Podcast Summary: Kitesurf365 – Jeremy Burlando | Episode #408

Date: October 13, 2025
Host: Adrian Kerr
Guest: Jeremy Burlando
Theme: Returning to Peak Performance After Injury – Reflections on Winning Cold Hawaii, Relationships in Competition, and Preparing for King of the Air

Episode Overview

This episode features a compelling conversation between host Adrian Kerr and professional kiteboarder Jeremy Burlando. Recorded just one week after Jeremy’s decisive win at the Red Bull King of the Air qualifier, Cold Hawaii, the episode dives deep into his competitive mindset, the journey of recovery after a serious injury, and the evolving landscape of big air kiteboarding. Jeremy offers candid reflections on pressure, innovation, camaraderie, and the relentless pursuit of improvement at the sport’s highest level.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Life After Victory: No Time to Rest

• Training Over Celebration
  • Jeremy returned home right after his Cold Hawaii victory and immediately resumed intense training, riding four hours a day in “prime” conditions (00:40).
  • Quote: “I didn't even have time to celebrate.”
    — Jeremy Burlando (00:52)

The Epic Cold Hawaii Final

• Exceptional Conditions
  • Jeremy describes the final as one of the best ever, with ideal wind and kickers. He and Lorenzo (runner-up, close friend, and rival) both marveled at how the conditions heightened their performance (01:12).
  • Quote: “It was just perfect. 8 meter weather, 40 knots... I think was like one of the best finals.”
    — Jeremy Burlando (01:16)
• Rollercoaster Scores
  • The final saw constant lead changes, intensifying the pressure as Jeremy juggled keeping an eye on both Lorenzo’s tricks and the live rankings (06:05).
  • Quote: “I was like, actually watching Lorenzo doing the trick, and then I was watching the watch... first. Second. First. Second. Dude.”
    — Jeremy Burlando (06:16)

Friendship and Rivalry with Lorenzo Casati

• The duo maintains a supportive relationship despite fierce competition.
• Jeremy acknowledges Lorenzo’s high standards: “Second place is for sure not what Lorenzo wants... but our friendship is still beyond that.” (01:53)
• They communicate almost daily, reinforcing mutual respect and motivation.

Journey Back from Injury

• Megaloop as a Learning Experience
  • Jeremy reflects on his first event back (Megaloop), viewing it as crucial for rediscovering competitive rhythm (02:37).
  • Support from his caddy and best friend, Jacopo, provided invaluable feedback and morale (02:48).
• The “I’m Back” Moment
  • During the semifinals against Kohan at Cold Hawaii, Jeremy felt a mental switch from caution to confidence:
    Quote: “I was like, man, I’m gonna put him in the dirt. I’m gonna go for it... now it’s time to ride like I always do.”
    — Jeremy Burlando (04:06)
• Anxiety about falling behind peers like Andre and Lorenzo during recovery was a significant motivator (05:07).

Psychological Hurdles & Regaining Confidence

• Jeremy admits to moments of doubt after injury, especially in high-wind conditions like in Mykonos, questioning whether it was worth pushing limits (09:30).
• Innovations with kites and physical rehabilitation (gym, explosivity, mobility, impact training) played critical roles in regaining both physical ability and mental readiness (09:30).

The Role of the Caddy (Jacopo)

• Jacopo’s expertise and personal connection influenced Jeremy’s strategic decisions mid-heat.
  • Quote: “He knows me best than anyone else. He knows every trick. He has a big creativity.”
    — Jeremy Burlando (07:25)
• Jacopo’s advice proved prescient, urging Jeremy to perform a "laid back from the fin" that became a high-scoring trick (07:25).

Evolving Competition Techniques & Judging Formats

• The use and impact of doubles (double rotations) have shifted – not gone, but context-dependent. Riders adapt to judges’ and competitors’ strategies (11:24).
  • Quote: “If everyone starts straight doing doubles, they’re gonna score doubles... I don’t think they’re dead.”
    — Jeremy Burlando (11:24)
• Jeremy weighs the pros and cons of GKA vs. Red Bull formats:
  • GKA: strict trick “families” and limited trick variation
  • Red Bull events: holistic performance (“rolling out a good heat”) and impression scores (12:38)
• Impression scores remain a controversial and mysterious aspect for competitors and fans (13:40).
• Jeremy appreciates the fast-paced, 15-minute heat format for fairness and entertainment.

