Kitesoul Magazine #6 English Edition

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KITESOUL

ITW Jalou Langeree FOIL TECH Tack and Jibe with a foilboard TRIP The Indonesian Reflection FREESTYLE MOVES Front Blind and Front Blind Mobe

Pic_Toby Bromwich

PoP it like i t´s h o t ! w A K e S t Y L e

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F R e e S t Y L e

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R e L At e D wA K e S t Y L e / F R e e S t Y L e B OA R D S

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n O R t h K i t e B OA R D i n G .C O m – mmXiV – ›CRAFteD with PRiDe‹

# n O R t h K i t e B OA R D i n G

Editor Roberta Pala roberta.pala@kitesoul.com Wave Thecnique Editor Mitu Monteiro Freestyle Thecnique Editor Alberto Rondina Thecnical Expert Renato Casati Photo & Video Maurizio Cinti Design Giuseppe Esposito

JUNE 2015 - JULY2015 TWO-MONTHLY

Texts Renato Casati, Seb Garat, Johnny Heineken, Axel Reese/Reemedia/Liquid Eye, Alberto Rondina, Jana Schader, Reo Stevens Photos Bianca Asher, Gilles Calvet, Quincy Dein, Mario Enfondo, Daniel Kajavala, Stephan Kleinlein, Craig Kolesky/Red Bull Content Pool, Michael Petrikov, Riemkje Poortinga, Axel Reese/Reemedia, Gabriele Rumbolo, Jana Schader, Reinout Smit, Valentina Sommadossi, Hugo Valente, Ydwer van der Heide/ Ydwer.com, Seth Warren, Jason Wolcott, Stephen Whitesell Cover: Rider: Jalou Langeree Photo: Stephen Whitesell Publisher and advertising VISU Media Via Cavour, 20 24030 Ambivere (BG) Amministratore Unico Federico Sugoni fs@kitesoul.com Registration Tribunale di Bergamo n°10/2014 del 15/04/2014.

Periodicità bimestrale

FEDERICO SUGONI Publisher

ROBERTA PALA Editor

He’s a manager and a businessman.

He fell in love with kiteboarding almost 10 years ago in the wild and amazing North Shore of Oahu (Hawaii). Aside from kiteboarding there is only one other important thing in his life: his baby daughter.

He’s responsible for the 2014 launching of KiteSoul Magazine.

Sports photographer since 1997, kiteboarder since 2001, she has worked for the most exponential kite magazines for the last 15 years.

A free and wild soul, she has left the luxuries of town living for a life in contact with nature: a sea and wave lover.

Nowadays you can find her on the shores of Capo Mannu, Sardinia, one of the most beautiful spots of the Mediterranean Sea.

MAURIZIO CINTI Film-maker

GIUSEPPE ESPOSITO Art director

Copyright Kitesoul Magazine All content is copyright of Kitesoul Magazine / Visu Media Srl.

Movie buff and keen photographer. He’s a skater, snowboarder and wakeboarder, but he actually burns with passion for kiteboarding. He started off with freestyle a few years ago, but nowadays he’s more into chasing big and powerful waves. This is what he loves the most.

Kiter since he was in the baby pram, he is a rider for RRD Italia and he have a Bachelor in Comunciation Design at Politecnico di Milano.

With this assignment, he finally has been able to put together his two passions: kite and design.

KITESOUL MAGAZINE Feel The Flow

MITU MONTEIRO Technical Editor-Wave Riding

ALBERTO RONDINA Technical Editor-Freestyle

RENATO “DR. KITE” CASATI Technical Expert

He comes from Sal. Official F-one and Manera rider.

2008 KPWT World Champion and three-time Vice World Champion. He started to surf and windsurf as a kid and but he definitively fell in love with kitesurf as soon as he discovered it.

He’s the best Italian rider of the competitive kiting world.

Cabrinha, Neil Pryde and GoPro official team rider and four-time Italian Champion. Alberto has won the 2001 edition of the European Championship and third place in the 2012 PKRA World Championship.

RRD Wave team rider. Kiteboarder since 2000, he has been PKRA athlete and judge.

He’s a professional sportswriter for several technical magazines. He lives between Como Lake and Sardinia, but he spends every winter in the waves of Cabo-Verde.

ELENA FOICO Professional translator Professional translator and Kiteboarder since 2001.

In 2004 she decided to leave her career in the UK to teach kitesurfing full time. Throughout the years she has translated several kitesurfing manuals, teaching aids and articles. Born in the mountains but passionate about the sea, she has found the perfect tool to have fun pretty much everywhere!

EDITORIAL

A

year has gone by since our first issue,

The recent passion for hydrofoil-boarding is also

and here we are again to share our suc-

gathering riders from all over the world. It fulfils

cess with you.

the dream of riding with just a few knots of wind,

In this last year our magazine has gathered

and to feel the exhilarating sensation of gliding

around 20,000 readers from every corner of

one meter over the water surface. Hydrofoil is

the earth; whereas our Facebook page, YouTube

as fascinating as it is difficult, so together with

channel and website have reached over 250,000

Ozone Kiteboarding, we have included an article

viewers. We believe the root of our success lies in

from the undisputed champion Johnny Heineken,

the appetite for the emotions that this fantastic

explaining our readers how to tack and gybe, and

sport can offer us.

the pros and cons of foilboarding.

Now, like never before, kiteboarding is stirring

In this issue we have also decided to sneak a

the emotions of riders interconnecting the most

peak in the soul of the riders who are making the

varied kiting disciplines. And we have decided to

history of kiteboarding; which is why we have

follow this trend.

dedicated our cover to Jalou Langaree, winner of

The never aging freestyle lovers will be delighted

the recent Dakhla VKWC wave contest. Jalou is a

with the tutorials from our top freestyle rider,

freestyle soul who has discovered her great pas-

Alberto Rondina; whilst wave aficionados, who

sion for wave riding, becoming in just a few years,

travel the world in search of the perfect wave,

“the” female rider to beat in the international wa-

can dream of Indonesia together with Reo Ste-

ve-riding scene.

vens. We couldn’t of course forget our freestyle

How will kiteboarding evolve in the future? Whi-

strapless fans, which is why Mr. Stevens, has de-

ch frontiers have still been left undiscovered? We

cided to disclose his freestyle secrets in our co-

maybe cannot answer this questions right now

lumn as well.

but of one thing we are sure: KiteSoul will be

The “Big Air” passion has also made a huge co-

there with you, to witness and share this great

meback, so much so that, the new pro circuit

passion which brings and binds our kiteboarding

VKWC has included the discipline in its calendar.

souls together…

Roberta Pala | Federico Sugoni

Rider: Mitu Monteiro | Photo: Gilles Calvet/F-One

SUMMARY

Portfolio

News:

VKWC 2015 Events

Events:

Virgin Kitesurf World Championships Prince Moulay el Hassan Kiteboarding World Cup - Dakhla, Marocco

Trip:

The Indonesian reflection

Itw:

Marciel “Matchu” Lopes Almeida

Trip:

Mauritius – Land of multiculturalism

Itw: Jalou Langeree

Tips & Trips:

Trip tips for the west coast of Sardinia

SUMMARY

Itw:

Jerrie Van De Kop

Foil tech:

Tack and Jibe with a foilboard

Stapless moves: The dark flip

Freestyle moves: Front blind Front blind mobe

Technical:

Genesis and life cycle of a wave (part II)

14 PORTFOLIO

Mitu Monteiro

RIDER: Mitu Monteiro PHOTO: Gilles Calvet/F-One

16 PORTFOLIO

Noè Font

RIDER: Noè Font PHOTO: Reinout Smit

18 PORTFOLIO

Paulino Pereira

RIDER: Paulino Pereira PHOTO: Mario Enfondo

20 PORTFOLIO

Marc Jacobs

RIDER: Marc Jacobs PHOTO: Daniel Kjavala

22 PORTFOLIO

Sam Medysky

RIDER: Sam Medysky PHOTO: Bianca Asher

24 NEWS

VKWC EVENTS 2015 •

•

Isla de Coche, Venezuela: 09. – 13.06.2015

•

•

Fuerteventura, Spain: 02. – 08.08.2015

Virgin Kitesurf World Championships Main Logo

Tarifa, Spain: 11. – 19.07.2015

St. Peter-Ording, Germany: 21. – 30.08.2015

KITESURF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Further information available on www.vkwc.com

Youth World Cup 2015 Camping La Ballena Alegre - Costa Brava (Spain) from June 27th to July 2nd.

