With a history of back pain and surgery, kiteboarding was not something I saw in my realm of possibility. My back injury consisted of a series of inflamed discs as a really of uneven pressures on my spine. For one if these discs I had previously had surgery to take the pressure of my sciatic nerve. It was the second time round that I thought, “there must be a better way!”…and one where I wouldn’t find myself in the situation again!
I’d heard stories of kiters having to stop kiting due to either injury or simply too many years of kiting. I thought it best not to add insult to injury!
That was before I discovered ways to heal my body and avoid further surgeries, and then also realised that kiting could be sustainable..with a certain level of body awareness! I would watch kiters with stars in my eyes and also observe stance and movement patterns, until I decided I was ready to try it for myself.
As it turns out, my healing journey proved useful for enabling me to kiteboard over the past 4 seasons without pain, by continually refining how I hold myself on the board and respond to the kite to keep my body balanced and happy.
Perhaps I’m biased (due to my current profession!), but other than body awareness, I have to say breath awareness is key for kiting. This helped me notice if I’m holding my breath in a hairy situation or when trying something new, and hence holding tension in other areas of my body.
Noticing this reminds me to keep my breath flowing and move more fluidly in or out of the challenging situation, without panic!
Of course, getting to know people on the beach or heading out with a buddy is also key to feeling safe (and breathing free!) on the water.
Kiting has shown me my potential in a way I never thought possible, not to mention the beautiful people I’ve met and places traveled along this enlivening journey!
More about Annelise
Lives: Perth, Western Australia
Age: 39 years old
Profession: Environmental scientist -come- Functional Breath & Movement Coach
