Photos: PWA / John Carter

HOW I GOT TO BE PWA ROOKIE WORLD CHAMPION

[Words by the new 2016 PWA Rookie Freestyle World Champion, Alexa Escherich]

A few days before the competition started, a fellow rider explained how the competition would work so that I was well prepared and ready.

The day before the competition was really exciting. I rigged all my sails, made sure they all were set correctly and I put all the stickers on. I was super happy that my 2017 JP Freestyle board arrived at René Egli’s shop just in time for the PWA event! Of course, the first thing that I did was to go and sail it – a fantastic board – I’m very happy with it.

The registration was a unique experience because I met all the riders who I have always seen on the magazines and on the internet.My first heat in the single elimination was against Arrianne Aukes. Despite having good conditions -I like wind and waves- I couldn’t win with my 3.6 sail and my new board against this experienced windsurfer.The 2nd day was much better as I won my first heat in the double elimination.Unfortunately, there was no more wind on the last two days, so we couldn’t compete anymore.I was just derigging my sails, when my name was called from the loudspeaker of the price giving. I immediately ran to the stage on the beach and it was a big surprise, when Rene Egli gave me the trophy of the PWA Rookie Freestyle champion 2016.What a great feeling to have this cup in my hands. But now I’m really disappointed because this great time is over…I’ll stay for a couple of weeks here on the Canary Islands and my next stop will be Teneriffe, where I’m going to compete in my first wave competition!

Long term, I plan to compete next year again here on Fuerteventura and my motivation is even bigger to do better.

Thank you for all your support – especially to my school in Germany.

ByeAlexaG-200