A professional windsurfer who began his career at Leybourne Lakes as a toddler aims to become the sport’s world champion next year.

Robby Swift, who grew up in Leybourne, is currently ranked fifth in the world by the Professional Windsurfers Assocation (PWA).

The 24-year-old, who now lives and trains in Hawaii, has competed in several PWA World Cup events, winning the PWA World Cup in 2003, in Fuerteventura.

But after spending three years ranked third in the world, from 2003-2005, he broke his foot and has faced a tough two years just to train.

Robby, who is back in Leybourne visiting his parents, Anne and Denis, of Birling Road, said: “It is my lifelong dream to be the PWA World Champion and I really don’t want to stop until that has happened at least once.”

Robby’s career has been heavily influenced by his father who is also a keen windsurfer, and named his son after American windsurfer, Robby Naish.

“As soon as dad could get me on the water he did,” added Robby, who attended Sevenoaks School. “I was only 18 months old when he first had me out on the board with him.”

After foot surgery at the London Foot and Ankle Centre, Robby is now aiming for the top.

“I feel almost no pain in my foot now, which is amazing," he said.

“After a winter of training I hope to be completely back on track with my goal of becoming PWA World Champion.”