Sometimes KiteSista comes across people who really inspire us to do great things with our lives. Anna Campbell is one such person.
Anna first came to our attention as the lucky girl who got to spend the night on the side of possibly one of the most awe inspiring kite spots in the world, in a tent, with Shawn Richman, whilst breaking a world record at the same time.
All this took place in an episode of Naish TV entitled “Kiting For Conservation” which we have included at the bottom of this article.
In this video Anna speaks about how for her the goal is to raise awareness for the cause against the ivory trade, and when she contacted us to ask if we would help spread this message of course we were happy to help. However we did a little digging and it turns out there is a lot more to Anna Campbell than we first thought, …so we just had to interview her and tell you more.
KSm: Let’s start at the beginning. You did not have what we might call a normal upbringing, …can you tell us a bit about where you were born and the early years of your life.
AC: I was born and raised in Kenya. Pretty amazing place to grow up, I feel incredibly lucky to have have an East African background – definitely keeps your reality in check and feet grounded. So much space, wildlife and exposure to all walks of life – perfect food for the free spirit.
KSm: How much of a culture shock was it to suddenly find yourself thrown into the British education system from everything you were used to?
AC: Honestly – pretty big, but in all the ways I didn’t expect. Kids that grew up in UK definitely ticked differently and were into different things – but I kinda expected that. What I didn’t realise was how ‘behind’ I was in terms of music, fashion, boys and all popular culture which seemed to be kinda key to a social life at boarding school. Lucky for me I had my sport, I stuck to the courts and pitches which was perfect – the rest didn’t seem to matter when I was playing sport so that was my ticket to an awesome ride while I learnt about UK life.
KSm: You studied neuroscience at university but then made a switch to Film and TV. Was this decision point in your life a hard choice, or just a natural progression of following your instincts of where you were heading?
AC: I have always been torn between science and art. It was a classic case of being moulded to think that science was the better way to go, the more sensible and successful route. But after a year traveling around the world and one year at uni, the words “life’s short” kinda kicked in and I realised I had so much I wanted to do back here in Kenya, in-fact all over the world, so many other things outside of medicine I wanted to explore. I found my sport and art soon began to take a back seat as medicine is a full time game, and so I realised that I wasn’t the right personality for that route.
Although I loved studying neuroscience and the thought of working within medicine I couldn’t give up a hand full of things I enjoyed for one thing I enjoyed. It didn’t make sense anymore. I also really missed being creative and I always want the space to be spontaneous with my decisions and locations. Thankfully I have no regrets about this decision as it really was a leap of faith, a ‘listen to your gut instinct’ kind of move.
KSm: After studying you had the option to work as an intern at FOX in Hollywood or compete in a TV series called ‘Last Woman Standing’. Can you tell us a little bit about this, how difficult a choice it was and how this affected the path of your life?
AC: Very very very. I know we are not supposed to ask ‘what if’ and live with no regrets… but i have to admit I do sometimes find myself wondering where i would be if I had flown to LA that summer. I couldn’t have been presented with more contrasting paths. Hollywood LA living or insane physical challenge living with remote tribes.
The main reason for my choice was knowing how rare an opportunity it was to be visiting some of these remote tribes, I loved tribes and learning about their everyday, I was surrounded by different tribes growing up where my fascination grew. So tribes and travel beat LA. I figured that LA and hollywood isn’t going anywhere and I’m not a city person so that helped. I do sometimes wonder though… life’s kinda crazy like that – a corridor of sliding doors!
KSm: How important do you think sport is in the life of an individual in terms of confidence and mental strength?
AC: It an amazing platform to help build confidence and mental strength. I am sure it’s where most of my strength comes from, and also ambition. It’s something that you own – no one can take a skill away from you – that’s yours, something you can nurture and excel at should you want to – and that’s what I love about it. Sport gives people the chance to surprise themselves, see how far they can go. I think its a fantastic thing to have in ones life especially whilst growing up. It’s great for all the obvious reasons – It encourages a healthy lifestyle and self confidence but also makes you take risks, put yourself out there and meet like-minded active individuals. I made some of my closest friends through sport.
KSm: You are quite the athlete as well as a qualified personal trainer and nutritionist, but can you tell us how you first discovered kitesurfing?
