TIPS FOR VIEWING - The Kiteboarder Magazine

Close-up
sandy parker
Age: 33 Height: 5’8” Years kiting: 11 Favorite Spots: Sherman Island, Dillon Beach, Texas Gulf
Favorite Conditions: Windy Favorite Moves: Waves Sponsors: RRD, Mystic, Kitopia
GEAR SET-UP
Boards: RRD K50 Race board, Kitopia Custom Surfboard Bindings: Only on my race boards,
otherwise strapless Kites: RRD Obsession Lines: Standard Harness: Mystic waist
Sandy with her new RRD K-Race board at the
World Nationals. Photo www.mauitoast.com
By Marina Chang
If you’ve ever been to Sherman Island in California,
chances are you have met Sandy Parker. Together
with her brother Donny, Sandy started Kiteopia in
2002, now one of the most popular schools in the
Bay Area due to the area’s consistent winds and
strong reputation for quality instruction. Newly
sponsored by RRD and Mystic with plans to
compete on the international kite racing circuit
in 2010, Sandy got bit by the kite racing bug four
years ago by a former student and has hosted a fun
course event for the last three, usually around the
4th of July weekend. Next year, Sandy and Donny
are planning an even larger event so be sure to
mark your calendars! Kiteopia and the Sherman
riding crew know how to throw down a good time
and you won’t be disappointed with the riding
conditions or festivities.
When, where and why did you start kiteboarding?
In 1998. My brother was a windsurfer, took a trip to
the Gorge and came back stoked to learn how to
kite. He bought a Flexifoil Stacker 8 and asked me if
I wanted to go to the park and fly a kite. Once I got
this trainer kite in my hands I was hooked.
What was your first exposure to kite racing and
what got you interested in it? My first exposure
to kite racing was when a former student of mine,
John Gomes, founder of the Cabrinha series in
San Francisco, got me stoked on the Thursday
night races.
You recently competed in the World Kite Racing
Championships with the top ranked kite racers in
the world. What was that experience like? It was
amazing to be a part of a once in a lifetime event
with the best kiters in the world next to me.
1. When in doubt, let go of
the bar! These are the
most common words I
use in teaching; most
any trouble you may get
yourself in can be fixed
or minimized by just
letting go of the bar.
2. Ask questions when
kiting a new location —
you will probably make
a new friend as well.
3. When you go kiting,
take everything and
don’t leave anything
at home!
What makes a good race kite? A good race kite is
a kite that is actually a good all around kite. It must
be great for upwind but it also must be good for
downwind and definitely stable enough to handle
gusty winds at the starting line.
Are you riding production race boards or customs?
I’m riding both depending on the course. My
brother has built my race boards since I think 2007
but this summer I have been riding the RRD K50 and
loving it.
Do you think racing is becoming too high tech
and an elite e.g. a “rich man’s” sport? No, and I’m
glad there are people who can put money into the
sport — we need it for future development in racing.
Eventually it will plateau and the strongest and most
talented athletes will still outshine the rest. Since
racing is so new, the one with the best gear does
have an advantage but eventually we will all be on
similar gear. I have been right in the middle of the
development of course racing and there have been
times I have been on the newest trend and had all
the advantages, and there have been times that I
have been on the wrong gear. It’s been a race to see
who can come up with the best board and I think we
as a sport are really close. I guess I can say over the
years it’s been a compliment when world class riders
race over to me after a race to see what I was riding
but I’m usually running away to keep my secrets.
My brother and I have had so much fun developing
boards for the races; some have worked some
haven’t, but the process has been memorable.
Right now, Sandy is all about strapless riding and racing.
Photo Josh Anon
What is your favorites style of riding and why?
Strapless wave riding because I like the freedom of
not being locked in.
Is there any particular trick you are working on
and what is the challenge? Strapless back roll on
my surfboard. I keep losing it!
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing
the kiteboarding industry? Safety! The industry
seems to be focusing more on performance
than safety.
What is something about you that you do outside of
kiteboarding that most people wouldn’t know?
I don’t do much outside of kiteboarding anymore but
most people don’t know I have owned horses my
whole life and still do. But no, I don’t ride anymore.
What is your most memorable kiteboarding
experience? Winning the US Nationals in 2009. The
US Nationals in Texas was the most challenging
and exciting race I have been a part of. It was so
close between myself and the other female riders
throughout the whole competition. It was seconds
between each of us as we would pass through the
finish line.
Lightwind
Specific
Zephyr 17m
Ozone’s new light wind specific kite is designed for gentle
breezes and delivers the same superior handling, power,
feel and control as you’ve come to expect from Ozone.
You Ride
They Watch
Any words of wisdom you want to share? Go
What tips can you share that will help a rider
out and kite! If you are starting to get bored try
• Tight radius turn = great pop/fun.
when first getting into racing? Practice going
something new. If you’re not sure what to try, take a
• No Pulleys for direct handling and safety.
upwind and when your legs are burning, keep
lesson. A good instructor will get you stoked on the
You Laugh
• Easy relaunch.
going. Get comfortable riding very close to other
sport again. All instructors enjoy advanced lessons
• Huge wind range, 6 - 20 knots. (No Shit!)
They Cry
kiters and practice riding downwind as fast as
as it gets them out on the water too. A saying my
• One pump.
possible. When you crash, tuck and roll and try to Who have been your major influences in the sport? brother always says is, “If your kite is not wet you
• Below bar 100% flag out safety system.
keep going.
My brother Donny Parker.
are not trying hard enough.”
www.flyozoneusa.com
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