DAVE WHITE   THE LAST TIME

Dave White is a stalwart of windsurfing, few people embrace the sport and lifestyle with such passion. Alongside his fun, positive personality comes a side that is fittingly philosophical for someone who has had more than a few major illnesses and injuries. With a love for the banter and more than a few outrageous tales, read, laugh and enjoy as John Cater quizzes the mighty Whitey with the probing questions of ‘The Last time’ !  

Words JOHN CARTER  //  Photos  DAVE WHITE

(This feature originally appeared in the April 2015 issue of Windsurf Magazine. To read more features like this first, Print and Digital subscriptions are available. Prices include delivery globally for 10 x issues a year!)

Last time you had a killer windsurfing session?
I am pleased to say that was my last but one sail. To be honest, I have not fallen in love with Cape Town, it’s gusty at best and that doesn’t suit the bigger sailor, though my opinion changed dramatically when we turned up at Paternoster. The swell doesn’t always get in there too often so when we turned up to see surfers catching endless waves peeling over their heads I had that sinking feeling, it’s picture perfect, the times I don’t get to sail !. Sure enough I was stuck on the point shooting down the line as the team took it apart. An hour passed and I declared the sun too high in the sky to shoot, guess I might as well go out ! I know we’ve all heard it before “best ever” and all that, but this really was. I came off the water claiming I’d like to buy the house on the corner of the beach, this place flattered my sailing, ok, so it’s nothing like the guys I’d been shooting and I’m pleased to say there’s no video evidence, I mean there’s no point in coming off the water feeling like the man and being proved otherwise. As if I wasn’t sold on this place already, the sun dropped and I bagged some of the best shots I’ve ever taken in South Africa.

Last time you sailed until your body couldn’t take any more?
Didn’t I say I wanted to buy a house at Paternoster? It’s everything I said it was, so I was pushing for a return trip the next day. With the best shots coming from the evening I suggested I got out there first. There’s no point in running around with some of the world’s best if you don’t take advantage so I’d been asking Skyeboy what I had to do to better my wave riding. So after a few warm-up waves it was time to put his advice into action, push out into the flats and push into the bottom turn. There was more instruction to follow but I didn’t get past the push in the bottom turn as my Achilles tendon snapped. It went off like a gunshot so I knew something was wrong. As soon as I got back to the beach I ran my finger down the back of my leg until it popped into a hole, that was the moment I knew my body couldn’t take any more !

“ Maybe I’m a bit odd in my thinking but I find a positive in everything ”

Last time your computer crashed?
September 2014; until you have a proper meltdown, you just don’t know how bad it can get. 4TB drive seemed a good idea; all my pics on one drive catalogued and easy access. Took a month to clean out the rubbish and sort out the good stuff but it was worth it, until it went down. £1200 later and there’s three lessons learnt. Double the disc size, quadruples the recovery cost. You don’t get everything back. Always have a backup.

Last time you shared a wave?
Everyone !, I’m one of those annoying sods that’ll jump on a wave with you hoping to learn something while probably wrecking your wave in the process, though there’s always one you remember. I’d just got over cancer and was topping out the scales at 130kg when I went to Ireland to watch the PWA.  After the event was over I was out for one last session before heading home, gybing onto the wave in front of me was Bjorn Dunkerbeck, I took the next wave where I could watch his moves and try and follow suit (in my mind). His wave started jacking up when he looked over his shoulder and backed off to let my wave pick him up. To be honest I wasn’t sure what to do, follow suit and take the next wave, run down the wave and get out of his way or start screaming about how this was my wave ! Fortunately I was still deliberating when he waved his arm to indicate I should go for the bottom turn, as I did he fell into my tracks and mirrored my every turn. While I’m sure it would have been the least exciting wave of his life, the thumbs up as he called out “Good to see ya back” is a memory I will always cherish.

