1 minute read
Sky's The Limit
Interveiw Florence Noble
Photography Damien Van Der Vlist
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Originally from the Netherlands, Annabel grew up in the Caribbean and was taught to kitesurf by her father when she was 14. She has been at the top of the freestyle world rankings for years, becoming Vice world champion in 2017.
How did you start kiteboarding?
I learnt to kiteboard with my dad. I took a couple of lessons and before I knew it, I was hooked and kiting every single day. Four years later I went pro. My mum started then as well so we’re a kiteboarding family!
How often do you kite?
As a full-time kiteboarder, you kite a lot. That includes full-time training, healthy living, gym - all that kind of stuff. Where I’m from in the Caribbean it’s windy every day so we’re really spoilt. I can go out whenever I feel like it.
How much wind do you need?
18-23 knots and I’m a happy girl. You don’t need as much wind for foiling. 11 knots and you’re good to go.
How much would you say is practice and how much is raw talent?
If you really want to do something, and you have a lot of passion for it you’ll have the drive to do well at it. I’ve always been a really competitive person so whatever sport I touch I try to do it to the best of my ability, and with kiting it was the same.
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