Christine did the UK proud when she won a World title at the end of last year. The Formula Windsurfing Worlds were held in Dranske, Germany and Christine took to the podium in first place, with another Brit, Lucy Horwood in second; the UK girls are certainly a force to be reckoned with. team15 would officially like to congratulate Christine on her win and to thank her for inspiring T15 girls around the country.

How old were you when you started windsurfing?
12 years old.

What made you want to start windsurfing?
My Dad had already learnt and he got me into it.

What equipment do you sail?
Starboard Formula 158, Gaastra Nitro 5, and Deboichet fin.

When and where did you start competing?
In 1989 at the RYA summer camp, Rutland Water. Then the Hayling Island Winter Series, and the LBSA Icebreaker series. Then I started doing regional UKBSA (now UKWA) events.

What is your best result and the one you are most proud of?
The Formula Windsurfing World Champion title in 2003.

What is your training schedule like?
In the winter gym work and in the season, from spring through to autumn, racing at events and training with Formula Team GBR.

What windsurfers do you socialize with during training and events?
I hang out a bit with people at the beach like Lucy Horwood and Dorota and the rest of the Team GBR guys. I took my brother and my Dad with me for support at the Worlds. I'm still good friends with several girls from the Olympic circuit. I really hope that some sort of Formula style board goes Olympic, because it's more fun when there are more women around.

Tell us some gossip on two well-known windsurfers!
Jamie Lever has webbed feet and three nipples. Oops that's only one!

Best windsurfing moment ever?
Winning the Formula World Championships.

Scariest moment?
When I was about 14 we were on holiday in Lanzarote and I was out on a short board. I became convinced that there was a shark in the water below me, because I could see a dark shadow. I became frozen with fear and sat on my board for quite a while, then I realised I was getting washed nearer the rocks. My options were to get smashed on the rocks, or get over my fear and waterstart back onto my board – which I did with great haste.

Who or what has inspired you the most?
When I was doing Olympic I found Maud Herbert inspiring, because she was heavy yet she could win regattas overall. I find Ben Ainslie's ability to adapt to the Finn class and just keep winning, plus how hard he trains incredible. Overall Jessica Crisp has been my biggest influence.

What are your ambitions for the future?
I want to get enough support to go professional full time, which I am not at the moment. If there is ever an overall PWA World title again I want to win that; to be the best in racing and waves. I would like to make it to Maui for the 2005 Starboard brochure photo shoot! (Thanks Svein if you’re reading!)

Any hidden talents outside of windsurfing?
I've recently taken up playing rugby and it is awesome fun! I cook a mean pasta dish.

And if you weren't a windsurfer what career would you be following?
There is nothing else that I want to do more right now. I am training to become a BASES accredited Sport Psychologist for when my windsurfing career finishes.

Finally, any top tips for T15 clubbers?
Follow your own path, then you are responsible for the route your life takes.