Spin the Globe: Karin Schött

Spin the Globe will bring you unforgettable riders, from all around the world, that we've met on our travels. This time we're talking to swedish-born wakestyle lady Karin Schött.

CoreNation:
Hello Karin, please introduce yourself.

Karin:
Okej, I was born in Sweden in the 80´s. I grew up next to a lake and had lots of fun with watersports in the summer. I studied at the university for 5 years, worked for while and then decided to do something different. I tried kitesurfing in 2007 and got quite excited about it. Compared to wakeboarding it appeared to be ideal, not having to spend a fortune on gas and just getting pulled by the wind. So... I sold all my material things, quitted my job and booked a one way ticket to Isla Margarita, Venezuela.

Since then I have been moving around trying to figure out what it's all about.   

CoreNation:
So what is it all about then? Have you figured it out already?

Karin:
Naj, not really. I´m only at the beginning... but on a journey I always end up in the now, whatever it is that I am trying to reach or escape from. So finally there´s no need for hectic globe-trotting. The present is a beautiful moment.. (but there´s obviously always a need for a sun tan)

CoreNation:
Where have you been kiteboarding so far? What are your top destinations?

Karin:
I kind of prefer non-mainstream spots away from the typical kite-scene. Somewhere behind a jetty in Belize or on a swamped field in Denmark. 

However I keep on returning to my home spot, El Yaque, Venezuela. Always windy, warm and the people are great. That's also where I obtained my instructors license for kitesurfing and have mainly been working/teaching. 

Central America is another heaven on earth. The pacific coast of Costa Rica and Nicaragua have got waves, social sea-creatures and hidden beaches. On the Caribbean side there are lots of nice spots from Honduras to Mexico. It's easy to travel with a boardbag on cheap buses trying to find a clean bed that costs less than a HappyMeal.

I also had the opportunity to work and travel under the CORE flag, learning from a master - BEANY - , in places like Brazil, Egypt, the Dominican Republic and North Germany.

Boracay, on the Philippines is another spot that I would return to.

...and snowkiting wise, the round hills of Norway. It´s way too cold, but the local glüwine makes it worthwhile.

CoreNation:
Normally we tag a location on the map for each interview. Which place would we tag for you? Where exactly is "home" for you? What makes this/these place/places home? 

Karin:
Home is here.. and this present moment I´m paying tax in Lindau, Bodensee, Germany. But I will definitely spend my allowance in a warm place, (Venezuela) very soon. 

CoreNation:
CORE stands for Performance, Safety, Quality and Service. Which attribute would you add and why?

Karin:
Those 4 ones pretty much cover why I use CORE kites. But OK, the simple & efficient design appeals to me. Less is More. All in ONE. The limited variation of choices makes decision taking/making easier.

AND I´d also add some happy faces. Since 2008 I have met a lot of guys behind the CORE scene (and on the scene) and it´s always a familiar feeling. All users looks very satisfied with the brand and are getting what they want from it.

CoreNation:
What do you enjoy besides kiteboarding and why?

Karin:
Simplicity. Hiking in the northern hills of Sweden/Norway. Running, biking and swimming naked in small lakes. I also enjoy traveling without a plan, seeing what's coming up next. Flirting with custom officials and trying to squeeze a boardbag into a chicken-bus.

CoreNation:
Surprises along the way is what makes traveling without a plan unique. What are the top things that help you deal with these?

Karin:
Peace, love & understanding.

Tell yourself that it could be worse.. and as a result enjoy the surprise in being alive

..and then ride CORE-kites.

CoreNation: 
Thanks for the interview.

Interview conducted by Carsten Nommels.