Kitesurf365 | The Megapod

Episode: "Pippa Is Up Next"
Date: January 29, 2026
Host(s): Adrian Kerr, Colin Colin Carroll
Guest: Pippa Van Ursul

Episode Overview

This episode of The Megapod welcomes elite kiteboarder Pippa Van Ursul to discuss her recent brand change, insights into equipment, the current state of women's kiteboarding, and the dynamics within men’s and women’s competition. While Pippa remains coy about her incoming brand, she speaks openly about her decision-making process, the technical challenges she faces as a lighter rider, and broader topics such as competition structure, gender equity, athlete welfare, and the future of the sport.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pippa’s Brand Transition

Time: 02:52 – 07:11

• Pippa confirms her departure from Duotone after eight years but withholds specifics about her new sponsor.
• She describes the challenge of keeping her new gear under wraps in Cape Town, sometimes deliberately riding different kites to confuse onlookers.
• The switch was motivated by a desire for alignment in vision and innovation, rather than dissatisfaction with Duotone:

  "Sometimes you just feel that when you're that long with a brand, you kind of want to change a bit. ... I now just have other ideas in my head where I want to go to. And then there was this brand that the vision just aligns perfectly." (05:00, Pippa)

• The actual process of switching brands is both proactive and opportunistic:

  "Sometimes the brands don't really see possibility because I'm for eight years with Duotone... And now that you announce that you're leaving, it opens a door for some brands, but then it's kind of already too late." (05:58, Pippa)

2. Technical Kiteboarding Challenges as a Lightweight Rider

Time: 07:11 – 12:23

• Pippa emphasizes how most kites are built for heavier, male riders, making it hard for lighter women:

  "Most kites are built on a lot heavier people. I'm 60 kilos and majority of the guys is 85... When I loop, it's really hard to get under the kite because I'm so much lighter." (07:49, Pippa)

• She praises the Duotone Evo D Lab for its compatibility with her (and other women’s) riding style, especially in lighter winds, but notes issues in high wind due to her weight.
• Advocates for smaller size chicken loops, bridle tweaks, and harnesses:

  "The chicken loop can be a lot smaller because my arms are shorter than guys’ arms as well. So I want the bar to be closer to me..." (09:20, Pippa)

• Expresses desire to educate lighter/kid riders about equipment personalization.

3. Analysis of Men’s Fleet and Competition Outcomes

Time: 13:00 – 16:35

• Pippa predicts Lorenzo, Leonardo, and Finn as top male prospects for the year:

  "Lorenzo... is just a machine... Leonardo, they're going to be insane. But I also think Finn... he's been the most impressive rider from everyone." (13:32, Pippa)

• Finn is recognized for effortlessly mastering difficult tricks in multiple disciplines.
• Pippa admires freestyle crossover ability and says Finn is taking it to the next level.

4. Judging Trends & Athlete Authenticity

Time: 15:45 – 17:30

• Adrian raises concerns about judges dictating the sport’s direction, especially with scoring doubles.
• Pippa values athletes maintaining their unique styles rather than chasing trends for scores:

  "I think that is very important: always stay true to your own style. ... You don’t see that authentic style going through [if you just copy what judges want]." (16:35, Pippa)

5. Spotlight on Mika and Women’s Competitive Mindset

Time: 17:30 – 24:50

• Pippa and the hosts praise Mika’s rapid technical progression, especially after injury.
• Discuss Mika’s selective approach to competing—only entering events when she knows she can win, tied to her long streak as a champion.
• Pippa relates to balancing internal and external pressures and learning to listen to her own intuition:

  "...I just needed to find a balance... I let a lot of decisions be based on what was good for the athlete part, but not necessarily good for me." (24:50, Pippa)

6. Mental Health, Balance, and Athlete Growth

Time: 24:50 – 33:02

• Discussion on the importance of trusting personal intuition after injuries and rehab.
• Pippa singles out Luca as an example of a rider with a strong life-athlete balance.
• Notably, she observes the shift in mental approaches as riders achieve more, citing Steno’s transformation from “happy-go-lucky” to a more results-driven competitor.
• Emphasizes that each athlete must find their own successful approach:

