Next up in ‚Blast From The Past‘ is Italian wave sailor – Federico Morisio (JP / NeilPryde) – who started windsurfing in 2004. The 24-year-old has enjoyed most of his success thus far on the IWT – winning his first international event in Peru during 2017.

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

I was in the south of Corsica Island, France. 

When was it? 

It was back in 2004, when I was 9 years old. 

With who were you?

I was with my family, and my dad was teaching me and my sister how to windsurf! 

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

Sincerely I don’t remember much from that very first one, but I remember about a few other ones when I was starting. I remember it was hard and I was getting angry at trying, but also that it was super challenging, fun and rewarding! 

Who was your local hero? And why? 

Living in Turin, Italy, I didn’t really have a local hero; but I was always looking up to Kauli Seadi as he was and still is my hero! 

What gear were you using? 

I was using the Mistral WindGlider kit! It had a huge inflatable board and a really simple and light rig with an aluminium mast and boom. It was perfect to learn as the board was super easy, big and soft: I could fall as many times I wanted! 

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

Well, the first time planing was a huge turning point and it felt unreal! I believe that’s still one of the best feelings ever in windsurfing and the reason why we all fall in love with it! The feeling of speed and freedom were and still are priceless! 

How did you realise you were becoming a professional windsurfer? 

I realised that my biggest goal and dream was to become a Pro Windsurfer during my first trip to Maui, Hawaii, back in October 2014 at age 19. My first ever trip completely alone, on the other side of the world and completely out of my comfort zone. When I saw and met all my idols, all the pro windsurfers training there, I felt something strong inside, I felt like a huge fire inside me awoke making me aware that that was what I wanted to do in my life and dedicate my life to! It was so special and I’m hugely grateful for that moment because it changed my life for the better and gave me the strength to go chase my dream. It’s thanks to windsurfing that I’m living my dream and best life, and I will always be grateful for it!

Give a tip for the next generation… 

I believe you have to enjoy your process! Reaching your goals is nice, but working to get there and being happy doing what you’re doing everyday is the best thing ever. Also, don’t get "stuck" only in the windsurfing world, put your head also out of it, get inspired by other sports, athletes and people. Finally, believe in what you do and create your own path! 

Thanks, Federico.