SHQ

Evan Hawkey has been a SHQ Teamrider since 2005 and has to be one of the best sailors in the bay. He recently has discovered wave sailing and is taking his freestyle skills very effectively into the waves. His progress is amazing to watch and by winning the Victorian Wave sailing titles this year he is sending a clear message to the hardcore (oldschool) Victorian wave sailing crew :

Better take your wave sailing to the next level or move over !

A quick interview with Evan explains what he is planning for the future.

So who is Evan Hawkey?

I'm a keen Windsurfer who is always looking to get out on the water and land a new move.

How long have you been a SHQ team rider?

Since about 2005. I remember when forward loops were my only big move. I was charging around at Green Point in a northerly doing a forward every run when Paul from SHQ Boardsports spotted me and invited me to join the team.

Can you explain the idea behind the Victorian Wave Sailing Series?

I believe the organizers were looking to bring competition back to the Wavesailing scene in Victoria, which has been non-existent for many years. It has brought a lot of people together and seems to have reinvigorated Wavesailing and Windsurfing generally in the state. It's been a well-run, relaxed and friendly event with many participants and some spectators and photographers.

We thought you where mainly a Bay / Freestyle sailor?

Well, the bay is where I do 90% of my sailing so I can understand that assumption. I live in Wonga Park which is 1 hour 45min from Torquay and over 2 hours from Sandy Point. But, over the last 5 years I have done more and more trips to the coast and in conjunction with the new twin-fin and quad-fin boards, I have taken my Wavesailing to new levels.

What moves are you working on in the Bay?

Whatever move Fletcher is working on! We have a friendly rivalry where he brainstorms what moves the pros are doing and we should be able to land. He then goes out and starts trying it so I join in attempting the move. One of the latest moves I can do fairly consistently is the Clew-First Spock. I would like to take my Flakas to the next level and complete Air Flakas, which are basically a 'high speed aerial upwind 360.' Ponches are also in the pipeline.

Evan sailing his favourite spot Dendy St with other teamriders

Have you been on any interesting wavesailing trips recently? ( Maui / Wa?)

I've been to Maui but unfortunately conditions were far from hardcore when I was on holidays there in early October. I've been to Marrawah in Tasmania and that place can get gnarly. Sailed some mast-high monsters at the Back of Lighthouse but had the best sailing at The Bluff in half mast to logo-high waves.

What is you favorite spot in Victoria ?

For bay sailing it would have to be Dendy street in a 20-30 knot SSW or SW. On 20 to 25 knot days you get excellent freestyle space in close where the water is protected and flatter but you can still charge out into some rolling swells for aerial maneuvers. When the wind goes over 25 knots big ramps appear and you can start going for large shakas, forwards and backloops.

In the waves it would have to be Point Impossible. However, it seems to be a rare occurrence that the wind and swell is right at the same time for this place to work it's best. But when it does it is epic! When the waves reach logo-high it is a fast, clean and a relatively friendly point break setup.

How did you manage to win the Victorian Wave Sailing Titles?

I won the first event of the series at sandy point, which got me off to a good start on the points board. It was super windy and I had a 3.5 Fly and 74L Quad which were working a treat! Looking back I think I remember sailing that spot a week or two before the comp which helped, plus I'm a massage therapist so I have strong hands and can hang on in high winds! After that, I made sure that I turned up at all the following events and made it into the final of each, taking high placing’s and points.

What moves are you currently working on in the waves?

The Wave 360! I have been able to do the Gu Screw for a while now which is like a Wave 360 except you exit out the back of the wave half way through the move. I am working on performing the turn in progressively steeper, faster, breaking sections so that soon the wave will spit me forward and keep me moving. I was trying them a lot at Sandy Point a week ago and managed to rotate straight up above the wave a few times, coming down just on the back of the break instead of exiting way out the back like in the past.

What equipment do you use in the waves?

I use dedicated wave gear. I use The NP Fly in sizes 3.5, 4.2, 4.8 and 5.4. I like the compact shape and how I'm able to use a small and light 370cm mast up to my 4.8. The short mast combined with the sail material makes it super light and maneuverable. I can also see through it which is handy for watching the wave before I try to smack it! I have also followed the introduction of multi-fin boards, getting the first JP twin fin and then moving onto the Quad fin this season. I use the JP Quad 74 which is the perfect size for me and can really slash up the waves with its very small fins.

Tell us why you like sailing the JP Kauli Quad fin?

Because I had experienced how loose the 2009 JP twin had been and wanted to have more fun and improve my Wavesailing further. The other benefit I knew I would get with the quad was better upwind capability, which has meant that the board is great for catching more waves and tearing up the bay in 23+ knots. Having a "twin" with extra fins on the side gives great grip and a lateral point that you can pivot off to get upwind.

What is the quickest way to improve in the waves?

Practice lots. Work on keeping your weight forward so you carve the whole rail and aren't just doing a wobbly foot steer on the tail. Getting good carves will make turning a breeze and keep your speed up so you can get in and out of 'the zone' quickly. Take note that we stand on the back of our Windsurf boards to balance the sail force pushing down through the mast base, "flattening" out the angle of our board while traveling forward. You need to over-sheet the sail a little bit when initiating a carve so that some pressure goes into the front half of the board so that you don't sink the tail turning. If you sail in the bay most of the time, practice you wave turns. Even in a northerly at Green Point you can still perfect your wave technique! Demo a twin fin or quad fin and feel the difference. The first thing I noticed gybing or caving a wave on one of these is that it's more like surfing; just lean into the turn, no need to worry so much about setting up the rig position for the turn as the toe-side rail just drops away effortlessly.

What can we expect from you in the future?

In the waves: a faster and more vertical style with bigger smacks and wave 360s. I will also try to incorporate some freestyle skills into the waves with moves like the Air Taka, Shaka, and forward loop (off the lip!). In the bay I would like to be doing Ponches.

I hope to compete at the next National Wavesailing Titles and take out the Victorian Title again next season. I'm enjoying watching some of our Windsurfing friends starting to get their first forward loops. I look forward to helping them conquer the move and continue on with other moves the forward loop opens the door to.

I would like to thank SHQ Boardsports for their support over the years and Duncan and the boys for running a great Victorian Wave sailing Series !

For the full results and more info on the Victorian Wave Sailing Series click here.

Evan is also a excellent Massage Therapist with his own Mobile Massage Business: Muscle Fix.

Evan specializes in Remedial & Deep-tissue sports massage's and has helped many windsurfers to get back on the water quickly. Remedial massage is all about fixing the body. With Musclefix, Evan can discuss with you any bodily complaints you may have, conduct an assessment, followed by a sport specific massage to your needs.

He was generous enough to offer a 15% discount if you mention SHQ Boardsports ! (offer ends 30 April)

Check out his website: musclefix.com.au