THE QUEEN OF POZO JUMPS INTO A NEW CHAPTER
18-wave World Titles, 22 event wins at her home spot in Pozo Izquierdo, and many more trophies. The Queen of Pozo recently announced this was the last year we’ll see her in competition. This, however, is not a farewell to the sport that has defined and shaped Daida’s life, but rather an evolution of her journey.
IN THE UPCOMING YEARS, WILL YOU COMPETE IN THE PWA POZO, YOUR FRONT YARD WHILE STILL ON TOP?
“No! I have not been doing the tour for many years, anyway; only a few events here and there. So, not much has changed in my life—simply less stress and more fun. Luckily, not all marketing needs to be based on competition. I have nothing more to prove from my side. I believe I have many more things to give back to the sport in the upcoming years by undertaking different actions. Winning Pozo 22 times is a world record to me ;-)”
AFTER SO MANY YEARS IN THE SPORT, WHAT CHANGED THE MOST FROM THE EARLY DAYS UNTIL NOW?
“Most of the changes in my life have involved thinking about my future. High competition cannot last forever, especially now that I have a family and I am 45 years old. I have learned a lot from competitions, and this discipline is a part of my daily life, as I work as a physio and strive to be the best version of a mother I can be. I have changed as a person through the days and years, and I believe that windsurfing has played a significant role in shaping the person I am today.”
WHEN DID YOU JOIN TEAM SEVERNE?
¨Iballa and I signed Severne Sails back in 2010. With boards, I have been on the team from 2019 until 2022.¨
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT WITH THE SEVERNE TEAM?
“I have had many good moments, but I will say especially back in 2012 when I came back after battling cancer, straight into the competition in Pozo, and secured second place, just after my sister Iballa. I simply thought I wouldn’t be able to compete anymore, but I was wrong.”
IF SOMEONE STARTS WINDSURFING NOW, WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE?
“I can tell them to learn to be patient, to study, and do as much windsurfing as they can but always with the same goal… always to have FUN.”
WHAT IS YOUR ALL-TIME FAVOURITE MOVE?
“My favorite move right now is the goiter in the wave, of course, this has changed over the years. I feel I am much more consistent doing my jumps and wave moves at the moment. I can say I left the competition at the best level I have ever sailed. However, stress and family have changed the way I value things in life, and I want to continue windsurfing without the pressure and stress of competition; it’s not fun anymore.”
WHICH SEVERNE PRODUCT CHANGED YOUR SAILING AND WHY?
“Sails are amazing—light, always improving their materials, easy to sail with, and easy for manoeuvres. I learned to be a better sailor with Severne Sails, and I want to continue improving and learning with them.”
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
“I would like to add that windsurfing is much more than competition; it involves a family and a lifestyle, and this will be a part of my life forever. I will never stop windsurfing ;-)”.
MORE THAN A DECADE OF HIGHLIGHTS
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