KITESURFING ST LUCIA : About Beth


	About Beth


						(758) 714 9589

Beth Lygoe has been kitesurfing and teaching as an IKO level 2 instructor since 2001.

“I learnt to kitesurf on the Isle of Wight in England, and since then I left the UK to travel and kitesurf. In the past few years I have lived and taught this amazing sport in Australia, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, St Lucia and all around the Caribbean.

Now living and based in St Lucia I set up this company to share my passion and experience, and introduce people to the world of kitesurfing.

I was born in England on 17th September 1981. My love of watersports started when I was young, going sailing every weekend with my dad. I sailed Laser Radial dinghies, and raced in regattas in the UK and around the world, my best result being 11th at the world championships in 2001. My first job out of school was a watersports instructor - teaching Sailing, Windsurfing, Yachting, Kayaking and Powerboating, as well as coaching advanced sailing racing clinics. But then the excitement of kitesurfing took over.

I taught on the Isle of Wight for a couple of seasons as a watersports instructor, but my kitesurfing progress was slow. Back then we had 2-line kites with no de-power and big boards that were hard to control. A friend Jeremy Waitt taught me how to kitesurf, and he’s got to be the most patient person I know, he helped me out when I was body dragging up the beach, untangling endless lines and would always help to get me back out on the water. The conditions in the UK are tricky and I wanted warm water and constant breeze, so I left for Perth in Australia to persue kitesurfing as a career. It was an awesome experience, I lived their for 1 year by the ocean and spent every minute it was windy on the water either teaching or learning new tricks. Thanks to my good friend Damo over their for putting up with me and pushing my skill level. From their I went to Oahu in Hawaii for 2 years. What can I say about Hawaii! Once again, just living on the beach teaching and kiting. I met so many amazing people, and it is here that I started Paragliding when there was no wind. Being able to fly around just using the wind is a breathtaking experience and the views were amazing, it definately keeps me inspired to go out and keep exploring my limits. When I left Hawaii I traveled a few months around Seattle and Idaho in the States taking in some Paragliding events, before coming to the Caribbean. Living in Cabarete I got really inspired again to get back into my kitesurfing, before finally ending up where I am now in St Lucia. With the local guys on the beach here all ripping around me, im still inspired to try new things in the sport. The Caribbean lifestlyle’s got me now and setting up my new business here is a dream come true.”

What are your favourite conditions?

I like it when it’s blowing 18-20 knots and I’m out trying new tricks. The wipeouts can be a little crazy at times, but it’s all worth it in the end to get the feeling of landing a new trick. This sport is all about having the freedom to express yourself, so get ready for the ride of your life.

What do you enjoy doing when the wind is light?

I love being outside which is why I live where I do. Liming with friends on the beach and chilling out having a BBQ is always nice, if there is any swell hitting the island I’ll paddle out for a surf. Sailing will always be in my blood, and I’m fortunate enough to be able to relax and go sailing along the coast, which is by far the best way to see the island.

What equipment are you riding?

I have flown a few different kites over the years, so when choosing a kite to ride I’m not only looking for how it performs and feels in the air, but also the quality of material and construction. The kites that North are producing are top quality, having been one of the leading companies developing the sport since the early days. The North Vegas is my weapon of choice and gives me all the confidence I need to try new tricks.

What about your board?

I ride the North Team Series 131cm board. It is a nice freestyle board that is also light enough to do some old school tricks. I’m also playing around with the boots to get a real wakestyle feel, and like to ride a surf board every now and then for some variety.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to get in to the sport?

Kitesurfing is good fun to learn, and with practice and patience does not take long to get the hang of cruising across the water. It can also be extremely dangerous. You need to learn to respect mother nature and assess the wind conditions during every session. Respect the power in the kite, and always have someone there to help you. But most of all have fun and enjoy it.




			Beth is powered by www.northkites.com


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