Kitesurf365 Podcast: Jett Bradshaw | Episode #404
Host: Adrian Kerr
Guest: Jett Bradshaw
Release Date: September 1, 2025
Episode Overview
Adrian Kerr sits down with professional kiteboarder and larger-than-life personality Jett Bradshaw. The episode delves into Jett’s chaotic travel schedule, his new video "Tethered to Chaos," the reality of life on the pro kiting circuit, safety insights, and how authenticity trumps perfection in the world of kiteboarding. They discuss competition mindset, realities of sponsorship, and the unique space Jett occupies in the sport. This candid conversation is full of humor, honesty, and passion for the kiteboarding lifestyle.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Jett’s Recent Travels and Routine
- Just back from Mauritius, now in chilly Cape Town.
- Enjoying rare wind sessions for this time of year, despite the cold.
- Describes the challenges and rhythm of non-stop travel since January, including sleeping on airport floors and the misconception that pro riders are always living the ‘good life’.
“Everyone thinks I come home and... it must be so much fun. I’m like, mate, you haven’t seen me sleeping on floors in airports...” – Jett [01:41]
Balancing Training and Lifestyle
- Struggles with maintaining routine on the road, especially given the excitement of new places and people.
- Admits it’s a challenge not to indulge in the party lifestyle and is working to keep a balance.
“Some people are good at keeping their routine throughout. I find it really, really difficult...” – Jett [02:37]
- Mention of upcoming marathon: Jett’s first, feeling both excited and challenged by the new goal.
Safety in Kiteboarding: Mauritius Incident
- Discusses the disappearance of a kiteboarder in Mauritius and the dangerous currents on the reefs.
- Emphasizes importance of safety, particularly clipping off struts to avoid the deflation hazard.
- The impact on the local community and change in rider behaviors since the incident.
“You could still feel that atmosphere on the beach... the spot was empty before the sun hit the horizon.” – Jett [05:07]
“Tethered to Chaos”: Authentic Representation
- The latest Mystic edit aims to capture the real Jett Bradshaw, moving away from polished image crafting.
- Mystic gave Jett and the filmmakers total creative freedom for authenticity.
“I said to Mystic... we’re gonna do it this way... You guys capture the true side of Jett Bradshaw.” – Jett [06:15]
- Most footage was candid with no staging, making it as real and unstaged as possible.
- Discussion on the need for kiteboarding to have more ‘bad boy’ personalities, not just clean-cut representatives.
“The bad boys is what, like, fills the sport that you’re in.” – Jett [07:29]
- The core message: be authentic, don’t curate an image just to please sponsors or social media.
Relationship with Sponsors and Industry Attitudes
- Jett has always been upfront with sponsors North and Mystic—what you see is what you get.
- Recognizes the privilege of being in a position to showcase his real personality without worrying about backlash.
“I’m not gonna change who I am. And I think... they really, really appreciate that...” – Jett [11:23]
- Many athletes feel forced to uphold a ‘champion’ image (no beers, focused 24/7) for fear of jeopardizing sponsor relationships.
Competition Mindset (or Lack Thereof)
- Jett is not drawn to the competition circuit; prefers photo and video shoots over the contest scene.
- Megaloop is an exception – a competition that fits his personality and riding style.
“I tried to go down the competition... I found that I was just trying to break out of it...” – Jett [12:47]
- He selects only standout contests, not obsessively chasing wins but staying relevant in the scene.
Attitude Toward Gear & Tuning
- Known for riding his equipment ‘as is’—doesn’t tweak or test new setups endlessly.
- Refreshingly honest about not being able to pinpoint the tiny differences in gear that some riders obsess over.
“Bro, I just ride my gear. I’m not good enough to know the difference...” – Jett [14:14]
- Prefers to ride with a single kite and bar, keeping it simple.
Megaloop Challenge Prep
- Shorter line lengths (18m this year) change the game; Jett considers 14s or 16s for balance between height and kite position.
- Never over-strategizes prep; focuses on putting on a show, not podiums.
“I just go in there and try and do as best as possible, and obviously put on a show...” – Jett [18:10]
- If he doesn't achieve what he wants, it’s frustration about not expressing his capabilities, not the lack of a trophy.
Reality TV: “Wings and Waves” Experience
- Teaching total beginners with social media influencers was “a whole nother realm.”
- Initially hesitant about how the edit would contrast his persona; sees value in exposing new audiences to kiting.
- Long, improvised days with struggles around lack of wind and the start-stop nature of reality TV.
“It didn’t really suit my... Especially you got Ozzy and I, the most unhinged kitesurfers, now on a reality show...” – Jett [23:51-24:30]
- Enjoyed the hosting role and would do it again, despite challenges.
Lifestyle and Social Side
- Mykonos stories: spontaneous visits, wild parties, and windy ferry cancellations.
- Contrasts the vibes of party destinations and kite spots.
“Mykonos on a worst day is better than Tarifa on a good day.” – Jett [26:44]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Hoodie stays off.” – Jett on managing his famous hair in cold weather [01:27]
- “Sleeping on floors in airports... it's all part of it. It's fun. I love it.” [01:41]
- “I always find when you go to these places, everyone’s always so excited, you know, and then I get excited.” [02:37]
- “That was the whole purpose of the video... to capture the true side of Jett Bradshaw.” [06:15]
- “Every rider has a different side... and I think a lot of them just kind of only show the gyming and the training...” [10:17]
- “This is what you’re gonna get. I’m not gonna change who I am.” [11:23]
- “One foot in [competition] to just keep relevant in the industry...” [13:54]
- “Get the kite from North, set it up... and that’s that. The settings don’t get changed at all.” [15:43]
- “I want to put on a show... I don’t think I have that competition mindset going into these events.” [18:10]
- “One kite, one bar, mate.” [18:52]
- “The bad boys is what, like, fills... the sport that you’re in.” [07:29]
- “I love being in front of the camera. It’s something I would do again...” [24:36]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Traveling & Routine on the Road: 00:33 – 02:37
- Training & Marathon Prep: 03:11 – 03:36
- Safety Lesson from Mauritius Incident: 03:38 – 05:32
- Authenticity in “Tethered to Chaos”: 06:01 – 10:56
- Sponsor Relationships & Realness: 10:56 – 12:47
- Competition vs. Freeride Mentality: 12:47 – 14:14
- Gear Preferences & Feedback: 14:14 – 16:33
- Megaloop Challenge Strategy: 16:33 – 19:11
- Handling Setbacks & Competition Reflection: 19:11 – 20:22
- Challenging Shortline Tricks: 20:22 – 22:36
- Reality TV “Wings and Waves” Experience: 22:57 – 25:45
- Party Stories & Mykonos Memories: 26:37 – 27:14
Summary
This episode offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it means to truly live the kitesurfing lifestyle. Jett Bradshaw’s openness, humor, and refusal to conform to stereotypes make for a raw and entertaining conversation. There is a focus on safety, honesty about travel realities, sponsor dynamics, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The discussion highlights a new direction in kiteboarding culture—a move toward genuineness, even if that means being a little wild around the edges.
Recommended for anyone interested in the soul of kiteboarding—on and off the water.