PRYDE GROUP UK

Robby Swift

What age did you start Windsurfing?

I was three

On NeilPryde Team since?

1999

How did you get into windsurfing:

My Dad loved windsurfing and named me after Robby Naish. He always wanted to get me on a board, and had me on the back of his board holding onto his leg at 18 months old! I guess I was hooked from then because I can never remember a time when I didn’t want to go sailing!


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

I am not sure! It was so long ago. Ever since I was a little boy at school, all I used to think about was windsurfing. Not much has changed now! The only difference is that I get to do it a lot more now than I used to!

Biggest achievement to date:

1st Fuerteventura PWA Freestyle 2003 3rd Overall in Freestyle, Super X and then Waves over the last three years.

Favourite Windsurfing Spot:

Ho'okipa Maui because when it is good, it is probably the most windsurfing-friendly wave in the whole world. The sections are perfect for doing turns or tricks and the wave has a lot of power. Another good thing is that it is one of the most consistent wave sailing spots in the world.

Favourite windsurfing discipline:

Waves because it is the most technical and difficult part of the sport. Also the most impressive if the conditions are right. To be a good Freestyler, you just have to train all your moves, but to be a good wave sailor you need to have experience in waves of all shapes and sizes and that takes a long time. There is no better feeling in windsurfing than going full speed into a bottom turn on a glassy wave and then cracking the lip going as fast as you can at exactly the right time.

Favourite manoeuver:

I have so many, it would take hours to list them, but a tweaked aerial, nice cut back, wave 360 and goiter are some that spring to mind. I love doing shakas too!

Favourite Windsurfing Moment:

The day when I won Fuerteventura! I had wanted to win a World Cup event all my life! Now I just want to do it again!

How do you keep fit and healthy:

I am part of Team MPG. We have a pretty vigorous training schedule. We go to the gym at 10am 5 days a week and do all kinds of circuit training, some weights, cardio vascular training. Scott Sanchez, our coach, has also bought some of the newest hi-tech pieces of equipment that money can buy so we are always at the cutting edge of off the water training. I try to eat as healthily as possible. I very rarely eat any sugar, wheat or dairy products when I am here in Maui although it is harder to be so strict with the diet when I am on the road.

Plans for 2008:

I have broken my foot twice so 2006 hasn't been a great year but I can't wait till its all healed and I can get back on the water and start training for 2007.