Training for Big Air post Injury with Pippa

HEY PIPPA, WE SAW YOU SHREDDING HARD AGAIN IN BRAZIL AND CAPE TOWN. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP TO THESE PAST MONTHS?  

Hello, I've mostly been getting as many training hours on the water as possible due to my injury, a torn ACL I couldn't kite for quite a while. This is why I went to Brazil, the most windy spot at that time of the year and an ideal place to regain my confidence. I went to Guriu for some flat-water training, where we had consistent strong winds every day. After I regained my confidence in Brazil, I went to Cape Town, which is an entirely different story, kiting-wise. Big waves, nuking conditions, and lots of people. It was tough to get my confidence back, but once I got the kiting hours in, it slowly came :-)  

ARE YOU FEELING READY TO RETURN TO COMPETITION FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON? WHAT EVENTS ARE YOU FOCUSING ON?   

YES! Haha, I'm looking forward a lot to competing again and can't wait to put that jersey on, feel the adrenaline, and rock the heats. I will mostly focus on the GKA World Tour and participate in all the Big Air stops for 2024. I'll leave freestyle for what it is right now, as I am enjoying Big Air most at the moment. Besides the GKA, I really hope we will have a Queen of the Air soon. That would be a dream competition, and I will for sure do everything I can to be able to compete in it!! 

Photo: Samuel Cardenas 

AFTER YOUR INJURIES, A TORN ACL, AND A BROKEN RIP, WHAT IS HELPING YOU TO KEEP A HEALTHY MINDSET AND NOT HOLD BACK FROM TRAINING FULL-POWER FOR BIG AIR?   

I have an amazing physiotherapist and mental coach. They have been such a good support throughout the whole process when I was injured. I am still working with them, and having a team behind me feels good. My physio is my trainer and mentor simultaneously, so whenever I feel insecure or need someone to help me, I can call him for whatever reason. He makes sure that my strength training is on point but also that it is in balance with enough rest and helps me on a daily basis.    

I plan the mental coaching sessions for more specific reasons. Definitely, with Big Air, the mental state is a big part. If I feel scared because of a previous injury or something else, it has a big impact on my performance on the water, for which I work with my mental coach than on that part.   

For me, it's essential to be physically strong so I can trust my body and feel powerful, but at the same time, the mental part is just as important. So I work on both of those elements a lot when I'm not on the water, which has made an impact when I'm kiting now. Before, I was very radical and didn't really think. This certainly helped me on one side of freestyle, but it's a lot riskier in Big Air. When you make a mistake, it can have massive consequences. So I am more thoughtful before pulling a big trick, making sure the conditions are right for it and listening to my body, whether I'm fresh and it's the right time to go and push.

BESIDES TRAINING, WE'VE SEEN A LOT OF EPIC CONTENT FROM YOU, SUCH AS VLOGGING AND BEING VERY ACTIVE ON INSTAGRAM AND TIKTOK. ARE THERE ANY BIG PROJECTS YOU WANT TO SHARE IN THE PIPELINE FOR 2024?  

I definitely worked very hard on the social media side of things while I was injured, and I also put out on some series during my rehab. Which I might use for a project this year, but now that I am fully back on the water and training so much, my energy goes to getting back into perfect shape for the competitions. I'm mainly focusing on that for now, as I have been out for two years competing and want to prepare the best way I can. But my creative brain never really stops, so let's see what will be created ;)  

Photo: Samuel Cardenas 

DOES THE FILMING HELP A LOT WITH YOUR PROGRESSION?

For me, filming is a way of letting go of the training mentality. When I go on the water with a GoPro or have an idea in mind for a video, it helps me relax and think of something else. And, of course, when someone is filming my tricks, it helps improve my skills because I can see straight away what I am doing wrong.  

Photo: Samuel Cardenas 

WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR IMPROVING THEIR BIG AIR GAME?   

Get yourself a good setup; I would suggest an Evo or Rebel SLS with the Jaime SLS :) And what helps me most with progress is having fun. When I'm happy and enjoying the time on the water, that's when I progress the most. It also helps to surround yourself with better kiters so you can watch and learn from them. Share the stoke and get inspired to inspire. If you are already the group's best, book a Big Air clinic. This way, you get in contact with other enthusiastic Big Air kiters, + you will get good advice to improve tricks.  

Photo: Samuel Cardenas 

HAS YOUR FREESTYLE BACKGROUND CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR BIG AIR SKILLSET? IF SO, IN WHAT WAYS?   

I am sure it did. I gained body awareness and kite control and learned to land with loads of speed. Every minute spent on the water, regardless of what kind of setup, will contribute to becoming a better kitesurfer. 

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO BIG AIR SETUP?   

For now, EVO SLS and EVO DLAB, Trust Bar S-M 22 m lines, 133 Jaime SLS.

WHAT WAY CAN THE ACADEMY APP HELP YOU TO IMPROVE YOUR PROGRESSION? 

It can inspire you by watching new tricks you haven't seen before. And because it has been filmed and explained so well, you can literally watch the video on the spot and go straight to practicing it on the water.  

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE TRICK(S) IN THE ACADEMY APP?   

The Jesus walk!!

ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?   

Have a great time on the water :)