Now that's Style!

Who is the Most Influential Girl Kitesurfer?

SBC Kiteboard Magazine - Vote: Kristin Boese

Girls, vote for our girl ,Kristin!
Kristin Boese, 34 years of age, having competed in countless competitions since 2002, Kristin holds world championship titles in every discipline in kiteboarding, 9 in total. In 2010 she launched a non-profit foundation called KB4Girls to support female kiteboarders. Kristin is a driving force behind the surf oriented KSP World Tour . She has been nominated for the 2011 AWSI Kiteboarder of the year award
SBC Kiteboard Magazine - Vote: Kristin Boese

Fly Girl Friday was a Blast!

Once a month the girls put on a Girls Day and do something different each time, this time we all met down at Kite Beach and had a great day of kiting. Some girls watched some took lessons and some were already kiters. We will keep you posted on the next event here, all interested girls are welcome. Here's a link to some pics by Jimmie Hepp!
 http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.212352215469117.47275.100000830216933

INGRID LAROUCHE

Photo: Olaf Mitchell

The next Nalu Wahine in our ongoing series of interviews with women that are keeping the stoke of women’s windsurfing/wave sailing alive and flourishing is Ingrid Larouche.

 I have had many wave sailing sessions with Ingrid this year. We both participated in the Pistol River Wave Bash last summer and she frequents our local wave break at Kuau when she’s not charging Hookipa.

 

NW:  Hi Ingrid, First of all it was cool to share that wave at Kanaha with you the other day. I hope that I wasn’t in your way too much.

IL:  That was a good wave Olaf but please don’t ever drop in on me again! Ha, Ha, I’m just kidding!

NW:   It was kinda crowded there wouldn’t you agree? 

IL:  It was very busy Olaf! That’s what you happens with a big northwest swell. The waves get real big at Hookipa and the whole north shore closes out ! Seems like most of the sailors on the island wind up at Kanaha at the same time.

NW:   Ingrid can you tell us a little bit about where you’re from and how long you have been windsurfing?

IL:    I’m from Lac-St-Jean, a small region north of Quebec in Canada. I now live in the Columbia River George most of the year.  I have been windsurfing for about 12 years now.

NW:  Do you have any favorite spots to wind surf?

IL:   I haven’t traveled overseas yet, but Maui and San Carlos in Baja are probably my favorite spots so far.

 NW:   Are there any highlights in your wind surf career that you would like to share?

IL:   Well last year I won the US Nationals, and the Pistol River Wave Bash, and won the last few freestyle competitions that were held In the US.  Back in 2008 I won the
Freestyle Frenzy, and the George Games.

Photo: Olaf Mitchell

 

Photo: Olaf Mitchell

NW:   What‘s next on your list of destinations or goals?

IL:   I’m going to Waddell in California as part of the American Windsurfing Tour. I have wanted to check this spot out for a while so I am looking forward to finally go sail there.

 NW:   On the subject of the American Windsurfing Tour do you have any thoughts that you would like to share?

IL:   I’m really excited about the AWT. There’s a lot of really great stops and I ‘m gonna try to make all of them. I wish there were more women entering and competing. The turnout for women has been pretty small in the last few events that I have gone to in the US and in Mexico, and that doesn’t draw much attention for women unfortunately.

NW:   What other sports that you are mildly or passionately involved in?

IL:   I’m big into mountain biking. The George is awesome for that. I’ve been participating in the Oregon Super D Series and plan to compete again this year.

NW:   What companies are you sponsored by Ingrid? 

IL:   I am currently sponsored by Maui Sails, Dakine, Makani Fins. and Tabou



NW:   What is your occupation?

IL:   I’m a physical therapist but I’m working part-time only these days so I can peruse my windsurfing goals.

NW:   Ingrid, do you have any role models or personal heroes?

IL:   I don’t know about personal heroes but being here on Maui  right now, I really look up to Junko Nagoshi who is such an amazing wave sailor and dominates at Hookipa. I learn a lot from watching her sail.

Photo: Olaf Mitchell

A CHAT WITH SAM BITTNER

  We are chatting with Sam Bittner today.

Sam is one of our local windsurf charger Wahines at Kuau here on the north shore of Maui

I have sailed with Sam ever since she came on the scene.

