Blast From The Past

With Marine Hunter

Hi Marine, take us back to the memory of your very first windsurf experience… Where were you?

It was in La Baule, France. My parents have a holiday flat in the area and we used to be there for almost every vacation. We learnt to sail on Optimists when we were kids, then small catamarans, a Hobie Cat 16 (soooooooo much fun!) and I wanted to learn something else. 

When was it? 

It was during summer vacations, when I was 16 I think.

Who were you with?

My brother taught me the basics, he had followed a RYA instructor course and gave me really good tips. 

What do you remember from that very first ‘session’? 

I was hooked from the start! I remember being really focussed and a great sense of accomplishment I had never felt before.

Who was your local hero? And why? 

My brother first of all, I wanted to do everything he did. After that one of my windsurfing instructors who was sending front loops during the courses... I have a couple of local heroes everywhere now, I find everybody inspiring in their own way!

What gear were you using? 

Beginner gear: big board with a dagger bosard, small sail... Classic beginner stuff.

Describe your feeling when you were planing for the first time…

Something more or less like WAHOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!! It was a very short moment with an old Sioux cam sail on a beginner board, but I still remember the feeling of moving into a different space-time.

How did you realise you were becoming a professional windsurfer?

When I realised I wanted to aim at becoming one. To me it's a state of mind more than a matter of fact, a status, really. When I started to own that thought, something shifted in me. But when I look back, nothing's changed much, actually. I windsurf because I sincerely need it and love it. Trying to be a little bit more reliable and knowing what I want can only help.

Give a tip for the next generation…

Get good advice and follow your heart, you're doing great already ;) 

Thanks, Marine.