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Most Influential Girl Kitesurfer 2012

Promoting Girls in Kitesurfing & Kitesurfing to Girls

The top 10 finalists have been chosen!

After a very successful inaugural competition last year, the search is on again for girls who are doing extraordinary things in kitesurfing or their communities.

Who will be crowned the “Most Influential Girl Kitesurfer” for 2012?

You vote, you decide!

The winners will receiveprizesfrom:

Why the Most Influential Girl in Kitesurfing?

As our tag line suggests, our primary goal is to promote girls in kitesurfing. We want to showcase talented and inspiring female kiters to motivate more women to get involved in our sport.

At the same time, we also want to shine the spotlight on these amazing girls, and give them some well deserved exposure.

Top 10 Finalists for 2012

In alphabetical order

• Kristin Boese
• Cynthia Brown
• Katie Chandler
• Sophie Chevalier
• Tatiana Howard
• Gretta Kruesi
• Claire Lutz
• Susi Mai
• Verda Marley
• Hannah Whiteley

Click on the names above to learn more about each of our finalists and what makes them so special.

Then vote for your favourite girl below!

You only have one vote, so choose wisely. You cannot change your vote once you have voted. If you have any problems voting, please do not hesitate tocontact us.

Voting

Voting will be open to the public from 13 to 27 November 2012 at 12:00pm GMT. The winners will be announced on 27 November 2012.

Be Fair!

We want a fair competition where each girl has an equal opportunity of winning, so please only vote once. Multiple votes, or votes solicited in questionable ways, such as through vote-exchange services, etc. will be disqualified!

Instead, we urge you toshare this pagewith your friends to get more legitimate votes for your favourite girl.

How to Vote

Justclick the nameof your favourite girl above, and then click the orange vote button and you are done. If for any reason you aren’t able to vote, send us an email explaining the issue, and we’ll cast your vote manually for you.

Spread the Word!

Share the profile page of the finalist of your choice, or use the share icons below. We have made it as easy as possible for you to like, tweet or +1 this page and to share it with your friends.

Share this Competition:

Prizes

This year we have two first place prizes; one for the “Most Influential Girl Kitesurfer” and one for the “iMK Inspirational Kitesurfer of the Year”.

Most Influential Girl Kitesurfer

1st Place

The winner of the voting round will become inMotion Kitesurfing’s “Most Influential Girl Kitesurfer” for 2012, and will win:

A 7 day Kitesurfing Vacation in the French Alps

6 nights / 7 days total immersion kitesurfing camp, courtesy ofTantrum Kitesurf. Set on the Lac de Serre Poncon, nestled in the peaks of the French High Alps, this kitesurfing camp will be an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

With glass flat water in the mornings…which of course we take full advantage of, wakeboarding behind one of our Mastercraft ski boats, the wind picks up around 10:30 and by 1 is blowing a prefect force 4/5. Flat, open water and acres of space allow you all the freedom you could possibly want…and just in case that’s not enough for you, we throw in some extra goodies like white water rafting, mountainside BBQ’s and the legendary Via Ferrata as well.

Includes:

• Accommodation (in tents…nice big ones!)
• Breakfast and lunch every day
• 3 days of wakeboarding
• White Water Rafting
• Via Ferrata
• BBQ’s at 2000m
• As much kitesurfing as you can shake a stick at.

Flights and transportation to the venue not included. Find out more about this fantastic package by Tantrum Kitesurfhere.

Feature on the cover of March 2013KiteGirl Magazine

Green KiteGirl ‘Pray For Wind’ Hoodie

6 Issue Subscription to KiteGirl Magazine

2nd Place

A Pink KiteGirl ‘Pray For Wind’ T-Shirt

6 Issue Subscription to KiteGirl Magazine

An Eco friendly Beach Tote courtesy ofBeach Girl Body Goods

3rd Place

6 Issue Subscription to KiteGirl Magazine

An Eco friendly Beach Tote courtesy of Beach Girl Body Goods

iMK Inspirational Kitesurfer of the Year

7 Day Kitesurfing Vacation in Mexico

Our Inspirational Kitesurfer of the Year, chosen from the top 10 finalists by the iMK team, will win a 6 night / 7 day all inclusive kite vacation in the beautiful Yucatan in Mexico, courtesy ofKite Beach Yucatan.

You will be staying in an ocean front room in the Kite Beach Yucatan villa where you can kite right off the patio! With wind nearly all year round, you will have the time of your life. Their private New York chef will pamper you with delicious healthy meals to keep you riding all day long.

Flights and transportation to the venue not included. Find out more about this fantastic package by Kite Beach Yucatanhere.

Stay Informed

For more information about the competition and read ourlaunch article.To be the first to hear who the winners are, enter your email address below, or follow us on any of our social media channels.

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You can also follow us on our social media channels below!

Your details are safe with us, and will never be sold, rented or given away!

Competition Rules

1. You may only enter yourself or nominate a particular individual once.
2. Multiple entries will be disqualified.
3. Automated entries, bulk entries or third party entries will be disqualified!
4. The competition is open to girls worldwide. The minimum entry age is 16 years old.
5. The shortlist will be chosen based on the number of nominations received in the Nomination Round. The “Most Influential Girl Kitesurfer” winner will be based on the number of votes received in the final Voting Round.  The “iMK Inspirational Kitesurfer of the Year” will be chosen by our judges, and judge’s decision is final.
6. Winners and nominees will be contacted via email. Their names and profiles will be displayed onwww.inmotionkitesurfing.comand may be displayed on our sponsor’s websites. Contact details are not shared, and will not be made public.
7. The Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
8. The competition will run from 10 October 2012 to 27 November 2012 at 12:00pm GMT.
9. inMotion Kitesurfing is fully compliant with the data protection act. We will not pass on your private information to any third party without your prior consent.

If you have any problems submitting your entry, or questions regarding the running of the competition, feel free tocontact us.

Our Sponsors

A huge thank you to the sponsors of this year’s Most Influential Girl Kitesurfer and iMK Inspirational Kitesurfer of the Year awards. We really appreciate your support and contribution towards developing the sport of kitesurfing for woman.

Read more:http://www.inmotionkitesurfing.com/girl-kitesurfer-2012

Its been a while since I last bogged on here, what to do! There has  been so much wind the beginning of autum, and so many other exciting things going on, what’s a girl to do? To blog or to kite? I think we all know the answer on that!!!

So rather than bore you with too much detail, I have broken down the past couple of months into key areas with links and lots of pictures (please click on images for more pictures) , with a few tales thrown in.

So I started losing touch with internet life in June when I flew out to Egypt for 3 weeks to kite and coach in El Gouna for KB4girls. This was a brilliant trip yet again, El Gouna never fails to deliver me good times, whether on or of the water. I had 3 days of none wind in the 3 weeks that I was there.

