V. G: I was born in Istanbul and spent my childhood and education in this city. After completing my university education, I was making a living by developing websites and e-commerce sites. I moved to New York with the ideal of developing myself in the field of e-commerce and helping local manufacturers enter the North American market. Over time, I established a system where I could be in Turkey in summer and in New York in winter.
In 2007, on a trip to Miami, on the narrow road from Miami to Key Biscayne Island, I noticed colorful, huge, parachute-like, sail-like things moving behind tall palm trees, and I went to them with curiosity. This must be the sport called kitesurfing. I tried to understand how it worked. After watching for a while, I was fascinated and decided to start right away.
I got the necessary basic training and equipment and went to Turkey. That summer, I practiced this sport every chance I could find.
When I returned to New York after the summer following this event, it was almost winter. I would have to wait months before I could ski again. During this period, when my landlord passed away, the heirs wanted to sell the house I was living in, and I learned that the company I was working for was going in a different direction and its partners were going to dissolve, I thought it was an opportunity for me to change and I moved to Miami, where you can live in summer for twelve months.
Since then, this sport has been a part of my life between Miami and Marmaris.
S. N: What are the opportunities and advantages Miami offers for these sports? Are there any differences between practicing sports here compared to other places?
V.G: Miami is a city on the Atlantic Ocean coast of the USA with a mild climate all year round. Besides its famous beaches and inland sea, the archipelago of the Florida Keys to the south, Key West and the large coral reefs in and around Key West make Miami very suitable for water sports. The city has a large Spanish-speaking population and many kiteboarding enthusiasts from South America come to Miami. So there is also a cultural fusion. When the wind is not favorable, alternative water sports such as paddleboarding, wakeboarding, diving and swimming can also be practiced. Therefore, it is possible to live in shorts and flip-flops and do water sports in Miami for most of the year.
S. N: These sports are mentally as well as physically challenging. What keeps you motivated? What do you like most about kiteboarding?
V.G: Kitesurfing is not physically and mentally exhausting for me, on the contrary, it is very relaxing. In this sport, we control the kite through our center of gravity with the help of a trapeze tied around our waist. Thus, a certain part of the body is not strained more. Although it may seem challenging at first, it becomes easier as you get used to it. Especially with the "Freeride" and "Waveride" styles that I prefer, my mind relaxes as I flow over the water.
Every time I go out on the water, I do my safety checks and remind myself to be careful. Getting away from the city with the sound of the wind and waves while adapting to nature and enjoying the moment is the main thing that motivates me.
S. N: What are your recommendations for those who want to practice these sports in Miami? Which beaches or tracks would you recommend?
V.G: My first advice for those who want to kitesurf in Miami is not to go out on the water without training. Without knowledge of safety and proper equipment, you may risk harming yourself and your surroundings.
Miami's ocean shores are not suitable for beginners because they are choppy and crowded. Large areas are required to set up and launch the kite, so it is preferable to ski in specific areas.
There are a few special spots in Miami Beach, but most surfers prefer the area around 75th Street or Crandon Park. There are ample parking lots and facilities such as showers and changing rooms. It is also possible to surf 86th, 29th, 22nd and 4th streets, but you need to create free space.
Further north, there is a kitesurfing beach in Pompano Beach. To the south is Crandon Park on Key Biscayne Island, with its calm and shallow waters. There are ideal areas, especially for flatwater and freestyle fans, as well as parking and equipment rentals. Between Miami and Key Biscayne is Virginia Key Park, where you can spend the whole day with families.
Further south, on the way to Key West, Curry Hammock State Park in Marathon is a beautiful surf spot with large grassy areas, campsites and barbecue areas. Further west, the Gulf of Mexico offers quiet and scenic beaches such as Naples and Marco Island. There are also good conditions in places like Stiltsville and Bahia Honda Park, but some areas are only suitable for experienced surfers.
In most spots, it is possible to surf if the wind is right. However, instead of going alone, it is better to go with a friend for your safety.
S. N: What are the differences between Turkey and Miami in terms of the conditions for practicing these sports? What kind of experience does Miami's nature or climate offer for kiteboarding?
V.G: In Miami many spots are very close to each other and the climate is mild. It's generally sunny, with a warm sea and a variety of winds. There are also very nice spots in Turkey, but there are places that require a waiting period in the off-season. Miami provides a more free environment as it offers year-round skiing.
S. N: Which equipment would you recommend for someone who wants to progress in these sports? What are the important points that a first-timer should pay attention to?
V.G: The choice of equipment in kitesurfing should be based on factors such as weight, height, physical condition, preferred riding style and the area where you will be riding. There are various types of equipment for different styles such as freeride, freestyle and waveride, and manufacturers usually provide tables showing which model is suitable for which style. Freeride style kites and a wide board are generally recommended for beginners, as this equipment facilitates control and improves balance during the learning process. The best choice can be made by trying out different equipment at the training center and listening to the instructor's advice.
In the beginning, the choice of trapeze is important because this equipment, which is tied around the waist and in direct contact with the body, is important for comfort. With the guidance of the instructor, the appropriate kite and board should be chosen, and as experience increases, smaller and lighter boards can be preferred. As you progress, it will be useful to acquire kites of different sizes to be able to ride in a wider wind range.
It is also important to maintain the equipment regularly. Not leaving the materials in the sun for a long time, washing them with fresh water after contact with salt water and storing them cleanly will prolong their life.
Finally, practicing this sport with a few experienced friends can make the experience safer and more enjoyable with proper equipment and spot selection. Some people turn kitesurfing into a lifestyle and turn it into a professional sport, while others pursue it as a social activity or hobby.
S. N: What is the most memorable or challenging experience you have had during these sports? Can you share a memory that deeply affected you?
V.G: Let me share two unforgettable moments: The first one was my first night kayak in the ocean in Miami. Because of the low visibility, my senses other than the eyes came into play to maintain balance and my level of awareness increased. In fact, I started to try movements that I didn't dare during the day and I was able to jump higher.
Another unforgettable experience was riding the giant waves in Kilyos. It took 3-4 seconds to ride over each wave and I was almost one with nature when I rode the waves in the open sea. I remember riding for three hours almost without a break.
My most challenging experience was when I skied in the Rilland canal on the Dutch-Belgian border in the cold at 7 degrees Celsius.
S. N: Do you regularly participate in competitions or events for kiteboarding and kitesurfing? What new achievements or projects are you aiming for?
V.G: I don't have any regular competitions or events. When I lived in Turkey for a longer period of time, I used to attend kite festivals and competitions in Gökova, Alaçatı, Gökçeada and Istanbul as a spectator. I don't have a competitive structure.
Among the things I aim to do, or rather, what I dream of doing, are kayaking in Mauritius and traveling the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts by sailboat and discovering places to kayak.
S. N: Finally, do you have a message for Turkish youngsters coming from Turkey or interested in kiteboarding to try this sport?
V.G: Train, start and don't quit.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule.
Banu Demir / The Sailor's Newspaper
