#121 – Jennie Milton, known as Adrenajen, takes us on a thrilling ride through the world of extreme sports. Her story is one of resilience, adventure, and the unyielding spirit that refuses to be held back by life’s challenges. From her vibrant upbringing in her parents’ sports store to becoming a pioneer in kitesurfing and snowkiting, Jenny’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of adventure in shaping a positive outlook on life.
Growing up in Australia, Jenny was immersed in a world of sports from a young age. Her parents’ sports store provided her with the latest equipment and opportunities to engage in activities like skateboarding, sailing, and skiing. This early exposure laid the foundation for her adventurous spirit and resilience, helping her to maintain a positive outlook even when faced with significant health challenges later in life.
Jennie’s seamless transition from working in her parents’ ski store to opening her own shop, Adrenaline Sports, showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for extreme sports. Catering to the growing demand for sports like snowboarding and kiteboarding, Jennie’s shop became a hub for thrill-seekers looking to push their limits. Her first encounter with kiteboarding in Hawaii was a transformative experience, despite the challenges of learning the sport. This adventure set the stage for many more, including an unforgettable heli-skiing trip in Alaska with guide Steve.
Kiteboarding, a sport that requires a delicate balance of finesse and strength, became one of Jennie’s greatest passions. She emphasizes that kiteboarding is more about technique than physical power, making it accessible to a wide range of people. The sport offers various styles, from high-flying freestyle to the more serene “mowing the lawn” approach and kite surfing on waves. Each style provides a unique thrill, empowering participants to overcome their fears and challenges.
Snowkiting, the winter counterpart to water kiteboarding, presents its own set of challenges and thrills. Unlike water kiteboarding, snowkiting requires intermediate to advanced skiing or snowboarding skills and backcountry expertise. Locations like Thompson Pass in Valdez, Alaska, and Strawberry Reservoir near Park City, Utah, are prime spots for this exhilarating sport. The necessity for clean wind flow and large open areas free of obstacles adds to the complexity and excitement of snowkiting.
One of Jennie’s most heart-pounding adventures occurred in Arctic Village, where she encountered a polar bear. Despite learning it was the wrong time of year for polar bear sightings, Jennie embraced the local culture and weather conditions, including experiencing 100-mile-an-hour winds. While teaching kite flying to local children, a rare opportunity to fly a kite outdoors during a sunset turned perilous when a polar bear charged towards her. The dramatic encounter, which ended with the bear chasing her kite instead of her, left Jennie reflecting on the sheer unpredictability of nature and the powerful experience of being so close to a wild polar bear. 
Jennie’s journey of resilience extends beyond her adventures in extreme sports. After being diagnosed with brain aneurysms, she faced the pain and fear that came with the diagnosis. Embracing gratitude, positive mindset training, and a robust support system, including therapy, played pivotal roles in coping with the situation. Jennie found joy in small moments, such as flying a kite from a hospital bed, which evolved into teaching children the joy of kite flying. This experience also led her to write a children’s book, emphasizing courage and finding happiness even in adverse circumstances.
Jennie Milton’s story is a powerful reminder of the joy and empowerment that come from pushing beyond our comfort zones and cherishing the small moments of happiness, no matter the circumstances. Her journey is an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of adventure.