Susi Mai interview

Nice interview/presentation of Susi Mai by Just Kite It:


The Ripping It feature section is dedicated to the pro-athletes of the kiting community.

“When you love what you do, a whole new universe opens up.”

I heard the name of Susi Mai, one of the world’s recognizable kiteboarders when I first started taking interest in the sport in July. I was amazed at how her uber petite frame could handle a 12 meter kite in high winds. It is inspiring to watch her fly a kite, ride the waves, pop, jump and perform her flawless tricks. I said, “if she can do it, I can do it.”

For the first installment for the Ripping It feature, why not interview Susi Mai? Most fitting since we have Bill Tai as our anchor feature for Kite Buzz. Bill and Susi are the dynamic duo behind MaiTai, an annual invitation only kite camp held in Maui and soon in Cape Hatteras late summer 2010!



Who is Susi Mai?
- La petite and pretty pro-kiter athlete born in Germany and lives in the Dominican Republic
- Susi is sponsored by Cabrinha and Red Bull
- She flies a Takoon, Gaastra, Cabrinha
- Kiting homebase is Dominican Republic and the world
- Kiting quote: If in doubt, don’t go out


Q: How and when did you discover kiteboarding?
A. The old-style two-liner kites didn’t keep Susi Mai’s enthusiasm, yet when she saw riders in 2002 at the famous Kitebeach in Cabarete, the spark came back and soon she found herself in awe of the riders, specially the women at the PKRA event in June of the same year. “It was at PKRA that I saw what kiting was all about.” There was no turning back. Competing was far from her thoughts at that time, she just wanted to fly through the air and have fun!

Q: How has kiteboarding changed your life?
A: “Kiteboarding has changed my life completely! I had plans to move to Europe for university. Who knows where I would be right now, probably working in an office cubicle which is something I honestly can’t picture myself doing at all!”

read the rest of the interview here: http://www.justkiteit.com/2010/01/11/ripping-it-susi-mai/