SHQ

Alastair McLeod is 17 year old high school student and a new addition to the SHQ team for 2009. Alastair is focused on Wave sailing and won this year’s youth Wave Sailing Nationals (uncontested). Let’s catch up with him and find out what his plans are for the future:

Who is Alastair McLeod?
Seventeen year old student, who doesn't get to windsurf enough!

How did you get into Windsurfing?
My dad has been windsurfing for years so it was natural that I would get into it.

What is your favourite discipline?
Definitely waves, freestyle is fun as well but waves are better!

What are your favourite windsurf spots, local and international?
Maui - Hookipa is awesome sailing with all the legends, Marrawah - isolated, awesome place to just get into it, Point Impossible - on a good swell it's super fun!

What is so special about Marrawah?
It is quite a wild place and gives off a good vibe. I just really like sailing there.

What is your favourite windsurf DVD?
The Windsurfing Movie for sure, awesome action, editing and soundtrack.

What gear are you currently riding?
My favourite gear is my 2009 NP Zones and my 68 twinser pro. Super light weight and manoeuvrable. I also have a JP 100l Freestyle and a 5.7 expression for the light stuff on the bay.

What is your favourite move in the PWA at the moment?
Pushfowards are sick, my favourite wave move is a super fast air taka. They look amazing.

What moves are you working on yourself?
At the moment I am working on improving spocks and flakas for freestyle. In the waves I have started trying wave 360s, want to get my aerials better and working on backloops and getting my forwards bigger.

Which local and international sailors do inspire you to get better?
John Pott, he has been super helpful in Tasmania and shreds. On the bay Fletch and Evan are always going for moves so that pushes me to go harder.

Are you the next Jason Polakow ?
Haha, that's a big call! Hopefully!

A few quick questions:

Freestyle or waves?
Waves

Twin or Single?
Twin

Marrawah or Maui?
Tough call, Marrawah is awesome without the crowds, but Maui has the huge scene and Jaws.

Uni or Pwa?
PWA for sure!

Lawyer or windsurf bum?
While I'm young I want to make the most of windsurfing so a real job can wait!