Last time you were in trouble with the Law?
That’s an easy one, speeding, actually that’s been my only but regular clash with the law. Best advice, be nice and talk, you might not get off but it’ll be cheaper in the long run.

Last time you went over the handlebars at full speed?
The Ray at Southend can be so smooth, going over the handlebars is something you don’t think about, though that’s when you get caught out. When the tide gets super low the chop no longer washes out over the far shore but bounces back to create a short sharp chop nearing the end of the speed run. The upper section is so smooth it’s easy to forget the impending doom, keep it pinned and you can make it over but sometimes survival instincts kick in and you ease off, which is just what you don’t want to do. During the ‘Driven by wind’ event two riders dislocated their shoulders while others just battered their ego’s. I’d like to say it’s friendlier to us locals but alas it shows no mercy and I can tell you first hand there’s nothing quite like it. One second you feel like the king of the world, the next you’re flying over your sail before smashing at fifty miles an hour into the sea, and yes, it does feel like concrete.

Last time you had a non-stressful day?
Stress is what you make it! Give me 12 months to do something and I’ll do it on the last day of the year, I guess I like the stress and in honesty the only day’s I don’t give myself that motivation is in hospital. Actually I quite like it there, even if you don’t want to, you’ve got nothing to do but doze, I sleep so much better there I bought a (posh) hospital bed for home. It hasn’t helped me sleep so I think it must have something to do with the nurses, not that the wife will let me bring one of them home!

Last board you really loved?
Sounds like a marketing moment but the new RRD Freestyle wave. For me the love comes when a board improves your sailing in a big way, last time I had that big a change was way back with F2 when Patrick Diethelm made me a custom Style.

Last time you got really angry?
I did all that when I was in my teens, though any parent with kids will say there has to be the odd occasion you lose your temper, and you know what, they’re right!

Last time you prayed?
Easy one that, 140mph, Lexus, a tree and a moment in life where you’re brain slows time beyond that of the very best high fame rate cameras.

Last time you made a final?
Tiree Wave Classic. It’s probably the longest target I ever had. I was at the second event held back in the 80’s, somehow I walked away with a trophy for fourth. Everyone remembers his or her first trophy right! Not that you normally get one for fourth. I’ve been going back over the years and somehow everything came together this year. You always need luck to be running your way but after the first round of sailing I was sitting in 1st place with zero chance of wind for the rest of the week. Hmmm, never say never. Just when we thought it was all over but the prize giving, a sniff of wind had us amassing at the Maze, offshore and uber light, this was not for me. Big Davey had won this event almost as many times as it had been run and he was on a charge, coming up through the rounds with energy until Kyle McGinn stopped his run. I floated out and as predicted was back on the beach fifteen minutes later licking my wounds. Heading back out for the deciding final I guessed this was as near a chance as I would ever get, so I guess competitive spirit took over where talent failed as the result was a close call. So close, only the rulebook could call it and fortunately ruled in my favour. Honestly I can’t tell you how much that one meant, probably more than anything I’ve ever won.

Last time you clenched your first in celebration?
Funny, I don’t really get that defining moment, of late I’ve been doing the Masters  wave comps, when you get the decision, the adrenalin of battle has passed. Speed sailing is similar, you might see 1st on the board as you cross the line but there’s always someone still coming down the run that could upset the results. I’ve only been that last man once, we were in Sotovento for the Production Worlds and I was sitting in fourth with an impossible hill to climb. I’d banged in one good run but with the result based on the average of your best two runs I had only got up to third with only enough time for one more run. I’m a great believer that you don’t get anywhere with out a little luck and this last run turned out to be the proof. I’d hooked up a flying start and struck gold as a huge gust hit me from behind, I could hardly hold on when I felt my boom creak and groan under the pressure before the backend exploded. I could almost feel my blood boil as I thought, what the heck, I might as well see how far this shit will get me down the beach, when it was suddenly replaced with “but I am still flying”. Actually I felt more powered than I’d been all week, not a comfortable power but who’s complaining. I looked back at the boom end to see both retaining clips had shattered and the boom end had slid inside the boom. Somehow friction had stopped it sliding in all the way but just enough to add power to the sail and open up the leach. I still don’t know how it held so didn’t expect to cross the line let alone see first flash up on the screen. I let everything go and punched the air with excitement, I’d made the podium ! Ten minutes passed before Karin Jaggi came over with the news I’d won, “thanks”, “no you’ve won !” she said. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy to take the title but honest enough to say I didn’t win, the others just lost.

