Windsurfing
"So far so good!" Robby Naish at 50
Wave-riding legend Robby Naish turns 50 on April 23 and we had a chat about kids, SUP and BBQs...
Robby Naish
© JDPhotofairy/J.Schweiger
Could you try to put into words what the ocean means to you? When boardriding, it’s probably the sense of walking on water to a degree, and the freedom that comes with it is very unique. It’s just you and nature… no motors, no lifts.
You became a father at age 18 and you also used to be a babysitter as a teenager. Are you easy around kids and what does their presence do to you? I do like kids, though I am not really the world’s most patient person. I love to hang out with young people, and most of my friends are not quite my age…
You are known as one of the advocates of stand-up paddling. Were you hooked the first time you tried it yourself or did it take a while to grow on you? It took a little while. Initially SUP started out with a few guys taking paddles out on their 12 footers. I made a couple of 12 footers that I was surfing with, and tried paddling early on but did not get too thrilled by it. In the beginning the SUP thing was more of a novelty than anything. Slowly a few more guys began to get into it, and here on the North Shore of Maui the “downwinder” began.
Still showing the rest how it's done
© Darrell Wong/Red Bull Content Pool
How did you begin to integrate SUP into the Naish product line? With the enthusiasm of Harold Iggy, my shaper at the time and Michi Schweiger, we began to develop more boards with the idea that this sport might come into fashion. I went on a few downwind runs early on, but was still of the mindset that for me personally there are still better ways to use wind than to paddle – like windsurf and kite. I was more impressed with the wave riding potential, especially in shitty waves, and the totally flat water cruising aspect of the sport. SUP seemed to make even the smallest wave fun. The core body workout, cross training and even social aspects of SUP were clear to me. Finally, I had a sport to do when the wind was not cooperating! Then in 2008 we had our first commercial range and began to push hard... SUP pretty quickly became a real passion of mine and a very significant part of our business as well.
What significance has reaching 50 for you and how will you celebrate? It is a big number for sure… and even a little bit scary. But in my head and in life I am trying to act as young as I feel which is pretty young most of the time. So far so good! For the moment I have no plans for a big party or anything and I am hoping that the day can “slip under the radar” for the most part. We will see if my friends let me do that or not!
White water
© John Carter/Red Bull Content Pool
Any shark stories worth telling? Sharks are normally much more frightened by us than we are of them. It is only occasionally that you meet one that is curious and not scared away immediately. The closest was in Japan many years ago while wave riding. I was sitting on my board in the lineup and a shark passed right between me and my friend, just between our legs from behind and disappeared in front of us. It was scary because we could not see where it went, we were the only guys out and there were no set waves. So we slowly paddled in trying not to make too much splash or noise. On a windsurfer, kite, or SUP it is okay, because you can see into the water, move quickly etc. When you are sitting on a board in the water it is totally different.
Have you got any advice for the young? I always tell them to follow their dreams. Sport has the power to change the world. It provides hope, motivation, self-confidence, friendship and a sense of purpose to young people. Water sport is especially powerful. Being out in nature, gliding across the water, catching the wind or a wave, and using the power of nature as your engine is fun and rewarding. Grab a board and get out there! I also encourage them to “unplug.” Kids are spending way too much time on the computer and phone these days.
If we were lucky enough to be invited to a BBQ of yours, what would be your specialty? Honestly I am not that good on the BBQ, but I tear it up in the kitchen. I cook a lot of Italian, Asian, Mexican… lots of spicy things. I am good with pasta, stir fry, curry... I really like to cook. For guests I normally make a big pasta of some kind, but I will BBQ if I have to.
Feel inspired? For windsurfing and SUP gear visit Robby Naish's online shop