Nanother one Dutch kitesurf brand and even now we are not through. As you know, we will inspect and screen Dutch kitesurfing brands. On the one hand to put them in the spotlight because a little Dutch pride is part of it. On the other hand because of the passion for the sport and the craftsmanship behind the brands. This time an interview with Sebastiaan van der Velden from Ventum Kiteboarding.
Judge for yourself, but maybe Sebastiaan and Ventum Kiteboarding is too modest. In our view, Sebastiaan is a kitesurfing guru. Not only because of his substantive knowledge, because if you know how to offer a new 9 meter kite under 800 Euro, this is quite unique. And as such a kite also comes out well with a very objective kitesurf test panel, then you are really doing something right. Meet Ventum Kiteboarding.
Who is the guy behind Ventum Kiteboarding?
“My name is Sebastiaan van der Velden. My passion for kite surfing was born 10 years ago. My homespots are Slufter and Rockanje. Besides my passion for kite surfing itself, I can hardly kite surf without thinking about the performance of a kite. That is just part of my life, whether I want to or not. "
Aha, then starting your own kitesurfing brand is not strange ...
“That's right, but it was preceded by a long history. Before Ventum Kiteboarding I helped build a kitesurfing brand for 6 years. In addition, I helped set up and managed a kite factory in Sri Lanka with 60 people. That period was really crazy. Get up extra early in the morning to Skype and email the managers in the factory to go through the daily planning and / or issues. Then through my research & development job at Unilever and then back to working on production and sales until late at night. Working 80 hours a week for years. The reward would come later, I did it all without salary based on promises. ”
This sounds like super challenging but not successful. Where in time did Ventum Kiteboarding originate?
“The situation became untenable in 2018. It was clear that the agreements made would not be kept. I had now quit my job and so I was left with a mountain of experience and knowledge empty-handed. So it was the choice to fully focus on a job again or to go for my passion, kite surfing… Of course I did this in consultation with home. But long story short, Ventum was born! ”
Quite a moving life experience Sebastiaan. With the energy, perseverance, network and accumulated knowledge and experience you started Ventum Kiteboarding.
What does Ventum Kiteboarding offer kite surfers?
“We offer two kites, two kiteboards and a kitebar. I like to explain the properties very briefly, supported by short films. ”
Kites Ventum Kiteboarding
Vent Xplore
“The Xplore is a very user-friendly 3 strut kite. Predictable and very stable with a very easy relaunch. Very suitable for beginners and freeriders. ”
Ventum Xcite
“The Xcite is a 3 strut crossover kite. Very all-round and also intended for the more technical tricks and riders. ”
Kiteboards Ventum Kiteboarding
Venum Karma
“The Karma is a medium rocker, high flex board. Comfortable sailing with speed and easy going upwind. ”
Ventum Joyrider
"The Joyrider has more rocker, less flex and a double concave which makes the board more playful and suitable for the more technical tricks and riders."
Kitebar Ventum Kiteboarding
“The Ventum Tough Bar has just been updated to v2. The bar now has a state of the art click-in quick release with ceramic ball bearing. In addition, the bar has> 450kg backlines (control lines) and> 500kg frontlines (power lines). ”
What distinguishes Ventum Kiteboarding?
“We offer kite surfers good kite surfing equipment at low prices. For example, Ventum offers a new 9 meter kite for less than 800 Euro. In addition, kite surfers who choose Ventum are in direct contact with the brand for advice, purchase and service. We offer everything from the Netherlands. So if there is anything, we have direct contact with kite surfers. ”
'Our mission is to keep kiteboarding accessible and affordable with high quality gear and premium service by minimizing overhead and marketing.'
Almost 2 years of Ventum Kiteboarding. Do you have a high and low point for us?
“Fortunately, I have not yet experienced any real lows. As long as my family is healthy and has a roof over their heads, the rest is only relative. Every other problem is a solution. ”
“On the other hand, there are many highlights with Ventum. Also from kite surfers and that's what we do it for. Very cool are messages from kite surfers who are happy with their new gear. Even when I see kite surfers with a smile on the water and a Ventum kite in the air. Another highlight was in the factory in China together with the production manager from Sri Lanka and the local production manager. There I saw that through the chemistry and willingness to collaborate, a really beautiful product had come to life. In addition, the reception of the first kites in the Netherlands, the going live of the webshop and the first sales via the webshop were real highlights for me. ”
What is your ambition with Ventum Kiteboarding?
The ambition is to allow Ventum to grow and develop further, while remaining true to its mission and values. These are not just empty words for me. ”
Finally, do you have any tips for kite surfers looking for kite surfing equipment?
“The best tip is of course to test something yourself. This is different for a real beginner, I think it is especially important to determine with which brand, person or shop someone feels comfortable. This, together with the advice, is an important factor. Of course this should fit within your budget. Everyone can visit us in Rockanje to get acquainted and for personal advice. ”
Sebastiaan, thanks for the interview. It is special what place kite surfing has in your life. Also how something as beautiful as Ventum Kiteboarding originated from a dragging and unpleasant experience. Good luck in the coming period in further building on Ventum!
