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- [00:01]
Stig Hushnagar
Welcome to the kitesurf 365 podcast.
- [00:04]
Podcast Host
Welcome back to the show. I hope you all had a great weekend. On today's episode, I catch up with a good friend of mine, Stig Hushnagar. We talk about going from competitions to content creation, working with some of the biggest brands in kiteboarding, and how he finds balance when he's on the road so much. Stig, along with Andy Troy and Edward Hayton, are creating some of the highest quality kiteboarding content around. If you haven't checked out some of their stuff, definitely go check it out. They're in New Zealand and the Cook Islands at the moment, so there's going to be more of that coming out. Ladies and gentlemen, Stig Hoof Nagel.
- [00:46]
Interviewer
You were just saying that you've been whale watching this morning?
- [00:49]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, I just came back. I was rushed out of the shower, sat down to join you here in this podcast. And, yeah, we're whale watching, spearfishing, doing a bit of deep sea fishing. It was a no wind day here in the Cook Islands and with the whales. I'd swam with the whales before, but they were just sitting there for like an hour, just laying, turning around and coming to breathe and then. Yeah, it was crazy. Such a cool experience.
- [01:17]
Interviewer
How was the Cook Islands as a kite destination? I know that people from New Zealand go there, but it's not super popular. Right.
- [01:25]
Stig Hushnagar
It's mostly Australians and people from New Zealand. Correct. You rarely see any Europeans. I think it's for a reason, because it's quite far. I don't think we can go any further. Being European, it's really, really beautiful. That's all I can like. It's every. I mean, I'm in Atataki and this place has. It's like an atoll which has about 10 small little islands around the. The coral reef. And every single island's different. And it's just so stunning. It's crazy. And there's nobody around for some reason. Just. There's nobody. We went. We were swimming with the whales this morning for like an hour and there was nobody, like, kiting most of the time alone. It was pretty surreal.
- [02:15]
Interviewer
I think the people of Cook Islands, they like it that way. They don't want too many people there.
- [02:19]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, yeah. Actually, because the guide has been taking us out on the boat. He said there's elections coming up soon. And then the one guy, he really wants to support tourism and the other one doesn't. Or how he wants to keep the. Well, he doesn't, doesn't. It's not that he doesn't want to support it, but it's just. He wants to keep it to a. Yeah, a pretty small amount, which I think is good because it's such a. It's so beautiful. Like you have to take care of these beauties, you know, like, you can't just have it overrun by tourists.
- [02:57]
Interviewer
Yeah, I have been up there, but not. Not to kite, but, mate. How many countries you been to this year, Stig? I mean, I look online, I see you pictures in China. I saw your Mykonos about two days before that. I see you in New Zealand. Now you're in Aitataki. You've been in Pangolin.
- [03:11]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, it's been real crazy.
- [03:12]
Podcast Host
Yeah.
- [03:12]
Interviewer
How do you keep count?
- [03:14]
Stig Hushnagar
I don't. So what else? Someone else asked me this question yesterday and I was like, just naming countries based on like the, I don't know, the photos I have on my phone and the movies we've done and stuff. And I probably forgot some when I was telling that story so I wouldn't be able to recall it right now. But yeah, it's been. Been super busy and it's. Yeah, I'm super happy and fortunate to be able to be this busy. It's been a real dream, especially coming here to the Kuka Islands was like, wanted to do that for the last like eight years and finally I found someone that was willing to travel this far with me. So that was really nice.
- [03:53]
Interviewer
Mate, before we get into it, dude, because I want to cover a bunch of stuff today, let's talk about Andrea's move to rd. Mate, what did you think when you A, heard he's leaving Duotone and B, he was going to rrd? Rrd. Rrd. I find that difficult to say.
- [04:08]
Stig Hushnagar
Rrd.
- [04:09]
Interviewer
Yeah.
- [04:10]
Stig Hushnagar
Roberto Ricci Designs.
