Kitepix Magazine No.6 April - June 2015 | Page 124

Jade’s Equipment List Kites - ELF & Ozone | Boards - Formula and Hydrofoil both Temavento | Fins Meanline | Hydrofoil - KFA (Kitefoil Australia) Mk3 Sponsors http://goldenpages.ie | http://puremagic.ie More information throughout the season here http://jadeoconnor.ie | http://Facebook.com/ jadeocon and rip it up on your own. Aged 8 to 80 it’s about sharing the stoke! What about you? Why kiteboarding? Why racing? Kiteboarding has been really good to me, I’ve made the best of friends, travelled all over the world, been exposed to cultures and countries I could never imagine. Travelling with 50kgs of luggage off the beaten track has pushed me into many challenging situations, it builds character, creates stories, and fuelled many a rant and wry smile. But also the beauty, humanity and goodwill I’ve found in the least likely places never fails to inspire. I love the ocean, I love the sea. No matter how many times I get on the water each one feels unique, each one special! Considering I’ve been kiting for 14 years now, it’s great to be still captivated by it! To this day kiting keeps me awake at night, or drives me crazy refreshing the forecast every 20 minutes waiting for updates. I guess that leads us to 2015 and your season, what’s in store for you? It’s not lost on me, how lucky I am to be able to travel the world and kite. 2015 is about continuing that dream. I feel that all roads have led me to here, this year, this season. I have the pleasure to work with two incredible women this year; my coach - Magda Weigielnik from Meilno Poland, and Sports Psychologist - Dominika Wilczynska from Gdansk. I’ve improved hugely as a competitor and rider in the last 3 months. Now I’m just aching to get to some competitions and give it my all. I’m ready and willing!! By Jade O’Connor