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Top Billing features Kitesurfing Champion Michelle Sky Hayward
Top Billing features Freestyle Kitesurfing Champion Michelle Sky Hayward
We catch a ride with SA Freestyle Kitesurfing Champion Michelle Sky Hayward!
For SA Freestyle Kitesurfing Champion Michelle Sky Hayward, love is the belief her husband and financial advisor Neil Hayward shows in her. When she traded her pilates career to go pro in kiting, he was with her every step and it’s made every bit of difference.
There is a misconception that kitesurfers need to be big and strong. Michelle dispelled that myth in style, when she took the national title.
With Neil working from home, the couple are rarely apart. They travel together with Michelle’s blog documenting their experiences and the exposure which she gives to brands helps her to finance herself.
Although the Champ only took up this sport at 17, she was a competitive gymnast at school and surfed before she kited. It has made her agile and kept her mostly injury free. She makes a fine advert for kitesurfing school owners like Gavin De Klerk wanting to get more women into the sport.
With the competitive side of kitesurfing struggling a bit for funding, Michelle is shifting her focus to promoting the sport and her career as a free rider. On her blog she interviews fellow competitors, shares her published poetry, promotes hotels and has become a notable social media influencer.
With Michelle’s 12 year old sister, Kayleigh already flying through the air, this family of fearless, young South African women are just what the sport needs.
