Born and raised in Maui, Hawaii, Karlie Thoma was just nine years old when her dad rented out a room in their house to a bunch of Swiss kiteboarders for the summer. She spotted them down the beach one day, and eager to learn, they taught her how to kite. Things evolved pretty quickly because today, Karlie undeniably stands out as one of the most bad-ass female kiters out there.

Karlie is inspired by her own progression. Facing her fears, landing a new trick, or being out in bigger and tougher conditions is what makes her heart tick each day. She faces each challenge with incredible drive and determination, and never gives up.