Most Influential Girl Kitesurfer

The top female contributor to kiteboarding in 2011

The Girls As all kitesurfers know, the number of guys doing the sport far exceeds the girls. And as competition finalist Kari Schibevaag knows, kitesurfing is soon to "take over the water sport industry." This makes it especially important that women are encouraged to try kitesurfing – not just so men have something to look at, but so the sport continues to grow in popularity and professionalism – and hence the need to recognise the world’s most influential female kitesurfers. The ten nominees are listed alphabetically below. Clementine Bonzom Julia Brown (right) Lucila Alexandre Dupey Laurel Eastman Audrey Meyer Kari Schibevaag Christine Sleichter Michelle Smith (far right) Davina Stephens Sandrine Roussos Werner

The Competition

With over four thousand votes, inMotion’s Most Influential Girl Kitesurfer was a massive competition. Narrowed down to ten girls with extraordinary commitment and contribution to the sport, it was also a fierce contest. Up for grabs was a membership on Hookit and sponsorship packages from Fuel Clothing and Litewave Kiteboards, not to mention the reputation of holding the "Most Influential" title.


The goods: sweet prizes from quality kitesurfing brands.

Interviews in which the girls explained their passion for kiteboarding were provided on inMotion’s website. Some saw the future of the sport involving the "[discovery of] more great kitesurfing locations" and "better safety" equipment while others thought it would bring "mental and psychic benefits." Every nominee, however, had done their best to encourage and promote the sport in local communities and to the world.

Laurel Eastman co-founded a kiteboarding charity for kids, Audrey Meyer created a well-being kitesurfing retreat and Julia Brown helped Jamaican children get into the sport. But none of these women won the competition.

The Winner

Taking almost 25% of the votes, Kari Schibevaag was finally deemed the most influential female kitesurfer of 2011 and the winner of the competition. From Stavanger, Norway, Kari has won world titles in both kitesurfing and snowkiting. She now enjoys spending most of her time on the waves and has subsequently had huge success in running her kitesurfing camps for girls. As an enthusiastic kiter that spreads positivity for the sport, Kari is very deserving of the 2011 influential award.





Ironically, though, Kari was influenced into the sport not by an individual but by viewing some kitesurfing pictures she thought "looked cool." Getting started was a challenge for her because her small size made it difficult to manage a large kite and board. Fortunately Norway’s waters were favourable and after hours of practice and a trip to Brazil Kari gained the motivation she needed to get seriously into kitesurfing.



She has strong-minded ambitions for the future. "I hope I can keep on doing camps for [men and women of all ages] in both waves and freestyle. I also hope I can compete in the PKRA for many more years and maybe manage to stay at the top." Check out the full interview with Kari on inMotion Kitesurfing.

Overall Results

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th

Kari Schibevaag Audrey Meyer Sandrine Roussos Werner Michelle Smith Lucila Alexandre Dupey (right) Christine Sleichter Davina Stephens Julia Brown Laurel Eastman Clementine Bonzom (far right)

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