Name/Nickname : Andre Phillip / Dre / Drizzle
Resides : Antigua, Hawaii and Airports
Years riding : 9 years
Sponsors : Cabrinha, Kaenon sunglasses, NPX wetsuits
Equipment : Custom 140, Switchblades, Ronix ONE boots.
If I wasn't a pro kiter, I'd be : On the grind.
What's in your iPod? : A lot of Reggae, Rap / Hip-Hop
Favorite website : www.KiteScoop.com
Travel survival tip : Stock your ipod, get good reading material and lots of food.
Can't leave home without : my surfboard

You've been hanging out with a bit of a crew these days. How do the other guys influence your riding and the stuff you produce - from the rails you're building, to films,photos?
I'm used to riding with a crew because thats the the most fun you can have. We feed off of each other’s energy and push ourselves to try new stuff. When you put a group of creative minds together that's where the progression in film, photos, building and riding takes place.

Getting kiteboarding on television has been a goal of yours. What would this do for the sport?
I've always wanted to see kiteboarding grow and make it as a legit board sport along side surf, skate, wake, snow. I think for this to happen it will have to get on television so the masses can see what is possible. Kiteboarding is finally at a stage where the riding, gear and videography is at a level that people would appreciate seeing it. So hopefully we will get some TV coverage soon so that we can stoke more people out on the sport.

You have mentored riders like Jake Kelsick not only in riding, but the business. What advice do you give them?
I try to teach the upcoming riders that being a professional kiteboarder is more than just being a good rider. You have to have respect for yourself, others and the industry. I know many good riders who didn't make it to pro level and will probably never make it because of their attitude. Don't be that guy who rips but no one likes because they are too full of themselves or never want to lend a helping hand etc. Use your resources to meet people within the industry and create good relationships. Market yourself! Get a personal website where you can host info and media about yourself, post vids of yourself online etc. Whatever you do never forget that kiteboarding is fun so don't stress if things aren't happening as fast as you would like them to. Go ride, have fun and work hard and the rest will fall into place.

What is your dream park set up?
Dream park setup is somewhere that is glassy with a steady 20 knot winds, stuffed with so many obstacles you can never get bored. Music pumping. A bar so that you can hang out and have some drinks while watching people session. A really good restaurant, hot water showers and of course air compressors so you never have to pump up a kite.

You were recently crowned the king of Triple S. Riders gush about this event and its the only competition you enter. What could event organizers learn from this event?
The Triple S (Surf, Slick, Sliders) is designed to give the riders a good opportunity to show the best that kiteboarding has to offer in quality locations. Other event organizers can learn that with this style of event you can get the best quality riding out of the competitors which leads to better media coverage than standard events. Also the event is now limited invite only. Making it the most competitive field. There is more of a buzz because of this.

You have done countless interviews over the years.What is something people might be surprised to know about you.
It's near impossible to make me lose my temper.

You recently started played golf. Along with pro surfers Kelly Slater, and Rob Machado, they all say it's the best activity to do when it's flat. Any similarities?
I was looking for something to do when there are no wind or waves and golf seemed like the ticket. The first time I hit a golf ball I was hooked. It's similar in the sense that you can never really master the sport. No session is ever the same because the conditions are constantly changing, and it can be challenging and rewarding which keeps me interested.

[Interview SEPT 2009]