MARILOU LAVALLÉE Professional Kiteboarder

I'm Here! Feelin Fine

2011-12-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

I've receive a few mails and note saying: 'Where are you?' Brazil, Hawaii, Canada? we don't know anymore...

Well, I'm HERE doing fine! Thank you! I'm lucky enough to be moving around the globe in the way I feel like (wow, this is great!), but what I'm experimenting more and more is: no matter where you are, you always have to be there, here!

Philosophical? Naaa, just traveling with a little bit more sensitivity I would say. This actually transform my travels into deeper moments. Sort of a every day Feelin Good moment!

But with all this, I guess you still want to know, what I've been up to???

First week in Brazil was about Connecting
Time for myself. Kiting my rhythm, alone but in the same time extremely well surrounded, enjoying every details of Brazil (tranquility, surf, salt, wind, kite, new food, new people, love of the place). Real holidays from myself for myself! Plus, there was not much tourist yet, so everything was very slow. Like I like. Even, no alcohol for me. This came really naturally. I don't drink much but -you know, I have french roots, so red wine can easily be part of my habits. Just lots of well being ...

This is while learning how to cook leaving food (leaving food), check out the Chef's blog, Luciano. Amazingly interesting! Didn't I looked so happy, mashing up the fresh veggies?

Than my family came
Rhythm moved a bit. They showed me there real french roots! Everyone came to practice or learn kitesurfing. My father to improve is skills, my brother to 'show off' a bit (no, just kidding Guillaume!), his girlfriend and my mother to get initiated. My mother already had some experience with a trainer kite, after saying for many years that she would never ever touch a kite, at 54 years old: she got hooked! How amazing is this! The week felt a bit to short to improve as much as everyone wanted, (Isn't like that quiet often?). Nonetheless, everyone seems to had a very unique time. It was also very special for myself, to have the chance to share this part of my life, this rhythm- with the people I love the most on earth. I could see how my parents where grateful for this opportunity, they really live for a moment in a space where time stopped and where life itself takes another meaning.

Behind the buggy with my mother, doing a special exploring tour before getting to the beach. When time is yours... when wind is always there... there is no hurry to be.

Than... It was time for another episode.

The girls together, Fortaleza-Brazil

After my parents left, yes it was time to welcome my girlfriends! Tranquility was ... definitely about to be left aside!!! Well to BE balance isn't as well to experiment both side of it and to know what you are doing? So, we did a bit more of the city, a trip to Ilha do guajiro, learning Fohjo dance, few but sincerely just a very few nights out because once again: the focus was to have a good time the girls together and (of course) Kiting!!! We where up very early to be the first one in the lagoon. What else can I say...

There is much to say, but at the end, after meeting up with my family, girlfriends, so many other friends that I love and the CORE guys- who I love very very much as well- and kiting which is the best tool I found to get balance, so I got it back, my owe balance. And somehow, after all that, I had the feeling it was time for another call. So I packed my bag and, surprising everyone, I came back home, happy and peaceful...

It's still open doors, everything is possible, will see what's gonna be the next NOW.

This trip, was an amazing journey. I'm very thankful to everyone who was part of it! Brazil definitely have a high ranking in my heart. Plus, this one experience was so full of learning that I cam back with a new goal: Keeping my balance, no matter who comes in!

Kitesurfing isn't just a way of travelling, it's one endless way of learning life,

CÖRE CRÜE

2011-11-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

Hey Hey... check out the latest article from CORENATION @ corenation.net
... CÖRE CRÜE Teamwatch IN Brazil

The Brazilian Dream...

2011-11-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

One more time, the Brazilian Dream...

Even if I have always preach that I love to discovered new spots and I prefer to visit new destinations, I would be a BIG LIAR if I'm not telling you how happy I am to be here:
Right here in Loco Cumbuco!!

I can actually said that I've missed the vibe here. Every trip is different, but I know each have bought me some incredible experiences with so much fun, kitesurf & new friends. Except, so far never quiet enough wisdom... Will see witch would be the result or transformation of this journey this time in Brazil.

Return is schedule 2 months later, but to speak the truth, PLANS are all really open. I have the chance to say: Will see... so I just say it: 'Let's see'...

To keep you reading before my next post, here is one of the latest article published in the CORENATION : From the Riders for the Riders.. I like to say. On this one, you will learn how I got started in competitions and some of the *lost baggage experiences you get confront to, while travelling...
So safe trip and
As we say it here: Até logo!

Little WRAP UP

2011-10-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

Just a quick one! It seems I forgot to writte about my fabulous (like always) experience and time in Germany. It is never to late (only a month later, this is not so bad, we should not forget that deep inside, I am a true surfer- witch means: sens of time can be different sometimes!) Hihi, that is a good excuse hein!

Well, easiest will be for you to surf up CORENATION.net and read my latest REVIEW of St-Peter Ording and there you go!

Ho and you have to check out my first interview! So funny!! Plus, Philipp Zach our new CORE International team rider, tells us about. The video is linked in my blog, look up on the VIDEOS section for it.

RIP CURL shopping session!

2011-10-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Like every beginning of the season, I went shopping with Ben and Julie who are my main sponsors for RIP CURL clothing. This always stays a MAGICAL moment, that I never and hopefully never will get use to it (otherwise I'll start to be a full of myself!).

I feel so lucky and it is just so much fun to:
1- To hang out with those two incredible person!
2-To have a look on so much colourful clothes, not even yet in stores...ouou
3-To choose and pick anything I fancy... without counting or calculating anything; just FREE!!!

4- To hear, ' Naaah, just take it!' or 'Do you have enough shorts, bikinis ... ' and 'take a new watch and Ho! one water proof as well'.

