Peahi Pioneer Robby Naish Inspires The Dutch To Go Out And Get Wet
Unreal, far-out, timidity, inspiring and respect were words uttered by
the 25 young talented kitesurfers invited by Red Bull to experience the
ultimate kitesurfing weekend with surfing legend Robby Naish and
Holland's pride Ruben Lenten. After a rigorous selection process, overseen by one of the world's most extreme kitesurfers, Ruben Lenten, 25 talented young kitesurfers were invited to attend the Red Bull Kitesurf Camp; an inspiring weekend with Ruben Lenten and surfing icon Robby Naish.
After a three-hour ferry ride, the three-day event kicks off with music, a drink and a massive campfire on the beach of Vlieland. From chatting and having a laugh with Ruben to timidity and silence in the presence of legend Robby Naish. The weather during the weekend is disappointing; 18 degrees Celsius, lots of sun and no wind. What would qualify as a nice day for the average Dutchman, is a bad day for 'stomping' for a kitesurfer. But it does not break the kitesurfers' spirits, because it is all part of a surfer's life, after all. "I am waiting for wind all my life," says Naish.
To break the ice, Robby Naish and Ruben Lenten sit down with 25 talents for a group conversation on Saturday morning. For nearly two hours, people listen attentively, ask questions and enjoy a good laugh. Ruben explains what drives him: "I always go for the extreme. Maximum power, maximum speed and maximum height. That is what I enjoy most." When Robby Naish speaks, everyone else is silent. The eyes of the participants emanate respect and awe, the distance to this surfing icon is slowly disappearing. Robby tells what the best surfing spots on earth are, shares his view on the future of the sport and points out how you can improve as a kitesurfer by learning from every move and never losing sight of the details.
Despite the fact that the kites never take to the air during the weekend, there are plenty of other water-based activities. The 25 kiters, including Ruben and Robby, have a great time building ramps, wakeboarding behind the Red Bull Hummer, paddle boarding and just chilling out on the beach. In the evenings there is live music to enjoy, along with Vodka Red Bulls and most of all lots of fun and chat.
On the last day, the clipper ferry sails back to the port of Harlingen on the Dutch mainland. Robby Naish, Ruben Lenten and the organiser Red Bull are thanked for this unforgettable weekend. Tanned, satisfied and inspired more than anything, the participants head home. Now it is just a matter of waiting for good wind, then they can head out to water and put all the tips into practice and 'stomp' like never before.
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