Click on photo for more pics of Bri! Photo by Jason Lee

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WD: Describe the women's pro circuit - what's it like and what would you change?

Bri: I LOVE traveling to new places and meeting new people, that is the best part about competing. I didn't realize how lucky I was last year until I came to school this year! There are so many people in the world that would love to be in the spot that some of the pro's are in. I have made a couple good girlfriends while competing, which is always fun when you're out on the water and they're in your heat, cause you can pump each other up and push each other. Sometimes I wish girls weren't so vicious when it came to competition, but hey, we all have our moments. All I know is that I love every moment that I get out on the water, whether it is in a competition or just soul riding.

WD: Does being 5'1 present any special advantages or disadvantages when kiting?

Bri: I think that since I am rather small, I may have an advantage when it comes to jumping. In many board sports it is usually the people that are small and compact that do the best because their center of gravity is more grounded. The disadvantage of being small is that when it is really windy and bigger girls and guys are having a grand old time on their 10Ős and 8's, I can barely even kite on a 6 meter, and most 6's don't give very consistent power, and aren't nearly as good as the larger kites.

WD: Tell us something most people don't know about you?

Bri: Hmmm...well, I am an only child, and because of this my parents have spoiled me by taking me around the world ever since I was a one year old. I have been to 25 different countries, some of the wildest times being when elephants and hippos chased me on safari, or having a whole lion pack outside my tent. ALSO, I want to be a rock star, but I don't know how to sing or dance!

WD: Plans and goals for 2004?

Bri: This early spring I'm heading to Texas and Islamarada. Then I am going to be a dropout for spring quarter (I just can't make it three in a row!) and head to the DR to get ready for a couple upcoming events. My goals in 2004 are to keep riding as much as possible, and to travel to wonderful places and kite in clear waters. Also I need to figure out my major!

WD: Your favorite place to kiteboard?

Bri: I like anywhere where there's flat, tropical water, or small 4-foot waves. I still have so many places on my list to visit. But, I love Australia and Mexico.

WD: Describe your perfect kiteboarding trip?

Bri: My perfect kiteboard trip would be one where all of my friends and people I love went to a tropical island and kited in 17 mph winds every day, and at night got entertained by a great reggae band and ate fine fine food and drank fine fine drinks long into the night!

For more on Bri, check out her site - www.brichmel.com