Alana is originally from the countryside of Brazil and currently based in Rio de Janeiro.

What is your occupation?
I’m an actress, entrepreneur, and founder of Vulva, a women-only travel and hospitality brand. Through Vulva, I run a women-only hostel in Trancoso, a paradise in the south of Bahia, and a women-only travel company, Vulva Way, that creates transformative experiences for women.
Our signature trip is a women’s kite camp designed for all levels — including women who have never tried kitesurfing before. Through Vulva, many women are having their very first contact with the sport in a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment.

What attracted you to start kitesurfing?
I’ve always loved sports. Since childhood, movement has been a huge part of my life — from dancing in my living room at home to rhythmic gymnastics, handball, ballet, circus, and many different disciplines over the years. I’ve always been curious and passionate about learning new things. At the same time, I used to watch people kitesurfing and it felt very distant from my reality, almost like something that wasn’t meant for me. I also had a deep fear of the ocean. Kitesurfing was actually what brought me closer to the sea and helped me gradually overcome that fear.

What does kitesurfing give you – physically, mentally, or emotionally?
Physically, kitesurfing makes me feel active, alive, and strong. It constantly reminds me of what my body is capable of. Mentally, it has given me a deep sense of confidence and autonomy — something much more lasting than the kind of self-esteem women are often encouraged to build solely around physical appearance. Emotionally, kitesurfing brings me joy and connects me with nature. When I'm riding, there is also a spiritual dimension to the experience: it's a moment of presence, freedom, and connection with something bigger than myself.

As women, we're not always encouraged to have hobbies or to do things simply because we love them, without the pressure of having to be exceptional at them. For me, that's what kitesurfing is: a pleasure — and that is incredibly liberating.

What does femininity mean to you – on and off the water?
Femininity, to me, means occupying spaces as a woman without having to perform masculinity in order to be respected. On the water, it means taking up space in a sport that has historically been male-dominated. Off the water, it means being authentic and taking up space in a world that has also historically been male-dominated...

Imagine a world without women – what would it look like?
Impossible! I would rather imagine a world without men. Hahahaha

What’s your favorite kitesurf spot – and why?
My favorite kitesurf spot so far is Taíba, in Ceará, Brazil. It has constant wind, warm water, and beautiful lagoons with flat water, which makes it an incredible place for beginners and also for anyone who wants to evolve in the sport. Taíba also attracts people from all over the world, creating a vibrant and cosmopolitan community. It’s the place I chose for my women’s kite trips, especially because it offers perfect conditions to learn, progress, and feel confident on the water. And for those who love kitewave, the ocean side also has great waves, making Taíba a very complete spot.

Do you have any other sports that are a perfect match with your kiting lifestyle?
In my daily life, I practice taekwondo, strength training, dance, yoga, and occasionally surfing. I believe all of them complement each other. Taekwondo brings discipline, focus, and precision. Dance has given me body awareness and self-expression. Yoga contributes balance, mobility, and presence. Strength training helps me feel strong and resilient. And surfing deepens my intimacy with the ocean. Together, these practices shape not only the way I ride, but also the way I move through life.