Kitesurf365 – Jason Van Der Spuy | Episode #419

Host: Adrian Kerr
Guest: Jason Van Der Spuy
Release Date: January 12, 2026

Episode Overview

Adrian Kerr kicks off Season 9 of Kitesurf365 with a major guest: Jason Van Der Spuy, who has just announced his switch from Airush to Naish Kiteboarding—one of the sport’s most notable brand changes this year. The episode explores Jason’s motivations, the realities of team transitions, industry dynamics, the importance of media presence, and inside updates on kite technology and the rider community. The conversation is candid and lively, loaded with insights into professional kiteboarding life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jason’s Brand Change: Motivation and Process

[01:03 – 04:45]

• Jason had been considering leaving Airush since the previous year—his decision was not purely motivated by Airush’s management changes, but more by personal growth.

• Quote:

  “I needed just to feel a little bit unsafe or have to rebuild connections and prove myself… it was just more to push myself to go even harder.”
  — Jason [01:28]

• He was deeply involved at Airush—product development, media, R&D, social obligations—but this stretched him thin and distracted from his own progression.

• The switching process is personal, informal, and interconnected:

  • Brands reached out once rumors spread.
  • Jason had discussions with seven brands.
  • He values good-standing relationships and avoids “burning bridges”.

• Quote:

  “I just want to go with the brand that I feel like I’ll work well with and not screw anyone over in the process… people talk and they'll know in the future.”
  — Jason [04:01]

2. Industry Relationships & Reputation

[05:46 – 07:25]

• The kiteboarding industry is very tight-knit, with fewer than 50 people making up most of the core.
• Maintaining good reputations is crucial for future opportunities.
• The community is so connected that everyone hears about negotiations and personal conduct.

3. Value of Social Media & Content Creation

[07:25 – 09:32]

• Social media and branded content are as important as pure competition results.

• Jason’s iconic short line photos, project “Maps of Home,” and his media presence were major factors in brand negotiations.

• Quote:

  “Competition gives you as an athlete credibility… but you have to be marketable… The bigger your following… the better for brands.”
  — Jason [07:25]

• Jason encourages younger riders (e.g., Luca) to build their online presence.

4. Team Dynamics at Naish

[09:32 – 11:03]

• With departures like Cohan van Dijk and recent arrivals, Naish is restructuring its competition and media focus.

• Jason is excited to mentor rising talents like Mathis Romeo-Glu.

• The new Naish team has diverse strengths:

  • Stig Hoefnagel as a content leader; Jason balancing competition and creativity; Mathis as an emerging competitor.
  • “It’s a good mix.” — Jason [10:30]

5. Next-Gen Kite Technology

[11:03 – 12:50]

• Major development: Naish’s new kite (not “Brainchild,” but shares key innovations and materials).
• Fastest 9m kite Jason has ridden, exceptional for double loops.
• Still in prototype stages, with more testing planned.
• Quote:

  “It is probably the fastest nine square meter on the market… you can easily do doubles on a 9, which is just ridiculous.”
  — Jason [11:18]

6. Working with Naish Design & Ewan Jaspan

[12:50 – 15:17]

• Jason details his collaborative dynamic with Naish’s designer, Ewan Jaspan—balancing athlete feedback with respect for the technical challenges of design.
• Successful collaboration relies on mutual respect and communication, avoiding the pitfall of riders dictating terms without understanding the complexities of design.

7. Jason’s Progression & Testing Experience

[15:17 – 16:17]

• Jason’s experience spans several brands over years, including formative roles at Lacuna and deep involvement with Airush.
• Quote:

  “I learned an invaluable amount of things that just cannot be replaceable… invaluable.”
  — Jason [15:17]

8. Media Projects & “Maps at Home”

[16:17 – 16:49]

• Plans for new “Maps at Home” episodes featuring Naish gear.
• Scheduling will depend on other projects in early 2026.

9. On Not Joining Flysurfer

[16:49 – 19:31]

• Flysurfer, with close friend Luca, was considered but ultimately passed over:
  • Too much direct competition among best friends can create friction.
  • Having different sponsors helps collaborative projects.
  • Wants to build the “Saffas” (South Africans Abroad) collective as a narrative, not just focus on personal or individual success.

10. Spotlight on Rising South African Talent

[19:31 – 20:23]

• Adrian asks about the up-and-coming Duotone riders (“Damo” and his brother)—Jason acknowledges their talent and predicts a bright future.

11. The Value of Big Teams & Support

[20:29 – 21:52]

• Jason appreciates moving to Naish for the sense of community and resources.
• At Airush, he often felt alone—now has easy access to group help, timely feedback, and organizational support.
• Quote:

  “It’s irreplaceable… Now [at Naish] there’s four or five people that are keen and ready to help, which is sick.”
  — Jason [20:54–21:52]

12. Upcoming “Naish House” Series & Japan Trip

[21:52 – 23:40]

• New Naish House media project is in planning stages; Jason teases travel to Japan for filming.
• Shares funny stories about getting his Japanese visa sorted.

13. Viral Footage & Dangers in Kiting

[23:40 – 25:47]

• Discussion of recent viral Israeli video: a kiter unintentionally gets lofted by a freak gust and survives an enormous jump.

• A more serious side: a death occurred during the same event—safety in extreme conditions is a constant risk.

• Quote:

  “That guy gets caught in that updraft… absolutely rocked the people. The guy went what, like 100 meters high or something?”
  — Jason [24:04]

  “He has officially done the world’s highest send loop and the world’s biggest jump… I don’t think he ever wants to touch a kite again.”
  — Jason [25:02]

Notable Quotes

• On changing brands:

  “I needed just to feel a little bit unsafe or have to rebuild connections and prove myself… ” – Jason [01:28]

• On social media’s importance:

  “You have to be marketable… The bigger your following, the better it is for brands.” – Jason [07:25]

• On team support:

  “Now I can just pop a message to the Naish team rider group, and then there’s four or five people that are keen and ready to help, which is sick.” – Jason [21:52]

• On the dangers of kiting:

  “He has officially done the world’s highest send loop and the world’s biggest jump. Something that all of us have been pursuing forever… I don’t think he ever wants to probably touch a kite again." – Jason [25:02]

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• Jason’s motivations for switching brands – [01:03]
• How kiteboarding contract negotiations actually happen – [04:01]
• The role of media and social presence in deals – [07:25]
• The emergence of new kite technology at Naish – [11:18]
• Plans for media projects: “Maps at Home”, “Naish House” – [16:17, 21:52]
• Discussing the infamous Israeli mega loop viral video – [23:40–25:47]

Episode Tone & Takeaways

The tone is extremely open, friendly, and insightful, with Jason sharing the realities of pro kiteboarding life, contract negotiations, brand loyalty, and the importance of community and content. Adrian provides a knowledgeable, supportive, and relaxed platform, making the episode feel like an inside look at the sport’s elite.