RSS
windgirls WATERworld | home | want to publish here? | RSS
 |
|
wThursday, July 08, 2004 | |
|
 |
The "windgirls talent scout" presents: Emma Johansson  
What windsurfing means to me? Everything! Yes, everything in my life has got something to do with this great sport, lifestyle, hobby or whatever you would like to call it. I'm a 21 years old girl from Sweden. I'm living on the second largest island in Sweden, called Oeland. When I had finished school (2001), my best friend who was windsurfing, asked me if I wanted to join her to South Africa for 4,5 months to learn how to windsurf. And I joined her of course, even if lots of windsurfers from home recommended me to start at an easier place. I'm so glad I didnt listen to these people because there is also a little lake, perfect for beginners and freestyle, which is the funniest thing I know. And there arent always waves on the ocean so I tried it a few times. I even tried the ocean before I could water start so I had to swim the way back to the beach every time, which feels pretty crazy now when I look back... The winter after I went back to Cape Town, South Africa, this time for 2,5 months. This town is nice even if you got days without wind or friends/family with you who arent windsurfing. Things you can do in Cape Town are golf, wine tasting, surfing and beautiful places to see. But we were lucky and didnt have so many days without wind so we just had one little vacation from the vacation. We rented a car and drove along the east coast and also tried the worlds highest bungee jump (216m).  
The autumn/winter after I started to study marketing. But after one term I had to take a break and go to a warmer and windier place. This time I went to El Yaque, Isla Margarita, Venezuela. This little village with lots of wind and warm water became my favourite. Its just perfect to practice freestyle tricks like Volcano and Willy skipper. I even practiced forward loops a few times. It was scary before I tried it but after it felt good, I didnt hurt myself that time. I only hurted myself a few times and that was my own fault because I was too tired to hold the sail. Last year I started to compete in the Swedish cup and ended up total 2:nd. I was really nervous at the first competition, couldnt eat anything, was shaking all the time (probably because I couldnt eat) and the tricks I was sure of before didn't work at all. But it went better and better with my nerves so I will compete this summer too and maybe even try the European Cup. For the rest of the summer I will be practicing freestyle at my home spot Haga Park that is the best freestyle spot in Sweden. And of course I will be working so I can travel again next winter. Its no idea for me to start studying yet because all I can think of is how fun I had last time I was out on the water, or what Im going to practice next time. It would be nice to do a really long trip this winter and see how far I can go. And of course it would be exciting to try some PWA competitions next year, that's really something I want to try. My dream is to win the Swedish Championship or the Swedish Cup and be one of the top 10 freestyle girls in the world. Thanks to my sponsors: Skidsport Bromma (www.skidsport.nu) and ROXY/quiksilver Sweden posted by Anonymous at 7/08/2004 12:58:00 PM |
|
|
|
|
|
