We are so excited to share the news that the super talented windsurfing phenomenon Scotty Stallman has officially joined Team OTC! Whoop! It's official we have our very own Resident Pro Windsurfer!
Anyone that has followed Scotty’s impressive rise up the windsurfing ranks will feel as proud as we do to welcome our protégé to the team. No-one deserves the role or the recognition more!
Scotty has tirelessly worked his way up the windsurfing podium and is now living his dream, taking up the new position as our very own Resident Pro Windsurfer. Scotty has a quiet determination to succeed. A polite and ambitious drive to get to the top of his game. We congratulate him on this much deserved appointment.
Scotty is turning 20 years old this year and who would have thought that 11 years ago, when he found an old windsurfing board in his dads’ garden that windsurfing would play such a pivotal role in his life. Scotty’s story will hopefully inspire other young people that if you work hard enough, dreams do come true, if you have ambition and drive then hard-work pays off!
As we officially welcome Scotty with open arms into the OTC team, Scotty talks to us about slalom, speed and support.
Why did you decide to join the team at the OTC?
“Ever since I had my first windsurfing lesson on my ninth birthday I was immediately hooked and haven’t stopped windsurfing since. The OTC is rapidly growing and to be able to help with this and be able to effectively do what I love as a job it’s a dream come true!”
What are you looking forward to the most?
“Getting on the water and testing all of the different kit the brands have to offer.”
“The OTC is located in one of the best spots in the world, its sailable all-in wind directions, any tide, it is such an accessible spot, yet the potential to develop is so high, with some of the best instructors in the country on hand to help. It really is an awesome spot!”
What skills and experience do you bring to the team?
“Coming from a Slalom, Speed and Race Foil background, I hope this will help bring knowledge and advice for when people are enquiring and be able to give tuition and an insight on the windsurfing race scene for some up-and-coming youths that want to transition over.”
What can people expect from you? Will you be on-hand to give out advice to customers at the OTC?
“If there’s wind I will more than likely be at centre, whether that’s on land or on the water testing kit! I am more than happy to be giving out advice and help when needed, I’m just a shout away!”
Why is it important that young people take inspiration from your story? What motivates you?
“There is such a great community down at the OTC and the guys are very supportive and welcoming whether it’s your first windsurfing lesson or if you’ve been doing it for years! So, what I’m trying to say is, enjoy it as much as you can, everyone has their bad days on the water whether that’s not being able to nail a carve gybe or you keep falling in on your tacks, it happens to everyone, even the professionals!”
Your windsurfing journey started with the OTC when you were 9 years old, did you ever imagine that stepping on a board at 9 years old would get you to where you have with your windsurfing? What has it taken to get where you have got to?
“I instantly got hooked after my first few lessons, there was something about windsurfing that kept me wanting more, and it always brought me back, I like the challenge of windsurfing, as they say everyday is a school day!”
What are your racing ambitions?
“With the hope of travelling being more accessible this year I am currently planning to compete in some international slalom and foil events. So, at the moment we are keeping a constant eye on whether it will be likely we can do so! If so, I will aim to compete in some IFCA and PWA Slalom events alongside some IQFOIL events.”
What do you see as the next big trend in watersports?
“Of course, with foiling still taking a huge impact on all forms of watersports, I do see there has being a real growth in wing foiling and it will really taking off this summer.”
What has your lockdown been like?
“I kept myself busy when we weren’t allowed on the water by going road cycling and doing some home workouts, mainly so I didn’t get too bored!!, but also so I could kept fit during the time away from windsurfing and CrossFit. I was really missing getting on the water but I knew by holding out we’d be back on the water in no time!”
When restrictions are fully lifted eventually what are you looking forward to the most?
“I really look forward to travelling and getting back to competitions. There are so many people I haven’t seen in a long time due to lockdown and the travel restrictions put in place. I can’t wait to be flying down that first reach of the slalom course and see who’s the quickest after such a long time off of competition.”
“There is such a great community down at the OTC and the guys are very supportive and welcoming whether it’s your first windsurfing lesson or if you’ve been doing it for years!"
Have you managed to get out on the water during lockdown?
“I have been getting on the water when I can, but I am always super cautious about going to places where there are a lot of people, so I am tending to head out where not too many people are!”
What would be your advice to someone that hasn't tried any kind of watersports, but would like to give it a go?
“Go for it, when on the water you are so dependent on yourself, you are totally in control!”
What is your go to kit personally? What is the one product that excites you the most at the OTC? “Personally, I would always choose my slalom kit over anything, the Severne Mach 3 7.8 and Starboard iSonic 72 with a 37cm F-Hot fin is my go-to combo, you can never go wrong with it!”
Why is the location of The OTC so good?
“The OTC is located in one of the best spots in the world, its sailable all-in wind directions, any tide, it is such an accessible spot, yet the potential to develop is so high, with some of the best instructors in the country on hand to help. It really is an awesome spot!”
If reading all about Scott has inspired you to start your windsurfing journey, why not book a taster with us by clicking on the link, https://otc-watersports.com/shop/