Each rider who wants to compete at the event needs to pre-register on the organizer’s website: www.ballena-alegre.com/events/vkwc/

26

EVENTS Virgin Kitesurf World Championships Prince Moulay el Hassan Kiteboarding World Cup - Dakhla, Marocco

Text Roberta Pala | Photo Hugo Valente/VKWC

Virgin Kitesurf World Championships Prince Moulay El Hassan Kiteboarding Wo Dakhla, Marocco

The pro world tour is brand new this year: Virgin has become the official partner of the PKRA and all athletes have signed up a longterm contract with the Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson. A new era with a brand new name: Virgin Kitesurf World Championships (VKWC).

orld Cup

Virgin Kitesurf World Championships Main Logo

KITESURF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

28

EVENTS Virgin Kitesurf World Championships Prince Moulay el Hassan Kiteboarding World Cup - Dakhla, Marocco

The pro world tour is brand new this year: Virgin

one, will probably take place just before the Ta-

has become the official partner of the PKRA and

rifa stop, in the middle of the season. There will

all athletes have signed up a long-term contract

be 5 judges and new judging criteria: technical

with the Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson. A new

difficulty, intensity (power and height) and per-

era with a brand new name: Virgin Kitesurf World

formance (innovation, risk factor, and smooth-

Championships (VKWC).

ness of landing). Two judges will evaluate tech-

@text

nique and intensity and one judge will evaluate

The first stop of the VKWC in Dakhla, Morocco,

the overall performance.

was actually quite different from the old pro tour:

In the wave discipline there will also be new ju-

new rules, new judging criteria and new trials.

dging criteria: on top of difficulty, speed, power

Freestyle trials: there are 14 men and 7 women

and flow, there will be “variety of manoeuvres”,

prequalified riders, three wildcards for each event

“combination of major manoeuvres” and “inno-

(2 male, 1 female rider) and a brand new “injury

vative and progressive manoeuvres”. We guess

wildcard” for riders who could not compete the

that riders will not be too happy about this, as

previous year, due to injuries. The board is made

on top of pure wave riding, they will have to

up using the “dingle” ladder system and there will

perform tricks as well.

be only two qualifications a year: the first was held just before the Dakhla stop and the second

30

EVENTS Virgin Kitesurf World Championships Prince Moulay el Hassan Kiteboarding World Cup - Dakhla, Marocco

The Dakhla stop

Even Gisela Pulido decided to leave her boots asi-

Two weeks of competitions: the wind conditions

de for a while and compete in the waves.

did not seem promising initially, but thankfully

After the completion of the Dakhla stop, riders

Dakhla did not fall short of expectations, and in

hope to repeat the success and compete again at

the end all three disciplines (Freestyle, Wave and Big Air) were disputed with success.

The first discipline to go on stage was Wave riding: riders competed at Oum Labouir, a famous wave location on the Atlantic coast of Dakhla’s peninsula. Waves were not huge during the first few days of competition but this wave spot always offers great emotions and great photos thanks to the special Moroccan light‌ Keahi de Aboitz and Jalou Langeree were the winners of the first stop of this new circuit, amidst almost perfect wind conditions.

the South African stop in December.

The perfect spot for a sensational wave riding final.

Men’s Wave results: 1 - Keahi de Aboitz 2 – Pedro Henrique 3 – Sebastian Ribeiro 4 – Mitu Monteiro Women’s Wave results: 1 – Jalou Langeree 2 – Moona Whyte 3 – Ines Correia 4 – Kari Schibevaag

32

EVENTS Virgin Kitesurf World Championships Prince Moulay el Hassan Kiteboarding World Cup - Dakhla, Marocco

Dakhla is renowned for being one of the best

brand new 2015 VKWC. Liam Whaley defeated the

freestyle spot in the world: different conditions,

last year champion Christophe Tack and Karolina

from the super flat “speed spot� downwind of the

managed to win over her long-time rival Gisela

Dakhla Attitude hotel, to mid choppy flat water el-

Pulido. The young, Spanish by adoption, Whaley,

sewhere and most important very strong winds!

after 5 years of pro tour, pulled off a spectacular

After a long battle, Liam Whaley and Karolina

competition with a great variety of powerful ma-

Winkowska managed to win the first stop of this

noeuvres, collecting an astounding 39, 6 in the

Men’s Freestyle results: 1 – Liam Whaley 2 – Christophe Tack 3 – Aaron Hadlow 4 – Youri Zoon Women’s Freestyle results: 1 – Karolina Winkowska 2 – Gisela Pulido 3 – Bruna Kajiya 4 – Annelous Lammerts

semi-finals. The highest score so far.

Gisela this time had no chance of winning over

In the female quarter, the battle between Karo-

the strong-minded Karolina, who took home her

lina and Gisela was fierce. Karolina Winkowska

second Dakhla victory, after the last one in 2013.

was determined to keep last year’s world title.

She competed patiently yet powerfully throughout the heats with a range of powerful and precise manoeuvres, including a flawless KGB.

34

EVENTS Virgin Kitesurf World Championships Prince Moulay el Hassan Kiteboarding World Cup - Dakhla, Marocco

Last, but certainly not least the Big Air compe-

discipline. Also the girls played their show: Gisela

tition went well under way with over 25 knots of

Pulido won the title, followed by Hannah Whiteley

wind and the best riders of the discipline, who

and Annelous Lammerts.

were eager to compete, after the success of the 2014 Red Bull King of the Air. Kevin Langeree

We can confidently say that the first stop of this

achieved the highest score, followed closely by a

new pro-tour did not disappoint anyone. Dakhla,

very powerful Marc Jacobs and the Hawaiian Jes-

as expected, delivered three contests and three

se Richman, another specialist of this spectacular

results. The next competition will be disputed,

Men’s Big Air results: 1 – Kevin Langeree 2 – Marc Jacobs 3 – Jesse Richman 4 – Osvald Smith Female Big Air results: 1 – Gisela Pulido 2 – Hannah Whiteley 3 – Annelous Lammerts 4 - Therese Taabbel

after a few years of absence, in the wonderful

of the most important competitions around: the

Coche Island of Venezuela, from 9th to 13th June.

Triple S. After which they will fly almost immedia-

Cabarete, on the other hand, for the second year

tely to El Coche, a flat water paradise with usually

in a row, will not host the tour. The well-known

very consistent winds, for a second and exciting

spot, which hosted the tour in the first few years

stop! See you there!

of the circuit, has not managed to win its popularity back. As we speak, many riders are now in Cape Hatteras for the tenth anniversary of one

36

EVENTS Virgin Kitesurf World Championships Prince Moulay el Hassan Kiteboarding World Cup - Dakhla, Marocco

Sir Richard Branson “I have been a passionate kitesurfer for many years. It’s a sport I really love and I find the challenge of the wind and waves gives me a great opportunity to test myself against the elements.

I am looking forward to developing this wonderful sport together with Javier and creating an even brighter future. We want to make the Virgin Kitesurf World Championships well known across the world, and build a vibrant platform for the sport so its partners, athletes and venues can flourish.”

Javier Perez Dolset, Founder of ZED “We are delighted to partner with the Virgin Group in what will be another vital step in making the Tour a bigger global operation and look forward to working with Virgin and Sir Richard on a new chapter of Kitesurfing history. Virgin is not only a hugely influential brand to have on board, but their worldwide expertise and contacts are second to none. We look forward to establish a World Tour with well-known athletes, brands and tour stops in the near future.”

Virgin Kitesurf World Championships Main Logo

KITESURF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

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38

TRIP The Indonesian Reflection

The Indonesian Reflection We live in a world today that has come to the realization that we can no long use and abuse and need to conserve the resources that we consume at a sustainable rate in order to keep what we have in a manner that the future generations can enjoy them in the same way that we do. It’s an idea that the younger generation of today is growing up with and thankfully the concept of sustainability has become common knowledge and practice throughout many communities.