Plus, the coolest thing is Julie is not just a top business women she's also super fashionable, wich means that it makes everything easier for me. I just ask her advice and she picks whats gonna look best on me! That is easy life! So yep, this is different than my last post (working with people and schizophrenia disease...).

Very light! But hey, life cannot be just about intense and deep thought :)

So I say Thanks to this magnificent Rip Curl team here in Quebec that I like so much!!!

Leaving Montreal

2011-10-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, finally I've complete my 11 months working in Quebec! It is a mixed of happiness and little bit of soft sadness that is filling me at this moment. Happy and excited because, not that I jut like BEGINNINGS but I totally LOVE them! Beginnings represent for me, new ideas, new challenges... like a new precious chapter that I'm about to read or write in my book.

Essential to say, that all chapters in my life are important. They are what you see in me, basically. It is because of every experiences I lived that I renew myself and that I become what I am. Always different. So for this year, every passionate colleagues and every sincere and lovely clients I meet have helped me become what I am.

I spent my days with clients that have so much to offers. The whole year, I've worked as an occupational therapist with the PACT program (you can read more about schizophrenia and PACT at www.nami.org ). PACT is a service-delivery model that provides comprehensive, locally based treatment to people with serious and persistent mental illnesses.

Empowerment, in all is meaning, was in the centre of every intervention. Clients have helped me learn a lot about there strength even with schizophrenia disease, witch I've also discovered a lot about. I think I've probably seen as 'special places' as I use to do, but instead of being on the sunny side of it (like dreaming places I've visit during the past 5 years) this time I experiment the other side of it - the shadow. Places you would think that NO HUMAN could or should leave in. Conditions or injustice you would not think that can happen in a civilize and industrialize society and community such as Montreal. Let's just say that the word 'perspective' took another sens for me this year.

I am very thankful for all the wisdom and perspective I had gain this year!
But, I can also feel it is time to pursue my road. Important things (things that I have choose as my priority in life) has been missing such as sports, nature and feeling of freedom. I like to feel free to move my schedule. Working in a program for an hospital doesn't allow me to be as free as I need. I still haven't learn to be in 4 doors... I can do it, for a moment, but not for to long....

So now, it's time to start a NEW moment!!

Clinics with Ocarina: Brazillll

2011-08-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

Brazzzzzzzzzillll, is there any better place to improve your kite skills? I've been there more than 5 times now. Staying for months every time, and I still think Brazil is one of the best kite location in the world for providing constant wind everyday, sun and warmth of the Brazilian culture. Premiere destination for pro-kitesurfer for good training and to produce photo-videos etc. If you haven't seen it yet, you have to try it at least once in your life! The scene is amazing. Ocarina production is now offering clinics over there in October. To registered, just write a mail at
info@ocarinakitesurf.com
I am more than happy to participate with them, witch means: I'll be out there with you guys to show you around and make sure we all have an amazing time in and out the water. The trip include one hour private lesson and possibility to get more (of course) if you are planning on going there to seriously improve your kiteskills! If you are coming in the first clinic, you will have the chance to meet and be trained as well with Angela Peral and Youri Zoon world champion!!!

LET'S GO BIG!!!!
LET'S GO BRAZIL!!!

2011-08-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Than, time for few promotional events...

Mid-August I fly to Kitefest http://kitefest.jimdo.com/ at Pointe aux Outardes (Valley of Matapedia) wich is a flat water spot. A little bit cold-as it's North of Canada, but thruly natural and pure (threes and green everywhere including a few mosquitos :) but sincerely amusing). As you can see in the video-made by one participant, we kited in a deep fog, so we could barely see anyone and either where we were going. Felt really special and good! But definitely, my highlight was playing in the mud!!!!! This was so cool! I tried for the first time a buggy with my 12m XR2 and It turns out to be -for me, THE MUD Festival! Love it!

Master class was also very interesting. Everyone participated with enthusiastic and were very happy to exchange. It feels always special and privileged when people ask me to sign there boards-kite and clothes! I had on Canadian TV (LCN) one interview that has been seen in 125 000 homes on a Saturday, always coool :)...

Next event is PKRA in Germany... coming soon!!

p.s. Thanks to all, because it was a great experience and a super cool MUDY-FOGY-Unique Festival!

Love it! :)

2011-08-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

Wooooooo!!! again what a crazy summmmmmer! I love it!
So many things to say! First I realize I haven't even posted my video from Cuba!! So here we go:

SENSATIONAL is the word I have in mind. I think the Ocarina production team, once more, made a fantastic job. You'll have to remember that this was my first session on the water after 8 months of NO-KITE!! Therefore yoga was (and still is) very present in my life. I still have to go 'progressive', not to much intense freestyle, but I don't have words to describe how good it is to touch the water again!

2011-05-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

Cuba Cuba Cuba....

Ho yes, what a wonderful week it was. I think we had something like 10 days on 10 of pure kite (actually I did not count the days there, it could have been 7 days or 12, I'm not sure, but one thing I know is that it felt like a long and beautiful dream)

First, like you know, I had the chance to meet an old friend, Angela Peral from North. That was a good start of the week. We went shopping and eating in town (Montreal) before leaving. Than we meet with our kiters group. It seems the week was fantastic for them to, as they all reach their goals and learned new tricks! (The camp was offer to advanced riders, witch makes it very interesting for us as well). I made sure to bring more than enough CORE kite gear and extra CARVED special edition boards so everyone had a try... having proper equipment also help to improve your skills :), so I shared part of my secrets...

In between fiesta-looking around Cuba-kiting and the lessons- we had *Fantastic Dominic* the cameramen-following us around to catch some of the good action and meaningful moments there. So over all, already missing Cuba, kiting, new friends and my sweet Angelita.

