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!