CHRIS HARVEY INTERVIEW - ENGLISH VERSION
THE FLYING SURFKAYAKER - HOW HE WON AMERICAName: Chris Harvey
Age: 28
Nationality: UK (Guernsey)
Occupation: Outdoor Education Teacher
Competition records:
World Championships 2005: 9th
World Cup 2006: 3rd
World Championships 2007: 3rd
British Championships: 2005 and 2006: Silver
UK High Performance Series 2007: Silver
Santa Cruz Festival 2006: Bronze
Santa Cruz Festival 2007: Gold
Paddling experience: 15 years (sea, river, surf)
Website: www.chrisharveyonline.net
Sponsors: Mega, Teva, Gath, Streamlyte, Nookie, RunandJump Clothing, Majorsporty, Suunto
Hi Chris! Your pictures of Steve Childs are simply one of the best memories of the Worlds. Do you realize that your aerials are really huge? I'm always looking to go big. Occasionally everything happend perfectly and you just fly off the lip...you know it's big and it feels great, but it's always a bonus to get it on camera!
And about these Worlds... satisfy with your participation?(OPEN SHORT FINAL 3rd Chris Harvey)
Main ideas about this championship: what did you like the most?
World Championships 2005: 9th
World Cup 2006: 3rd
World Championships 2007: 3rd
British Championships: 2005 and 2006: Silver
UK High Performance Series 2007: Silver
Santa Cruz Festival 2006: Bronze
Santa Cruz Festival 2007: Gold
Paddling experience: 15 years (sea, river, surf)
Website: www.chrisharveyonline.net
Sponsors: Mega, Teva, Gath, Streamlyte, Nookie, RunandJump Clothing, Majorsporty, Suunto
Hi Chris! Your pictures of Steve Childs are simply one of the best memories of the Worlds. Do you realize that your aerials are really huge? I'm always looking to go big. Occasionally everything happend perfectly and you just fly off the lip...you know it's big and it feels great, but it's always a bonus to get it on camera!
And about these Worlds... satisfy with your participation?(OPEN SHORT FINAL 3rd Chris Harvey)
Main ideas about this championship: what did you like the most?
This was a difficult worlds for me. I've just started a new job and despite a great summer training, the last month I didn't get out as much as i'd hoped. The surf conditions were tough too and i really feel for everyone who had to suffer with poor conditions. I had some hard heats in the opening rounds, which is a reflection of how the sport has grown and the the standard raised. However, as the week unfolded, I gained confidence and belief in myself and was really excited to make the final. In the final I just went out to have fun. It's so great being able to compete against such world class talent and I knew how exciting a heat it woudl be to watch. Unfortnately for me i couldnt quite find the waves in the final and everytime i looked out Rusty was all over it. 2007 was a great year for me though and finishing 3rd at the World Chamionships was another result to be proud of.
I read an interesting post of you on Boatertalk about the conditions of the sea regarding the competition scene... remember us your opinion...
Yes there were certainly frustrating times at the competition. I wouldn't want to take anything away from what was a great event but since the world's there has been a great deal of talk about what constitutes suitable conditions. Obviously competition organisers are restricted by time, but we also want to ensure that competitors are able to showcase their talent. The high performance end of our sport is relatively young and we're all learning a great deal. I think there's a lot of promise for the future and personally i'm looking to the World Cup as an event with really exciting potential.
Your career as a paddlesurf is full of great highlights... now, an interview on Canoe&Kayak and Majorsporty support. How do you manage your personal promotion searching for sponsors?
Sponsorship has really helped me to pursue the sport i love. And i'm grateful particularly to Mega who were my first sponsor and helped me really pursue my ambition. It is hard work securing sponsors and particularly sponsors who aren't involved with the sport. With a relatively low profile it can be hard to sell kayak surfing but i really believe we're getting there. This year i've picked Suunto who are a major company and until now havent been involved in the sport at all. For me it's about raising the profile of the sport, enthusing people and sharing my passion. I regularly get emails from youngsters who are interested in pursuing kayak surfing and it's great to see them so excited and share the vision that will certainly drive the sport forward in the coming years. In terms of sponsorship it obviously helps having competition sucess but it's also about getting the media involved. As well as CKUK i've also got other projects in the pipeline for this year, with other magazines and also the BBC so it's an exciting time for me and the sport.
