Articles
Galleries
WWA GalleryNews Archives
2008 Archive
2007 Archive
2006 Archive
2005 Archive
Interviews
Bronwyn Ward
Burkhard Vierth
Gareth Ward
Tracey Harrap
Postcards
Maui Postcard No 1
Maui Postcard No 2
Maui Postcard No 3
Maui Postcard No 4
Maui Postcard No 5
Maui Postcard No 6
Maui Postcard No 7
Maui Postcard No 8
Maui Postcard No 9
Maui Postcard No 10
Maui Postcard No 11
Maui Postcard No 12
Ohau Postcard
Tom Taylor Canaries
Tom Taylor Prassonisi
Christian Gottlieb
12.02.03 Interview with Bronwyn Ward - NZ Racing Champ 2003
After a couple of days rest, we've asked Bron a few questions regarding the 5-day competition and racing in general - read on:
How did you prepare for the Nationals? How much time has gone into it?
I did quite a bit of mountain biking and running for fitness (to be able to do those serious downwinds), and weights for strength. I didn't get out on the course gear as much as i'd have liked because good course conditions were always when I was at work, but I was out doing some kind of sailing whenever it was windy.
How many times have you competed at the Racing Nationals?
This was my 2nd time. Last year was at Lyttleton, which was a real eye-opener. Luckily this year we didn't course race in quite so much wind.
What was the best thing about the event?
I really enjoyed that it is a big challenge just to complete it, and its good to have something to work towards fitness-wise. I think the guys have a much higher natural level of fitness and pretty much everyone was still exhausted. It was also cool to catch up with the people that you meet at various events and meet some new ones, and we had some good times just hanging out when it wasn't windy.
Did you prefer the light or stronger wind races?
I liked the slalom races the most because it was fast and exciting, and probably more like what we are used to doing in Wellington. Because the race is around a zigzag course you are always chasing people and these races are really not over till the last. (Its also nice to see the Aucklanders struggle a bit with the windier conditions!) Course racing still feels a bit alien - I like it, but in a different way.
Will you be defending your title again next year?
Yes, maybe. Be great to see some more women there in 04.
Bronwyn in action
Racing Nationals 2003
(pic. by Marisa Newman)Have you got any advice for women, who want to get into racing?
Don't be put off by being the only woman. The guys are actually really supportive of you doing it, they think it's great and help you out where they can. It's also yet another good excuse to take leave from work!
What was the attraction to get into racing?
Probably its about pushing myself - it's a challenge. It also makes a change from being out in the ditch trying (and failing) to do 360's and stuff every day!
How do you think windsurfing can attract more women to racing?
That's a really hard question. There has been alot of discussion about it on the starboard women's forum on their website and nobody really has the answer. It seems that one of the major blocks is that many won't do it because there are so few doing it! That's a really hard one to resolve. The other of course is the equipment, and that is improving all the time, so there is hope!
Have you ever thought about competing overseas?
I would like to race more than we get the opportunity to here, because it is so good for your sailing and fitness. So maybe one day...
Bronwyn blasting along on her slalom gear
Racing Nationals 2003
(c) Richard Lai
(c) S. Hollenstein - www.wellingtonwindsurfers.co.nz
Hosting sponsored by The Kiwi Web Hosting Company