There was a hell of lot of progression made for the girls and for myself. My first couple of weeks were spent hanging out at the very cool and relaxed Red Sea Zone, I just love going there, getting to catch up with my friends, meet new people, kite lots, chill, drink cold beer and eat everything on the menu. What I love about the RSZ (apart from the amazing people!!) is that you can go for early kite sessions because the kite station is open air, allowing you to grab your stuff at any time, and fear not about your stuff going missing as they have people who stay there overnight keeping a watch full eye on your stuff.

As I was here, I also got to bump into Martine and GoGo from Surfvibes whom I had met here last month. I was so happy that I saw them as they were of on a boat trip the next day to a white sandy Island just of Hurgada.This was such a amazing trip!!!! Offshore winds, butter flat water, white sand  so soft you could have mistaken it for caster sugar and crystal clear turquoise waters.  If I die and go to kite heaven this is how I imagine it will be. If you do get to go to Egypt you have to get in touch with them and do this trip. 

The last week in El Gouna was spent at the Kiteboarding Club, where we had the KB4girls event with Kristin Boese, yet again another amazing time was had. The girls were fantastic, we kited hard, partied like it was going out of fashion, did a catamaran trip, snorkelled, go karted and so much more. This was one of the global events, instead if the girls paying to take part, they were asked to fund raise instead for the chosen women’s shelter run by Hope Village Society in Cairo,a very worth while cause and the only one of its kind for a far time. please click above for more info. We had 22 girls take part on this clinic for all over the world ranging in ages of 10 to 55, proving it does not matter what age you are to get into this sport. Really looking forward to going back for next years event. Click here for the review by Kristin on the event. And here for the awesome Video which was filmed by the awesome Miguel Willis team rider at BEST Kiteboarding

So after all my Egyptian adventures it was off back home to England, and I have to say as much as I love Eygpt, I was so ready to get on my flight home. Laden with burnt cornea’s, live coral growing out of my feet  and cankles that would put Vannessa Feltz to shame. I was ready to embrace the cold, grey and choppy British shores.

It has been a awesome summer here in the UK, we have lots of wind and even sun, the days have been long and light. My time since I got back has also  been filled with proper work, more KB4 girls chapters, some SUP’ing  safari’s and getting on the Oakey.

We also had a KB4girls global clinic here on my home turf Lancing beach, this was also a truley special event for many reasons, we had girls come from all over to take part and coach, Turkey, Israel, Germany and the most northernest  parts of Scotland. We also had the lovely Kristin Boese come to coach on the clinic.

This clinic was also very special as it was being held in honour of the beautiful Fiona Claisse,

Earlier this year, our community was devastated to hear of the tragic passing away of local kitesurfer Fiona Claisse. Fiona died on the 18th January 2012 after battling Bowel Cancer and is sadly missed and remembered by many.

Fi was an avid kitesurfer and passionate about inspiring progression in the sport. She worked closely with her husband Rob Claisse developing the well known ‘Progression’ DVD’s. Her philosophy to kitesurfing reflected the same view as our own here at KB4Girls; attracting more girls into the sport as well as encouraging those already kiting to learn something new. This is something Fiona took close to heart and worked to promote. She was an amazing and inspiring woman who touched many people’s lives.

At only 33 years old, Fi was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer in October 2011. She had chemotherapy for 12 weeks but it had no effect, with the cancer growing and spreading to her stomach, liver, jaw and hip bone. What had started as only a few years survival, changed to months and then sadly only weeks. During this time Fi showed a strength of character that was astounding, but not surprising to those that knew her best. She was in pain at many times over the whole period. But towards the end she was a lot more peaceful.

Fi will be forever missed and never forgotten. St Barnabas House was central in helping her and Rob through the last stages of her life, and  KB4Girls Lancing wished to honour and remember Fiona by donating the funds raised to St Barnabas House, an undeniably worthwhile cause.

At Fi’s funeral, Rob conveyed a message that he knew Fi would like him to pass on.

“Don’t settle for good enough, you deserve more from your life. If you dream of something better, know that you deserve it and can make it happen”.

Rob Claisse has also done and continues to do a amazing job fundraising for this cause and in memory of Fi with the total being a amazing £14,156.00 so far, if you wish to help or donate towards this please click on here for further info.

We will continue to make this global event in honour of Fiona helping to keep her amazing spirit flowing and alive.

I knew Fiona, not on a intimate level, but we frequented in the same circles, she was always happy and always smiling, not a bad word to say about anyone or anything, really living life to the full. Now not many days go by now where she or Rob do not pop up in my head, reminding me to keep smiling and live life to the max and appreciate those loved and close ones . You really do only get one go at this, and you should make it count!

Joanna Brett with the Fiona Claisse Spirit award keeping the love alive

THE BIG AIR OPEN KITESURFING SPECTACULAR, WORTHING, UK

BigAirOpen.

 

Posts: 2

Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2012 2:25 pm

Well what a mental spring, from March a month of torturous no wind but blissful sun to April the month of four seasons, winds galore and many travels. The wind finally came with a gentle sea breeze and turned into a cold NE’ly slap in the face.  Lots has happened, there have been road trips, downwinders, KB4girls Chapters, local kite sessions and a warm trip to Egypt to top it all off.  I kited more in April than I have in the whole of winter, and have finally managed to use my whole quiver to its full range, there has been a lot of progression and lots off whoop, whoopy de’ whoops!!! So I have rambled on quite a bit in this blog as there is quite a lot to catch up on, I hope you enjoy the read.

To start it all off it began with the first sea breezes of the year, this was long awaited for from many on the south coast. Great to get out in the sunshine and nice steady winds to break your self back in, though it was and is still is very cold on the UK shores. So was still wearing as much neoprene as possible.

The sun and steady breeze was not to stay though and towards mid March just in time for our first KB4girls chapter the cold, wet and gusty NE winds kicked in. This meant a few road trips to Greatstone in Kent. The first of these sessions was with Luke and Emily from Kitesurfkings, there was just the three of us on the beach in testing winds from 15 gusting 25 knots. Wind chill was -2 degrees, by the time we had got changed after the session we could not feel any of our limbs let alone any pain.

The next sessions where pretty similar, even with some hail thrown in for the girls at our session, on this day the wind was crazy, gusting from again 15 knots to at the end nearly 30 knots, this is when we decided to end the session. It was the day of four seasons, beginning with sunshine, progressing to showers followed by heavy rain then finished with hail.

The girls did not let this bother them though and kept kiting  through the day only stopping to refuel on chocolate brownies (thanks Claire!!!)  washed down with hot cups of tea. It was such a nice group, lots of new and regular faces, thank you to every one who made the effort to come down. And even with the challenging conditions there was still lots of tricks learnt, from first rotations, big air and kite loops. I could not speak properly for two days after due to so much happy cheering.  It was a great way to kick off the first chapter, really pushing us all to our limits, setting the standards up for the rest of the season. For more pictures on the day click here, and if you fancy joining us in the future, check out our page on FB for constant updates on what is going on

By now we had reached the end of the month and it was time to pack away my winter wetsuit and dig out my boardies for Egypt. The build up to this was torture, every day (hour, minute) when I checked windguru, it would greet me with yellow, orange and  sometimes red arrows, along with temperatures of up to 30 degrees. This was going to be an awesome week.

