Close-Up - Kitesurfarea.com

Close-UpThe Queen of StyleAt 15, Susi Mai sat on the beach at the 2002 Cabarete, PKRA eventwatching everyone compete. Inspired by what she saw, she learnedto kiteboard and a year later traveled to Maui and won the prestigiousRed Bull Queen of the Air title. Born in Munich and raised in theDominican Republic, this kiteboarding Diva has made a huge name forherself. In 2004 she went back to Maui and defended her title, earningherself a Red Bull sponsorship. Susi’s competitive nature and stylishriding has inspired many women around the world.What riders influence you most? It's hard to say, but since I have been competing onthe tour, I am really inspired by the boys I watch in the finals—people like AaronHadlow, Ruben Lenten, Cesar Portas and Gianni Aragno. I am impressed by anyone whocan ride solid in a heat and still pull all their tricks under pressure. It's not the same asfree riding. Many people think it's really easy when in fact it isn't.What do you do off the water to help you on the water? Not too much really! I onlyexercise when there is no wind for a long period of time. Most of the time, I either gosurfing or take my bike out to the mountains behind Cabarete.What is your view on contests? Contests are fun when you enjoy them, but they canbe a nightmare if you go about them with the wrong attitude. There are people who getfrustrated and even depressed over a bad result. Personally, I have a lot of fun going tocontests, seeing everyone and of course, the parties are always good.What plans do you have for the future? I want to go to a University at some point.Right now I am studying for the SATs.What are your major complaints about the sport? Right now I can't think of anythingto complain about. I wish kiteboarding would get more recognition in the mainstreammedia. All the riders should make an effort to make it appealing to everyday people tohelp kiteboarding grow.Who would you like to thank or give props to? I would like to thank my sponsors,my parents and Galou for teaching me how to kite.How does it feel to win two consecutive Red Bull Queen of the Air, Maui titles?It felt really good when I managed to take the title again for the second time in a row.I was under a lot more pressure the second year than the first.Rumor has it that you and Julie Simsar have quite a competitive riff. What do youwant to say to that? Nothing because we don't! Sure we compete against each other,but there is no more of a "riff" between Julie and me than there is with any of the othergirls on the tour. I think Julie is ripping.What is your best advice to any young girl who wants to ride pro? First of all, youhave to enjoy kiteboarding and give it all you’ve got. The most important thing to rememberis that there can only be one champion. If you're not it, it's not the end of the world.What has helped influence your riding the most? Training for the tour I guess. Youhave to ride solid and learn to ride under pressure. Some people are really good ridersbut never get a result at contests, because they can't compete or show all their tricks inthe allotted time.What women riders inspire you? This year, it's definitely Kristin Boese. I think she has itall. She rides solid, consistent, has a powerful style and has a good attitude at competitions.Susi MaiVITALSAge: 20Height: 5’3”Weight: 105Stance: 36cmYears kiting: 3Favorite Spots: Brazil, DominicanRepublicFavorite Conditions: 20 knots side-onwith four to five foot waves.Favorite Moves: Flat 360; unhookedkiteloopSponsors: Cabrinha, Red Bull, BrunottiSportswearSusi picked up kiting quickly in the warm steady windsin Cabarete, Dominican Republic. Photo Tracy KraftGEAR SET-UPBoard: Cabrinha Lab Rat or Custom Susisize 120Bindings: Cabrinha StrapsKite: Cabrinha Nitro 6.5m – 14mBar: CabrinhaLines: 25mHarness: Pro Limit – Ladies WaistWetsuit: Pro Limit – Pure Girlby Marina ChangPhoto Tracy KraftPro Tips361. When traveling, tell the people at the check-in counter that youare carrying paragliders. Don't mention the word surf, and mostof the time, they will not charge you.2. Always ask a local about conditions in a spot you don't know.3. Don't overestimate your abilities. If you feel like it's too sketchy for youto go out, don't do it. There is always another day.4. Check your gear before you go out. You can prevent a long swim bychecking your set-up for potential issues.36

Send ItReader Submissions15 16142 361417 18 1959101112781320 21 2223 24 251. SoloSports teaches the Mexican Military to kiteboard.Photo Clark Merritt2. Shannon Best has his game face on at the Velocity Games.Photo Kim Kern3. Jim Semlor shooting the local girls in Hood River.Photo John Malmberg4. Bri Chmel gearing up for the Into the Air premier.Photo Jill Cervi385. Slightly Stoopid with Trip Forman and Neil Hutchinson.Photo Josh Marinos6. Bucky Ashcraft gets paid to put on Reef girl events like this.Photo Bok7. Elisabeth Nordby representing Zero Gravity at the VelocityGames. Photo Sue Kleppe8. Paul Jav enjoys an afternoon swim with whitey off the coast ofSan Diego, California. Photo Paul Javier9. Ruben Lenten checks out Mt. Hood. Photo Dan Gavere10. Email editor@kbmag.com for a free sticker.11. Keith Rose teaches his son to fly. Photo Ryan Riccitelli.12. Kyle Touhey and Joe Bidawid will do just about anything to getinto the magazine. Photo Courtesy of Kyle Touhey13. Ethan Janson rides Kite Point, Cape Hatteras at twilight.Photo Jim E Johnson14. San Diego Crew rolling deep. Photo Kristin Jensen15. Emi Marino catches the best shade in South Florida.Photo Matt Cotton.16. The kite girls doing yoga while waiting for wind in PismoBeach, California. Photo Kim Kern17. Dimitri Maramenides and a local catching dinner in theTurks and Caicos. Photo Gus Schmiege18. Sky Solbach sneaks a peak. Photo Ryan Riccitelli19. Naish demo after-party at Nitinat. Photo Kyle Touhey20. Mark Rawson narrowly misses a light post.Photo Kane Williams21. Kalani Cook makes the best of light wind.Photo Wayne Cook22. Another winter day at Pipeline, on the North Shore ofHawaii. Photo Paul Javier23. Lou Wainman is spotted at kitebeach with his white, mysterykites. Photo Kim Kern24. Chuck Patterson jumps into Jill Cervi and Bri Chmel’sphoto. Photo Josh Marinos25. The Dirty South Crew—Zach Kleppe, Davey Blair and BenKleppe. Photo Ryan RiccitelliSend in your best kiteboardingphotos: riding, lifestyle or whatever.The best shot will be printed in the “Exposed”section and will receive a Neilpryde NPXHydrotex Jersey. www.neilprydewaterwear.comDon’t forget to send us your caption. Shotsshould be a minimum of 500kb.editor@kbmag.com39