You’ve been shredding it at your local kite spot, pushing your level, and landing some new tricks. Life as a kite girl is awesomeee! So why aren’t you competing?
I know what you’re thinking: “Everyone else is sooo good. I’m probably not going to win, so why compete and suffer an embarrassing loss?” I get you, girl. Those are the exact thoughts that ran through my head.
We all have fears of not being good enough. We know we shouldn’t because we are badass kite girls but we do. Let me tell you a secret… You don’t have to win to have a good time!
Smack those fears across the face and get on the water. Because you won’t learn if you don’t try.
Here’s why you need to be first in line to register for your next local or amateur kite competition:
Every challenge is an opportunity to learn
My first ever competition was the Jerry’s Big Air Event in Cape Town, South Africa. I was so nervous and scattered that I missed the start of my heat by a few minutes. I literally placed last. Whoops. I’m so happy I got that first experience out of the way.
My second comp was the South African Kitesurfing Association Freestyle event where I again missed my heat start (get it together, Crystal!!) and was so focused on trying to land some tricks that I didn’t have any fun. Needless to say, I lost that heat. In my second heat, I said “screw it!”
Went for it, threw in some silly grabs, added some style to my transitions, and came off the water smiling from ear to ear. I felt the stoke, and I guess the judges felt it too because I had enough points to win 1st in Women’s Am!
Biggest lesson I learned? Have fun. No matter the results, it’s worth the experience.
You’ll get some sweet swag
Who doesn’t love freebies? Kite competitions are typically sponsored by some great kite brands and awesome local companies. Competitors often get shirts, hats, tasty food, or rash guards just for competing! It’s a lot of fun to put on an event shirt and think: I was there, and it was awesome.
Kite friends are the best friends!
This weekend, I competed in the Bridge of the Gods Kitefest in the Women’s Amateur division. When I showed up and saw the ladies that I’d be up against including the super talented Kenzie Carlstrom, Savannah Boersma, and Issy von Zastrow I reconsidered signing up. These girls were legit.
But like I said, you won’t learn if you don’t try. So I signed up and got to ride with 9 other badass kite girls from the USA. High fives were happening left and right, girls were rescuing boards for each other, everyone was cheering everyone else on, and we all got to share our failures and successes as a group.
These girls are amazing and I can’t wait to ride and train with them. I would not have made those connections without participating in the event.
Crystal Vennes in Hood River
Issy von Zastrow in Hood River
Kenzie Carlstrom in Hood River
Uhh... you might actually win?
You will never know the taste of sweet victory or feel the burn of champagne in your eyes if you don’t put yourself in the running. So go for it. It might be a climb, it might be a journey, but you will never forget the memories made, the experiences gained, and the fun you had.
And when you do end up on that podium… it feels damn good!
Written by: Crystal Vennes
Cover photo: Jim Stringfellow