There were four of us heading out, and what a team we were, we had the lovely Jude Green – Personal Kite Nurse and Beautician to make you appear in one piece after nursing, Cam Dawson - Cocktail Maker Extraordinaire, making sure we stayed hydrated all week. And last but not least trip organizer and entertaiments guide Mike Broom, the man who has everything  and can make anything happen, including making the wind blow for every day we were out there!!! Cheers Mike xxx 

Our base for the week was the Magawish  Swiss Inn Resort just south of Hurgahda, where we also had the renowned Kite Center Colona Water Sports. The crew from Colona made us feel at home from the minute we arrived. Gaz the centre  manager collected us up from the airport with a big white smile and a dirty tan, took us to our lodgings to refresh ourselves, then picked us up for a night out. We headed to the new marina to Shades Bar and Grill, here we kicked the night off with quite a few long awaited cold Sakaras, followed by some tasty dinner, then back to the bar for more drinks before heading back to catch 40winks for the windy morning that awaited us.

The next morning and pretty much the rest of the week we woke up quite early with out the need of alarm clocks, no one complained though as we woke up to wind and sunshine instead. So after breakfast it was of to the beach, this was only a c a 5 min walk from our rooms. The resort is made up of two main buildings with clusters of chalets surrounding it. It is worth asking for these rooms if you do come as you could end up at the back where you are around 15 mins walk away from the main facilites.

The Magawish is a simple hotel but perfect for our needs, the rooms are clean comfy and cheap (£130 halfboard), the food is basic but nutritional,  and the main clientèle from Russia, we seemed  to be the only Europeans staying there, which really made you feel like you were away from it all. I would only come here if I was with a group of friends for a kite holiday, I would not recommend taking the family here as they may get a bit bored and the beach is not that big. You may end up divorced and childless (unless you have a family of kiters).

The centre  itself was well set up with the usual storage areas, compressor and beach bar.  The beach split up in to three very clearly separated kite surf areas, teaching zone, beginners area ( if you are  getting up and riding but still building up confidence) and a intermediate/advanced area. I really liked the fact that there was lots of space between these, and that you had to be able to ride up wind to get to the sand bar. Here is a video of the sandbar.

The sand bar was amazing, at mid to low tide there was lots of shallow spots with a choice of butter flat, choppy or little kickers. This was so great for learning new tricks, pushing your riding or just having fun, it was so nice to kite in boardies and rashies and not to get brain freeze if you crashed . There are also canoes and SUPs available if the wind drops, and a vast range of boards range  available from skim boards to a hydrofoil kiteboard!!

Towards the end of the week we also did a massive downwinder from Kiteboarding Club in  El Gouna to the Palma Resort back in Hurghada, this was organized by Survibes, together with the centers KBC, Colona and Red Sea Zone The day costed only 35 euros, and with this you were collected, had a speed boat to follow you with three kite instructors kiteboarding with you, lunch and lift home included. There was also no more than 10 people in the group. The trip itself was ca 12 km long with a break in between.

So we all launched from KBC and followed Gogo and Zuza with Emad kiteing behind us with the boat, our guides were also excellent kiters so it was great fun to watch them as well as ride with them, and Emad would always be coming up to you and giving you tips on your tricks. We also had Martina on and off the boat taking pictures of the whole trip and personal shots if you liked, I thought this was such a nice touch to the day and a great memory to keep, there was no extra cost for this.

On our first part of the trip we kited out ca 4km to sea where a beautiful ca 5 km long sand and coral bar awaited us, it was so beautiful, there where lots of shallow pools to pratice and boost around. The sand was snow white and the water all different shades of turquoise and blues, truly stunning to kite over. I have never kited on any thing like it before.

It was so untouched and clean, only reachable by sail. If you come to the area in Egypt, you have to book yourself on this trip. It was great fun being able to jump and mess around with out worrying about getting back upwind.

We the stopped halfway for quick refuel and rehydration at a large shallow bay between our points, and Martine got out of the boat to do some personal photos. We then kited to our last stop, most of us just cruised down wind as we had over done ourselves at the sand bar. Here we had a massive pizza for lunch before heading back to our accommodation. I managed to have a sneeky kite again when we got back before sunset

So that was pretty much it, an awesome week and we did not really do much else apart from eat, drink and sleep. This has to have been one of the best trips away that I have had in a long time, amazing people, great centre, kite, kite and more kiteing, sun and wind.

So check it out and get yourself there, I am heading back next month to El Gouna for the Global KB4girls event and am so excited about it. And I have to say, people keep asking me about the troubles in Egypt and how dangerous is it? Well I have not stopped going there, I went back three weeks after the revolution, and not much has changed. The biggest difference is that there are less people visiting because of all the coverage in the media, this is affecting the economy and peoples livelihood, so it even more important now than ever to show your support and to keep visiting this beautiful country. The Egyptian people are so amazing and friendly, they always make me feel very welcome when I come here. You should always keep your wits about you where ever you go in the world, like you would at home. Fancy coming out to join me? Check out the details here!! Will defiantly be doing a few of those downwinders again too

What’s going on, cant remember ever having such a windless winter ever here in West Sussex. And if it carry s on like  this will I ever remember how to kite surf? There have been far and few days in between where there has been something, teasing or nothing. If you are like me, then when the one day of decent wind appears you have probably have had to work or catch up with your wonderful non kiteing friends and family who would make you feel very bad for ditching them, as they know that once the sea breezes kick in you will disappear of the face of the earth till the end of the year. Better to make amends now for what the rest of the year will bring!!

So what to do on these no wind days ? And how do I keep those board skills up?

Well thank the heavens for the cable park, last week I got a call from my dear friend Mike saying its sunny and windless, and that we was happy to take Cam and me for a road trip to Princes Club near Heathrow. This was my first time at this cable park and I can happily say that it wont be the last. This park has a really nice lay out with great facility’s, the ladies changing area was amazing, you could go in with wetsuit, every thing was very clean and modern, with powerful hot showers.

It has five corners to get around and is filled with lots of kickers and sliders, plenty going on to keep you busy for your time there. The staff were really nice and helpful too, there were no big ego’s here which was a welcome change after experiencing different parks. The guys would always give you tips and advice through out your whole riding time, and at the end (which I thought was a nice touch) they chatted about your session, the good and the bits that need improving.

And then to top the day off you could get a nice cold beer from the lovely bar/restaurant to help you wind down and chat to all the new amazing people you had met that day. Even all the other visitors where really friendly and encouraging, wooing you on after every face plant and trick landed.

Sadly not many pictures of us on the water as we were all to busy riding . The only thing I did not enjoy about the day was the water start from the dock, for some reason it would take me about 3 attempts to get standing. This was quite frustrating as I have not really had this problem before, and this was also felt in my arms the next day.

