Sami Uotila | The Windsurfer

For windsurfing I got my first glimpse in summer of 2006 after which I have been active surfer.

First years with my board went more or less with bigger boards in trying to learn how the sail works and how the board turns. As I progressed little by little I have managed to get myself to the level where I can say to cope with the most sophisticated and toughest equipent, the same what professionals are using in all different disciplines. I practise this means that I train and surf with very large variety including all the aspects of this fine sport ((Wave, Freestyle, Slalom, Formula). Need to add one thing, at least for now I don't yet train the "real surfing":-).

As it is built-in in to my very nature I also compete in windsurfing. This has so far been mainly national Formula class races but I have also tried my wings in wave and freestyle too. The problem with the latter is that there are very few races in Finland as duo to the lack of wind. Finnish Wave Championships 2005 have so far been my best and coolest competitions to attend.

During the off season from downhill skiing I spend most of my time in Finland but I have also been very lucky to get possibilities to train elsewhere in Europe, mainly in Mediterranian. The best aspect there is to be able to surf through out the year because in Finland the sea gets frozen latest in December but in Southern Europe the sea stays above 12 C at its coolest - and that's more than adequate for me;-

My favorite spot is Mistral's La Coudouliere (Brutal Beach) and also Cannes, especially with Easterly winds, and need to add yet one more - the cold and brutal Carro - been there, done that. Lake Garda is kind of my second home beach. Wind there is regulard and you can surf by the clock because of the local "mountain wind effect".

In Finland my home beach is at Lauttasaari (Helsinki) and I occasionally travel to Pori and Hanko - when the forecasts are showing signs on winds and waves.

During last summer (2006) I also went for a week to Canary Islands (Medano) and visited one of the toughest spots on earth Pozo too. Which remainds me that it actually is one of my favourite - want to surf - spots today. Wind is so powerfull, beach is nice and easy to get off and..and..

This list could continue to eternetity but now I need to get myself back on skis to get ready for the podium;-) In any case to summarize this whole windsurfing thing; windsurfing is and will be elemental part of my active leisure time its cool and its good crosstraining, Its pure Fun!

Aloha for now - may the good and warm winds be with you!
Sami The Surfer ;-)