Meet Vrinda Hamal, a true waterwoman! From early wing foiling struggles to mastering flight, she’s built a life of adventure and ocean freedom. In this exclusive interview, she shares her Los Roques playground, go-to foiling setup, and the reality of being an extreme sports influencer—plus a look inside Rancho Pirata, her dream project for riders. Read the full interview here!

Vrinda, it’s great to chat with you and highlight you as our waterwoman in this issue! Your Instagram page features a wide array of adventure and adrenaline-fueled activities. However, since we are a wing and foiling magazine, we’ll focus primarily on that. Let’s start at the very beginning! Could you share a bit about yourself? What was it like growing up in Venezuela, and what was your family like?

Absolutely! Growing up in Venezuela was truly special, especially with my mother, a surfer and captain. Her passion for water sports greatly influenced me and helped me discover my love for extreme sports. I feel fortunate to have been raised in an amazing environment encouraging adventure and exploration!

You joined the CORE team in 2019. Can you tell us about your journey with them and how they’ve supported you in your career so far?

Joining the CORE team in 2019 was a pivotal moment for me. It opened up incredible opportunities to pursue my passion for kiteboarding globally. Collaboration with CORE has elevated my skills and provided essential support and resources to achieve my dreams. The exposure and experiences I’ve gained through their network have been invaluable, helping me achieve my goals and travel to some of the most breathtaking destinations worldwide.

Can you describe your first experience with wing foiling? Was it love at first sight, or did you struggle to learn?

It took me a few hours to find my rhythm and catch the wind just right. There were moments of frustration and many wipeouts. Suddenly, I revelled in the experience, embracing the thrill of gliding over the water.

Now, I’ve journeyed from kiting in light winds to harnessing the power of explosive gusts and riding incredible waves. It’s transformed into a deep passion for me. The freedom and excitement with the wing foil are unmatched. It’s become a true love affair with the water!

What is your set-up of choice for both winging and foiling?

I love the 3 m Halo and 138 lt board. I’m light, and I love this for every condition.

What are the conditions for wing foiling in Los Roques, and what is the best spot to visit?

Los Roques is a paradise for watersports, and wing foiling is no exception. The crystal-clear water, steady winds ranging from 15 to 25 knots, and wide-open spaces make it perfect for beginners and experienced riders.

The best thing about Los Roques is that there are more than 300 cays and sandbanks, and you can sail freely with a foil, hopping from island to island and creating endless routes until you’re tired.

Some of the best spots are Crasqui, which has flat water ideal for effortless gliding, and Francisquí, where you can find small waves to play with on the foil. Plus, the natural beauty of these cays makes every session genuinely magical.

Walk us through a day in the life of Vrinda Hamal when you’re not out on the water—how do you stay active? Do you hit the gym for strength training, focus on mobility and recovery, or look for adventure-filled activities? How do you balance rest, fitness, and mindset training on your off days?

My lifestyle has always been movement-driven, but rest and recovery are just as essential. When not on the water, I practice mobility exercises to keep my body flexible and prevent injuries. I also do functional training to improve endurance and strength, especially for kiting and foiling. A healthy diet and hydration are key; when I need a complete reset, a mindfulness meditation session helps me stay balanced.

Tell us about Rancho Pirata—what inspired you to start it? What makes it unique to you, and what do you hope to achieve with it in the future?

Rancho Pirata is where I was raised. All the local houses in one of the islands of Los Roques were made of wood. I wanted to create a space where riders worldwide could come together, share epic sessions, and experience the true essence of Los Roques. It’s more than just a place—it’s a way of life. My vision is for it to continue growing as a hub for ocean and adventure lovers, where respect for the environment and a passion for wind sports thrive.

What are the day-to-day ups and downs of being a social media influencer?

Being an influencer has allowed me to connect with incredible people and share my love for the ocean, wing foiling, and kiting. Inspiring others to chase their dreams and step out of their comfort zones is the most rewarding part. However, there are challenges: keeping up with social media, dealing with criticism, and balancing personal life and public exposure. The key is staying authentic and remembering why I started this journey.

If you had to pick just one sport that brings you the most joy and adrenaline, which would it be and why? 

Water sports have always been my greatest passion. The feeling of freedom when gliding over the water, the adrenaline rush from landing tricks, and the deep connection with the wind and the sea are unparalleled. Each session is unique, making me feel truly alive. I can’t choose just one modality because each one offers something special.

What are your plans for 2025?

For 2025, I want to keep pushing my limits, explore new spots worldwide, and continue building projects like Rancho Pirata. I also want to focus on creating content that inspires people to live with passion and adventure while continuing to grow both in sports and personally.

Great, thanks so much, Vrinda!

Thanks, Jen!

 

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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