It took me about 3 days before I could move with out any pain. I always forget how much the first wake session of the season kills. If you hit the park soon, do not forget to stretch and have a hot bath after!!! So even with the pain I have been left wanting more and cant wait for the next session, but wont complain if the wind arrives first!!

Sooo on to this weeks guest blog. She is local rider here in the Brighton area, and if  you have not met her on a beach yet, then you  may already know her face from THE KITE SHOW. Or have seen her belting out some top tunes on a stage near you with the awesome band KOVAK!! Or even have met her at a KB4girls clinic as she is a UK ambassador, a truly multi talented lady. I here present to you Annelies Simon previously know as ( Van De Velde) Enjoy..

Age: 29

Nationality: Belgian

Years riding:7

So Annelies, tell us your story!

I grew up in Belgium, totally wind and wave deprived. We lived in the US for a while and also in the Uk, but I mainly spent my youth in Belgium. In 99 I met my now husband, Ben Simon, on a windsurf holiday in Vassiliki with a mate of mine and her folks. It was the first time I’d ever done any watersports and I loved it! (god that sounds rude). I moved to the UK in 2001 and took up kiting a few years later. We were in a rock/pop band together called Silvermaker (www.silvermaker.co.uk) which had quite a few songs on some kitesurf and windsurf DVDs and movies, like the Boardseeker DVDs. I then joined a new band called KOVAK and some really exciting stuff has been happening with them lately. We’re working on a 2^nd album right now. Music has taken me places and I’ve especially enjoyed rocking out at Animal parties like Windfest and The Brits in Laax, these sporting crowds are always really up for a laugh.

Where are you from and where are you based now?

I’m from Belgium and now live in Brighton.

How often do you kite?

Not enough! I would love to kite more often, but the band has been taking up a lot of my time. In summer I try to go a few times a week and on holidays, but this winter has been aweful, it’s been months!

What are your weapons of choice on the water and why?

I’m sponsored by FC Watersports and they give me BRILLIANT deals on Cabrinha kites. I love them because they are so sturdy. My wetsuit is Billabong, I almost always kite with a 5/3 here in the UK even in the summer. I also have an O-Neill fleecy thermal top which is a fab 2^nd layer in the winter. I haven’t changed my board since I started, my Fanatic Joyrider is still a total joy to ride! Although I did stick some lovely new Liquid Force Stiletto straps on there which fit me much better than the original ones. My waist harness is SO old I really should change it. It’s a windsurf harness and I’m probably not setting a good example riding it. Animal have been really cool giving me gear through the band so you’ll often find me in their stuff too. It’s sooooooo soft, I love it.

Apart from kiteing what else do you like to get up to?

Singing! And lots of sports. I play hockey in the winter with a game every Saturday and get my adrenaline rush that way. Apart from that, running along the seafront and little ‘Davina’ workouts in my lounge on really blustery days. I also present The Kite Show amongst other things and work freelance as a copywriter, presenter, voice over artist and scriptwriter.

How did you learn to kite surf?

I went for a land based lesson in 2004 which scared me so much I took a whole year to start learning again! Then Ben taught me the basics in the UK and after 2 weeks in El Gouna I was totally up and running.

Who inspires you the most?

Kristin Boese is doing a fantastic job with KB4Girls and is such a LOVELY person, I find her really inspiring. It’s great to see someone so dedicated to the sport doing so well, riding huge waves and still being really sweet and modest.

Favourite trick?

The Jesus walk to see, but I’m still whooping my head off when I pull of a backloop.

What are you working on?

Backloops, I want to get a few weeks in the sun to start on front loops and go from there, but my honeymoon in Cabarete this year which was 3 weeks long only had 3 days of wind! Shocker….

Favourite kite food?

Beer (afterwards)

What is your current music choice?

We supported Hard-Fi the other day and they blew me away, fantastic songs and live performance. Watch out for their new album.

What is your preferable riding style?

Freestyle, but I like having some waves around to play around in, although I’m still to master the wave board.

Most traumatic experience?

Losing my voice in the first song of a gig. No kitemare has ever come close.

Top 2 beaches and why?

Le Morne: Flat water with waves to go and tease. No dangerous animals, no crime, LOVELY people, tweeting birds in the pine trees on the beach, palm trees too, amazing setting, simply perfect.

Cumbuco: Loooooooong downwinders, coconut juice by the lagoon, no wetsuit needed, lovely chilled vibe, happy days.

If you could have any super power what would it be?

No fear to learn tricks, I need to get over the fear a lot.

Where do you see yourself in a couple of years?

Glastonbury? And on hols in Mauritius again… that would be a sweet combination.

Motto?

You need to cross the line once in a while to know where it is.

Videos:

The Kite Show (4 kite show episodes on here)

 Video from our hols in Mauritius with music by husband Ben Simon and starring us both!

KOVAK – Catchy Monkey

KOVAK live on Canada’s CP24 with I’ll Be Good to You musiv video taster

KOVAK at Playgroup

www.kovak.co.uk

Facebook

And that is it for now!! Till next time

Have only sadly had one kite session since my last post, which was a pretty sweet one that I nearly missed out on due to over sleeping. The first pre work  and sunrise kite of the year, with just my friend Dan and me on the water, wind was a bit on the light side so I was on my 14m BEST TS, which still managed to give me lots of height when jumping with out much effort and wind. And as big as the kite is, it is still fast turning and feels light to fly, really glad I got this kite as I have used it quite a lot already in winds as light as 12 knots. This giving me a much wider chance of getting out, looking forward to putting it through its paces this summer. As I had not been out in a while it was nice just jumping around and getting back in to the rhythm of rotations, load and pop and jumps. And to be quite honest it was still friggen freezing, only lasted an hour and  I was to scared to crash in the icy water.

All is not lost though, I had the amazing honour of writing a spread for Kitegirl magazine about my journey with KB4 girls. I really enjoyed doing this and putting it all together, it was a good experience to see how a write up is done, from creating a story to getting the right pictures. I was really pleased with how it read and looked when it was published and hope you enjoy it too. A massive thank you to Tanya, editor at Kitegirl for this opportunity and helping to share the KB4girls experience. This is the now second edition of Kitegirl Magazine and is yet again packed with lots of goods reads with the main focus being on Kari Schibevaag and Snow Kiting. Also some reviews on 2012 twin tips, stories on warmer getaways and tips for strength training.  So with this being the winter edition, this can only mean one thing. The next one will be for summer? Hopefully by then we will have some sea breezes and will be out on the water more and longer. For now though you can read Kitegirl as a magazine or on the new Kitegirl App for  ipad, iphone, android or online, there are more videos, pics and links included. Click here for more info.

This week’s guest is Sensi Graves,

I met Sensi last year in New York at the Dream Extreme KB4 girls event, she is real fun and very bubbly, great to be around, only kiting for 3 years and 23 years of age but already a excellent rider, a great coach, and a swimwear designer specialising in  bikinis for ladies who are active on the water. So here is Sensi’s story to you, I hope you enjoy reading as much as I did.

