Freestyle Rookie

Steven Van Broeckhoven joins Kai Lenny and Fanny Aubet as a 2009 PWA Rookie of the year.

After spinning and styling his way into 5th place overall in the PWA freestyle discipline this year, Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2, MauiSails) has been awarded the rookie of the year trophy.

We caught up with Van Broeckhoven to see what his thoughts were after such an explosive debut on the PWA freestyle tour.

PWA: What made you join the PWA World Tour?

SVB: “Joining the PWA tour has always been my dream but I never thought that I would ever be able to take part. It was only last year that I realised that it was actually possible and that I could perform on the tour. Amazingly, I sailed well and have fulfilled my dream!”

PWA: Which competition was the most memorable for you?

SVB: “Fuerteventura was definitely the best for me because I ended up 4th unexpectedly. I had never been there before but loved the conditions.”

PWA: Which heat was the most difficult?

SVB: “My heat against Taty Frans (Starboard, MauiSails) was the hardest. It was extremely close and we ended up on equal points, so we had to re-sail the heat. I was very happy to win it even though it was by a very narrow margin.”

PWA: Who is your windsurfing idol?

SVB: “I don’t really have an idol particularly, but I do admire Tonky Frans (F2, Gaastra), Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic, North), and Kiri Thode (Starboard, Gaastra) as they’re always busting out new moves.”

PWA: Where did you train for the competitions this year?

SVB: “Last winter I spent 3 months in the south of Spain and Portugal. And a bit of time at my home spots in the Netherlands.”

PWA: Where will you be training this winter?

SVB: “Well, I’m in Jeri, Brazil right now. When I leave here I’m going to head to South Africa and Bonaire. I think these spots will offer the best conditions with the best windsurfers to train with.”

PWA: What moves will you be working on?

SVB: “I don't know yet, we'll see. I have some ideas about new moves but mainly I will be training for jumps.”

PWA: What are your goals for next year?

SVB: “The same as this year and hopefully better. You’ll just have to wait and see.”

PWA: Where would you like to be in 5 years time?

SVB: “I don’t know, that’s a long way away! I’ll keep giving it my best though. If I’m not doing freestyle, then maybe I’ll be doing another PWA discipline.”

Thanks to Steven for taking time out to answer our questions and good luck for the PWA season ahead.