We recently caught up with Clémentine Bonzom, one of the top 10 finalists in the 2011 “Most Influential Girl Kitesurfer” competition to find out what she’s been up to lately and how the competition has impacted her kitesurfing career. Clémentine has since been competing on the PKRA tour and placed 3rd at the French Championships…
Where is your local riding spot?
South Beach, Port Camargue, France.
Where are your favorite places to ride other than your local spot?
Brazil (Cumbuco, Uruau, Barra Nova) and Sri Lanka (Kalpitya).
What do you do for work?
I work for Stance Magazine, the best French and international kiteboarding magazine.
What gear do you use?
I kite with the North Vegas (5, 7, 9, and 12) and North Team Series board (134×40).
How has the MIGK impacted your life?
I think it gave me the motivation to keep going hard and try to do my best.
Who were you sponsored by before the comp and who are you sponsored by now?
2 years ago I was sponsored by JN Kites, but since one year now I’m sponsored by North Kiteboarding, Ion, Mood… and it rocks!!!
Do you compete? If so what competitions have you participated in and what have your results been since the MIGK competition.
Yeah, I follow the PKRA and the KTE tours. In 2012 I ended up in 7th position overall in freestyle on the PKRA rankings, and took 3rd place at the French championship… I hope to do even better this year!
Has the MIGK competition helped you gain any additional exposure or publicity in the kiteboarding world?
Yes it helped me to work on my image on internet and with some magazines as well, like Kitegirl. It was really a good experience.
How have you used your new sponsors / media connections to influence others who want to get involved in kitesurfing?
I’m just trying to push my level on the water and to work on my public image as well. Doing pictures, videos, articles… are all really important if you want to become a professional kiteboarder. So I’m just trying to work as much as possible, and to portray a positive image of a happy kite woman!
What advice do you have for the up and coming MIGK nominations?
Good luck girls, keep on rocking and don’t forget to enjoy your ride!
iMK: Thank you for taking the time to update us on your achievements since the 2011 MIGK Clémentine, and congratulations on your PKRA tour results and 3rd place at the French Championships. We wish you all the best with your kiteboarding career and the upcoming competitions!
For more about Clementine, visit her website or follow her on Facebook.
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