Name: Sensi Graves

Age: 23

Nationality: USA

Years Riding: 3

Tell me a bit about yourself/your story:

I first touched a kite in 2007 but did not really start to ride until 2009. I started coaching over the summer at REAL in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The conditions and the people there make for amazing sessions and progression and I couldn’t get enough. Now that I’ve graduated college I travel and ride, documenting my sessions along the way. I also work for Liquid Force AND most exciting, have just launched my bikini company, SENSI, for girls who ride.

Where are you from and where do you live now:

I am from Northern California and have always loved sports. Besides team sports, I started skiing at age 2 and snowboarding at 10. Through in a bunch of wakeboarding and a little bit of surfing, and you get a great childhood. Currently I am in Maui but have been traveling pretty consistently over the last two years.

How often do you kite?

Whenever it’s windy!

Are you sponsored/what kite do you ride and why?

I ride the Liquid Force Envy because it is so smooth, stable and consistent. I also ride the LF Influence 133 with Melissa bindings. If you ride boots, I highly recommend the Melissas because they are super easy to get on and off, they are really comfortable and they have Velcro closure straps which means no fiddling with laces. I have a Dakine Wahine harness, which in my opinion is the top of the line harness and has every feature you could want. I have an O’Neill top, spring suit and full suit as well as a Patagonia 4/3 which is the warmest wetsuit I have ever worn.

Apart from kiting what else do you like to get up to?

I love doing yoga and working out. I also love to cook, especially bake. ….and read, I’m always looking for a new good book. Otherwise I spend lots of time designing my swimwear and promoting my line! Finally I enjoy freelance writing and documenting my experiences on my blog sensigraves.com

Do you compete?

This year I took 4th at the Ro Sham Throw Down. There are not that many wakestyle kite events out there but really I just like to ride anyway. I kite for myself.

How did you learn to kite surf?

My dad dragged me along to lessons at REAL Watersports. Despite not even knowing what kiting was, I picked it up really quickly and fell in love. I always love trying new things and this was an especially good new experience.

Who inspires you the most?

In kiting, my boyfriend Brandon Scheid, because I see how hard he works and how much he pushes himself in the sport and Kristin Boese, because she is so determined, caring and such a great promoter of women in the sport. In life, Ellen Degeneres because she did not let discrimination keep her down, is a savvy businesswoman and simply rocks and Tonia Farman (founder of Athletes 4 Cancer) because she is such a strong woman and fights for what she believes in.

Favorite trick?

Unhooked front roll, Indy grab and riding down the line on a surfboard.

What are you working on?

Strapless wave riding (always) and landing blind. Maui has not been the most conducive to my flat-water progression.

Favorite kite food?

Tacos, chips and guacamole, fruit and lots of water.

What is your current music choice?

Re Hot Chili Peppers, Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Atmosphere, any of the Marley’s, a little dubstep…

What is your preferable riding style?

Wakestyle, hitting sliders and strapless wave riding.

Most traumatic experience?

Last year in Maui, I was on the outside of the reef at Kite beach and the wind died. The waves were sizable and so I was stuck self-rescuing while battling white water. Once I reached my kite, I climbed inside with my surfboard to try and float in. All of the sudden a wave broke right on top of me, pushing my kite and I underwater. As I surfaced, my board shot out, I became tangled in the bridle and the kite started to power up. I was scared to death frantically pulling the lines off of myself. Luckily I got untangled pretty easily and after that I was far enough inside where the waves were much smaller and I could swim my kite in. It was a lot of work.

Do you keep fit, what do you like to do? Any tips?

Stretching is very important in any sport and when you’re training really hard it really helps to prevent injury, which is why I recommend yoga to any and all. I also run, strength train and recently went to a gymnastics gym to jump on the trampoline with a bar attached to the wall. This was the best off the water training I’ve done and so if you have a gym near you, use it!

Top 2 beaches and why?

Pomato Point on Anegada because it’s so beautiful with the clearest blue water, is a great launch and has good flatwater. Also, the black sand beach on Maui. It’s so majestic and tranquil.

Can you talk to us a bit about your new brand?

I wanted to start SENSI, after experiencing constant frustration with my bikinis when riding. . It was hard to be active and have to constantly adjust my swimwear. I wanted something that stayed put and still had that flirty, cheery quality that makes bikinis so much fun.

SENSI is designed to empower women by providing reliable, cute and comfortable swimwear for a vigorous and energetic lifestyle. The goal of the brand is to capture the essence of women who are living their lives through watersports and hopefully inspire women to change their lives to include watersports. Also, we value the planet and encourage the use of sustainable resources and respect for one’s environment. Save the ocean!

If you could have any super power what would it be?

Teleportation.

Where do you see yourself in a couple of years?

Still traveling the world and selling bikinis!
Motto?

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine! and yes is always the right answer!

2012 Plans:

Big events include the Sunset Swim Charity Event at the Triple S Invitational
Athletes 4 Cancer fundraiser
Ro Sham Throw Down in Hood River, Oregon
KB4Girls events

Continued travel, writing and spreading bikini love!

Website/blog:

www.sensibikinis.com

www.sensigraves.com

So its now coming into February and it feels like this year going to fast already, have not been kiting for nearly a month now as there has not been much wind round here. But have still managed to get on the water and catch some waves thanks to Dom Moore. Last weekend I was lucky enough to get a place on his Wave Confidence Clinic which took place in Newquay. I was super keen to do this as big waves are still a bit of a grey area for me in knowledge and confidence. And who better to learn off than the UK big wave man himself.

Dom is not only a amazing kitesurfer he is also a extreme surfer and great with the SUP, a true multi talented water man bursting with so much experience, which he was really keen to share with us. Dom was editor at Kitesurf Magazine for 5 years, then moved on to become current European Sales Manager at Ocean Rodeo, helping to steer the direction in which Ocean Rodeo are moving. And as well as that he is also the current editor of the S.U.P International Magazine. He has been an avid surfer for 16 years and got into kiteing c.a 10 years ago.

 There were 8 of us on the clinic coming from Wales which were Sarah and Ian Savage and Ben and Steve from South Wales Kitesurfing, in the Brighton crew we had myself with Chris and Luke from Kitesurf Kings, Raoul from Reading and Ross from Scotland after a 10 hour drive!!!  Much fun was to be had and lot to be learnt.

On the whole weekend we actually did not get any wind, but this could not have worked better with it. On the first day we walked around the beaches of Newquay learning how to spot rips and hazards and how to work out your escape route on new beaches. This was so informative as the beaches I normally kite at are large, flattish, sandy and don’t tend to have rips. I have never taken the time to check out a beach in such a way as Dom showed us and will definitely be doing this in the future for new areas.

