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Angely Bouillot is perhaps best known for being the only woman to take part in the Red Bull King of the Air so far in the event’s history. Since then she continues to kill it in Big Air with her fearless style, recently breaking the women’s jump height record with a monumental WOO jump of 32.6m. Her fellow Big Air kiters and CORE team riders threw some questions at her.
Lorenzo Casati
When did you start kiting?
During summer vacations I used to go windsurfing with my family. Then when I was 15, my windsurf instructor suggested we try this new sport, kitesurfing… and from then on I would do this sport, but only occasionally for the next 10 years.
Karlie Thoma
What inspired you to start kiting?
I didn’t know anything about kitesurfing, it was just my windsurfing teacher who introduced me to the sport. What inspired me was discovering something new.
Xavier Kain
Was there a specific event or decision in your career that you consider a turning point, significantly shaping the trajectory of your kiting journey?
The decision that put me on the map was my desire to take part in the King of the Air and to compete with the men. It was something new and it inspired people, and I think that is what’s most important in this world: to do things not just for yourself, but for everyone.
Nathalie Lambrecht
Describe your feelings when you saw your name on the KOTA list in 2020.
“Sh*t, they finally said yes!”
Cohan van Dijk
And how was it being the first woman in the KOTA competition?
I put a lot of pressure on myself, which I hadn’t foreseen, not because of my gender, but just the kind of pressure that any competitor can feel when taking part in an event for the first time. So I didn’t really enjoy that moment… It showed me the mental work I’d have to do afterwards to become a better version of myself… It’s a long journey…
Therese Taabbel
What is the aspect of CORE you like the most – what makes CORE special to you?
I’ve been with them since I started kitesurfing, and my skills in the sport have grown with them too… I hope that this has created a real bond. The quality of their kites is an incredible help to me. With the team we have, each of us is very different in his or her field, which makes for a unique family because it brings together very different styles.
Ben Beholz
Do you have any idols you get inspiration from?
What inspires me is the truth, so every genuine person inspires me…
Michaela Pilkenton
What is your strategy for learning a new trick? Do you just go full send and hope for the best?!
My strategy is to try to break it down into smaller parts and train in lighter winds, and then build up to nailing it in stronger wind.
Giel Vlugt
If you weren’t a pro kiter as your profession, what would you be or what would you do instead?
I could have been anything and it’s by doing anything that you become anyone…
TKM
What does your dream session look like?
My dream session is when I’m in the intergalactic flow and really connect with the elements around me – a strong wind, big waves and good friends to share this magical moment, and being grateful for that…
Jasmine Cho
You have been the pioneer for women in Big Air and so many of us look up to you. Where do you see the future of women’s Big Air going?
Thank you darling, I really appreciate your words. We did it all together! It can only evolve, there will be ups and downs, but it will grow!
Timo Boersema
What will it take to get a women’s division in all of the big competitions such as King of the Air?
Never give up! It will happen one day.
Stig Hoefnagel
Do the dreadlocks have anything to do with your insane kite skills?!
This helps me in my metamorphosis from Son Goku to Super Saiyan, and makes my fireball much more powerful.
Marc Jacobs
What is your dream trick to learn and land at the moment?
I’ve been working on the back to late back board-off kiteloops.
Alina Kornelli
You travel a lot in your unique and cool van… What was the best road trip so far?
I’ve just finished this truck, so I haven’t had time to do a big trip with it yet, but I’ve been living in a van for a long time now. I’ve traveled all over Europe, as well as Morocco, England and Scotland, and all these trips have been unique and enriching.
Francesca Maini
If you could kite in only one spot for the rest of your life where would it be?
It would be on the perfect windy day at Misty Cliffs.
Phil Janke (CORE Head of Marketing)
You impress us with your energy, your successes, but also with your very natural and easy way of life. You are one of a kind. Where would we have met you if you hadn’t discovered kiting?
Maybe at the roadside when changing the wheel on my spaceship!
Nathalie Lambrecht
If you could pick one trick for the rest of your life to perform, which one would it be?
A simple kiteloop late back high up is enough sensation for me.
Therese Taabbel
What is your life philosophy?
The philosophy of life for me is to remain whole and true, to share with others and to learn from others. I think it’s important to do things not just for oneself but for everyone – we’re more beautiful and stronger together…
Ben Beholz
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I don’t project myself that far ahead; anything and everything can happen before then. There’s no point in projecting myself that far ahead because nothing’s been done and everything has to be built
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