Is winning the PWA Wave Title as important to you as winning the Freestyle Title?

Wave sailing for me is my ultimate goal. When I first started watching windsurfing videos it was all about massive Polakow aerials and I wanted to do that. But I didn't have the opportunity so I concentrated on freestyle and I think I have proved myself that I did good in freestyle but of course I will work on winning that Freestyle Title again. But I really want to go for that wave title and train as hard as possible and mix a little freestyle into the waves!

So what NEW MOVES will you be working on for the 2008 season?

You never know! Sometimes by accident you find yourself learning a new move or you see yourself on video and think maybe I can move this hand there, switch the sail etc.

I have a move that I landed once in Maui that Nik Baker saw me do but I have never landed it again despite many attempts. It's a super cool move but very difficult to land so I am looking forward to working on that.

Also another move is when you go switch stance, do a funnel against the wave and then you go for a backloop over the sail and as you turn around you just pull it into a forward loop. Also the pushloop Vulcan, which I did by accident in Lanzarote. Pushloop forward I want to get that sorted and also forward into spock and forward into Vulcan. I think that is also possible!

The Freestyle Title was nearly yours in 2007. What went wrong?

This year was also close for the freestyle title. I was fighting for it right up to the last day of the contest in Sylt. That last heat between me and Marcilio was so tough, it was seven at night and I couldn't really see so I messed it up!

Does size matter if you wanna be a world class freestyler?

Yes, definitely. If you are bigger, heavier it is much harder, even on the waves. Being a big guy is only good for slalom.

Do you ever feel totally out of control when you're sailing?

On port tack sailing I feel really comfortable but on starboard tack sailing I still feel I can't control my jumps but I'm getting better. I got scared once in Pozo going for a pushloop forward but if you really want to do something you have to go for it and don't think that it can be dangerous.

Where is your favourite wave beach?

Cape Verde. It was the best place I have sailed in my whole life. I hope we have the same conditions next year - it was just unbelievable.

What do you NOT like about being a professional windsurfer?

Sometimes I just want to spend time at home and not see an aeroplane anymore! I've been doing it now for seven years and we always see the same people every day, talk about the same stuff! Sometimes I just want to stay at home with my Mother and my dog and sail at home. This year was a very tough year. I spent three months away, home for two weeks and then another two months away. But I got a week in Italy between the Sylt and Tiree contests and it was the first time since starting the Tour seven years ago that I 'travelled' somewhere that had nothing to do with windsurfing like a proper tourist and I enjoyed it a lot!

Do you see yourself staying with JP/Neil Pryde in the long term?

They have supported me a lot right from the beginning. I see a lot of the pro riders changing sponsors all the time but I think it is much better to stay with the same sponsor, like Bjorn Dunkerbeck who was with Neil Pryde/F2 for so many years before going over to North Sails. I hope to stay with JP/Neil Pryde for the rest of my career if possible and always have this friendly relationship with them. Of course we have out arguments but it's a job and it's never perfect.

Finally, is it true that you are the 'bad guy' of the PWA Tour?

No, it is not true! Some people just talk bad stuff about me sometimes. But I know who I am, my friends know who I am. I'm not a bad boy, I'm just a funny guy! I don't mess with anyone and I try to be friendly with everyone. But people that don't know me say I am a bad guy. But to be honest with you, I don't care, I know who I am.