Gnigler
For 15 years I worked for F2 and shaped many popular boards like the Comet Slalom or the Xantos ranges. Since 2000 I am with JP and am responsible for the whole board and fin range.
Windsurfing since: 1976
Professional board shaper: 1985