Nine-time Kiteboarding World Champion and Guinness World Records™ holder Kristin Boese is not only passionate about the sport she loves but also about sharing her skills and teaching other girls how to excel in kiteboarding.

Kristin holds the record for the most kiteboarding world championships attained by a woman athlete.  The certificate states: “The most kite surfing world championships won by a woman is nine and was achieved by Kristin Boese (Germany) between 2005 to 2008."

With all her knowledge and experience in kiteboarding Kristin is giving back to the sport spending this year working her way around the world educating female kiteboarders through her KB4girls Kiteboarding Clinics (www.KB4girls.com) teaching women everything from basic to advanced tricks, equipment and weather education and giving girls an opportunity to free-ride with other fellow kiteboarding girls.

The KB4girls clinics run over two days is the perfect chance to evolve from a beginner kiteboarder to a more skilled and advanced boarder.  So far the first clinic in Augusta, Australia in January was a huge success with 30 girls in attendance. Next stop is Melbourne, February 10-11 with registration closing January 31st and only 25 places open, so hurry and sign up now!

Other 2010 stops include the beautiful waters of Hawaii, Egypt and Spain to name a few! We caught up with Kristin to hear more about the awesome woman behind all these great achievements and learn more about the sport of kiteboarding for women.


EXP/G: How did you get started in kiteboarding?
KB: I started out as a windsurfing instructor and picked up kiteboarding myself with some tips from a male instructor I knew. I then went on to compete the same year in the World Cup in Cabarate, Domincan Republic in 2002.

EXP/G: What fitness preparation do you recommend for girls to get started in kiteboarding? What age?
KB: You build up strength from kiteboarding itself – it’s actually more important to get a feeling for the kite and board to get started. You can use a practice kite to learn more.  You do need strength to do bigger tricks. Usually 10 years old and up is a good age.

EXP/G: Do women have any advantage over men in the sport of kiteboarding?
KB: Women can be more flexible, have good style and look more elegant also they go into flying the kite with more feeling.

EXP/G: What are the benefits of girls learning from girls, like in the KB4girls clinics?
KB: There is a big advantage!! Girls like to understand tricks before they try to perform them and seeing other girls doing tricks is a huge motivation.  Also, with out men around girls are more inclined to try new things with out getting embarrassed.

 

EXP/G: What kinds of things do you do in the KB4girls camps? Is it for beginners or more advanced riders?
KB: We welcome the girls with a goodie bag from our sponsors, talk about the tricks and demonstrate them to the girls before we go and try them.  We also split the girls into groups depending on their skills – girls can be beginners, but have to already know the basics of kiteboarding (be able to go up-wind) and come with equipment (they can try out demo equipment). Everyone leaves learning a new trick. We hope to motivate girls to start competing.

We also have a lot of fun – getting together for a barbeque and meals!

EXP/G: How is the kiteboarding industry evolving for women?
KB: It’s getting a lot better offering more accessories for girls – harnesses, foot straps, wetsuits and girls boards that are lighter.  It’s stepped up in the last 3 years.

EXP/G: What is your fave brand of gear and where do you buy most of your gear?
KB: I love Dakine and www.Seabreeze.com.au is a great place to get gear. I recommend you don’t buy anything older than 2 year.

EXP/G: What are the best/fave weather conditions for kiteboarding?
KB: 15-20 knots, blue sky and warm water! Dependent of the style of riding – clean waves or shallow water for competition racing and freestyle. I love riding waves!

EXP/G: On the travel side of things – Where is your fave place to kiteboard in the world?
KB: Ewwww….it changes so often! Maui is great – lucky with conditions!

EXP/G: How do you carry all your kiteboarding equipment?
KB: Golf Bags are the best! You can get them on most planes with out extra charges. So you put all your gear inside them.

EXP/G: Anywhere you have never been, but love to go?
KB: Madagascar – it’s a great wave spot and full of cool wildlife! Oh, and Japan.

EXP/G: What’s next for you and KB4girls Clinics?
KB: With such a successful turnout of girls in Augusta, AUS we are really looking forward to other stops including our next one at the Week of Wind in St.Kilda (Melbourne), AUS.  It’s part of the St. Kilda festival with our clinic running Feb. 10-11th. 

See ya there!

www.ExplorerGirls.com / Courtney Crow