Text Reo Stevens Photos Jason Wolcott

40 TRIP The Indonesian Reflection

“This made getting a barrel a bit like finding a diamond in the rough�

So what happens when sustainability isn’t common practice and overdevelopment and environment sacrifices are made for short-term economic growth? I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world and see a lot of diverse cultures though out it in the past 10 years but one country’s arrival stamp populates my passport more than the others. Indonesia has bee one place that I’ve traveled to most throughout the years and I have seen the encroaching tail end of what can happen to an area when sustainability and planning are not factored in.

My first time to Indonesia was in 2006 after seeing photos and hearing stories from the Space Monkey crew that had gone there in the previous years. This would be my first time traveling alone to another country. Upon arrival I was instantly shocked and awed by the difference in culture and also terrified by the complete lack of value for human life on the roadways; it was the introduction to a world that I would become familiar with over the coming years.

At that time I really wasn’t surfing “the real north shore” much anymore as I was over the crowded line-ups and over inflated egos that come with the location. I had gotten into windsurfing when I was 8 and had gotten really into wind sports at the time and the majority of my time was spent either windsurfing or kitesurfing and occasionally surfing the lesser “B” and “C” grade waves that the North Shore can offer. This made getting a barrel a bit like finding a diamond in the rough so I was really excited at the idea of getting barreled with a kite and also the fact that the once flat water past time that I got into to make the summers go by faster was beginning to form a wave discipline and was about to send me on essentially a

42

TRIP The Indonesian Reflection

surf (waveriding) trip.

The golden age of surfing Indonesia was long past, but in 2006 I found myself in a time of early Indonesian exploration for a new “golden age” of an emerging discipline in a fledgling sport; these would become the time where the original kitesurfers would considered “the days”. Over the coming years I found myself slowly transitioning from rookie grommet, being the young one that was getting lost driving around the local neighborhoods, learning line ups and basically just getting shown the ropes the of the area to the one that started to share the knowledge that I’ve learn to help new people with the ways of the Asian surf paradise.

Through the years, much of the same advice given 20 years ago will get you through today, however physically Indonesia, especially Jakarta and Bali have changed a lot. The steamroller of development has been going strong, roads have be improved and elongated, and land development and enterprise have been increasing exponentially each year. Each year I am amazed at the amount of construction that has taken place. In some areas I can hardly recognize where I am;

“Indonesia is one of the best destinations to go for a surfing/ kitesurfing trip�

44 TRIP The Indonesian Reflection

what was once a quiet rice patty is now a massive hotel surrounded by restaurants and bed and breakfasts’. So much development in such a short time, you can hardly believe that it has taken place. But with the ease of accessibility and word of mouth increasing every year, it’s only natural that an increase in people and traffic through this area has taken place.

I’m not one for the hustle and bustle of a busy city but despite the increase of people, Indonesia is one of the best destinations to go for a surfing/kitesurfing trip. To go with the expectations of doing at least one of the activities is great, but the possibility of being able to do both is even better. Surf in the morning and kite in the afternoon when the wind picks up is a dream of every kitesurfer and the reason kitesurfing is so special and what brings me back each and every year.

Because it is an extension of surfing, not a replacement to it; you’re not trying to figure out whether to surf or kite, but rather surf when it’s good, and kite when the surf blows out. Indonesia will always maximize the wave count.

Localism can become a factor anywhere where resources are not abundant and the days were crowds are light and the swell is consistent the is rarely a problem. It’s only when there hasn’t been swell for a while, or it’s small and crowded that everyone starts to battle for what little waves are left that localism becomes a factor. And really since there are not any actual local Indonesians (there’s one or two) who kite, the people who claim “local status” are the ones who have been going there for the longest or have spent more time there then the other. Despite the arguable benefits of localism, I believe everyone deserves

“you need to remember that you are a guest in someone else’s house and act as such”

46 TRIP The Indonesian Reflection

to be treated with respect. But I believe that respect is earned and not just given to anyone who doesn’t off it in return. So if you show up to a place you haven’t been, take note of of the locals and learn from them, see what the local right of way rules are and try your best to absorb them and blend nicely with the ones whom have come before you. However, even if you’ve been coming there for years, it doesn’t matter, you never become a true “local” and you need to remember that you are a guest in someone else’s house and act as such. If you keep that mindset, arrogance levels are kept low and the amount of respect given towards others is high.

Problems occur when someone new comes in and don’t quite follow these rules, or treat others with disrespect. They come in thinking they know everything and disregard the natural flow of things and clash with their surroundings. These people usually don’t last long, but are a nuisance when they are around.

I’ve met a lot of kitesurfing friends through the years and many of them have become lifelong friendships, but some of the more unique friendships I’ve made have been with the Indonesian locals. They can be some of the friendliest, honest and caring people you can meet. Every year you come back to each specific spot and they already know you’re coming, you travel from half way around the world but the news spreads through the small towns quickly. You arrive to the friends that you made in the years waiting anxiously to say hello and catch up on what has happened since.

Like on the water, there can be a bit of localism between the Indonesia locals as well. Being a poor area, the traveling surfer and kitesurfer can

“Indonesia’s inner beauty is almost impossible to hide because it shines through in the face and spirit of its people”

48 TRIP The Indonesian Reflection

provide job opportunities for the locals through transport hire and kite rigging and de-rigging.

The first kiters to this area taught a select few of the motivated locals how to properly rig and de-rig a kite and ever since it has become a seasonal form of income for these people. However, through the years, the increase in job opportunity has brought in more people seeking employment causing a hierarchy through localism with some of the original “kite caddies”. But like the occasional surfer who clashes with the established few, their inability to blend well causes them to disappear fairly quickly. The true locals that are honest and respectful seem to always have a place.

Indonesia is one of the places that I will always hold in my heart, but I have started exploring different areas of the world trying to take chances like the original Space Monkey crew did in hopes of finding another surf/kite destinations that have a lot of potential that have seasons that clash with the Indonesian season. However, one thing is for sure though; Indonesia’s inner beauty is almost impossible to hide because it shines through in the face and spirit of its people. That, along with its flawless waves will continue to bring people (and myself) back year after year despite its current flaws until those waves are too polluted to surf and the Indonesian smile is long forgotten.

I would like to thank the original crew of Ben Wilson, Jeff Tobias, Jaime Herraiz, Will James and photographer John Bilderback for venturing out of the norm and exploring the well-known doldrums in hope to find windy surf… You took the chance and rolled the dice so the rest of us could reap the reward…

Mahalo and Aloha!

50 ITW

Marciel “Matchu” Lopes Almeida

Matchu Marciel

Lopes Almeida

Text and photo Axel Reese | Reemedia | Liquid Eye

52 ITW

Marciel “Matchu” Lopes Almeida

Matchu, who? Marciel Lopes Almaieda or how friends call him Matchu is usually only known between insiders. Born and raised on the Cape Verde Islands by his parents, he attended the local school in Sal until the age of 18. His father was an arts and crafts man, and his lovely mum unfortunately passed away too early 3 years ago. He started working for a local hotel whilst still at school, that was hosting a lot of French speaking guests. The perfect opportunity for him, to learn to speak French fluently in a very short time. Today besides the national language, Portuguese, the 21 year old Matchu is fluent in Creole, English, Italian and French: all without ever holding a dictionary in his hands. Already at a young age he fell for all kind of action sports such as diving, skating, surfing and windsurfing. Windsurfing was the one sport, that pushed him the most, and at the tender age of 14, he got his first endorsement deal with Angulo. In 2007 he even got the chance to measure himself against the masters of this sport, during the Wave World Cup in Ponta Preta. This was also the year in which he decided to give up his windsurfing gear and start training with the new upcoming sport of kitesurfing. Together with his buddy Airton they spend hours over hours sitting at the beach and watching the current world champion Mitu, performing in the waves. Hooked, and motivated, Airton and Matchu pushed each other so quick, that North Kiteboarding soon was on the map, to give Matchu a full sponsorship deal.

54 ITW

Marciel “Matchu” Lopes Almeida

AR_People often mistake you with Airton. Do you feel like being the shadow of your friend and 2011 wave world champion?

ML_Yes people often mistake me for Airton – however, if you know both of us, you will immediately know and see the difference … I am skinny and tall, while Airton is small and strong, also our riding style is totally different. We’re best friends, so we don’t really care – we just have the same haircut! I am Matchu – Airton is Airton.

