The Kite Pod

In this episode of The Kite Pod, Rou Chater is joined by Richard Brittan, founder of 4Shor and a lifelong waterman now based on the North Shore of Fuerteventura. Richard’s journey started with early windsurfing adventures in Qatar, long before harnesses, footstraps and modern wave kit changed the sport. From there, he travelled through Europe chasing wind and waves, including memorable trips to Ta...

Imagine spending months living in a van packed with kites, chasing wind forecasts across Europe and beyond, introducing hundreds of riders to the latest gear along the way. That’s exactly what Santi Cisneros has been doing with the Ozone Demo Tour. We dive into the stories behind the tour, the community spirit it creates, and Santi’s aspirations to one day compete on the biggest stages in big air....

Join us for an inspiring conversation with kiteboarding legend Matchu Lopez as he shares his journey from Cape Verde to international stardom, the challenges of travel and sponsorship, and his passion for wave riding and innovation in kiteboarding. Follow Matchu on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matchu_lopes/

Summary In this engaging conversation, Rou Chater interviews kiteboarding expert Steven Akkersdijk, exploring various aspects of the sport, including the evolution of equipment, the transition from competition to coaching, and the impact of youth on risk-taking in kiteboarding. They discuss the art of filming and social media's role in the sport, as well as favourite kiteboarding locations and...

In this episode, Rou sits down with Gary Siskar , a longtime industry insider whose influence runs deep through modern kiteboarding. From his early days in the Southern California surf and skate scene, to opening up northern Peru’s legendary left-handers, to helping bring kite foiling to the masses, Gary has been at the centre of the sport’s evolution for more than a decade. We unpack Gary’s unexp...

In this engaging conversation, Lewis Crathern shares his journey from being a prominent kiteboarder with Duotone to transitioning to Harlem, a smaller, sustainability-focused brand. He reflects on his memorable experiences with Duotone, the importance of community in kiteboarding, and the current state of the industry. Lewis emphasises the significance of engaging with young people through schools...

In this engaging conversation, Aaron Hadlow reflects on his extensive career in kiteboarding, discussing his early experiences, competitive journey, and the evolution of the sport. He shares insights into the challenges of maintaining dominance in competitions, the transition to big air, and the impact of sponsorships. Aaron also delves into his recent move to Harlem, his involvement in product de...

In this conversation, Rou Chater interviews Giel Vlugt, big air legend, about his journey in the sport, the challenges of teaching, the evolution of kiteboarding in Tarifa, and the progression of big air moves. They discuss Giel's first experiences with kiting, his path to becoming a professional, the significance of his first sponsorship, and the impact of his double loop trick on his career....

In this episode, Rou Chater interviews Philipp Becker, the International Communications and Marketing Manager for Duotone Kiteboarding. They discuss the evolution of marketing in the kiteboarding industry, the importance of youth development through the Young Blood initiative, and the challenges of content creation and product launches. Philipp shares insights on team management, sustainability in...

Alexander James Lewis Hughes is one of the originals of the kiteboarding scene, with a storied career spanning twenty-five years. He's also one of the most opinionated people in our industry, and I mean that in a good way! Join us as we dive into the world of kiteboarding, sharing personal stories, industry insights, and the passion that drives Alex. Whether you're a seasoned kiter or just...

Arlin Ladue and Rou Chater discuss the inception and evolution of WOO, a technology that gamifies action sports, particularly kiteboarding. Arlin shares insights on the WOO Worlds competition, community engagement, and the importance of fair play. The conversation also touches on creative challenges with the WOO Worlds, such as drawing with your GPS track. In addition, they discuss the integration...