Last time you tidied your bedroom?
I’m not prepared to answer that; it will only cause me pain.

Last time your car broke down?
If running out of fuel counts, then five years ago on the M25, exactly 100m away from where I’d run out of petrol three days earlier… you’re never too old to learn.

Last time you had a really bad day?
Maybe I’m a bit odd in my thinking but I find a positive in everything, ok, so I didn’t want to end my Cape Town trip the way it did. One the upside I was upgraded to Upper Class for the journey home and in truth I needed to concentrate on setting up Whiteboarders. As for the months off the water, I’m sure I’ll be able to SUP soon and I needed to get my Achilles sorted out, its been annoying me for three years, this time next year it’ll be stronger than ever.

Last meal you ate?
Pizza made by my son Reece. I’ve got to sit with my foot above my heart for two weeks and my wife’s been busy nursing me so Reece said he’d cook Saturday night. Not sure where the boys get their interest in cooking, I could just about rustle up beans on toast.

Last time you got really drunk?
At the Boardwise demo, or at least that’s what the wife tells me, she could be making it up as personally I don’t remember it.

Last time you felt stoked with the world?
Ask anyone who really knows me and they’d tell you I see a positive in any circumstances, that doesn’t mean nothing goes wrong but everything that’s gone before makes you who you are today and I’m lucky enough to say I have a wonderful family, a great life and fantastic friends and is why I always feel stoked with the world.

Last book you read?
Is that a trick question, I’m a dyslexic. I did manage the Silence of the Lambs but as I read stuff that’s not even there it wasn’t a surprise the film seemed different. Since then I’ve stuck to audio books and right now I’ve been running with Lee Child’s Jack Reacher in my ears.

Last piece of clothing you bought?
Sounds odd but I don’t really buy clothing, if I’m shopping, it’s for big boys toys, camera’s, tripods, GoPro’s, Drones and the like. My wardrobe comes care of RRD or when the wife and kids make me do the annual shop for jeans. Guess the only thing I choose to shop for that could be called clothing are shoes or slaps and with a UK 13 that’s about as hard as you can get.

Last time you laughed out loud?
Watched Ted with the family two nights ago, sure I’ve seen it before but sometimes you can’t stop it even when you know what’s coming.

Last time you went for a slap up meal?
Any time I’m living in the van on my own, actually my cooking couldn’t even be classed as a meal.

Last time you kissed a man?
It’s not something I make a habit of but back in the mid 90’s I’d burst two discs in my neck and couldn’t compete in the production worlds so was asked to hand the crown over to event winner Roddy Lewis. I’d never understood why some people think everyone loves a late prize giving, when everyone’s there for the after party. So imagine my annoyance when I saw Roddy walking into a restaurant ten minutes before he was due on stage. It was nearly two hours later before Roddy stood in front of five hundred pissed off spectators awaiting to be crowned king. Roddy’s a mix of straight laced private man and too cool for school, so while his hand were clasped around his trophy I couldn’t resist puckering up and planting a wet kiss on his lips, which went down better with the crowd than it did with him.

Last time you made the bed?
Boarding school, five years of hospital corners ensured I had a quilt from then on, and shaking a quilt doesn’t count to making a bed.

