Meet Sabrina Parisi | Owner and CEO of Captain Kirk’s Water Sports

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sabrina Parisi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sabrina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a woman who has a deep love for kitesurfing and water activities, I was acutely aware of the impact that pollution and environmental degradation was having on our planet. I wanted to use my passion for these activities as a driving force to create positive change in the world.

Starting my own business was a way for me to combine my love for kitesurfing with my desire to make a positive impact on the environment. I saw an opportunity to build a company that focused on creating environmentally sustainable products and services, with a specific emphasis on reducing pollution in our waterways.

As a woman entrepreneur, I also felt a strong sense of responsibility to pave the way for other women in the business world. I wanted to show that women can be successful entrepreneurs, and that we have the skills, creativity, and drive to build thriving businesses that make a difference in the world.

In addition to this sense of responsibility, I was also motivated by the freedom and flexibility that starting my own business would provide. I saw the opportunity to create my own schedule and build a business that reflected my values and vision as a chance to make a real impact.

Overall, my decision to start my own business was driven by a combination of passion for kitesurfing and water activities, a commitment to environmental sustainability, and a desire to serve as a role model for other women in the business world. By pursuing my dreams in this way, I felt that I could create something of value that would not only bring me personal fulfillment, but also contribute to a better world for all.

What should our readers know about your business?
Thank you for the opportunity to add more information about my business!

It’s worth noting that the kitesurfing, windsurfing, water sports school, and rental shop I own has been around since 1987. When I joined the company, I saw an opportunity to apply my passion, creativity, and social skills to the business and to make it my own. I worked hard to recreate the company and its services based on my own vision and values.

One of the things that I am most proud of is the sense of community that has developed around the business. It’s more than just a kitesurfing and water sports school or rental shop – it’s a family. I love meeting people from all walks of life and sharing my passion for kitesurfing with them. I enjoy talking to them and learning about their experiences, and I am always eager to offer advice and support.

As an entrepreneur, I have found that my social skills have been just as important as my technical skills. Building relationships with customers and members of the community has been crucial to the success of the business. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the community of water enthusiasts grow and to be a part of that growth.

Overall, I believe that my passion, creativity, and social skills have been key factors in the success of the business. By applying these skills and creating a strong sense of community, we have been able to differentiate ourselves from other kitesurfing schools and rental shops. I am excited to continue growing and expanding the business and to continue sharing my love for kitesurfing with the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Great question! As a lover of kitesurfing and water sports, I’d definitely want to incorporate some of that into the itinerary. Here’s what I would recommend for a week-long trip:

Day 1:

Start the day with kitesurfing, windsurfing or paddleboarding in the Long Beach waters at my school and rental shop.
For lunch, we could have sandwiches and coffee at the Crepe Cafe or at the Breakfast Bar on Atlantic.
Spend the afternoon exploring Naples Island, a picturesque neighborhood with beautiful canals and homes.
For dinner, we would go to La Parolaccia, an authentic Italian restaurant with great pasta dishes and a cozy atmosphere.

Day 2:

Take a trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific to learn about marine life and conservation efforts.
Grab lunch at Potholder Cafe, which has great comfort food and a cozy atmosphere.
Spend the afternoon exploring Naples Island, a picturesque neighborhood with beautiful canals and homes.
For dinner, we would go to L’Opera, a fine-dining Italian restaurant with a great wine selection.

Day 3:

Take a day trip to nearby Catalina Island, where we could go snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relax on the beach.
For dinner, we could have seafood at Bluewater Grill overlooking the harbor.

Day 4:

Head to Shoreline Village, a fun and lively area with lots of shops and restaurants, as well as a carousel and arcade.
Take a boat tour of the harbor or rent a jet ski to explore the coastline.
For dinner, we could have sushi at Sushi Ai.

Day 5:

Visit the Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner that’s now a hotel and tourist attraction.
Have lunch at Claire’s at the Museum, a charming cafe located in the Long Beach Museum of Art.
Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Long Beach, with its unique shops and galleries.
For dinner, we could have Mexican food at Agaves Kitchen & Tequila, which has great margaritas.

Day 6:

Take a whale-watching tour to see these majestic creatures up close.
For lunch, we could have sandwiches and coffee at Lord Windsor Roasters.
Spend the afternoon at the beach, playing beach volleyball or just soaking up the sun.
For dinner, we could have pizza and craft beer at Michael’s Pizzeria.

Day 7:

Wrap up the trip with brunch at The Attic, a popular brunch spot known for its unique dishes like the Mac N’ Cheetos.
Spend the day relaxing at the beach or taking a leisurely bike ride along the boardwalk.
For dinner, we could have steak at BO-beau kitchen + roof tap, which has a great rooftop patio with views of the city.

Overall, I believe Long Beach has so much to offer in terms of outdoor activities, great food, and unique experiences. I’m sure my friend would have a great time!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, I would be honored to extend my shoutout to even more of the people and organizations who have supported and encouraged me on my journey as an entrepreneur.

I want to start by giving credit to the City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine for putting their trust in me as a woman to lead in the world of kitesurfing, a sport that has historically been dominated by men. Without their support, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to share my love for kitesurfing and to help create a more diverse and inclusive community of water enthusiasts.

Additionally, I want to acknowledge the support and resources provided by US Sailing, which has been an incredible partner and advocate for kitesurfing and other water sports. Their commitment to education, safety, and promoting the sport has been a crucial factor in the growth and development of the kitesurfing community.

Of course, I also want to recognize the importance of my family, friends, and mentors, who have been instrumental in my journey as an entrepreneur. Their support, guidance, and encouragement have helped me to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business.

Finally, I want to give a special shoutout to the community of kitesurfers and water enthusiasts who have inspired me with their passion for the natural world and their commitment to environmental sustainability. Their enthusiasm and dedication have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation for me.

Overall, my success as an entrepreneur has been shaped by the love, support, and mentorship of so many amazing people and organizations. I am grateful for their contributions and will continue to work hard to create a positive impact on the world through my business and my passion for kitesurfing.

Website: www.CaptainKirksUSA.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/CaptainKirksUSA

Facebook: www.facebook.com/captainkirkswatersports