Kitesurf365 Podcast Episode #421

Guest: Jett Bradshaw

Release Date: January 19, 2026
Host: Adrian Kerr

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Adrian Kerr sits down with pro kiteboarder Jett Bradshaw, who has recently made waves by joining Jacobson Kites. Their conversation dives deep into Jett’s emotional transition from North to Jacobson, honoring the legacy of late rider Graham "GMan," the culture of kiteboarding and the importance of fun, and the evolution of community hubs like Dirty Habits and High Five. The episode also explores the buzz around short line competitions and how Jett is rediscovering his stoke for kiting. Expect candid insights, memorable moments, and a relaxed, authentic vibe.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jett’s Move from North to Jacobson

Timestamps: 00:56–03:08

• Leaving North after seven years was an extremely tough and emotional decision for Jett; he recalls the bittersweet feeling following Graham’s passing but describes the move as carrying on Graham’s legacy:

  “Everything we do... [is] with Graham in mind... while keeping our own legacy going. We keep GMAN with us for sure.” (02:28, Jett)

• Initial talks with Nick Jacobson began casually at the GKA Awards, but only became serious a few months ago—Jett highlights the inner struggle of leaving a brand he’d grown so close to for new risks and possibilities:

  “There was a lot of backwards and forwards, but I’m super stoked. Super stoked. Like I said, it wasn’t an easy decision, but when I made the decision, it was quite a relief.” (05:32, Jett)

2. Jacobson Kites: A Shift in Mindset and Culture

Timestamps: 05:38–08:35

• Adrian points out that Jett’s value isn’t just in competition results, but as a ‘loyal foot soldier’—a role model in team energy, marketing, and community.

• Nick and Jett agree that kiteboarding needs to bring fun and community back, moving away from only focusing on competitive seriousness:

  “It’s gotten too serious for the size of the sport... Let’s make the best products we can, but there’s no pushing for the most insane competition kite. We’re designing stuff for people that just want to have a time.” (06:28–07:41, Jett)

• Jett feels liberated by not having pressure to compete, noting:

  “That took a huge weight off my shoulders... if you want to compete, you can... If not, we do something else. We go on a cool adventure. We shoot some cool content. That definitely helped.” (07:41, Jett)

3. “Welcome to the Team” Video & Creativity in Kiteboarding

Timestamps: 09:05–10:58

• Jett’s Jacobson welcome video drew a big reaction for breaking the mold. He reveals the scripting was collaborative—with some help from ChatGPT:

  “A bit of help from chat. GBT and Inez.” (09:28, Jett)

• The video mixed his passions (motorbikes, trail running, etc.), designed to inject some “spice” into industry norms:

  “...Everyone’s taking over. There’s hundreds of kiters taking over the game, you know. So I said to Nick, let’s do something weird, something out of the box.” (09:39–10:08, Jett)

4. Culture, Fun, and Counterculture in Kiteboarding

Timestamps: 10:58–14:44

• The guys riff on how kiteboarding could use more “culture” and counterculture, as seen in surfing and skating, rather than the current norm:

  “Jason Broderick said to me one time, there’s no culture in kite surfing... If you think about surfing and skating, it’s counterculture... Boarding kite boarders are basically like people who own horses.” (10:58–11:19, Adrian & Jett)

• Jett reminisces about the early, more “rock and roll” days, and how the focus now is seemingly only on being the next top champion, which may be to the sport’s detriment:

  “Not to say you have to [drink a beer before an event] but that sort of laid-back style. I feel like everyone’s taking it too seriously for what’s at stake.” (13:21, Jett)

5. Community Hubs: High Five & Dirty Habits

Timestamps: 16:00–20:42

• High Five in Cape Town is gaining reputation as the new community heart, merging laid-back fun with gatherings, movie nights, barbecues, and even a running club, moving away from just party culture.
• Jett notes, “Dirty Habits” went from wild parties to a more inclusive, family-friendly vibe, yet keeps the energy and community spirit strong:

  “Now we’re all connecting on a bit more of a chilled... way, which I think is the positive we have to take out of Graham’s passing... The community has become closer... we’ve all become a bit more sensitive towards each other, which I think [is] super important.” (19:17–20:42, Jett)