It is now one more sublime story to my Book. It will be soon time to write and create a second one... Will see what is going to come next :)

Hasta Luego!!! xxx
Photos: Emanuelle L'Heureux

2011-03-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

1-2-3 SET-ACTION
It's starting to move! Finally after something like 6 months (which felt more like 6 years) I'm back in action!! Such a great feeling! Not yet on the water, but everything is starting to move and get in place.

First of all, like every year, chosing every detail of my new Carved custom board, is always a pleasure. The reception of my new material is scheduled to land here in just 2 weeks. Like always, CORE is sending me a bag full of love and especially all my new GTS CORE kites for my next trip. Ho yes, I'm ready to fly and rock them!!!

And... did I mention that I had, just last week, an amazing time: shopping and doing the cat walk at Rip Curl.... Did I also ever mention how much I love to go in this place and see all the coming collections, trying the coolest bikinis and dresses.... houaa cool!

Well well well. You know, little things like that (are still feeling enormous to me), made me feel like everything is falling into place.

Ho, and of course: the Trip. Yep, it's coming. Still preparing a few things. Waiting for Angela Peral to land at my place in Montreal and then we will be both flying with a bunch of guys and girls ready to learn and improve our kite skills in the warmth of Cuba! And for those who have never heard of Angela (I will be surprise...) she is not only a gorgeous spanish rider, she is a fantastic person, always smilling and ready to help. Not to forget that she has more than one trick in her pocket while kitesurfing or even windsufring, she is also an incredible surfer capable of rocking enormous waves! Just clic on her profile to learn more about her. On my side, I'm looking forward to see you my dear, as It's been to long since we haven't kite and laugh together!

So... Everything sounds really exciting! That's about it for the moment... I'll keep you up to date soon.

Cheers,

Mari :) xox

2011-02-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

Long Long time...
Maybe some of you wondered what's happening with me? How come there is no new post in such a long period of time? Well, as you might remember... I'm still in my 'healing process' but i'm coming 'to terms' soon. Youou! wich I'm very happy and motivated about. It's been 4 and 5 months since I had my first ACL reconstruction and my second one (for both knees) plus my menisc removed. I am now at the stage where I can enjoy some training at the gym and some light outdoor activities. I've been moving and starting more controlled sports such as 'inside climbing', yoga every day, jogging and some proprioception exercices to get ready to stand up on my board soon with all my strenght and the balance I need.

I got back, for those months, into my work as an occupationnal therapist so there has been a lot of challenge for me; mentally and physically in those few months. A lot of personal learning and new meanings...

The good news is that I'm growing stronger than before plus, I am now looking to plan my new kite and surf projects and trip, so I feel pretty smily and pround about all that.

So see you in the water sooooon :)
marilou

2010-10-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

My Beautifullll one...

I'm watching the leaves turning into multiple colors with a perfect blue sky, letting my knees healing. Sometime it’s actually easier than I tough (I was expecting for sure a massive Burnout from myself, if I could not kite for 6 months and decrease my daily activities-which are normally all about sports, how could I ‘sanely’ survive?)

Well, I am, I was and still will be always passionate about kitesurfing. But I guess the point here is also about being passionate. It took me about 2 months (and 2 operations), here in Quebec-Canada to organize a life, that could still feel some passion in it. For those who know me personally, I am very ‘Intense’ in life, from small things, that quiet often bring me to enormous things, in what I do, I like, I share, I'm always on 'the go' etc. I think this is also part of why people like my riding style… I’m 200% there, hard-agressive but flexible, happy, not scared (well sometime yes) but always ready to try, always there body, mind and spirit.

Anyway, the point of my post today, was actually that I saw my board, in the garage (pretty hard to miss, with all the stickers and the nice white and pink boots, ready for my next session, in a few months). Then I thought ‘how stupid’ is it to feel really Happy when you look at your board. Then, I thought of course not. It’s all souvenirs, moments, feelings. Well I also have to say that I really love my board (for those who know me again personally will all agree!). I see it and I imagine my feet in it, the feeling, than the riding! Ouff!!

And there is the link with ‘passion’. Being passionate about small things, different things: that’s how I keep myself entertained in life. And I realize that even my board, I’m passionate about it. A bit funny as well that I saw an Ad in a European magazine (while I was writing my last post) talking about ‘my board’(the Tantrum 130, the Carved Custom boards) with ‘Magic Performance’. I have to say: TOTALLY. No wonder I’m passionate about it, she’s just the best. Ok, I will have to stop, but you truly have my opinion and I’ve tried, I’ve ride and even I’ve broke some boards and nothing is like this One.

So Thanks to CARVED, who provide me with 'machine' boards, amazing hand made boards, magical boards, radical boards, how ever you want to call them,

but they are definetely extremely special.

So to my beautiful one…

Looking forward to ride with you! :)

First pictures from: Ann Poelman

2010-10-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

As you know or might now, I’m the little girl from Canada, but most of the coverage I get is publishing in Europe, where my sponsors are based (Core-Carved). Therefore, it’s always a bit hard for me to get a copy or even to have a certain ‘fallow up’ of it. The ‘fallow up’ is very useful for your ‘portfolio’ to gain a certain credibility towards sponsors, businesses etc. It’s like anything, the more you do the more you get. Of course, it’s also nice to see and to share with friends, other kitesurfers that are curious, what you’ve accomplished and what you are proud of.

But to get a copy of this actual coverage or even just to know about it or to see it, is sometime a bit complicated for me. Well, here is what I got this summer 'at the moment' and I will do my job to find some more ... 

So last June in Kiteboarding I appear in the ‘Girls Special’ as well as in the ‘Get Up’ sequence. I showed how to do a hooked in raley, basic trick but that can certainly give stability and confidence to try another trick after that. There should be 2 or 3 other sequences of ‘Get Up’ (with different tricks) that I’ve missed. If anyone has them, I will be happy and curious to see…

And of course, with the New GTS kite from Core came the Product Guide 2010-2011 with cute cute pictures of the team and me...

