Ethan Westera
/
Aruba
FOLLOW ME
www.yannickschwickert.de
Date of birth:
1987.07.26
Hometown:
Duesseldorf, Germany
Sponsors:
Flysurfer Kiteboarding,
Flyboards,
Custom-Kiteboarding(CKB),
Hobbies:
Kitesports, Fitness, Photo & Film Production
Favourite athletes:
Ruben Lenten , Kevin Langeree
BIO
I was born in 1987 and later on I got my hands on a kite for my first time. My father told me how to use the wind really early. In the following years I learned more and more and got my first own kite. That was the start of my career J. Now there is no life without kiting.
In 2007 I competed for the first time in the German KLB championships and got the 1st place in 2007 and 2010. Now I’m not competing anymore due to safety reasons for my job as a physiotherapist, but I’m out as often as I can when there is wind to push my level and get high.
INTERVIEW
What are you looking for to accomplish?
I want to go kiting as often as possible, next to my job as physiotherapist. I want to have some awesome kite-trips around the globe in the next years with friends & teammates.
What would be your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement has been the 1st Place at the German KLB Championchips 2007 and 2010!
What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?
The only difficulties are that you are looking for right wind at the time you have to go out! J When there are perfect conditions you feel good and push your limits against yourself.
What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?
It’s awesome when you are out and feel the wind in your hair. Perfect to fly high and lose gravity with a lot of hangtime and huge heights. That’s a superkiteday!
Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?
I train at different spots. For water sessions I’m most of the time off to Holland with some great spots. On land I can train at my homespot in Duesseldorf. When there is no wind I train with fitness and running.
What do you do during your training which is key to your success?
I take my inspirations from different riders around the world, combining and mixing it with my own thought of good riding, but the biggest key is that you need a lot of fun in what you are doing.
What are you most nervous about when competing?
I’m not competing at the moment due to safety reasons for my job, but when I was competing, I was always nervous of the conditions. When it’s too gusty, you can’t land all your tricks safely.
Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?
I think my biggest fan is my family. They supported me all the time when I was young and made this all possible. And of course my girlfriends which show a lot of patience when I’m out for session and don’t come back for hours.
What is the best piece of advice you have been ever given?
Do what you believe!
What are your future plans?
My future plans are to make a lot of good trips and sessions on water, land, snow and produce nice pictures & videos.
What are your tips for those who begin now?
When you want to try kiting keep sure to start safe. Start in low winds and find a school or person to get useful tips for the first steps. Like this you have bigger and faster results without too much pain! :)
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