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Starboard has just signed female Irish Wave Champion Katie McAnena. Katie is a very active rider on the Irish scene and she has been dominating the national Wave events for years, including the men's! Starboard is delighted to have a charismatic and bubbly character such as Katie joining the Dream Team and we wish her the best of luck.

We caught up with Katie to ask a few questions…

Starboard: Which boards have you chosen and why?

Katie McAnena: This was a toughy for sure. I've tried the Kode Waves and the Quads and both were super responsive and amazing to sail. But considering that my plan is to sail big Irish down-the-line style conditions, I've ended up going for the Quads in Wood construction. I've found they're super solid but also not too stiff on the wave. I weight about 62 kg so I've gone for the smallest in the range - the 67L and also the 74L which should give me a good range across the mix of wind strengths we get here in Ireland.

SB: How do the Starboards and Hot Sails match up together?

KMA: Like milk and honey! They were made for each other. I sail Hot Sails Firelights and for me they are by far the lightest, most maneuverable, fun sails I've ever used. They work so perfectly with the Quads and I've seen how Anne-Marie [Reichmann] rips with the same combo so I'm hoping I can emulate some of her Starboard meets Hot Sails style.

SB: Which Starboard Dream Team Riders inspire you the most?

KMA: All of them, honestly. The Starboard Dream Team riders have always been to me, the pinnacle of windsurfing success in every way. They all combine a mix of talent, style and professionalism. I've been looking up to them as ambassadors of the sport since I very first started. Without a doubt my greatest inspirations are the Moreno Twins, Daida and Iballa. I don't think the world has or ever will see women with that much talent ever again. In the men's side I'd have to say Boujmaa for just being nuts and going for broke every time, Scotty's wave riding is phenomenal and of course Philip....well he's just Philip isn't he. Legend.

SB: So whats tricks are on the wish list at the moment?

KMA: Em... I'm trying to learn some alchemy so I never have to work again and can just windsurf all day......!! But until then I really, really want to be able to do proper aerials...... Sigh! Some day.

SB: What are your plans for the next few weeks, any comps/travel plans coming up?

KMA: Yes I am so so stoked to be heading back to Baja next week to join the AWT and compete. It is a truly magical place and I love my AWT family. It's just an epic atmosphere with pumping waves and a group of crazy talented female windsurfers. I can't wait.

SB: Windsurfing goals before the year is out?

KMA: I’m living on the West Coast of Ireland so as the autumn and winter swells and winds start hitting I'm all set to head to some remote, stunning, big, cold Irish waves! There's a great bunch of hardy Irish windsurfers here and I get to go on adventures with Timo and Finn Mullen to some barren corners of the country. I'll be competing on the Irish Wave Tour and also planning some trips to Cape Town and Maui as the New Year breaks. Just need to fine-tune that alchemy first! But mostly, I plan to have fun, push my limits, take my sailing to the next level and have some serious "craic" on my brand new Starboards... Lucky me!

SB: Thanks Katie and good luck for the year ahead!