EP29 – A Kiteboarding Camp on a Remote Island– Karen Duncan

Life Done Differently

For this episode, I’m joined by Karen Duncan who gave up a career in telecommunication to build and run a Kiteboarding Resort on a small, remote island in Tonga, together with her partner Glenn.

Karen shares what inspired them to make this life-changing decision and how they went about making it a reality – which was no easy undertaking. From having to sort out visas, finding land and dealing with local laws, customs and processes to having to bring absolutely everything they needed over from New Zealand.

When they arrived in Tonga, they had nothing but a bare block of land. Once the materials arrived from New Zealand, they went to work – starting with building a well to have water. Over the next few months, they built a house for themselves and a resort with five huts and a common area for their guests.

If you have ever wondered what it’s like to build a new life on a remote island, this episode with give you the answer.

We also talk about what it’s like to live in paradise and the lessons Karen has learned along the way. And of course, we also had to talk about COVID and how that has disrupted their lives and how Karen overcame negative thoughts caused by uncertainty and being disconnected from family and friends and how she found a new calling as ‘the cake lady’.

Learn more and connect with Karen:

Website: https://www.kitesurftonga.com

Instagram: @KitesurfTonga

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KitesurfTonga