Giulia Emmolo: from Olympics Athlete to IKO Kitesurf Instructor
IKO instructors are never ordinary or unremarkable; on the contrary, they are extraordinary and unique. In the IKO community, we are proud to have someone truly remarkable in Italy: Giulia Emmolo, an Olympic water polo champion who embraced the challenge of transitioning from Olympic athlete to IKO kitesurf instructor.
Giulia represented Italy in two editions of the Olympic Games: London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016.
In London 2012, the "Setterosa" team reached the final but had to concede to Spain, securing a silver medal. Four years later, in Rio 2016, the team again made it to the final, facing the United States. In an exciting and tense match, the Setterosa concluded the tournament with another silver medal, showcasing their strength and determination. These results solidified the Italian team as one of the most competitive internationally.
Her journey from elite athlete to kitesurf instructor demonstrates that the sea offers endless opportunities for growth, fun, and adventure. Now, Giulia brings the same passion and drive that led her to Olympic success into her kitesurfing career, inspiring a new generation of water lovers.
From Olympic Water Polo to Kitesurfing
Her Olympic experience became a valuable asset as she pursued her next big goal: becoming a kitesurf instructor.
“Kitesurfing caught my attention because, like water polo, it's all about water and the thrill of the sport. My boyfriend was already practicing kitesurfing, which was the final push I needed to sign up for the IKO Pro Course.”
Both sports demand discipline, balance, and teamwork. Giulia mastered the sport by keeping these values at the core of her kitesurfing practice and earning her IKO Instructor certification.
How Olympic Skills Shaped Her Journey
The Olympics taught Giulia valuable lessons. “Discipline is everything,” she says. “Becoming a kitesurf instructor with IKO meant finding the perfect balance between learning and fun, just like in water polo.”
The teamwork of water polo also helped Giulia navigate the kitesurfing world. During the IKO Pro Course, she realized that success is built on mutual support and growing together as a team, as she did in her Olympic journey. “It was incredible to see how we all shared our strengths and weaknesses, growing together.”
Balancing Fun and Focus in Kitesurf Teaching
Becoming an IKO instructor requires focus, dedication, and a lot of passion. Giulia’s Olympic discipline helped her stay focused during the intense training program. But it wasn’t all work and no play! “The best part of the course was finding that balance. We worked hard but also had fun, like enjoying granitas at sunset!”
As a kitesurf instructor, Giulia brings her positive energy to her lessons. She believes teaching should be fun while ensuring her students develop strong skills. “I always try to balance fun and seriousness in learning, just like my Olympic coaches did with me.”
Long-Term Kitesurfing Goals
Now that Giulia is fully immersed in kitesurfing, her goals extend beyond teaching. She wants to continue improving her skills and hopes to pass her love for the sport on to her family. “My first goal? Teaching my dad to kitesurf! And, of course, traveling the world with my boyfriend, visiting stunning kite spots, and collecting incredible memories.”
Thanks to her IKO certification, Giulia dreams of exploring the best kite spots worldwide. “The IKO network opens doors to amazing locations worldwide,” she says, referring to IKO Destinations, which helps kitesurfers discover new locations and connect with the enthusiastic global community.
Together We Inspire: The Power of the IKO Community
Giulia hopes to inspire others. “I want to show people that sports, whether water polo or kitesurfing, are about pushing your limits and finding joy. My advice? Don’t set limits; go after your goals passionately and have fun!”
As we look back on Giulia Emmolo's extraordinary journey from Olympic athlete to IKO instructor, we must acknowledge that she is part of a vibrant community. The IKO is filled with passionate kitesurf instructors who push the boundaries of our sport through effective teaching methods and inspire others. Their commitment to excellence and love for kitesurfing enhances the skills of new kiters, experienced kiters, and fellow instructors, motivating everyone to pursue their passions. Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate all IKO instructors and recognize their commitment to making a difference in the kitesurfing community.
Together, we are shaping the future of kitesurf, an incredible sport, one lesson at a time. Keep pushing yourself, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun!
