Duotone DRIVEN Magazine No.04

W O M E N O N T H E R I S E The number of female kiteboarders has constantly been rising in recent years. There are specifically tailored boards and bindings for women, and female riders worldwide show their talent in international contests. And just like that, more and more women’s kiteboarding communities are forming. Be it Facebook groups, blogs or kite camps only for women, these platforms bring female kiteboarders together and enable them to connect and share their stories and experiences. This creates a feeling of belonging and appreciation and offers a supportive environment to discuss any topics, questions, or even insecurities. Heaps of blogs from female kiters thematize precisely this, giving tips on the right gear or where to book kite camps, discussing things specifically women are concerned with, and sharing their experiences from a female point of view. These communities also help women to progress in kiteboarding. Josie West, Founder and Director at “She flies” (“a social enterprise with a mission to create environments where Women are the default – not the exception”) explored the science behind the way in which women learn. “As humans, we seek inspiration from those who look like us, who we see ourselves in, who we can relate to,” Josie says. “The change in behavior, found determination and ongoing interest that women had when their skills and approach was recognized, and they had women around to inspire them – it directly resulted in progression and an energy that can’t be created elsewhere.” To summarize, women can progress the fastest within the women’s community. Colleen Carroll, team rider at Duotone, confirms that. She founded STRUT Kiteboarding with her friend and professional kiteboarder, Sensi Graves, offering kite camps and retreats only for women. “We provide an empowering experience that blends kiteboarding, yoga, and laid-back vacation vibes into our kiteboarding trips. It is incredible to see how the participants connect and motivate each other. And it amazes me how this female togetherness obviously helps the participants progress. Women don’t have such a pronounced competitive behavior. They rather are supportive and push each other more constructively.” In short – women’s communities are a great way to connect with like-minded people, find but also give inspiration to others, share and exchange experiences and learn from each other. What a great way for female empowerment to unfold! Women are different frommen. In the way they think, feel, and act, but also in the way they learn and progress. This also adapts to kiteboarding. In extreme sports, women have a unique style – they pay attention to detail and have an elegant strength and finesse to their riding. So it is only logical that women’s kiteboarding communities are on the rise. And with good reason. There are multiple ways women inspire and help each other develop. Here’s to female empowerment, togetherness, and women’s communities in general. Copy Laura Alexy Photos Toby Bromwich, Lukas Stiller Romantsova Photo Women’s Kiteboarding Communities: Women’s Kiteboarding Collective She Flies Kite Chicas (Facebok) Kite Chicks United (Facebook) Women only Camps: Duotone Pro Center Torbole Duotone Pro Center Sicily / Kiteboarding Girls Italy STRUT Kiteboarding Blogs fromWomen for Women Wake Up Stoked KiteSista C O M M U N I T Y D R I V E N 7 1