If you've recently scrolled through Instagram, you've likely been entranced by Ellie Dimitrova riding in style in picturesque turquoise waters. Between kitesurfing excursions in Venezuela, tours of the Serengeti, and time spent in Zanzibar, Ellie had many tales to share in this exclusive interview with IKSURFMAG's Jen Tyler!

We're so excited to have you featured! To kick things off, we would love to hear more about what it was like growing up on the beautiful Bulgarian Black Sea Coast.

Thank you, Jen! The first seven years of my life were spent in Israel, and then we moved to Bulgaria. It was interesting to grow up between two different cultures, and that may be why I learned to adapt well to the world from an early age. My parents and I love the sea, so we decided to build a home at the seaside of Bulgaria. The town where I grew up is called Pomorie, a small touristic place full of life in the summer. As a child of the sea, I couldn't wait for summer and my parents to take me to the beach!

What is your family like, and how did they influence the person you are today?

They are truly unique! Ever since I was a child, my parents have supported me in every endeavour. Having parents like them instils a dose of extra confidence in the things I want to do and accomplish. Like most parents, they always wanted the best for me, and I grew up in a warm and affectionate family. That may be why I'm so sensitive and attached to them.

How did you initially get into kiteboarding?

Growing up in a tourist town, everyone worked during the summer season. From the age of 15, I sold summer accessories, made pancakes, and even sold nuts every summer. As I was starting university, I had saved up and decided that this would be my last summer before diving into adult life, where I would not be employed and take a break! Having lived across the street from the kite spot all my life, I was always intimidated to approach the kiteboarders as they looked like a tight-knit family. Luckily, my best friend had already kitesurfed, so I asked her for a lesson, and from then on, my life changed forever!

Your riding and tricks are super smooth and stylish... How would you describe your riding style?

It's similar to listening to classical music; perhaps that's where the elegance I ride with stems from. I have been practising classical ballet for four years, which has taught me the values of patience and hard work. This is why I am so disciplined in kitesurfing. I don't like crashing, so I plan ahead and carefully consider each new trick I want to attempt.

You emit positive vibes! What inspired you to take the bold step to leave home and explore?

I have a strong sense of intuition, and I sensed an intense force drawing me towards something. I will never forget how, late at night, I would open Google Maps and gaze at the turquoise islands; Zanzibar, where I now live full-time, was one of them. You never know what fate will bring! However, my true journey began when I stumbled upon a kitesurfing school in Turkey shortly after I began kitesurfing myself. It took a lot of work for me to watch everyone else enjoying the island's ideal conditions while I taught kitesurfing from morning to night. That's why my partner and I decided to travel the remaining six months around the world and enjoy it ourselves!

Where is your home base now, and what was the story behind choosing that location?

Home? I have many homes! Jokes aside, I currently live entirely in Zanzibar, where I first arrived in 2015, and it was also my initial kitesurfing destination. This is where Covid brought me - as I am currently organising kitesurfing trips, and this was the only place available at the time, I decided to form a group. It was quite successful, as we were all eager for a kitesurfing adventure. The reason I returned with the group to Bulgaria, packed all my belongings, and came back with a one-way ticket to Zanzibar is love. And somehow, things worked out - I have a wonderful partner, one of the most stunning beaches in the world, which provides ideal conditions for kitesurfing and eternal summer. What more could a happy kite girl ask for?

You constantly travel between Cape Town, Barra Grande, Zanzibar, and Venezuela. Naturally, warm, tropical spots seem to be your favourite… but what do you think about the crazy big air conditions in Cape Town?!

Cape Town is one of my favourite places. No matter how much I travel to different destinations, there's no place like it where the entire kitesurfing industry is gathered in one spot. The conditions and wind it offers are unparalleled. As they say in Bulgaria, you can truly "set the clock" at your level, and the riders you meet and ride with on the water will push you to your ultimate limit.

How did you end up hosting kiteboarding camps in Venezuela?

I visited Venezuela for the first time in 2018 with my friends. We came across a picture online and were impressed by the beauty of Los Roques. Not knowing what to expect, we impulsively bought plane tickets and landed in paradise. I still remember my first impressions of the place; it felt like a small Caribbean oasis disconnected from the rest of the world. The locals were and still are a close-knit community, with children running and playing barefoot on the streets, creating a lovely atmosphere. We spent two months in Los Roques and realised that being on a small sandbar without friends can be pretty dull. And so, the following year, we invited more people, and later the group grew to 40 people, with whom I assure you I'm not bored anymore!

Rumour has it that you are releasing a documentary from Venezuela and Zanzibar. Can you share with us the concept behind the project?

Overall, this is about my life on these two beautiful islands. The focus will be on how I got started, what it means to me, and what it has brought me. That's all I can share for now!

What message are you most excited to share through the documentary about yourself or kiting in Venezuela and Zanzibar?

The most important message is that with a lot of effort, you can build a personal life on one island and work on another and balance between the two. Many people ask me how I achieve it, and they will find the answer in this documentary movie.

How long have you been riding for FLYSURFER, and how has their sponsorship helped your kiteboarding journey?

I have officially been a part of the FLYSURFER team for five years, and it has been an incredible journey. I am grateful to be a part of such a talented team, and I am proud of the company's progress, especially in recent years. While the team may not remember, I recall that my social media account was hacked before signing the contract. I asked them, "Are you sure you want to work with me?" Their response was, "Yes, of course. We believe in you." This moment has stayed with me and made me the rider I am today. I want to take this opportunity to say a big 'Thank You' to them!

What is your gear of choice?

It depends on the wind and the conditions, but I do like them all! 

  • Hybrid - Mountains 
  • Stoke - Waves and Big Air 
  • Soul - Freeride/Old School 

FLYSURFER has just announced a new pro model featuring you! Please tell us about the new TRIP and what this project means to you.

Wow! What an adventure! Did you know that when I was told in Cape Town about the board that would have my name, I secretly cried from happiness? The name on the board represents me and my work. The photos on the board remind us of the beautiful memories we create while travelling. I hope everyone who travels with this board and looks at these photos can experience the same beautiful emotions I felt. I love to travel and feel honoured to have my name on this board.

A few weeks ago, I remembered coming across one of your posts where you said, 'Your daily reminder not to give up and build a life that makes you happy!' What advice do you have for someone too afraid to make that change?

Persistence. When you give up on one thing and rush into the unknown, I won't lie; there will be bumps in the road. However, to me, that's the charm of life in general. When you look back, reflect on the good and the bad because these experiences have shaped us as individuals and our personalities today. Never give up!

Thanks again, Ellie, for joining us! Any last words for our readers? 

Just two: SEND IT!

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Trip - collect memories
By Jen Tyler
Italian/Egyptian Jen Tyler grew up on the sandy beaches of the Red Sea and has been on the IKSURFMAG & Tonic Mag team since 2017.

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