  "You’re always your own person and really try to find what works for you... get inspired for sure, but always really figure out what is your way." (30:48, Pippa)

7. Gender Equality and Industry Opportunities

Time: 33:02 – 37:36

• Pippa feels supported by her new (yet unannounced) brand in pushing for equal opportunities for women:

  "They want to push women and they want to create this equal opportunities. And that's what I find so important." (33:47, Pippa)

• Stresses not limiting herself with a “female, so it’s harder” mindset; instead, sees herself on equal footing.
• Acknowledges broader industry challenges but sees improvement and increasing big events (the “big five”) featuring both men’s and women’s divisions.

8. Athlete Value and Sponsorship Beyond the Sport

Time: 37:20 – 40:02

• Pippa diversifies her sponsorship avenues, producing vlogs and building a business skillset.
• Encourages young athletes to look beyond just athletics:

  "We need to focus on social media. We need to be good at business. We need to be good on the water. Like, there’s so many aspects..." (37:36, Pippa)

9. Structure of Women's Competition and Growing the Sport

Time: 40:02 – 44:23

• Adrian notes that women’s fleets remain shallow, with a handful of top participants.
• Pippa counters that men’s fleets were also stagnant in earlier years, and that time and exposure will boost women’s participation.
• Advocates for more entry-level competitions to bridge the gap for aspiring competitors.

10. Emerging Female Riders and Age in Sport

Time: 44:23 – 46:19

• Discusses promising younger riders, especially Aya Kasabova and Rose from France.
• Notes that, unlike in the men’s fleet, a female’s age isn’t as restrictive to entering high-level competition.

11. Athlete Health, Longevity, and Sport Impact

Time: 46:19 – 50:39

• The panel speculates on long-term effects of kiteboarding on athlete health:

  "We kind of sign up to be in a car crash every week, you know, so your body need to be able to handle that." (47:19, Pippa)

• Discusses how approaches to training have shifted from bodybuilding to functional, flexible strength.

12. Prize Money Equity & Event Formatting

Time: 51:13 – 52:23

• On prize money: Pippa believes equal pay is fair when there are equal numbers of men and women competing:

  "...if we have the same amount of girls competing as guys, then we need equal prize money." (52:18, Pippa)

• Advocates for changes to event trophies (e.g., the Queen of the Air title vs. “women’s division,” and new trophy designs) to better reflect women’s achievements.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pippa on changing brands:
  "I now just have other ideas in my head where I want to go to. And then there was this brand that the vision just aligns perfectly." (05:00)

• On kite design for lighter riders:
  "Most of the kites are designed for men. ... It can also be small changes in, like, a chicken loop size in the bridles, in everything." (09:20)

• Pippa’s advice for young athletes:
  "You’re always your own person and really try to find what works for you and don't look too much at what everyone else is saying or doing." (30:48)

• On equal prize money:
  "...if we have the same amount of girls competing as guys, then we need equal prize money." (52:18)

• On injuries and risk:
  "We kind of sign up to be in a car crash every week, you know, so your body need to be able to handle that." (47:19)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:52] Pippa joins; discussion of her brand change
• [07:49] Technical challenges of being a lightweight rider
• [13:32] Pippa’s predictions for standout male riders
• [16:35] Debate over judging and authenticity in performance
• [17:41] Mika’s competitive mindset and training focus
• [24:50] Pippa on balancing athlete and personal identity
• [30:48] Athlete individuality and mental health
• [33:47] Gender equity in the kiteboarding industry
• [37:36] Building value as an athlete beyond podiums
• [40:56] Discussion on the depth and growth of the women’s fleet
• [46:19] Athlete health, injury prevention, training evolution
• [51:13] Equal pay, competition formats, and the importance of recognition

Closing Thoughts

This episode offers an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of competitive kiteboarding, with Pippa Van Ursul’s story serving as a lens for broader conversations on equipment, gender equity, mental health, and athlete welfare. Her candor, technical insight, and practical advice provide invaluable context for industry insiders and aspiring riders alike.

Pippa’s announcement regarding her new brand is highly anticipated and will be followed up by the show.