Wendy: How did you first hear about Kitesurfing?

Denzil: I was into Windsurfing and saw a video of it being played at the local watersports shop and thought to myself I have just got to try that!
Wendy: Why?

Denzil: I was getting a bit bored with windsurfing, for me it was getting a bit stagnant and when I saw the height they were getting in jumps in Kitesurfing, I was blown away!

Wendy: Cool, umm, describe how you think Kitesurfing has changed/progressed over the years?

Denzil: Kitesurfing has changed loads! Well when I first started, there was the great debate over which kites were better, foils or inflatables? I started on a 7.2m blade which is a foil kite and this was great except for one thing! They did not re-launch very well, in fact they could fly underwater if you were in a river! But equipment wise one of the most important improvements over the past year has been safety, with the 5th line systems and better quick releash's. Also kites are getting more efficient, boards have gone from surfboard style to mini twin tips and tricks have gone from single rotations to unhooked handle pass kiteloops! I could go on and on, but that is a short summary!

Denzil: I have to say in the beginning when I started it was all about Big Air and the move of the time was the Dead Man, and when you rode you never dreamed of unhooking from the kite. Then the next year along came board off moves, and one foot moves, the ultimate would be the board off dead man! This move would still blow away spectators today! The next year was the introducing of more powered moves and Kite looping was the way to go, but it was a painful trick to learn! And last year brought along the more wake style moves with lots of un-hooking and handle passing being the main trick to learn. These are all the moves but its how you do them that define's your style! There can be a huge difference in Kite loops, from lame ones to extreme ass busting ones!

Wendy: How do you see the future of Kitesurfing?

Denzil: Another essay question! To summarise I think the future of Kitesurfing, well equipment wise anyway, I would say the kites will have even better safety systems with 100% depower in the kite, these new breeds of kites like the Takoon Nova may be the way ahead, most kites are already fast turning except for the bigger sizes, it would be nice to have a 18m kite that flew like a 9m. Stronger, lighter materials with self sealing bladders to seal any leaks would be nice! Board wise I cannot think that any huge advances can be made but I would put that down to my lack of vision! Trick wise, things are going to get more extreme and more technical, multiple handle passes with kiteloops, more extreme wave riding like riding tubes! But I do hope the beach's don't get too crowded! Beach access has been an issue for a lot of kitesurfers in the U.K and we have to be sensible about the sport or else we will find access being denied.

Wendy: Whats my favourite trick?

Denzil: That would have to be the latest trick that I have learned, so I could say now but then it would be out of date in a week or so! But I will tell you anyway, Kiteloop handlepass was the latest one! And Slimchance will be next! I hope!

Denzil: I had been trying to do aerial handlepasses for about a year and a half but was not getting anywhere, I could do it easy on a practice bar I had hanging up and I could also do it on the beach but on the water I was not touching the bar at all! Then one day I got you to video me trying them and when I got home and watched the video I thought I looked so lame! So the next time I went out, I put everything I had into it and managed to grab the bar first time! If anyone was going to learn them I would say the stages of learning them are, learn on a practice bar first to get the move, then it is usually overcoming the fear when on the water of going for it, letting go with one hand is the first thing for many people! Really swing your legs when in the air to get the pass and bring the bar to your hip, but the main thing is, just get out there and do it.

Wendy: Favorite place to sail?

Denzil: The Bluff and sometimes Par, both in Cornwall.

Wendy: Places you would like to visit?

Denzil: Australia and Cape Verde, just for the killer waves

Wendy: Is there anyone who inspires you?

Denzil: Anyone that is really pushing themselves! Sam Kirby, Dave Ibby and local Timo are to name a few!

Wendy: Any injuries while kitesurfing?

Denzil: I have been really fortunate and not hurt myself badly, yes I have had sprains, cuts, bumps and grazes but no broken bones! Yet!

Wendy: And the final and most important question is, I hear you have a really fantastic relationship with your wife - what is the secret as I hear lots of moaning and groaning as wives become widows to husbands who have caught the Kitesurf bug?

Denzil: My secret is that I have a really understanding and loving wife who is a black belt and karate instructor, so I always make sure I'm home in time to do the washing up! Or else....