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Tracks.
A profile of Tiffany Ward.
Tiffany Ward has established herself as a real pro windsurfer at an amazing pace,
due to her endless determination and hard work. Intensive physical and mental training
in combination with a natural talent has brought Tiffany to where she is within the record
time of only two years.
Today she is living Maui in and out of the windsurfing community. Her down to earth,
optimistic, energetic go for it attitude has helped her attract several industry sponsors
that she is working closely with on promotions and development; Gaastra, Star board, Dakine,
Chinook, and Reef. She is truly a professional windsurfer, that has managed to live in the
two best windsurfing Mecca’s in the U.S, as well as a professional certified gourmet chef
with her own business.
Tiffany has made her dreams a reality.
Starboard Staff
I was born in Park City, Utah, on December 11th, 1979, and introduced to windsurfing
at the early age of 2-1/2. My first recollection of sailing was on the nose of my mother’s
12ft. longboard - across our local lake “Dear Creek” to get a Popsicle. At the age of eight,
I was sailing my own Mickey-Mouse mini- rig across the “Dear Creek” to get my own Popsicle.
I’ll admit that during my adolescence I lost interest in windsurfing for a few years but
around the age of fourteen I was back on the board again for good.
My family started taking annual vacations to the Columbia Gorge to windsurf.
That’s when and where windsurfing grew into a true passion and escape for me.
Each year my life slowly began to revolve around windsurfing in the Gorge.
For a graduation present from culinary school my parents gave me a trip to Maui, Hawaii.
On October 3rd 2001 I arrived in Kahului airport and sailed on my first real wave.
I was instantly and truly addicted to Maui’s lifestyle and unreal conditions.
The second time sailing Hookipa my fin ripped a 5inch long and 3-1/2 inch deep gash in my
left thigh requiring over 55 stitches. Ouch. This serves as my sacrificial offering to the
island Gods and a permanent memento of Mother Nature’s power.
Windsurfing represents more than just a career and way of life for me. It’s a passion
as well as a form of self-expressions. Windsurfing is an exciting sport that every person
should indulge in at least once in there life. I sailed every day I could in Maui and began
training with the legendary Jennifer Henderson. My mentor and friend. Jen trained me mentally
and physically for the 2002 PWA World Tour. We trained intensively in and out of the water
including on the trampoline. She’s an amazing, talented and kind person with a heart of gold.
Jen has helped me with sponsorships, competing, training and nutrition.
Jen also introduced me to Svein and the Starboard team, where my dreams began to come true.
Having some one show you the ropes before you jump into it, makes life a lot easier and
not so confusing.
I was able to save up enough money, with the help of my parents,
to do the 2002 PWA wave tour through Spain, Germany and Ireland.
The other girls on the tour are also very nice, helpful and a talented bunch of girls,
which made life on the pro tour an easy transition for me.
It’s a very stimulating and inspiring environment in which to be involved.
My first year on tour resulted in a 5th place over all in women’s waves,
2003’s result have yet to be tallied.
Besides pursuing a professional windsurfing career, I am in partnership
with Silas Thompson in Infinity Production. A filming and Photography Company,
established in 2002, based in Maui/Oregon. I am also currently in the process of
launching my catering business “Tiffany’s” which will include event planning, banquets,
and private in house parties. Cooking has always been a passion of mine which prompted me
to pursue my Culinary Degree at the CCA (California Culinary Academy) in San Francisco.
When I reflect back on my professional windsurfing career, I realize just how much I’ve
accomplished over the course of two years .With endless determination and hard work,
intensive physical /mental training, it has finally started to pay off.
My dreams are becoming realities. I would like to encourage anyone dreaming
of becoming a professional windsurfer to do it. My advice to you is “never give up”.
Tiffany Ward USA-69
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