RRD: Hi Alex, congratulations on winning the PWA Wave event in Sylt. How does it feel to be on the podium in 1st place?

Alex: It feels like being on a beautiful cloud! It’s an amazing feeling to be on top, especially knowing how good all the other riders are. The level right now is really high, so I’m very proud of myself and the work we have put on developing the boards and sails at RRD.

RRD: How did the event go for you, were you happy with the conditions?

Alex: To tell you the truth, I wasn’t too happy with the conditions. It was light onshore winds with a big shorebreak, so not the best dream for a windsurfer. However I was able to perform well, even though the conditions were not the best, so I’m very happy about that!

RRD: What board and sails were you on?

Alex: From the beginning of the event I had to switch from 4.7 Vogue Pro, to the 5.0 Four. The 4.7 was very loose in the hands which is great for riding, but the Four gave me that extra power that I needed when the winds got lighter. For boards, I used the 78lt Hardcore Wave. It’s a great board and it’s my favorite size in those conditions.

RRD: Do you feel the RRD sails are at their best now, and what do you think has made them progress so fast?

Alex: Absolutely, since I got to the team the sails have progressed a lot. Together with the sail designer John Skye and team rider Andrea Rosati, we have looked for the perfect sail. The Vogue is more ‘surfy’ and loose in the hands, and the Four is the sail you need for those light wind days. The 2017 sails are the perfect mix of pure wave riding and onshore conditions. I am very excited about what the future will bring, because the 2018 sails are looking amazing and we have worked really hard to find the perfect sail for every rider out there.

RRD: How did you find the performance of the new Hardcore Wave board in these conditions?

Alex: To be honest it’s made for more down-the-line type of riding, but I have to say I’m using them for everything. From the crazy winds of Gran Canaria to light onshore conditions we saw in Sylt. I will also ride them for the last 2 events of the year, as they could be down the line. The Hardcore Waves are the perfect boards for all types of conditions.

RRD: Which rider was your biggest competitor on the water in sylt?

Alex: I really think that every competitor was hard, because anyone ranked from 32 up to 1st position could beat anyone. I have a lot of respect for every rider beacuse they are all so good. Also you have to be able to beat the onshore conditions too!

RRD: How do you find Sylt compared to the other events on the PWA?

Alex: Everything in Sylt is different from the rest of the events. The people there, the weather conditions, the crowd… Also its that time of year where all competitors from all disciplines come together at the same stage, so its nice to see other riders perform.

RRD: You are now in 2nd place overall, and there are only 2 events to go, has your ‘game plan’ changed now? What will you do the same or differently?

Alex: I will continue with the same story, stay calm, and try to pass as many heats as possible. I get to the event with one thing in mind, try to be in the top 10. If I get a better result I will be happy. If I can be top 5 or even better and on the podium, it’s amazing. I have no pressure to do well, which is nice. I think at this stage I have done a great year and it can only get better! Stay calm will be the solution.

RRD: Who would you like to thank who helped you get on that podium?

Alex: First I would like to thank my family, especially my wife for the maximum support. Without her none of this would be happening. When I met her I was at the bottom of my career and she helped me to come back, pushing my limits to achieve my goals! I want to thank my friends for all the messages. And last but not least I’de like to thank RRD. Thanks to them I get the support needed to live, travel and compete. They believed in me when I came back to the team, so… THANKS!!

Pics by John Skye / PWA