Pro Files

Dan Berry - Going to town on the GC

His low-key act on land belies a fully go-for-broke approach on the water.

And there's little doubt that over the past few years Dan Berry has been one of the (if not, the) most dominant wavesailors in Oz.

Dan's contest record includes several State (NSW) and National Open titles, as well as all four of South-East Queensland's "Classics". And from the sounds of things the Sydney-sider's going to be a force to be reckoned for a good few years yet.

Background:

Where's home?

Bondi

How old were you when you first started windsurfing?

8yrs old

Where did you learn?

Narabeen Lakes, then in the Harbour.

Who taught you?

My old man taught me back in the days when everyone was sailing, once I got into it he bought me my first board, a Tyronsea Moth, no footstraps and I had to wax it up! I actually learnt to jump on that board.

Competition:

Who are your sponsors?

Pryde/JP best team in the world! By far the most organised and professional team I've ever been with!

What's in your quiver?

Flys and twinsers - great combination. Fly 3.9, 4.2, 4.8, 5.1. Twins are 68ltr for screaming down the line sailing, and 76 for everything else.

What has been the highlight of the last year for you?

Having a beautiful baby girl, Sofia, and on the windsurfing side, getting my third national title. However the NP event at Currumbin ("Currumbin Classic") would have to be up there, best conditions I've ever had at a comp (even taking into account the 3km I was swept down the beach, twice!!)

How often do you sail?

I've got my own business so I'm lucky in that respect, every time the wind blows I'm in the water, gotta love it.

Who do you mainly sail/train with?

I've been lucky in the fact I've always had people around me with the same mindset as myself (wind blowing - out there!) used to be Oli Barta when he was still in Sydney, nowadays its Matt Cliffe, Rhys Herbert, and Brien Cummings (always love it when Brien ring cuz it means there's a decent wave breaking)

Apart from sailing what other types of training do you do?

I try and run and swim at least 5kms a day, no seriously, if I'm not sailing, I work. I'm a landscaper, so work keeps me pretty fit. The only swimming I do is after my gear on a big day. Been surfing a lot lately.

Who inspires you?

I stopped sailing for a few years in my early twenties then I saw a video of Fransisco Goya, reminded me of everything I used to love about wavesailing. Was lucky enough to get to know him in Maui a few years back and have kept in touch since. Great guy on and off the water. The only guy I know who will go over the falls on a mast high wave and come up laughing. Great outlook on life.

What are your plans for the year ahead?

Keep sailing and competing, and enjoying this great sport.

What is your ultimate goal in windsurfing?

Got a few more goals to achieve, but I'll keep those to myself for now.

What do you do with yourself when you're not sailing?

Work, surf, play with the kids