Interview by Corinne Evans
Firstly well done Peony on making the final of the WLS Women’s QS Pro A Coruna! You must me stoked, how did it feel to be up on the podium?
Reaching a QS final was my goal for the next year or so of competitions, I really wasn’t expecting to succeed this in my first competition back after exams. I was absolutely beyond stoked to be up on the podium with faces I’ve looked up to for the past couple of years.
You’re no stranger to winner surf competitions and you’re the current Women’s Boardmasters champion. How are you feeling about defending your title for another year?
This year’s going to be a lot tougher than last years, as Europe’s best female surfers are coming over and the standard is unreal. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to fight for a final finish though, if anything it’ll give me more determination to do well.
Obviously surfing will be your main focus at the event but will you get some time to enjoy the music festival side to Boardmasters?
There’s always time have a bit of fun – wouldn’t want to miss out, always an awesome festival!
Is there anyone you’re dying to see?
Chase and Status are a must!
Who do you plan to bring along to the competition to cheer you on?
Fingers crossed I’ll be coming with the family again. Was so much fun last year having the support of my siblings!
What other surf competitions do you have coming up aside from Boardmasters?
I’ll be competing in most of the European QS events this summer and next year I’m going to start competing in the global QS events.
Do you have any pre heat rituals that help keep you focused?
Usually before a heat I’ll have a quick warm up surf, then watch a few heats prior to mine and listen to some music. I’ve been working with Damo Beveridge at Surf Development on a pre heat stretching and warm up routine with is super important if you want to heat a heat at full speed.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Boardmasters?
There’s not many music festivals that are on a beautiful stretch of coastline by the sea, the location is awesome. On top of that you get to watch world class surfers… those two things combined make a completely different atmosphere to any other festival, It’s sick!
For tickets and more info go to www.boardmasters.co.uk
Video: Fresh off her win at Boardmasters 2015, Peony Knight travels down the south west of France and Spain, competing at her first WSL QS events.