- [04:12]
Interviewer
Yeah. Yeah. What was your thoughts on that, bro? Because that was big news, right?
- [04:16]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, that is big news. Especially since I would say he is or he was the. Their eight year rider, like he was the one with the most titles underneath his belt. He was really crushing it. He did some crazy. I mean, the Dubai stunt was crazy. Like he was really sort of covering it all and yeah, it seemed like he was having the best, like years of his kiting career in terms of what he was doing and how he was performing as an athlete and all these things. And I suppose if you're that hot and booming, there's other brands also really eager to get you on board and especially someone like Andrea, I think make quite a big difference to a brand and you never know what goes on behind the scenes. Right. Because we don't really see RD that often on the water. At least I don't. But they could have something really golden on their hands that we don't know about yet. And that's the reason why he goes on board or could be many things. Right? Yeah, it's super cool to see. I mean, you've seen it with Gil and Ocean Rodeo, like, can make a big difference. The move that Giel's making again this year can suppose make a big difference to the, to the brand. So, yeah, I think it's only a good thing because we're all doing it for the same love and passion. Right. And if they have a really good working product that the riders believe in, that says a lot, mate.
- [05:46]
Interviewer
And he's going to get his own signature kite called the addiction APO4. I mean, how cool is that to have a signature kite? We need more signature kites, right? I mean, everyone should have a signature kite like they do in skateboarding. You get your board?
- [05:58]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, I believe so. Yeah. Yeah. That's like any, any athlete's dream, right, is to have something that's representing your name or your style or. Yeah. Your design.
- [06:09]
Interviewer
First of all, let's talk about New Zealand. I remember you said to me you were going to New Zealand, but I kind of like, I. I sort of like forgot about it. And then you are jumping off another cliff. First of all, how did you find that cliff? How did you find that place? Because New Zealand is a big place. As in it's got a lot of coastline. It's not like just Cape Town. It's not going to be just around that area. Yeah. How did you go about finding that area?
- [06:32]
Stig Hushnagar
I mean, when I was in, when I was in New Zealand, I found out that you're from New Zealand. I didn't know that.
- [06:37]
Interviewer
You didn't know that? Where'd you think I was from?
- [06:39]
Stig Hushnagar
No, I did not. I don't know. I thought, yeah, that's a good question. For some reason, the uk. But that also doesn't make sense. And then maybe, maybe I thought it was Australia. I don't know. I never really. Never maybe crossed my mind.
- [06:53]
Interviewer
Yeah. See, that's how much I care about you, Stick. I know everything about you, mate. You know nothing about me. I'll never forget that.
- [07:00]
Stig Hushnagar
Shame. Sorry. No, I was, I was traveling with Andy and he's really into paragliding and he was basically looking for all these cliffs where he could paraglide because it was kind of like a stopover before coming to the Cook Islands. To sort of break the jet lag, but at the same time see the place. Like if we travel this far, you might as well make the most out of it. So we rented a camper van and we drove around and we were basically looking just on the map and like, what is the wind direction and what's going to be good, what's not going to be good? And he found this place for paragliding and I was actually planning on doing it at all. I was just sitting there. He was paragliding because I didn't bring a paraglider. And then I was like, I'm a bit bored so I might as well jump from the cliff. That sounds really, really stupid. But it was, it was, yeah, it was, it was kind of like the perfect day. Like it was just sunny out, it was like 12 knots. It was just. Everything was just super peaceful and calm. And then I have all the gear that's meant to be doing it or like the specialized gear for it. So yeah, it's not as big of a risk as most people think most of the time.
- [08:14]
Interviewer
I mean, you've been to Misty Cliff so many times over the years, you've never been to that spot. Is there some sort of reservations when you get to a new spot that you've never even ridden as a kiter and thought, I can make this, is that just all this experience on show?
