Name: Mark Minter
Age: 41
Best Move: Sail along in a straight line!
Move you would most like to do?
Break 40 Knots (I know its not a move but it’s a big goal!)
Best aspect of windsurfing?
On a windy day, at any beach with your friends all having a laugh, this is the best thing in the world.
How did you get to where you are today?
Fell off a motorbike at 18 and spent 12 weeks in hospital. Decided to do something that would be a little less painful. Some friends had started windsurfing so
went and had an afternoon at the beach falling in, and brought my first board. From that moment on, I made sure I could windsurf and be by the sea as much
as possible. Stopped being an Engineer and started working in a windsurf shop. Worked with Dave White selling F2 for 6 years and got to know Peter Thommen
and Mark Thoms. Went back to working in the windsurf shop and Mark approached me to sell T1 in the UK, could not turn it down and now the boards are
starting to be noticed. I am now lucky to be selling the best boards and rig components in the world. If you want to do something, do it. Most things work out
in the end, you have to take a few chances.
What are your favourite conditions, and what kit would you be using?
5.3 on the new cross X 97 very windy (just come in from the beach!) Very fast, when you want to, but still turns and super smooth over the rough stuff.
Has windsurfing affected your life, how different would it be without it?
Every aspect of my life revolves around windsurfing without it life would be very boring!
Where would you like to see windsurfing in the future?
Every body that has tried windsurfing in the past and found it very difficult should have another go as its so easy now. The magazines also need to look at
their position of power and promote kit that will excite and inspire people to help the sport grow.
Who/what inspires you?
A windy day is an amazing inspirational thing. Ideas are a lot easier after a day on the water. Dave White always goes very fast and is a clever bloke.
Things that annoy you?
Slow, dull, lifeless boards that have received the top recommendation in a magazine test.
Where is the best place you have been and why?
Maui has to be the best, for one reason only, 11 o clock its windy every day! Other wise crazy sessions at Cotillio in Fuerteventura really stick in my mind,
for just the mad way the wave breaks across the whole bay and nails you if you mess up.
What are your top tips to get out more and get the most from your time on the water?
Sail even if there is no wind and always enjoy it. Every session on the board can be awesome! Always tune your kit to the conditions, if its not comfortable
then change one thing at a time to see what happens.