This issue’s Waterwoman, Luana Alua, grew up in the turquoise waters of Boa Vista, and it shows! From wave riding to wing foiling and now filming her journey behind the scenes, she’s carving her path with power, style, and soul.

Hi Luana, it’s great to feature you as our Waterwoman this issue! Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from and how you first got into watersports?

Thank you for featuring me as your Waterwomen in this issue. So, I was born in Portugal but grew up my whole life in Boa Vista, which is a small island in Cape Verde. Being raised there, you’re surrounded by water all the time, so you kind of get pushed into watersports naturally. I started super young, just surfing with my friends in the bay. It was just part of everyday life.

What drew you to wingsurfing? Do you remember your very first session? 

Since I was little, I’ve always been into watersports with my friends, surfing, bodyboarding, and everything in between! Then, a few years ago, I learned how to kite. But it was about two years ago when some of the local guys in Boa Vista encouraged me to try wing foiling. I still remember my very first setup, it was a 90-litre Roamer with my little brother’s gear, and I got up on it! From that moment, I didn’t want to stop. I started pushing myself, going for smaller and smaller gear to improve and get better every day.

What kind of conditions do you love the most: waves, flat water, or strong wind?

Waves, for sure! Whether I’m kiting or winging, waves are my favourite. We have a nice wave spot in Boa Vista, and that’s where we spend most of our time. It’s just where I feel the most alive.

You’ve mentioned how important the people around you are; who’s made the biggest impact on your journey?

Honestly, I love riding with my family and friends. Those are always the best sessions. I don’t think I have one specific person, but I’m grateful for everyone who’s supported me along the way. Both of my parents, especially my mom, have always believed in me, and we all have a super strong bond.

Whos riding inspires you most?

There are so many amazing riders out there, but if I had to choose one, it would be Moona Whyte. The way she flows so effortlessly with the waves while staying super powerful and connected to the ocean is something I really admire. She makes everything look so graceful, and that balance of strength and style is what I aim for in my own riding. Especially in kiting, her riding inspires me so much. It gives me the motivation to be out on the water every single day, pushing myself to get better.

How has the support of your community helped you grow in the sport?

To be honest, in this sport, especially as a woman, it’s not always easy. Sometimes it feels like you have to prove yourself a little more, and real support can be hard to find. But back home in Boa Vista, things were different. I encouraged my best friend to start winging, and since then, we’ve been each other’s biggest supporters, pushing one another in and out of the water. That kind of bond reminds me how powerful community can be, even if it starts with just two people believing in each other.

When did you first join CORE, and how have they supported you as a rider? 

I joined CORE in 2024, and honestly, they’ve been amazing since day one. This summer, I had the chance to work closely with the team and learn from Thomas and Juli, the masterminds behind the productions. It was such an inspiring experience to see the passion, detail, and care that goes into everything they create. I also had the chance to meet other teammates, and from the very beginning, it never felt like just a brand. It felt like a big family. I truly feel their support, not just in the gear I ride, but in the way they believe in me as an athlete and as a person, which to me is the most important part.

Do you think the women’s scene in kite and wing foiling is evolving?

Yes, it’s definitely evolving, and it’s exciting to see more women stepping into the spotlight. But at the same time, I still feel that as a woman in the sport, you often have to work twice as hard to be genuinely accepted and taken seriously. There’s still a sense that you need to constantly prove yourself, not just in performance but in presence. That said, so many incredible women in both kite and wing foiling are rising and pushing the boundaries. They are not just showing that we belong here. They are proving that we can excel, innovate, and lead. It’s powerful to witness, and even more powerful to be part of.

What changes would you love to see in the women’s kite and wing scene over the next few years?

I’d love to see more mentorship programs and platforms that highlight young, up-and-coming female riders from places that don’t usually get much attention. More female-led trips or projects would also be amazing. We’re ready, we just need the industry to keep creating space for us.

Do you have any exciting plans for 2025?

Yes, I already have a trip planned to a really special place, but this time it’s not just about being in front of the camera. I’m focusing more on the behind-the-scenes side of things, exploring the creative process that happens off the water. Filming, editing, storytelling; it’s a side of the journey I’ve always loved, and in 2025 I want to dive deeper into it. It’s about capturing the full experience, the raw, real moments that people don’t always see. And after that, I’m looking forward to the season at home. Nothing compares to the energy and conditions back in Cape Verde. It’s where I feel most connected and where I can really push myself.

Thanks, Luana, to finish things off. Can you share with us one thing most people don’t know about you?

Something that most people don’t know about me is what I just told in the question before, I’ve become passionate about video and editing, creating content and learning how to tell a story through my lens. It’s become something I genuinely enjoy, not just as a way to share my life and travels, but also to express a little more of who I am. I’m still learning, but I’m excited to keep improving and hopefully turn it into something special. It’s another side of me that not everyone sees, but it’s starting to feel just as important as the time I spend on the water. 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.