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Just as she was about to be eliminated in the semi-finals of the Citroën Windsurf World Cup Sylt in Germany, Sol Degrieck finally clinched her first victory in the wave discipline on the world circuit at just 15 years of age. The young Belgian has always been capable of achieving exceptional results, and that is exactly what she managed to do this time in technical conditions... Interview with a young champion in the making who will be competing in the Aloha Classic, which starts on 13 October.
Windsurfjournal.com: Sol, at just 15 years old, you won your first World Cup victory. Can you describe how you felt when you realized you were winning in Sylt?
Sol Degrieck: I couldn’t believe it at first, it was an amazing feeling. When my mum told me coming out of the water, I couldn’t believe it, I still can’t.
WJ: Your qualification for the final was decided in the very last seconds of your semi-final. How did you experience that tense moment, and what prompted you to attempt that decisive final move?
SD: It was a hard day, and a difficult heat. I had a real fight in the semi-finals, I took too long for jumps, and the heats were only 12 minutes. With a long swim after my gear and a long run, at the beach, I was prepared with a second set upwind the competition area. Only, the spare set was a big board and 4.8, so I was very, very overpowered. I nearly couldn’t hold on to the boom, that’s why I missed the top turn at first. Last year, my last wave was too late, after the buzzer. So this year, I tend to tack more in time, like in Tenerife. I knew the timing, and I only had 15 seconds left, going out. So as soon, there was a wave, I tacked to ride that wave. It was a big hit on a gnarly wave! After the hit, the ball exploded on my back, I can still feel the impact on my left shoulder. But I managed to hold on and stay upright. I got 5 points for that hit, and made it true. I think that’s where I actually won the competition.
WJ: The conditions in Sylt were very difficult all day, with a lot of rain and a challenging shore break. How did you manage to adapt to these conditions and stay focused?
SD: Yes, it was a long day with an early skippers meeting. I managed to stay dry and relaxed during the day. I prepared my gear, in between the showers, so the cold didn’t get me. For the sailing I love challenging conditions, I love riding on the North Sea. Last month, I had some after school sessions in Wissant, so I got used to North Sea shore break. But still, the Sylt shore break is like nowhere else. So I am really happy with my performance.
WJ: You seemed particularly comfortable on the big sections in the final. Can you tell us about your technical approach and how you choose your waves in these kinds of conditions?
SD: This year in training, we focused a lot on the bottom turn, to keep the board going. The speed helps me in difficult conditions, that’s where I get the control over the waves. The training paid off, I felt in control. I always try to get the bigger waves. We were watching the waves in the previous heats, so we could see where the bigger ones were breaking. I started a bit slow, but as from the last wave in the semi-finals, I really got the feel. This wave gave me the confidence for the final.
WJ: You are now the youngest winner of a World Cup Wave event. Was this a goal you set yourself for this season, or a complete surprise?
SD: For me, it was a complete surprise. I go wave by wave and heat by heat. I don’t really think of the results. Only when I get on shore my mum tells me if I am going to the next round.
WJ : You are part of a new generation of very talented female riders. What do you think sets you apart in your style or approach to waveriding?
SD: Yes, I am very lucky to grow up with so many good girls pushing each other. Especially Alexia, Maria, Lisa who are a few years older, but also Lizzy, Trine, Annajulia and so many more. The spirit between the girls is really good. Sailing together with your friends, is the best! All girls are very motivated, and love riding hard. I am a North Sea girl, so I have quite a wide base in my sailing, condition wise. I mean, I love onshore as much as side shore, or offshore winds. I don’t mind current nor shore break. I love challenging big waves as much as fun small waves. I love strong winds, but also marginal conditions, and I don’t mind the cold, nor the rain. Specifically for waveriding, again, I think it is my bottom turns we have been working on. Carrying the speed to the top turn. Also, because of my length, I love the power in my sail, so mostly I sail a little bigger, in sail size, then the other girls. And I feel very in tune with my gear.
WJ: With this victory, you are back in the running for the world title. Are you already thinking about the battle ahead with Sarah-Quita Offringa and Alexia Kiefer Quintana in Maui?
SD: I don’t think about the results. I do one wave at a time and one heat at a time. Having said that, of course, I will go for the best result possible. Sylt was my first win in the main competition, and now I got the feel for it… we’ll see!
Source: Sol Degrieck
Photos: Carter/Pwaworldtour.com