Do you believe that one day we can have professional surfkayakers just like in the sur scene?
That's a difficult question! I think we're close...One event, one video, one mainstream magazine article, could be all it takes to tip the balance and pull in some major sponsors, but we need to look beyond out sport and sell it to multinational companies that's the challenge!
Tell us the gear you used to win this World Champ: kayak, paddle, helmet and PFD.
Kayak: Mega Reflex...my weapon of choice! What can i say...i love it :)
Helmet: Gath RV: I've been using the RV for a few years now and find it really comfortable
Paddle: Streamlyte (custom spec): I'm really pleased with performance of the Streamlyte paddles. Good construction, light weight, and a powerful blade...it works well!
Software: Nookie: Nookie have really extended their range over the last year and it's good comfortable kit.
Do you have in mind any new "rule" that should be respected in future surfkayk contests?
To be honest i just love surfing. So I havent really considered new rules a great deal...yet.
Why don't we see you on IC class? Unconftarble?
I've tried my hand at IC occassionaly and had mixed results. I really compare IC with longboard surfing and although it's fun for me and where i'm at is the Short boat, more dynamic style. It's just what i prefer. I'm focussed on pulling bigger moves, riding more techinial waves and raising my game in HP.
And in 2009, the World Championship will be, for the first time, in Portugal. Satisfyed with the decision?
Portugal is a great venue for the next World Championships. The 2006 World Cup was held in Peniche and it's really got every angle of beach, so whatever the conditions you can almost always find a decent wave. There are numerus breaks around the peninsula, but a couple of really quality waves. If the organisers manage to secure use of those waves it'll make for a really exciting event.
After all your great experience in surfkayaking, how do you see the future of our sport?
We're growing and learning and the sport is developing in a truely high performance sport, which is dynamic and exciting to watch. We're beaking new ground every year in terms of design, performance and media and hopefullt that will continue. I'd like to see some pro-style events similar to the board surfers that fly out to a nice break for a week, judging each other and filming etc. I think the World Cup has a lot of potential and hopefully in the next few years we'll see this attracting major sponsorship and media attention. It's an exciting time!
Your mentors in kayaksurf are...
I remember when i started taking surf kayaking seriously and i bought Vince Shay's dvd, it was exciting to see someone promoting the sport so well and sharing his obvious passion. It was a real inspiration to me. I've now surfed with Vince a few times and it's great. His enjoyment and love for the sport is totally infectious...ride on Vince!
Gotta Mention Malcolm (Mr Mega)...i don't think many people realise just how passionate Malcolm is about the sport, but he's had some brilliant achievements in the past and he has a wealth of knowledge in terms of design, technique etc. After a long time off the water, Malcolm jumped back into the boat last year and seeing him get tubed in Spain and the grin on his face summed it all up for me.
SANTA CRUZ KAYAKSURF FESTIVAL 2007 and 2008 - 1st Place!
- First place in Santa Cruz 2008! After the bronze in 2006, two times gold. What's the secret?
Ahh...now that would be telling! I think the main thing at Steamer's Lane is to stay patient and wait for the right waves. I spend a lot of time watching and working out where to sit. The 'slot' wave is the nicest, with a deep take-off and a nice wall, which is much better for High Performance, but often you'll only get 3 waves in a heat so it's a case of waiting and making each wave count. Obviously when you get a good one you've got to do something good with it!
- And about Steamers Lane... Vince says, for example, that's a very good or very bad wave... what do you think about that?
Hmmm...i think i've just answered that. Yeah sometimes it can be classic. In fact the day before the competition was beautiful. But that's the same anywhere, you get good days and bad days. Generally i find the waves a bit 'fat' without too much off a wall so you've got to have a solid roundhouse to really work the shoulder.
- Main ideas about SCKSF... why do you think is THE major world kayaksurf festival?
