COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Germany
FLUENCY: English, German
QUALIFICATIONS: IKO Level 1
DISCIPLINES: Wing Foiling, Kiteboarding
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
ABOUT KATHI:
We’re stoked to have Kathi Kemp join the WA SURF team. Not only is Kathi one of our kiteboarding and wing foiling Instructors, she is also our Shop Assistant and School Coordinator this season. Originally from western Germany, far from the coast, Kathi’s passion for kiteboarding started when she was just 14. Inspired by her older brother, she worked hard to learn the sport, even though she could only practice once a year. By 16, she was spending her summers working at a kite school, and at 17, she earned her IKO Instructor certification, which was when she fell in love with teaching people the joy and unlimited possibilities of watersports.
Kathi’s kiteboarding journey has taken her across the globe. After high school, she joined a dual study program that allowed her to split her time between Germany and the Philippines. Summers were spent at a school in Germany, while winters were dedicated to teaching at Kitesurf Mindoro, a resort in the Philippines. In addition to teaching, Kathi guided downwind trips and assisted in managing the school.
After earning her bachelor’s degree, Kathi briefly stepped away from kiteboarding to work as a store manager and team leader in HR. But sitting behind a desk, she realised that her true passion lay in teaching kiteboarding. In March 2024, she made the big decision to quit her job, give up her apartment, and launch her own mobile kite school in Albania with two friends. It was a successful season, and she’s already planning for round two next year!
Kathi teaches beginner, intermediate, and advanced kitesurfing students, as well as beginner and intermediate wingfoiling. She loves the diversity of people she meets while teaching, adapting her lessons to fit each student’s unique learning style. For her, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing students progress and gain confidence on the water. Kathi believes that teaching kiteboarding has taught her more about herself and the world than any other job, and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.
We’re thrilled to have Kathi on board at WA SURF this season, bringing her wealth of experience and passion for kiteboarding and wing foiling to both our shop and our school.
Connect with Kathi on Instagram >> @kathi_isabel_