AR_Hmm, but you´re getting bugged all the time! Already a year ago you told us you gonna cut your hair short. But you are still wearing your rasta-look. Is there any rivalry between the two of you?

ML_Yes I am thinking about it sometimes – but people know me ‘cause I have been looking like this for a long time. Dreadlocks are really comfortable – it´s my style – if I am going to cut them, I will make an Afro, which is much more work, you need to care about it a lot, otherwise it doesn’t look good. I know and understand it would be better in terms of marketing to differentiate a bit more from Airton, look more unique. It’s going to come with time – one day I will feel like it and will change something – when … who knows.

56 ITW

Marciel “Matchu” Lopes Almeida

AR_On the water we can always see you with the North DICE. Why do you prefer this kite over all the others (NEO!)?

ML_I love it, it is a kite which is good for the combo of freestyle and wave, which is what I do mainly; the fact that my face is associated with the promotion of this kite makes me proud, it´s great!

AR_The North Whip is the board you use for freestyle. Could you shortly list some of the advantages of this no-nose-shape?

ML_The board is perfect and easy for people learning rolls and freestyle jumps; I like it especially for light wind sessions, it goes upwind super well and it is very easy. For more wind and bigger waves I use the WAM 5´8´´!

AR_You are part of the north kiteboarding international Team now for the second year in a row. Why and how did this change your life?

ML_North Kiteboarding is one of the biggest brands in the world – from the first moment I was in touch with them I was super stoked. I was pushing a lot my skills and personal goals through events and so on and North supported this and included me into the international team.

They helped me, believed in me and supported me, so it´s more than I could ever have dreamed of.

AR_You are a professional kiteboarder on one side and on the other you are giving a few private lessons now and then. Could you imagine doing this for a living in the future?

ML_For sure, in a couple of years I would love to have my own kitesurf school, a kite shop and use my name to promote it. I speak six languages, have lots of friends, love clinics and teaching, for sure.

"depends on how much you push yourself and how much time you put into it"

58 ITW

Marciel “Matchu” Lopes Almeida

AR_During your strapless courses you always try to teach new tricks to your students. What are the moves you are training on right now?

ML_Working on “triple front” and might work a bit on my “handlepasses”.

AR_Keywords “triple front” or “airpasses”: With a few videos already on screen the wave freestyle discipline seems to have developed more and more into impossible moves for normal human beings. Do you think that there is a chance for a „normal“ kitesurfer to learn those tricks?

ML_Of course, depends on how much you push yourself and how much time you put into it.

Everything is possible! I was also looking at Mitu and thought it was impossible and now I am doing it all, everything is possible!

60 ITW

Marciel “Matchu” Lopes Almeida

AR_Your sponsor is supporting your talent and tricks, giving you the opportunity to travel around the world, and exhibit your style. Is this a privilege for a young boy coming from a small island?

ML_Just a few words: A great privilege, I am super thankful for this opportunity!

AR_“Super thankful for this opportunity”: The average earnings on the Cape Verdes is around 300€ per month. Being a professional and having your own courses and lessons you’re already far beyond those numbers. Do you think you can become wealthy with kiteboarding?

ML_Kiteboarding for me is about having fun – enjoying my life as much as possible. Wealth is in your mind, with money you can do much, but if your life is not rich, it´s worth nothing. We live on a small island and people here can survive with so little. I am already rich, enjoying every single moment of my life, being able to travel and being a kid from an island at the same time!

AR_“Red Bull unfastened” was the event that was supposed to finally give the wave freestylers a platform to compete. How does the competition look like in 2015, is there gonna be one?

ML_Not sure, I haven’t heard anything yet. Hopefully the PKRA will run some more events this year – I missed one event already because I was at a North shooting but I will definitely go to the next upcoming events.

Thanks Matchu, see you soon!

Text Jana Schader Photo Valentina Sommadossi, Stephan Kleinlein, Jana Schader

MAURITIUS – LAND OF MULTICULTURALISM

62 TRIP Mauritius – Land of multiculturalism

TRIP

64 TRIP Mauritius – Land of multiculturalism

plane at the Sir See-

woosagur Ramgoolam Airport it feels like you have arrived in more than one country. Mauritius unites a great variety of different cultures in one small island. After chatting with the taxi driver in French and pretty good English, you are hit by the sight

ing a bit of German or Italian.

of several Hindu temples on the

Due to the fact that two thirds

left side of the road.

of the locals are from the Indian

This multiculturalism has its or-

subcontinent, Hinduism is the

igin in the history of the island:

biggest religion and the food

After a Portuguese discovered

has also been influenced by the

the island, there followed a

Indian culture – so let’s hope

Dutch, French and English dom-

you like it spicy! Nevertheless

ination, all of which had their

you can easily find all types of

influence on the Mauritian cul-

food from French to African de-

ture. The mother tongue is Cre-

lightfulness.

ole which is based on French

As a kitesurfer when you think

and spoken by most locals. On

about Mauritius Le Morne and

top of this most people speak

Oneye are usually the first spots

French and English as well.

which come to mind; however

Since tourism makes the great-

this time we decided to discov-

est part of the Mauritian econo-

er the spots in the north part of

my you can find people speak-

the island. Admittedly this part of Mauritius is more touristic and packed with hotels; but it is not less attractive for kitesurfing. There you can find every condition a kitesurfer’s heart could wish for: from small flat water bays to some of the best reef waves in the world. But here the special deal is that the

THERE YOU CAN FIND EVERY CONDITION A KITESURFER’S HEART COULD WISH FOR

W

hen you are leaving the

66

TRIP Mauritius – Land of multiculturalism

are quite far out and the waves are very fast so the rivalry between surfers and kiters does not exist. Generally overcrowded spots are not a problem at all in the north of the island so you can enjoy your session in crystal blue water all on your own with nature.

T

he only living being saying “hi” once in a while, might

be a huge turtle or luckily some dolphins.

The windy season in Mauritius is from May/June to September/ October. The best wind direction is east, in the north part of the island or North East, also the South East wind works but then it could get a bit gustier. If the wind is coming from South East you should think about taking a trip south, most probably Le Morne. By car it takes around 90 minutes to get there, and if you haven’t been there yet, it is definitely worth seeing. On the way you can see some local towns and the famous sugar cane fields – sometimes you might even think you are passing through the green lands of Maui.

Even if there should be no wind for some days – don’t worry – there is loads of other activities to do besides kitesurfing. You can visit and shop in Grande Baie or Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. Here you can go to the local fruit and vegetable markets, and experience once more, all the different cultures influencing this island. Also interesting is the Botanic Garden in Pamplemousses – the

68

TRIP Mauritius – Land of multiculturalism

lot to do all around the island but especially in the north the touristic program is huge.

Another advantage of staying in the north of the island is that you have a variety of hotels to fit all needs. If you are coming with family and kids the Blumarine Attitude is perfect, as there are a lot of activities from aqua-gym to Tennis and they even have a Kidsclub. The Club Mistral is also a good choice if you want to take some kite lessons or rent some gear. And the Club Mistral is right next the Blumarine Attitude.

The Boutique

instead is a bit more relaxing oldest botanic garden in the southern hemisphere, founded

by Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. If you prefer to relax a bit from the tough kite sessions, you can book a catamaran trip and enjoy local food and snorkeling in crystal clear water. A real adventure though is swimming with dolphins! In the beginning it feels a bit awkward following a group of dolphins with a bunch of other touristic boats but when you actually are in the water and so close that you can touch them, if you are fast enough, they jump next to you and play with you!! It is just an amazing feeling. Afterwards you can swim in the middle of a school of fish closer to the reef and feed them bread which they eat directly from your hand – it is definitely a very funny experience and you will have some stunning pictures if you bring your GoPro! All in all there is a

because no kids under 16 are allowed. After kiting you can relax a bit in the infinity pool and watch the sunset surrounded by palm trees. Most kite courses are held in the bay of Anse la Raie, which is right next to the Hotels; here the water is shallow enough to stand which makes it a perfect spot for beginners. If, on the other hand you prefer a more luxurious vacation, you should go to Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel which is also close to Anse la Raie Bay. It is also an adult only hotel, with haute cuisine, and an exclusive little beach – so perfect for honeymooners ;) Also very nice and famous for weddings is the Zilwa Attitude Hotel, which is the biggest hotel there, with a stunning view of the ocean.

