Next up in ‘Blast From The Past’ is Oda Brødholt  (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins), who enjoyed a quick rise through the Freestyle ranks since making her debut in 2013 – finishing as the vice-world champion in 2014 and ‘15, while she has completed the overall podium for the last four seasons – cementing herself as one of the top female windsurfers in the world. As well as making a name for herself on the Freestyle PWA World Tour the Norwegian has also enjoyed some success on the race course having earned her first podium in France in 2019 – making her part of an elite group of sailors to have earned podiums in different disciplines…

Hey Oda, can you take us back to the memory of your very first windsurf experience… Where were you?

At Larkollen, Norway. My home spot now 🙂

When was it? 

2009

Who were you with?

I was trying it out with my sister in high wind and I even think it was with wave kit! Did not manage, the board was too small! And it blew 30 knots….haha

What do you remember from that very first ‘session’?

Daaaamn, that was not easy! But I want to learn it! I bought gear a.s.a.p. 🙂 
 
Who was your local hero? And why? 

I guess Ruben, my friend, who pushed me to go sailing again when the wind picked up. I was planing for the first time! I was hooked from that day!

What gear were you using? 

1st session: wave kit; way too small
2nd session: my dad’s 80’s gear; way too old
3rd session: my own BIC 148 litre (freeride), after that I moved over to Starboard boards; the real deal!

Describe the feeling when you were planing for the first time…

I was screaming: woooohooooo! The rush was insane and I was hooked! I dreamt about it for nights! 

How did you realise you were becoming a professional windsurfer?

It just happened in a strange way. Started traveling to sail more, just for joy. I stopped my pro handball career, but then I wanted to be as good as possible so I joined a world cup, got sponsors and BAM here I am! 

Give a tip for the next generation…

Make sure to have fun and go outside your comfort zone as much as possible -then miracles are happening! Believe that you can do the tricks you want to do! 

Thanks, Oda.