While waiting on wind and waves, the IWT stayed busy having fun in the desert and catching up with a few family members:

Carl Spiess who is competing in the Amateur and Master divisions from Toronto, Canada has been participating in the IWT around the world for years. We took some time out of his busy day to answer some questions about his perspective on San Carlos.

IWT: Tell us about your day today.

CS: It was an awesome day today with 3 sports. I went SUP surfing in the morning and caught a wave with my son, which was an absolute first and something that I never thought was on my bucket list, but is and is awesome. I went mountain biking in the early afternoon, and after a delicious lunch later in the day went out SUP sailing to catch of few more waves in San Carlos.

IWT: How many years have you been coming here?

CS: I started coming here in 2006 and have come for four of the IWT events witch is a great tradition to be doing.

IWT: How many family members?

CS: This year I brought 3 family members and have had as many as four join me in the past. I recommend bringing your own cheering section!

IWT: What is your favorite part about San Carlos?

CS: Every day is what you make of it, and even today when there is not quite enough waves or wind to be contestable, I still have 3 amazing hour long sessions doing fun activities.

IWT: Anything else you want people who are reading to know?

CS: If you haven’t been, put it on your bucket list because it’s a super awesome event!

Next up is Carl’s niece Vanessa Zufelt who is new to competing.

IWT: Tell us about your day today.

VZ: I tried SUP surfing for the first time today and SUP yoga. I really feel so happy right now. Its very relaxed and I’m having so much fun at the same time!

IWT: What do you do when you are not windsurfing?

VZ: I work with vulnerable youth. I’ve just completed my bachelors and tutor students in psychology and social research methods. I’ve worked with homeless youth. I am working on my masters.

IWT: Tell us about your experience windsurfing in the contest yesterday.

VZ: The first time sailing the point was for my heat. It felt empowering to go out at the point. There was a really nice vibe on the water with the ladies and I could hear my cheering squad on the rocks. I was impressed with the women who were choosing the right waves. It was not as intimidating I thought it would be.

IWT: How does this year’s contest compare to the last time you were in San Carlos?

VZ: The last time I came here conditions were much different with massive waves and I got psyched out and chose not to compete. Before then I had only windsurfed on flat water. This year I realize that the pros would have wanted better conditions, but for me it was great! I caught a wave in my first heat and am absolutely thrilled!

IWT: Congratulations! Enjoy the rest of your week!

IWT: How many family members?

CS: This year I brought 3 family members and have had as many as four join me in the past. I recommend bringing your own cheering section!

IWT: What is your favorite part about San Carlos?

CS: Every day is what you make of it, and even today when there is not quite enough waves or wind to be contestable, I still have 3 amazing hour long sessions doing fun activities.

IWT: Anything else you want people who are reading to know?

CS: If you haven’t been, put it on your bucket list because it’s a super awesome event!

Next up is Carl’s niece Vanessa Zufelt who is new to competing.

IWT: Tell us about your day today.

VZ: I tried SUP surfing for the first time today and SUP yoga. I really feel so happy right now. Its very relaxed and I’m having so much fun at the same time!

IWT: What do you do when you are not windsurfing?

VZ: I work with vulnerable youth. I’ve just completed my bachelors and tutor students in psychology and social research methods. I’ve worked with homeless youth. I am working on my masters.

IWT: Tell us about your experience windsurfing in the contest yesterday.

VZ: The first time sailing the point was for my heat. It felt empowering to go out at the point. There was a really nice vibe on the water with the ladies and I could hear my cheering squad on the rocks. I was impressed with the women who were choosing the right waves. It was not as intimidating I thought it would be.

IWT: How does this year’s contest compare to the last time you were in San Carlos?

VZ: The last time I came here conditions were much different with massive waves and I got psyched out and chose not to compete. Before then I had only windsurfed on flat water. This year I realize that the pros would have wanted better conditions, but for me it was great! I caught a wave in my first heat and am absolutely thrilled!

IWT: Congratulations! Enjoy the rest of your week!