After the first two PWA freestyle events, the “Minds Wide Open” crew thought it is time to catch up with Gollito Estredo to speak with him about his results and future plans. After scoring a second and fourth place at the first two PWA freestyle events, Gollito sits on the second place overall, but there are still plenty of freestyle events left. At the moment Gollito is together with the “Minds Wide Open” filmteam in Egypt filming for the new movie and preparing for the upcoming Caribbean events of the tour.
Gollito Estredo in Egpyt - Pic: Michael Sumereder
We have seen the first two events of the year already. What do you think about the actual level in freestyle?
Gollito: The freestyle level went up a lot. We see lots of new people enter the PWA and some of the older people leave the PWA Tour. We always have about 5 people at each event who can win and then a big group who fight for the places after and still can surprise and reach top rankings too.
So far we have seen Kiri and Steven winning the events in Vietnam and Podersdorf. What are the chances of you fighting back and reaching the top spot?
Gollito: I see my chance to get back on top, but I need to wait for my conditions. Vietnam and Podersdorf are nice but special events. I think the upcoming events suit me better.
Gollito for the camera - ©Pic: Michael Sumereder
Did you analyze any mistakes you may have done during the competitions?
Gollito: Vietnam was quite close and I had good heats. Maybe in one of the finals I should have used a bigger sail but the wind was very up and down and with the new freestyle approach we tend to use smaller sails. In Podersdorf it was very cold the majority of the time but the last day was just too cold for me!
How do you prepare for the Caribbean Event?
Gollito: Right now I am in Egypt training every day dependent on the wind. I try to improve my sailing and most of all have fun. It is very important to get top results in Bonaire and Aruba so that I have a good chance for the year ranking.
Any new strategies for your the upcoming events?
Gollito: Not really. My focus is to get my moves higher and faster and double them if possible. That is what brings the high scores on flat water events.
Filming in Egypt - ©Pic: MichaelSumereder
Can you tell us more about the new movie project “Minds Wide Open”? What can we expect?
Gollito: Yes, we work on ‘Minds Wide Open’ at the moment. I was not on the first wave trips so we started with freestyle here in Egypt. Basti and Sumsi brought lots of new camera gear. I saw some of the clips from CapeVerde, Maui and here and the quality looks amazing. I have a good feeling that the movie is going to be very impressive.
Any other freestyle destinations planned for the movie?
Gollito: Yes we will have one more to fit in but we haven’t decided on where exactly yet. We will be looking for a spot were I can jump and do some more radical air moves. Lets just wait and see…
© Interview: Minds Wide Open
come sail in aruba !! lots of wind choppy water far away . flat water close to the beach .!!
how are you andre?
Hood River would be cool. Tyson, Rob and Casey told me lots about it. Only problem is that Gollito cant get a US visa. Part of the problem is his lovely President Chavez. So we need to get a other spot.
So far we think the movie will be out in late September/October. But not sure. My current health situation might be a little factor on the final release date.
All the best, Andre
Gollito is my favorite sailor. 1 day i want to see him sailing. does anybody now when this new movie come out??
I second that! Let’s see the whole crew at the at the Hatchery this summer!!