6. The Short Line Comp: “A Spectacle”

Timestamps: 20:42–26:14

• The annual Short Line competition is generating major buzz, with elite riders (including Jett) participating. Riders and spectators alike are hyped for its unique “put the kite as low as possible” format:

  “This year it’s King of the Air level riders on short lines... I say give it two years and it’s going to be one of the bigger comps in kiting... People are frothing.” (21:32–22:56, Jett)

• Judging has shifted towards raw “wow factor” rather than variety, focusing on extreme kite angles and tricks that engage the crowd:

  “Now they’re not doing a variety score... It’s exactly something like that, you know... I think this year the level of kite angle is going to be really important.” (23:13, Jett)
  "I would love a comp like that because that's you putting on a show for people watching... It's in the crowd's mouth who sends it the hardest." (25:54, Jett)

7. Testing and Developing New Kites

Timestamps: 26:14–29:28

• Jett shares what it’s like adapting from North’s Orbit (a 5-strut kite) to Jacobson’s 3-strut design, and the hands-on involvement he now enjoys in tweaking gear and working directly with designers:

  “I’ve never spoken to a designer before in my life... but that’s been cool. Now I’ve got the kite super good... I don’t know if I want to go back to a five-strut!” (26:16–28:13, Jett)

• Adrian notes Jett’s growth from being “just a rider” to someone who’s matured into a more involved, collaborative figure:

  “I think I’m finally... hearing a mature Jett.” (28:23, Adrian)

8. Rediscovering the Stoke

Timestamps: 14:44–16:00

• After feeling somewhat burnt out, Jett explains how the switch and new gear have rekindled his love for getting on the water—now he’s stoked to ride even on non-ideal days:

  “Now I’m permanently on the water... The minute that wind comes in, I’m on the water [with a] 12—then I just drop down sizes, which I was really missing.” (14:57, Jett)

9. Partnerships and Looking Forward

Timestamps: 29:28–30:48

• Jett will continue riding with Mystic alongside Jacobson, excited by the “punk rock mentality” and the freedom both brands offer him.
• Adrian congratulates Jett on grabbing the new opportunity and encourages listeners to visit High Five in Cape Town, try the new gear, and join the community—be it through kiting or a running club.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Graham’s Legacy:

  “We keep GMAN with us for sure.” (02:28, Jett)

• On Kiteboarding’s Culture Problem:

  “Boarding kite boarders are basically like people who own horses.” (11:13, Adrian)

• On Creative Freedom:

  “Let’s do something weird. Let’s do something out of the box.” (09:39, Jett)

• On Rediscovered Passion:

  “Now I feel like this new partnership’s brought that back, you know, that absolute froth to be on the water.” (14:57, Jett)

• On Evolving Competition:

  “Last year we were trying to get variation in. Now they’re not doing a variety score... The kite needs to be down.” (23:13–25:32, Jett)

• On Growth and Maturity:

  “I think I’m finally... hearing a mature Jett.” (28:23, Adrian)

Key Segments & Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamps | |----------------------------------------|--------------------| | Intro & Jett’s move to Jacobson | 00:56–03:08 | | Brand Philosophy & Culture Shift | 05:38–08:35 | | Welcome Video & Creativity | 09:05–10:58 | | Kiteboarding Culture & Counterculture | 10:58–14:44 | | Community Hubs & Tribute to Graham | 16:00–20:42 | | The Short Line Comp | 20:42–26:14 | | Kite Testing & Technical Evolution | 26:14–29:28 | | Ongoing Partnerships & Advice | 29:28–30:48 |

Overall Tone & Closing Thoughts

The conversation is candid, emotional, and often lighthearted—with two friends reminiscing, laughing, and pondering the future of the sport together. Both Jett and Adrian share a palpable passion for kiteboarding, with Jett’s honest reflections and excitement for what’s to come standing out as an inspiration for riders at every level.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just catching on to the world of kiteboarding, this episode captures the spirit of change, innovation, and genuine community that keep the sport’s heartbeat alive.

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