Kitesurf365 – Episode #430
Lewis Crathern | March 23, 2026
Host: Adrian Kerr
Guest: Lewis Crathern

Overview

In this episode, Adrian Kerr reunites with renowned kiteboarder and commentator Lewis Crathern. Their in-depth discussion dives into the mindset behind extreme kiteboarding stunts, the evolving pressures of social media, Lewis’ recent move to the Harlem Kiteboarding brand, and the transition from pro athlete to leading voice in kiteboarding broadcasts. Candid and packed with industry insights, this episode delivers a rare blend of personal reflection, technical analysis, and forward-thinking commentary on the sport’s present—and future.

Lewis on Mindset and Motivation for Big Stunts

The Culture of Extreme Jumps

• Personal vs. External Motivation:
  Lewis distinguishes between stunts done from personal drive and those influenced by sponsors or social media stakes.
  • "To be successful with something like this, they have to become 100% personal." (03:46)
  • "If there’s external pressure or reason, it can become very dangerous... For me, it was so personal." (03:51)
• Earning Altitude:
  Lewis emphasizes a respect for stunts that rely on natural elements, like wind, rather than artificial setups.
  • "I've always had this thing in my head about earning your altitude." (02:40)
• Comparing Generations:
  The discussion touches on how older jumps, like his Brighton Pier feat, predated social media’s pressures and were motivated differently.
  • "I had none of that pressure when I done what I'd done. And I think that would have played a big part on me if I had all those external factors." (06:56)
• Risk Management & Recklessness:
  Perception of danger versus calculated risk is unpacked, particularly as public and media often misjudge the preparation and safety protocols behind major stunts.
  • "Nothing wind you up more as a professional athlete than when people call you reckless and you don't think about things..." (13:10)
  • "Probably with kite surfing and stunts... It's probably quite statistically safe." (13:43)

Notable Quote

"When you get to that actual point where you have to do something, you know, where it’s life and death, it’s unbelievable what that can do to you." – Lewis (01:40)

The Pressures of Social Media and Brands

Impact on Young Riders

• Rise of the Viral Mentality:
  Discussion about how social media rewards risk-heavy content, creating mental health pressures for young kiters.
  • "My worries for the younger generation is that the psychological pressure on them from social media... can really obstruct the true purpose of doing something like that." (06:41)
  • "My nice trick... didn't get much attention, but someone just jumping off a side of a cliff... has way more traction." (07:42)
• Advice for Aspiring Pros:
  Lewis encourages young riders to examine their true motivations.
  • "Why are you doing it?... Would you still do something if you didn’t have cameras around? How much does it mean to you?” (10:07)
• Changing Definitions of News and Success:
  National news is no longer the goal—social media is, for better or worse.
  • "The news is however you define it these days." (08:38)

Notable Quote

"Maybe, just maybe, the best things that happen are actually spoken about in a way that continues their legend or their story." – Lewis (11:33)

Transition to Harlem Kiteboarding

Why the Move?

• Inspiration and Fresh Energy:
  Motivation came from seeing Aaron Hadlow’s renewed excitement after joining Harlem.
  • "I wanted that... this new lease of life that he had." (19:36)
• A Place to Add Value:
  Harlem’s ethos of storytelling, team collaboration, and sustainability aligns with Lewis’ values and skillset.
  • "I was clear as day about who I was and how I felt I could fit in with the brand, which is really to help be a storyteller and to give it some depth.” (20:08)
• Team Culture:
  “I already, in three months, feel like I know everybody and their stories... Communication is really important to this brand.” (21:53)
• Raw Honesty and Input:
  Smaller team size allows for more honest input, creativity, and rapid innovation.
  • “Raw honesty sometimes can really get you places...” (24:04)

Sustainability and Innovation

• Sustainable Product Design:
  Harlem's commitment to environmental responsibility played a key role in Lewis' decision.
  • “Once I saw the wind turbine logo on the Harlem Kite, I knew it was my destiny to be part of this brand.” (26:00)
  • Local European production, single undyed material, reduced supply chain distances.
• Custom Kite Printing:
  Harlem's Brainchild facility enables unique kite customization, a feature Lewis is keen to highlight.
  • “We need to make a bigger noise about this... there should be big brands.” (29:08)

Notable Quote

"Speak for yourself! You know, we’re going places at Harlem. It's exciting." – Lewis (29:56)

