Name: Oli Grogan
Age: 17
Best Move: Clewfirst no hands Gecko Flaka
Move you would most like to do?
I would like to be able to grind a rail that would be a crowd pleaser.
Best aspect of windsurfing?
Sailing new places, meeting new people, landing moves.
How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in 1988. My parents split up when I was tiny, my mum remarried to a windsurfer that was keen to get me windsurfing. I got my “Mini Bic” when I
was 4 along with my brother. we had some amazing sessions on those badboys we were the local heroes at the reservoir. I grew out of my Bic when I was
about 8 and I lost a bit of interest. After that and did lots of sailing my dingy. I then helped out with a windsurfing demo and was obsessed again. Since then
my grandparents brought a house backing onto the beach so I keep my kit rigged up and just sail whenever I want. After a year of sailing all the time people
started to realise that I had some skills, Skisurf 2000 hooked me up shortly after with cheep kit. Rob @ Skisurf let me do my work experience in the shop,
which was pretty cool we just went windsurfing and watched surf and snowboard films for 2 weeks. About a year later Mino hooked me up with Proof boards,
fiberspar masts and booms and Windgear harnesses. Ultimately I want to be pro and compete on the PWA and UKWA circuit, I don’t want to be no
windsurfing hero I just want to have fun.
What are your favourite conditions, and what kit would you be using?
I love it when I’m well powered on my boxer 5/3 and my Proof freestylie 105 at Mersea. Blowing s/w sailing from my Grandparents house. The water is dead
flat, super clean wind its our secret spot only me and friends sail there its just like baby bay in Dahab. If the old speed geeks came up here they would
dominate the SkiSurf speed comp!
Has windsurfing affected your life, how different would it be without it?
Yep, I wouldn’t have the motivation to go to college etc I would just be drinking to much and skateboarding 24/7 which isn’t that bad but windsurfing just
makes me feel happy I love the feeling of going for a sail and coming back in bruised and punished after a good session.
Where would you like to see windsurfing in the future?
In the water. With all the women swimming after me shouting my name!
Who/what inspires you?
Skateboarders inspire me, they are all really nice people, snowboarders are also really nice maybe a bit to chilled. People that inspire me are happy people who
have time to talk you and are funny.
Things that annoy you?
Windsurfers who think they are the Mack. Complainers, the people who cant admit defeat and that they have an excuse for everything, which really annoys
me. Phones annoy me. I also hate cars I think we should walk everywhere and bicycle.
Where is the best place you have been and why?
I loved Egypt that place ruled, oz was immense I also love whistler in Canada. I loved Egypt so much it was so hot but it was a nice hot not a dirty sweaty hot,
the water was to clear the locals were a treat and the windsurfing was so much fun.
What are your top tips to get out more and get the most from your time on the water?
No pain no gain, if its rainy horrible no wind etc go do it anyway, it feels good just getting out there. Get out there as much as possible. Put the boom way
higher than you think, it will feel really foreign but bear with it and you will be able to do all the tricks shortly after!!!