Simmering Waves

Victor Fernandez and Jonas Ceballos propel Simmer to 2nd and 3rd overall in the 2008 PWA wave season. Here’s what the guys have to say…

Congratulations on your 2nd and 3rd place overall in the waves. Can you tell us a bit about competing in Sylt?

VF: Sylt’s a really long competition. The weather was super gnarly. It all came together in the last day for the finals (strong winds, rain, cold). But for me it couldn’t have been better than being in the final in Sylt, and having a chance to win at the 25th anniversary of such a great competition! I’m really stoked. It was a great moment for me and I’ll never forget it!

JC: It was the hardest contest I have ever competed in! Super cold, the skippers’ meeting was really early in morning, there were stormy conditions, and it was so different compared to what I’m used to. But, it was a really good experience for me. I’m so stoked!!

What was your most memorable moment from this year on the tour?

VF: Probably repeating my 3rd consecutive victory at Pozo, which put me back to 2nd place in the overall ranking, and gave me a chance to fight for the PWA World title.

JC: I’m really happy with this year. Finally, after so many years on tour, I accomplished my goal and finished on the podium. In the last and most important event of the year, I got 4th in the contest, which placed me 3rd overall. Sharing the podium with Kauli, and team mate Victor felt unreal. Finally the young riders have taken over the podium!
 
As the most radical high-wind jumpers in the world, how do you feel about the new 09 Simmer gear?

JC: I’m feeling really confident with my Mission X sails and with the Simmer mast program. I can say that it makes me feel really confident because it doesn’t brake! This is really important because you can go more than 100%, and push the limits of your sailing.  

VF: I love my Icon sails. The whole range from 3.4 up to 5.9 are working very well all around the spots I’ve been sailing all year long. The sails generate so much power with full control. They are really easy to use!

For this season you worked a lot on your wave riding and it really paid off! How are you going prepare for this coming year on the PWA world tour?

JC: I have been training almost all year on my wave riding, and for sure it has helped me, but I’m still improving and focusing on getting better. I’m just going try to keep things the same way as I did this year; traveling around the world to different places to get all kinds of conditions, port tack and starboard tack; just to keep improving my sailing.

VF: My plan for the winter is to travel to down the line spots like Chile or Maui to improve my wave riding as much as I can. Traveling to those places and trying out my new gear keeps me focused on my goals for the coming year on the tour. It’s going to be a great year!

What are your tips for all the young rippers out there shredding up their local breaks & wanting to go pro?  

JC: I have to say that the key is live in a place where you can windsurf often, and the main point is spend as much time as possible on the water and train as much as you can. Go sailing with sailors that are better than you; You will get better!!  Go fast, jump high!

VF: Play, have fun, give everything you’ve got in the water and enjoy the action!!!

PWA / Andrew Buchanan