CHICK OF THE MONTH NOV '06

NAME:  Katie Roberts

AGE: 33         

HOME: Llandudno

YEARS KITING: 6 months

ABOUT ME: I grew up in Llandudno, so spent a lot of time knocking around on the water.  A few years back I was lucky enough to do a circumnavigation with my Dad on his 39 ft Trade Wind boat.   Sailing the oceans for three years was an incredible buzz, when I got back I got into a  bit of dinghy racing, canoeing and climbing locally but don’t think I found that same buzz until I started kitesurfing. 

HOW DID YOU GET INTO KITESURFING?  Luckily I live near the best kite spot in North Wales and have often passed by thinking that looks wicked.  Early this year I got talking to some of the girls during the Turbulence Angels weekend and they were so friendly and encouraging that I packed myself off to Fuerterventura for a weeks kiting instruction.  How hard can life get?!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT KITESURFING?  My kitesurfing instructor ;-)!!!

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE KITESURFING TO PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW WHAT IT IS?  Have you ever water-skied? It’s like flying across the water but with a bigger smile!

TELL US ABOUT A KITE EXPERIENCE: Every time I get out there at the moment I’m always learning something different so I guess I’m loving it every time!  But having just started nailing my turns definitely brought a big smile to my face!

WHAT IS THE WORST THING ABOUT KITESURFING?  It’s a wee bit chilly in the winter!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SIZE KITE?  My 9m Takoon because it was my first kite.

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU LIKE IN A BOARD?  Too early to be choosy so not sure yet!  My only criteria so far is bright fins so I can find it when I’m body dragging around!

WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU IN LIFE? Chocolate, red wine and my kites!

WHATS ESSENSIALS DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR BAG?  Chocolate, mobile

MUST HAVE BEAUTY PRODUCT:  Johnsons Holiday Skin Cream to keep up that Fuerterventura glow!

WHAT MUSIC WERE YOU BROUGHT UP ON AND DO YOU EVER LISTEN TO IT NOW?

 My brother’s ACDC records!!... And no I don’t listen to them now!

MONEY OR LIFESTYLE?  That’s a funny one really isn’t it! It’s like do you go for the guy who’s boring but loaded or the guy who is fun but skint!

KATIE, SO WHAT’S THE ANSWER?!  Well my boyfriend is definitely not loaded put it that way, but he is on a warning!

DREAM WHEELS?  A pink Mercedes Vito, I’m sure that’s what my boyfriend is away working for!

TIPS FOR GIRLS GETTING INTO THE SPORT:  Get some good instruction, preferably with a cute instructor. Hang out at the beach even if it is just to watch as you will learn loads and make some fantastic friends along the way!