SB-issue59_digital

INTERVIEW
Agata Dobrzynska
“At the end of the day, the only opinion that truly
matters is your own, so hold your head high and let
your kite soar. There’s no feeling in the world quite
like flying high above the water, with the salty sea
spray on your face and the wind in your hair.”
Echoing a sentiment that we are proud to
hear time and time again in our interviews,
Agata said there is no better place to be than
Australia, especially when it comes to surfing.
“Living on the Sunny Coast is just a dream
come true. Noosa, the longboard paradise,
has my heart and is now my home by choice.
Gliding through Noosa National Park and seeing
all of my friends on the water makes every
morning special.
“The ocean holds a special place in all our
hearts – it’s where we find adventure, joy, and
sometimes even solace. For me, it’s the ultimate
stress-reliever, and a sanctuary where all my
worries melt away with the tide.
“When I am not flying my kite, you can find
me working on my hang 10 and crosswalk
somewhere between Boiling Pot and Alexandria
Bay.”
Of course, many of us who cherish the ocean
eventually come to recognise its fragility. We
all know by now that our marine ecosystems
are in desperate need of protection, but after
studying as an oceanographer and marine
biologist, Agata began to truly understand just
how crucial our actions are for the continued
existence of our precious playgrounds.
“Have you ever heard of ‘Take 3 for the Sea’?
It’s a simple yet powerful movement that
encourages beachgoers to pick up three pieces
of rubbish every time they visit the shoreline.
I first encountered this inspiring initiative in
Morocco when I was nestled in one of the surf
villages there.
“Since then, I’ve made it a personal
commitment to not only leave no trace, but to
also take a little something extra with me when
I leave. The next time people find themselves
heading to their favourite surf break or kite
spot, I urge them to join us in taking those three
pieces of rubbish with them.
“I believe even the smallest actions can make
a world of difference. Every bottle cap, every
plastic bag, and every discarded wrapper
removed from the beach is a step towards
preserving the ocean we love.”
You see, Agata is an example of someone who
actually uses their platform for good – not only
when it comes to environmental awareness,
but also when it comes to her advocation for
women in the world of kiteboarding.
‘Empowered women can empower women’ was
the mantra that drove her to create SheKites
– a place for women who share a love of the
wind, waves, and water, and an organisation
that provides coaching programs introducing
kiteboarding basics to beginners while helping
seasoned riders refine their skills.
Agata has been championing SheKites for six
years, and emphasises that it isn’t just a project
– it’s a community where every woman has the
potential to soar, both on and off the water.
“There’s something truly beautiful about coming
together with a group of like-minded women
who share the same passion and drive. My
journey isn’t just about me – it’s about every
single woman I’ve had the privilege of coaching.
“Each one of them has inspired me in ways I
never thought possible. They’ve pushed me to
be a better athlete, a better coach and a better
advocate for women in sport, because let’s
face it – finding your place in a male-dominated
activity like kiteboarding isn’t easy.
“We deserve a seat at the table, and we
shouldn’t let anyone tell us otherwise. My
journey is a testament to the power of women
supporting women. It’s about lifting each other
up, breaking down barriers, and showing the
world what we’re capable of.”
Agata vividly recalled to us some memorable
days at the beach, when the wind and waves
were thrashing and particularly brutal.
# 59 // smorgasboarder //
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