70

TRIP Mauritius – Land of multiculturalism

So if you haven’t been to Mauritius yet it is and, if you decided to go to the south, you s north to discover the beauty of a remote kit European comfort.

definitely worth going should take a trip te-spot surrounded by

CIAO. JANA

72

ITW Jalou Langeree

ITW

JALOU LANGEREE

Name: Jalou Langeree D.O.B.: 27-04-1990 Home spot: Noordwijk, Olanda Sponsors: Naish, Mystic, Sinner, Omega & More Years kiting: 13 years Favourite spot: Haakgat SA Other sports: Surf, SUP, Windsurf, Mountain Biking, Yoga

Photo Ydwer van der Heide/Ydwer.com, Seth Warren, Riemkje Poortinga, Quincy Dein, Stephen Whitesell

ITW Roberta Pala

74

ITW Jalou Langeree

KS_Tell us something about you…

I’m super energetic, outgoing and always in for trying new sports. I love going back to Holland after traveling and spending time at my parents’ place and eat delicious home cooked food. I love cooking good and healthy food.

KS_Why kiteboarding? And now, why wave riding? What are the different emotions that wave riding gives you compared to freestyle?

I’ve been in the sport for thirteen years now. Freestyle was my big passion when I started kiteboarding and still love doing it, but not as much as I love wave riding. After being on the PKRA for many years my motivation for competing was gone, so I stopped for a little while. In that same period I started picking up wave riding, which was an easy call as I spent all of my winters training in Cape Town. Riding waves gave me back my motivation for kiting and the drive to compete on a new wave tour, the KSP. I decided to train for one year, kite as much different waves as possible and then compete. I did not want to end up next to the podium anymore. I’ve experienced that too many times with freestyle. So I set a goal to be in the top 3 of the 2012 KSP tour. Seemed like all the hard work paid off and I managed to win the world title: what an incredible feeling!

76

ITW Jalou Langeree

KS_The relationship with naish kiteboarding... when it began and what it means to be a Naish rider for you?

My first kite was Kevin’s old Naish ARX 7.5. I’ve always been riding Naish and I’m happy to still be part of the family. I was about 14 when I got a deal with Naish National and 16 when I signed up with Naish International and got invited for my first product shoot in Maui. I’m proud to be a rider for a brand that keeps developing awesome kite gear and also for girls these days. The Alana series not only rides good, but it looks super charming too, don’t you think?

KS_Best session for you and best gear.

If I could chose my conditions it would be 25 knots from the LEFT;) Direction side, side-off which keeps the wave nice and smooth, wave height just over head-high. I’ll use my 6m Alana and Alana wave board and make a nice long downwinder with friends.

“IT’S GREAT SEEING THAT THE LEVEL IS INCREASING EACH TIME”

78

ITW Jalou Langeree

KS_You won the first stop of VKWC in Dakhla, what do you think about the new “shape” of the world tour and how was your competition in Morocco?

It felt great winning the first tour stop of the year, especially because it was my backhand. I have to say that the training I did in Morocco before the contest really helped me to get there. During the winter I didn’t see any of the other girls on the tour, so you never know what to expect. It’s great seeing that the level is increasing each time, so that’s how it should be. I’m not a big fan of the new format, I rather surf more then having to do freestyle tricks in the waves, but I guess it could be good once you get the good conditions, like on shore winds. I’m really hoping there will be more wave VKWC stops this year. I’ve been training hard and there are a lot of people out there that are hungry to compete.

KS_Ladies and wave riding. What is the level of female riders and who is your strongest opponent?

As I said the level is increasing each and every time we compete and there are more girls hungry for that title. This keeps things challenging and keeps me on top of my game; I am looking at Moona Whyte who has a beautiful and surfy kitesurfing style and Ines Correia because she rides with power and aggression.

80 ITW Jalou Langeree

“THERE WAS SO MUCH JOY AND HAPPINESS”

KS_Your family and kiteboarding. You and your brother are very close, what does it mean for you to have the opportunity to share many experiences with Kevin?

Kevin is the one that got me into kiteboarding.

We have and still travel a lot together and it’s great having family so close to you when you are a long way away from home. I’m very thankful for all of his help and support along my kiteboarding carrier. I’ve learned so much from him and it’s always fun riding together.

KS_The Mozambico’s experience, tell us something about this country, the people and wind and wave conditions.

It was a crazy but unforgettable experience. We lived on a traditional style Dhow boat with 12 people, 6 staff people and us; we ate, slept, cooked and took showers on the boat. We travelled downwind with the Kuzi trade winds along the Quirimbas Archipelago. It was just freestyle there, as there are not a lot of waves in the north of Mozambique. But we kited the perfect flat water spots all by ourselves. Little deserted island with only a few trees and few fishermen fixing their boats or having a rest. The best experience of the trip was kiting at Kero Nuni, an island with the most people we saw in ten days. They had never seen kiteboarding before and the whole village came running to the shore to come and watch us kite. There was so much joy and happiness, they loved it and so did we.

82

ITW Jalou Langeree

“IT’S GREAT HAVING FAMILY SO CLOSE TO YOU WHEN YOU ARE A LONG WAY AWAY FROM HOME”

KS_South Africa and Cape Town occupy a special place in your heart, do you think it is the best place in the world to train?

The conditions might not be the best in the world, but it’s definitely a great place to train. There are many different surf breaks and the wind blows almost everyday and what is important for me, is that there are many things to do next to kitesurfing. I can’t live in some kind of jungle for 3 months. You might have the best wave all to yourself but I like having people around, good food and some fun out of the water.

KS_Your life outside kiteboarding, what does Jalou love to do when she is not kiteboarding?

Eating healthy delicious food, cooking, yoga, hiking and spending time with my loved ones.

KS_Training and diet. What are the main ingredients of a champion’s diet?

I eat a lot of vegetables, fruit, nuts, eggs and chicken. Drink heaps of water, green tea and coconut water and I try to skip bread, pasta, fried food and sugar. I’m used to eating healthy so I don’t feel like I’m following some kind of diet really.

KS_Your dream trip… is there a spot where you absolutely want to surf?

I would love to go to New Zealand, rent a mobile home and drive from the northern to the southern Island, there must be so many uncrowded spots with beautiful waves.

84 ITW Jalou Langeree

KS_Jalou athlete and Jalou woman in twenty years, how do you see yourself? What are your goals career wise and in your private life?

As an athlete I would like to win another world-title but not on a one stop tour, rather on a proper 4 to 5 stops world tour.

In 20 years… Still healthy and fit doing what I love, spreading my knowledge to my children and have a good running business. Not sure what it will be yet though ;)

KS_Our magazine is called Kitesoul, because we are sure that our soul has been somewhat filled up by this sport. What do you feel when you are in the ocean, during a competition or during a sunset free ride session?

That I’m a damn lucky girl that is living her dream!

CIAO JALOU, THANKS

KITE BEACH SCHOOL

LOUNGE BAR & RESTAUTANT A paradise for kitesurfers , an oasi in the desert Services available at the center : lessons for all levels | rental & storage | kids area | sunbeds area professional potographer | lounge bar & restaurant More info at: www.mitudjokiteschoolcaboverde.com - kiteschoolcaboverde@gmail.com

86 TIPS & TRIPS

Trip tips for the west coast of Sardinia

Trip tips for the west coast of Sardinia ‹Seb Garat›

Text Seb Garat Photo Courtesy Seb Garat

88 TIPS & TRIPS

Trip tips for the west coast of Sardinia

It’s been a while since I’ve been to Sardinia. I used to go there twice a year, a while back (in 2006), and as far as I can remember, this island is great, beautiful and there are so many spots to discover.

The other thing I know about Sardinia is that the best time to get there is during the low season.

You’ll get the best chance to find wind and empty beaches.

90 TIPS & TRIPS

Trip tips for the west coast of Sardinia

< Then grab a Map, check the forecast and start exploring!>

So we decided to try the end of October. And I can say that it was a very good choice. The first week of our trip, the temperatures were incredibly high, I thought I would need to ride with a wetsuit, but in the end I just went out in my boardshorts!