Last time you cried?
My dad’s funeral, sure we miss him, though he was such a big character you never stop feeling his presence, though it was seeing the roads around our town lined with all age groups that really got to me. Tears can be sad, come with pride or laughter, mine had an element of all three.

Last time you were conned?
My wife calls it gullible, I call it trusting, whichever it is I just hope this isn’t going to open me up for a load more heartache. Actually I’d rather not say who’s stitched me up, they know who they are and they probably don’t care, I’m happy to say it hasn’t changed me. I’d still rather be conned, than spend a life being distrusting, sure it will lose me money but it’s not what enriches my life.

Last time you were romantic?
I brought Sally a diamond in South Africa so she could have it made into anything she wanted… so long as it is not an expensive ring, the diamond isn’t that big.

Last time you broke a bone?
Don’t get me started, I’m sat here with my leg in a cast, not a bone I know but can you imagine what it’s like when I go into hospital. The administration nurse stands there with her clipboard and pen and asks “have you broken anything or had any illnesses”, “where do I start” I answer before reeling off whatever I can remember. Both ankles have been in casts, cartilage in the knee, broken pelvis, snapped off my coccyx, fractured no11 in my spine, punctured my lung and lost a third of it in the process. I have broken the ribs in my chest too often to recall, though fracturing four next to my spine was a lot more painful. Tore ligaments off my shoulder and dislocated the other one twice, broken my arm, bent the plate and had the elbow jump out of it socket. Burst two disks in my neck and smashed my head into the ground so hard it knocked off all the smell receptacles in my scull… oh yeah, and I had cancer.

Last time you were jealous?
Jealousy’s a funny one; it all depends on the context. In marriage I think a little is a good thing; my mum always told me there’s no love with out jealousy, the next time you see your wife talking to some good looking guy, ask yourself if my mum is right. On the other hand, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting what others have so long as it drives you to achieve it. We all want to win the lotto right! Maybe I don’t buy a ticket that often but my life is driven by the thought of winning the jackpot.Truth is, that “what if” is what drives me. Doesn’t matter what I’m doing I always ask the question “what if I won the lottery”, if the answer is “do what I’m doing” then I know I’m on the right track. Sure that “do what I’m doing” would have some embellishment, but isn’t that what we all need ?, a direction and goal to strive for. Only thing about the lottery that worries me is actually winning it, you’d have everything you wanted and want for nothing. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to be skint but we all need a little wanting, I mean, who isn’t jealous of the guys who windsurf every day, but what if you really had too ?

Last time you did something really embarrassing?
It’s a dad’s job to be embarrassing, though it’s the fear of what you can do that keeps the kids on their toes. I was told you only ever get one chance at a first impression so when being introduced to your daughter’s first boyfriend I guessed this was the moment. I have a knife that’s a bigger, nastier version of Rambo’s, so when my daughter asked me to come to the front door to meet her boyfriend it seemed to be a fitting companion. He was quite clearly unsure about meeting me and had brought along his mates for moral support. As he put out his wavering hand, I brought mine out from behind my back along with the words “Who the f**k is Rob”.

Last time gig you went to?
Eminem in Cape Town, couldn’t get any of the team to join me and Skyeboy was washing his hair so I took Roberto’s nanny.

Last time you went on a non-windsurfing holiday?
Two years ago, the kids and their cousins and a bunch of friends wanted to go to the mountains, half skied while the rest of us boarded. Got to confess it’s getting harder to stay in front.

Last time you stole something?
I was about seven, little sweetshop in my hometown, my best mate egged me on at the time. Thankfully I was caught in the act and shit myself so much I never did it again. Bloody good job, that mate ended up in jail later in life.

Last time you saw an amazing windsurfing manoeuvre?
Freestyle freaks me out. For a while it was quite boring, low spinney moves that all looked the same. Now it’s so powerful you can see the energy, even if you can’t understand the science. You should check out some of Hugo de Sousa’s videos, I challenge you to work out what’s going on.

