We remember first seeing Greta in photos from the PKRA in Marsala in 2013 and thinking who on earth is the owner of such amazing hair. Sine then we have watched her progress and rise up the ranks and when our paths crossed in Morocco we knew it was time to introduce you to Greta Menardo.
KSm: Hi Greta, can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?
GM: Ciao, I was born in Milan in May 1998 and I live in Lodi, a little town near Milan. I am a sophomore in high school (Liceo Classico Pietro Verri) in Lodi. I am a normal teenager, I love friends, music; I adore travelling… therefore, I enjoy my life!
KSm: Wow, you are still very young (and making us feel old), so what was it that got you interested in kite surfing?
GM: Since I was very young I always loved action sports. I started skiing and snowboarding when I was 4 years old and I also played ice hockey… I was basically a Tomboy! In summer 2006 I saw some photos of kitesurfers on my mum’s computer, I decided then and there that I wanted to be a Kitesurfer! I am able to be very “persuasive” with my parents who decided to help me realise my dream. It wasn’t easy to find a school that would accept a little girl, but finally David Calzamatta in Talamone said yes. I flew my first kite when I was 8 and the following year I was able to kitesurf! It was a wonderful moment and I have not stopped since then!
KSm: You did a stage of last years PKRA tour and we have already seen you in Morocco this year …how have you found this experience on the main stage of competition kiting?
GM: My first experience in PKRA was in Marsala in 2013, it was really exciting, I had the possibility to meet all my heroes and experience their life! I remember I was very happy but also afraid, everybody supported me and I immediately felt accepted into the group.
My favourite event remains Fuerteventura in July 2013. Everything was perfect, strong wind conditions, a magic atmosphere between the riders and a professional but encouraging relationship with the judges… fantastic! The riders are professional athletes, during the competition they are very focussed and serious, but they change completely when the competition is finished – they are crazy! PKRA riders are a group of friends, they all come from different parts of the world and they respect and support each other. They can joke, laugh, comfort and help … this is the most moving thing I’ve learned.
KSm: We also met your father recently who travels often with you. How has his presence been helpful to keep you focussed and motivated and pointing in the right direction?
GM: Since the beginning my parents have supported the pursuit of my passion. They supported me in every way, spending summers in windy places and eating up the miles during the weekends so I could train with the great Stefano Maselli. My mother follows me in training and my father in competition. They are really important to me, they know how to motivate me when I am feeling lazy and to comfort me when I am feeling down. They are my main trainers (and sponsors) ?
KSm: How hard do you find it to balance between education and school versus just thinking about kitesurfing all the time and training for competitions?
GM: Difficult question: You can imagine how I feel when I am kiteboarding with my friends on a sunny and windy day one moment and the next one I am sitting at a desk at school listening to a boring lesson! My parents were clear: they will support me in every way but I must finish the high school with good results! Then I will decide about my future, I can study and kite where I want. It will be easy to find a good university near a beach with strong wind and flat water won’t it?
Winter training is the biggest problem, I live far away from the sea and I don’t have the possibility to practice kitesurfing. This means that my growth is slower than I want, but I am young enough to still have a chance to do everything in time!
KSm: Do you think that the competition side of the sport for you has taken some of the fun and enjoyment away from kitesurfing or do you like the greater challenge?
GM: I like the challenge, without it I wouldn’t be able to find the right reasons to improve myself. Competition is fun!
KSm: You ride for Switch kites alongside Marc Jacobs, how did this come about and how much have they helped and supported you on your journey?
GM: Marc is simply great! It is a pleasure to watch his performances in strong wind. In the beginning I was a little bit shy but now he is a good friend of mine. He is able to make me laugh with his jokes, but he is also always ready to give advice to me about the settings of my kite. I feel really supported by him, I feel I am part of a team!
With Switch Kites, they contacted me after Fuerteventura event last year and we got together in September. At the very beginning I was honoured and eager to embrace this new experience but my english is not great and I did not know how to handle the expectations of my new sponsor. Fortunately everything went perfectly. Susie from Switch is fantastic! She helped me to understand what my responsibilities are and she constantly supported me with enthusiasm – she always says that I’m like a daughter! I also received strong support from the technical team, together we decided on the right gear for my riding style and they are always interested in my feedback and opinions. I’m really happy with our relationship, I hope they are happy too!
KSm: Having a public profile at such a young age can be difficult when you feel everyone is always watching to see how you perform, …how do you cope with the pressure?
GM: I don’t really feel strong pressure with regards my public profile. I am happy and proud when my followers like my photos or comments, or when my sponsors publish something about me on their website or social networks but I don’t want to become a slave to my public image, I’m not obsessed with the number of followers and “likes”. I love appreciation and I accept compliments, I like people who like me!
KSm: What other sports do you do, …and how important do you think it is to practice other sports in balance with kiting?
GM: Since last year I practiced athletics and gymnastics but not with priority over my kiting activity. In October 2013 I started a training program aimed to increase my flexibility and my muscle mass. I spent one evening per week in the gym and one on a climbing wall. I also love to snowboard but now kitesurfing is in pole position! Maybe in the future I will also get into snow-kiting.
KSm: Do you still have time for boys and parties and all the other things most 15 years olds are doing?
GM: Yes, but it is better not to give too much information on that! ?
KSm: You are fast becoming known not only for your kiting but also for you beautiful looks and amazing hair, …so you must have some secret tips for the girls on protecting your hair against the sun and sea?
GM: I am lucky because I don’t need to pay special attention to my hair and my skin – just a good shampoo, hair conditioner and body cream is all I need.
KSm: How would you describe your fashion and style off the water?
GM: I am not sure how to describe my style! I follow the current fashion trends but sometimes I like to dress in vintage sweaters and sweatshirts of my parents (oversized!). Most importantly I try to be myself, always.
KSm: Other than your father ;) – what other essential travel items do you always have with you?
GM: Toothbrush, iPhone, a book and a credit card (if my father is not available ?)
KSm: What plans do you have for the future in terms of competition and other events you are doing?
GM: I plan to participate in the PKRA event in Germany, the KTE in Germany, the Italian Championships and a kitesurf camp in Egypt.
KSm: Finally, as is custom we give you to the chance to close the interview with any words of advice, wisdom or thanks …as you wish …
GM: I am not able to express my feelings with the right words, so I will borrow from Jason Mraz to summarize my lifestyle with these words:
“Living in the moment?Living my life?Easy and breezy?With peace in my mind?With peace in my heart?With peace in my soul?Wherever I’m going,?I’m already home”
Dedicated to all my friends and people who follow me, wishing peace in their mind, in their heart and in their soul!
Thank you…. Grazie!
