PATRI MCLAUGHLIN

Top 3 kitesurfing spots?

Peahi, Jaws. Cloudbreak, Fiji. Secret spots around Maui.

Favourite gear setup?

I love the NEO on 24 meter lines and the Pro WAM. I also love the Click Bar and the rope slider harness.

The biggest achievements in your kiteboarding career

In 2012 I ended the year #1 on the IKA ranking for waves…. but I’m more proud of my big wave achievements than my competitive career.

Your hobbies aside kiteboarding?

I like to surf when there’s no wind, and I free dive when there’s no waves. I also enjoy a good party…

What do you do on a day without wind?

Usually surf

What style of music are you interested in?

I honestly like most music. It depends what mood I'm in or what I'm doing. There’s not much I won’t listen too. I guess I'm not a huge fan of reggaton.

How and why did you start kiteboarding?

When I was 11 I wanted to go snowboarding really bad, but I live on Maui. My mom said let’s spend the same money we would going on a snow trip and get you into a sport that we have on the island. I got my first lesson for my 12th birthday. Honestly, I hated it. I weighed 100 lbs and I got my ass kicked on a 2-line kite in 40 knots of wind. I stuck with it though and now it’s my favorite thing to do.

Why are you riding for Duotone?

North Kiteboarding changed their name… I’ve been officially riding for Boards and More since 2011 although I was on the Youngblood team back in 2006. North/Duotone has been producing some of the most revolutionary equipment for years and I’m honored to be a part of the team.

What is your main goal for the future?

I would love to be able to chase a storm or two every year. The best trips I’ve ever done have been chasing a forecast. My favorite thing is showing up when the waves are big and leaving when the waves get small again.

What training do you do to stay fit?

Every once in a while I go to the gym. Sometimes I do Yoga. Often I just watch Netflix and chill.

What would have been your job if you wouldn´t be a pro kiteboarder?

I have my real estate license here on Maui so that keeps me pretty busy. If I weren’t a pro kiteboarder, I would sell way more houses…

What´s your favourite food?

Probably butter. Butter makes everything better.

What did you always want to say?

I’m going to throw an inspirational quote at you by a gentleman named Hunter S. Thompson:

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”