Then the north wind picked up strong and temperatures plummeted, but it was still great to ride with a shorty and the end of October in Europe!

One more tip: If you want to go to Sardinia, you better go by car, fully loaded with all your toys! You can take the ferry from Marseille or Genoa, and it would take you only 1 night to get there.

Then grab a Map, check the forecast and start exploring!

<Alghero>

wind, due to the angle of the

galow for 30€/night (off season

beach.

rate, but you can sleep 5 people

That’s the first spot that we

Driving up just a few kilometres

in one bungalow).

tried as soon as we got off the

north, you can find the « Lagu-

10 to 15 minutes north of the

ferry.

na Blu » camping which is right

campsite there is a famous

The spot is just before the town,

on the beach and where we saw

surfing spot: Capo Ferro. That’s

north of Alghero. The beach is

a few kites too. FYI, this camp-

a big bay where the swell from

protected by a dike parallel to

ing is open from 1st of April, till

the west brings in some big

the beach, approximately 300

the 3rd of November. We slept

waves.

meters from the shore. Not

there in a nice, newly built bun-

much hope to see waves here, but as you can imagine it was a perfect flat water spot, ideal with westerly winds.

We tried the spot with south west wind that day, however it could work just as well with west and even north-westerly

92 TIPS & TRIPS

Trip tips for the west coast of Sardinia

<Chia> Located on the south west coast of Sardinia, west of the capital town Cagliari. It’s the home spot of Airton Cozzolino when he’s in Europe! This spot works well with southerly winds, and local riders say that there’s some nice waves too. But unfortunately, we didn’t have the conditions to try out the spot for ourselves.

Generally, when the forecasts predict northerly winds, you can avoid the south coast altogether.

<Punta Trettu> Probably one of the best spots of Sardinia. Locals say it’s the best spot in Italy… Indeed the spot, located in front of St. Antioco’s peninsula, has a big sandbar which stretches through the entire length of the channel which separates Sardinia from the peninsula. The place is also subject to the Venturi’s effect, accelerating the wind. The north westerly wind comes from the right hand side and it is the prevailing wind; alternatively you can ride with a south easterly wind, coming from the opposite

direction. In both scenarios, it’s possible to ride till the end of the sandbar with shallow water, or downwind from the sandbar, where it is absolutely butter flat!

These characteristics make it a perfect freestyle spot, although it is also very good for freeriding and to learn to kitesurf.

It’s possible to sleep right on the spot as there is a Kitecamp (kind of camping) facing the spot.

That’s the best place to stay if you want to optimize your time out on the water!

The place is called Kite Village Sardegna. If, on the other hand you are accustomed to better comfort, there is a hotel just a few km away called Perda Rubia.

94 TIPS & TRIPS

Trip tips for the west coast of Sardinia

<Piscinas> The spot is situated on the west coast and it is characterised by a big sandy beach, lost in the middle of sand dunes and abandoned mines. It’s kind of a mission to get there, as you have to drive 9km off track before arriving, and a lot of winding streets beforehand!

This beach works best with westerly winds, but once again we weren’t able to ride there due to lack of wind. Nevertheless you MUST try this spot if you’re into « Wild » spots!

In the middle of the west coast, close to Oristano, we discovered a big variety of spots; let’s say that between flat water lagoons and wave spots, this area can easily satisfy any kitesurfer.

<Mari Ermi>

fect wave spot when the Mistral is blowing. You can find pretty big waves there, and the spot is very « cool ». The wind is usually side or side-on, when it’s blowing from northwest.

Driving a bit more up north, we founded a nice little town made up of surfers called Putzu Idu. It’s probably the best wave spot across Sardinia! Near there, you can find the mythical spot of

<Capo Mannu> It’s a big reef wave, only for experts. To get there with the

Driving up along the coast, we

kite, you have to launch from

found Mari Ermi, which is a per-

the main beach downwind, and get back upwind approximately 1 km in order to reach the wave. Once on the spot, I found a pretty massive and powerful reef break, with side to off shore winds… That was an epic session. But be careful, the spot can be dangerous and you can reach it only if you’re an expert.

In case of danger, there’s no beach to catch you… Better to ride with some friends along! However don’t be defeated as between the big reef wave and the beach, there are a few smaller, less radical waves: MINI CAPO, etc. The other positive thing is that, during those boring win

96 TIPS & TRIPS

Trip tips for the west coast of Sardinia

dless days, you can surf all around Putzu Idu, as there are many surf spots too.

S’ARENA SCOADA: south of Putzu Idu is the home surf spot of Salvatore’s surf school. Surf Beach break, easy and not dangerous.

SA MESA LONGA: surf spot. North of Putzu Idu; waves here can get pretty big. Experts only!

SARCHITTU: Surf Spot. A big rocky bay; pretty cool waves for SUP and surfing.

To sleep around Putzy Idu, you have a new surf house called « Is benas surf camp ».

You can contact the owner who will give you all the info regarding the spots and the conditions and you can even take surf lessons from him: Salvatore Fenu : +39 34 700 770 35 kitewavecamp.com around 30€ / Night / Person.

<Valledoria> That was the last spot of our trip.

Here

you

can

choose

between the lagoon or the open sea: freestyle or wave-riding.

This spot is located on the north coast and works well with north or north westerly wind.

Naturally, this is only a small list of spots we were able to visit during our trip: now it’s up to you to explore the rest of this beautiful island maybe starting from one of these spots just to be sure!

Have fun!

98

ITW Jerrie Van De Kop

ERRIE VAN

ITW Roberta Pala | Photo Reinout Smit, Craig Kolesky/Red Bull Content

E N DE KOP

100 ITW Jerrie Van De Kop

â&#x20AC;&#x153;as soon as I won my first competition I knew that this was what I wanted to do for a living!â&#x20AC;?

Name: Jerrie van de Kop D.O.B.: 6 Maggio 1994 Home spot: Schellinkhout (Olanda) Sponsors: RRD, Mystic Years kiting: 11 Favourite Spot: Brasile, Sud Africa Other sports: Surf, skate, fitness

102 ITW Jerrie Van De Kop

KS_ Tell us something about you…

Hey! I´m Jerrie van de Kop. I´m 21 years old and I have been kiting for 11 years now and I started competing when I was 11. As soon as I won my first competition I knew that this was what I wanted to do for a living! Since then I started training hard on my tricks and trying to pull big Megaloops!

KS_ Tell us about your experience at the Red Bull King of The Air. 10th in 2014 and 3rd place this year, behind the 2014 winner Kevin and big Aaron… tell us about it and your emotions…

Yes! In 2014 I was a bit unlucky with my heats as the wind was not as strong as we hoped for. This year instead, it went great! The first day the wind was a bit light, but luckily the last day it picked up strong and there were a lot of people on the beach watching the event, it was just what we needed! I’m happy to have made the podium and next year I really want to push myself further in the competition. Standing on the podium with Aaron and Kevin was great. I think it was a good final and a great show for Bigbay!

104 ITW Jerrie Van De Kop

KS_ How did you get into kiteboarding?

I started kiteboarding when I was 9 years old in Zandvoort. My family has a small beach house in Zandvoort, where we use to spend our summers when I was a child.

KS_ How important are your family and friends… And love… in what you do?

My friends and family are super important! They have always been there to support me! My dad taught me to kitesurf soon after he learnt how to kite. Most of the time I’m out traveling: either to train in places with good wind or to compete in the VKWC, so it’s always great to come back home and be able to kite with your mates and family!

KS_ Many champions are actually Dutch, are the conditions at “home” so favourable? Why do you think the best riders in the world come from your country?

I think that’s because the conditions in Holland are so hard. Most of the spots in the North Sea have choppy water conditions or waves. We have some flat water spots as well so we can train in pretty much all conditions! Holland is good for kiting! When there is wind there are some amazing spots to ride.

KS_ Best session for you and best gear.

My best session would be at home with my friends! And in Brazil to train new tricks in the lagoons.

With my RRD Obsession pro´s and Juico (143X43, 5). Mystic and Majestic accessories.

“it’s always great to come back home and be able to kite with your mates and family!”