- [08:27]
Stig Hushnagar
I think it's, it's a combination of different sports and hobbies. I have, I mean I have a long background in kiting obviously, but then I started skydiving and I paraglide quite a bit. And I think is the combination of all these sports that gives me the knowledge to be able to feel comfortable about the situation or understand the situation. And therefore I feel comfortable in the situation. And especially this day, like you could just see everything that was happening super clearly. And Andy was already paragliding there for like two hours and he came down and he briefed me on the places where I, what I should do and where I should be and shouldn't be. And then we completely analyzed the place and then, yeah, it was pretty easy, let's say. I mean the, the thing is that it was quite a remote place. So the, the grass was like super, super thick. Like it was like if you would walk in the grass it would just be like knee to hip deep cross, which is not ideal when you want to make speed for like a takeoff. So that was the only thing I struggled with a bit. So I had to like walk back and forth quite a Few times to make it a bit to patch it down and then I had a good takeoff spot.
- [09:40]
Interviewer
Yeah, I mean it looked beautiful up there. I mean I believe that you're up in the very north of New Zealand there, right? I mean this is, by the way, this is the middle of New Zealand winter. I mean that video looks so beautiful. I mean was it cold when you were there?
- [09:52]
Stig Hushnagar
It is your winter. Yeah, but I mean I'm from the Netherlands as in our winters are actually cold. I mean it was kind of chilly but it was, it was, I don't know, it was like 15 degrees and the sun was out so it didn't like I was in a shorts and in a T shirt so it wasn't really. Yeah, it wasn't that cold.
- [10:11]
Interviewer
Did you end up getting to kite with Mark or Hugo or any of, any of the Auckland based riders?
- [10:17]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, I linked up with Mark like three times I believe twice for a session. But the first session was a bit mue, it was just not so windy. But then it was there with all the other locals, local New Zealanders and yeah, that was nice. And then the second session we were meant to link up but then he at like last minute he was like changing spots. I think he was testing kites for north and then went to have dinner with him once and said yeah, I know Sophie, his wife quite well. So we all had a lovely day just in Auckland. So yeah, that was really cool because I used to see him a lot and now because he doesn't really compete anymore, hadn't seen him in ages.
- [11:01]
Interviewer
What spots were you riding in Auckland?
- [11:03]
Stig Hushnagar
That's a good question. I know it's somewhere on my phone. I don't remember the names. I think one of them was called Tamaki Spit or something.
- [11:13]
Interviewer
Oh, Tamaki, yeah, yeah, Tamaki like is, yeah, Tamaki Spit.
- [11:16]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, something like this. It's like super, like the, maybe the flattest water I've ever kited. Man, it was just butter and there was nobody around. It was really nice. It was like these trees slightly hanging over into the water. We can jump over and stuff. It was really good. And it's just the middle of the city which is, I don't have that.
- [11:35]
Interviewer
I mean you can cut every single wind direction, right? Because the way the, the harbor set up, the bays are set up, you know, the beaches. You mean if it's blowing north, no problems. It's blowing south, you pretty much got everything covered.
- [11:46]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, yeah. Especially if you have a car and you're willing to drive, you can kite every Day, I would say, I mean,
- [11:52]
Interviewer
you'd be one of those guys who's been the most successful at crossing over from competitions to content. Is that a viable path for people who are getting towards the end of their end of their competition career? Because, I mean, there's not many guys have done that well. I mean, I think you've done it the best, really. I guess that's a two part question. A, how hard is that? And b, is that a viable way for people to continue their kiteboarding career?
