Kitesurf365 - The Megapod
Episode: "New Dog, Old Tricks: Jett Bradshaw"
Date: October 16, 2025
Host: Adrian Kerr
Guest Co-host: (Absent: Colin Colin Carroll)
Featured Guest: Jett Bradshaw
Episode Overview
In this episode of The Megapod, Adrian Kerr dives deep with pro kiteboarder Jett Bradshaw on the aftermath and adrenaline of starring in Portrait’s latest video, "New Dog, Old Tricks." The discussion revolves around Jett’s wild experience riding an old-school C-shaped kite in extreme conditions, offering both comic banter and sharp insight into the evolution, technicality, and dangers of kiteboarding. The episode wraps with a thorough update on the electric Woo Worlds and Nations Cup leaderboard shake-up.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Video Hype & First Impressions
- [00:28] Adrian and Jett react in real-time to having just watched the Portrait video “New Dog, Old Tricks,” which features Jett’s attempt at old-school kiteboarding.
- Both are visibly amped; the segment sets a light, comedic tone.
Quote:
“Watching that video again just makes me froth... try and bring that old style back. I definitely won't be putting the boots on.”
— Jett Bradshaw [00:46]
2. Throwback to C-shaped Kites
- [01:30] Jett shares that the session was his first-ever on a true C-shaped kite—a rare challenge for modern pros.
- The differences between C-shaped and modern "bow" kites are highlighted; Jett is floored by their raw power and lack of depower options, making the session high-risk.
Quote:
“That is a big, brutal kite to ride...”
— Jett Bradshaw [01:43]
- The gear was completely borrowed except for his bar, making comfort and control an ongoing issue.
3. Session Build-Up & Mental Game
- [03:00] Jett recounts improvising his way to Mykonos, unexpectedly joining the session with zero gear except his bar.
- Adrian humorously describes Jett “pacing around from about 9 in the morning to about 4:30 in the afternoon” trying to psych up for the dangerous session.
4. Riding Experience: Sheer Brutality
- [05:29] The duo details just how difficult and physically demanding it was.
- Jett describes continuous, unstoppable power—no real depower, no rest—leaving him in a constant battle with the kite.
Quote:
“There's no D power... it's either on or it's on.”
— Jett Bradshaw [06:28]
- Even basic maneuvers became a massive challenge; Jett felt “like a total beginner” [09:19].
5. Technique: Loops, Lines, and Limits
- [07:23] They discuss technicalities—looping a C-kite on short lines is “near impossible” and downright dangerous.
- Jett considers trying longer (16m) lines to make certain tricks safer and more manageable.
Quote:
“The down loop is something that I can’t explain... just so grunty and so aggressive...
— Jett Bradshaw [07:45]
6. Comparing Past and Present: Heroes and Legends
- [10:26] References to legendary riders (Lewis, Reuben, Storm G) who performed incredible feats on the same type of kite.
- Jett is humbled by what the “old school” guys managed with gear this rough—modern pros would “second guess even taking out this cart.”
Quote:
“I can't wrap my head around Lewis... how do you jump a pier on a cart like that?”
— Jett Bradshaw [10:37]
7. Adrenaline, Danger, and Drive for More
- [12:48] Adrien asks if the experience makes Jett want to push further with radical, retro gear.
- Jett is energized, saying it’s given him “a fire to almost go back to the old days... and really experience kiting, how they experienced it.”
8. Safety Message
- [13:51] Adrian and Jett strongly caution listeners against attempting similar feats unless they are elite-level riders.
- Old kites like the Fuel are not suited for today’s casual or intermediate users.
Quote:
“I don't think the kite is meant to be doing that type of stuff... if I'd have stayed out there extra 10, 15 minutes, it could have gone seriously wrong.”
— Jett Bradshaw [14:15]
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
Jett on the challenge:
“Even just riding left and right... not even jumping... you’re battling the car, you’re fighting.” [08:57]
-
Adrian on limits:
“Every time, I was just waiting for that—one of these landings is going to go horribly wrong.” [12:19]
-
Jett’s passion despite carnage:
“For my sake, for everyone's sake, don't [try this at home].” [15:21]
Important Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 00:28 | Reaction to Portrait’s “New Dog, Old Tricks” | | 01:30 | First time on a C-shaped kite | | 03:00 | Jett’s spontaneous trip to Mykonos | | 05:29 | Discussing the borrowed kite’s condition | | 06:28 | No depower, full-on power throughout | | 07:23 | Technical analysis of line length and loops | | 09:19 | Feeling like a beginner again | | 10:26 | Legendary old-school feats with the same equipment | | 12:48 | Would Jett push the limits further? | | 13:51 | Clear safety warning to listeners | | 15:21 | Jett’s closing reiteration: “Don’t try this at home”|
Woo Worlds & Nations Cup Leaderboard Update
Following the interview, Adrian recaps the latest results and drama from the Woo Worlds and Nations Cup.
- Netherlands wins Nations Cup, New Zealand 2nd, South Africa 3rd.
- Highlights of top performances, especially from foilers and wingers.
- Notable results:
- Netherlands: Levi Smith (highest jump, 36.4m), Jamie Overbeek (36.1m), Evan Klein (32.7m)
- New Zealand: Hugo Wigglesworth, Clark Robinson, and more push into podium with massive final weekend efforts
- South Africa: Big final day, huge effort from the women’s side and impressive wing/foiling stats.
Quote:
“The Nations Cup proves to be one of the events to win... I want to see more.”
— Adrian Kerr [end section]
Tone & Style
This episode balances irreverent, humorous banter with deep respect for kiteboarding’s roots and the bravery of those who push it forward. Adrian and Jett riff like old friends but repeatedly bring listeners back to safety, context, and the community spirit of the sport.
Summary
If you missed the episode:
Jett Bradshaw gives a firsthand account of the bone-rattling, mind-bending experience kiting with ancient gear and huge risk. The conversation is a celebration of both modern kiteboarding’s progression and the old guard’s legendary guts. The show is a high-energy, candid dive into progression, nostalgia, and professional risk-taking—plus, a thorough competitive scene update to boot.
Don’t try this at home—unless "home" is the world stage.