Evolving Industry and Accessibility

Rethinking Kiteboarding Sales

• Different Approach to Retail:
  Harlem minimizes "closeout" cycles, keeps shops stocked with fewer units, replenished quickly from Europe.
  • “Shops just having a small amount of stock... you can get it in 24 hours, 48 hours.” (31:37)
• Efforts Toward Accessibility:
  Brand is exploring more affordable products for broader demographics.
  • “Around the corner is a kite that is being brought into the lineup which is much easier for people to handle...” (35:09)

Notable Quote

“Performance... has to be in relation to accessibility.” (35:37)

The State and Direction of the Sport

Big Air and Event Culture

• Evolution of Big Air:
  From raw power to today's highly technical, board-off tricks, Lewis reflects without bitterness on how the sport’s demands changed.
  • “When I look at it now... which is very technical, very board off related, I’m almost proud that I was in an era where it wasn't like that." (38:39)
• Athletes vs. Administrators:
  Tension exists between innovation driven by riders and the governance by event organizers/judges.
  • “When you have judges, who are they?… There’s your dilemma straight away. If the riders don’t agree... what do you do?” (41:37)
  • Lewis supports a riders' association or board as a balancing force.

Notable Quotes

“You have to involve riders that have been at the top... almost need a rider's board.” (42:20)
“Nobody would ever take the board off in over 40 knots and do a Mega loop... No way. What an idiot thing to say.” (49:12)

Spectacle of Major Events

• Lords of Tram:
  Praised for unique viewing, intense wind, and authentic event DNA.
  • "You cannot deny that it is the best arena to watch." (52:00)
  • High drama and real risk bring out authentic emotion in competitors.
• The Electrifying Atmosphere:
  “When that smoke comes… It's electricity. It’s electric. It’s electric.” (54:12)

Transition from Athlete to Broadcaster

The Art and Challenge of Commentary

• High Stakes on the Mic:
  “You’re only one word or a couple words away from losing your job. You really are representing the sport.” (56:51)
• Balancing Authenticity and Responsibility:
  Working with characters like Ruben fuels honest, lively broadcasts, but demands constant self-awareness.

Advice for Next-Gen Pros

• Plan for Longevity:
  Lewis stresses the importance for pros to leverage their competitive years to build careers in commentary, coaching, or other industry roles.
  • “Start to try and find the gaps. Where are the opportunities? I didn’t create this life of being a commentator after competing. I created it whilst I was competing." (59:04)
• Embracing Mistakes, Learning from Regret:
  Lewis’ openness about regrets (e.g., missing the Megaloop as a competitor) serves as a lesson in seizing opportunities.

Memorable Moment

“My utmost goals was to make it work. And because I had nothing to fall back on, I’ve been able to do that.” (59:23) “You must have been there, Adrian, where you just like... you sometimes do say things that are on the limit or you leave your mic open…” (56:51)

Celebration of the Community

• Harlem’s Rise and Team Spirit:
  Harlem is changing paradigm—agile, innovative, familial, and passionate.
• The Power of Connection:
  Lewis and Adrian’s closing exchange is mutual admiration for how both their careers have promoted and expanded kiteboarding’s visibility.

Key Timestamps

• 01:10 - 02:40: Mindset behind extreme stunts; “earning altitude.”
• 06:41 - 08:38: Social media pressure and changing landscape for exposure.
• 13:10 - 14:41: Recklessness vs. calculated risk in kiteboarding.
• 19:22 - 20:08: Moving to Harlem; value and roles in the brand.
• 26:00 - 28:21: Sustainable design and environmental alignment.
• 31:37 - 33:38: Unique sales/distribution model.
• 38:39 - 40:46: Big Air’s evolution, generational shifts.
• 41:37 - 43:12: Athletes’ vs. administrators’ influence.
• 52:00 - 55:34: Lords of Tram event and its "electric" atmosphere.
• 56:51 - 59:04: Broadcasting vs. competition, legacy building.

Final Reflections

Lewis Crathern brings rare humility, wisdom, and humor to everything from high-stakes jumps to industry introspection. His journey mirrors the kiteboarding world’s own evolution: more complex, more connected, and, at its best, more community-driven than ever before.

Memorable Quotes Recap

• “You have to make it personal. That's the only way to really get through all that noise.” – Lewis (03:46)
• “Would you still do something if you didn’t have cameras around?” – Lewis (10:07)
• “Once I saw the wind turbine logo on the Harlem Kite, I knew it was my destiny.” – Lewis (26:00)
• “We're going places at Harlem. It's exciting!” – Lewis (29:56)
• “You’re only one word... from losing your job.” – Lewis (56:51)

For anyone invested in kiteboarding’s future—from aspiring riders to veteran fans—this episode is a masterclass in how passion, innovation, and a sense of purpose keep both sport and community thriving.