- [12:17]
Stig Hushnagar
I mean, I did it super early and that was not because I didn't want to stop competing. It was more that I felt like I was putting in so much effort into competing and I wasn't really getting out of it what I was putting into it in terms of money mostly it's like, not that I want to put anyone or myself on a pedestal or anyone else, like, take them down, but I don't come from a family with money, so I had to figure out a way to make it sustainable for myself. And yeah, if I put more money into training and then the moments I don't make the podium, I don't get money in return. I was just basically losing money on the competitions and all the training that has to go on behind the scenes. And I think like 10 years ago you were kind of. It wasn't as competitive, so you were able to do all the commercial stuff and compete at the highest level at the same time. Where now, like, because the kites have gone so good and all these young kids coming, looking into the scene, they're so good, the level progresses so fast that it's just nuts. A sustainable thing to do both, at least not the way. Because, like, yeah, we spoke about at the beginning of this podcast how busy I am now traveling and doing all these projects for all sorts of sponsors. I cannot do that and train and progress, like, it's just impossible. I cannot live two lives at the same time. And I think I realized this when I probably got the kota podium because it was like a lifelong goal, right? It was like trained for that for 10 years. It was like always looked up to it and always wanted, like, I never dared to dream to be even on the podium. Like, I want to just be part of the. Of the kota crew, right? And to be on the. On the podium is a whole different story, I suppose. And I thought it was going to completely change my life and my career because, like, it was the biggest thing I could have achieved. So. So, like, early on, I suppose, and it didn't really change anything. Like my contracts didn't get better. I mean, the kota prize money isn't that big considering it's just one event in the year. So I just simply needed to find different ways of, yeah, making money. And I think unfortunately, the kiting world is kind of small, so you reach a ceiling quite easily when it comes to your kiting sponsors. But I figured, like, if I can have that sort of salary from a few different people, different brands that have nothing to do with each other, they don't interfere with each other, they only complement each other, then it starts to become really interesting. So that's where I started focusing on. And that really helped. Like, the content really helped. Because the moment I start to reach out to these big brands and they find out that like on social media at least there's not in the mail, in the mail kiting scene, there's not really anyone that's much bigger or does more stuff than I do, then it's a real easy choice for them to be like, okay, yeah, this is the guy we want. So I think that was like a. Yeah, a very early realization of that. It had to figure out a different way. And I mean, the love of the sport is still there. Like, I love to travel, I love to explore, I love to learn new things, new cultures, new. New kite tricks. Like see new kite sport, new meet new people. And yeah, I'm doing that more than ever. So in that. And I'm like in charge of it myself. I don't have to be restricted to certain competitions. So, yeah, in terms of how I feel about kiting and the way it makes me happy and I'm more happy now than when I was competing. As sad as it might be.
- [16:11]
Interviewer
No, I don't think that's sad at all. I mean, you've always had great business relationships, right? Jeep capital.com Oman tourism. I mean, these are the ones I'm not just coming off the top of my head. I mean, that's what I mean. You've. You've always done this the right way, which has always been impressive. How do you foster those relationships? Because we do see these big people come into the brands, right? You, you know, we saw Porsche come in over the years. We saw Virgin come in. How do you keep these brands coming back to you? Because that is the difficult part, right? Because a lot of guys, we saw Qatar come in with gk and Qatar probably realized there's no return here. How do you keep these brands interested in working with you?
- [16:51]
Stig Hushnagar
Well, that's a very good Question. I think as well, if I, if I take my newest sponsor, which is Jeep, that kind of grew really naturally. Like I would never partner up with a brand that doesn't, that I don't fully support or I agree with and I wouldn't use myself. So for example, I'm sponsored by insta360. I was using their cameras before I got sponsored. So it's like it just made so much sense. And then Jeep, in that sense their motto is to like go anywhere, do anything. And that's exactly what I want to do. Right. I want to go to Oman. Want to be in the middle of the desert where you can't go to or get to unless you have a proper off road vehicle like a Jeep. So that all these things, they just make a lot of sense. I think they have to completely align with your beliefs and what you want to do and how you travel and how you do all your things. And yeah, that relationship just grew like it's. Jeep started with the Netherlands and then we did a project together and that grew like it was me reaching out to them and then I completely overd delivered and they were like, okay, wait this guy, we can't let go of this guy, wait. And then the Netherlands started taking me on like these business trips basically to Italy, which is the, where the headquarters of Jeep is. And then it was just all, yeah, showing what I'd done and like the photos and the video showing that to the people that are actually behind Jeep, like the, the marketing managers and the CEO and the sales reps and so on. And yeah, that kind of grew. And then I started asking for cars in different locations and then always gave a bit more than I was supposed to be doing. And I think that was the, yeah, that's probably been the key, like always over deliver a little bit, especially in the beginning since you have to prove yourself. So if they ask for certain things, you just make it so much better. Right. Which is also kind of a challenge because you never know for sure that it's going to be better than their expectations. But I've been very fortunate to at least with Jeep, make that happen. So. Yeah, it's a good question, but I don't know, I don't know how much longer it's going to last. You never know. But I always try to do my absolute best and keep them happy and make the most out of it. Out of every opportunity that you get.
