Date of birth:
1983.06.21
Hometown:
Häädemeeste, Estonia
Sponsors:
Surfhouse, Romp,
Hobbies:
Surf, snowkite, SUP, snowboard, figure skate, wakeboard, cable park
Favourite athletes:
Courtney Conlogue

BIO

I was born in a little seaside village in Estonia and I grew up spending most of my time in nature. Although I was very sporty in school I never tried any extreme sports. When I was 23 I discovered kiteboarding, it wasn’t very big in Estonia at that time but I was completely fascinated by the fact that you can fly so high with the wind.

"Triina Trei"

I immediately wanted to learn and my first tries were actually on the snow with a kite and the snowboard. Some years later I was already competing fanatically in Estonia and winning my championship titles.

Since winters are very long and windless here and snowboarding just didn’t satisfy my needs, I decided to become a kite instructor and spend my winters in windier locations. Ever since I have been travelling and sharing my passion all around the world. I really love the vast opportunities this sport offers!


INTERVIEW

What are you looking for to accomplish?

World peace! Haha maybe that’s too much, on a more moderate scale just peace in myself. Having the courage and confidence to walk my own path. Being happy and continuing my carefree lifestyle by travelling and not being too attached to material values.

"Triina Trei"

Life really gets whole lot simpler when you are not tied down with mortgages, car leases and all sorts of contracts!

What would be your greatest achievement?

I would say my greatest achievement was picking up kiteboarding 8 years ago and getting myself out from that black hole I was falling to. I would say it literally saved my life.

From there on I started competing, became Estonian champion for two consecutive years and then made my instructor license which allowed me to escape Estonia and see the world. I think kiteboarding changed my life drastically and I am so happy about it. 

"Triina Trei"

What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?

I think the trickiest part is to have patience for the weather. Kiteboarding depends solely on the wind and especially here in the north, where I live, sometimes you have to wait for weeks for a wind breeze. It can get quite frustrating. That’s why we have to move around constantly to fuel our passion.

"Triina Trei"

What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?

Kiteboarding truly is a magical sport, it gives your mind and body all the necessary stimulation. It’s like a playful workout! Five hours on the water and you don’t even notice it. All of your muscles get a lot of action, without pumping any weights. Your endorphins and adrenaline boost up like crazy. It’s a wonderful feeling on the water! Never gets boring.

"Triina Trei"

Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?

Like I always say to my students, kiteboarding is not a team sport. So basically in the water we are always alone. Especially here in my homespot Häädemeeste, we hardly have any other riders.

Although I do prefer kiting with other people because it gives another level to your riding. It’s fun to learn together and motivate each other on the water. Times without wind I spend with other sports, cycling, running, swimming, trampoline etc.

What do you do during your training which is key to your success?

I always found it hard to just concentrate on one style and one trick. Kiteboarding offers so much freedom with disciplines and I hate to be stuck and confined. I like to mix it up.

"Triina Trei"

Give me whatever board and wind I will perform! When I am having trouble with one discipline and trick I just convert to another. I used to mix twintip freestyle with strapless surfboard freestyle and it worked wonders for me. Changes the perspective of thinking.

What are you most nervous about when competing?

Recently I do competitions just for fun and I’m not so stressed about them anymore. It really takes a load off when you get rid of those high expectations put on you by others or by yourself. With kiteboarding competitions also the luck plays an important role and you constantly wish it to be on your side.

Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?

I would say my biggest fan is my friend Tom. He was the one who got me hooked with kiteboarding and he has been supporting me ever since.

"Triina Trei"

What is the best piece of advice you have been ever given?

If you stop stressing about money and future, abundance will come!

What are your future plans?

My future plans include a lot of travelling. I really like the challenges it offers! To show up in a random place on the other side of the world, without knowing anyone or anything. Not even speaking the language. To survive in different worlds or cultures and learn from it.

"Triina Trei"

What are your tips for those who begin now?

Kiteboarding is the best thing that will ever happen to you!

"Triina Trei"