Sarah Jackson (Tabou / GA Sails) is still a relative new comer to the Women’s Slalom PWA Wave World Tour – having made her first appearance at an event in September of 2017. The 22-year-old has plenty of racing experience though having come through the ranks of Techno293 in the UK, while she has won several British Slalom events. To find out more about Sarah’s first windsurfing experiences read on for the latest in ‘Blast From The Past’.

Hey Sarah, take us back to the memory of your very first windsurf experience – where were you?

Minorca –  an island off of Spain.
 
When was it? 

2005 – I was 7. 
 
Who were you with?

My family and brother. 
 
What do you remember from that very first ‘session’? 

We were on holiday and I remember my parents really wanted us to go dinghy sailing and I stood on the beach and said no, that looks way more fun (it was windsurfing). So they let us have a lesson and it was the first sport I was ever better than my brother at (he’s two years older and a very talented sportsman in hockey and cricket and when we were growing up he could do everything – it was so annoying!!). I loved it and carried on when on holidays and then eventually at home when I was old enough to join our local club. 
 
Who was your local hero? And why? 

When I started at home I idolised my coaches – they were amazing and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. Ali and Scotty you are awesome! 
 
What gear were you using? 

In the first session I don’t remember, but my first gear I owned was a Bic Techno293 and a 4.5 Tushingham Dino that was older than me! 
 
Describe your feeling when you were planing for the first time…

I don’t remember so much the first time planing, but I remember the first time shortboarding out in Dahab in Egypt and absolutely loving it! 
 
How did you realise you were becoming a professional windsurfer?

I think this summer I noticed it the most when I was working in Greece and people came up to me on the beach and recognised me – it was kind of surreal!
 
Give a tip for the next generation…

Stick at it and never give up! I took a break from windsurfing after quitting Techno293 and when I came back to it and found the fun again it was the best decision I ever made! 

Thanks, Sarah.