We then headed over to Watergate Bay for some practical training, at first we kicked off with a warm up. Dom had us running up and down the beach to get our blood going, though I must admit at this point with all my winter neoprene I felt more like a beached whale than a bay watch babe Then we did some gentle stretching to loosen our limbs. And then hit the water with out any gear at first and just stood and felt the sea around us, getting used to the current and observing the waves. Learning how to feel everything around us.

Then for some survival training, we learnt how to swim under the waves by duck diving and grabbing the sand to pull us under. Then after swimming out to the surf we used the force of the waves to practice body surfing in, this was really good fun and reminded me of first learning to body drag. Then it was all back on land to get our harnesses on and get our board.

We then paddled out again in to the surf, and here we then practised taking of our harnesses whilst holding on to our boards. I really struggled with this, and is something I had never thought about before and I will be changing, my harness is a waist one and has extra webbing which runs through the spreader bar to help stop it rising up. Impossible to undo with out losing your board, and I can only imagine the nightmare that could proceed if you had lines caught up in it. Then once we had released ourselves we practised body surfing in with the board. I defiantly recommend trying this on your next session on the water, and seeing how your harness works when you need to get rid of it fast! We then got to grab our surf boards and hit the water and catch some waves.

After that we all headed back in doors to do some theory, Dom took us through the different types and the dynamics of reef, point and beach breaks, showing us how they all look and how to get the best of them and kite with them. We then also learnt how to read sea charts, how to find those secret beaches and best places for waves. Quite a lot was taken in and covered on day one, and we were all a bit shattered by now. So it was of for a nap for me before the evening shenanigans down Newquay town began.

The evening kicked off with some amazing dinner at a Thai restaurant called Phuket, the food was so fresh and delicious, and much needed fuel after a day on the water. 5 stars from all of us, also quite reasonable, there were 4 of us and we all had starters with mains washed down with many  Singha beers, and the bill came to just over £70. Check it out next time you are in the area.

We then headed of to Newquays liveliest pub the Red Lion, there was live music, lots of dancing and far to many Jagerbombs ( which showed a bit the next day, sorry Dom :-/ ) Then the night was finished of at the infamous Belusies, to which our hostess with the mostess Jackie  guided us too. It was then back to Jackies Smarties Surflodge to get some kip, ready for the next day.

Day two started of with some theory in the morning, Dom took us through on how to build lung capacity fast; board choice; to leash or not to leash?; And how to be a friendly, approachable kitesurf ambassador. Then it was back to Watergate Bay for some more surf training.The main battle of this session was getting into a cold wet- wetsuit. It was great to learn about the sea from a surfers point of view, I always thought about the water I was surfing on, but not much about what was going on below me, always thinking of kite surfing more of a water surface sport and being more aware of the weather above and around me.

This was a great course to do to open your eyes up to other factors that are going on around you, and how these can influence your session, good or bad. I am defiantly feeling more confident now about hitting bigger waves, whether it be kitesurfing or surfing. Dom also offered this course free of charge, such a nice guy sharing his knowledge like this, would like to say a massive thank you for your time and efforts!!! If you ever see any thing like this come up from Dom, then jump and grab the chance to do it, he is a wealth of knowledge and explains everything really well !! Keep up to date with what he is up to here on his blog. http://www.skyhooked.co.uk/ 

And up next we have a guest blog from the lovely Holly Kennedy,  Holly has now been competing for the past 2 years on the BKSA and PKRA circuit. I met Holly a couple of years ago in Egypt, and had the pleasure of her company for nearly a month, she is great fun to be around and always takes time out to help you or show you the ropes. If you ever see her around, take time to say hello and have a chat with her.   

Name: Holly Kennedy 

Age: 20

Nationality: British

Years riding: 3 and a half

Tell me a bit about yourself :

Competitive, yet fun and personable I have always pushed myself to excel in the areas that I enjoy most. I achieved early success as the Scottish Gymnastics Champion and Senior School Athletics Winner. But more extreme sports were already part of my family background with both father and brother seriously into big wave windsurfing and ultimately enjoying the exhilarating challenge of  Kitesurfing. 

Having now left school after achieving good academic qualifications, I am committed to pushing myself onto the world stage as a Professional Kitesurfer.

Where are you from and where do you live now?

I am from a little town on the west coast of Scotland called Troon. I am traveling around a lot right now so I would say that I do not have a specific living place!

How often do you kite?

As much as possible whenever it’s windy!

What kit do you ride and why?

I am sponsored by North Kiteboarding, ION Essentials and Airbound Apparel. I ride the North Vegas and the 134X40 North Team Series Board. I ride this equipment as it is the best for freestyle

Apart from kiting what else do you like to get up to? 

I like to do other sports like snowboarding,wakeboarding and gymnastics. I love to chill and hang out with my friends BUT also I love to party. 

Do you compete? If so what was your best and not so best experience? 

Yes for sure! I compete in the BKSA. European and World Championships!

My best experience was last year at the PKRA World Champs in New Caledonia, I took a 2nd place in the freestyle after starting at the bottom of the ladder. This meant I won 6 heats in a row up to the final!  The feeling of being up there on the podium was so amazing.

How did you learn to kite surf?

My Dad took me on a holiday to Fuerteventura for 1 week, and I got lessons with a qualified school there. However, there was not much wind at that time so my brother helped me out a few times at my local beach.

Who inspires you the most? My Parents! 

Favourite trick?

The F16. I really like the feeling of getting pulled so high and backwards! Hee hee.

What are you working on?

Slim Chance.

Favourite kite food?

PIZZA

What is your current music choice?

I like a real mix of music, it depends on what mood I am in and what I am doing ( the atmosphere) . If you get me !?

What is your preferable riding style?

Powered wakestyle / freestyle I guess. But I also think gracious wave riding is so nice.

Most traumatic experience?

Going out in at least 40 knots of wind and doing big air, But one jump I did as I reached the top of the jump one of my lines snapped so I dropped hard like a stone! Not so cool.

Top 2 beaches and why?

1. Safety Bay Australia. This place has consistent strong wind, lots of sun and butter flat water.

2. Gott Bay, Tiree, Scotland. Crystal clear water with sweet waves.

If you could have any super power what would it be?

I would like to be magically transferred anywhere I desired within a click of my fingers. Ha!

Where do you see yourself in a couple of years?

Still Kitesurfing and traveling the world. Not going for the “real job” option quite yet!

Motto?

Go Big Or Go Home.

Do What You Like, Like What You Do.

Website/blog:

www.hollykennedy.co.uk

For Facebook Page click here  

And for Videos here:

Brit chicks ripping in Australia

 A Lesson in deportment

The windows of opportunity are closing in as we get deeper into the winter with the mornings staying darker and the nights drawing in. No more pre and post work sessions for a while, and when you do get some free time there might not even be the right wind.

So with less time on the water, its important to stay on top of fitness for when the summer season begins again, I like to stay on top of this with yoga, walking and cycling. Loving You Tube for this, did an hours class this morning with out even leaving the house, here is a nice class Yoga Class for Athletes to keep you flexible and great for beginners. Also loving the Yoga Down load channel with lots of 30 min exercises , perfect for a quick session before work and a nice way to start the day. Check it out!

