Kitesurf365: The Megapod

Episode Title: A New Chapter
Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Adrian Kerr (A)
Co-host: Colin Colin Carroll (B)
Special Guest: Heel Vlog (C)

Episode Overview

This first Megapod episode of 2026 marks "a new chapter" as hosts Adrian and Colin are joined by pro rider Heel Vlog—recently dubbed “the number one pick” to join their kiteboarding banter and analysis. The trio dives into this year’s high-profile events, evolving riding and equipment trends, and the ever-colorful world of kiteboarding sponsorships and up-and-comers, with Heel injecting on-the-water expertise and plenty of good humor.

Key Topics & Insights

1. The Blank Kite Test and Finn Flugel's Breakout

• Finn Flugel’s session in Egypt (now a freestyle world champion) wowed hosts during filming for the "Blank Kite Test" (00:01).
  • “He rode for about 20 minutes and just tore it to pieces.” – Adrian (00:01)
  • “It was unbelievable…watching this kid going, this is all we need.” – Colin (00:30)
• Notable: Finn’s ride on a blank Slingshot Code 12m is up on Portrait.

2. Introducing Heel Vlog as Co-Host

• Heel is welcomed as a regular guest for 2026.
  • “I’m very honored to be here, to be the number one pick like LeBron James 23 years ago.” – Heel (01:40)
• Banter over sarcasm and possible "Heel #1 Pick" T-shirt concepts sets the lighthearted tone.

3. The High Five Short Line Competition: Format, Riders & Predictions

Event Changes and New Focus

• The comp shifts from technical King of the Air style toward rewarding the lowest kite position and crowd response (03:43).
  • “It’s all about who can get that kite the lowest…if the crowd pops, that’s where the points go.” – Colin (03:43)

Heel on Withdrawing to Give Youth a Chance

• Heel sits out due to illness and to give younger riders a shot (02:54).
  • “I wanted to give my spot to all of the young kids…It’s a cool chance for people to show what they can do.” – Heel (02:54)

Heats Preview

• Detailed breakdown of each heat and key riders (04:40):
  • Notables: Cohen Van Dijk, Jet Bradshaw, Jason Van der Spee, Adrian Low, Yuçel Perlech, Dylan Brown, etc.

Tech Evolution: How Do They Go So High on Short Lines?

• Advances in kites and technique allow jumps as high on 12m lines as on 22m lines in strong winds (06:20).
  • “Kites got a lot better…leaderboards are getting broken almost every week.” – Heel (06:20)
  • “Jason says he can go as high on even 9m lines as 22, if it’s howling.” – Heel (06:20)

Kite Choice for Short Lines

• “I would rather go XR, just want to go really high; but if Jason would choose, he would go for a Pace—a quicker kite definitely helps.” – Heel (07:49)

Riding ‘Recklessly’ and Rivalries

• Discussing reckless style of Adrian Low and Josh Gillett.
  • “When the competition starts on short lines, they just say whatever the consequences are, I’m fine with it...they switch their brains off.” – Heel (08:54)

Who Could Win:

• Cohen Van Dijk for technical + low kite, Jason for “craziest super loop,” and Yuçel for balance (09:58).

4. Kite and Brand Shifts – The ‘Silly Season’

Notable Sponsorship Moves:

• Major names switching brands or unsigned (14:48):
  • Baby Shark leaves North (unsigned)
  • Timo Boisma out of Naish
  • Lewis Crathern, Jason van der Spee, Papa Van Urel, Nathan Tekis, Jet Bradshaw, Martin Koborski—all on the move

Baby Shark: The Untethered Talent

• “If he’s managed well, he brings a lot to a brand: he can wing, he can foil, he’s great on Instagram…he just needs a bit of guidance.” – Colin (16:06)
• Massive potential and Brazilian following but needs structure.
• “He’s a momentum guy, when he’s got the momentum and he’s happy, that’s when he blooms.” – Colin (20:21)

Timo Boisma: Where Next?

• “He could go everywhere…he fits in everywhere. If you look at Baby Shark, you could say, he’s got a bit of a rockstar vibe…I think Timo fits everywhere.” – Heel (23:32–24:19)
• Discussion of versatility vs. specialization in team value.

5. Big Air Competitive Landscape for 2026

• Predicted to be a “two-stop world tour”—Barcarez and Mykonos—with qualification up in the air (25:09).
• Event Tiers for Rider Progression:
  • Tier 1: Lords of Tram, Mykonos, Megaloop, Cold Hawaii, King of the Air (26:15).
  • Tier 2: Full Power
  • Tier 3: Parkour, Windsor Sinai, and domestic events
• “It gives young riders an opportunity…to develop my name, build my brand, get some podiums and then push through into that Tier One.” – Colin (26:15)

Qualifier Controversy & Selection Process

• Debate over selection transparency, especially around Jamie Overbeeke’s exclusion from King of the Air (31:09–32:34).
• “If there’s qualifiers for King of the Air and you don’t go, there’s a chance you won’t get selected.” – Heel (32:35)
• “Writers were unaware…writers should have, in my opinion, used their brains just a little, because it’s a Red Bull qualifier…” – Heel (30:11)

6. Where is Judging and Technical Progression Heading?

• Judging shifting toward overall completeness but with debate over risk versus consistency (34:46):
  • “Big Air is all about a massive show of height, power, extremity and technicality, but with emphasis on height and power, in my opinion.” – Heel (35:46)
• 2026 could be “the year of the Casatis” due to variety criteria.

