Kitesurfer Julian Meijvogel (17) has been through a lot. After nomination, he was invited to it Full Power Tarifa Kite Fest 2021. Exactly where the second stop for the Big Air Kite League was held. He stood there with the kitesurf pros on the water and made it to the semi-finals in the amateur league. How cool is that ?! A wonderful experience for the kite surfer from Katwijk aan Zee. We took the opportunity to ask Julian some questions. Read how Julian throws himself into kite surfing with his down-to-earth passion and dedication.
What do you do in everyday life?
“I am doing a Profession Certain Learning Path (BBL) training in the construction industry at MBO Rijnland. This is working four days a week and going to school one day a week. ”
How did you come into contact with kite surfing?
“I came into contact with someone who also did kite surfing. He taught me to kite. That gave me such an enormous kick that I don't want to stop training now. I especially like inventing and trying out new tricks. ”
Which kitesurfing equipment (brand, types, etc.) do you use?
“I've been a team rider for a kite surf shop for almost a year now Kitemana. When I joined them in August I started kiting with North Pulse. With that I learned to build control with high kite loops. The North Pulse kites have given me a lot of confidence. After 3 to 4 months I started kite surfing with the new North Orbits. In terms of kiteboard, I kitesurf with the North Atmos Carbon. I also regularly test new material for Mystic. ”
Where do you usually kitesurf?
“I usually kitesurf for Katwijk aan Zee. Very logical because I live very close to the beach there. It is less than a three minute walk. ”
Which kitesurfing trick gives you the biggest kick?
“I get the biggest kick from megaloop variations. Think of the boogie loop, megaloop 720 backroll, or the kiteloop board off. I prefer kitesurfing in winds of about 35 to 40 knots. In this wind, I take special time off to go kiting. ”
How was the Full Power Tarifa experience?
“My coolest experience was Full Power Tarifa. This because I loved being together with so many kiters. It was also my first international competition. I was very happy that I was invited to kite there and thought it was a great experience. ”
How did your heats go?
“My first heat went well as I won that heat and was immediately in the semi-finals. I felt quite comfortable with tricks, height and loops. Landing at speed was difficult. There was an offshore wind and the jumps went far. At the point of landing, the water was very choppy. Then it is very difficult to land well at such a speed. But I enjoyed the game. ”
What were you proud of? What could be better?
“The tricks went well in relation to the height. In any case, I will continue to train very hard with everything that is needed and hope that I can come along again next time. Of course I also hope to be able to participate in others kitesurfing competitions. "
You have a lot of talent. Do you have plans for kite surfing?
“At the moment I have a lot of motivation to put everything aside for kiting. Precisely because I love the kick that kite surfing gives me. As long as that motivation is present, I will continue to play hard with the sport. ”
What is your life motto?
"Enjoy every day when the wind blows."
Finally, do you have any tips for kite surfers?
“Stay motivated and don't give up. The pros already know this. They don't need my tips. ” 😉
Julian, thanks for the inspiration and a lot of success in the coming period. Hopefully you have the chance to sail a kitesurfing competition again soon. We will continue to follow you.
So enjoyed you Julian, you are a fighter, a knack and also such a super guest