2010-08-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

SUMMUM MAGAZINE: NEWEST INTERVIEW

By: Gil Thériault

All pictures in this article are from Ann Poelman.

Not so long ago, I had a chat with the Director of Summum Magazine, Alain Rochette, wich we can compare to the Sport Illustrated magazine, in Quebec.

Timing was a bit hard, as my summer was pretty hectic, lots of trips and travel, so we finally concluded to have an interview via Skype.

This Interview took place while I was visiting my good friend, Sophie in Bermuda. It relates everything from the start of my carrier till now. It was extremely interesting exchanging with the interviewer, Gil Thériault, who also took place into a lot of travels and adventures worldwide. Well, I think he did an amazing job wand it reflects in this interview.

http://www.summummag.com/ce_mois_ci.php

Thanks to Summum team!

2010-08-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

SPO-GERMANY 2010

'LET'S GO SURFING' from THE DRUMMERS

Oupsy, it's seems The Intro from my previous post didn't work out well, so here it is,

...

Marilou xo

2010-08-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

SPO-GERMANY-2010

'LET'S GO SURFING' from THE DRUMMERS

That was the song during the whole PKRA event in ST PETER ORDING-GERMANY

Yes, I really wanted to go surfing, as well! :)

Surprisingly I was gentle enough to listen to my body this time and be carefull not to go in the water

(hard task, but so much thing to do as well during this big event that It was OK!)

Actually, it was more than 'OK' it was just amazing! I had so much fun and I'm so glad and thankfull to CORE, who invite me for this big event.

Lets start by the beginning... I arrive, in the middle of no where (after 8 hrs flight), 3 hrs train (wich not to forget that I was a bit lost and miss the first one) and landed in a train station where everything was close (because it was about 22h)... I wait a small 2hrs for the visit of Philip (CORE) who pick me up and brought me to small and cute St Peter Ording.

A red wine was waiting for me, with the rest of the crew. That was a great welcoming to annouce a week of strong moments!

Next morning, when I first arrive to the main location of the event, I had the surprise to discover a big (I mean enormous!) pictures ('bannière') of ourselves on the walls of our stand. That was cool!

Here is a small over view of it (It's not everyday that I stand by a picture of myself, my size!)

and then, like always, once we are all there together, it's so much fun. The spirit and the vibe in between everyone in the team (riders, shapers, designers, conceptor,owner, distributors, opinion leaders etc.) is so natural and friendly that you always immediately feel like its one big family. To me, this is really special to this brand and I appreciate it. No revality or pressure, just friends who work together for something they all believe in.

I was not competing this year, due to my knee. I was there more to promote and exchange with people about my experience. It was so great, especially that this year my German skills had improve from the previous year. I could handle 'basic' discussion and small talk, so I was very happy and proud of me for this :)

I even had to sign few 'signatures' and took some pics with fans. I was astonished every time someone ask for it! Of course!! I always said and so much pleasure for me to have this chance!! That's also something very precious, it is not an 'every day thing' for me to do...

That is part of this big family that I love!

http://www.corekites.com/

For an overview of the event, here is a nice video from PKRA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScoZN5lly6I&feature=player_embedded#!

Of course, not to forget how happy I was to see friends from PKRA, other competitors and also new people and friends that I made there. Well, 10 days of great work with an exceptional night life!

Not to forget that there was a massive CORE test center, with the New GTS (the freestyle kite) as well as the XR even in sizes up to 17m! The 17m was the only kite I actually test on ground, cause I was so curious about it. I always said that I will never use bigger than 12m. Well, I was happily surprise.

There is more pictures of 'Core Test Center' on facebook...

What else? After, St Peter Ording event, I had a few days for myself before flying back home.

I hit the road with an old friend, first meeting him in Brazil, Fergus. We did some camping on the way to the airport and explore beaches and city in is camper van! Good fun!

After all that, I'm writting from home, and next post will certainly be about this famous operation (that I've been waiting for so long...)

Take care,

Marilou xo

2010-08-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

Last video; Pure Pleasure

For those who remember my time in Isla Coche, Margarita, this year: I was far from what I use to be. I had to put my hyperactivity on the side and wait and wait and wait and wait that my knee gets better before the specialist finally set me free to kite.

In fact, my time was split between appointment with Doctors, MRI and Physio. It seems my knee was not going as well as it uses to be in Brazil. After my last MRI and the specialist telling me to go back home get operated and definitely not to practice any sport and certainly not kitesurfing (WITH 2 BROKEN LIGAMENTS, 2 STRETCH ONES, FRACTURE ON BOTH MENISCUS AND ON MY TIBIA). After spending so much time here in this kite paradise, I could not believe I didn’t have the chance to kite properly.

Those were my last days in Venezuela. But luckily, in the same time I had the visit of Nicolas Féraud and his girl, Christina Alstad. Nico could not kite as well because of broken bones. To occupy ourselves, we decide to have fun body dragging. Actually, it was so much fun, crashing into each other, that I could not listen anymore, except myself and I had to go on the water. So here it is an overview of those 2 memorable days, before going back home.

2010-07-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

COVERAGE

Interview for Kiteworld Magazine issue 40

Single shot-Full page- Kiteworld issue 44

and

View my updated profile online in kiteworlmag

http://www.kiteworldmag.com/riders/marilou-lavallee/

2010-05-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

Fashionably-Girly...

I had to do it! At least one small post on Fashion.

Actually, I’m not so sure I can handle it; I still think I’m better at kitesurfing than fallowing fashion. Anyway by the beach, ‘fashion’ if we can call it like that, always feel so relax and free, that I like it a lot! Also, I have to admit that I really enjoy ‘dressing’ up with the Rip Curl clothe. I did not have to put much time on it. I just wear it and enjoy it.

So here come few pictures for Rip Curl fans...

