Since becoming Junior European Champion in 2003, she has won the Spanish and European titles 14 times, among other accolades and rankings. Since then, she has trained daily as if in constant competition, with the same enthusiasm as her first day at age 8, when her father introduced her to the sport. To him, she owes her passion and all the values he instilled—not just for kitesurfing, but for life.
Here’s an interview she gave after returning from Panama, so you can get to know her better. If you’re inspired to follow in her footsteps, check out this list of kitesurfing schools in Spain.
Yumping.- At just 21, you’ve already been crowned world champion multiple times, won the Spanish title 3 times, and even hold a Guinness World Record as the youngest-ever world champion. Doesn’t it feel dizzying to look back?
Gisela Pulido.- It’s true I’ve won several world titles and a few records, but I don’t dwell on it. My dad always says, "What you’ve achieved is yours forever." That’s why I focus on the future, on the goals still ahead. You have to keep improving, progressing, and pushing yourself every day :)
Y.- In 2003, aged just 9, you became Junior European Champion—your first competitive title. What do you remember about your first podium?
G.P.- My first podium was at 6, actually—I swam competitively before kitesurfing. It was the best feeling, being among the top three. And it’s addictive. You train for yourself, to be proud of your performance, but results matter too.
Measuring yourself against others, competing to be the best—that’s the ultimate reward!
Y.- They say you inherited your love of adrenaline from your dad. What’s the biggest lesson he’s taught you?
G.P.- So much—not just my passion for the sports I do now. He took me to the pool at 1, had me riding a bike without stabilisers at 3, snowboarding and surfing at 5, windsurfing at 6, and kitesurfing at 8... But beyond sports, it’s the values he’s passed down. He’s my role model in everything.
Y.- Even with his unwavering support, were the early days tough?
G.P.- Of course—every start is hard. I began very young. My dad left his life and job in Barcelona to move us to Tarifa so we could go pro. It was a huge gamble that could’ve backfired anytime. That’s why he was so strict with me. I understood, but outsiders maybe didn’t.
I’m glad he was tough—it made me who I am. The hardest part was being apart from my mum, though she lives in Tarifa now so I see her often.
Y.- From your first title to now, not a single year has passed without you winning or podiuming. Is competitive kitesurfing brutal?
G.P.- Absolutely. As a kid, I didn’t grasp what it meant—you’re just having fun. But as you grow, with sponsors and media attention, the nerves kick in.
Women’s technical levels are rising too—staying on top takes relentless motivation. But as I said, the reward is huge: doing what I love, hearing "You won!" after a session... That makes it all worth it!
Y.- How did you balance training/competitions with studies?
G.P.- I did secondary school in person in Tarifa, with help from teachers and classmates. But A-levels were remote due to travel. Now I’m studying marketing at Madrid’s UTAD—it’s tricky with training, but discipline keeps everything on track. Loving what you study helps too :)
Y.- You’ve travelled globally since childhood due to limited competitions. Ever missed having a "normal life"?
G.P.- Never! I’m grateful for my life—traveling, nature, incredible places, new friends, competing... What more could I want?
Y.- What does kitesurfing mean to you?
G.P.- Everything. It’s the first thing I think about waking up! I check the wind from my window, hoping to train... It’s my happiness.
Y.- You’ve kitesurfed everywhere: Kenya, Australia, Morocco, New Caledonia, Chile, and Tarifa—the sport’s Mecca. Most magical spot?
G.P.- Northern Brazil. The conditions are world-class: huge flatwater lagoons, steady wind, heat, sun... Plus, I love the culture, people, food... It feels like home.
Y.- What drew you to freestyle?
G.P.- The tricks! As a kid, that was the fun part. I love the creativity and freedom—doing what you want, your way. It’s incredible!
Y.- In 2014, Poland’s Karolina Winkowska took the podium after judges controversially overturned your win. How do you handle setbacks beyond your control?
G.P.- It’s crushing in the moment—you’re powerless. But that’s why you move on. Dwelling won’t help.
I did my job: trained harder than ever, competed well, gave my all.
Y.- What’s a typical day for you?
G.P.- Up early, breakfast, then 2–3 hours at the gym. Rest and study after. If conditions are good, I’ll train on the water post-lunch; if not, back to the gym. Then sleep...
Winter’s too cold in Tarifa, so I train abroad—like Panama recently. Same routine, different location.
Y.- Any kitesurfers you admire?
G.P.- Aaron Hadlow, the multi-time world champ. Technically, he’s the best—I study his tricks and training.
Y.- Do you do other adventure sports?
G.P.- Not much—injury risk. I’ll surf occasionally, but mostly stick to gym, running, and cycling.
Y.- What’s your training regimen like?
G.P.- Gym work is functional/bodyweight exercises, plus ~5 hours weekly cardio for endurance.
Water training has phases: learning new tricks, perfecting known ones, and simulating 7-minute competition heats.
Y.- Ever felt like quitting?
G.P.- After placing 3rd at the 2012 Worlds, I told my dad, "I’m retiring." Next day, en route to Spain, I said, "Guess I’d better train harder, eh?" Took a break, then went all-out to reclaim the 2013 title.
Y.- If reborn, would you choose kitesurfing again?
G.P.- Never thought about it, but probably. If introduced to it, yes. If not, I’d be competing in something else—that’s what I love!
Y.- Advice for beginners?
G.P.- Start at a proper school—learn basics, wind theory, safe conditions. Then invest in good gear. Kitesurfing’s addictive—if you live inland, good luck! :P
Y.- Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
G.P.- Never thought that far—I’ll be 31... Ancient! I don’t plan ahead—just want to stay elite as long as my body and mind allow.
Y.- You opened a kite school. Why?
G.P.- In 2009, we launched the first Gisela Pulido Pro Center in Tarifa. Kitesurfing’s my passion—I want to share it. My goal? More schools worldwide, growing the sport so more people can enjoy the water.
Y.- Your motto?
G.P.- Too many to pick one! Live each day like your last. Travel, connect, make friends. Be happy—smile daily. Set goals and fight for them. Give 100% because you want to, not from pressure. Believe in yourself—if you don’t, who will? Enough? :D