So today we have a double guest entry by female wave rider Tala Elajou and male free styler Jezmondo, it makes for a interesting read to see the different styles of riding and kit used. Thank you both for making the effort to put these write ups together, hope everyone enjoys the read

Name: Tala Elajou

Age: 24

Tell me a bit about yourself / your story:

I’ve lived all aorund the world, grew up in dubai and then went to boarding school in UK, the University in Florida, where I studied Marine Biology. After that moved to Cabarete and learnt how to kite, spent about a year on and off in Cabarete. Kiting has take over everything, and has really taken me to some wonderful places. I became an instructor and then started doing some competition, kiting has become such a passion. I spent more time on water then I do on dry land.

Where are you from and where do you live now?

Between Brazil and the Canary Islands- Some of the best place in the world to keep riding constantly. In brazil get wind from the right, and in Gran Canaria wind from left, so I can always practice my wave riding in both directions

How often do you kite?

Almost everyday, living in both these places, the wind blows almost everyday. Longest time i’ve spent not kiting was a month.

Are you sponsored/ what kit do you ride and why?

Yes, by CORE and CARVED. I have been kiting with them for past year, and they are fasntastic kites. I ride the 7m and 9m GTS with short lines for wave riding. I ride the CARVED 5’10 Burner wave board, strapless. No wetsuit sponsors, but wear Airbound Apparel clothing.

Apart from kiteing what else do you like to get up to?

I try and spend time surfing or getting better on the SUP on those none windy days. I absolutely love the SUP, feel like its such good exercise, and trying to ride waves with those beasts and a paddle is hard work!! I used to Scuba dive a lot as i studied marine biology, but since kiting I havent done so much.

Do you compete? If so what was your best and not so best experience?

I did a bit of freestyle competitions (Cabarete and France on the PKRA), but I wasnt the most talented at freestyle and learning a trick took ages!!!! so after getting a bit bored of freestyle I decided to try strapless and fell in love straight away, love having that free feeling of my feet not being in strapls! Felt myself improving and now looking to ride bigger and bigger waves and eventually maybe do some competitions in wave riding.

How did you learn to kite surf?

I had tried about 7 years ago in Dubai, but once I got dragged across the beach without safety, I didn’t want to try again! However, after finishing university , I wanted to take some time off and try if again , as people said the kites were safer nowadays, and so booked a flight to Cabarete where I learnt, and eventually became a kite instructor.

Who inspires you the most?

Anyone that pushes the limits of kiteboarding, and takes it to a new level. People inspiring to become bigger and better and make the sport better, are the people who inspire me.

Favourite trick?

Just hitting that perfect lip on a wave so hard, gives you so much satisfaction, and big bottom turns!

What are you working on?

I am trying hooked in front side air with the strapless, but can’t say I’m even close! Also constantly trying to ride bigger and bigger waves strapless

Favourite kite food?

Mexican food, a good burrito is the best food after a kite session.

What is your current music choice?

I love any indie band, or acoustic guitarist. I love listening to bands link Cat Empire, Dispatch, and good old Jack Johnson is always a winner.

What is your preferable riding style?

Strapless , wind from the right, 7m kite with short lines, and nice clean waves..what more can you ask for?

Most traumatic experience?

Getting caught in a deathloop heading straight for a rocks in Portugal, couldn’t find my leash to release the kite and I was going straight towards this rock pier. At some point, my kite had stopped looping for a second and my friend was able to catch it!

Top 2 beaches and why?

Vargas in Gran Canaria, you can always ride with a 5m as wind is always pumping, and the conditions get better and better there as wind blows, you get those perfect clean waves! Brazil,so many spots here, hard to choose, but, Brazil has that perfect wind and nice waves too!

If you could have any super power what would it be?

Teleporting. There are so many amazing places to see in this world, and untouched places to discover. I would love to be able to teleport and go wherever I decide, and be there in a second! Ride some waves, then teleport back!

Where do you see yourself in a couple of years?

Inpiring more and more women to ride strapless and big waves, strapless riding is still such a new sport, and its still rare to see women going out in big waves on a strapless board! Oh and living in the Canary Island, constantly living the life, and chasing the wind!

Motto?

““Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Disc

Website: http://talaelajou.com/

Jezmondo:

Q : How did you learn to kite surf?

A : I was out in Maui, Hawaii windsurfing in 1997 and saw Lou Wainman kiting and just has to get involved. Sold all my windsurf kit out there and bought my first kite/board, Wippika 6.5 Freeair.Q : Who inspires you the most?

A : There are so many people that inspire me in the Kitesurfing world. In particular good friends Aaron & Sam Light who continue to push the sport forward with there incredible ability. But legend Lou Wainman has always been an inspiration to me.Q : Favourite trick?A : Probably the ‘Megga Loop’. But I do like a Front_Flat_3 to blind off a big kicker : )Q : What are you working on?

A : Always working on new boards offs, current pass I am working on, Slim to blind.

Q : Current Sponsors?

A : BEST Kiteboarding for boards, currently using the 2012 Best 135 Armada and the BEST GP’s 11m, 9m & 6m, here is also a review on the 9m

Having ridden The RRD Obsession’s for the past 4 years and absolutely loving them the thought of going back to my routes with a C Kite was both exciting and frightening.

After the best part of 20 travelling hours I arrived to a packed beach in Cumbuco, Brazil. Peeps were on 7′s and 10′s. I have 11m, 9m, 6m so was an easy decision for the 9m. Everything was great right out of the bag, the one pump system worked very nicely and it was obvious (to me anyway) that BEST had pulled there socks up with the the quality. (Lets be honest BEST haven’t had the standards of North, Cabrinha, RRD and Flexi over the past few years. ) All change now though, the kite feels strong and the stitching is very tidy with plenty of re-inforcement. Don’t get me started on the graphics… its so time for kites to start upping the banter with some fingers sticking up and gold chains going down, quite simply the kite looks awesome. The bar had me slightly worried on inspection, I like an easy to use de-power, single bit of rope with a cleet, easy. Here I find myself with 5 lines and all kinds of straps to pull. I like the fact that you get a spare 5m set of lines to add if you feel its needed, nice touch. The CL is nice and large with the option of a donkey dick although the quick release is a little large for me. Ok so thats a quick first impression. So now flying it.

There are so many words that can describe this kite but the one obvious one that stands out a mile on first flight is… STABLE. Being used to a bridle system with ‘pullies’ flying the GP was another level of power. Being a bit of Kite Loop fan to say the least this was one of the most exciting prospects of the good old C kite experience. I couldn’t help myself but pull one on my first jump…. Hooked in, about 20 foot off the water the kite turned and I had that feeling that I hadn’t had in a long time. WANNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG. Going back to the Obsessions quickly not a lot of pressure was needed to get the loop over and done with so being used to that I pulled in the same way, resulting in one frigging massive MEGGA loop, the kite loops much slower and with so much more power and aggression. I love it. Unhooked is where the kite is at its best, as I said before so stable, when going for a handle pass the kite just sits there and doesn’t have that recoil feel that so many kites have, I guess due to the ‘pullies’ which this doesn’t have. Hangtime, surprisingly good with a lovely floaty feel about it, leaving plenty of time to get that board back on your feet from those fun board offs.