- [19:18]
Interviewer
I mean, I think the quality of the content that you guys are putting out at the moment is second to none Whether it's Andy Troy or Edwin Hayton, it's crazy level. I mean, I think that also goes a long way as well. Right? I mean, you've gone for that very, very high polished look. And you know, guys, if you haven't seen Patagonia, it's. I mean, it's kind of crazy, just that level of quality that you guys are working at.
- [19:42]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah. And it's like the fortunate thing that I have in this sense is that I started to edit most of my videos myself when I was like 16 years old. And because I always try to improve my edit skills and my color grading and understanding, I don't know, cover shots are not really a thing anymore. But I was really into this for a few years, try to get as many cover shots as possible. But to get a cover shot, you have to really think outside of the box and get a creative photo. And then I managed to get 12 cover shots in like two years time just because we constantly kept on sending them, like the best possible photos. Like they were just having an options of five photos and then three of them were mine, and they were just all better than the others in terms of, like, how creative they were. And so, yeah, I think it's that combination of understanding how to process your own content and look through the eyes of the videographer or the photographer and being the model at the same time. To combine that sort of. That knowledge of those two elements with someone that's so talented, like Andy or Edwin, and to sort of share that vision, then. Yeah, that's usually when the magic happens.
- [20:58]
Interviewer
Color grading is an interesting one. Right. Because I definitely know there's some people out there who crack those colors way too much. And I know straight away when I look at it, it sort of puts me off. How do you get that color grading? Right. That it is natural? I mean, that's. I know that might be a sort of sort of techie question, but there is natural and then there's way too much.
- [21:18]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, that's a good question. Like, I always try to try to portray the, like, the experience that I had when I was in that place and sort of transfer that onto what the video should look like. So it's the most natural way of looking at it. And sometimes, like, I remember when I was doing the. The tulip video in the tulip fields, I couldn't touch the colors basically because it was just going to look fake. And in places also, like here in the Cook Islands, like, you can't really change it too much because it's just Going to look unreal, which it is. But it like at the same time you have to sort of keep it realistic where if you would touch them too much, it's going to just look, yeah, oversaturated or a bit weird. And for the good order, like, I don't color grade my photos, so most of the photos that I do, I'll tag Andy and then, you know, it's been him. But most of the video work, especially the reels and most of the longer form videos, I edit and color grade myself.
- [22:27]
Interviewer
What's the next content coming up from you? Because I know you've got. You've already done a bunch of trips. You already maybe a couple trips ahead of the releases. Obviously we saw Patagonia. What's next? And when will this New Zealand and Cook Islands edit come out?
