The swiss girl that traded mountains for the ocean

„I was born at the wrong place: where I lived, you didn’t become a windsurfer“, says Karin Jaggi. Born in Switzerland, there was no wind and even less reasonably sized lakes in Karin’s vicinity. After having tried windsurfing for the first time at 16 at a nearby lake, however, Karin knew for sure: I will become a windsurfer.

Thus Karin embarked on a long and difficult road, starting as a surf teacher in Switzerland and currently hitting its peak with 15 PWA and 10 IFCA World Champion Titles.

The current 15th PWA title is rather new: on September 8th, Karin won the crown of the world cup at the PWA slalom finales in Almanarre, France. At this first women-only contest, Karin had to surrender to her year-long competitor Valérie Arrighetti (a.k.a. Ghibaudo) and came second, however, together with the excellent results of former races it was enough to grant her a title yet again: “world champion” of the most renowned professional windsurfing series, the PWA.

We interviewed Karin about this victory and her plans for the future.

Karin’s secret for success

Karin, congratulations for winning in Almanarre. How do you feel after having won the PWA for the 15^th time?

I am very proud of the victory because this season was a difficult one for me. Just before the season started, I had an infection at the elbow (diagnosis: tennis elbow) and I had to begin the worldcup series having trained very little. After that, I tried to to do as little as possible in between the competions, meaning that I was almost only on the water during events. So, having won the title is probably also due to my great equipment.. Everything just fell into place this year!

With 15 PWA and 10 IFCA wins, you are the most successful female surfer ever. Please tell us, what’s your secret?

Stay on tour for a long time ;-)

Robby Naish told me this once and of course, it is true somehow. What is more, I have been competing in all disciplines during my career. Last but not least, it is a strong will and the joy of doing what I do. I assume that enjoying it is actually the most important factor!

Did you expect to win this 15^th PWA title?

Yes and no, as I said, the season started off badly with my being injured. But then I won the first cup straight away. After that, I started believing that I could make it again this year.

The fascination of windsurfing

Have you got a favourite surf spot?

Western Australia – everything is just perfect there: friendly people, a proper surfing „scene“ and endless spots for great windsurfing. But I like a lot of places. Our annual worldcup on Sylt, for example, is something I wouldn’t miss for the world. The North Sea on a rough day is more impressive than a perfect, exotic surfing spot.

What reccommendation would you make to young people who want to take up surfing professionally?

Just try it. It’s true – the professional career is always a struggle. But then again, isn’t that true for most professions these days? Flying around the world first class, surfing every day and then hanging out in the evening: that’s not the reality. Reality is much better – you have to set up your own one-man (or woman) business and hold it on course in these challenging times. Everyone can do it – as long as he or she is willing to work hard. When I first said ‘I’m going to become a windsurfing professional’, everyone just smiled at me…

What do you find most fascinating about the sport?

The experience to be a part of nature. Large waves just have a great fascination for me. But a cold western storm can also show you where your limits are.

Where do you see yourself in ten year’s time?

Definitely not competing in world competitions – but still on the water for sure! A life without windsurfing, I couldn’t imagine that.