She has amazed us with how quickly she has progressed with the sport of windsurfing.

Sam seems to always be smiling and never has a negative word to say. Even when the ocean has spanked her good she gets right back out there!

Sam is a busy woman these days with her latest project.
I’ll let her tell you about it herself but first let’s get some back ground information.

Hi Sam, thanks for sharing a bit of your story for our readers at “Nalu Wahine".

NW:  Where are you from?

SB:  I was born in Texas and grew up in a small cow town of Enumclaw, Washington right at the base of Mt. Rainier.

NW:  How long have you been wind surfing Sam?

SB:  I learned to windsurf in a class at Western Washington University on a lake with very light wind. I learned to water start when I moved to Maui three years ago.

NW:  What are your favorite spots to windsurf Sam?

SB:  My favorite spot is my back yard, Kuau. It’s a special place because I live the challenge, then wave, and very much the people who sail there.  They’re my family away from home.

NW:  Are there any Highlights in your windsurfing career that you would like to share?

SB:  Yeah, Last year I took home my first windsurfing trophy, the Kuau Cup. This trophy is passed on to the Kuau Yacht Club Member that scores the most “Kuau Points” throughout the year. A point is scored when a sailor launches out through the Kuau Channel with the intent on returning to the launch. If, for whatever reason does not make it back through the channel to the launch site. Most points are scored when gear is broken, waves are too big, or the wind dies. I had 7 points last year. I’m looking forward to passing on the trophy this year

.NW:   What’s next on your list of windsurfing goals Sam?

SB:  I want to do a forward loop and compete in the “Hatteras Wave Jam”.

NW:  Where do you hope to travel this year for windsurfing?

SB:  Brazil! I have always wanted to go to South America and with all this talk of Kauli’s new center I plan to go as soon as the American Windsurfing Tour is completed in November.

NW:  Here’s what everyone is wondering Sam, How do you feel about how the American Windsurfing Tour is going?

SB:  I am feeling great about the Tour! It’s a lot of work but every one that I have reached out to is going out of their way to support the Tour. There’s a ton of support from the windsurf companies. I have a great team of staff following the entire Tour.

 

NW:  What do you hope to achieve by running the AWT?

SB:  The American Windsurfing Tour provides a venue for all wave sailors to showcase their skills and my goal is to inspire the future of the sport.

NW:  Are there other sports that you are mildly or passionately involved with Sam?

SB:  I love anything in the water, surfing, stand up paddling, swimming, and sailing. I also enjoy running.

Photo: Vinnie Armato

NW:  Who are your personal sponsors?

SB:  Currently I’m sponsored by Ezzy, Dakine, and Second Wind.

NW:  What is your occupation?

SB:  I am the “Tour Director” for the American Windsurfing Tour. I also work at Mama’s Fish House three nights a week. If you are on Maui, Mama’s should be on your list of things to do. It’s the most amazing restaurant that I have ever been to. Plus; it has an amazing view :)

NW:  Who are your personal hero’s Sam?

SB:  I am so lucky to be continually surrounded by inspirational people in the windsurfing world here on Maui and beyond. Matt Pritchard is a huge one. He always has a positive get it done attitude. Matt is an amazing friend, incredible windsurfer, coach, family man and overall hero!

NW:  Do you have a personal Motto that you would like to share?

SB:  “BE HAPPY !”

NW:  Mahalo Sam!

Girls Only Butterfly Effect Maui KIteboarding Lessons Week

Butterfly Effect Aloha Waterwomen and Maui Kiteboarding Lessons present an all girls, all week, fun Maui Kiteboarding Lesson Week

 

Aloha Waterwomen Vacation (KITESURF) $2,199
The Aloha Waterwomen Clinic taught by Shawna Cropas (of the Aloha Maui Windsurfing Clinics) and Tatiana Howard (of the Butterfly Effect) has teamed up with professional kitesurf instructor, Karen Lang, to create a unique women’s only instructional event the week prior to the Maui Butterfly Effect. The combination of this team of gifted coaches will promote an exchange of knowledge and love for water sports and ocean living through instruction and participation. This special holiday package includes 7 nights shared lodging with your own bed within a private home on the Northshore, use of all kitesurf gear during instructional time and 7-day kiteboard rental Vela Maui, fun full days with kitesurf coaching in both group and personalized sessions, plus happy hour events and evening entertainment with your hosts and guides on Maui. In addition, we'll provide access to transportation with a shared vans to explore the island during the week.
For more info please see: http://www.velakitesurf.com/pages/destinations/maui/ladies-clinic.php