7. Foil Kites: The Next Frontier?

• Discussion of Luca Ceruti using one to knock Heel out of King of the Air (36:07).
• Mixed opinions on whether foil kites will dominate or stay niche in strong wind events.

8. Young Talent to Watch

• Shahar Sabadi:
  • “This kid is the future…because he’s gonna do it and he’s gonna do it the right way.” – Heel (37:27)
• Leonardo Casati: tipped as the trap-toppler: “He’s just so laser-focused, and determined—I can see him putting everything in.” – Adrian (39:12–39:32)
• Maxwell Dahl (Denmark), Martin Koborski (GK Academy), and Max Tullett: all highlighted as names to remember (40:38–41:39).
• Women’s Big Air: Aya Casabova (“five or six time junior world champ”) leads the new generation (41:39–42:17).

9. What Makes Finn Flugel Special?

• “He’s just a competitor through and through...if he gets a couple more kilos, more muscle, he’s just going to be unstoppable. In terms of technicality and kite feel, he’s way ahead.” – Heel (42:48)
• Anecdote: Finn’s table tennis tenacity—came back from 10–2 down to win 12–10 (42:48).

10. Kiteboarding Culture: Side Projects and Personality

• Upcoming projects: Both Heel and Adrian are heading to Japan to film, but keeping creative details close to the chest (46:25).
• Off-the-water competitiveness: Table tennis and padel rivalries, and the case for portable table tennis at kite events (47:56–49:29).
• Banter on language skills: Heel speaks German, mostly to Jason van der Spee who is learning (45:47).

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Heel on new podcast role:
  • “I’m very honored—to be the number one pick like LeBron James…absolutely honored and looking forward to this one.” (01:40)
• Reckless youth in competition:
  • “If there is no ambulance for Adrian or Josh Gillett…the comp is a success.” – Heel (08:54)
• Baby Shark’s potential:
  • “He has this kind of rock star appeal…massive Brazilian following…he could be at the top of the sport.” – Adrian (17:14)
• Finn Flugel’s mentality:
  • “He beat me 12-10…he’s one of those guys that thrives in competition.” – Heel (42:48)
• Future direction of Big Air:
  • “We want to see rotations, board offs, tornadoes…but if it’s not done with kite level and yanking you like crazy, what’s the point?” – Heel (39:01)
• On giving youth opportunity:
  • “I wanted to give my spot to all of the young kids…to show what they can do.” – Heel (02:54)
• Generational shift:
  • “People like Martin and Maxwell, they got brands asking them all the time…funny how those guys are just sort of saying no.” – Colin (41:39)
• Friendly digs:
  • “I’m sure I’m gonna get that on a t-shirt for you, Heel: number one pick.” – Colin (02:22)
  • “Let’s not kill it with a marquee and a table tennis table.” – Colin (49:29)

Important Timestamps

• [00:01] – Finn Flugel, Blank Kite Test preview
• [01:40] – Heel Vlog joins as co-host
• [02:54] – Heel sits out comp for youth
• [03:43] – Short Line Comp format changes
• [04:40] – Rider heat breakdowns for High Five
• [06:20] – Technical advances in kites/short lines
• [08:54] – Reckless riding in short line events
• [14:48] – Sponsorship silly season, notable moves
• [16:06] – Baby Shark’s value and management needs
• [23:32] – Where Timo Boisma belongs
• [26:15] – Event tier structure for young riders
• [30:11] – Qualifiers discussion
• [34:46] – Evolution of judging and competitive style
• [36:07] – Foil kites in competition: future or fad?
• [37:27] – Shahar Sabadi hailed as the future
• [42:48] – What makes Finn Flugel special

Episode Tone

This episode blends technical analysis with banter, sarcasm, and deep insider insight. Heel’s addition as a co-host brings authenticity and a competitive athlete’s viewpoint, while Adrian and Colin keep things lively, irreverent, and accessible—true to their “utter rubbish…barely any of it is correct” disclaimer, but with real substance for the dedicated kite community.

For Listeners

• Get the latest big air and sponsorship shakeup news
• Learn the inside stories behind emerging riders
• Dive deep into judging controversies and event politics
• Enjoy plenty of friendly ridicule, passionate opinions, and previews to the season’s defining moments

This summary skips non-content intro/outro material and advertising.