The Kite Pod

Ralf Grösel is back, and as ever, he doesn’t hold back! In Episode 13 of The Kite Pod, Rou Chater catches up with the founder and CEO of Brainchild Production to discuss the completion of his cutting-edge factory in North Macedonia, the revolutionary new materials he’s developing for 2027, and why he believes the kiteboarding industry is facing some fundamental changes. From world records and competition dominance to the challenges of overproduction, aggressive pricing and declining consumer spending power, Ralf shares his unfiltered views on where the sport is heading. We also discover why the next generation of kites could fly very differently from anything we’ve seen before. An honest, fascinating conversation with one of kiteboarding’s most influential figures.https://www.brainchild-production.com/

In this episode of The Kite Pod, Rou Chater sits down with one of kiteboarding’s longest-serving professional athletes, Reno Romeu.From learning to kite in Brazil in 2002 to becoming Brazilian Champion at just 16 and spending almost 20 years with Duotone, Reno has built one of the most respected careers in the sport. He reflects on the golden era of the PKRA World Tour, life on the road, why he’s remained loyal to one brand for two decades, and what it really takes to stay at the top for so long.Reno also gives an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the new PORSCHE x DUOTONE collaboration, revealing what it was like filming the campaign in France, shooting at sunrise and sunset, and driving the incredible 1,156-horsepower Cayenne Turbo Electric.The conversation also explores:How kiteboarding first took off in Brazil.Why Brazil remains one of the world’s greatest kiteboarding destinations.The evolution of competition and why travel experiences now matter more than titles.Working with Duotone’s R&D team to develop next-generation kites.Why tiny design changes can completely transform a kite’s performance.The story behind Reno’s new Duotone Pro Center and Canaúba Wind House in northern Brazil.His thoughts on wing foiling and why kiteboarding still has his heart.Advice for the next generation of riders hoping to build a career in the sport.Whether you’re interested in equipment design, professional competition, travel, or simply hearing from one of the sport’s most experienced riders, this is an episode packed with insight.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with your riding mates—it really helps us bring more conversations like this to the kiteboarding community.Presented by 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 Tarifa and Guincho, before joining the Army and later building a career in geospatial intelligence.That experience eventually led to 4Shor, a new forecasting platform designed for kitesurfers, surfers, windsurfers, wing foilers and other water sports users. Richard explains how his background in satellite data, climate modelling and humanitarian mapping has been applied to the coastline, using bathymetry, wind, wave and tide data to create more localised and useful forecasts.Rou and Richard discuss why traditional forecast apps often fall short, how 4Shor scores conditions by sport and ability level, and why simplifying complex data can help riders make better decisions about when and where to go.They also chat about secret surf spots, safety considerations, offshore winds, the challenge of forecasting in exposed coastal areas, and why getting to the right place at the right time can feel like winning before you even hit the water.4Shor is available on iOS and Android, with a seven-day free trial for anyone keen to check it out.https://4shor.app/#WaterSports #Forecasting #Windsurfing #KiteSurfing #Innovation

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.Check out the Ozone Demo Tour - https://ozonekites.com/kite/news/ozone-demo-tour/ Follow Santi on Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/santiicisneros_/

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/

SummaryIn 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 the rise of kite foiling and paragliding. Steven shares valuable advice for aspiring kiteboarders and outlines his future plans, emphasising the importance of taking time to learn and progress in the sport.Get coaching from StevenFollow Steven on Instagram

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 unexpected path from surfing and skate culture into wind sports, his life-changing years in Peru, and the inside story of the Liquid Force Foil Fish—the first accessible foil that kick-started the hydrofoil movement. Gary also lifts the curtain on his work with Ride Engine, the rise of wing foiling, and why Hood River remains the beating heart of progression in wind sports.If you’re into kite surfing, foiling, gear innovation or just love hearing the stories behind the people who quietly shape the sport, this one’s a must-listen.Enjoy the episode, and don’t forget to follow, rate, and share. It really helps us grow the show.Follow Gary on Instagram Check out Ride Engine

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 and advocates for wind energy, showcasing how kiteboarding can be a vehicle for positive change. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of kiteboarding competitions and the impact of social media on riders' careers.https://www.lewiscrathern.com/Instagram

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 development, and the future of freestyle kiteboarding. The discussion highlights the versatility of kiteboarding and the importance of innovation in the sport.

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. The conversation also touches on injuries, recovery, and the design features of the new XR Pro 2 kite.