We continue recovering from the Easter holidays and our kitesurfing courses in Tarifa, and today we will talk about another expert in this sport: Julia Castro.
Julia Castro
Age: 22años
Hometown: Fuerteventura
Achievements: Campeona de España de Wakeboard y Kiter que vuelve de su lesión
Favorite Spot: Cumbuco o Fuerteventura
Sponsors: North Kiteboarding, ION Spain, Organicup, Lavandería el Cardón,
Good morning, Julia. You are a true adventurer to the point where it becomes challenging to locate you on the map. Our question has to be: Is there anything you are afraid of?
Hello! Haha, yes, people ask me often, “Julia, where are you now?” I’ll let you in on a secret; I have an app that tracks my location all day so you won’t lose track of me.
As for people asking, “Aren’t you afraid to travel alone?” If I were afraid, I wouldn’t do anything, and I’d be sitting on my couch at home. ????
Lately, we’ve seen you divided between two disciplines, kiteboarding and wakeboarding, with impressive results in wakeboarding competitions. Could you tell us more about your wakeboarding career and achievements?
It might seem like I’m torn between two sports, but they complement each other really well! Wakeboarding helps me a lot with kiteboarding, especially now that I’ve almost made the decision to switch to kite sliders. My wakeboarding career began in 2014 when I tried it for the first time. After practicing for a month, I went to the Spanish championship and finished second. Right after that, I tore my shoulder ligament, and I didn’t return to wakeboarding until last year, 2016. Throughout 2016, I could only train for one month because I was busy with kiteboarding. I went to the Spanish championship and won it! It was one of the most incredible things because I had always dreamed of being the best in my country at something. Finally, at the age of 22, I had achieved it. Winning the national championship meant I earned my ticket to represent Spain in the European championships. Imagine the excitement!
In the European championships, I finished 6th, not far from the podium positions. Right now, I’m in the Philippines, training at CWC, one of the best cable parks in the world, and I just found out that I’ve been invited to one of the biggest and most prestigious wakeboarding events in the world, the Plastic Playgrounds!
We’ve seen that you’re returning to the kiteboarding world championship this year. Why did you leave it, and what made you decide to come back? Where do you see yourself in the short to medium term?
Haha, news travels fast! Actually, I didn’t leave kiteboarding; a shoulder injury forced me to take a break. In 2016, I felt that I didn’t have the necessary level to compete yet, but this year, I told myself, “Let’s give it a try.” Also, here’s something strange: I had a dream that I was going to the world championship in Leucate, but I didn’t compete because I backed out at the last moment, and in the end, other girls who were much worse than me qualified. I woke up super confused but determined not to let the opportunity pass by. You don’t win if you don’t take risks.
As for where I see myself in the short to medium term, I try not to think too much about it because it just causes me stress. Right now, I’m quite happy with what I’m doing, and for now, I know I’ll be competing in all the Kite Park League events, including the Triple S. I just found out I’ve been invited! Whatever comes after that… we’ll see. ????
Based on your experience, how has kiteboarding changed your life? What would you say to all those girls who want to give this sport a try?
I would love to tell all the girls who are thinking about it to give it a try! Kiteboarding is an incredible sport. My little brother (who is 7 years old) can do it, and the oldest guy on my beach (who is around 70) can do it. It’s healthy, it’s fun, and you do it in nature… There are a million reasons to start. Girls, don’t let fear stop you. Please.
Kiteboarding has completely and absolutely changed my life, but for the better, for the super better, and I’m grateful for every day I spend in the water, even though sometimes it can be a bit tough to keep doing it.
Thank you very much for taking the time to talk to us. We wish you the best of luck for this new season.
A million thanks! See you on the water!