Wellington Windsurfing Association

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Member Profiles
Burkhard "Boogie" Vierth
Bronwyn Ward
Clayton Dougan
Craig Mc Creary
Gareth Wood
Gary Mc Corry
James Court
Leland Le Breton
Megan O'Donovan
Tom Taylor
Troy Purcel
Will Thorp
Chris "Woo" Norris
Mark and Simone Hollenstein

Tom Taylor
September 2002

Name:
Age:
Born in:
Grew up:
Lives in:
Occupation:
Years sailing:
Spot sailed mostly:
Favourite spots:
-greater Wellington:
- in New Zealand:
- globally:

Favourite move:
Favourite food:
Favourite music:
My surf van is a:
My equipment:
Other activities:

Disciplines:

Tom Taylor
15
Wellington
Wellington
Wellington (Worser Bay)
Wellington College student
3
Worser Bay, Lyall Bay

Lyall Bay
Lyall Bay
Lyall Bay (would love to go to Maui, Western Australia and South Africa)
down-the-line waveriding,
helitack, forward loop
McDonald's
Stuff that helps me chill out, such as Oasis, Subline
Subaru S/W (not mine though)
F2 Maui Project 8'2, North Sails
sailing, rugby, snowboarding

Freestyle, Waveriding

The questions:

My first time: (windsurfing !?!?!)
This was about 3 years ago at Worser Bay with my brother. I went straight out on a 80L slalom board in about 10 knots of wind and couldn't come back. My brother had to swim after me and helped me get back to shore. I just loved it!

Best windsurfing experience:
When I stood on my first waveboard, a Sirocco 8'2 which Noel gave me 2 years ago. I went out at Worser Bay and it felt great!
And also at Lyall Bay when I had an awesome sail in offshore winds with shoulder high waves from a south swell, 2 weeks ago.

Worst windsurfing experience:
This was in Plimmerton last Sunday. I was hit by a massive wave and my gear got dragged away 15 meters. I couldn't see where it had gone and was swimming for about 20 minutes. I had to ask passing sailors if they could see it! After a while, James Court held on to my gear and I finally could reach it!
I was glad he helped me - thanks mate.

What fascinates you the most about windsurfing?
The freedom - there are no boundaries. You can push your limits, go as hard or easy as you want. I also like the adrenaline rush when doing big airs, ripping a wave or going fast on flat water.

How do you see the sport of windsurfing developing in the future ?
It will take off again. There's more exposure nowadays and more and more events are taking place again. The Formula Racing as well as the Freestyle has pushed the sport even further.

What would you like to see happening in the Wellington Windsurfing scene, or what would be a really cool thing to happen ?
h2osports has helped me a lot and I hope that more and more people, especially the young kids, will have the opportunity to get into this great sport. It would be great to have more fun events, like the "King of the Ditch" freestyle event for example.

Something to say to all other windsurfers out there ?
Have fun and go for it. It doesn't matter how good you are or how cold the water is!

Editors comment:

Tom has been surrounded by water for many years. He's spent a lot of time sailing yachts before he gave windsurfing a go and consequently got into racing. He has the talent and spirit to go all the way. One of his goals is to represent New Zealand internationally on the Mistral One Design. With only 3 years of experience, Tom has improved his sailing skills enormously. You can see him ripping waves in offshore conditions at Lyall Bay or watch him getting bruised while trying to do forward loops in Plimmerton. He's enjoying it a lot and just loves being out there and pushing his limits.
The new generation has arrived and we hope that more of his age (also female sailors!) will get into this awesome sport.

Tom at Worser Bay (2nd time windsurfing)

Tom going a bit faster at Worser Bay

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