Q&A: Tom Court, kitesurfer

WideWorld meets the champion kitesurfer hoping for success at this year's Animal Windfest

For a jet-setting kitesurfer who spends much of his time in the air, Tom Court is incredibly grounded. Taking time out from competing across the globe in countless competitions, the Animal-sponsored athlete talks to Wideworld about the sport that has launched his career – and his board – sky-high.

How old were you when your dad introduced you to kitesurfing?

I must have been about 12 or 13. When I started, it was a new sport so it was difficult because the equipment was quite new. I progressed fairly quickly because I had been a windsurfer. Believe it or not, althoughwindsurfing is much more slow-paced, it's a lot harder. If you want to progress quickly, kite boarding is the sport to learn. You can be a really confident surfer after about five years – the learning curve is very steep.

You’re sponsored by Animal, among others. How important are sponsors to a sportsman like yourself?

They’re pretty vital to progression in regards to funding and getting to contests. They help you to achieve your goals, encouraging you on every basis.

What is your favourite kite surf destination?

Probably the Dominican Republic. I’ve got a girlfriend out there actually, so I spend about three-and-a-half months there each year. She's a professional kite boarder as well and I actually met her at the Animal Windfest event three year ago.

You became British Junior Champion in 2003 and have successfully competed in numerous competitions ever since. What do you hope to have accomplished by the time you’re 25?

I definitely want to get into the world top five. That’s my ultimate goal. In my first year, I was aiming for top 10 and got top 11. Then I had a year off doing other events and this year I’m competing in the PKRA Kiteboarding World Tour, which covers 11 different destinations all over the world.

What tips would you give to a kitesurfing beginner?

It always pays to get a few lessons first. It’s very important because it’s such a unique sport. You need to get the knowledge of the wind behind you, but actually, it’s a lot easier than it appears. It’s quite visually startling but once you’ve got your hands on the bar and get in touch with the kite and how it's pulling you, you’re fine. The control is all in your hands. There are a few good spots for beginners. Hayling Island outside Portsmouth and also Poole harbour. They’ve even got kiteboarding schools there.

What kind of equipment would you advise when starting out?

I’d recommend getting some of the newer equipment. It’s getting safer and safer every year. There are kites especially designed for beginners, which have less power and simpler control systems. Something like a North Rebel or an Evo would be good. Safety is paramount It is an extreme sport, but once you've got the basics down, it’s quite safe.

What is your favourite part about being on the water?

Just the freedom to do whatever you want. My favourite part is jumping really high. With kitesurfing, you can jump to about 40 feet. You can definitely go higher than any other sport. In terms of versatility, there is loads you can do. It was the first sailing watersport to break the 50-knot speed barrier.

Kite surfing is an exhilarating sport, but like many adventure activities, it has its risks. Have you ever felt in danger? How did you deal with it?

Once or twice, but the safety releases on the equipment are quite quick. You’re hooked into the kite on a harness and can quickly get yourself out of trouble.

You’re taking part in the 2010 Animal Windfest in Sandbanks, Poole. How was the event last year?

The event was really good. I won the freestyle contest. The event has helped me a lot as an athlete, especially on the UK scene. I spend a lot of time away, but it’s one of the events that I always come back to.

What can people expect from the event?

Animal Windfest is known nationwide as an event that includes competition in kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing (if there are waves) and wakeboarding. As well as that, there are volleyball nationals and also skateboarding. It’s a visual explosion of sports!
 
Animal Windfest Festival celebrates its 12th anniversary when it returns to the shores of Dorset from September 10th-12th. For more information, visit: www.animalwindfest.co.uk