The Official Test Centre Team Rider, Scott Norman is off to the IFCA Grand Slam Slalom World Championship taking place from tomorrow, September 7th to 14th, 2024, in the stunning location of Hvide Sande, Denmark. Making a splash on the world stage for OTC Team Rider!
This prestigious event marks a significant return to Hvide Sande after a six-year break, promising an exhilarating competition at this unique location.
Over the course of the championship, seven world titles will be contested across categories, including Junior, Youth, Senior, and Master divisions. Competitors from around the globe will demonstrate their skills and put up a fight for the world titles.
The event will feature two racecourses, ensuring dynamic and challenging conditions for all participants. As the title race unfolds, spectators and participants alike can expect a week of intense racing, showcasing the very best of slalom windsurfing.
By Emma Nicholson.
You are off to the IFCA class worlds! When does the competition start?
Scott said: "I am indeed! Registration is on the 7th, with the first racing kicking off on the 8th, Just got to hope the wind delivers…"
What are you looking forward to the most about the competition?
Scott said: "The main thing for me, is getting out racing on the international circuit again! I really enjoyed myself in Lake Garda last year, looking back on it i’ve improved so much since then! I think it’s going to be interesting the difference in my racing from then to now."
What class will you be sailing in?
Scott said: "I’ve now moved up to the youth category, which is the under 21 age group. With this being the last age category before going into the adult class, it means the standard is going to be high! Despite being the small fish in the big pond, I’ll still give it my all!"
How much training have you done?
Scott said: "For me, every time I go out is a chance to try and tune my kit to go faster than before, but especially for this event, gybe practice in varying conditions has been the big one, as I feel this is what let me down the most last year."
What kit will you be sailing?
Scott said: "Obviously it varies with the wind, but I can race on anything from my 5.7 GA Vapor and 61 wide Tabou Manta, all the way up to my 9.3 Vapor and 85 wide JP Slalom Pro! So with such a wide range of kit to choose from, let’s hope I choose right!"
What is the venue like? Denmark?
Scott said: "I’ve personally never been there, but from what I’ve heard and seen, it looks mega! it’s a massive fjord, which even has an island in the middle! And I’ve heard it’s similar water state to Portland Harbour which definitely plays in my favour!"
What would you say to other young people who’d like to aim to get to the point of competing in world championships?
Scott said: "Well nothing beats enjoying what you do, if it wasn’t for me enjoying windsurfing as much as I do, then it would have been much harder to get where I am today! So just enjoy it, and take all the tips you can!"
What have you done to prepare for the event?
Scott said: "Not many big changes, but checked some kit over such as the ropes on the boom and mast extensions and got a new mast, but nothing that should make any massive differences! I have been working on strength and conditioning a bit too, which should help with long days on the water!"
What are you looking forward to the most?
Scott said: "I’m just super excited to get out racing again! It’s been a fair while since i’ve had some adrenaline filled fin racing which foiling can’t compare to in my opinion!"
Are you the only British young person attending?
Scott said: "Currently, it’s me and Jenna Gibson being the only two brit’s going but you never know someone else could show up! Pretty cool to be representing the UK community!"
How does it feel to be representing The OTC?
Scott said: " So good as not only being a team rider but also a member of staff, going out and trying to make everyone including my family proud means so much, especially with the help of everyone at the OTC’s support over the years."
Get kitted out like Scott with GA and Tabou gear from SurfDoctor.
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