Its official! The perfect woman exists! Last week we spoke to Grant Twig Baker, and this week it is his lovely girlfriend of 5 years, Kate Lovemore, who takes the spotlight – and for good reason. Not only is she a drop-dead gorgeous upcoming model, but she may just be the ultimate kitesurfer’s girlfriend – she loves the ocean, launches and lands like a pro, drives for downwinds, and films her man in action – to name a few.
Name: Kate "Baby" Lovemore
What is your motto or favourite quote? That would have to be "Dance like no one is watching" or "don’t wait for the traffic make the traffic wait for you" or "no one puts Baby in a corner"(that’s how I got the nickname "Baby". I love Dirty Dancing
Lives? Durban, La Lucia with Twig
Star sign: Libra (very balanced star sign) but terrible at making decisions
Favourite food: Sushi, Woolworths fudge and beach garden salad from Bangkok Wok!!!
Drink of choice: "Sex on the beach" or vodka lime and water or kola tonic and gingerale. So refreshing!
Occupation: Executive Kitchen Designer
Years as girlfriend to Twiggy? 5 years
What do you like about him most? Twiggy is a loving, humble and extremely generous man. Apart from all that good stuff he has a great bod hee hee, parties like a rock star and treats me like an angel. I am extremely proud of all his achievements and how he handles himself. He is extremely motivated and ambitious. Certainly not the stereotype of a surfer. He is a successful business man and manages both work and surfing in a very professional manner.
What you like about men of the ocean/why you would recommend them to other ladies? Just look at their bodies hee hee. No, seriously, because the ocean is so cleansing for the soul men of the ocean tend to have a relaxed aura about them. There isn’t a better way to get rid of their frustrations than to go for a surf. I would much rather have a man that goes for a 3 hour surf than one sitting in a pub.
Your other half both surfs, and kites. This means that no matter the weather conditions he is being lured toward the ocean. Did this ever bug you, or was it just part of the package? That’s what drew me to him. I am a very active person and love being out doors. I was brought up being on the beach every weekend of my life so naturally a man that loves the ocean is perfect. There is nothing better than being in the sun and salt water. Healthy living!
You seemed completely involved in all aspects of his kite session when I saw you the other day, from helping him rig up, to launching him, to weather terminology, wind direction etc -what have you learnt from dating a kiter/surfer? Wow! I have learnt heaps. From how to read the weather, down to launching a kite, catching a kite, checking swell size and direction etc on windguru and stormsurf as well as how to get up at 5am to go down the coast to chase wind
and swell :) I have also learnt a lot of patience and how to film the guys kiting. You also learn tolerance, especially with the amount of travelling Twig does. So I have learnt to be very independent. The knowledge is endless but so amazing and interesting.
What advice do you have for wives and girlfriends? If you don’t like the outdoors or windy conditions don’t try and tame a man of the ocean...it's not going to happen. Embrace the opportunities you have to be outdoors and active. Showing an interest in what your man does reaps many rewards. You get to go to beautiful destinations and share in wonderful experiences together
Do you surf/have you tried kiting? I am a bodyboarder. I started when i was in school then gave up during Varsity (too many parties ha ha) and about 2 years ago Twig bought me another board and I'm right back into it. I have tried surfing...very frustrating trying to stand up but every now and again I give it another go. I need a mini mal to really get going.
Kiting, well that’s just another kettle of fish. Twig has taught me a little on the beach in very light wind but the power behind that kite scares me a little. I think I will stick to hanging on the back of Twig’s harness and let him control the kite in the water ha ha. Its just as much fun!
List the things you have been known to do as a part of Grant’s sessions or kitesurfing lifestyle? I film the guys kiting, follow them on downwinds in case 1 or 2 of them don’t make it. I launch his kite and catch it. I don’t have windguru on my phone but I know how to read the detail on my laptop if need be. I normally pack a little cooler box with snacks for while we are on the beach and especially juice or water.
I guess the best part is getting to cream twig up :) Nothing like hot summer sun and a hot bod to rub cream on.
The outdoors are great. Way better than vegging on the couch or spending money in the shopping centres.
Do you ever fight about kiting/surfing and the time spent doing these things? No, exactly the opposite actually. Sometimes it will be windy or the swell looks ok and I have to drag Twig off the couch. ha ha. We are both very passionate about the ocean so I guess that’s why we get along so well. There is a common understanding.
How is your relationship as a result of you being an active part of his passions. Do you think he appreciates it, and perhaps makes compromises for you in all sorts of other ways to show this? We have a great relationship. Men are pretty simple creatures. If we as women show an interest in their lives and support what they do of course they appreciate it and it keeps the spark alive. Appreciation is shown in both small and big ways. Either getting little gifts when Twig goes traveling without me, and its so exciting when he is coming home after a long trip. I still get butterflies in my tummy. I also go on amazing trips with Twig. I've been to Hawaii, Indonesia, Mauritius, Mozambique, LA to name but a few.
A big bonus is this year I will be spending my first Christmas and New Year with him in 4 years!! So yes, I make compromises too...And I will get to see him surf Mavericks and in the Eddie!!!
How do you feel about the risks he takes as a big wave surfer? A lot of people cant believe how relaxed I am about it but of course there is always a little worry in the back of my mind. I try not to think anything bad will happen otherwise that sends off negative energy which can create bad things so I try to keep a positive state of mind that he will come home alive and hopefully in one piece .I have had one or 2 scares with him when he was badly concussed in Cape town and I wasn’t there. It was a horrible feeling but nothing I can stop, so you just have to go with the flow I guess
Other hobbies and interests: I really enjoy my gym. 3 of us girls go to a personal trainer together twice a week for an hour.
Then I love my bodyboarding and I have just recently started working for my dad designing kitchens and bedroom cupboards which I have become really passionate about. I am also an avid dancer. I did ballet for 14 years so any chance i get to dance
I shake my booty. I jump around the house after "So you think you can dance" I am trying to get a modelling carreer going. Its taking a while but we will see what happens. No one puts Baby in a corner :) We have also just started a little vege garden with tomatoes, beans, peppers and Jalapenos so I’m going to see if I have green fingers at all :) Other than that we spend a lot of our time together anyway. He is pretty much my best friend (and lover of course hee hee)
If you know another kite girl (be she a wife, girlfriend, a kiter, or even if its you!) who belongs in the category of ultimate kite girl(friend) – please send her contact details, e-mail address and a photograph to kathrynwrites@gmail.com and lets celebrate her!