Britt Dunkerbeck, one of the fastest women on the pro circuit, dominating on the race course in textbook fashion to her brother, Bjorn. Her clinical jibes around the marks and laser focus on the straightaways carried her time after time across the finish line in first. She was simply stronger, more determined, and assuringly well coached.
Although Britt had learned to windsurf at the young age of ten, it wasn't like she was forced into the sport. Her parents allowed her to become engaged gradually. She didn't fully get hooked until she was 14, racing at 16. With every victory her confidence and strength, grew until she was unstoppable. And then, after 9 years on top of the podium, she hung up her racing footstraps. Yet, the courage it took to reach her goals in windsurfing serves her in reaching her goals today.
One of those goals was to help establish the Dunkerbeck Surf and Windsurf Camps in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, running the entire operation from the beginning, carrying on the tradition that began with her parents. Of course, there were other operations to participate in, including the Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Defi WInd event, which has to be the largest event going in the world today. Leading a more quiet life raising children, Britt made her mark on windsurfing, and can't wait to see what the future brings.
Although Britt had learned to windsurf at the young age of ten, it wasn't like she was forced into the sport. Her parents allowed her to become engaged gradually. She didn't fully get hooked until she was 14, racing at 16. With every victory her confidence and strength, grew until she was unstoppable. And then, after 9 years on top of the podium, she hung up her racing footstraps. Yet, the courage it took to reach her goals in windsurfing serves her in reaching her goals today.
One of those goals was to help establish the Dunkerbeck Surf and Windsurf Camps in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, running the entire operation from the beginning, carrying on the tradition that began with her parents. Of course, there were other operations to participate in, including the Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Defi WInd event, which has to be the largest event going in the world today. Leading a more quiet life raising children, Britt made her mark on windsurfing, and can't wait to see what the future brings.
Perfect form made for perfect function on the World Cup circuit for Britt.
Britt and Bjorn, Lake Garda. Photo Schmidt
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Your first windsurfing experience? "Probably age 9 or 10, Bjorn and my parents instructors."
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Favorite minute of windsurfing? "There are so many. Speedsailing event Fuerteventura in 1986 - the conditions were perfect that year and we had some really great days. Course racing in San Francisco in 1989 - under the Golden Gate bridge, with all the really big ships crossing our event course - that was very memorable. Freesailing at Hookipa, Maui in winter 1993 - few people out and really perfect waves and stable wind... that one day stands out from many others wavesailing at Hookipa.."
What would you like to be remembered for in this sport? "I really did love the competition factor of the sport, and I wish that I would have been more successful in elevating the side of pro-windsurfing to a different platform back in 1997/8 when Jessica Crisp and I tried to get our sport tied in with large broadcasting companies. Windsurfing is fascinating to watch on TV, and I believe that we could have risen to whole other levels if the managing company at that time, would have had the same interest for the sport as Jessica and I had. Since then windsurfing has been run over by a lot of other action watersport and is slowly but surely getting smaller and smaller - the `80. and `90. was the pieck of the sport and I am happy that I was part of it - I just wish it would have continued to grow! From about 2003 - 2017 I have had windsurfing schools off and on, and I have taught windsurfing to beginners of all ages - those years were really great and I loved seeing people "falling in love" with windsurfing!"
.
Favorite minute of windsurfing? "There are so many. Speedsailing event Fuerteventura in 1986 - the conditions were perfect that year and we had some really great days. Course racing in San Francisco in 1989 - under the Golden Gate bridge, with all the really big ships crossing our event course - that was very memorable. Freesailing at Hookipa, Maui in winter 1993 - few people out and really perfect waves and stable wind... that one day stands out from many others wavesailing at Hookipa.."
What would you like to be remembered for in this sport? "I really did love the competition factor of the sport, and I wish that I would have been more successful in elevating the side of pro-windsurfing to a different platform back in 1997/8 when Jessica Crisp and I tried to get our sport tied in with large broadcasting companies. Windsurfing is fascinating to watch on TV, and I believe that we could have risen to whole other levels if the managing company at that time, would have had the same interest for the sport as Jessica and I had. Since then windsurfing has been run over by a lot of other action watersport and is slowly but surely getting smaller and smaller - the `80. and `90. was the pieck of the sport and I am happy that I was part of it - I just wish it would have continued to grow! From about 2003 - 2017 I have had windsurfing schools off and on, and I have taught windsurfing to beginners of all ages - those years were really great and I loved seeing people "falling in love" with windsurfing!"
Defi Wind Dunkerbeck GPS Challenge.
Champions.
Britt in 2021 Surf Magazine feature. Getting ready for a comeback?