Many Thanks To The Photographer

Ann Poelman

2010-05-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

Here come page 4 of The CORE Diaries, my page... wouououou! It was filmed last October in Brazil while I enjoyed the sun, the wind and the Brazilian culture one more time! Thanks to Andi Jansen and Sebastian Doerr who worked on it! and for the rest, just Enjoy this new video!!!

2010-04-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hello guys!!! again I haven't up dated my blog much.... But here is the thing: one friend made a cool little video of his stay here in Venezuela and I happened to be part of it so, check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYT1fjQa7As

Yes yes, Level is still the same.... shame on me but as you all know, I still got some knee problem and for those who doesn't know me that much, I AM not the most PATIENT girl. So I had few 'solid' ride and then hurt myself again (wich is part of freestyle) but then I was suppose to 'rest' and do 'no sport'. I guess it was to hard for me to do 'nothing' so I went and play again... and hurt another ligament ('lateral' one so It's actually not so bad, I just need to rest and this ligament should repair by itself). So yessss because of me beeing so 'impatient' i'm still resting here in Coche. Looking at my friend kiting and wishing to be back on the water soon. But now after making the same mistake twice, I hope I will be patient enough this time and find the right moment to go back on the water.

Keep enjoying the water for me!!! :)

2010-03-07T12:26:00.000-08:00

Latest Interview in Prokiteworld: check it out!
http://prokiteworld.net/archive/71-marilou-lavallee-interview

2010-02-27T14:17:00.001-08:00

The CORE Diaries - page two from CORE kiteboarding on Vimeo.

2010-02-26T13:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Hello!!!

Hey, I've been so bad not updating my blog for a long time!! But yes, I’m still alive and happy.
For those who don’t know, I left Canada 2-3 weeks ago. I escaped
In Venezuela, which is an economic destination, where I can kite every day.

Time flies by, a lot had happen. First week was to get back to my usual level.
This part is always tricky for me, as I quiet often stop kiting for 2-3 months to work.
When I get back on the water, it feels like my progress is way behind. To avoid getting frustrated or stress, the key is to keep having fun (seems very easy but when you are focussing hard on a move and keep falling, sometime the fun just runs away). I found out that, I need to fix myself some really small goals (that eventually brings me to the move I want to do). Those little steps, makes me feel like I progress again and then It’s easy to enjoy every minutes in the water cause I’m fully motivated. Also chatting with other riders, exchanging tips helps a lot!

Second week, I somehow eat something bad and get super sick but didn't last too long... I guess my system was no longer use to the Venezuelan style and food. Ho and my computer crash down! I couldn't be more out of society! Anyway, I took it easy (had no choice) and went back a few days later on the water with even more motivation.

I start practicing the 'slimchance' thanks to Victor for the few tips (really looking forward to have this one in my pocket, as it’s supposedly the easiest one!) I actually got a few (feeling of catching the bar the first time is always so good!) but then I guess I get to excited about it and really crash hard on my feet. Let’s say that my left foot stayed in the foot strap but shouldn't have. A visit to the Dr. Reassure me cause I just got some tissue and ligament stretch in my feet (thank God the knee is good!).

So for my third week, I’m again resting... watching the sun and exploring the island. I did visit some of my friends in Margarita (wish I had more pictures) but as you can see, I spend some time with Ann Poelman, which is a talented photographer and a super friend! I’m looking forward her to come back in Coche. Where the wind is nice and the water super flat!! Ho, and I also had a small visit in 'La casa de los perros' like I promise a friend. Enjoy some time with ‘Lily’. For those who were not there last year, Lily was the happiest dog ever that Maria and Timo took care off. They brought her to the Veterinary and give her a nice home... The dog is now super healthy and still reply to Lily! It was a cool journey.
So, all is cool. I’m happy but I can’t lie I’m looking forward to be back on the water and hope it will be longer than a week this time J

All of you, Take care and enjoy your journey!

2010-02-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

The Core Diaries-page one

YouTube - The CORE Diaries - page one

woooo! Such a cool surprise this morning to open my computer and found this Ammmmmazing video from Andi Jansen. Again, he did a super job on this one. Andi, you rock dude!!
You have to watch it, short and REAL good! Can't wait to see the next page of this diary...

2010-01-25T07:41:00.000-08:00

Big thanks to photographer Markus Seidel who took the pictures during PKRA Germany 09 and to Sebastien Dumarest who fit them in the Stance International! Nice little surprise guys, thanks again! It was by the way a really good event, with lots of rain, sun, crazy wind and party!

2010-01-20T09:49:00.000-08:00

For 2010 I'm proud to announce that I've sign with an amazing surf company!!! Yes I will be wearing everything Rip Curl for 2010: magnificent clothe, apparel, watches, wetsuit, everything I love. This is a total dream or a real girly fantasy to shop for free with so much beautifull stuff! I don't need to explain how excited I was after my first meeting with Julie & Ben from Rip Curl. Thinking it was just a 'meeting-interview' I was happily surprise to receive a super stylish watch, a top wetsuit as well as some nice clothing. Next shopping session, I will have to take some picture. It is just to unbelievable over there! I feel really lucky to wear there stuff all year round now! Three words: Rip Curl Rules

Check it out at: http://www.ripcurl.com/

2009-12-29T14:35:00.000-08:00

2009-11-30T05:39:00.000-08:00

2009-10-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

Landing in Brazillllllllllllll, seems unreal after so long not kiting because of my knee...
Well, Thanks to CTI who 'custom' and give me this brace while waiting for an operation (hummm don't know yet when but for sure not now!)
I will spent one more month here and slowly get back in shape while respecting some limitations. But I'm very happy to meet with the sun, the wind, friends and nice people here... so ''ToDo Bem aqui! Eo gusto muito!''

