The Interview: Jo Ciastula
Issue 88 / Mon 9th Aug, 2021
From pro kiteboarding to judging, commentating, and event management, Jen Tyler and Jo Ciastula had loads to talk about; past, present and future – and we’ve got it all, exclusively on IKSURFMAG!
Jo, we’re stoked to feature you and your massive range of talents in ‘The Interview’! What was it like growing up in Tarifa in the Ciastula household, and how did you initially get into kiteboarding?
Thanks for the opportunity, Jen! It’s great to be here, and please tell Rou a catch-up beer is way overdue!
Hahaha, who said I grew up? The garage just got bigger! It’s how it has been and always will be. I come from a surfing background where my father (Tad Ciastula) had a surf factory back in Newquay (Cornwall) called Vitamin Sea. My earliest memories are of being in my cot in between the surf racks of the surf shop and the sound and smells of the surfing world. From a young age, my parents have helped me pursue my dreams and let me find my way, with the occasional reality check! I’m lucky to have followed in their footsteps in the same industry but proud to have taken my own path as well. Nothing beats an early sunrise surf with my dad and tostadas at the beach with the family!
We moved to Tarifa, Spain, when I was six, and in 1999, kiteboarding came on to the scene as the Red Bull Sky Ride came to town, including Flash Austin, Robby Naish, Jaime Herraiz, Mark Shinn. With Tarifa being more popular with wind than waves, I was hooked and haven’t stopped since!
Anyone that watches event live streams and recaps knows your face and voice! How did you get into commentating?
Boogie loopppppppppp, hahaha! Well, I kind of fell into it, to be honest. I have always been a big talker, sorry mum! A big part of my kiteboarding career was doing the Brand Meetings and product presentations back in the day. As Tour Manager for the initial years of the GKA, I would do the presentations and prize giving, and I enjoyed that.
During an event in Brazil a few years back, we needed another person on the mic with Jim Gaunt (Media Manager of the tour back then), and I jumped in. From the very first minute, I knew this was for me! I’m fortunate to have a lot of history in the sport, know all the guys and girls and love having the opportunity to give everyone the hype and banter they deserve. I hope you enjoy it!
You started your kiteboarding career with freestyle, judging strapless and have recently started commentating at Red Bull King of the Air. Which of these kiting disciplines would you say is the main crowd pleaser and why?
Every discipline has its followers and its stars. I wouldn’t say any discipline is more of a crowd-pleaser to another. It is the personalities and the people on and off the water that put the real show on! I will never forget what Svein Rasmussen (Starboard and Airush) said to me back in the Airush days: “A champion is that person that is both an ambassador on and off the water”.
Take Jesse Richman, for example; he is the definition of stoke and hype; it’s riders like him that make the King of the Air a show of its own. Airton Cozzolino from the strapless side is humble, but as soon as he hits the water, all you think to yourself is: “How does he do that?” In freestyle, watch Mikaili Sol or Liam Whaley; smooth, controlled style and ease. Pick your poison. I love them all and feel lucky to be able to enjoy the show up close and personal.
The GKA is back! With the first event of the 2021 season underway in Tarifa, the stoke levels must have been through the roof! So how does it feel to be back in action?
As James Carew would say, “AHHHHHHHH!” It is great to be back, and registration day was like a family reunion. Tarifa has a special place on the tour as it was its birthplace. So, to have everyone here, in my hometown, and to experience the competition vibes was a high moment for the memory banks, that’s for sure!
Things are a bit different this year; if Liam Whaley having to pull out of the event due to testing positive for COVID-19, is any indication! What have been the main differences in recent events compared to the distant normalcy of 2019?
Different is a good word! They say to reinvent yourself is to survive, overcome hurdles and progress with that knowledge to a new beginning. I always try to take the positive from a negative situation. It’s been challenging, but what has stood out the most for me has been the team effort to adapt to the ‘new normal.’ Online has become a new avenue due to the past season with events like the GKA Distance Battle, relaunching this season alongside online competition formats and the GKA News Show. Everyone has had to understand and overcome obstacles due to the pandemic; all I can say is, thank you!
How did the first event go? We saw wind conditions that caused absolute chaos in the freestyle competition. How did the GKA adapt the event to deal with Tarifa’s powerful Levante winds?
Old-school 50-knot Levante blew the competition cobwebs off, that’s for sure! No doubt it was a surprise for everyone, but in the end, we are looking for the complete all-around rider in the world, and everyone stepped up to the challenge with no fear. Furthermore, the new mixed format allowed the competition to adapt to the conditions introduced successfully in the strapless discipline in the past, ensuring riders could express themselves on the water, stay safe and mix it up.
Overall, how do you think the field of riders did in this event? Did they - as you would say - produce the goods?!
Absolutely! They went for it with no fear and full-on. I mean, it was windy as f… and I had sand in places I didn’t know existed for weeks to come after being down on the beach! The athletes showcased what it means to adapt and overcome and had a lot of fun on and off the water, pure Tarifa style!
Tell us about The GKA News Show; how did you come up with that idea?
Since the pandemic started, online events, podcasts, etc., have become more relevant. The idea is a laid-back chat, where we talk about what is going on in the kiteboarding world, from the tour to the industry to the players—looking forward to evolving the concept and always up for input from anyone out there.
You previously managed the GKA event; what did that role entail, and what was the experience like, good or bad?
Organising an event is a passionate adventure. It’s insane to see the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. People don’t realise the hours it takes to make an event happen, be successful and come back the following season. From permits, branding, collaborations, crew, budgets, political obligations… I love the challenge, enjoy the ride, and can’t wait for more. My respect and thanks to all event organisers out there; I feel you!
What does the organisational side of the GKA look like today?
The GKA is a family and, since the beginning, has been a team effort of key core members. Each year the family grows, and it’s great to be a part of the progression of the competition side of the sport.
Leading the way is a combination of members from different departments of the industry worldwide, people with a long history in the sport and talented individuals with a passion for kiteboarding. Our Secretary-General is Jörgen Vogt, and Tour Manager Tom Hartmann always keeps us in check and makes sure we are smooth sailing into a better event calendar each year.
What’s coming up in 2021 for Jo Ciastula?
2021 has started well with events on the rise with the GKA Kite World Tour, KOTA happening at the end of the year, a podcast with Duotone called “Inside the World of Duotone”, and travelling becoming part of the routine again! I’m very glad to call my work my passion and look forward to seeing you all digitally or in person at the events to come. Stay salty and see you on the water or for a cold one!
Thanks, Jo! It’s been great catching up!
Thanks, Jen! See you soon!
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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.
