home       

Natascha Petersmann

Challenge, charity & charm

Some time ago Natascha Pertsmann decided to swim 7,4 kilometers to raise money for an HIV/AIDS charity, despite a run-in with a shark and near-hypothermia. She is one of not too many women in the sport to perform radical forward looping as well as competitive neck-to-neck racing. She holds the African speed record (33,13 knots) and impressed as a model for Sports Illustrated South Africa. Once she described windsurfing like this: "Driven by passion and the infinite pursuit of that defining moment where man, water and wind move together in the perfect dance. This is our world and in these moments nothing else exists." Welcome to Nataschas world!

date of birth: 02-02-1974
nationality: South African (althought German magazine SURF recently misinterpreted her German sounding name...)
profession: Designer
sponsors: Cabrinha, Tableview, Neal Pryde, Reef, Oakley
When AND where did you learn how to windsurf? 1985, Pretoria, South Africa
favorite move: forward loop

what do you train right now: back loop

favorite windsurfing spot: Cape Town, Platboom
best music: Red Hot Chili Peppers
last book you´ve read: What I loved
best film: Life is beautiful
best food: Sushi
best drink: Dry Champagne
Who are your models in windsurfing?
Daida and Iballa. Not only are they super talented, they are fantastic people, but then all the girls are.
What causes you fear? life
What makes you laugh? life
With whom would you like to spend an evening?
To chat about life and learn about forgiveness, Nelson Mandela.
Windsurfing - better than sex? Why?
Now, everthing has it´s time and place, and I´m never worried about my next sex move.
The famous 3 things you choose to take with you to a lonely island?
Besides my windsurfer? Mmmm, my camera, cd player and sun block.
If you already know it - what do you like about the "windgirls"-mag?
It´s great that there is something out there to recognise the girls and their talent.
Three tips for GIRLS who want to learn windsurfing:
1) persevere
2) try find someone to learn with you
3) try to start in really relaxed conditions
What does windsurfing mean to you? challenge, freedom and dreams.

Top | People Home

Tasch's site: epic summer 

photos: Sports Illustrated SA, private © windgirls 2004