Aloha Waterwomen (CLINIC ONLY - KITESURF) $1,199

The Aloha Waterwomen Clinic taught by Shawna Cropas (of the Aloha Maui Windsurfing Clinics) and Tatiana Howard (of the Butterfly Effect) has teamed up with professional kitesurf instructor, Karen Lang, to create a unique women’s only instructional event the week prior to the Maui Butterfly Effect. The combination of this team of gifted coaches will promote an exchange of knowledge and love for water sports and ocean living through instruction and participation. Clinic-only includes use of all kitesurf gear during instructional time and 7-day kiteboard rental Vela Maui, fun full days with kitesurf coaching in both group and personalized sessions, plus happy hour events and evening entertainment with your hosts and guides on Maui.

For more info please see:

http://www.velakitesurf.com/pages/destinations/maui/ladies-clinic.php

Shawna Cropas’s Aloha Windsurfing Clinics and Tatiana Howard’s Butterfly Effects come together to create a unique women’s only windsurfing instructional and SUP fitness event the week prior to the Maui and Fiji Butterfly Effect. There is a whole new breed of women who maintain well being, fitness and lifestyle solely devoted to the ocean. They are Waterwomen who have traded in all social norms for fins, boards and ocean time. Shawna and Tatiana are combining their coaching and ocean skills along with their personal philosophies... Aloha spirit speaks of joyful openness, sharing and ‘accomplishing goals to achieve any state of mind or body that you desire in the present moment.’ The Butterfly Effect encourages us to have a positive result or change of something in our own lives which ripples and reaches out to others. The combination of the Aloha Clinics’ and The Butterfly Effects’ goals extend out in order to exchange Shawna’s and Tatiana’s knowledge and love for water sports and ocean living through instruction and participation. They will be running their first Aloha Waterwomen Windsurfing Clinic together on Maui April 26th to May 3rd and running another all ladies only windsurfing clinic on Fiji starting May 28th to June 4th.

Their Aloha meets Butterfly Effect coaching week long holiday is aimed at all women of all ages from fledgling windsurfers to advanced sailors. By working together as a team Shawna and Tatiana are able to cover all levels of sailors at the same time. The week will consist of yoga in the mornings, video analysis, on land simulator work using Muscle Memory technique (where you repeat foot and hand work on land over and over again, much like learning how to dance), loads of water time where Shawna and Tatiana will move around the groups as well as work privately with every persons individual needs. On Maui we’ll have evenings out on the town and beach BBQ’s and should we have days with no wind we’ll exchange our windsurfers for Stand Up boards and go paddling and/or learn to catch small waves. On Fiji we will have great sailing on a pristine uncrowded island with relaxing island cultural experiences like Kava night, village trips, snorkeling and kayaking. Maui and Fiji are kaleidoscopes of color, natural wonder and beauty. We look forward to sailing with you and seeing you on a beach where palms do hula in the breeze and turquoise seas glisten.

On Maui we’ll be setting up base at a private guest home on the North Shore using the latest Neil Pryde/Jp stock through Vela (www.velawindsurf.com) and in Fiji we’ll be staying at the Safari Lodge.

Any more questions? Email Shawna at shawnacropas@gmail.com

For More information about our teaching style, windsurfing tips and clinics please check out:

Teaching style:   http://www.shawnacropas.com/ShawnaCropas/About_Lessons.html

Windsurfing tips:

1.  http://www.shawnacropas.com/ShawnaCropas/Techy_Tips.html     

     2. http://www.shawnacropas.com/ShawnaCropas/Techy_Tips_2.html

3. 3.http://www.shawnacropas.com/ShawnaCropas/Blog/Entries/2010/9/2_Stance__The_hippy_hippy_twist.html

For more information about The Butterfly Effect please check out: www.betheeffect.com

An adventure of a lifetime , all girls windsurf/kite/surf adventure in Fiji!

