Meet Russian windsurfing talent Lyudmila 'Lyuda' Fomicheva

by EFPT on 3 Jul 2013 Russia already delivered several windsurfing talents; Yegor Popretinskiy, Olya Raskina and Vladimir Yakovlev, all supported by JP/Neilpryde are already big names in the European and world windsurfing scene.

Yakovlev is not only really motivated as a rider but also organized the big EFPT Aqualeto Cup earlier this year. We've seen an event which could not have been more perfect and a large international fleet of riders including one girl, Lyudmila 'Lyuda' Fomicheva, who we'd like to introduce to you in the EFPT Fresh Faces category. It's the first time in recent years that we have seen a female participate on the EFPT and she is already keen to train and attend more events, a promising future not just for her but also for freestyle windsurfing as the attraction of these new power moves appeals to more and more people.

EFPT: Lyuda tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m 19 year old, I live in the East of Russia, to be exact Magadan city,at the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk (editors note: close to the North Pacific Ocean). This part of Russia has an unimaginable beautiful nature and an exciting open sea. Unfortunately, I haven’t been there since I was six, all my family moved to the region around Moscow, where live almost all my life now.

EFPT: When did you start to windsurf and where?

I started windsurf in 2008 in Dahab, thanks to my uncle, who was my teacher and who provided me the equipment.

EFPT: What are your best moves and which moves are you working on?

My best move is the flaka and the moves I dream to do are the bonka and the shaka as well. For now I’m working how to move in the traffic jam in Moscow. ;-) From July on I’ll practice in Dahab. The plan is to complete freestyle basic slide moves such as esliders, grubbies, funnels, switch chachoos and then we will see what comes next.

EFPT: You were the only girl to compete in the EFPT Aqualeto Cup in Russia last week and the only girl to compete in the European tour since two years. How did you feel about it?

I was a bit nervous to be alone, but decided to go and I don’t regret it at all, because all the boys gave me a lot of advices and I could learn a lot from them. It was a good competition experience and the position I ended up with doesn’t matter so much in that case.

EFPT: What is the best thing you remember about your first EFPT competition?

Hard question… I can’t remember anything special, but I really liked the atmosphere during the competition and the big support from everyone!!!

EFPT: You won the prize of the most Different rider! How do you feel about it and how do you like the glasses you got?

Sick glasses!!! Super happy to get the price from Different! Honestly, didn’t expect to deserve it, super happy and super thankful!

EFPT: What would you tell to other girls to encourage them to compete?

For what?! So that I have to share the attention of the boys?! No, it's better I’ll take part alone! ;-) Just joking!!! Come on girls! It’s a lot of fun! The result isn’t so important and to experience an international competition is the best!

EFPT: Who are your role models in windsurfing and where do you want to take it in the future?

I like the style of Youp Schmit the most! Considering a female role model I think that Laure Treboux is the best example for me!

In the future I would really like to do more competition, as this one was a lot of fun and I also hope to find some way to contribute something to the windsurfing development especially in Russia!

EFPT: Thanks for the words Lyuda and good luck for the EFPT website