Lou Wainman
November 12, 2002

Kiter.com: What inspired you to move to Maui and take up kiteboarding? Was there a specific moment?
Lou Wainman: I was on the beach chillin one day, then we see Manu at lanes, since then I can’t think straight.

Many people would look at you as a pioneer in the sport and some one leading the evolution of kiteboarding. Is that perception accurate?
I help sometimes.

When was the last time you rode a wakeboard behind a boat? Is that a sport that still interests you?
Long time ago, would like a boat for no wind days for sure.

There are about 3 million active wake boarders in North America. Do you think that kiteboarding has the potential to surpass that?
Hahahahahahaaaaaa, yup.   

Do you want to see kiteboarding grow and even go mainstream or would those influences ruin the sport?
The more the better I think.

You are doing a lot of work with sliders and cable parks. Do you think that type of riding has a broad appeal? Can the average Kiteboarder relate to that aspect of the sport?
I like to relate to it all and learn new things. I think sliders and cable parks only help you.

Would you ever see the guys with a windsurfing background, like Robby Naish for instance, try to do sliders?
I am sure we will see Robby Naish “unleash” some grinds cuz!

What are some of the moves that you have invented?
I have never invented anything.

How do you name new moves?
Make fun of it.

What are some of the new moves that you are working on now?
Just how to ride without falling in the water pretty much.

I ride 4 line kites in a shackle, is that holding me back?
I could not tell you if its holding you back, but then again that’s what shackles are meant to do……but whatever floats your boat.

What percentage of the time are you spending on wave riding? Is that a focus for you?
Whenever I see one nearby.

Is it true that you drink Red bull in the morning instead of coffee?
I must have been out of coffee that day.

Previously, you were riding for Naish, where do you stand with that relationship currently?
I don’t ride for Naish. I ride for me.

What kites are you most impressed with right now?
Still searching, but have to say that Takoon I borrowed today is the best for me. (thanks Michael)

What changes should the kite companies be making in the near future?
I don’t really know too many kite companies (yet).

You have done a lot of work with short lines. What is the optimal line length? Will a standard emerge or does it just depend on the conditions and rider preference?
I just look at the kite, and then cut the lines where I think it should go.

You have been riding some extremely short proto-type boards, how is that going and what are the advantages/disadvantages of super-short boards?
Just trying some different concepts for now. Short boards have some good advantages.

Who are some of the young up and coming riders that we should be watching? Do you have anyone that you are grooming for success?
Basically everybody young and old is grooming for success on their own.

Do you see yourself doing board-off tricks and how valuable is that anyway?
Sorta kinda but a little different.

What do you do when you are not kiting?
I do what you do.

Any words of advice for the folks competing in the red bull this week?
Actually I was late getting this done, and the RED BULL week has passed.

Thanks for the interview and the inspiration Lou.
Ok thank you too.