Sam Light - HANGIN' IN HAYLING ISLAND UNITED KINGDOM

Who’s Sam Light? I'm from Hayling Island, on the South coast of England. I started Kiteboarding in September of 2003. I'm always hanging out in the sun and the water, wake boarding, surfing, fishing, and sailing. I also like my photography, skateboarding, golf and just cruising with my mates.

What’s you favorite gear set up and why? Kiteboarding is so diverse and every session can be very different from hitting features in a Kitepark, launching off big wave kickers, flat water, or hardcore competition freestyle, so I like to use different gear for different days. The Asylum 141 is my board of choice for all conditions, with either the RAD or Shredtown bindings. The RPM for hitting features, filming and riding when the conditions aren't prefect, as it has a big useable range and a nice consistent pull, and the Fuel for extreme big air, Kiteloops, and hardcore freestyle when the conditions are perfect as it creates a huge amount of power and pop. The Whip is the board of my dreams for the cable.

Why Slingshot? The products and vision couldn't fit better into how I ride and want to push the sport. I really like how Slingshot is always forward thinking with the progression of the sport and the image it portrays to the public. I also like that it has the wakeboard aspect to the company as I am really into that side too, I love riding cable and it really helps my kiting.

Coffee or Tea? Why? One coffee in the morning, then copious amounts of tea for the rest of the day. If I had to choose one it would be tea! I do love a good cuppa' tea! 

Do you have a stance or you go both ways? Naturally I'm regular, but I'm pretty comfortable both ways nowadays. I actually think I can do more tricks switch now! Riding cable has helped a lot with this and I like learning switch tricks after being able to do them on my regular tack because you learn your bad habits and it's a clean slate to learn on. 

If you could meet the "Queen” what you would say to her? Next time I put a 50p piece in my pocket, I will feel honored having your head so close to me nuts.

What do you prefer; “Political Correct” or “F#*k that, Say like it is!”? Well as an Englishman, I always believe in conducting ones self properly and being politically correct. But also I'll always say it how it is! I'm not a fan of any bullshit. 

So what you think about AirStyle? Each to their own but its not my cuppa' tea! I think people should be able to be ride how ever they want to. I don't believe in telling people how they should ride, or whats right or wrong. I don't think its the future of our sport or that it will attract younger riders that really push the level and get respect from other extreme sports as there's no risk factor.

Is kite better then cable? Kiting is so addictive and always keeps me coming back because every session is different, and every trick is different so it never gets boring. They compliment each other really well as I can Kite when there's wind and when there's no wind I can cable, but I couldn't say I prefer one or the other. But, f you made me pick, I'd pick kiting! I do really enjoy riding at the cable as I'm learning new tricks every session, especially on the features, it's always the same so it's much easier to learn new tricks and the combos on rails and kickers are infinite! 

Who influences you? And Why? Anyone who is pushing themselves, being progressive and innovative. I like seeing people doing new tricks or tricks done with there own style, in both kiting and other action sports such as Skateboarding and especially Wakeboarding. It really inspires me watching new dynamic high quality media as being able to capture action footage (especially kiting) in new ways is even more challenging than actually performing the trick. Riding with my mates always influences me, we naturally strive to improve, watching each other learn new tricks. 

Shout out: Everyone who helped me get to where I am today! The parents! They have always encouraged me to do what I love. My homies! Bully from CBK down on Hayling Island who gave me my first board. My sponsors; O'Neill, and of course you guys at Slingshot, thanks for taking me on! Big up to you all!