Corky came to the island of Fuerteventura to windsurf in 1991. In 1993, he opened “Corky’s Surf Bar”, which he had for almost 15 years.
It was the meeting point for surfers in the early days when the main street in Corralejo had two-way traffic with only sand and tumbleweed blowing Western style along the streets.
After these crazy years and even crazier parties, Corky’s life has changed a bit…
Corky, you’re a professional windsurfer. How did you get started?
I started back home in Newcastle, UK. I was always at the beach when there was a storm. Practicing, even all through the winter months, with snow on the beaches. How did you manage to make it your profession? It all happened slowly. I was training all the time in Newcastle and even lived in Tarifa, Southern Spain, for a year in my van to get better in strong winds. I slowly picked up help from shops and sponsors as I trained and tried to get photos in the UK windsurf mags as often as I could.
Like in any profession, things are going on behind the scenes – it’s not just surfing, right?
It’s basically a job to me. There’s so much involved behind the scenes. People don’t get that. Your sponsors require a lot of feedback and regular photoshoots of all the latest gear. Now, with social media, Instagram, Facebook e.g everything has developed.
The contracts tell you what is expected: press releases, trips, photos, and weekly updates on social media of you in action on or off the water. Basically, selling all the gear to potential customers on and off the beach.
I’m super lucky that I have been fully sponsored for a long time now, but I have worked hard to get to this point. It doesn’t come freely.
My latest International sponsor, @rrdwatersports, stepped in to make me an ambassador to promote them recently on my annual photoshoot to Tiree, Scotland. Now I’m home in Fuerteventura to carry on the advertising daily at all the hot spots we have here.
What is your biggest challenge being a pro windsurfer?
I think the biggest challenge is always being on standby to go. When the conditions are good, we need to sail or go crazy! Staying fit and injury-free is super important, too.
Your best windsurfing experience(s)?
I had far too many insane experiences. I’ve never been a competition sailor. I prefer to freesail, enjoy, and concentrate on getting good photos. Being British Expression Champion 3x, for sure, helped me gain deals with sponsors, but it’s the free sailing that makes me happy. Sailing new spots with friends and special trips like Puerto Rico, The Shacks, Ireland – Brandon Bay, Jameos del Aqua, Tiree Inner Hebrides in Scotland.
Your worst windsurfing experience(s)?
My worst experience was being stuck on the outside at El Cotillo one winter. The waves were too big to sail back in… They were up to 8 meters. I had to wait for a lull in the sets and sail in as quick as possible, with no room for error. That one I will never forget.
What do you like to do besides windsurfing?
When there’s no wind, rest!!! I love to fish on my paddleboard when there’s no wind. Paddle boarding also keeps cardio up.
What is the most significant misconception people have about windsurfing?
Misconception about windsurfing… mmm… Maybe that it’s for people who can’t surf, but most of us do or started with surfing. Also, maybe that it’s an expensive sport, but to start off, if you want to learn it, you can buy all the gear anywhere really cheaply nowadays.
Why Fuerteventura? Are you going to stay? Any plans for the future?
Fuerteventura was always the place I intended to go to. I still remember I only had photos of Fuerte beaches – El Cotillo, shooting gallery, Glass beach… – on my bedroom walls. It’s surreal that I’m still here and yes, I intend to stay! Why not…
Anything you would like to say to our readers?
You only have one life, so if you want to move abroad or live here, you can. Just plan it and make your dreams come true. I did it. FUERTEVENTURA really is a water sports paradise!
Of course, I would like to thank all my sponsors @rrdwatersports @vwcanarias @dakine_wind @secretoenergy @k4fins @geckoheadgear and @mission.info for their support!
From his thrill of catching the perfect wind to his connection with Fuerteventura, Corky leaves us with a profound appreciation for the harmony between skill and the island. Be sure to check out the ocean when you see his van parked somewhere along the shore. He might be out there sailing the waves of his next challenge.
