chris gardiner windsurfing interview
How long have you been windsurfing?
I first learned to windsurf in
How did you start racing?
I started racing at the last Suncoast Classic ever held, in the Techno 293 division. I had already done some boat racing and Britt convinced me to do this regatta, it was a great experience.
I hear that there are more kids windsurfing and starting to race in your area?
Absolutely, this year Britt started a kids camp in our area, inviting talented kids from his summer programs to join this new team. This is not to say that other windsurfers aren't welcome, anyone can be on this team if they would like, we are constantly looking to expand our sport, and getting youth sailors into it is a great way. This team currently has many new windsurfers who are rapidly getting better, it's really nice to have more guys my age out on the water.
How do you think we can get more kids windsurfing? More importantly to you, how do we get more girls windsurfing?
To get more kids into windsurfing we should have all the kids who currently windsurf talk to their friends and convince them to try out windsurfing, as soon as they try it they're hooked! As far as girls go, there aren't many in the sport at all and that definitely should change. I just recently realized that instead of inviting just my surfing friends to do it, that i could invite all sorts of people, including girls to come try it out. Everyone should try inviting one of their friends (guys and girls!) out for a day on the water, I can almost guarantee that they'll want more, they just need you to open the door for them into this amazing windsurfing world. windsurfing could always use more youth, especially girls because there just aren't very many, and they need to represent their side of the sport, there's just as many girls as guys on this earth!
How are the sailing regattas different than Formula regattas for you?
I like formula regattas better than sailing regattas because with formula regattas everyone is nice and laid back, and the racing is fast and fun. The adults are very kind to us kids who are new to racing and are always trying to help us out, which i really appreciate.
What do you think of Formula and racing?
Formula is a great aspect of windsurf racing, and is extremely fun. With formula you are guaranteed a fantastically exciting start with tons of fast moving boards all trying to cross the line at once, sometimes on different tacks! Also the fact that you're going so fast along with tons of other people around you, it's just an amazing feeling that you can't get anywhere else. Where slalom boards and wave sailing need 20 knots + we can go in almost anything, This practically triples our water time compared to them!
Do you think sailing Formula is hard?
I think that sailing formula does require some strength and endurance along with a good head to think about what to do and when, but anyone who wants to do it can. I was in terrible shape before i started formula sailing, i could barely pick up a 10 and to be competitive on it was a joke,but i worked at it and not before long like recently i was almost placing with some of the better sailors in Florida. All it takes is a little time and dedication and anything possible with formula.
What do you like best about sailing Formula?
The thing i like best about formula is the sheer sped and angle you have with the wind. I will go out formula sailing in the gulf, put some pressure on my back leg, do 2 tacks, and suddenly I'll realize I'm 2 miles upwind, then i get to enjoy an insanely fun downwind. Also i like competing at high speeds with all the other formula sailors. Formula is an awesome aspect of windsurfing.
Do you have goals with windsurfing?
I have many goals with windsurfing. The range all over the place from close goals, like landing my back loop and vulcan or placing well at midwinters, to long term goals, like getting sponsored and racing bigger regattas and events. The sky is the limit with formula.
So I hear that you have some training partners?
Yes I've been training with Britt since the start of my formula days, and recently have gotten involved sailing with many other kids along with adults from all over
Are you going to Midwinters this year?
I will in fact be showing up at midwinters this year, and i hope to do very well. This past weekend in
So you sail 420s, Sonars, skateboard, windsurf with Formula, slalom and waveboards? Sounds like an awesome time! How do you thank your parents, ie your sponsers?
My parents have been very good to me over the years. Wether it's buying me a waveboard, or taking me to a regatta, which is to no benefit to them, out of the kindness of their heart, my parents have always been there for me. To thank them, i always do the chores around the house without too much complaining, along with walking the dog every night, and driving them around when they are tired. I also don't give them a hard time about the wave sail they promised me two years ago.
You are turning sixteen soon. What kind of car would be great for windsurfing and going out with girls?
I would really enjoy a nice big van, because i would b able to fit all my gear in the back, plus a couple windsurfing girls in the front. A van really is the best of both worlds. I could take it on trips all over the place and not have to worry about tying gear down, just slide it in. Plus when the girls hear my V 8 they'll come running.
So how many pushups can you do? I hear that you crank some out on a regular basis.
That is confidential information unfortunately because if he finds out how many i can really do hell make me do more! I'm just joking, but my instructor believes push ups are an effective way to ingrain something in someones head such as not leaving a board out on the beach overnight, or forgetting you starting watch, all these things are important. As to how many push ups i can do, 2 midwinters ago i did 87 along with wall sits and sit ups, until i couldn't even move, for leaving his waveboard out on the beach. I'm not doing that again.
chris,