Home sweet home

2009-10-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

Yes I was there, shortly but I did spent about 2 months in Canada after the KPWT.
It was slowly getting cold but I had time enough (finally after about 3 years!) to see my friends and family more than just one time. I really enjoy my trip for that, catching up with my people :)

I have to admit that a lot of work was there waiting for me. I continue meeting some company and contacting people for new sponsorship to help me pay the coming 2010. As well, I had a major stress about my knee! Grrrr, if there is one thing I didn't want was a broken ligament.
So, like we say: look at what you want not what you don't want. So sadly I finish with a F....k up knee including a tear ACL, a baker cyst and contusions on my bones. For those who know me, the operation was not on the schedule, so I slowly trained back my muscle once it was possible to do it (one leg was obviously really smaller than the order!) and I get sponsored by CTI who makes me a custom brace ready for my next trip.

So no movie and no cable in Canada for me, but I did have an audition for a popular TV show in Quebec witch If it goes well i could win good money!!! witch will help me to relax for 2010!

Finally, I'm writting from my room in Brazil, where I just arrive one week ago and was so happy to see that I could kite, slowly, respecting my knee but surely enjoying some freestyle!

Hoping for the best,
I will stay in touch and publish some new pics soon!

Interview Kitespain: Nice!

2009-09-09T04:15:00.000-07:00

2009-08-30T05:44:00.000-07:00

How to start?! We arrived my brother & me in, sunny Shippagan, after 15 hours driving our big caravan from Home. It was close to 2 months without 'serious' kiting, so I was looking forward my first session. We had no wind for the few 2 days but as the weather gets a bit colder (brrrr) we slowly get some great and strong wind. I had one good session to practice (and was surprise to notice how far behind where my tricks! nonoooo! But happily my knee was not hurting but I guess I was more scared than anything and very protected so It feels like my 'riding style' was going away...) Still, few locals were impress so It gives me some motivation back and luckily for me because the freestyle was starting directly the next day! Oups, not to forget to mention that before that, I tryed the racing (pfff), lets say that a twin tip and 12m kites in 2 knots doesn't go really fast (normally I hate big kites but I admit that I was looking a lot at the 15m and 17m kites flying around me!). So nothing exciting there for me, one pic proove that I actually really try it (I must be a bit crazy no?). Ho yes, and we also, during the sunny days, finished the ramp, with a cool old man who knows what he was doing and again on this one, I let the expert do there roles...

So, yep, freestyle...

Again a lot to say! I was eliminated at my first heat against Michelle Lanteigne... SHIT!! (congratulation to her!! I'm happy to see that there is some girls in Quebec, as well as Veronique Lajoie rocking!) But sincerely, I couldn't believe it. Shit, I knew my heat wasn't the greates but I was not expecting that! So I had to stay focus because they were planning
to run the doble elimination in this same windy day. The pic they took is actually coming from my first heat (powerfull but to many crashes for the KPWT, so really different than The PKRA judges style. Soooo for my next heat I planned to do more hooked in stuff and big air and it works! way easyer anyway!) . I won my 2 first heats in the doble elimination and had a 3th heat pretty tight against Kinn Kriss, but I think I could have done a bit more technical this time to get more points.

During my heat I had a few faces showing some pain at the landing but the adrenaline makes you continue. Saddly the few coming days, my knee was hurting and swollen. So I decided not to join the kiteloop contest, witch was a super hard decision, grrrr

and could not try the rails!

Finally, cool events, great flat water spots and strong wind, I left a day earlyer, so sorry for the few people I haven't say bye. Bye bye and see you next time.

I will now try to get in touch with a gooooood physiotherapist because I had some more plans while i'm in Canada, including a short movie with some cable and wakeboarding in it, so need to have my knee collaborating!

p.s. Yes, I will definetely find another grab to do, I'm happy they shot this one in my first heat, but I know I need to find another one, I want some variety! Let's just wait before I land in warm Brazil for my next real training. I promess some more pics!

Kiteboarding EU, Kiteworld, Kitespain

2009-08-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Magazines. It is not just about 'promoting' yourself... But when it works, it really helps you to continue believing in your dream. It's that little 'touch' that gives you a smile and makes you happy. In those moment, it gives you strenght for the next coming things... you can think that all the effort are worth it. So a big thanks to the magazines who support the riders. I'm still waiting to get in touch with the American mag, where i'm from...

But for now on, Thanks to: Kiteboarding Europe, they publish a little something about me in there issue 5&6 and something else coming in the next one! Also Kiteworld and Kitespain who are great collaborator!

2009-08-03T06:29:00.001-07:00

10 days in St-Peter Ording, well done! It was a cool event, with a lot of riders, lots of people and lots of brands promoting. And like always, I was very happy to see my friends and to practice 'mein Deutsch'.

For this event, I was also working with Core & Carved, promoting the new Riot XR who just got out on the market. We had the chance to test the kite before (in the Indian Ocean) and have some really nice videos to present: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZtHV2cFN0Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar1a0NtSYko During the event, we all enjoy sharing our experience with the clients and having all the gear ready for 'demo' such as the new Riot XR, the GT and of course our Custom Carved boards and the Deluxe boards.

With all that...
Of course I was still on the water competing! wouou! I finish 7th after Jo Wilson and Christine Boese. Again, like always, I also learn something else from this competition... wich is "How I have to canalyse my energy during my heat".

Actually, I need to be ready way in advance (to make shure that just before my heat, i'm not running everywhere all stressed up-wich I often do...). As well, it's better for me to ride at least an hour before, so I can evacuate my stress, get used to the spot and the conditions of the day. During my fisrt heat, I went a bit crazy and did a MASSIVE kiteloop hooked in in about 40 knots (Jérémie T. I know you showed me how to do it even if i'm really powered up, but... I manage to make a mistake and I was flying way above my kite, and I kind a land almost in my lines, while I made the kite touching the water during the loop... So I still need your advice Jérémie or maybe just to stay more focus during the tricks!!) Anyway, it was a intense-kind of cool and scary at the same time- feeling, but the "not so cool part" is that I hurt my knee again. Merde...