For more info : The Butterfly Effect

In memory of Rell Sunn

Of all the words that have been written about Makaha surfer Rell Sunn, her husband Dave Parmenter felt that nothing captured her essence better than this story written by Sunn herself.

A young woman
and the sea
By Rell Sunn Reaction time is faster when you see bigger fish. At the instant I saw the 45-pound ulua munching on a tiny snowflake eel my Hawaiian sling hand-spear was already cranked and flying. The three prongs lodged in the back of his blunt head, and he spun once, eyeing me with reproach. But instead of screeching for the channel, he turned and went back to work on the eel. I was faster and luckier with my back-up spear, as it found its mark between his eyes. The ulua bolted for the deep blue of the drop-off, the two spears poking like antennae from his brow and humming through the water with his furious rush.
It had been an easy, almost effortless dive day. The usually temperamental waters off of Oahu's Kaena Point were placid, seemingly beaten into laziness by the summer heat. The ocean there is full of fish, outrageous holes, and Hawaiian myth and lore. I had paddled out on my longboard, which was both my partner and diving platform, with two Hawaiian sling spears, a mask, snorkel, fins and a dive bag...all weighing no more than 15 pounds, board included.
Within an hour the 9-foot, 6-inch longboard was awash under the weight of 65 pounds of octopus, giant uhus (parrotfish), a couple of seven-pound kumus (highly prized goatfish...red, good, delicious).
I was already headed in and skipping over a mental shopping list for ingredients needed for steaming the kumu and stuffing and baking the uhu when I spotted my dream fish.
The ulua had put some distance between us despite the two spears stuck into him. I was already three-quarters of a mile out and swimming with burning lungs and muscles against the current. My board had drifted down current; it was a gamble to let it go and swim after the fish, but I couldn't afford to lose sight of my quarry for even a second. I was committed to the gamble of sticking with my fish.
The wobbling of the spear soon wore the ulua down enough so that I could use the best of my energy to surge ahead of him and herd him back toward the shallows. As my calves began to cramp I was relieved to see the fish doing flips and violent spirals... he was dying.
Uluas are beautiful fish. They're smart, good hunters and are incredibly strong. I've seen them turn vicious when injured. As this ulua fluttered to a ledge 35 feet below, I realized that he didn't know that particular crevice as well (it was a dead end) as I did. It was the stroke of luck I needed to take a chance on retrieving my board. Three minutes later I was back with my board, hovering over the crevice, and relaxing my breathing to get a good gulp of air for the descent.
The ulua was scraping the spears against the ceiling of the ledge when I reached the opening. I sunk the fingers of one hand into his eye socket and gripped the spear shaft protruding from his head with the other, and began to guide him out and up toward the surface.
He fought hardest two feet from the surface. My legs were starting to cramp and I was on the verge of blacking out. I shot out into the air, blasting the snorkel free of water, and for the first time felt the true heft of the fish, which felt like a leaden umbrella held overhead.
As I wrestled the ulua up onto the deck of my board, I heard what sounded like wind blowing through reel lines, or dogs barking. I pulled my mask off and followed the noise to a spot on the shoreline where four fishermen were jumping, yelling and pointing at me.
I grinned and raised the 45-pound trophy in a victory salute.
Then, I turned my head seaward just in time to see a 14-foot tiger shark sliding under the surface barely 50 feet away, knifing toward my board, my 65 pounds of octopus and fish, my ulua and my legs, not necessarily in that order.
A million heartbreaking thoughts and possibilities flashed into my mind, yet I had but two solutions to them all: pulling myself into the less-exposed knee-paddling position, and scuttling the ulua off the side.
I took a few pulls toward shore and said, "I'll be back...next time catch your own dinner!" I didn't have the heart to do the "panic-paddle" in, and so from a safe distance I watched my dream fish begin to sink. He wasn't even a foot under when the tiger grabbed him and tore into the midsection. My lungs, my arms and the fishermen were screaming as I paddled away from the snapping, churning orgy.
From shore the fishermen and I watched the shark finish up what could have been a mini-luau for my neighbors and me. We traded fish recipes, shark stories and other spooky stuff about Kaena. They helped clean (and eat!) the fish. Other than that 14-foot tiger shark, my day couldn't have been nicer; sharing a day's catch and making new friends.
My new friends helped me lift my VW bug and turn it toward Makaha (it had no reverse gear). I headed off to my hula class, late again.
I drove along the dirt road back to Mahaka, the sparkling afternoon sea smoldering against the rock-bound shore. In less than 30 minutes I would be back in my more land-locked world, full of Hawaiian music, dancing, and "talking story" with the girls.
But out there, under the deceptively placid surface, was a world blind to gender. Though I was taught by men, I was formed by and subjected to the rigid laws of a seemingly lawless realm that treated me and every grazing ulua or marauding shark with the same utter equanimity.
Though I was running late, I stopped along the way and picked some hinahina for my hula sisters' leis. The succulent flowers grow along the arid Kaena coast road, living on the thick sea spray. Not exactly ulua steaks, but Pua and Sweets and the girls would be stoked.

