Mark Shinn
Born in 1972. North American native Mark Shinn now shares his time between the UK and the Canary Islands. With some of the best wind conditions on the planet to play with, Mark has always thrived out on the open water. Windsurfing was his first love, and his talent for the sport saw him turn professional for 4 years, traveling the globe on a relentless search for progression. The emergence of kitesurfing proved strong enough for Mark to set himself new and exciting goals, and it wasn't long before he began leading sport's evolution, not only out on the water but also by throwing himself into the development of new equipment. Mark went on to claim the 2002 World Champion titles of both kiteboarding tours: the Professional Kiteboard Riders Association (PKRA) and the Kiteboard Pro World Tour (KPWT)! Now that truly was an incredible achievement. Mark likes to spend the rest of his time taking it easy and enjoying life with his girlfriend and dog.
- When did you make your decision to dedicate your life to your chosen sport?
"I always wanted to dedicate myself to sport when I was young but it was not until 7 years ago that I had the opportunity to really drop everything else and just follow my dream."
- What's the best thing that happened to you in the past year?
"I had some weeks out the water and it gave me a whole new perspective on things. My motivation has now reached new heights and my desire to discover new limits in the sport has increased."
- What are your plans for the next 12 months?
"The winter season is approaching and I want to snowkite some more this winter. The winter season is also the good time for swell in the Canaries and Cabo Verdo. This year instead of planning trips in advance I decided to wait it our and travel last minute on the strength of the forcasts."
- How do you see your sport evolving in the next 5 years?
"I don't think there is any doubt that kiteboarding is getting more diverse. The freestyle aspect is getting more and more technical whilst the development of the wave riding aspect is getting more exciting all the time. I think kiting is going to appeal to all board sports riders no matter what their core background."
- Who do you think is doing a good job of pushing the sport at the moment, and what are they doing differently?
"If you look at freestyle then Aaron Hadlow is really pushing ahead of all the others in technical difficulty. Some of the Dutch kids are on fire though and Youri Zoon and Ruben Lenten continue to impress with their huge air approach to freestyle. In the waves there are many lesser known riders tearing it up but for shear insanity and disregard for their own safety the Alliance crew of Martin Vari, Ben Wilson and Jeff Tobias deserve a mention."
- Have you been filming recently, and who with? What can the kids see you in?
"I've been making some internet videos recently and they can be found on www.kitefilm.com. This winter we are planning to make a new action dvd but more on that later……"
- Do you ever feel burnt out, and what do to turn things around?
"I feel burnt out if I do the same thing for too long. One of the benefits of not having to train for the next competition is that I don't have to ride the same style everyday. Now I can ride the skimboard, do some freestyle, ride waves even windsurf…….what ever the day is good for. Like this I don't get bored and my motivation level is always at it's highest."
- What advice would you give to any kids wanting to turn pro?
"Have a good thing about what it is that makes you a pro! It's more than just going to the beach everyday and having fun. If you want to make your passion your life and have companies support you in it what are you going to give back? How are you going to contribute something better than the other riders out there with the same dream?"
- Other than your chosen sport, what else are you passionate about?
"I love to Skateboard, windsurf, surf and play Tennis. I am not especially good at any of them but they're a lot of fun and help to recharge my batteries for time with the kite again!"
- Where on this planet would you like to retire to, and why?
"I live in Tenerife and can't think of a better place to be. It's close to the beach, has year round summer with both consistent winds and good swell.
Added to that it is close and easy tog et back to Europe….paradise for me!"
- What are you doing tomorrow?
"One of the reasons I still love my sport is because I don't plan! I can't tell you what I will do tomorrow other than get up, check the conditions and do what ever it looks best for!"
- If your life wasn't what it already is, what do you think you'd be doing instead?
"I can't live away from the beach. I think if I was not lucky enough to be living my dream I would be trying to acheive it still! If I can have enough cash to live, be in the water everyday and keep my health thenh I will be happy!"
- What's the best thing about riding for O'Neill?
"Well apart from having the slickest looking and best working gear the whole ethos of the brand is perfect. To have such a huge image and yet still retain appeal to the core user and also the functionality of the brand is unique. Add to that having the best riders in many sports and you have a pretty special team."