I welcome you Kevin at SANGKRIT.net, please tell our netizens about yourself, your story.
Traveling the world, learning about the cultures, riding new spots and meeting new riders is Kevin’s passion since his younger age. He has been moving to a lot of different countries, but he has always managed to stay by the water…
After many years competing in windsurfing, he discovered the fun of Kiteboarding while living in Australia. Kevin realized the potential of this new sport right away and got hooked. Since then he has been sharing his passion with others, and along the way, talking to other riders, he quickly realized than certain needs weren’t being met by the industry…
So with lots of dedication and support of his community, He took the initiative to develop his own products with three things in mind: innovative, reliable and affordable gear for everyone… And so Kustom Kite was born !
Looking at the succes of Kustom Kite and always willing to do more, The waterman decided in 2013 to work on Paddleboarding products as well . Living in beautiful Miami Beach, surrounded by water all around, it was very important for him to work on an innovative way to “paddle in town”… The goal was to be able to fit all the gear in a backpack to avoid driving a car or having to store a big board in the living room ! Claudia brought the fitness side of it and helped with the idea to develop a board women could carry, set up and have fun with easily. From there, They created the Kustom Paddle ;-)
Kiteboarding, Kitesurfing, Paddleboarding, Kevin wouldn’t have ever dreamt that one day he would be able to ride, enjoy and share his passions everyday !
How is Kitesurfing compare to other watersports such as surfing and windsurfing – Why is it similar and why is it different?
Kitesurfing is most likely an extension of Surfing or Wind Surfing. It’s very similar in sense of all these sports are about having fun and playing with the elements. Kitesurfing has this “3D” aspect, during and windsurfing are all about carving and speed but it’s pretty much horizontal motion. Kitesurfing is giving the the option to have this “third dimension” and fly !
How would you describe the profile of a typical pro kitesurfer?
All riders are the same at the end. They are all extremely passionate and can travel and wait for days and months the perfect conditions. They are crazy for their passion !
Kitesurfing looks tricky and so difficult… Do you have to be stronger and fit to kite?
Kitesurfing is of course an extreme sport, if you don’t want to get your hair wet, then you better stick at soccer ! However, it is becoming extremely accessible and a lot more secure within the years. pretty much everybody can try as long as they go step by step with professional instruction. The gear are now very safe and user friendly and it is not necessary reserve to strong or fit people since the power from the kite comes directly to your harness and the rider can choose to get power from the kite pulling or pushing the control bar. The latest kites are offering excellent de-power system and are very stable to make kitesurfing an awesome experience for everyone.
What lessonstips would you recommend to beginners?
Every beginner should go thru a complete learning process with professional instructions. It doesn’t matter if you have been windsurfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, sailing or other similar sports ! You will have to go step by step with the essential basics to become a safe kitesurfer for yourself but also for the people around you.
For sure, if you have board sports experience you will certainly learn faster but at any case it will be a substitution to kitesurfing lessons.
Any warnings for anyone looking to dive into theKitesurfing world?
It is insanely addictive ;-)
Which body part should be looked after when exercising this sport?
Kitesurfing is not necessarily pushing your body to hard if you are cruising and simply enjoying gliding on the water… However it may become demanding for your knees for example when starting jumping. People with sensible articulations or previous issues may want to use a brace to prevent bigger injuries.
What are your favorite kitesurfing spots?
Cap Est ! My Home Spot In Martinique ;-)
From your personal experience what are the best Kitesurfing spots for a newbie looking to get enough kitesurf time while enjoy his holidays?
There is several spots extremely beginners friendly pretty much everywhere. The most important is to feel good with your instructor. You want to feel safe, able to ask question, repeat what you did not completely understand. Of course you want to go to a place where the wind will be constant for a faster progression.
The Caribbean has amazing spots, Brazil is very popular as well since it’s very windy. But I also like the Canaries islands …
How do you learn new trix? What are you working on now?
To learn new trix you have to spend a lot of time in the water and try ! that’s the only way to go !!! A good analyze and learning about each techniques is important prior getting in the water, but once you get it? Get out there and go for it until it comes naturally.
What style of riding do you prefer? And which styles do you ride?
I am a big fan a hooked style and big air. All about staying attached to your kite with your harness and use the complete power of your kite to fly as long as possible. I’m definitely looking at learning more from the experts in this kite style at every session !
I think it’s more entertaining for the public and very cool to watch ! You can check some videos of my idol Toby Braeuer. And more info about “Strictly Hooked” on website : www.airstyle.tv. Another great rider “Old School” rider is Tom Hebert from New Caledonnia. Tom has an amazing “New Cal Style”.
What do you love most about kitesurfing?
The freedom ! You can go anywhere or almost, pump a kite and go enjoy amazing spots and natural spaces … It’s just you and the elements !
In your opinion what does the future hold for Kitesurfing?
A lot of great thing ! Many companies in the industry are working on new concepts to ride better and easier with less wind. It’s becoming more popular in the USA as well which is great for the development if the sport.
I believe in a new “Freestyle” attitude, with a lot more hooked style and I hope new competitions and challenges around this discipline.
Likewise you are also an Internet Entrepreneur, so how much time you spend working on your website?
We are actually spending a lot of time now since we just launched a new website : www.Kustomcompanies.com which is now hosting www.kustomkite.com and www.kustompaddle.com !
What is the story behind your domain name and the name of your company?
Kustom : Because we develop the gear you want to ride, specially adapted to your style (custom) and the “K” was the way to make it old school.
What is your business philosophy?
The “Kustom” philosophy is to provide products which will give 100% satisfaction to their users providing them products developed from feedbacks coming from any levels of riders to make it what you want to ride !
Is there any more projects you are currently working on?
Yes ! I am working on a very special design never seen before for an inflatable paddle board ! I can’t say much for now, but it will be released soon !
What is your ultimate message for netizens?
I invite everyone which is looking on having a lot fun in the water to get info about kiteboarding lessons and start a new amazing lifestyle, playing with the natural elements !!!
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