What was different about this competition that saw you come out on top?
When I went to Fuerteventura I had no expectations. Of course I wanted to do good, but I didn't put much pressure on myself this time; normally I do. I felt ready, had trained enough, trusted my instincts and went tobattle.
You're one of the world's top female riders, how has your riding improved over the years and what new tricks are you laying down in your heats?
Well, thank you! I appreciate that I’m seen as “one the world’s top female riders “ Wow! There is a lot of hard work, effort and dedication behind all of this. Due to social media, giving me the ability to share what we do, I believe that those who follow me know how hard I train both in and out of the water. I am always improving my style, strength and consistency in what I know, as well as learning new tricks.
Pre Fuerteventura, I went to train to Sri Lanka where I scored strong wind. I’ve always hated riding small kites so I tested my abilities, holding onto an 8m2 when a 7m2 would have been way more forgiving. But this was training time.
When it came to Fuerte, I was riding a 6m2 Vegas, comfortable with the smaller size, but also perfectly powered. The other girls were struggling on their 7m2. I had a good tactic, the right gear and relaxed confidence. This win was a combination of everything which was a process.
How do you control your nerves?
This is one of the most difficult elements of competition. I’ve always struggled with it. I would do an amazing heat against somebody I knew I could win against, then crash out against somebody I didn’t know or have enough confidence to compete with. But now it is different. I still stress, especially before the competition. I try to calm down watching my movies or just trying to visualise how the competition might look like. But once the competition day is on, things are different. I enter into my state of mind that we can call the GAME DAY. I go out to have fun, I go out to perform my best. I don’t care who I ride against or if the others are landing sick tricks or crashing. I enter into my little bubble and it’s just me, myself and my kite. Competition is easy compared to training days. You just need to be in a right state of mind and just SEND IT.