Last time you jumped so high that you were scared?
Tried a push loop off a mast high wave in Hookipa, didn’t push my arms out and landed with my neck on the boom, John Skye’s still laughing about how messed up I looked.

Last time you patted yourself on the back?
Every time I have something printed or I’m taking off at the airport. My teachers said I’d get nowhere in life. I’d love to see them read all the articles I’ve written or see the amount of passports I’ve filled up.

“ I’m lucky enough to say I have a wonderful family, a great life and fantastic friends and is why I always feel stoked with the world  ’’

Last time you stayed in bed all day?
Two years ago, picked up a bug and watched Breaking Bad for three days straight. I’m known as the bed police in my house, only time I’ll lie in until 9 is when F1 is on the box early.

Last time you had a fight?
Labelled early on as thick, there was no route other than fighting. I was born with a competitive spirit so don’t fight younger or smaller were the rules I ran by. Believe me, there were plenty of times I took more than my fair share of beatings; after all I was in boarding school.The fighting followed me out of school and into work; when I was in a wheel chair with a broken pelvis and arm in plaster the fights came back to haunt me. Can’t say it’s the best position to defend yourself but the plaster cast came in handy. After a four hour wait in casualty, I’d not only been fitted with a new cast but had an x-ray that showed I’d bent the metal plate in my arm. A year later I’d given up the fighting, had a new plate and elbow and now I can’t think why any one would want to fight.

Last time you picked up a hitch hiker?
I can’t remember, does that make me a bad man or just a man in a hurry.

Last time you told a little white lie?
I’m married, so everyday “I wont be late” probably tops the list

Last time you spent your money frivolously?
I’m not going to answer that, I get far too much stick from the wife already. “JC, you should rephrase that, when was the last time he didn’t spend ‘OUR’ money frivolously ??” Sally.

Last time you read a windsurf magazine cover to cover?
Are you really asking a dyslexic that, though if looking at the pictures counts, then every time it drops on the doormat!

Last time you did a jump that made you scared?
Sometimes it’s the fear of not doing it that gets you past the real fear. I was in Maui and having just put my glass back on the bar I stated “ I’m going to do a double at Hookipa on Tuesday”. Like the average guy who does a forward, I liked the idea of being able to say “yep, did a double”, even if my singles aren’t that proficient, so why the bold statement ? Seeing the best of the world windsurfing, stood on the hill on Tuesday morning was just what that statement was about. “Whitey, are you really going to try a double” Francisco asked while the rest waited for me to back down. To say I was shitting myself would be an understatement but I’d amassed just about everyone that would give me shit forever. First run out I couldn’t get planing, the second run seemed to be going the same way until I caught a gust just ahead of a logo high wave. Can’t say there was a lot of technique going on but sheeting in as hard as I could took me round enough times to land on my back to claim a double as I water started away.

Last time you chicken gybed?
Don’t get into those conditions too often, though Coffin Rock in Ireland sticks in the mind. Saw the mountain of a wave blocking my way out, survival instincts took over and I chicken gybed just in time to be swallowed up by the white water. The following swim is something I hope to never experience again.

Last time you landed a new move?
Do you know how old I am !, completing moves I’ve already done is an achievement, though I was close to the one I really wanted to get in Cape Town this year. Everything must have been perfect, bottom turned on my first wave and before I knew it, I’d hit the lip and was in the air, enjoying the moment and picking my time to land and ride out of it. I landed back on top of the wave for what felt like an age before it passed under me. The feeling from those few days sailing in Cape Town is my motivation right now, it felt like I was finally improving and to be honest I can’t get that out of my mind. So much so I’m doing whatever the doc tells me, as I know it’s the quickest way to get back on the water. Guess I may as well apologise to everyone now, as I’m going to be a real pain in the ass the next few months. I know I’ll struggle to stay behind the lens but I’ll do it in return for getting back to that point of improving and pushing the level of my sailing. ’ 

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