What’s your favourite kit combination?

Summary: I like my formula board. I like my slalom board. I like my wave board! But I do like strong winds so my 6.2 or 5.4m in slalom and my 5.0/4.7m sails on my wave board.

What R&D do you do for NeilPryde and Starboard?

Summary: I work a lot with NeilPryde on their racing and wave sails with Pieter Bilj and Micah Buzianis on Maui during the winter – that works really well. With Starboard I have developed three new speed boards which are now in production.

How many days do you spend on the water each year?

Summary: I was actually counting the days I used to spend on the water a long time ago before starting on the Tour and it was around 300. Now with travelling a lot it’s between 200 and 250 days on the water which is a lot!

You seem a very level headed guy who doesn’t get angry on or off the water –why is this?!

Summary: I don’t like to lose first! I’m never really pissed off, I try to stay calm, keep my concentration,

Which ‘world title’ was the hardest to win and which do you value the most?

Summary: They are all really important! Slalom is one of the most difficult to get, speed as well, then Super X was tough as I had a big battle with Kevin and Matt Pritchard.

Why do you think the wave title is the only one to have eluded you?

Summary: I think I could have done much better.I didn’t spend enough time on waves as my sponsor was pushing me to do formula events, slalom, freestyle, super x. Now it is too late for me, so many young kids!

Would you like to learn some of the ‘new moves’ in the waves?

Summary: I like to learn something new every year in waves but it is hard for me as I wouldn’t want to injure myself for the slalom and speed seasons.

Do you ever get fed up of all the travelling?

Summary: We do get fed up of travelling but then if I spend too much time at home I am looking for the next trip. The Canaries Tour, however, is a long haul.

When have you been the most scared windsurfing?

Summary: Last winter, sailing in Brittany. It was really scary and it was really dangerous!

Will you be aiming to break that 50knot barrier this winter?

Summary: Firstly my priority is the slalom and speed ‘tours’. I don’t know whether the canal (in France) will be open but if so I will go for the 50knots.

Do you think this can be done on the same equipment from last season?

Summary: I think I can do it with the same gear I had last winter, as conditions were good but not as good as they could be when I got the record.

Who could break the 50 knot barrier before you?

Summary: I think first in windsurfing, Finian is the biggest competitor and Bjorn for sure too. Then you have kites and the catamarans…

Is the competition on the slalom tour getting harder each season?

Summary: This year more sailors are able to win slalom elimination rounds. Last year it was just me, Kevin (Pritchard), Micah (Buzianis), Finian (Maynard) and Bjorn (Dunkerbeck) winning them but now the field is more open.

Why do you think you are winning title after title?

Summary: Firstly, I know how to compete. I have a lot of experience. I have good equipment. I try to work a lot on my top speed and I know how to gybe with loads of people around plus you need to be really strong in the mind.

Do you think restricting equipment (through the 42 rule and now the 63 rule) is a good thing?

Summary: The 42 rules make it hard to choose your equipment. The 63 rule (6 sails/3 boards) will also not be easy but it is the same for everybody!

What would you consider your weakest conditions on the race course?

Summary: I really like strong wind so I would say maybe light wind BUT I have been working a lot on my gear in light winds.

Finally, describe your dream conditions when you know you will be super confident on the race course?

Summary: As soon as the wind blows, I feel confident!