106 ITW Jerrie Van De Kop

KS_ First stop of VKWC in Dakhla, what do you think about the new world tour?

I think the VKWC will bring some good changes in terms of kiting competitions. I mean we are still in its first year, but step by step I can see there are some positive news pushing forward.

KS_ RRD and your boss, Roberto... when did it began and what does it mean to be an RRD rider for you?

Being an RRD rider means a lot to me. I always thought that RRD was a complete and beautiful brand! It does not only have kite materials but also surf, sup and windsurf! It all began in Africa, when I met Roberto Ricci at Bigbay. As soon as we met, we started testing new freestyle gear which ended up awesome! :)

KS_ You train a lot in Brazil, do you think it is the best place in the world to train for freestyle?

Training in Brazil helps me a lot when landing new tricks. The conditions here are perfect and there is wind almost every day. Flat water lagoons, regular winds and warm weather! When I go back to Holland I try the tricks which I learnt in Brazil to make them consistent in all conditions.

KS_ Your life outside kiteboarding, what does Jerrie love to do when he is not kiteboarding?

I like sports! All kind of extreme sports, surf, skateboarding, longboarding and gymnastics. I like to be with my family and friends.

Listen to music, and watch movies.

“My best session would be at home with my friends!”

108 ITW Jerrie Van De Kop

“i’m happy to have made the podium and next year I really want to push myself further in the competition”

KS_ Your dream trip… is there a spot where you absolutely want to ride?

I would love to go to Hawaii or Mauritius.

KS_ After your third place at the Red Bull King of The Air, what are your goals for 2015?

My goal was to get through the VKWC trials in Morocco and that worked out! Now I want to do my best to prequalify for the next events.

KS_ Our magazine is called Kitesoul, because we are sure that our soul has been somewhat filled up by this sport. What do you feel when you are in the ocean, during a competition or during a sunset free ride session?

That is just the best feeling ever!! Is there something better?

Ciao Jerrie, Thanks.

110 FOIL TECH Tack and Jibe with a foilboard

Text Johnny Heineken | Photo Michael Petrikov

112 FOIL TECH Tack and Jibe with a foilboard

STEP 1 Heading into a tack make sure there’s nobody over your shoulder. Start by drifting the kite up in the window. Timing depends on kite size and power - bigger kites need more time to climb, and if you’re lit on any kite size you need to give it a ton of time to get to the top of the window.

Remember, the kite is seeing close to 40 kts of apparent wind in 20kts of breeze!

Tacking is a slow entry, fast exit type of maneuver. Don’t rush into it or you’ll get lofted especially on a foil kite.

STEP 2,3 Wait for the kite to get almost directly overhead, and then start pointing the board up into the wind by putting your weight onto the kite and pushing on your back foot. Push the bar away from you so you don’t get lofted!

STEP 4,5,6

STEP 7

Let the kite hold you up as it

Fall back against the kite as it

swings

window.

dives and try to find the back fo-

Trim in for more power to hold

otstrap. When learning just try

you up, but don’t stall the kite.

to land the back foot centered

Often (especially on foil kites)

on the board and you’re golden.

it’s better to turn the kite har-

All foils are different. Some are

der instead of trimming in for

really stable in roll, and others

more power. Pull your back foot,

fall sideways if you don’t pay

swing under the kite, and aim

attention. There are pros and

for the new front footstrap. You

cons to tacking both. On my

need to nail this footstrap or its

Sword I have to point my toes

pretty hard to recover. Your old

going into a tack to start to roll

front foot should pull the board

the board over to the new tack

around with you.

or I come out with the board he-

across

the

aled downwind and fall over it onto my face. My Spotz has quicker roll response which means I don’t have to point my toes to convince it to roll to the new side, but have to pay more attention during the maneuver or it’ll fall sideways.

114 FOIL TECH Tack and Jibe with a foilboard

STEP 1 Bring the kite overhead and sheet out so it moves to the edge of the window.

STEP 3 Plant your new back foot in front of the back footstrap and carve through the turn. If the lines go slack, turn harder.

High speed foil jibes are all about speed. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pretty amazing feeling to stay near 25kts through an entire maneuver.

STEP 2 With a little front hand bar pres-

ght so you can get this footwork

sure, keep the kite pointing in

done as the board glides along

the direction you’re moving.

underneath you. If the board

You’re going faster than the

tries to jump out of the water,

wind so you can keep the kite

sheet out to put more weight on

powered even if it’s directly

it. If you touch down you need

overhead pointing downwind.

to pull in and keep more weight

Flatten the board out, then pull

on the kite.

your back foot and shove it in the new front footstrap. The kite supports most of your wei-

STEP 4,5 Now you’re really ready to loop the kite and take off downwind.

On a good gybe I’ll step into the back strap as the kite loops. If it’s gnarly out I often wait until after for survival reasons.

116 STRAPLESS MOVES The dark flip

THE DAR

Text and photo Courtesy Reo Stevens

RK FLIP This move can be dangerous

118 STRAPLESS MOVES The dark flip

THE DARK FLIP - BY REO S

1.

Start off by riding your board upside down

the board more out of the water to compensate

and backwards (tail first). Position yourself

for the kicker and keep the board from pearling.

on the back 1/3rd of the board with your backfoot the tail (now front) of the board from touching the

3.

water; because of the reversed rocker the board

your back foot to kick the tail of the board into the

now has, you’ll need to put a lot of back foot pres-

wind. The reverse rocker of the nose will cause

sure to keep it up and out of the water.

the board to turn itself right side up and for you to

close to the nose of the board. Be sure to keep

The motion to spin the board is the same motion used to do a “360-Shove it”. Use

land on it going in the correct direction.

2.

You will start with slow to medium speed,

forward momentum to ride away. If possible, time

4.

your take off with a ‘kicker’ such as a small wave

the “360-shove it”, you’ll need additional space

or chop to help you initiate your jump, but be pre-

between yourself and the board to keep it from

pared to add more tail pressure to raise the tail of

hitting you, so bend your knees a lot. The board

just enough to finish the move with some

Because the board spins 180 degrees both vertically and horizontally, compared to

will land right side up and nose forward.

STEVENS

5.

Spot your landing and extend your legs to land on your board and ride away

TIPS 1.

2.

prepared at any point to pull and power up the

make it land the correct way.

This can be a very dangerous trick because of the fins. If the tail of the board catches,

your feet can slip forward and into the finsâ&#x20AC;Ś be bar to get up and away from your board.

There is a lot of trial and error in learning this trick, practice is the only way in learn-

ing how much and how hard to spin the board to

120 FREESTYLE MOVES Front Blind

The Front Blind is a frontroll with a backside 180’.

So its a pretty inverted frontroll going straight into the blind or toeside if you’re passing the bar in the air.

It’s a pretty common trick nowadays, since when you get it you will be able to land it in any condition and it’s the step before landing the Front Blind Mobe (FBM).

FREESTYLE M

FRO Text Alberto Rondina | Photo Roberta Pala

MOVES

ONT BLIND ALBERTO RONDINA

122 FREESTYLE MOVES Front Blind

FRONT BLIND

Keep your arms bended and

While your legs are passing over

Keeping the bar close to your

edge hard, bend your front leg

your head, you have to go for

hip, leave the back hand from

and look with your head over

the backside 180’ and push your

the bar and get ready to land

your back shoulder.

board towards your kite to have

blind, or toeside if you want to

a balanced landing.

do the pass in the air.

Pull up your legs and the more you’re inverted the more is gon-

Bend

na look good!

downwind for an easier landing.

CIAO! ALBY

your

legs

and

land

124 FREESTYLE MOVES Front Blind Mobe

The Front Blind Mobe is the new trick that everybody wanted to do in a competition, same as the “low mobe” a few years ago. It is actually the opposite movement, but very cool and nice to watch!

Its the same rotation that we used to do a few years back with the trick called “Front Mobe”, a front roll with a backside 360, but its done now in a way more powerfull way, without sending the kite and just using body movement and pop.

