Growing up by the Baltic Sea in the beautiful city of Gdansk, Poland, Agata Dobrzynska developed a profound love of the ocean at a young age. Little did she know that this adoration would shape her entire life as an Australian kiteboarding champion… with more than just a few state titles up her sleeve.
Before she ever set foot on a kiteboard, however, she was carving it up on the slopes, working as a snowboard instructor, competing in Polish Championships, and even proudly representing the University of Gdansk in slalom events.
Agata said those were the days of excitement and fierce competition, where every adrenaline-fueled moment laid the groundwork for all of her future adventures.
“After completing university and earning a degree in marine biology, something inside me shifted. I realised that I couldn’t bear to be far from the ocean. And so, my kiteboarding journey began. For me, kiteboarding isn’t just about competition and travelling – it’s about living life to the fullest.
“It’s about embracing the freedom of the open water and the exhilaration of soaring through the air. And hey, if I can inspire others along the way, whether through coaching or competing, then that’s the cherry on top.”
Ever since taking a leap into the world of kiteboarding ten years ago, Agata has been whisked away to some of the most breathtaking places on Earth, from her home turf in Gdansk through to Africa, the Caribbean islands, Brazil, South America, Australia, and you name it.
Agata told us she has lived and kited on five continents, soaking in the beauty, shores, and sun of each unique destination. And, as far as we could tell from her bubbly, can-do attitude, she still can’t get enough.
“Every year brings new projects, new challenges, and new adventures. There’s always something exciting on the horizon, beckoning me to push the limits and explore new frontiers. It’s a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and endless possibility.
“Travelling is a huge part of my life, and I cannot imagine myself living in one place, or maybe not just yet. As much as it might be tiring, this is my lifestyle, and I cannot imagine it any other way.
“All of this wouldn’t be possible without the brands who support me and believe in me. They give me motivation and a reason to work harder while always making me aim higher with new projects and ideas. I know the best is yet to come.”
Agata’s association with so many beachy and active brands is a result of her radiant social media presence. On her Instagram, you’ll find her surfing alongside dolphins, advocating for what she believes in, sharing motivational anecdotes, and even snowboarding on the slopes of an active volcano.
She never stops chasing what excites her, and for that reason, she spends her time bouncing in between the blue lagoons of Western Australia, the beaches of the Sunshine Coast, and the winter wonderland that is the Australian Alps.
Echoing a sentiment that we are proud to hear time and time again in our interviews, Agata said there is no better place to be than Australia, especially when it comes to surfing.
“Living on the Sunny Coast is just a dream come true. Noosa, the longboard paradise, has my heart and is now my home by choice. Gliding through Noosa National Park and seeing all of my friends on the water makes every morning special.
“The ocean holds a special place in all our hearts – it’s where we find adventure, joy, and sometimes even solace. For me, it’s the ultimate stress-reliever, and a sanctuary where all my worries melt away with the tide.
“When I am not flying my kite, you can find me working on my hang 10 and crosswalk somewhere between Boiling Pot and Alexandria Bay.”
Of course, many of us who cherish the ocean eventually come to recognise its fragility. We all know by now that our marine ecosystems are in desperate need of protection, but after studying as an oceanographer and marine biologist, Agata began to truly understand just how crucial our actions are for the continued existence of our precious playgrounds.
“Have you ever heard of ‘Take 3 for the Sea’? It’s a simple yet powerful movement that encourages beachgoers to pick up three pieces of rubbish every time they visit the shoreline. I first encountered this inspiring initiative in Morocco when I was nestled in one of the surf villages there.
“Since then, I’ve made it a personal commitment to not only leave no trace, but to also take a little something extra with me when I leave. The next time people find themselves heading to their favourite surf break or kite spot, I urge them to join us in taking those three pieces of rubbish with them.
“I believe even the smallest actions can make a world of difference. Every bottle cap, every plastic bag, and every discarded wrapper removed from the beach is a step towards preserving the ocean we love.”
You see, Agata is an example of someone who actually uses their platform for good – not only when it comes to environmental awareness, but also when it comes to her advocation for women in the world of kiteboarding.
‘Empowered women can empower women’ was the mantra that drove her to create SheKites – a place for women who share a love of the wind, waves, and water, and an organisation that provides coaching programs introducing kiteboarding basics to beginners while helping seasoned riders refine their skills.
Agata has been championing SheKites for six years, and emphasises that it isn’t just a project – it’s a community where every woman has the potential to soar, both on and off the water.
“There’s something truly beautiful about coming together with a group of like-minded women who share the same passion and drive. My journey isn’t just about me – it’s about every single woman I’ve had the privilege of coaching.
“Each one of them has inspired me in ways I never thought possible. They’ve pushed me to be a better athlete, a better coach and a better advocate for women in sport, because let’s face it – finding your place in a male-dominated activity like kiteboarding isn’t easy.
“We deserve a seat at the table, and we shouldn’t let anyone tell us otherwise. My journey is a testament to the power of women supporting women. It’s about lifting each other up, breaking down barriers, and showing the world what we’re capable of.”
Agata vividly recalled to us some memorable days at the beach, when the wind and waves were thrashing and particularly brutal. As a littler woman weighing no more than 50 kilograms, she often found herself facing judgement from people who thought she didn’t know what she was doing.
“If people feel the urge to judge or offer unsolicited advice to others, they should take a moment to pause and reconsider. If we haven’t asked for your input, then kindly mind your own business and let us be. We know our limits, and we know how to push them. Showing a little respect and support goes a long way.
“At the end of the day, the only opinion that truly matters is your own, so hold your head high and let your kite soar. There’s no feeling in the world quite like flying high above the water, with the salty sea spray on your face and the wind in your hair. No amount of judgement or doubt can ever take that away from you.”
As we mentioned before, Agata used to ski and snowboard when she was younger, which is why, when her adventure took her far away from the mountains, she always felt there was something missing. That all changed when she discovered the exhilarating world of snowkiting, which, as you can probably guess, takes the sport of kiteboarding to whole new heights.
Agata told us that, while living the beach life is undeniably amazing, snowkiting was like finding the puzzle piece that completed her adventure-filled life.
“Picture yourself in a winter wonderland, surrounded by nothing but pristine, untouched snow and majestic mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. Now add in the thrill of riding pure pow pow, both up and down, all powered by nothing but the wind and your trusty kite. Sounds pretty epic, right?
“But here’s the best part – in the world of snowkiting there are no ski lifts, no crowded slopes, and definitely no boundaries. With your kite as your guide, you can explore every peak, valley, and hidden gem that the mountains have to offer. It’s pure adrenaline, pure freedom, and pure bliss all rolled into one.”
I think we can all empathise with the need to live a more kaleidoscopic life – to experience both summer and winter, homeliness and adventure, work and play. While Agata is sure to return to the water soon, this winter, like every other winter, you’ll find her on the peaks of Kosciuszko National Park in New South Wales, where the snow and mountains meet the wind.
“Adventure knows no bounds, and the journey is just beginning. The mountains are calling, and I must go.”
