Where are you going for your holidays this year? Sarah-Quita Offringa chose to spend her summer in the Canarian Islands but then again, can we really call these last few weeks holidays? Read more from her below...

Fuerteventura!!

After wave sailing in Pozo, I had to switch to freestyle mode for Fuerteventura again. Would you believe me if I said I was nervous ? Really nervous in fact. Just one event this year would decide the PWA Freestyle World title. You could argue that it’s an easy job because you would just have to do one event to win this title. Then again, what if something goes wrong? There is no second chance.

I’ve won the PWA Freestyle title seven times already. So what does it matter right? A lot apparently. I don’t know why. All I know is that I want to go out and sail the heat of my dreams every time. I really want to show the moves I’ve learned in the past year. So I had some pressure coming from myself. And for the first time, I was affected by pressure from other people’s expectations: they seem to think that me winning is a given.

However for me every year, every competition is a new challenge. I don’t look at my past results and achievements. I don’t feel like that’s a reference point. I have new sails this year, the forecast looked like we’d be sailing in howling winds, the other girls have improved as well and I’m trying to do well in three disciplines. The challenge then is to stay focused and 'in the moment' for only that competition.

We finished two double eliminations and one single elimination. These were the toughest conditions I’ve sailed in Fuerteventura since 2007 I think. I’m really the last person to rig down, but the first two days I was maxed out on my 4.2m² and Flare 91. That's still kind of big considering the other girls were on 3.3m² or 3.6m². After that, I sailed 4.5m² mostly. I did have a hard time but really enjoyed sailing these classic Fuerte conditions. The perfect playground and show for the people at the beach. I felt really confident on the water and have sailed some of my dream heats. Burners, culos, shakas, air flakas, ponches etc... The guys were constantly pushing me to try bigger moves like paskos and spock into culos. I tried but didn’t make it. I guess that’s the goal for next year!

I’m not sure whether it was the sand flying around or if I was overwhelmed with emotions. Either way, I did have to wipe away a tear or two when I received the overall trophy. PWA Freestyle World Champion for the 8th time! I was happy because my practice paid off this year. It means a lot to me when people compliment my sailing. I want to show that the women are more than capable of putting up a high level performance. And I think together with the other ladies we showed that this year. There is more to come next year. Wait and see!

Again I’ve won all of my heats. But it wasn’t easy. The other girls are pushing, landing shakas and the latest switch moves! Super excited to see that. Congrats to all girls putting on a great show and biggest props to Oda [Johanne] and Maaike [Huvermann]. I’m not nervous to get beaten by either of them. If anything, I’m looking forward to that because it will be the biggest motivational boost to keep progressing. But if I can, I will try my hardest to fend them off for as long as I can.

Fuerte was the BOMB again this year and I’m smiling thinking back to the friendly warm and supportive locals. Thank you! Anyway, the show must go on. I’ve been in the Canaries for almost 5 weeks already. I’m in Tenerife at the moment for my fourth event of the year. Getting ready to sail some waves again! Wish me luck!

- Sarah-Quita Offringa

- Pictures by John Carter / PWA World Tour -