ROBYN PEARCEY / ENGLISH VERSION

MISS MEGA in Direct Speech!




Name: Robyn Pearcey
Age: 22
Occupation: Operations Manager at Mega International
Address: Cornwall, England
Competition records: British Champion 2007 and 2008 currently 4th in Britain

Paddling experience: I have travelled to quite a few different breaks in the world, my most favourite being Steamer Lane, California. I have also paddled at Mundaka and Bakio in Spain in the 2007 World Championships.
Sponsors: Mega International, NOOKIE, Ainsworth
Team: The Flying Squad, England Surf Kayak Team
Personal Website: Mega

Hello Robyn or... Miss Mega? - explain us how you have this "title" ;)
Well.....it goes back about 4 years when i met a lady called Elaine Alexander AKA ‘SHOOTER!’ at the time i was surfing in Northern Ireland quite a bit which was where we met as she paddled for the Northern Irish team. When she found out who i was she immediately nick named me Miss Mega and as they say ‘the rest is history’.

You grew up in the middle of kayaks! When did you decided to follow this sport?
I first decided to follow the sport when i was bout 14. After years of watching my dad compete, manage, and then start making surf kayaks it kinda just got contagious ;)

Besides kayaking... what other sports do you practice?
I dabble in a lot of different sports including Climbing, Sailing, and swimming, but the majority of my leisure time is spent in a kayak.

You already surfed in lots of great spots worldwide... what are your favourites?
Favourite spot has to be Steamer Lane in California, not just for the wave itself but for the people too.

And about Portugal... did you like last year World Championships?
I had only been to one other world championships prior to the 2009 Worlds, so i didn’t have a lot of experience to compare it to, but none the less it was an awesome event! Sun, Surf, and a wicked crowd of people, what more could you ask for! I think one of the main things that made the event for me was the fact that it wasn’t just about Surf Kayaking. Our World Championships was a part of another event in which we got to see and meet all kind of people from various sports and places.

Now, I'm gonna ask you a few questions about Mega. You recently released the BOOST... feedback's about this new surf machine?
The Boost which is a development of the Merlin has been a fantastic success. Have lost count of the number we have made now but the mold always seems full. Amongst out team paddlers Chris, Jack, Sam,Jonny, Emma, Tamsin , and new Flying Squad member Harry Uren, are all using it. We have shipped them all over the planet so I guess people are liking it.!

We know that this year in Santa Cruz, California. Dave Speller, Chris Hobson and Roberta (Mega Flying Squad) had great results!
Chris and Dave are both superb athletes, dedicated to their sport. Chris was the only one to make both the IC and HP finals, they are also great ambassadors for Mega and it is a pleasure to be involved with them both. Roberta to is doing a great PR job for us, she has a huge club setup in Brazil and travels the world herself , she gets us great reports and publicity.

England Team is the former World Champion Team and sponsored by Mega. Expectations for USA-East...
Winning the Worlds in Portugal was great for the England team and for Mega who had by far the largest number of boats in both the England squad and the contest overall. John Watson the England Manager thoroughly deserved to get the Win with all the paddlers in the England squad coming together and giving each other great support in what at times were some very testing conditions. I am sure that we will have a very strong squad again for the USA in 2011 and with luck England will defend their title.

Any new projects in Mega for the next few months?
I know that Dad is itching to get on with some shaping and is recovering well from his spell in hospital at the end of last year. I am sure he wants me to thank everyone for the huge support that he and all the family have received from around the World. There will certainly be new models later this year. Watch this space!

What is your favourite Mega boat for surf?
Ok, so im gona go a little old school here as i am a big fan of the Mustang. It is the low volume at the stern that does it for me, she is quick and slashy and easy to chuck about on the wave ;)

And about riders… do you have anyone in special that admires?
When i first started surf kayaking, apart from my dad, my main inspiration was Tamsin Green (Current British Champion). She is a brilliant paddler and has such a passion for her sport that it is infectious! She always gives 110% and is completely dedicated.

Let us some suggestions to those who want to start surfkayking…
It is a brilliant sport to get into and so much fun! I would recommend it to anyone, not just for the sporting side of it but for the social side also. Surf Kayakers across the world just seem to be one big family and i for one and happy to be a part of it ;)

Thanks a lot Ronyn and all the best for MEGA!

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