Girls Who Rip: Kiteboarder Lisa Schlecht

This week we’re happy to introduce you to one of our hometown heroes, Lisa Schlecht. Lisa is a well of positive energy and she does so much to spread the stoke in our community, especially among kite women! Whether she’s kiting, biking, SUPing, or snowboarding, this woman likely has a smile on her face. Check her out @spunkelis and follow along as she takes over our Instagram on Saturday, July 11th, and treats you to a slice of Gorge life.

What do you fear most and how do you overcome it?

Judgment/Criticism. Positive self-encouragement and surrounding myself with positive, like-minded people.

What’s your #1 self-care routine/tip?

A daily dose of movement. Whether that’s a walk, jog, run, yoga, dance, bike, hike, etc. When you feel good, life’s ups and downs are more easily managed.

What’s your top tip for a beginner looking to get into your sport?

Fully dedicate your time, energy & commitment to learning the sport. Kiting isn’t a sport that you can learn overnight. The more time spent in the water, the faster you’ll become an independent girl who rips. This goes for learning a new trick or board skill. Time is your best friend :)

For more on improving your kiting, check out Sensi’s tips: https://sensigravesbikinis.com/blogs/sensi-graves-bikinis/get-kiteboarding-today

Favorite mantra?

Live for today.

Who or what inspires you?

The other women in the sport of kiteboarding and the valued friendships I’m made with girls across the globe all because of kiting. Also the sheer feeling of joy, peace and excitement I get when I’m out on the water.

Have you experienced any traumatic or scary events in your sport and how did you overcome it?

In my 2nd season of kiting I broke my humerus while kiting the Oregon Coast on a 3-mile downwinder. I had to self-rescue, wrap up gear, and hike back upwind 1.5 miles to get to my car with a broken arm. It took a lot of internal positive self-talk, reading up on how others overcame their fears and a year before I could brave going back to the coast to kite. 

How do you cross-train in your downtime?

Living in the Gorge gives me the opportunity to use the outdoors as my “gym.” Any given day (whatever the weather dictates) I enjoy running, mountain biking, road biking, hiking, yoga, stand up paddleboarding, skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing. Having once been a fitness instructor who enjoys the art of kickboxing, I do an online class about 3 mornings a week. I feel it keeps my body toned and agile for all the sports I love. Plus it makes me feel empowered and strong. 

What are you currently struggling with?

COVID and the loneliness that comes with it, from missing all the social aspects of enjoying the outdoor sports I love together with my girlfriends and other women in the sports. I just want a girlfriend hug :)

Feeling this too? Here’s a list of resources to help lift your spirits. 

What's something you're really proud of doing or accomplishing?

Recovering from an eating disorder is my life’s biggest accomplishment.