For this reason and from the pain, I was way more calm during my other heats, the next day. Wich I found actually helpfull. Beeing more calm helps me to focus, so I really didn't go hard but still did basic tricks, landed them and supposely had some style, so it's all good at the end. Next time, I can only do better!

So that was my Story about Germany, looking forward to the next one!

2009-07-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

After Dominican Republic I had a 4 days stop in Portugal, wich I was very happy to receive an Invitation for the Freestyle competition.

We didn't have much wind, but the sun was there and so the good vibration of this nice town. The video of the event is on http://www.prokitetour.com/

Ok, real stuff now! What I learned...
Well I had 3 hits. I won the first one against Nicky Rudd on the second day. I was very happy. Then the next day, I had a hard time getting my mind focus. Don't know why but you know, just one of those days you think you are doing 'shit'. Well this bad vibe brings you often in the wrong way. So yes, it happens that sometime we do 'shit', but I realize that what is 'crucial' is not to get drag into this idea or vibe. So get rip of this, TRUST yourself again, go out, have FUN and SHOW what you can do! So yep, this day I lost my second hit against Karolina K. and then really had a hard time focusing for my next hit with Pauline B. Anyway, that's my little story :) Now I will try to apply it for my next comp.

Dominican Republic

2009-06-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, for those who were asking... I've recently spent some time in beautifull Cabarete!!

Originally, the plan was to go there for the PKRA while visiting my boyfriend, but as this event get cancelled
We just enjoy the beach and did some visiting.

My trip was, shorter than expected, wich means that I spent only 8 days on the Dominican land, but still it was good to relax and enjoy this place.

We didn't kite much, only 2 small sessions but it was nice to get in touch with waves again! After spending 4 months on flat water in coche, the waves were MORE than welcome.

So, here it is, my little story about Cabarete.
Already missing it, but will certainly be back next year!

2009-06-08T06:35:00.001-07:00

Here is some pictures of the Final Prize Ceremony.

On the first one, you can see everybody, from windsurfers to kitesurfers who arrive first in there category. The last one, I give an enormous thanks to the organisator Victor, who find (to my boyfriend and me) new flight tickets to Caracas, so we can stay longer in Margarita and receive our prizes.

I got first place in freestyle, longdistance and racing! Very happy and receive some really nice Nike sunglasse! To see the complete results, fallow the link below.
http://www.margaritawildwinds.com/event-sub.html

Margarita Wild Winds 2009

2009-05-31T18:45:00.000-07:00

From May 24th to 30th , kitesurfers and windsurfers have been challenged during the Margarita Wild Wind event 2009 for some freestyle, racing and long distance competitions.

Like expected, the wind was between 25 knots up to 40 knots in El Yaque beach, Venezuela. A lot to play with!

Since 14 years, this event invite the world Pro windsurfer to compete while the PKRA, on his side, is known to bring the best Pro kitesurfer in El Yaque. As the PKRA did not stop in Venezuela this year, the Margarita Wild Wind event did a 'grande premiere' and invite kitesurfers to join them. The experience was really great, everybody was relaxe and very happy to compete and of course happy to enjoy the well organized parties!

Not a lot of international rider were present at the event, probably due to lack of time (the invitations were some how very last minute) but, for riders who were present it was definetely a good experience. We are hoping to go back next year. Not to forget to mention, that this year they offered free (or VERY cheap) flights and rooms for international riders... A nice way to attract us.

Thanks and Good luck for next year!

http://www.margaritawildwinds.com/schedule-sub.html

Flyers for the Belgium cost...

2009-05-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

Funny......

There will be a part of me in Belgium.
A school there decided to use Ann Poelman's picture of me for there publicity.
Great :)

My first kite video!

2009-05-24T05:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, that's super small, but it's a start! It's actually complicated to dedicate time for shooting when you are only 2 and both want to kitesurf... I decide to edit the video now because I felt it was geting old already, but don't worry I will keep up to date with my new moves very soon (hopefully )

Coche finally Paradise

2009-05-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well...

It took more than 3 months to get some 'normal' wind condition here in Coche, but since the end of April, it's seems we are all smiling back again. A lots of rider have pass by, since January, but the waiting was definetely worth while, because it is now finally not crowded and amazingly Windy!

Here is yesterday's pic...

A great visit!

2009-03-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

Photographer

Emilie Couture stopped in Coche Island to enjoy the spot. The wind was not yet there, this season has been really on & off and unusual compare to the previous years, but she still manage to get some good
shots. Thanks Emilie!

http://www.emiliecouturephoto.com/

Landing In Venezuela...

2009-03-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

Blue sky, turquoise water, sun, wind and love! Do I really want more? No, it is just fine, here in Coche Island, Venezuela. I will kite here till the end of the season and try to prepare myself for the coming competitions. Keep you up to date, now I'm gonna try my new kites on this flat water spot! Ciao...

GETTING THERE WITH CORE & CARVED

2009-03-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

My trip to Brazil was worth it in more than one way!! I said in my previous blog that 'it was a cool ending' after all this stressy episod. Well, it is an extremely good ending... I got noticed and now have the pleasure to officially say that I will be riding for Hiss-Tec Fehmarn, for the next coming years. This German brand owns CORE KITES & CARVED BOARDS so you will soon see me riding with my new gears and a pretty big smile!

Thanks to SPEED magazine no.20

2009-03-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

SPEED is a young and fresh magazine who covers variety of subject from: cultural, economic, sports, news, opinion articles...

But shurely, always fallow the roots of youth professional in Quebec.

