INTERVIEW
The last event of the season will once again be held in Sylt. How do you prepare for this crucial event?
I think what's essential and really counts is be on the water and practice as much as I can. I also try to be mentally ready for this kind of presure. What really helps me to relax is when I know I had time to work well on my gear and have the best equipment ready for the event.
Only 3 wave events will be sanctioned this season. What are your feelings about this critical situation?
I definitely wish we could have some more, but sounds like the economy is not the best at the moment. But I am still optimisitc, and I see many different ways to bring windsurfing to an other level.
What are your other projects for the end of 2009?
MY FRIENDS FROM " DESTINO AZUL" ARE GOING AROUND THE WORLD WITH THE MORMAII BOAT, SO I'LL TRY TO JOIN THEM ON SOME OF THE PARADISIAC SPOTS AND SCORE SOME SICK SAILING.
What do you think of the new Fly?
THAT IS A MAGIC SAIL, I HAVE NEVER SEEN A SAIL SO LIGHT. IT PERFECTLY SUITS MY STYLE. THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED AND THE MATERIALS THAT ARE USED MAKE THE FLY ONE OF THE BEST WAVE SAIL ON THE MARKET. COMPACT, POWERFUL, SOFT WITH INSTANT RESPONSE FEEL, THE FLY REALLY MAKES IT EASIER FOR ME TO WINDSURF.
You were involved in the development of the 2010 boom shape. Tell us a little bit more about it:
I REALLY LIKE TO SAIL CLOSE TO THE SAIL. IT GIVES ME A MUCH BETTER AND QUICKER RESPONSE WHILE DOING MANOUVERS.
THE NEW DESIGN MAKES A HUGE DIFERENCE WHILE I'M WAVE RIDING, SPECIALLY WHEN I DO OFF THE LIPS WITH SIDE OFFSHORE WINDS .
What does it mean to be a TeamPryde rider?
FOR ME IT MEANS THE BEST THING I EVER MADE. BECAUSE I REALLY HAVE THE SUPPORT TO FIND THE BEST EQUIPMENT I NEED TO PERFORM MY BEST. THEY REALLY LISTEN TO THE RIDERS WHILE DEVELOPING EQUIPMENT. SPECIALLY WORKING WITH ROBERT STROJ, THESE GUY IS SO SMART AND HE KNOW SO MUCH ABOUT SAIL DESIGN. NO MATTER WHAT, HE ALWAYS LISTENS TO THE RIDERS TEST IDEAS. PLUS THE POSSIBILITE OF MAKING NEW PROTOTYPE SAILS IN A DAY ON MAUI, REALLY MAKES IT A FAST AND EFFICIENT PROCESS OF DEVELOPING NEW EQUIMENT.
What is your goal in windsurfing?
SHOW HOW GREAT THESE SPORT IS!!! IT'S A MIX OF ALL THE SPORTS I LOVE. IT TAKES ABIT OF THE MOTOCROSS, WHEN YOU ARE JUMPING IN POZO, AND A MIX OF TOWING AND SURFING WHEN YOU ARE WAVERIDING.......
I JUST WANT TO KEEP PUSHING THE SPORT TO HIGHER LEVELS AND TRY TO BRING MORE KIDS TO IT.
How do you see the future of Windsurfing?
I THINK THE LEVEL HAS IMPROVED SO MUCH THAT I ONLY SEE IT GETTING MORE AND MORE INTERESTING FOR NEW PEOPLE, SO IT MUST KEEP GROWING.
You’ve traveled all around the world. Which place would you still like to discover?
I WOULD LIKE TO EXPLORE ALL THE GLOBE BY BOAT , AND REALLY KNOW EVERY SINGLE SPOT. THERE MUST BE SO MANY ISLANDS WITH PERFECT WAVES TO BE SAILED!!!
What’s you best windsurfing experience?
CABO VERDE HAS SOME DREAM WAVES , THEY ARE SO LONG AND VERY FAST ...UNREAL!!!
PWA tour most amazing story?
WHEN I LOST IN IRELAND IN 2001, WHICH WAS A WAVE EVENT. I WAS IN A HEAT WITH BJORN, AND EVERYBODY TOLD ME I WON. ULTIMATLY BJORN WAS THE WINNER. FOR ME, THIS WAS AMAZING , BECAUSE ON THAT DAY I REALIZED THAT JUDGES DON'T REALLY UNDERSTAND STYLE OR DIFFERENT WAYS OF READING A WAVE. THEY HAVE A FORMULA TO COME OUT WITH A RESULT ....AND SOMETIMES YOU GET LIMITED BECAUSE MOST OF THE TIME JUDGES CAN'T TRANSLATE WHAT YOU REALLY WANT TO EXPRESS.
Tell us a little bit more about your homespot, Ibiraquera:
THESE IS MY RECOVERY SPOT , WHERE I RECHARGE MY BATTERIES AND BRING MYSELF TO THE MOOD OF THE START OF MY WINDSURF CARREER , WHERE IT'S ONLY ABOUT BEEN IN THE WATER TRYING TO EMPROVE WHILE HAVING FUN NO MATTER WHAT YOU TRYING TO DO. THERE, YOU'RE NOT JUDGED, IT'S JUST BEING BETWEEN FRIENDS, ENJOYING THOSE REALLY SICK RIDES THAT IBIRAQUERA OFFERS!! IT'S MAGIC TO ME !!!!!
I'M VERY HAPPY AS WELL THAT I OPENED MY WINDSURF CENTER( NEILPRYDE AND JP) IN IBIRAQUERA , SO I CAN SHARE WITH THE WORLD THESE AWSOME SPOT .
What is the tip people keep on asking you?
DEPENDS , ALOT OF PEOPLE ASK ABOUT THE NEW DEVELOPMENT OF MY QUAD FIN BOARDS, OR THE NEW SAIL MATERIALS.....
One word to describe windsurfing:
LIFE
How do you like your life right now?
I CONSIDER MY SELF A VERY FORTUNATE PERSON , THAT IS BLESSED BY GOD. I GET PAY DO WINDSURF ON THE BEST PLACES AROUND THE WORLD WITH THE BEST EQUIPMENT ..........YES!!!!!!!!!
