Lewis' Time to Shine
2017 proved to be Adam Lewis’ (Fanatic / NorthSails / SWOX) best year on tour yet as the Brit broke into the world’s top 5 for the first time in his career after recording results of 9th, 5th and 5th in Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Sylt, respectively. After a superb year on the world tour, Lewis signed off the year in the best possible fashion as he went on to also capture the British Wave Sailing Championship for the first time. After his best year yet we caught up with the 29-year-old for an interview:
Hey Adam, how’s it going?
Yeah, great thanks. I’ve just got to Western Australia, had a few months at home which was amazing but its great to be back in Aus. I’m up right in the NW right now, there are some incredible spots for sailing… I don’t think there are many places in the world with such epic surf and hardly anyone. It’s a different sort of trip compared to somewhere like Cape Town, I’ve been pretty much living in the van for the last 3 weeks but the sailing is on a different level!
This year you achieved your best result yet on the wave world tour - finishing 5th overall - how are you feeling off the back of that?
I’m still not sure if its really sunk in! It’s a dream come true and I guess I still can’t really believe it. I guess if anything it’s motivated me more to work on more things in my sailing that I feel I’m missing, so I guess I’m really stoked and if anything more motivated than ever!
Coming into to the last event in Sylt how were you feeling? You had a lot to lose with no discard this year…
Yeah it was pretty stressful actually. I think the best thing was to sail and not think about the results so much, my first few heats I was really nervous about it all and that didn’t help, but then once I just started to think about the sailing and not the results the heats got better and better…
How difficult were the conditions in Sylt this year? And do you think it was harder to do a proper top turn or a 360 for example?
To be honest a big proper turn is really hard in Sylt. I guess it sort of depends on the section quite a bit. You should always try to match the section with a turn or move that suits. Those big onshore sections are pretty good for 360’s but you have to commit to it big time. One problem with those turns is that the white water in Sylt is always sucking the board away from your feet… its unlike anywhere I’ve sailed, this year in particular was just about surviving and filling your score sheet which was a lot easier said than done!
After Sylt you then went to Tiree and won the wave classic - how did it feel to get your hands on the sword? And how was the contest on the whole? You had to hold off Marc Paré in the double elimination right?
Yeah that was really close! Massive big up to Marc, I think he his going to be someone to watch out for big time next year, he just seems to be getting better every session and he’s really motivated. It was a close one but to hold the Tiree Sword was awesome! Its hung up at home already haha.
How did you celebrate your best year yet?
Had quite a few beers! A few nice dinner with friends…
Out of all the events are there any moments that standout in your mind?
Finishing 4th in the Single in Tenerife was really special. It’s a place I’ve felt like I could do well for a long time and things just haven’t gone my way. Too stand on the podium in 4th place on the PWA tour was just incredible such a dream come true its hard to describe.
What’s your plans for the winter?
Well I’m in Australia right now and I think it try and stay here until February time and then I’d like to go to either Maui or Morocco. Just see how things plan out!
Thanks, Adam. Congrats on a great year, enjoy the rest of your winter and see you in 2018.
You can stay up to date with all of Adam Lewis’ latest news and adventures via his Social Media Networks:
Facebook: @AdamLewisk516
Instagram: @adamk516