We are excited to learn more about Raimondo Gasperini, the Starboard ambassador and a pioneer in the world of windsurfing and wingfoiling from Italy. With decades of experience, Ray has become a beacon of innovation and inspiration in water sports. From his early days to mentoring new talents, he continues to push boundaries and inspire the global windsurfing community. Discover more about Ray, his passions and what advice he would give to those who are returning to windsurfing after a long break.
Hi Ray, tell us more about you! How long have you been windsurfing and where can we meet you in the water?
“Hello everyone, I have been in love with this sport for almost forty years now! And it has influenced and inspired my whole life so far. When I am in Italy, I practice in the summer in Sardinia and autumn in the Rome area, then in the winter I leave and go to the heat in Fuerteventura and South Africa or Brazil. I am always looking for the right conditions to practice.”
You have two children and both are very successful windsurfers and wingfoilers. How did you motivate them to try these sports and become so exceptional?
“I have been sharing my passion for the sea with them since they were young, with a lot of love and perseverance. It is certainly not an easy thing to do with your children also because boardsports are much demanding and far from what city kids usually do nowadays.
Being totally involved in sports linked by something as big as the sea, the wind and the waves, all the positive energy that these elements can transmit. All the sacrifices and training that you do to get there. It takes a lot of dedication, time and tenacity. But in the end I succeeded and I think it is one of the most important things I have done for them. Luca and Giulio are now two good boys also thanks to the learnings that the sea has given them, they alternate study and work and passion for the sport and they love what they do.”
Which conditions do you prefer the most and which boards do you usually use?
“I love waves and wind, so my favorite conditions are when you can do great wave riding. I also really like jumping and when there is flat water and strong wind doing freestyle which is the discipline that has definitely given me the most satisfaction in competition during my career!
In Wave overall side to side on conditions I find the Ultra 93L and 82L as truly versatile boards for all conditions. When the wind becomes perfectly side or side off and I can use the speed of the wave I like to use the new Hyper 88L or 83L. They are truly radical boards that make you go beyond your limits. As for freestyle my favorite is the iGNiTE 93L. It is certainly the most successful board on the market for this discipline.”
What advice would you give to those who want to start windsurfing again after many years of break?
“Many of my friends and acquaintances have had moments of break from windsurfing due to work reasons. But many, especially having achieved economic security, are returning or want to return to windsurfing. The advice I can give is to get back to it with easy boards and light equipment. They could consider going on trips to places with variety of conditions. These trips can be organized with coaches who provide advice to help them recover and improve their performance. This way, they can enjoy windsurfing to the fullest. See you in the water!”
Photo Credit: @fotoaltraverso
