By Claire Cooper, full article on p.22 of May/June 2013 issue

After conquering the world’s snowboarding slopes, Cuckfield Olympian Kate Foster is taking to the water in a bid to introduce Britain to a brand new sport.

Kate, who has just returned from the British Snowboarding Championships in France where she added a second silver to her collection of medals, will spend the summer wakesurfing - and is keen to encourage others to have a go.

“I’m trying to get the word out about this amazing new sport, which is perfect for all fitness levels as well as anyone who has or hasn’t done any water sports or board sports!” said Kate.

“As much as I love the winter, I am looking forward to kicking the boots off and getting my flip flops on and heading to the sunshine!”

Kate, who works as a fitness coach in Curves gym in Haywards Heath, is well known in the village for her amazing achievements in snowboarding. “My recent silver medal means I’ve been British halfpipe champion five times and runner up twice,” said Kate, who was also in France to support the GB Junior Freestyle team, which she coaches with her brother.

“They all did really well and I’m so proud they returned with six golds, three silvers and a bronze.”

Although the Foster family originate from Cuckfield (her grandfather arrived in the village as an evacuee in 1939 and her mum was a former Miss Cuckfield!), Kate was brought up in Canada where her parents were working. “They were only supposed to be going for two years but ended up staying for 30!” said Kate.