AC: I was wake-boarding a lot and I guess I over did it. I wanted a new challenge. I started off as a windsurfer and always loved the idea of using wind as a speed generator. As soon as I saw kitesurfing I knew I wanted to try it. There was no question but I couldn’t afford all the kit so just had to find a way.
Justin Aniere was a pioneer of kitesurfing in Kenya, he runs a kitesurf school on the coast called Che Chale – he made me a deal. I helped out at his kitesurf school/hotel for the summer and in return he would give me free lessons… and so it all began! Been kitesurfing every chance I get since. This coming year I’m really looking forward to mastering strapless wave riding… kitesurfing never gets dull, just limitless challenges, amazing locations and styles.
KSm: Most of our readers would have seen you on the side of Mt. Kenya breaking world records and sharing a tent with Shawn Richman, …how did this project come about?
AC: Well that was my second attempt at that record. Naish are probably the coolest sponsors a girl could ask for! When I was in Maui I mentioned my plans to them and they were immediately keen to support the mission. They helped make the attempt come together and even flew over one of their most valued and experienced kitesurfers Shawn Richman to ensure it happened and of course their epic FLY kite that stayed loyal to us even in the thinest air and gusty winds! Would probably have been a very different story without their support so I am forever grateful!
KSm: How did it feel to add ‘World Record Holder’ to your ever growing list of achievements and what was it like sharing this experience with Shawn?
AC: It was definitely a highlight of my year… maybe decade – it was up there with winning last woman standing! So many people told me it was an impossible mission and even after we did it a few people didn’t believe us until they saw the evidence! But all that didn’t really matter because when we finally descended Mount Kenya the experience in itself was overwhelming, just incredible and it’s something Shawn and I will have etched in our memories forever.
Lake Michealson is my favourite place to camp out in the world – the night sky is perfect up there, I feel so protected in this bowl of water high above all the worlds drama – I urge everyone to try it! Shawn is such a modest and kind person I was lucky to have him with me on the trip – he thinks big and completely understood how important the conservation drive behind the trip for me and how important it was that the ivory message was heard. Amazing to have shared it all with someone like him!
KSm: We know this project was about more than records and kitesurfing superstars, …so can you tell our readers a little more about the cause and your goals you wish to raise awareness for?
AC: I will keep it short as it’s a simple message. Do not buy ivory. I want to get this message as far and wide as possible. Every piece of ivory bought is a beautiful innocent elephant murdered. My biggest goal is to spread this message onto the streets of China where most of our ivory from Kenya is exported and where the biggest market is, I don’t understand it! It’s mainly used for ornaments/jewellery/piano keys… things we don’t need to use ivory for. Ivory comes from murdered elephants, it’s not harvested from live ones. So many people still don’t realise this so, this is my message, please spread it however you can, we have to speak up for elephants… there are very few left.
KSm: Between deserts, jungles and mountains you might be one of the most interesting people we have asked for essential beauty tips, ..so tell us, what are you never without and what secret tips do you have for us girls?
AC: Haha – wow – thank you!! But honestly I’m just a girl who loves the outdoors and challenges… just like any other :) Hmmmm beauty tips – well my first tip would be don’t ask me!
I always always have eyeliner with me, it’s kinda like my war paint – feel ready for the day once it’s on. If you are a water sports gal and have long hair you have to condition condition condition – I don’t own a brush, have never really brushed my hair and it stays untangled – so taking time to condition really pays off – it’s worth it!!!
SUNBLOCK! Oldest wives tale but use a high factor and when in the sun USE IT ALWAYS!
KSm: What projects are you currently working on or have planned for the future that you can tell us about?
AC: Im currently knee deep in a totally different challenge, hard work but super rewarding. I am making 52 episodes for a children’s series that supports local education in Kenya. My episodes are called ‘Our World’ and aim to encourage the next generations interest in nature, environment and the extraordinary wildlife Kenya has to offer. All in hope they will help in the effort to conserve it all one day. I have some great things in the pipeline for next year both in Kenya and in Hawaii so I guess ‘stay tuned’ :)
KSm: Finally as is tradition, we finish by handing the floor over to you to close out with any words of wisdom or advice you wish to offer to our readers…
“Penye niya, pana njiya” which is swahili for “where there is a will there is a way”
AC: Simple words : “Penye niya, pana njiya” which is swahili for “where there is a will there is a way”. It’s up to you to make whatever you really want in life happen – so… get going :) and GOOD LUCK! X
