Why She Does It

Why do I juggle so many things that I'm passionate about? Wouldn't you?

I need my girls!
I had the opportunity to be on the business side of kiteboarding as well as a rider. What I realized was how intimidating the sport came across to women. Not only did the media portray it as a man's extreme sport, but kiteboarding as a business hardly recognized women as riders. Hence, gear was designed for men's longer arms, bigger feet, and overall larger frame.

Furthermore, most of the kiteboarding schools and instructors at the time didn't realize that teaching to women required different teaching methods than teaching to men. The two were so different in how they learned the sport, that many women I know were immediately turned off after one lesson.

This was a bit disconcerning to me, so I made it a mission to create a friendly environment to get more women in the sport. This led to the formation of the Women's Kiteboarding Association, and eventually my kite school, Cascade Kiteboarding. With help from local kiteboarding women and shops, I put on camps and clinics for women, using teaching methods that address many of the reservations that women have.

Now, with more than 380 members worldwide and full clinics with waiting lists, the WKA continues to draw more women to the sport, and help progress and promote girls looking to advance to a professional level.

Kiteboarding 4 Cancer
This is a personal cause that I feel very strongly about. I will continue to spread the word to grow this event and the organization for one reason: To bring awareness and funding to the cause of cancer. We are always looking for partners and volunteers. If you are interested, email Tonia (at) kb4c.org.