Chris Gilbert Courtesy of Chris Gilbert Click on photo for more

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WD: How long have you been kiteboarding and how did you get started?

I have been kiting since 1997. I was living on Maui when inflatable kites first arrived, I just had to do it.

WD: What accomplishments are most proud of?

I am most proud of being able to inspire people to get out and ride.

WD: What did you do before you started kiteboarding?

I have always done lots of cross over sports, snowboarding, windsurfing, mountain biking and skateboarding.

What’s it like when you find yourself 30 feet in the air strap to a board and being pulled by a kite? And what's the highest you've ever jumped (officially or unofficially)?

When I am that high I am just focused on the kite , and not making a mistake. I have been about 60 feet in the air. The rush from jumping comes from the feeling of the kite pulling you up in the air. There are a few ways to describe it, I like to tell people to imagine they are the rock in a sling shot. It’s that feeling.

Chris Gilbert Courtesy of Chris Gilbert Click on photo for more

WD: What type of board and kite are currently using?

I actually use quite a few different set ups. I ride all Naish kites and boards. I have freeriding kites and boards, a board for waves, a speed board, and a surf board. I think one of the coolest thing about kiting is you can experiment with all type of riding styles and equipment to keep it fun.

WD: What's the one piece of advice you would give to someone who is learning to kiteboard?

Take a lesson. Take a vacation to learn in an ideal spot if possible.

WD: What competitive tours are you currently competing on and how’s the season going? What are your goals for the year?

I have been doing select events on the PKRA world tour. My goals are and have always been to progress my riding style, and inspire other riders. I would also like to breake the 40 knot barrier. I am leaving for Fuertaventura in the Canary Island tomorrow.

Chris Gilbert Courtesy of Chris Gilbert Click on photo for more

WD: What's the most difficult trick to pull off today and what makes it so hard?

The most difficult trick would be to answer this question correctly. All the new tricks are very difficult. The most interesting thing about the tricks is that we are now doing things that we thought would be impossible.

WD: Do you worry about the increasing number of beaches and spots banning kiteboarding? What can kiteboarders do alleviate the problems?

I don’t worry about much, especially about that. Kiteboarding is here to stay, no matter what. On Maui we took it upon ourselves to create our own beach, and area to kite.

WD: What would you been doing if you were not a professional kiteboarder?

I would be sporting goods designer, or some how be involved in the research and development of products. Or maybe I would be a couch potato.

WD: If you were stranded on an island, what are three things you couldn't live without (assuming you have your kiteboard with you)?

My wife, my wife and my wife.

WD: Tell us something most people don’t know about you…

I am an artist. I make sculpture using stainless steel wire and epoxy.

WD: Anyone you would like to thank?

I would like to thank my wife Julie for making my kiteboading career twice as fun because we have done it all together.