Sky
Solbach is the 19 year old kiting sensation who
burst onto the seen this year by coming from no
where and winning the King of the Bay in San Francisco,
Bridge of the Gods contest in Stevenson Washington
in August 2002 and taking 3rd place at the Redbull
King of the Air in Maui. Sky is originally from
Auburn California near lake Tahoe and grew up in
the ideal environment to develop his skills in several
board sports, with a supportive mother and father
and a competitive older brother Josh. The family
spent time skiing at Squaw Valley and Windsurfing
in the delta and Rio Vista as well as the San Francisco
Bay Area. At 9 years of age Sky’s family moved
to Bonaire in the Dominican Republic where Sky went
to school and learned to speak Dutch as well the
local language. Today Sky spends winters in Bonaire
and summers in the Gorge where his parents live.
He works for his Father’s construction business
when in the Gorge.
Sky’s first experience kiting
came during February of 2001 in Bonaire. The summer
of 2001 was primarily focused on Windsurfing and
some kiting. It was not until that next winter
in Bonaire (2001-2002) that Sky focused full-time
on kiting. He emerged from that training period
ready to compete with the worlds best. Riding
for Naish and beating The Man himself at the Redbull
in the quarterfinal, Sky is literally riding high
with no end in sight.
Education
Kiter.com:
You grew up windsurfing and watching videos of Robby Naish and you took third place at the Redbull King of the Air last year in October by beating Robby in the quarterfinal. What was that like?
Sky Solbach: : It was an honor to be able to kite with Robby. During the competition I just treated it like another heat, just doing the job.
How much of a focus will competition for you in the 2003 season?
I am totally focused on competing but also having fun free-riding, they go tighter
Which tours and events do you plan to do?
The PKRA events in North America, wave masters in Cabo Verde. The PKRA is the better tour; it has all the good riders and energy. The KPWT was a joke this year, very poor organization and they really did not treat the riders well at all.
Where are you planning to train this winter and what will your training schedule look like?
I was in Bonaire all winter and then did a huge trip to Australia and New Zealand.
Who coaches kiteboarding professionals?
My Dad has been my coach and advisor and manager. He really helped me get my head into the competition and figure the strategy and course management points.
Tell us about your new relationship with Gaastra?
Things have been going great. Its been great working with Jonah and Cory and with Mark on the kites. I feel involved in the design. I can make suggestions and within a week I am riding on a kite that I helped influence.
What boards will you be riding?
I am on a twin tip now but rode directionals all winter and spring. I directional is a slower more controlled and calculated style of riding while the twin tip can be faster and flashy.
What new moves are you working on right now?
Mostly variations on handle-pass moves, KGBs and Slim Chance. Everything in both directions.
What would you say is the biggest air you have ever boosted and what were the conditions?
I was at Rufus in the Gorge this summer on a 10 meter kite and it was gusting 15-40. I was just riding and caught a gust that turned into 3 big lifts, just an elevator ride up over 50 feet. Totally unintentional.
With the kind of early success you have had you could become a major force in competitive kiteboarding. Are you planning to stay in competition for the next several years? Definitely as long as can and stay in the top competitively. Next several years for sure.
What are you goals for competition? Do you feel like you have the ability to get into and stay in the top 10? To be number 1?
I am number 7 right now. The top 3 riders have accomplished a lot this year and that last 5% is everything. We are all shooting for number 1 but being in the top 3 would be very satisfying for me.
Who has influenced your riding style the most?
Everyone. Robby, Adam, Ben, Martin, Andre and the Oahu crew. Its all about change and not being locked into one style.
Who are the most important people in your life?
Family. Mom and Dad have been very supportive, I could never have made it this far with out all their support.
Have you ever been scared kiting or in way over your head?
I have been out in some pretty crazy wind and hugely overpowered. But I have paid the price harder working out the handle passes. That can hurt while you are learning.
Will we start to see more teenage riders like you entering the sport? What has kept them out so far?
Sure at the image evolves and they think kiteboarding is cool. Right now it probably look too similar to windsurfing to the average skateboard kid. They will start to get it soon
Are professional kiteboarders underpaid or over paid?
Way under paid! …….. but it is kind of fun…….
