Terri
took up kiteboarding at the age of 47. A few people were kiteboarding
on her island and she took an immediate interest in the sport.
She took some basic lessons there and then went a few times to
Florida and North Carolina for more lessons.
Last
month, Terri celebrated her 48th birthday with a kiteboarding
adventure to Brazil. The trip was run by Kitty
Hawk Kites out of Nags Head, North Carolina.
photo
by Ken Shields
Terri
says, "Brazil is an absolutely awesome place to ride!
This sport has literally changed my life. I’m hooked. Not
a day goes by I don’t check out the wind and try to get
on the water. I am better physically fit and stronger than I have
ever been.
Terri
rides a 130 Hana Crew Stealth board. She says, "I haven’t
tried any other boards so I don’t have much comparison.
I have been through a few kites and my favorite is my 12m Airush
Lift which I find is a fantastic kite for lighter winds. In stronger
winds I ride a 9m Ocean Rodeo. Our stronger winds on the island
tend to be a bit gusty and I find this kite steady and easy to
control in those conditions."
photo
by Ken Shields
"The
big bonus I have found getting involved in this sport is the numerous
amount of wonderful exciting people I have met. No one I know
is just casually involved in kiteboarding. Kiteboarders are consumed
and passionate with their sport. They can talk for hours about
kiteboarding and I am right there with them. The sport seems to
draw people that live life to the fullest, adrenaline junkies,
those that think the sky is the limit. "
"They
are a supportive group. Everyone has been through the grueling
learning process. We have all been smacked around on the water,
dragged, submarined, and tea bagged. Most have had some close
calls and share their stories so as to maybe prevent it from happening
to others. I have had much help along the way by great instructors
to get where I am at today. I don’t ever expect to get great
at this sport. I leave that to the young uns. But I guarantee
you I am having just as good a time as they are."
"I
hope to be an inspiration to women my age to get involved in this
sport. Go for it!!"
photo
by Ken Shields
