Susi Mai at Red Bull King of the Air 2005
Photo By Erik Aeder
Editor's Note: Susi Mai continues her
reign as Queen after winning her third title at this year's Red
Bull King of the Air in Hawaii.
Name: Susi Mai
Age: 21
WD: Tell us what you did this summer.
SM: I've been traveling pretty much all year. In June I
did the PKRA world tour event in Cabarete, then went to Japan for a
“girls trip” travel story along with two other
kitegirls and a photographer and it was super fun! After that I
went to the Canary Islands for another event and in between I spent
some time at home kiting as much as the conditions would allow me
to.
WD: What's your latest favorite move?
SM: A flat three off a wave kicker.
WD: You won the Red Bull King of the Air in 2003 and
2004? Think you'll get your third title this month?
SM: I can't say for sure but I'll definitely give my best
to try and win a third time!
WD: Where is your favorite place to ride?
SM: There are so many sick places, I can't decide which
one is my number one. Among my favorites, though, are Cabarete,
Brazil, Maui and Japan.
WD: Tell us your scariest moment while kiteboarding?
SM: I was kiting at a “secret” location in DR
and I didn't know the spot or the conditions very well. It was
super-gusty and somehow I got picked up and dropped right into the
center of a circle of exposed reef. I managed to work my way out of
there when a wave washed over the inside part of it and got away
with only a few nasty gashes on my leg and elbow. I considered
myself lucky because it could have been much worse!
WD: Scariest moment while not kiteboarding?
SM: Can't think of anything right now...Guess I haven't
had something REALLY scary happen ever…
WD: What three things would you take with you on an
island?
SM: My iPod, kitegear and a toothbrush.
WD: What goes through your mind when you are executing a
risky trick?
SM: Nothing...It's blank. If you think about it too much
then that throws you off and that's when you make mistakes.
