Catchup with Skye

From podiums to parenthood and beyond with John Skye

Up until 2002 the PWA World Tour had always seemed like just a dream for John Skye (RRD / RRD / MFC). However, years of hard work and training eventually paid off with Skye enjoying plenty of success across a range of different disciplines - from freestyle and super-x to waves - where he still mixes it with the best in the business as a regular top ten competitor. 

2001 saw Skye crowned the European Freestyle Champion and after a successful European campaign the Brit made the step up to the full PWA World Tour the next year, which saw him break into the world’s overall top ten in freestyle at the first time of asking. From here Skye has never looked back enjoying further success on the world stage - including a prestigious podium finish during the super-x event in 2004 in Fuerte - as well as being crowned the UK’s National Wave Sailing Champion on multiple occasions.

Skye is not only a top class competitor, but he also plays an instrumental role in the development of RRD. However, as if that wasn’t enough to keep your hands full already, Skye recently became a father for the second time with him and his wife, Nayra, welcoming Dany into the world. Everyone at the PWA would like to pass on their congratulations to both you and Nayra. 

We caught up with Skye for an interview, which you can read below:

PWA: Firstly congratulations on baby number 2. How is the world of parenthood treating you and Nayra?

JS: “Thanks. Everything is great, although number 2 is a very different experience, from the first. Number 1 we had so much time to enjoy the moments. With number 2 it feels like juggling constantly to keep everything in control. Still fun though and Nayra is doing amazing.”

PWA: In February you scored what you called one of the best two weeks you’ve ever had on GC. In your latest video it looks like you sailed at a few spots - where were they (or are some secret?) - and is it rare for them to work?

JS: “They are not really that secret, but the guys here don’t like to advertise them. Not really sure why, because the best day I had there was nobody out when I arrived, so it’s not like it’s going to be crowded. They are also extremely rare days. I would say we get 2 or 3 good swells a year for those spots and this year was the biggest I have seen since I moved here. They do work a bit more often than that, but not normally with that size.”

PWA: You are heavily involved in the development side of things for RRD. Do you enjoy the process? And does your progression into the development side of things alleviate some of the pressure in terms of results in competitions?

JS: “I love it, and it’s really motivating me right now. Over here in GC you get loads of wind, but the days of wavesailing are not quite so common. Now I can utilise every single windy day because I always have something to test or develop. From freestyle, freeride, wave and particularly I am really enjoying learning and developing the Firewing cambered sail. It’s also great to see the process through from a CAD drawing, through to a finished product in the customers hands. When I receive positive feedback from someone who just tried their new sail for the first time and loved it, it’s really rewarding. Plus as you say, having something else to focus on has really changed my perspective on competition and my results have improved at the same time.”

PWA: You’ve had many successful years on tour… if you had to pick a highlight what would it be?

JS: “Definitely the biggest highlight was my first proper year. I turned up to compete only in the Canaries, mainly focused on freestyle, with Pozo and Fuerte back to back. I really didn’t know what to expect and I finished 6th in Pozo and then 4th in Fuerte, which put me 2nd overall behind a 14 year old Ricardo Campello. My other highlights were 4th place finish in Guincho and my podium finish in Fuerte Super X. I was on the stage stood next to Bjorn (who had won the speed I think) and it was a pretty surreal moment.”

PWA: Over the years where has been your favourite event?

JS: “For results it was always Guincho, but that has been gone for years. For conditions it has to have been Cape Verde, the first year we went was probably the best event ever. Amazing conditions. 5 star all inclusive hotel. Finished in 3 days and then just surfing and sailing for the rest of the trip. I also love Sylt. It’s the only event when everyone comes together, racers, freestylers and wavesailors. I love the social side, and you just never know what to expect. Plus its where I met Nayra, so kind of special.”

PWA: Favourite manoeuvre - wave or jump?

JS: “Pure manoeuvre would probably be a jump, but riding a perfect wave is my favourite for sure.”

PWA: Best friend on tour?

JS: “It was Nayra when she was around, but now I am solo most of the time! Over the years I spent time with the Brazilian guys, the Ozzie guys, the Brits obviously and lots of others. I think Swifty is the one I have known longest, although now he lives the other side of the world, so is more of a Maui bra than English.”

PWA: For parts of your new video you are using the SoloShot Mk2 - how does it compare to the initial version?

JS: “Definitely a big improvement. The setup is a bit easier which is the important thing when you are rushing around trying to get on the water. I still need to get better at using it because when its good I tend to just rush out onto the water!”

PWA: The first wave of event of the year will take place in Pozo - what will you be up to between now and then? And finally your aim for the season?

JS: “Mostly staying at home, working on the sail development and spending time with the new family. Hopefully I will do Bjorn’s speed contest in Fuerte at the end of June. Its’ something I have never tried before, so very keen to give it a go and see what I learn. Fundamentally I am not built for speed, but I think the course is quite tricky, so maybe it favours the lighter rider a bit… we’ll see.”

PWA: Great, thanks Skyeboy.

To see John Skye’s latest action movie from Gran Canaria, which he classes as one of the best two weeks he’s ever had on GC, click here.

If you’d like to stay up to date with all John Skye’s latest news and developments then be sure to ‘like’ his Facebook Fan page, which can be found here.