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by: Jessica Valenzuela

The Ripping It feature section is dedicated to the pro-athletes of the kiting community or those aspiring to be pro-athletes. We’d love to feature you! Contact us.

Dominique Granger, pro-kiting athlete

It is not surprising to note that our Ripping It star athlete this week is someone I know personally. Belle jolie Dominique is a kite instructor at Real Watersports in North Carolina. She and I met, when I dived into the sport in July of 2009. Dom is reassuring and confident to her students. As an athlete, she shreds like the best! I am looking forward to see her progress in the pro-kiting world.

How and when did you discover kiteboarding?

Dominique hails from our friendly neighbor Canada. “I first discovered kiteboarding about 3 or 4 years ago through my boyfriend at that time. After being the “vegging girlfriend on the beach”, I decided that it was time for me to get in on the action. He started teaching me with a trainer kite and body dragging in the Ottawa River, in Canada. Body dragging in the Ottawa River is not the most memorable experience of my early days as a kiter.”

When learning a new action sport that require technical skills, I usually prefer to work with an instructor versus having a significant other coach you. After Dominique’s attempt to learn from the boyfriend she realized that she should fork up the Dollars to enroll in a kite camp in North Carolina. After her kite camp, she finally was up and riding!

How has kiting changed your life?

The process of discovery is magical. You share experiences and discover you have more in common than your love for kiting. Dominique made the decision to learn kiting to get over her fear of the water (this was a personal goal for me too!).I would not have learned of this little detail until the interview. As an instructor, Dominique is very confident and full of appreciation for her students. “Kiting has also brought me a new way of living. I feel much closer to nature than I’ve ever been. It also taught me a lot about respect: respecting the forces of nature, respecting your limits by knowing what they are and accepting the same.” Kiters seem to have a natural propensity to push themselves to discover and progress.

Who were your early influencers and how did they impact your riding performance?

“My friends are my source of inspiration. Laura “Lulu” Vroman and Clarissa Hempel, both recognizable women of the sport are my models because of their attitude and level of riding. My new boyfriend Trevor Murchie is also a big source of inspiration to improve on my technical skills in the different categories of the sport.”

Dominique Granger, pro-kiting athlete

Lessons learned in kiting

The biggest lesson for Dominique was know your limits, and RESPECT! “It is ok not to want to go out on a sketchy day or when you are not feeling comfortable or confident about your skills.” She goes on to add that “taking lessons are definitely the best approach to learning the sport versus learning it from your significant other.”

Kiting can be a great couple sport, but it is best not to take lessons with someone you are involved and intimate with. There is nothing romantic about learning the sport – it is technical and the learning curve is high.

Why should sports and athletics be an integral part of everyone’s life?

“Athletics is a great source of happy hormones!” A natural ball of energy Dominique is the type of student who prefers not to be in a classroom for hours. She recommends “find a sport you enjoy and make some time for it!” She personally believes and so do I. Sports and athletics make people happier and more energetic.”

What is next for you in the sport?

Dominique wishes to compete more and progress in kiting as a professional athlete. She is participating in a charity event and competition in Kiteboarding For Kids, Cabarete, Dominican Republic. The proceeds for this event will be donated to the local organizations that work with kids. You can help Dominique donate to Kiteboarding For Kids here.

Where would you like to see the sport a few years from now?

“After competing in Cabarete I would like to see more safety measures implemented in the beach fronts and water fronts.” The sport is increasing in popularity. As kiters with a common passion for the sport we have to help create awareness and educate others to ensure that our fellow kiters, beach goers and waterfronts are safe.

Kiteboarding bio

Dominique Granger, kiting Cabarete

Nick-name: Dom or Minnie

Kiting birthday: May 1st 2008 marked my first ride!

Quiver: I fly a variety of kites during my first year on the water. Currently I fly the Naish. The 2010 Helix is my favorite kite.

Favorite kiting quote: As Stanislav Radev would say: “Aahh! Bow Kite!”

Kiting homebase: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

Kiting spots visited: Ausable Point in Lake Champlain, Vermont; Dallas road, Island View and Gordon’s Beach around Victoria, as well as Nitinaht Lake, both in British Columbia, Canada, Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Kiters are natural multi-sport athletes: Dominique is learning to surf, she snowboards and is into road and mountain biking

The Just Kite It team wishes Dominique lots of luck in her professional kiting career! May the wind gods be with you!

More of Dominique in our Flickr set.

Are you a pro-athlete kiteboarder or are training to be one? Write to Jessica Valenzuela to request for an interview. We’d love to hear from you!

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