It’s day four at the Formula Windsurfing World Championship during the Multivan Summer Opening on Sylt. After four races on Thursday the lacking wind allowed the competitors a free day today. A good chance to check out some of the participants. One of them is the Australian windsurfer Steve Allen (AUS-0) who has been one of the worldwide top windsurfers for over 20 years. He has been Formula Windsurfing World Champion for three times already and gave us a small insight into his life.


You take part in numerous events worldwide and are always on the road. What do you like about this lifestyle?

Travelling itself is great fun for me. To get to know new cultures, trying out different food and meeting new people is always great even though it’s also challening at times. You experience lots of surprises when you are on the road, that makes it very exciting.


You have been a pro windsurfer for quite a while now. Do you have another profession apart from being a full-time windsurfer?

I have been working for some of the largest water sports companies since 1989, developing and designing equipment. About four years ago I started my own brand Allen Australia using all my experience and visions. Allen Australia offers a great range of innovative SUP boards. I also organise a SUP event series, the Allen Australia Cup with several tour stops in Poland.


What is you favourite discpline in windsurfing?

I like Formula most. The tactics are very challenging and great fun. I have also been most successful in Formula racing.

Back to the Formula Windsurfing World Championship at the Multivan Summer Opening. After six races you are on fourth place in the overall ranking. You even took the lead on the first event day. What’s your goal for the rest of the time here on Sylt?

Of course I would be happy to win the event. But the last race is not over yet. I concentrate on each single race and don’t think too much about the past. The conditions on Sylt are very challenging, everything can happen.


You already talk about it – what is so special about the conditions on Sylt?

Sylt is always a challenge. Big waves, a high shorebreak or glassy water with no waves at all, just like today. You can have anything. No day is like the other. That’s why competing on Sylt is always special.

Thanks for the interview, Steve. We wish you good luck for the rest of the competition!