Thats just a few words on first flight, I’m not sold on the depower set up but maybe after a few more hours on the water it might win me over.

Q : Favourite kite food?

A : Pasta, pasta, pasta.. Love the pasta.Q : What is your current music choice?

A : Anything funky with a big beat, currently listening to a lot of Electro Swing.Q : What is your preferable riding style?

A : FreestyleQ : Most traumatic experience?

A : Megga loop going wrong few broken ribs, knocked out, nearly drowned and big gash in my leg. Not nice.Q : Top 2 beaches and why?

A : 1. Pro Kite Beach, Maui, Hawaii. Why, windy as hell with sick kickers and flat on the inside.

     2. Cumbuco, Brazil. Why, has it all waves, flat water lagoons, hot chics and wind every day.Q : If you could have any super power what would it be?

A : It would have to be flight, I love flying.

Q : Where do you see yourself in a couple of years?

A : Seriously thinking about moving to Brazil to run a kite centre in Cumbuco. Uk sucks right now!

Q : Motto?

A : Wanggggggg… and mines a Mohito.

Website/blog: Really need to update it as haven’t touched it in years, will get round to it soon www.jezmondo.com

Have to say that even though I was quite powered at times I still had full confidence in my new kite, the 7m TS was amazing at absorbing the gusts with no twitching about,only moving when redirected. Today was all about big air and seeing how high you could get,  great fun was had by all, we just seemed to be hanging in the air forever watching the world go by. Lets hope these winds stay with us now.

But until then, to keep you entertained till your next session have a read about Amy Kitson who is a local rider at Westward Ho, I have unfortunately not had the privilege of meeting her yet as we keep missing each other But I have only heard nice things about her and love what she has to say about herself, I hope we get to meet soon!

Name :  Amy Kitson

Age : 32

Nationality : British

Years Riding : 3

Tell me a bit about yourself/your story:

The great outdoors plays a huge part in my life, I have worked as an Outdoor Instructor for many years, I now freelance as a Surf Instructor for Walking On Waves, which is run and owned by Sarah Whitley based at Saunton Sands in N.Devon. I am a watersports enthusiast and always looking to try new sports. I have surfed for many years and once I learnt kitesurfing I have never looked back, it has taken over and is now my main passion. I love to43e travel and experience new places, I have kitesurfed in Dakhla, Morocco as part as a “BEST” demo holiday. I am now searching for a winter holiday destination.

Where are you from and where do you live now?

I was born in Derby and lived on the outskirts of Nottingham. I went to university in Pembrokeshire and discovered the sea and surf. I have worked in many outdoor centres as an instructor and this led me to the Southwest, I now live in Bideford, North Devon.

How often do you kite?

As often as I can, when I am not working I am kiting. I live only 10 minutes from my kiting beach which Is Westward Ho! in N.Devon. I work as a Posty so as soon as I have finished work and the wind is blowing I am at the beach.

Are you sponsored? What kit do you ride and why ?

No I’m not sponsored. Myself and my partner share a set of 2011 BEST Waroos 5m,7m,9m,11m and 13m. I learnt on “BEST” kites and really like them for their safety and stability, so we invested in these kites for our use. I also ride KB signature BEST 2011 130X40 kiteboard. I wear Dakine harness shorts and wear Excl and Tiki wetsuits.

Apart from kiting what else do you like to get up to?

Watersports are my main past time, I am always checking the surf and wind forecast, I have surfed for many years in Cornwall and Devon and this summer I have taken up the latest craze of stand up paddle boarding. I have always loved the outdoors and my main other past time is climbing and exploring the North Devon coast line.

Do you compete ?  What has been your best and not so best experience?

I don’t compete as haven’t had the opportunity, but when I go kitesurfing I am always pushing myself to learn and improve. Competing I feel may come with a lot of pressure, where as free riding enables you to enjoy and appreciate it more. I find myself to be a competitive person and me and my partner always thrive to push ourselves to the limits. I also enjoy travelling to different kite spots such as Marazian in Cornwall and Blackpool in Lancashire.

How did you learn to kitesurf?

I was taught by my partner Craig Shaw, and close friend Steve Rodliff at North Devon Kiteschool on BEST Kahoonas. I took a 3 day course and was taught at Westward Ho!. I never have really flown a kite before and was hooked from day one, as soon as I had my first stand up time of being pulled by the kite it gave me the biggest buzz ever and have been addicted ever since. They have taught me everything I need to know so a huge thankyou to them. I’m always looking to promote the sport and getting more people in involved. I highly recommend this school for their superb tuition to anyone who is thinking of taking up the sport. Lessons are a must for any beginner.

Who inspires you the most?

My partner Craig Shaw inspired me as he learnt before me, Craig made it look so easy and watching him flying along made me think…”I so want to do that…!!! “ I am constantly watching videos and enjoy watching Krisitn Boese, she has a great riding style. Mitu Monterio is also another inspiration of mine, I enjoy watching his videos of his amazing surfboard tricks and watching his stylish wave riding.

Favourite trick?

Whatever I can land..!!!

What are you working on?

My new learning phase is strapless kitesurfing, I am riding a 6.6 surfboard. I love to learn new riding styles. I am enjoying learning to jibe and riding the waves. It so beats the amount of stand up time compared to surfing….I have seen the light…!!!

Favourite kite food?

Not a fussy eater so anything that I can get my hands on…!!! Maybe accompanied by a beer or too also..!!!

What is your preferred riding style

Don’t really have one but like to swop and change between my twin tip and surfboard.

Most traumatic experience?

Sprinting after my 5M Waroo as it tumbled down the beach in 30+mph gusty winds after a self land that went badly wrong…..oops….

Top 2 beaches and why?

Westward Ho! N.Devon Reason: This is my local beach….oodles of room on the beach and in the sea…..great water quality and great waves.
Saunton Sands, N.Devon Reason: If its blowing more southerly I head to Saunton, another great local beach with oodles of space and great waves.
These two beaches has everything you can ask for from flat spots at times, kickers for those airs and freestyle tricks and great waves for taking out my surfboard.

If you could have any super power what would it be?

To make the wind blow whenever I want, and to have constant warm air and sea temperatures where ever I go..

Where do you see yourself in a couple of years?

Still kiting….Maybe an Instructor..!!!

Motto:

Live life to the max..!!!

Who is your local kite club?

After all the years of squabbling ………. They still haven’t got anything sorted at Westward Ho!…..If you think girls squabble….you ain’t seen anything yet..!!!