FREESTYLE MOVES

FRONT BLI Text Alberto Rondina | Photo Roberta Pala

IND MOBE ALBERTO RONDINA

126 FREESTYLE MOVES Front Blind Mobe

FRONT BLIND MOBE

You start off with the same mo-

Try to go as inverted as pos-

Grab the bar behind your back

vement as a Front Blind, but try

sible, pulling up your legs and

and keep pushing with your

to spin more at the beginning

sending back your head.

head to finish the last 180 and

so that its easier to add an extra 180 at the end.

land heelside.

Right when your legs are passing over your head, you have

Be sure to land with your board

Keep your arms bended, edge

to start the backside 360. So le-

on a downwind direction, cau-

hard, bend your front leg and

ave the back hand from the bar,

se the most common mistake

look with your head over your

bring the bar close to your hip

is not finishing properly the last

back shoulder to initiate a

and turn you head strong over

180, and landing short, with a

strong front roll.

your back shoulder.

good chance to catch a front edge!

It happened to everybody, but dont give up, when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get it, its such a good feeling trick!

CIAO! ALBY

128 TECHNICAL Genesis and life cycle of a wave

GENESIS AN CYCLE OF A

FOR PEOPLE FEEDING ON WAVES, FO DREAMING TO RIDE THE PERFECT WA Waves... The most ancient source of fun, a

spectacle of nature of the roaring sea. But how do they form?

Did you know that waves are ruled by the same forces of every other “living” being?

What do surfers and fishermen have in common?

Text Renato Casati | Photo Gabriele Rumbolo

ND LIFE A WAVE

OR ANYONE AVE...

( PART II)

130 TECHNICAL Genesis and life cycle of a wave

PHASE 2b

ar-shore swell. This is the tran-

it reaches a water depth of 1.3

NEAR SHORE SWELL

sition area between long swell

times its height. I.e. a 90cm

When these fast, smooth, long

and beach break. When a long

wave will break in 120cm wa-

swell comes in contact with wa-

ter. The only constant between

ter, deep less than half of its

open sea and shore swell is the

length, it starts to be affected

period, which is why often the

by the ocean floor as well. The

forecasts only indicate the open

characteristics of the area whe-

water period.

waves created in deep sea, arrive in shallow water, they undertake a profound transformation.

The ratio we discussed just above will then change according to multiple factors.

When water becomes shallow, in between two peaks, the speed of a wave no longer depends on its length, but mainly on water depth. To make a long story short, the speed of a wave, during this phase, is proportional to the square root of the depth in which it moves! And here is how the study of long oceanic swell turns into the study of ne-

re the wave is travelling, significantly impact and modify the

PHASE 3

behaviour of the wave itself,

THE “DEATH” OF A WAVE

through a process called “re-

PLUNGING BREAKERS

fraction”. The wave slows down

When a wave reaches the co-

because the ocean floor bends it towards the top, turning its horizontal motion into a vertical motion, which reflects the characteristics of the shallow ocean floor underneath. In general a wave will start to break when

ast and starts rising, it has inevitably arrived at the end of its life, literally breaking on the shore. This “breaking” will be more or less drastic according to the characteristics of the ocean floor and its depth.

There are three basic types of

ristics which will determine the

THE

breaking water waves: collap-

final shape of a breaker. The

BOTTOM

sing, surging and plunging wa-

wave can also trap and com-

ves. For the purpose of our re-

press the air under the lip, crea-

Very few beaches, have the

search we will concentrate on

ting the usual “crashing” sound

the third type. This is what hap-

associated with these waves, in

pens just a few seconds before a

some cases (with larger waves)

long swell turns into a plunging

the noise can be so loud as to

breaker: when a wave meets a

break your eardrum. The energy

sudden water depth change, it

released by such breakers can

slows down and rises towards

be astounding; however exactly

the top at the same time, in-

because this energy has been

creasing its height dramatically

created by different forces, the

(twice or more the length of the

waves reaching the shore will

wave). The crest curls over, be-

be highly irregular; alternating

coming unstable and the wave

smaller and larger waves in

takes on a profile parallel to the

cycles which in the surf jargon

beach, more or less resembling

we call “set”.

the ocean floor underneath. It is in fact the ocean floor characte-

IMPORTANCE

OF

SEA

ideal characteristics needed to create a surfable wave. To simplify there are sand or gravel beaches, where you can find good waves only thanks to sudden and unpredictable depth changes formed by currents; and then there are rocky, coral reefs bottoms or artificial reefs (e.g. submerged ships) which suddenly break the continuity of the sand or gravel bottom surface. And this is where you can find the majority of the most beautiful and surfable waves of the planet. These waves will renovate in a variety of shapes

132 TECHNICAL Genesis and life cycle of a wave

and forms according to their

waves are bent upwards by the

cs. However height, regularity,

nature, length, and size of the

coral reef wall: all of a sudden

length, and amount of energy

obstacle encountered.

there is no more water underne-

carried by a wave, are only a

ath to complete the wave profile.

few of the varying factors which

IN SEARCH OF THE “PERFECT

The front becomes concave like

have contributed to the forma-

WAVE”

that of an underground pipeline

tion of a wave, which has then

The famous Banzai Pipeline,

(so the name Pipeline), and the

undergone numerous modifica-

crest becomes a lip twirling and

tions in a journey of hundreds

bending over, completing the

or thousands kilometres long,

characteristic cylindrical shape

full of variables.

located off O’ahu’s North Shore, Hawaii, is a true example of “perfection”, thanks to a series of ideal characteristics which make it the most sought after wave by surfers on the planet.

The long waves, generated by Pacific’s great storms, travel north-west in very deep sea and smash across the coral reef bottom of O’ahu’s, which stretches over one and a half kilometre across. This external reef bends the waves, suddenly increasing their height: the waves then break over the reef (looking like as if they are mostly disappearing) only to surge again in the inside section. The long giant

of the wave, to finally disappear off in a spectacular white water

CHOOSE YOUR WAVE

explosion! As this wasn’t enou-

So, which type of wave are you

gh, we should mention the fact that the reef is facing opposite to the beach, generating left or right waves randomly, and that the prevailing wind is offshore, directly over the waves, making the peak smooth and increasing their height. Can you think of a most perfect wave?

So as you can see, according to the type of sea bottom, you can find a variety of surfable waves with good characteristi-

going to surf? A steep or a pussy wave? Does it push you a lot or not? Does it carry a lot of water, or little? How many waves in a set? What’s the interval between waves gonna be? What about time-interval between sets? Which wave height? Are there normal sets?????

Try to imagine HOW and WHERE you are going to surf, where you are going to enter the surf, where you are going to perform

a bottom turn or a cut back. De-

can surf it at the same time in

And this is probably one of the

spite waves are not regular in

different directions. And again,

main reasons why surfers are

shape and often break in ano-

depending on swell direction,

continuously trying to tame

malous ways, you can still di-

a right breaking wave can the

them, in this never ending yet

scern specific points: for exam-

next day break on the left hand

fascinating battle between man

ple there are “right” or “left”

side.

and the sea.

breaking waves. A wave is ei-

Furthermore we all have a best

ther a left or a right, depending

side and in a similar way we

on which direction the wave

should always start surfing a

breaks from the point of view of

wave front side, however not

a surfer paddling and riding the

all waves allow us to do that.

wave. Don’t forget that from the

In fact REGULAR foot surfers

beach the wave will be seen to

will surf “right waves” front side

be breaking in the exact opposi-

(e.g. Punta Preta, Capo Mannu…)

te direction.

and “left waves” backside (e.g.

If the wave breaks at every po-

One Eye, Marina delle Rose) and

sition along the face at once,

vice versa for goofy foot sur-

without a left or right direction,

fers. With experience you will be

is best not to surf it at all. This

able to increase your balance

type of wave is called a “clo-

and surf in both directions but

se out”! Often waves have one

the truth is that you will always

definite direction in which they

have a favourite side.

can be surfed, however a wave

Every wave has its own indivi-

could also be rideable from both

duality, a soul of its own whi-

left and right if the peak breaks

ch unfolds at sea before being

in the center, and two surfers

reabsorbed by the earth itself.

MANERA, HAVE FUN!

Renato “DrKite” Casati Technical Expert RRD Wave team rider. Kiteboarder since 2000, he has been PKRA athlete and judge. He’s a professional sportswriter for several technical magazines. He lives between Como Lake and Sardinia, but he spends every winter in the waves of CaboVerde.

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