Kitelements

Full name: Christina Gaudieri

Nick-name: Chrissy

Where are you from?

Perth, Western Australia

How long you have been kiting for?

5 years

Where are your favorite spots?

Woodman’s Point because the conditions are perfect plus I get to kite board with a bunch of great people including the locals (many of them females!) and visitors from overseas.

Where do you kite?

Woodman’s Point, Safety Bay and Lucky Bay

Best conditions for you?

18knts, flat water riding my 9m North Vegas and 124 Underground Styx.

Dreams spot you want to go kiting?

Egypt, New Cal

Aim in Kitesurfing

To keep challenging myself, never give up on whatever move I’m trying and continue to have fun.

Worst Memories you had while kitesurfing ?

Fracturing two lumbar vertebrae’s

Best Memories you had while kitesurfing?

Riding with the local crew,   and winning the Australian Freestyle Championships.

Why do you love kitesurfing?

I love being out on the water, it’s relaxing and soothing.

I love the constant challenge it presents me.

And most of all it has enabled me to meet so many wonderful people from around the country and world.

Travel plans?

Many – everywhere and anywhere!

How was the Australian Nationals?

It was fantastic.  It was held in St Kilda, Melbourne as part of the St Kilda festival.  The competition attracted a lot of competitors and spectators.  I met a lot of great people and came away with 1^st prize!

How did you prepare for it?

Eating well, lots of kiting, running, gym and yoga.

Did you spend many hours Training?

If was windy I’d be out there J

Can you describe the feeling to become the OZ champion, free style 2010?

Ecstatic!  I’m very passionate about kite boarding, particularly freestyle and becoming the Australian Freestyle Champion is great achievement for me.

How and when did you discover kiteboarding?

A friend asked me to do a lesson with him. I thought why not and after the first lesson, I was hooked!

Who were your early influencers and how did they impact your riding performance?

The local guys at my beach, especially Dan Anderson and Simon Witchermann.  I would watch their tricks and think wow I’d love to lands those one day. They never hesitated to give me advice or handy tips.

What advise would you offer to anyone who is in the sport or those who are considering kiteboarding?

Get lessons if you’re starting out, talk to the locals when you arrive at a new spot, and don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the moment when you’re out on the water.

Other action sports you like

Snowboarding, wakeboarding, surfing

Photos by Paul Smith : www.paulskitesurfingpictures.com