Interview of Jesper Vesterstrom
Using a profile method, can you describe yourself on a physical and a psychological point of view?
Well, what drives me in life is my dreams, I want to be the best at what I do and don't really care about the cost. A lot of people always thinks about education and the future and want to live in a closed circle where all is safe and secure. I live differently, different attitude to life. I want to achieve goals in life to, I educated myself in living my dream, surviving by getting sponsors, doing speeches, coaching - different from the normal Danish person. To become the best you need a strong mind and focus. But a strong mind is not enough ,fitness is for me very important as well. Not only it benefits me on the water but also I always clears my mind.
I live strongly by "you only live once" and "follow your dream" and that pretty much reflects my personality I think. I always try to be happy and enjoy myself and get the best out of everything. Stress can not exist around me.
What makes you better than the average?
I train hard and I believe I can beat everyone... It takes time to get there, for me it did, but the more I believe and work for it the better my results.
What does windsurf brought you?
A lot of friends. A lot of great memories and fantastic trips around the world. Its also bringing me a great future. I have learnt a lot which I feel I can learn other people about. It's a different life you live, something you can only learn by giving up the normal life for a more insecure lifestyle.
Do you think owing something to this sport ?
I want to inspire other young sailors in believing that following their dreams to become the best is possible. It would be great if more people could start taking up windsurfing because you are doing it. Windsurfing is fantastic. Its social and makes you look different in life and this felling I owe the sport to pass on to other people, otherwise they will miss out on a great thing in life.
Do you consider creating your own brand?
Well I took copyright on "living the dream", that's what I am selling at the moment and it works. I don't want to get involved with the industry selling surfboards or sails, never... For some reason I just like to be on the water, I never go in to surfshops...
For you, when did windsurf stopped being a simple leisure to become a real passion?
I think my first trip to Australia after high School changed everything for me. Because I was free of school and I could start to plan my own career and that feel on windsurfing. That was some years ago now, I think that was in 1996
Do you think it's hard to become a professional windsurfer? And why?
To become a pro is hard. First of all you need training and for that you need time and if you want time you need the money! It's a bad circle to get into, but for sure formula windsurfing made it possible for others to break into the sport. The PWA world cup where custom boards where allowed where impossible unless you had a lot of money. It was a rich man sport for sure... But its not impossible. There might not be money in the industry these days but the corporate sponsorship is a possible. Its hard but not impossible and if you succeed there could be a lot of money to get.
Competitions organization isn't very good, what's your opinion regarding this?
Well, windsurfing is run by enthusiast and not professionals, that's the difference. If someone invested in windsurfing and put the brand manager from Formel one motor race, windsurfing would be massive and much more professional.But the people running it now is all we have and they are doing their best and Windsurfers do their best to complain about it, but what's our option?
In soccer, seasons are overloaded, is it the case in windsurf?
Depends on you planning, you can have a full calendar if you do all disciplines or you can do the majors and go training all winter. Up to the individual I guess. This year I started on the RS:X and there is events every week + formula + slalom ++++ there is a lot.
Will windsurf came back to his golden age or will it stay a summer sport?
Unless something changes it will always be a summer sport. Starboard has done well for the sport and the for sure saved it. But "golden" age requires some major investments from outside companies than can use the "Windsurfing Lifestyle" as a strong image again, but that is not impossible.
What wish would you have to improve windsurf?
I don't know, already there is being a lot done. Starboard do the right thing and all we need is some Brad Pitt +Joline - or some other celebrity to take it up and go crazy about it. Imagine if they would rock up to a big event just because they loved the action. I think a "small" thing like that could change a lot... It's all about PR...
What would be the best innovation in windsurf equipment?
I think all brands are doing their best, so I got no suggestions there.
Freestyle session, write whatever you want.
Live your dream, you got one shot at it, so why waste it J
Stif for airjibe.com