She has cared for our ohana for decades!

Photo: Olaf Mitchell
Jenny Karpovich has put her heart and soul into this island. As nurse and midwife she asisted in the birth of many of the young adults that will shape the future of Maui! Aloha Jenny! 

Butterfly Effect Maui

Girls mark your calendars for the upcoming Butterfly Effect in Maui on May 7 2011 with a week of clinics and fun  April 26 - May 2 , More Soon!

Caprice Winniman

Caprice Nicole Winniman

Caprice gets my vote for one of the coolest girls on the planet

Not only is she a great athlete but a beautiful human as well. When she is not working you can usually find Caprice's smiling face at Kite Beach, Maui throwing down some cool moves on her kiteboard. She has only been kiteboarding for three years but has become one of the best women kiteboarders on Maui.You should see her riding strapless on her surfboard!!

Carice runs her own wedding photograghy business on Maui and and has even been featured in Modern Bride Magazine! Here is a link to her website: Caprice Nicole Photography

Here is the interview with Caprice

Maui Ocean Sports: How did you get in to kiteboarding?

Caprice: I took lessons from Diana , my dad and V

Maui Ocean Sports:What are your kiteboarding goals?

Caprice: Have FUN!

Maui Ocean Sports: Where is your favorite spot to kiteboard?

Caprice: Kite Beach, Maui

Maui Ocean Sports: What is your favorite discipline?

Caprice: Waves and Big Air

Maui Ocean Sports: Best trick?

Caprice: Love my little backroll to revert with downloop.(makes me happy!)

Maui Ocean Sports: What kites and board do you ride?

Caprice: Cabrinha

Maui Ocean Sports:Who is your favorite kiteboarder?

Caprice: Shaun Richman

Maui Ocean Sports:What person do you most admire?

Caprice: Karen Lang for her passion

Maui Ocean Sports:What sport did you do before kiteboarding?

Caprice: Surfing

Maui Ocean Sports:What sports do you currently enjoy??

Caprice: surf, SUP and kite

Maui Ocean Sports:What sports do you currently enjoy??

Caprice: surf, SUP and kite

Maui Ocean Sports:What are your other interests?

Caprice: Kiting seems to take up most of my time.....sometimes I take pictures

Maui Ocean Sports: Where are you from?

Caprice: Hawaii

Maui Ocean Sports: How long have you lived on Maui?

Caprice: Whole life

Maui Ocean Sports What is your occupation?

Caprice: Photographer

Maui Ocean Sports Tell us moe about yourself?

Caprice: I grew up on the Big Island and moved to Maui at age 15

Maui Ocean Sports What is your advice for anyone trying to get into the sport of kiteboarding?

Caprice: Don't decide how much you like the sport til you can stay upwind!

Maui Ocean Sports Tell us a secret about yourself?

Caprice: I'm shy

Sam Bittner

" I think it is important for all of us Windsurfers to work positively together to keep the momentum of the sport going! " Samantha Bittner the organizer of the 2011 American WindsurfingTour

Ingrid Larouche is one of our premier Nalu Wahine's

Look for an interview from Ingrid on this blog about her life as a wind surfer and "Wahine's" competing in the American Wave Sailing Tour

Photo: Olaf Mitchell

Sam Bittner wins 2009-2010 Kuau Cup

Photo: Olaf Mitchell

Girls Rule

Caitlyn's First Ride

Jan 5 2011, Andrea Moller paddles into Jaws!!! Andrea , you rock!!!!

Andrea Moller , Photo Jimmie Hepp