The PWA season is about the kick off on Bonaire and our Team is more than ready to start the season with a bang.

We took the time to fire off some questions to our team riders who have been on Bonaire for a couple of days already to prepare for the event.

Amado Vrieswijk – 2x Vice worldchampion & European Champion 2015

What special preparation have you done coming into the first event of the year?

“ I have been training for the last 2 months with my coach who has put me on a very strict diet especially for this event I have lost around 7 kg and spend as much time on the water as possible. I have been working on getting all my moves as consistent as possible and improving every little detail of them, both in light wind and strong wind. I’m ready. “

How are your expectations looking at the forecast and what gear will you most likely use?

“ The forecast is looking very good! Looks promising.. the sail we will use the most will be a good powered up 5.2 but there will for sure be some 4.8 conditions as well! It's going to be an amazing event! “

Maaike Huvermann – 3x Vice Worldchampion & European Champion

You have recently started studying in Amsterdam, has this hold you back in your sailing or just motivated you more when you could?

“ It’s a bit of both. I haven’t been getting a lot of time on the water, but when I did get some time on the water I felt really motivated and focused. I think I’ve also been quite unlucky with the wind, it would be windy when I had exams or when I had other things going on and then when I did have some more time it would not be windy which was slightly annoying. “

You have good memories coming back here on Bonaire, it was your first top 2 finish back in 2014, how are you looking toward this event?

“ I’m having so much fun sailing here, being away from the cold and studies for a little bit really helps me to enjoy the moment even more. The joy of being on the water and seeing so many talented people rocking it up on the water has made me really excited for the event. Last time was also my first ever podium finish, which has made this place quite special to me. So yes I’m excited and ready! “

Oda Johanna – 2x Vice Worldchampion

You have been training hard over winter both in Jeri as already spending 6 weeks on Bonaire. Do you feel well prepared to come into the opening event?

“ I always pray for strong wind, but I'm also prepared for lighter wind! I have had my best training year and I’m just really motivated to have fun and push my sailing. “

What are the ideal conditions you are hoping for?

“ I am hoping for power up 4.8 conditions. Would be great with 4.4, but with the current forecast, it isn’t likely to get this strong. “

Dieter Van der Eyken – 2015 Freestyle World Champion

How is it coming back to compete in Bonaire?

" It’s always great to come back to Bonaire whether its to compete or just to train. It has been 2 years since I was on the island and after being here for many winters training it always feels like coming home a bit. It’s a dream location for a world cup and I’m just excited to see the level everyone has in these perfect conditions! "

You’ve had an accident recently on your Mountain bike. How is the body feeling right now and are you ready to compete?

" To be honest, 3 days ago I was still doubtful if I would be able to compete here or not. I still have some issues with my left shoulder and can’t give it 100% just yet, but over the last days, it has improved significantly making me confident enough to compete. I will see how it goes and try to enjoy this event as much as possible, I’m already happy to compete! "

Balz Muller – Windsurfing MADMAN

You spend more time on the foil in light winds than on your Freek 5.2, would you sail a heat on your foil if it was allowed?

“ Easy to answer; Foilsure! The sensation of doing moves on the foil in very light wind is breathtaking both for spectators and for myself! Bonaire and especially the Pier where we will compete is a dream for foiling! “

You are one of the most innovating riders on tour, what gives you the motivation to think outside of the box and where does your inspiration come from?

“ I just love playing in the raw nature and I‘m addicted to the adrenaline rush I get blasting over the water! I‘m constantly trying new things since I’m little because I just love to see what's behind the moon! Further, I think there is still so much more possible in our beloved sport! “

Kiri Thode: 2013 Freestyle World Champion

You won the last 2 PWA events that were held on Bonaire. How much motivation did you get when you heard the PWA was coming back to Bonaire?

“ To be honest I was more focused on getting used to the new gear than thinking about the contest itself. I’m super happy with the Severne Psycho board and Freek sails. I had to get used to the sail a bit as it was quite different from what I was using in the past and had to find the right trim for the sails. But step by step I got really in tune with the gear and when I then heard the PWA for Bonaire was confirmed I got super excited and motivated again to compete with the worlds best! “

You have been riding the Psycho now for a few months, how do you like the performance of the board and does it fit your Style of riding?

“ The first time riding the board was actually a bit funny, I was so excited to try out the board when I got it I went on the water as soon as I could. When I started to get on the plain the board started shaking heavily and I couldn’t understand why it happened. When I checked my fin I noticed I still had the fin protector on and was simply amazed I could get planning with that still on. After I sailed it without the fin bag I got straight away hooked on the board. It fits perfectly my style with super fast planning & acceleration and the perfect pop for all the new school moves. On top of that, it has the best colors and the graphics look sick, well excited every time I pack it out its board bag! “

Julian Weimar – 2nd place Qaulification rankings ‘018

You qualified yourself through the EFPT last year for the 32 men fleet in the PWA,  how did that go and what are your expectations coming into 2019

“Last year I had a pretty good start to the season with a 7th place in the EFPT in Austria, where I could collect a lot of points due to the higher price money during the event.

It motivated me a lot to go for all the events and try to qualify. At the end of the year, after a few more top ten results, I was second in the qualifying ranking and I got my spot for the 2019 world tour.

At the last PWA event of 2018 in Sylt, I managed to break into the top 15 for the first time, which gave me that extra bit of confidence coming into the new season. I will give it all and enjoy battling it out with the best 32 guys in the world. “

Where have you trained over winter and how do you like the conditions here on Bonaire?

“ First I’ve been training in Egypt, Dahab and now for over a month already here on Bonaire. Since I’m used to the bigger sail sizes, I really enjoy sailing in this awesome lagoon. The water is warm, the wind is steady, so what more could we ask for? Ok, I might miss the waves a little bit, but we will have competitions at wavy spots later this year again so, for now, I will enjoy the flat waters. I’m really looking forward to the season and can’t wait to get things started today! “

We wish all our teamriders the best of luck for the event, make sure to follow it all live on www.pwaworldtour.com