Kiter.com: You have a background in Surfing, Tow-surfing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Windsurfing, Wakeboarding and now Kiteboarding. Which of these would you say is your primary focus right now and how do you split your time between them?
Chuck Patterson: Primary focus is big waves whether that is on a kiteboard or tow surfing I am trying to do it all.

How much carry over is there from other sports? Does an athlete with a background in snowboarding or wakeboarding for example, have a head start in learning to kiteboard?
Other sports help dramatically, probably wakeboarding and   snowboarding help the most. It is all about balance and style.

Is kiting more Extreme or less Extreme than the other board sports?
Every sport has an extreme moment when you take it to the edge of the envelope. I think kiteboarding is one of the top.

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
Jumping off a 142-foot cliff on skis. Every athlete knows when they push it all the way to the limit and that was it for me. We kept upping the ante and I eventually went off and stuck the landing. Everything came together.

For the most part you are still riding in full wake-style bindings, do you see yourself moving to foot straps and twin-tips? Are you working on board-off moves or will you stay focused on the waves?
I have played with twin-tips lately to open up my style, it makes some tricks easier. In the waves I like the bindings better because it allows me to be more aggressive. It suits my style.

Who are you favorite people to ride with?
The guys I look up to are Chris Gilbert and Elliot LeBoe. We have the same ideas about riding waves. Peter Trow has a great style and has opened my mind, the same with Lou.

Are you involved in any kiteboarding schools?
We have a school called “KiteNow” in Southern CA that we are dialing out right now. Look for us next season.

Where will you be training this winter?
I will be up at Mavericks a lot and then back and forth to Oahu as well as Todos Santos and Baja.

Do you plan to do the full PKRA tour for 2003?
No. I will do selected events and stay on top of the big wave scene. I am very supportive of the tour and will do some of the wave oriented events.

What can you tell us about Project Quantum Leap project?
I have some sponsors and backers, equipment is all dialed out so we are ready. It’s a go. There is a lot going on but this should be a good winter for the project.

What is the biggest wave you have ever pulled into on a kiteboard so far?
Probably a 20 to 25 foot face at Todos Santos.

Has anybody kited Maverick’s?
I have been out on a south wind day and it was just not right. We have looked at it for a couple seasons now, it has its moments but we still need to line it up. Maybe January or February of this year.

Are there any other kiteboarders who also tow surf?
Josh Mulcoy, Rush Randle, Laird Hamilton and Ryan Rawson with Slingshot. We are all enjoying pushing both sports in new directions.

What is your fitness program to stay in top condition for kiteboarding?
Ideally 4 days a week in the gym but of course traveling interferes with that. A mix of cardio and weights focusing on back   exercises.

Are you working on any videos or media projects right now?
Sure. Quantum Leap, a Maverick’s video for tow surfing and a documentary.

How important is that kind of exposure to the growth of the sport?
It is key, especially for people who do not really have access to Ocean and still want to get a view into what we are doing.

What is it going to take to get some real money into kiteboarding for the athletes and for the events?
Out of industry corporate sponsors that can see the future of the sport. The surf industry has lead the way but it is up to the athletes and people in the sport to come up with new creative ways to promote the sport.

What will you do when you are done competing professionally?
I will never finish competing it just depends what you are competing in. I would like to help take care of other athletes and help them capitalize on their success while they are young. I learned a lot of lessons.

What do you do when you are not kiteboarding or involved in another extreme sport?
Spend time with my gal and with friends. Its hard when you are on Mother Natures clock. We are always chasing the next swell.

Have the recent changes at Wipika affected you? What kites are you planning to be on for 2003?
I think these are evolutionary changes and probably healthy. Its better for me since I am even more committed to the growth of the company. Things change and that’s fine. I am still looking for the fastest turning kites for the waves.