Chris Wood was voted the T15 coach of the year 2002 at the Sailboat & Windsurf Show in March. Nominate your coach for the 2003 Award - click on the photo for a link

How many years have you been windsurfing?
10 years, since I was 14. Wish we had Team 15 back then.

Where do you windsurf yourself?
I windsurf at Bosworth Water Trust and Rutland Water, Gower Peninsula, Angelsey, Hunstanton and Brancaster on the east coast, pretty much anywhere really as long as there’s wind or waves.

What kit do you sail?
I sail mostly on my formula kit (starboard/ Gaastra Nitro) which has the widest wind range, if I'm coastal at and the wind picks up I use my wave kit (fanatic Rip/ Neil pryde). I've got an old slalom board which I occasionally get out if it's flat and windy.

Best windsurfing moment?
Dropping in on a big day at jaws (dream on!) Sailing with dolphins in Wellington, New Zealand and receiving my coach award at the sailboat and windsurf show.

Favourite place you have ever windsurfed - UK & abroad?
Llangennith on Gower, South Wales, jump heaven and a beautiful place.

Who or what has inspired you the most?
Seeing customers that I taught the basics to, blasting about on the water having a great time.

How long have you been an RYA instructor?
4 years.

What motivated you to become and instructor?
Bosworth Water Trust needed an instructor one summer, they had nobody lined up so I took the job on straight away and got qualified the following week! Lucky break I guess. Also I learnt to windsurf at Bosworth Water Trust nearly 10 years ago by the instructor who eventually employed me, Rob Mutlow.

What's the biggest buzz about instructing?
After they say 'I can’t do that!' then go out on the water, and complete a new manoeuvre. It's really a challenge to teach and then enthuse someone about the sport.

Have you had any other careers?
Not really, I've got a degree in zoology and I am a qualified science teacher, which keeps me alive in the winter when there's no instructor work.

Any hidden talents outside of windsurfing?
Toilet cleaning. Barbequeing steak. Balancing things on my nose

Any other hobbies?
Surfing, football, fishing.

Alive or dead, who would you most like to meet?
Robby Naish and Kylie Minogue

Any top tips for T15 clubbers?
Just go out sailing whenever you can but do lots of jobs to please your parents so you don’t get hassle when you need to be at the water. Save your pocket money for new kit and tell friends about what you do. Remember, your mum or dad is not your caddy...James Simpson.

Finally, what's the best thing for you about team15?
Just having fun with the team members and helping them to progress as much as I can.