EFPT: JP/Neilpryde are two of the leading brands in the windsurfing industry. What does it mean to you to be on their team?
Andraz: I know there has been a lot of changes this year which many people don’t understand and appreciate but windsurfing is now on a level which is very concerning for all of us. On one hand it reached a higher extreme we could ever imagine and it’s tendency is still going up. On the other hand there is the economical cries, but it shouldn’t stop the sport too much. Anyway most of us are fighting and doing as much as we can to promote windsurfing. That is also the main reason why I am so happy to be on the JP/Neilpryde team, because I believe it is one of the most professional brands in this sport and one of the few brands which started to have a different view on everything. So with their help I believe I can do much more.
Andraz with his new toys
EFPT: You’ve been producing several clips for your friend and current European Freestyle Pro Tour Champion Steven Van Broeckhoven who is also riding for JP/Neilpryde. Can we expect even more cooperations of you two?
Andraz:Sure yes. It is super easy to work with him and he has great skills, which is very motivating when I am filming. Now when we are in the same team you will see more cooperations and not only film productions. A small secret I can give away: There is a big project coming up this season- the biggest so far and it will be full power! You will see! 😉
Andraz filming (pic: Manu Grafenauer)
EFPT: You have been with F2 for quite a while and also helped developing their freestyle equipment. How much will you be involved with JP/Neilpryde?
Andraz:I will do everything I know and can to help in the development, but honestly I think Steven has much more knowledge and talent in this, so I think I can only give some ideas. I am not familiar with the english expression but in Slovenia we say: more heads together have better knowledge!
EFPT: Did you already have the chance to test the new equipment? What is your favorite pick?
Andraz:As every year I always try as many brands as possible. I also tried the 2014 JP/NP equipment and I liked it a lot. The 100l freestyle board and the 5.1 Wizard were super easy to control and it felt really light. The board is really good even in choppy water and the sail has a lot of power, which I like the most. So I am definitely looking forward to have my next sessions on these toys!
EFPT: Where do you wish to go with those brands and what is your goal for the upcoming competition season?
Andraz: (I want to go everywhere with those brands, hehe… ) There are so many projects and ideas still on hold that I think the future will be really good. I was looking for a longterm cooperation and I believe I found it, because to change something in windsurfing you need time and patience. Good stuff doesn’t happen overnight (well sometimes they do). I am focused on different things to competitions this year like video projects and especially windsurfing camps! Although I have been training freestyle only for three months n Brazil – so you might see me on one or the other event as well!
Andraz Zan windsurfing clinics