Laurel Eastman, Cabarete kitesurfing

by Laurel Eastman
(Part 2)

Click here to read Part 1 of the interview
Why Kite school?
It was never really my plan to open a kite school, the opportunity presented itself and after some gentle coaxing I took it. Best thing I have done, it was a leap for me (way out of my comfort zone) but it has worked out beautifully and I strongly encourage everyone to be very aware of the things life presents to you and even if they are a bit scary or half crazy to just go for them.
When did you open the school?
July 2003

What gave you the inspiration to start it?
My biggest inspiration in the kite school was and continues to be my friend and fellow competitor Silke Gordlt. Silke was a gorgeous, stunningly beautiful - tall, blond, strong, smiling woman. She died in a kiteboarding competition in her home country (Germany) in 2002. This was before kites that de-power and before quick releases were standard. When I was thinking about my involvement in my sport and where I wanted to go with it I came back to her many times over and I realized that if I can help make kiteboarding a safer sport, help people get into the right way, learn how to practice safely - then I can serve her spirt and honor her. She loved kiting so much.

Music?
Yes! I am totally addicted to my ishuffle. I like that I can take it everywhere so easily. I like a weird mix of music, lots of classic stuff like Bob Dylan, Tom Petty.....some classic country like Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline.......disco......I love songs that bring back memories......then I like some more modern mellow artists like Jack Johnson of course, Manu Chao, Ben Harper, and left over from my teenage years I still love Operation Ivy, Mighty Mighty Bostones, Offspring....I love Frank Sinatra and also some harder rock like classic Guns and Roses and AC/DC....its a wierd mix, like I said.

Interested in..?
Life, sustainability, local food, culture, tradition, fun, adventure, people, my Chihuhua Peter Pan, learning, reading books like crazy, business, global economics, human rights, equality, fasincating conversation, dancing, travel, technology.....and a lot more.....
Food?
Fresh tropical fruit, avacodos off the tree, sushi
Heroes?
The TV show? I love that program.....my favorite is Hiro Nakamoura - I would like to be able to bend the time/space continuim and I love his optimistic positive spirit......real alive people that are my Heros - Barack Obama - when I am overwhelmed with life and work I think about him and the courage he had to take on the mess in the states and also the meaning behind having a black man as president...

Favorite kitesurfing spots for you?
Cabarete Bay reef at sunset
Places you have been kiting at...
Wow.....ok.....New Zealand, Australia, Ohau, Molokai, Maui, Hood River, Corpus Christi TX, Florida, Dominican Republic, Cuba, St Martin, St Croix, Isla Margarita, Coche, all over Brazil, England, France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Fiji, Tonga, Rarotonga, Mexico.....
How long have you been kitesurfing?
this is year 9

Why kitesurfing?
It's silly and fun and provides adreleline and the chance to disconnect from normal life, reconnect with nature and forces greater than ourselves.
What does your family think of this?
They love it and are very envious - but I know they wish I could come home more often!
What does this sport mean to you?
Kiteboarding has given me so much, its been my life for almost a decade - imagine, it means the world to me. If I can give a little bit back, light a spark of interest in someone, be a role-model or a mentor or just an inspiration than I am fulfilled.

Favorite tricks?
I don't really do any freestyle, just ride some small waves and try to smile a lot when I am kiting.
What does this sport demand of you?
Interesting question - kiteboarding is pretty low maintence as far as being demanding. I am lucky because I live and work in a great place so I don't have to travel and if its windy I can just rig up and in 5 mins I am kiting. I guess one thing kiting demands (and its very recommended to give it) is a lot of respect to the power. I learned that a long time ago and now I am very conservative and practical - safety is paramount.

Have you ever been in an accident?
Yes and I highly recommend for everyone to stay far, far, far away from trees.
Vision...you wishes for the future….
I am excited about the development of the sport, having been inside almost since the beginning its really exciting to see the progress and the changes. I am very happy about the work that IKO is doing to create standards and I think their vision is a great one and we are blessed to have them helping our industry. My wishes for the future would be that we do indeed get kiting into the Olympics in 2016 and that every year we get safer, more organized, more respectful of other beach goers, and maintain access to our launches and beaches.
Click here to read Part 1 of the interview