Denis and the guys put in a lot of time, effort and money to make the event a success. For us Brits it's nice to get away to warmer weather in the winter, but it's a great social event, there's often good surf and the location makes it good for spectators and competitors alike. That's a tough combination to top!
- Expectations for next Worlds in Portugal...
Obviously we cant book the surf, but it would be great to see it held on a really technical, world class wave which pushes everyone and enables the top guys to pull off the best moves. It would be great to see the media profile raised so that we have tv coverage of teh event. Ultimately i'm looking forward to surfing great waves, watchng and putting on a good show.
- Your purposes on a short time period about kayaksurf...
Over the next year i'd like to do more 'surf safari' trips, meeting up with some of the top guys to get some of the best photos and footage in the best locations...it is a bit of a dream but i'm working on a couple of possible trips (watch this space!). My focus is on promoting the sport and showcasing the high performance level that we're at. So i'm working on more magazine articles etc.
I read an interesting post of you on Boatertalk about the conditions of the sea regarding the competition scene... remember us your opinion...
Yes there were certainly frustrating times at the competition. I wouldn't want to take anything away from what was a great event but since the world's there has been a great deal of talk about what constitutes suitable conditions. Obviously competition organisers are restricted by time, but we also want to ensure that competitors are able to showcase their talent. The high performance end of our sport is relatively young and we're all learning a great deal. I think there's a lot of promise for the future and personally i'm looking to the World Cup as an event with really exciting potential.
Your career as a paddlesurf is full of great highlights... now, an interview on Canoe&Kayak and Majorsporty support. How do you manage your personal promotion searching for sponsors?
Sponsorship has really helped me to pursue the sport i love. And i'm grateful particularly to Mega who were my first sponsor and helped me really pursue my ambition. It is hard work securing sponsors and particularly sponsors who aren't involved with the sport. With a relatively low profile it can be hard to sell kayak surfing but i really believe we're getting there. This year i've picked Suunto who are a major company and until now havent been involved in the sport at all. For me it's about raising the profile of the sport, enthusing people and sharing my passion. I regularly get emails from youngsters who are interested in pursuing kayak surfing and it's great to see them so excited and share the vision that will certainly drive the sport forward in the coming years. In terms of sponsorship it obviously helps having competition sucess but it's also about getting the media involved. As well as CKUK i've also got other projects in the pipeline for this year, with other magazines and also the BBC so it's an exciting time for me and the sport.
Do you believe that one day we can have professional surfkayakers just like in the sur scene?
That's a difficult question! I think we're close...One event, one video, one mainstream magazine article, could be all it takes to tip the balance and pull in some major sponsors, but we need to look beyond out sport and sell it to multinational companies that's the challenge!
Tell us the gear you used to win this World Champ: kayak, paddle, helmet and PFD.
Kayak: Mega Reflex...my weapon of choice! What can i say...i love it :)
Helmet: Gath RV: I've been using the RV for a few years now and find it really comfortable
Paddle: Streamlyte (custom spec): I'm really pleased with performance of the Streamlyte paddles. Good construction, light weight, and a powerful blade...it works well!
Software: Nookie: Nookie have really extended their range over the last year and it's good comfortable kit.
Do you have in mind any new "rule" that should be respected in future surfkayk contests?
To be honest i just love surfing. So I havent really considered new rules a great deal...yet.
Why don't we see you on IC class? Unconftarble?
I've tried my hand at IC occassionaly and had mixed results. I really compare IC with longboard surfing and although it's fun for me and where i'm at is the Short boat, more dynamic style. It's just what i prefer. I'm focussed on pulling bigger moves, riding more techinial waves and raising my game in HP.
And in 2009, the World Championship will be, for the first time, in Portugal. Satisfyed with the decision?
Portugal is a great venue for the next World Championships. The 2006 World Cup was held in Peniche and it's really got every angle of beach, so whatever the conditions you can almost always find a decent wave. There are numerus breaks around the peninsula, but a couple of really quality waves. If the organisers manage to secure use of those waves it'll make for a really exciting event.