Emerging Tech: Radios and Watches in Competition

• Use of real-time communication (e.g., radios between caddies and riders) is on the rise. Jeremy acknowledges their advantages but notes logistical challenges (16:28).
  • Quote: “King of the Air, bro. Everyone’s gonna have radios.”
    — Adrian Kerr (16:29)
• GPS watches now provide live feedback on ranks and tricks — a “big, big upgrade” (16:44).

Strategic Patience & Positioning

• Choosing the right kicker and being patient are key to success, especially when every attempt counts (15:20).
  • Quote: “I waited maybe one... four minutes for a kicker. I just wanted to go for the perfect kicker.”
    — Jeremy Burlando (14:34)
• In Cold Hawaii, a particular inside wave ("reform wave") proved decisive for high-scoring tricks (17:56).

Looking Ahead: King of the Air Preparation

• Jeremy’s approach is to chase the best wind rather than fixating on one location, but he values time riding at the Cape Town spot itself due to unique conditions (18:41).
• The importance of rest in preventing burnout and injuries has become a crucial lesson for him (21:36).

Reflection on Missing Out & Motivation

• Watching King of the Air from home was painful; missing out was a strong motivator for better preparation (20:07).
  • Quote: “I don’t want to be sitting watching KOTA anymore... I want to be there, you know, just compete.”
    — Jeremy Burlando (20:07)

From Freestyle Roots to Big Air

• Jeremy’s background in freestyle remains foundational to his big air success, advocating that newcomers master freestyle basics first (22:28).
  • Quote: “If you want to start doing big air, first you do freestyle... everything is going to be easier.”
    — Jeremy Burlando (23:17)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "I didn't even have time to celebrate." — Jeremy Burlando (00:52)
• "It was just perfect. 8 meter weather, 40 knots... one of the best finals." — Jeremy Burlando (01:16)
• "Our friendship is still beyond that." — Jeremy Burlando on Lorenzo Casati (01:53)
• "Mega loop was the learning comp, you know..." — Jeremy Burlando (02:48)
• "I'm gonna put him in the dirt. I'm gonna go for it." — Jeremy Burlando (04:06)
• "He knows me best than anyone else. He knows every trick. He has a big creativity." — Jeremy Burlando on caddy Jacopo (07:25)
• "If everyone starts straight doing doubles, they’re gonna score doubles... I don’t think they’re dead." — Jeremy Burlando (11:24)
• "Impression score is always a bit subjective, right? I don't know if it should be in there..." — Jeremy Burlando (12:38)
• "I waited maybe... four minutes for a kicker. I just wanted to go for the perfect kicker." — Jeremy Burlando (14:34)
• "I don’t want to be sitting watching KOTA anymore... I want to be there, you know, just compete." — Jeremy Burlando (20:07)
• "If you want to start doing big air, first you do freestyle... once you got that constant, everything's going to be easier." — Jeremy Burlando (23:17)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Returning after victory & lack of celebration: 00:40–00:57
• Conditions and camaraderie with Lorenzo: 01:12–01:53
• Mindset shift after injury, semifinal breakthrough: 04:06–04:51
• Anxiety about falling behind peers: 05:07–06:05
• Competitive scoring and heat dynamics: 06:05–07:02
• Role of caddy & mid-heat strategy: 07:25–08:09, 15:20–16:21
• Navigating fear post-injury: 09:30–10:38
• Equipment evolution & doubles tricks: 11:04–12:29
• Judging formats & impression score debate: 12:38–14:34
• Strategy for kicker selection: 14:34–15:20
• Radio communication & tech innovation: 16:28–17:39
• King of the Air preparation philosophy: 18:41–19:45
• Missing out due to injury & renewed motivation: 20:07–21:13
• Training, rest, and avoiding burnout: 21:36–22:20
• Freestyle roots and advice for newcomers: 22:28–23:17

Memorable Moments

• Jeremy describes his “I’m back” moment in the semifinal, shifting from tentative to aggressive riding (04:06).
• The delightfully candid recounting of advice from Jacopo, his caddy, about executing specific tricks (07:25).
• Discussion on the future of competition doubles and adapting to judging trends (11:24).
• Jeremy’s passionate explanation about the foundational role of freestyle for aspiring big air riders (23:17).
• A heartfelt expression of motivation to never again watch the King of the Air from the sidelines (20:07).

Episode Tone & Style

Jeremy’s open, enthusiastic, and sometimes self-effacing tone resonates throughout. The conversation oscillates between technical deep-dives and light-hearted anecdotes, underscored by mutual respect and a shared excitement for the sport's evolution. Adrian provides insightful prompts, allowing Jeremy’s personality and expertise to take center stage.