Me and My Kit: Christine Spreiter: Professional Windsurfer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Coping with the kit is a nightmare. I have five coffin-shaped suitcases eight feet long to hold the sailboards, which are different shapes and sizes for different events like slalom, wave-jumping or races. Then there is the scaffolding, 12 masts and booms, a large and small for each board, 12 sails to fit, and 10 different types of fin to give me directional stability. Add to that a jacket that has to be buoyant, even though it is weighted with lead to give me extra leverage.
After that, the rest is easy. Over a swimsuit I pull on a rubber wetsuit, short legs and sleeves for warmer locations, then a pelvic harness to attach me to the wishbone boom of the sail, then the buoyancy aid. No boots unless it is very, very cold - you get a better feel through your bare feet - and tons of the highest factor sun block plus sunnies to protect my contact lenses from too much salt spray.
And if I have any room to spare? About five kilos of books. Waiting around for the right racing conditions can be a tedious process.
Christine Spreiter, who competes full-time on the professional boardsailing circuit, is currently in Brighton for a World Cup event.
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments