Max Rowe is one of the UK’s top freestylers. He is the latest pro to emanate from Club Vass. At the age of 22, only 4 years after learning to Vulcan, he finished 21st in the 2010 PWA freestyle rankings after a self-funded year on tour.

He has just been sponsored by Fanatic and North and is aiming for a top 16 spot this year…

How did you start windsurfing then?

My dad first took me out at Mersey Island and that started me off. When I was 17, I did my Flying Fish instructor course at Club Vass and got a job there the next year. Sailing with the guys at Vass really helped me learn quickly.

No kidding! Is windsurfing your only job now?

I still do other work to save money. I came home to Colchester for six weeks over Christmas and worked in a local restaurant. This year though, I will hopefully be a full-time pro windsurfer – now that I get more help from my sponsors (Club Vass, Fanatic, North and Ion)

How did the new sponsorship come about?

I had been approaching a few brands trying to get a better deal and the guys from Fanatic actually approached me when I was in Fuerteventura. The most important thing was that I had started competing on the world tour. People then started to take notice a bit.

How much help do you get?

Fanatic, North and Ion provide my kit and Club Vass help me with travel and competition expenses.

Talking of Club Vass, how do you think it’s going to change with the “return of Roger and Tony?”

It will be a good vibe. They are pumping a load of money in, both the centres are getting make-overs and they are investing in some great new gadgets.

Club Vass is renowned as a bit of a party spot. Do you party hard or get an early night for sailing the next day?

When I first started there, I was out a lot. Now, I have to take it a bit easier. The good thing about Vass though is that it doesn’t get windy until the afternoon …

Could you beat Bubble?

We always train together and if I can do a move that he can’t, he is pretty motivated to learn it. He has a few moves that I can’t pull off but with the new PWA format, the biggest 4 moves count, so it could happen…