After all your great experience in surfkayaking, how do you see the future of our sport?
We're growing and learning and the sport is developing in a truely high performance sport, which is dynamic and exciting to watch. We're beaking new ground every year in terms of design, performance and media and hopefullt that will continue. I'd like to see some pro-style events similar to the board surfers that fly out to a nice break for a week, judging each other and filming etc. I think the World Cup has a lot of potential and hopefully in the next few years we'll see this attracting major sponsorship and media attention. It's an exciting time!
Your mentors in kayaksurf are...
I remember when i started taking surf kayaking seriously and i bought Vince Shay's dvd, it was exciting to see someone promoting the sport so well and sharing his obvious passion. It was a real inspiration to me. I've now surfed with Vince a few times and it's great. His enjoyment and love for the sport is totally infectious...ride on Vince!
Gotta Mention Malcolm (Mr Mega)...i don't think many people realise just how passionate Malcolm is about the sport, but he's had some brilliant achievements in the past and he has a wealth of knowledge in terms of design, technique etc. After a long time off the water, Malcolm jumped back into the boat last year and seeing him get tubed in Spain and the grin on his face summed it all up for me.
SANTA CRUZ KAYAKSURF FESTIVAL 2007 and 2008 - 1st Place!
- First place in Santa Cruz 2008! After the bronze in 2006, two times gold. What's the secret?
Ahh...now that would be telling! I think the main thing at Steamer's Lane is to stay patient and wait for the right waves. I spend a lot of time watching and working out where to sit. The 'slot' wave is the nicest, with a deep take-off and a nice wall, which is much better for High Performance, but often you'll only get 3 waves in a heat so it's a case of waiting and making each wave count. Obviously when you get a good one you've got to do something good with it!
- And about Steamers Lane... Vince says, for example, that's a very good or very bad wave... what do you think about that?
Hmmm...i think i've just answered that. Yeah sometimes it can be classic. In fact the day before the competition was beautiful. But that's the same anywhere, you get good days and bad days. Generally i find the waves a bit 'fat' without too much off a wall so you've got to have a solid roundhouse to really work the shoulder.
- Main ideas about SCKSF... why do you think is THE major world kayaksurf festival?
Denis and the guys put in a lot of time, effort and money to make the event a success. For us Brits it's nice to get away to warmer weather in the winter, but it's a great social event, there's often good surf and the location makes it good for spectators and competitors alike. That's a tough combination to top!
- Expectations for next Worlds in Portugal...
Obviously we cant book the surf, but it would be great to see it held on a really technical, world class wave which pushes everyone and enables the top guys to pull off the best moves. It would be great to see the media profile raised so that we have tv coverage of teh event. Ultimately i'm looking forward to surfing great waves, watchng and putting on a good show.
- Your purposes on a short time period about kayaksurf...
Over the next year i'd like to do more 'surf safari' trips, meeting up with some of the top guys to get some of the best photos and footage in the best locations...it is a bit of a dream but i'm working on a couple of possible trips (watch this space!). My focus is on promoting the sport and showcasing the high performance level that we're at. So i'm working on more magazine articles etc.
Final words to all that read this few lines...
Go Surfing! :-) Pursue your dreams! People often say to me "I wish I could...." whether its carving a nice bottom turn or pulling an aerial. My answer is always...you can. It doesn't take a superhuman to surf at the top level, it just takes committment and self-belief. Anyone can be the best if you believe in yourself and focus your mind.
Thanks Luis, hope this is ok for you.
Take it easy
Chris
www.chrisharveyonline.net
Thanks Luis, hope this is ok for you.
Take it easy
Chris
www.chrisharveyonline.net
Cool Chris! Meet you in Portugal!
ALL THE PHOTOS HERE!
Trabalho publicado em 18 de Abril de 2008
Texto - Luis Pedro Abreu
Fotos - Tim Harvey + Steve Childs + Dan Green + Jordan Deltsheff
Vídeo - Firts Third Films
posted by kayaksurf.net at 11:46 da manhã
1 comments
