PRYDE GROUP UK

Colin 'Whippy' Dixon

What age did you start Windsurfing?

The first time I stepped on a board was in 1990, when I was 10. But back in those days we didn't have kids sails, so i had to wait until I was 12 to have the power to lift my 3.7 wave sail !!


On NeilPryde Team since?

2008


How did you get into windsurfing:

My dad was a super keen windsurfer in the 80's, and my oldest sister tried it on a school trip and loved it. So my dad went out and got some kit again, only he took my sister out in a offshore wind. She had to get rescued, she freak out and didn't do it again, so the kit was just sat there. that's when I asked my dad to take me !!

What is it about windsurfing that’s got you hooked?


haha, at first the speed when you first start to plain, but also the fact that you were on the water and when you crashed it didn't real hurt that much. I used to race motocross and when you crash on a bike its a lot harder than hitting the water!! But I would say the main thing is traveling and windsurfing in different spots. also hanging out with real cool people, we are lucky that most people in our sport are a real nice friendly bunch!



Biggest achievement to date:

3 in the UK at freestyle 2007/2008

1st Czech freestyle champ 2008


Favorite Windsurfing Spot:

West coast of Oz, because you have all sorts of sailing there, freestyle dead flat water & bump and jump, and of coarse the waves, cross-off, onshore & cross shore, the jumping spots and down the line spots are just amazing. Also its very warm, a chilled place with real nice locals! aw maaaaate


Favorite windsurfing discipline:

Freestyle and waves, ideally both together! I do love freestyle, but you cant beat dropping in on a massive wave. Your heart beat goes off the scale, knowing that one mistake and your a dead man! I also love jumping real high on port tack. Big back loops and Push loops, you can't beat em!!


Favorite maneuver:

Haha, there are so many! ponch or a shaka I would say for freestyle. In waves, you cant beat a big aerial, or a Robby Naish type bottom turn, looking back up at the lip you're about to smack! and jumping a big back loop, that's a great feeling too.

 
Favorite Windsurfing Moment:

I think when I won the Czech comp, because it was in Vass, my home freestyle training ground. It was a big event, lots of tv coverage, and all my mates were there. The week was so much fun, and I sailed some of my best heats to win! I felt good and real happy with myself!!


How do you keep fit and healthy:

I'm pretty lucky, I get to windsurf every day, so that really helps me to keep windsurfing fit. Also, I live with other windsurfers, and places that accommodate for windsurfers, so the food is mostly nice and healthy (mainly because someone else cooks it!!)  I also love a good work out on the dance floor now and again!!!


Plans for 2009:

My plans for 2009 are to carry on competing on the UK tour, some EFPT comps, and a few PWA freestyle if I can fund it. I also plan to coach a lot this year, in and out of the UK, doing JP/Pryde UK clinics with Bubble. We are also putting on some kids freestyle clinics, and hopefully we could start some UK freestyle kids comps!! I will be working for Club Vass in the summer, coaching and training. and I will be doing more private coaching in the winter!! I also plan to do a "How To" dvd this year... so watch out!!!