Bret Sullivan
/
Florida USA
FOLLOW ME
www.HopeLeVin.com
Date of birth:
1993.03
Hometown:
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
Sponsors:
Naish Kiteboarding,
Big Blue Unlimited,
Visit TCI,
Blue Surf Shop,
Hobbies:
Adventuring
Favourite athletes:
My Naish and Big Blue teammates :)
BIO
A true island girl, I grew up in the Turks & Caicos on the island of Providenciales. I first saw kiteboarding for when I was nine years old and began learning when I was eleven. Over ten years later I am still as much in love with it as I was at the beginning and have been blessed with the opportunity to travel, compete and represent my sponsors through this amazing sport.
INTERVIEW
What are you looking to accomplish?
Even though I’m constantly pushing myself while training, I’m not trying to be the best kiteboarder out there. I simply want the best ambassador for my sponsors.
What would be your greatest achievement?
Hopefully I haven’t envisioned it yet!
What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?
There are quite a few hard things to work around. Physically the landings back on the water can be hard on the knees. This year to prevent injury I’ve started regularly doing fitness training with Glow TCI.
Since starting this I’ve felt a lot more stability in my legs. Being in the sun a lot is also hard, so I use this new mineral powder sunscreen from Colorescience which is natural and works really well.
What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?
Inspiring others to learn kiting. I’ve only known the sport to have a positive effect on people. The other day I was at the beach and a tourist asked me about learning to kite. I then saw him taking lessons for the next few days and it was so cool! He looked really happy.
Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?
Kiting can be a sole sport, so I like riding away from the normal busy spot on the beach and riding alone or with just one or two other riders.
What do you do during your training which is key to your success?
My Naish gear is a big part of my success! But I think I’d say I try and have fun. I find as soon as you concentrate it’s too easy to start over thinking tricks, crashing and getting super frustrated.
The best is if someone watches and has one small correction at a time to improve.
What are you most nervous about when competing?
I’m not a competitive person so it’s not something I really enjoy to be honest. But I think the worst thing is when you’re in a competition and crash a trick that is normally second nature. It’s a pretty bad feeling!
Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?
My Mother and family!
What is the best piece of advice you have been ever given?
It’s not about having opportunities, it’s about recognizing opportunities.
What are your future plans?
I plan to keep travelling and competing in 2015. I have quite a few story ideas I want to work on. Then I need to start organizing Windvibes 2015 for July 5th.
It’s the TCI’s only kiteboarding and combined watersports competition that I’ve been organizing for nearly a decade. This will be the 9th year.
What are your tips for those who begin now?
Just begin! Kiting takes a few days and a little patience and resilience to learn, but once you ride upwind for the first time it’s the best feeling ever!
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