Name: Clyde Waite
Age: 30
Best Move: Flaka
Move you would most like to do?
Big one handed aerials like Josh Angulo
Best aspect of windsurfing?
It is always fun and you never get tired of it.
How did you get to where you are today?
I learnt to windsurf at Alton Water and Clacton in Essex, I got into racing doing the National and
Regional series, winning some titles along the way. I then went to University in North Wales to study Chemistry, my local spot was Rhosneigr so I started to
get into wavesailing with the support of Farrel O’Shea. I ended up with a Masters, and went abroad to teach windsurfing in Greece and Spain during the
summer, and work in ski resorts during the winter for several seasons. A short 3 year spell working in a real job and a house sale later, I found myself in WA
for four months, the travel hasn’t really stopped since, I have spent time in all the Canary Islands, Maui, South Africa, Morocco, Portugal, Guincho and many
other great wave sailing spots. I was brought up with the travel bug and it is hard to get rid of. Along the way, I have contributed to Boards Magazine,
before helping set up the Boardseeker Mag. I also Coach the S/SE RYA junior Zone Squad.
What are your favourite conditions, and what kit would you be using?
Sunny, warm, side shore winds with head high waves. I would be on my 4.7 Naish Force and Proof 73. There would be plenty of people out all trying stuff
and enjoying themselves. There would be a small bar on the beach with some ice cold Corona’s waiting for the evening session.
Has windsurfing affected your life, how different would it be without it?
I would say ever since I skipped my General studies A – Level exam because it was windy, it has. Most decisions I make revolve around the convenience of
windsurfing. I might be doing quite well for myself financially if windsurfing was not involved.
Where would you like to see windsurfing in the future?
I would like to see it a bit simpler, and easier to get into. It might be easier to learn now, but there doesn’t seem to be a follow up to that. I would like to see
more of a club focus where people can always get together for a sail, and then get a bit more of a club racing scene and social sailing scene going.
Who/what inspires you?
Anyone who pushes themselves to sail well. People who don’t make excuses and get out on the water as much as possible. Pro windsurfers.
Things that annoy you?
Surfers! Surfing is brilliant fun, but you never feel like you should be there. Windsurfing is rarely like that, most people who are out there seem to be enjoying
themselves. Oh and the American Government, computers that don’t work properly, the price of diesel, people who eat too much – quite a lot of things really!
Where is the best place you have been and why?
WA is amazing, not only because of the travelling and the variation of beaches, but because it was my first major travel trip to a place I never imagined I
would go to.
What are your top tips to get out more and get the most from your time on the water?
Always push yourself and try not to fall into a comfort zone, if you do then everyone will overtake you. If you are trying a new move, then visualise over
and over in your head, even when you are sailing. Never come off the water thinking it will be windy tomorrow, because it won’t be.