In this series of blog interviews I speak to The Official Test Centre (OTC) Team Riders and ask them how has 2023 been for them? The highs, the lows and everything in-between, their hopes and dreams for next year. In this reflective end of season time of year it is a good opportunity to be grateful for what has been and the people that made it possible and look forward to the future with all our hopes and dreams! In this first interview I speak to The OTC Team Rider Finn Knight; My 2023. What a year he has had, as our youngest Team Rider, he is growing with every magnificent milestone and with his unconditional family support is flourishing and showing us all what a talent he is!
By Emma Nicholson.
What has been your highlight this year?
Finn said: "There have been lots of highlights for me this year but, to name a few would be the night we winged as an OTC team out of the harbour heading out of the southern entrance. Unfortunately we didn’t make our final destination of Church Ope due to a storm but, being part of the group was pretty special.
"I also thoroughly enjoyed putting my Apprentice Instructor skills to work during the summer. I really enjoyed working with the team and helping to deliver some outstanding sessions.
"This year I’ve competed in some of the UKWA iQ foil events and really enjoyed every competition. Being part of this group is also quite special and I’ve got to know a lot of the other sailors. I would say the juniors have had a great season and I’ve got lots of good memories from the events."
What have you learnt this year?
Finn said: "Spending time winging with the others in Portland Harbour is pretty cool, I’ve picked up some new skills from watching and learning from the other team members.
It’s been great fun heading out into the waves with Joe Adams and others at Overcombe, the waves provide a great playground to trying new moves and having lots of fun.
"I love sailing and training with my friends on the 7m junior iQ sail. Mid summer, I got my hands on an 8m and with help from the team, Emma Wilson and others I’ve been able to reach some top speeds in the harbour. I’ve still got lots to learn and will be out there throughout the winter training with the juniors and practicing when I can."
What’s been your best memory?
Finn said: "My best memory for sure is taking part in the Will Houghton Foundation Harbour Dash, (pictured above) this was a very special race for a great cause and I felt honoured to be part of it with the OTC team and my fellow iQ junior sailors. I managed to finish first junior which was a super proud moment for me."
What’s the best advice you were given this year?
Finn said: "I suppose this one comes from my Mum who is always telling me to take care of my kit, be safe on the water and appreciate what I am lucky enough to have."
Where has been your favourite place to wing/windsurf this year?
Finn said: 'I am so lucky that Portland Harbour is on my doorstep and I love every session that I have out on the water. This year I have also been lucky enough to spend time with my parents in El Medano, Tenerife.(pictured above). It provides challenging conditions, super strong winds and a great vibe.
"It’s also quite special on the occasions that I have been there to be the only rider on Armstrong kit. It sure does stand out on the water and there is always someone on the beach who wants to ask me more about it, of course I’m also ways happy to share my experiences."
What are you most proud of this year?
Finn said: "I’m proud of being the youngest OTC team rider, I’m super pleased with my speed week results both on the wing and iQ foil (3rd podium in both fleets Junior). I also finished 3rd Junior in the UKWA iQ events this year. This was the first time that I had taken part in this class so feel really happy with my result."
Who has been your biggest influence this year?
Finn said: "I love spending time around the OTC in general. The team always make me feel welcome and I love being part of it all.
"It’s also quite special to be around the Olympic Team especially in the run up to the 2024 Olympic games. Emma Wilson is always on hand to cheer us kids on and share some of her expert knowledge."
What will you do more of next year?
Finn said: "I love winging and iQ so, for sure, there will be more of this next year."
What are your hopes for next year?
Finn said: "My hopes for 2024 are basically more of all of the above. I’d also like to say that 2023 has been a great year for me on the water, I’ve loved every second of it. Of course I’d like to say a really big thank you to Tris, the entire OTC team and Armstrong for looking after me and making it all possible."
Feeling inspired why not make memories with us at The Official Test Centre and make us part of your story, call 07817 717904 and start a new adventure, winging, windsurfing, foiling or Fliteboard, the watersports world is your oyster. Book a taster or progress existing skills with some 1:1 tuition.