Competition Goals

GOALS Earlier this year we featured Elise Gire’s fast track progress to windsurfing, from beginner to short boarder in 50 days. Elise’s next goal was to enter a wavesailing contest and true to her word, she did! From conquering nerves to finishing in the top 5, Elise tells us about the experience of her first event.

- Elise Gire

THE INSPIRATION

Last year on Maui I was standing at the registration table at Charley’s restaurant in Paia while all of my roommates, Casey Hauser, Sarah Hauser, Annamaria Zollet and Joey Sanchez, were signing up for the Aloha Classic. I was so proud of all of them, especially Annamaria for never have being to Maui before and entering in the contest. Ho’okipa was expecting a massive swell, and it turned out to be just that. During the few days prior to the contest, Annamaria ended up on the dreaded Ho’okipa rocks twice. It didn’t stop her from pushing past her nerves and competing.

Sarah Hauser took first in the women’s single elimination, on one of the biggest days I’ve seen, and in super light wind. Seeing her charging those waves motivated me that someday I could be brave enough to take on conditions like that. Here in Baja, I had a chance to chat with IWT photographer Si Crowther. He shared with me that in 2006, only 8 months after learning to windsurf, his friend convinced him to enter a wave contest in North Wales. At that point he didn’t know how to jibe and finished in dead last. He went on to compete a month later in another contest, managing to score points with an attempted forward, but still ending up last. Gaining tips from pros and other competitors, he pushed on, entering more contests and started to score points in heats, learning about wave riding and wave selection. From then on he was hooked on competing. These people went past that nervous feeling in their stomach and charged it. My motivation to compete was to push my limits and sail out of my comfort zone, learn from it, and have fun no matter what the outcome.

THE PREPARATION