Annie Carrier is a 24 year old, Quebec - based pro kiteboarder who is sponsored by BEST kiteboarding, GoPro, Dakine, June swimwear, Kiteforce and OuiKite. She just dropped her new video edit, Endless Summer, which documents her last season kiting and surfing - and it's been getting a great reception. We got a chance to sit down and ask her a few questions in the hopes of getting to know this talented young lady a bit better. Enjoy!
(Oh yeah, this interview was totally Google Translated from it's original French. Deal with it ... the interns are off today!)
At the age of 17 years. My father, my brother and I were windsurfers for 5 years then my brother and my father decided to make the big switch (switch windsurfing to kiting) 1 year before me. It was them who taught me to kite.
Do you remember your first experience of kite? If so, how did it go? This was where?
Yes, as if it was yesterday. My father decided to teach me the kite itself at Cape Hatteras (bad idea!). So I took possession of the kite and I pulled hard on one side of the bar which almost led me into the forest. We then pulled conclusion that I had to take a course. Kiting is a sport that can be dangerous if we do not take over. Kiteforce to Montreal takes good care of people who want to start!
Ah it's good to know! So, despite your first try a little scary, what charmed you kite to continue to evolve and become pro in this sport?
It is the feeling of freedom. We can go anywhere, anytime. The vibe is very cool , the kite industry is still very small so everyone knows everyone! All kiters in the world are passionate about it, so it's very easy to make friends when traveling. The learning curve is very fast too, it is not impossible to start jumping during your first months of training!
It is still encouraging for beginners. Before we get where you are today, you probably had to endure some nasty crashes . How did you keep at it and never quit?
This is sure to progress must fall, drinking tons of nasty salty water. I 've never seen as a defeat but a step towards the goal. The pleasure must always be because when it is no longer there, that's where the frustration comes in the mail. (Editors note: Thank you google translate for that hilarious translation!)
Have your family and your loved ones always encouraged to continue your your career, despite the possible injuries that can be caused by this sport?
They are my biggest supporters. I am fortunate to have an athletic family and a father who was the same as me in his youth so it goes better when I announced that I go all summer and often travel . It is not common to finish a BA and decide to take the year to travel. I am very happy that my parents approve my choices.
Seen in Endless summer you also do surfing (go girl!). What other sports do you do?
Sports are part of my life ever since. I practice karate, golf, skateboarding, snowboarding , skiing, wakeboarding, and many others. These are the sports that helped me get through my school life.
Wow! You do not really have time to be bored. Do you have female athletes who inspire you?
There are several female athletes who inspire me. Lakey Peterson is an example of determination and perseverance (she has just released a documentary), there Alana Blanchard and kiteboardeuse world champion in freestyle pro team BEST kiteboarding Gisela Pulido and also the Williams sisters for their journey.
You are sponsored by June Swimwear. Yay! It takes an awesome body to land a sponsor of this kind. How do you do to stay fit? What's your training plan ?
My training is different depending on the season . The summer I surf and I kite 100 % of my time so I'm always active . When I 'm back in Quebec, I do karate 2 times a week. I recommend the sport to anyone because it helps to stay in shape and also it is a very good school of life. Karate helps the body and mind (determination, perseverance, discipline and concentration).
To return to Endless Summer, how was your trip? Where did you go ? What were your highlights?
Endless Summer is the result of my travels in 2013. Everything was filmed with my GoPro 3 Black Edition. I went with the team to BEST Kiteboarding Turks and Caicos and the team OuiKite destination was the Caribbean (St. Martin, Barbuda, St Barts , Antigua ) . I also surfed with the family of my boyfriend , Seb Chartrand , Mexico to end the traditional trip to Cape Hatteras. All times are unforgettable but OuiKite trip on a sailboat 54 feet long (http://www.ouikite.ca/on-board-with-ouikite-ca.html) was crazy in the head! Benjamin Rochette as filmmaker, no need to tell you how the final result is sick. The team, spots, boat, etc. Everything was perfect.
Do you have any plans for next summer? Another Endless Summer?
My plans for next year are clear: I want to explore the world, surfing and kiting. I'll spend one month in Puerto Rico in Januar , California in February and for the rest, I'll see where life will take me, but definitely Cape Hatteras for next summer. I invite you to like my athlete page on Facebook to follow my adventures!