The online version is also available at: speedmag.ca

A good start: Brazil

2008-11-11T16:11:00.000-08:00

After having my kite gears lost for 2 weeks, beeing all 'paniky' because i couldn't afford new material again and i couldn't see how I would make it again to be in the PKRA here in Brazil, it all comes to a cool end...

I did my third competition, finishing 9th with some borrowed gear & good critics. I got my board bags a bit later and trained in the warm for 2 more months! So good!!

And not to forget: an enormous thanks to Matthew Philips who took some amazing pics during my trip.
http://www.matthewphilips-photography.com/

2008-10-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

Humm... Was I stress?? Half of a smile... of course I was! Not so long ago, I tried my first competition (PKRA Fuerte Ventura) and didn't find that 'easy'.
But if this is your goal, I guess you just have to go for it. So... I did it again!

I was the only Canadian participating at the PKRA in Prince Edouard Island and finish 5th. You can check out the details of the comp. at:

http://kitemovement.com/2008/09/11/pkra-canada-day-2/

Another great Girl Kite Camp

2008-09-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

Just after the PKRA in Fuerte Ventura was taking place another cool KiteCamp, organized by For Chicas Only team with the help and participation of Red Sharks. Thanks to Angela Peral for the Pro riding, Marilou Lavallée for the Yoga lesson and teaching, Debbie for taking all the cool pictures (see KiteWorld mag.no.35) and Lena for her super motivated attitude!

Un autre super Camp de kite For Chicas Only s'est déroulé immédiatement après l'évènement de la PKRA de Fuerte Ventura. Le camp était principalement organisé par l'équipe de For Chicas Only (Mika, Petra, Monica) ainsi que la collaboration de Red Shark, de Angela Peral

pour ses trucs de Pro rider, Marilou pour ses classes de Yoga et de kite, Debbie pour ses cools photos qui seront dans l'édition de kiteworld no.35 ainsi que Lena, super motivée à apprendre dans des conditions assez...venteuse!!

www.forchicasonly.com
www.AngelaPeral.com

www.kiteworldmag.com/on-the-road-with-kiteworld/for-chicas-only/

Girls Rocks

2008-09-16T12:06:00.001-07:00

Du 30 avril au 4 mai avait lieu le GIRLS KITE CAMP 2008 organisée par l'équipe K3 Mar y Sergi ainsi que Petra Oberlechner et Marilou Lavallée sur la plage de St-Pere-Pescuador en Espagne. Lors de cette expérience, 15 chicas de Girona, ont eu l'occasion de rider à fond que ce soit pour apprendre à faire des bords ou pour progresser au niveau FreeStyle. L'expérience 'entre filles' qui comprenait notamment des cours de planche à voile en matinée, des randonnées à vélo et à cheval, des classes de stretching et Yoga en soirée ainsi qu'une Fiesta finale s'est avérée plus qu'un succès!!! Merci à tous les rideuses motivées et motivantes et félicitation à Mar, on a tous hâte au camp 2009!

From the 30th of April till the 4th of May was taking place the Girls Camp of St Pere Pescuador in Spain. With 15 chicas riding the spot, ready to perform, learning to go upwind or jumping into Freestyle, the camp was a total success! Like if it was not enough to ride, we where all doing more sports before or after our sessions (windsurfing, biking, horse riding, Yoga and stretching). We also have not to forget to mention the nice Fiesta at the end! So, thanks a lot to all the girls who where all very motivated to learn and have fun as much as the organizer: The team K3 Mar & Sergi, Petra Oberlechner and Marilou Lavallée.

http://www.kiteexperience.com/

Merci GOOCH kiteboarding!

2008-09-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

Yep, for people who know me, there is always crazy&funny adventures in my life, so it was just one more in Spain that let me with no Kiteboard back in Québec!! So i was a little bit stressed to fly back home (like REALLY stress cause i planned to participate again to the PKRA on PEI in a week)But luckily, I managed to find one person who could help me! So yes, THANK YOU so much to GOOCH kiteboarding store and to Jean-Francois Simard, who friendly offers me a kiteboard for the competition!! Thanks again! and now I have no more excuse to go and perform!

Et oui, pour ceux qui me connaissent, y a toujours des péripéties croustillantes qui m'arrivent... Pour faire une histoire courte, j'ai donc quitté l'espagne sans planche de Kite et je suis attérie au Québec assez stressée pour cette raison... Mais bon, merci à mon sauveur: Jean-Francois Simard de la boutique GOOCH qui me prêtera une planche pour l'évènement de la PKRA du 9 au 13 sept! Merci mille fois à Gooch kiteshop!

http://www.gooch.ca/
http://www.kiteworldtour.com/

2008-09-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

Un trip de kite dans les Iles Canaries, ça se prend toujours bien!! Par contre, ne vous mélangez pas entre Ténérife et Fuerte Ventura... Fuerte Ventura pour sa part est hyper désertique, aride et surchargé de roches, mais la mer turquoise qui l'entoure donne à ce paysage, unique, un charme certain!

Pour ce qui est du kite, on comprend vite pourquoi la PKRA y prend place. Avant je pouvais qualifier un vent de 30 noeuds comme 'fort'. Après mon passage dans le sud de Fuerte Ventura, j'ai perdue tous mes repères!!! Je n'ai jamais navigué dans aussi fort et rafaleux. Pour ce qui et du nord de l'ile, il y a de superbes lagons, vraiment superbes, mais il ne faut pas avoir peur des roches!!

Je dois avouer qu'il y a quand même plusieurs riders qui ont adorés (que des gars) car pour l'ensemble des filles/proriders tout le monde avait bien hâte de retourner dans son spot que ce soit Tarifa, la Hollande ou autre...

voir le wrap up de Fuerte http://www.youtube.com/ExtremeElementsTV