Massimo Masserini: from windsurfing to psychology

Posted by RIWmag on 16 Mar 2015 /

Massimo Masserini (Patrik, Point-7, CST, FIT624 Gyms) It's an Italian racer athlete of great technical depth with world titles in his palmares (master world slalom champion IFCA 2006, FW world champion GMaster 2009, WORLD CHAMPION GMaster FORMULA WINDSURFING 2010). But not only: It is also 3° dan black belt in KickBoxing, ISSA Personal Trainer, Clinical Psychologist, Sport psychologist, Educationalist, Hypnotist and clinical sexologist, Professor at University Popolare di Bergamo Nicholas Flamel. RIWmag reached for an all-out interview.

RIW: Hello Massimo. When and how did you start windsurfing?
M.M.: Good morning everyone, I started way back in 1987, almost a game in Brazil on the island of Itaparica , near Salvador de Bahia. Once back at home, then I immediately proposed dul Lovere Lake , near Bergamo.

RIW: How did the transition from amateur to windsurfing races?
M.M.: well I've always been a competitive in all sports that I practiced. I can't imagine doing a sport without measure with opponents to figure out which is my real level. I did several sports, from motorcycling (Enduro), karting, Snowboard, kick-boxing, Road cycling and mountain biking….then in 2000 I sold my old business inherited from my father (a car dealership) and I dedicated a few years to travel around the world to make windsurfing races and experiences. The world was first’ in 2000 in Formula windsurfing in Thailand.

RIW: What have been your main achievements in windsurfing? What is the outcome that most excited you and why?
M.M.: well the world is really a lovely emotion and that won in Turkey in Alacati was really exciting. I was actually very competitive with the best senior of the PWA, and I had 43 to begin with, and by guys who had 35/40.

RIW: How did your interest in psychology? How come you haven't chosen as work and how were you able to get together in the world of sport?
M.M.: I have always been passionate about psychology, and free once I could grow my passion , completing graduate studies and continuing in a continuing education: Today I am in Hypnotic Psychotherapy and training in Clinical Sexology.

RIW: In your life you conduct many activities and all of high level (in this interview by synthesis we have listed only the main). It's an innate ability in you or the result of your psychological knowledge applied on yourself?
M.M.: as I told you before I am a competitive and for me life, and today it is even more, It's always a competitive struggle, Sana with hard shots but also full of immense satisfaction. Definitely today I have many psychological tools to dedicate myself to a targeted mental preparation, but unfortunately, at my age I have to content myself with making my sport to have fun and no more’ Professional level. Nevertheless, I have a lot of satisfaction in seeing that young athletes prepare mentally in various disciplines to reach excellent results thanks to my Coach work, Sports psychologist and mental coach.

RIW: For the 2015 offer a coaching service at the AICW. You can explain exactly what it is?
M.M.: as in other federations, I'm’ bringing a little’ of energy in the field of sports psychology, applied especially to motivate the best athletes and give them tools to tackle their competitions. With President Carlo AICW Cottafavi, which binds me a deep friendship, We have chosen to offer a free consultancy service, also on line, to those who needed. Once you've clarified the athlete request windsurfer, Potro’ make a mental preparation programme to address various challenges and help him win possibly, in any case, a path aimed at improvement of mental processes even outside of the sports world.

RIW: What are your goals for the 2015? (both professional sports that may)
M.M.: For the 2015 My Goal Setting (goal in sports psychology) will win in all competitions which take’ part. But they will be few and largely to zonal and interzonal character. Unfortunately with my work as a clinical psychologist, Sports psychologist and Educationalist, I'm on the field and in the studio to work and then taking the time to train and participate in the races is very limited, but to 51 years are very happy and satisfied with my life.

RIW: Then you can spend a little’ time to make an address book “SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST RESPONDS” about RIW mag?
M.: Certainly with honor and pride I might prepare a few articles on topics related to sports psychology, and participate directly to answer questions, details, reflections of RIWmag readers.