spotlightstarmonth

ikitebecause: Congratulations Michelle, can you fill us in on how you got into kiting, where did it all begin?

Michelle : South Padre Island in Texas was where I had my first body drag, then I hit the frozen lakes of Minnesota to try out snow kiting. That was back in 2007, and since then I decided to move to New Zealand as its one of the best places for both water and snow kiting :)

ikitebecause: You have some great shots on your profile… but which do you prefer kiting on snow or water- and why?

Michelle : That’s a tough one. I love snow kiting here in New Zealand, we have so much space and the scenery is amazing. However the warm tropical beaches that surround New Zealand and its local islands mean that I would have to pick water as my favourite (but only just!).

ikitebecause: In your pictures you mention kiting in New Zealand, the US and Japan. Where are your favorite spots?

Michelle : I love New Zealand; our beaches are so empty compared to places I have kited in the US. Japan was amazing, the sport is still quite small there so I was able to kite with some great people and introduce others to the idea. Other favourite spots are Fiji, Thailand and Hawaii - the best thing about traveling with kites is the amazing people you meet on your travels. Kitesurfers are always so welcoming and willing to share, whatever country you are in.

ikitebecause: What do you think about women in the sport, and how would you like to see it develop?

Michelle : I do a lot to try and get more women interested in the sport and am always promoting female events. I think it is growing, slowly, as more women realise that you don’t have to be physically strong to kite, and rather than big muscles all you need is a big smile. I would love to see more women get into the sport and the few women that I do know are truly inspirational women with amazing adventure stories of their own.

ikitebecause: What’s your dream equipment set up, or what’s your current favorite?

Michelle : I love what I ride right now which is the Ozone C4’s combined with my Underground STXY. I’m going to get an Ozone edge this season to start racing, but every year there are so many changes in the technical aspects of each kite that I change my mind all the time. I love being able to try different kites each season and see what is new.

ikitebecause: Apart from making it into the ikb Hall of Fame, what other achievements are you most proud of?

Michelle : Are you kidding - making the ikb Hall of Fame tops them all :) I just want to be a good role model for other girls and women around me to show them that if they put their minds to it they can do anything they want to.

ikitebecause: Finally Michelle, what do you think of ikitebecause?

Michelle : I love ikitebecause – it is a place to share my passion and to be a part of others adventures. You know that feeling when you pull off an awesome trick, and there was somebody watching? Well that is the whole ikb concept - on a world wide scale!!!

ikitebecause: Thanks Michelle and congratulations again!