Jemma Grobbelaar kitesurfing, Cape Town, South Africa

by Jemma Grobbelaar
(Cape Town, South Africa)

Where are you from? Cape Town South Africa
 
Your age? 18
 
Where did you grow up? I grew up on a farm inland in South Africa close to Lesotho.
 
Any kite sponsors? Who? Flexifoil International team, Lizzy surf, Dakine, Arnette, Derevko, Ossur Cti, Island Tribe
 
Special achievements...? 4th overall PKRA Speed 2008
 
Life occupation besides kite... I kite surf professionally but do a little art, violin playing and writing in my spare time!
 
Music? Jason Miraz, Jurassic 5, Fat Freddys Drop, T.I, Lil Wayne, Goldfish, The Dirty Skirts… I like abit of anything really! Anything that means something to me, holds memories or something with a sick beat!

 
Food? I love thai food- anything with chilli and cashew nuts in!
 
Heroes? Jimi Hendrix and Sjoukje
 
Favorite kitesurfing spots for you? Strand in the Western Cape, SA. Also Rhosneigr in Anglesey. North Wales
 
Places you have been kiting at... Dominican Republic, Greece, Fuerteventura, England, Scotland, South Africa, Seychelles, France, Germany, Namibia

 
How long have you been doing this? 3 years
 
Why kitesurfing? I am addicted to the adrenaline rush. The freedom it gives you is immense. You feel totally liberated and free to think when you are out at sea. Its my passion!
 
What does your family think of this? My family are supporting me 100% I learnt how to kite surf with my dad and my mom is learning!

 
What does this sport mean to you? When I travel I meet such amazing people and learn so much. The sport opens doors for people. You meet people from all walks of life!

 
Favorite tricks? I love doing really powered moves. Loops,jumps, raileys and spins my favourite!
 
What does this sport demand of you? You need to be 100% dedicated when you are learning new tricks. You have to believe that you can do it! Just go for it!
Have you ever been in an accident? Yes, I smashed my knee in Blouberg, Cape Town. I did a backloop kiteloop and landed straight bang into a wave about to brake! Tore my cross ligament, meniscus, mcl and pcl ligaments! I was out for 8 months! But now I wear a Ossur Cti Pro Sport knee brace which works brilliantly and without it I wouldn’t be where I am today!

 
Vision...you wishes for the future I want to be the first woman to break 50 knots. The most important though is to have fun and enjoy it out there. Kiting with friends is the best! I have a friend called Luke, a ripping kiter kid, and we just go out there and pretend that we are dancing in the waves. Loads of laughing, boosting high, grabs and kite loops equals an epic session!