Ryan Toaspern Kitesurfing Maui

by Ryan Toaspern
(Maui, Hawaii)

Ryan Toaspern Kitesurfing Maui interview:

Your age? 24 years old (B-day is 7/16/84)

Where are you from?
Grew up in NY on Keuka Lake, Currently living on Maui

Any kite sponsors? Who?
Sponsered by Royal Kiteboarding

Life occupation besides kite...
I was an Air Traffic Control but decided to follow a different path and work for Royal now as the US rep, R&D and some photo work

Music? Lately been listening to Ratatat, Tokyo Police Club, Pendulum, Puscifer and You Are Not Dead.

Interested in..? Photography, other watersports, Designing stuff with CAD.

Food?
Depends where I'm at. In FL I love to hit up Jimmy Johns and Pizza Rustica. Back on Maui Chicken Katsu, Mahi Burger or take a trip to Haiku and get an Upcountry bacon cheeseburger.

Favorite kitesurfing spots for you?
Maui ranks pretty high but if the conditions line up in FL theres Matanzas and the Keys

Places you have been kiting at...
All over Florida, Some random spots on the East Coast and of course Hawaii

How long have you been kitesurfing? 5years

What does your family think of this?
They're pretty supportive, My Dad was a windsurfer in his 20's and for me its kitesurfing.

What does this sport mean to you?
Its a means of escape from the grind.

Favorite tricks?
Megaloops... There is nothing like it. I paid my dues in crashes and have them down pretty smooth and its just a sick feeling when you nail it.

What does this sport demand of you?
I really don't feel like kiting is a demand. It gives me more than I could've ever asked for.

Have you ever been in an accident?
Had a few bad crashes. Most involved kiteloops gone wrong or big waves holding me under. I've been pinned under twice and will never forget those moments where you just can't get to the surface and the kite is pulling you back underwater. Riding outer breaks in the winter here is awesome ad really teaches you that mother nature is in control. I definitely have a huge respect for the ocean.

Vision...you wishes for the future…
I really just want to see everyone enjoy themselves. Lately theres a lot of BS about what is "cool" and its total crap. Everyone enjoys this sport differently and thats the beauty of kiteboarding. Its not limited to one style. The people who don't care about the hype are the ones who are really pushing the sport.