Windsurfing Magazine

kristin
2002-07-15 14:00:00 | 49 views | 0 Comments

When did you become a Pro windsurfer?

KP:  1995

How has being a Pro changed since you began?

KP: For me not too much has changed. I guess a the industry has slimmed down a little bit on the team riders and things like that but other than that it seems to be pretty much the same

What duties, outside of competing, are you involved in? How important
are these endeavors to sponsors?

KP: Outside of competing, I am pretty active in the sport. From helping out in designing and testing all of our sails at Gaastra Sails, to putting in my thoughts for the Bic wave and race graphics and testing the boards for that, I am pretty busy.

What trait would take a Pro further these days, PR promo skills or raw
athleticism? Has this changed?
KP: These days you need to do more than the average ''Team Rider.'' You have to be creative in the ways you market yourself as well as the way you act on the beach.

 Are results as important as they once were to sponsors?

KP: I think they are pretty important still. You have to have it all these days. You go to an event and all you focus on the race and nothing else, it doesn't do your sponsor as good as winning and doing promotions and talking to the people on the beach

What do you think sells a product to consumers, results or marketing
and PR? 

KP: Well, I think that racing products, results sell. All the other products is a combination of both. I always try to think of how or why I would buy a product. I am an avid motocrosser so I think in motocross terms. Why do I by a certain bike? I don't think cause I see a good ad in the magazine I go in and buy a certain bike. Well, I now know what I like, I buy the same bike I had the year before cause I am used to it and it did me well. I also like the team that they have so I figure I might as well support the people that I think are cool.  So I think that it is a combination of everything. Team quality is huge, product quality is huge and shop quality are huge.

What are the biggest misconceptions about being a pro?  
KP: That it is easy. It is definitely pretty full on sometimes. Today I woke up went into town to ship out a board, then straight to the beach for a photoshoot, derig and up to a different location and taking photos with the helicopter till 5pm. Now at 10pm I am answering this. Not that I am complaining, cause I love every bit of it. But it takes a lot of work and a lot of dedication.

What are (or have been) the highlights of being a pro? The low points?  KP: The high points are obviously the winning. I love winning. Also traveling, I love going around to new places and having fun. This is also probably one of the low points as well. Traveling all the time. It definately takes a toll.

What advice would you have for up-and-comers looking to go pro?
KP: Go for it. I would suggest setting yourself a goal and having a time limit on it and then go for it. Go hard and sail hard and if you are going to go pro, don't do it half way, do it all the way or don't do it. Come to Maui and let it shine. If you want to make it into the big time this is where it all happens.

Are there areas in the world where being pro is easier or different in
any way?
KP: I think that in Europe it is still easier to make a living at windsurfing. They have more events and the sponsors for most everyone is overr there and so it is the place to be once you have made it into windsurfing.

 

Kevin