- [22:42]
Stig Hushnagar
The New Zealand edit is like 90% finished. I just haven't had time to really fix everything because yeah, there's always these little things like sound and color grading and mixing it all nicely together. And I haven't, I haven't had time because like we would wake up here in the Cook islands at like 8 in the morning. We'll prepare for the day, then we leave for the harbor at like 9, 9:30 and then we out and we come back around this time, which is like five o'. Clock. And then it's like we back up all the, kill the footage and then we go for dinner, we sleep basically. So I'm hoping to do that anywhere next week. That's the goal. And then the Cook island video is most likely gonna happen probably from like around the 15th of August, around this time, maybe a little bit later. It depends a little bit on how fast I can turn things around because I'm. I'll be making those edits. And then I did a trip in Iceland which was really, really cool. And I think we're gonna. We'll wait for that one to be released around October, like end of the end of September. October. Because it's a bit more of a winter mood. So I think that makes more sense to release it a bit more in. In autumn, late autumn, winter. But that one's sick and I'm not, I'm not editing that one. This Edwin is doing that and it's going to be like a proper movie again. And it's real cool. We have some really unique stuff that nobody's ever done before. Like real experience, like real kiting adventures that you can't even think of. And yeah, we did it. So I'm super excited for that one I've been showing a little bit because it was also a commercial with Jeep, so I've been putting out a few small reels. I think we have to do a post tonight again. But the real good stuff. Don't tell Jeep, but the real good stuff is yet to come.
- [24:44]
Interviewer
Is that just with you, or is it with you and heal and will heal. Come on more trips with you?
- [24:49]
Stig Hushnagar
No, this trip was just a solo trip, mainly because the biggest supporter and sponsor was Jeep. And then it was done with the custom kite, which I posted a photo about not too long ago. It was like the reflection one. And then there will also be another custom item. I can't fully say what that is yet, but it will be for sale and it's very pretty, and it has something to do with Iceland, so that's going to be super exciting. But, yeah, can't say much.
- [25:22]
Interviewer
Well, he'll do more trips with you, like the Patagonia trip, because I felt like you two really are a good mix together, you know, like, sometimes on those trips you need, like, someone, like, someone to balance you out. Right. Someone who maybe can have a bit of fun, but also can go and do his kite boarding and his training at the same time. Almost like back to Hidden Lines, actually, way back in the day where all three of the boys had kind of different agendas, you know, during the trip.
- [25:46]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, no, totally. I love. I, I, I prefer to do trips together because it just bring. It's just so much more fun, really. And if you're having more fun, that shows on the video. Even though I do these trips because I want to have fun and, like, it's super cool. So also, this trip here in the Cook Islands, I'm doing together with Ellie Dimitrova. So there's a bit of a. Yeah. A male female dynamic between. Between us, which is nice because she can. Like, the Coco is so beautiful. Right. Like, I'm not gonna be walking there in a bikini looking all pretty, like you could. That's not gonna be me. Well, who knows, you know? No, but there's such a, like, deep culture in the Cook Islands, where. Yeah. Both from men and female. Like, it's really. It's really cool to sort of show both sides of that. It's kind of like what switch kiteboarding did, like, 12 years ago or something like this.
- [26:42]
Interviewer
I think it was Mark and Greta.
- [26:43]
Podcast Host
Was it Greta?
- [26:44]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah. Greta Minardo, I think. Yeah.
- [26:47]
Interviewer
Do you do some research into the culture before you go? You're speaking of Cook Islands there with. With the relationship with the female and male and the sea there. Is that something that you do a lot of before you go to a new spot?
- [27:00]
Stig Hushnagar
I always, like, I'm always generally really interested in that this time, because Ellie, her boyfriend is from New Zealand, so she has that Maori background knowledge, let's say. So it was mostly coming from her this time. But then sometimes I would be super curious in certain, I don't know, things that were happening or why they were happening or where the most of the Polynesians originally come from and all these things. And then, yeah, I do look into that because I'm just, I want to know. So, yeah, 50, 50, I would say.
- [27:35]
Interviewer
How do you keep your work life balanced? You know, like when I go on these trips, man, I just don't look after myself enough. You know, I come home from these trips, I feel like, how do you get that balance right? I mean, you were on the road so much, you travel so much, you're hardly at home. I would struggle to get that balance. Is that something that you have to do or look after yourself? Because for me, I've got the breaking strain of a Kit Kat mate. It's too easy to get on the beds every night and you know, especially when you're away on those trips, it's kind of exciting. That's like a, there's a rush to be away with the boys.
- [28:08]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, totally. That's a woman. You, you're asking very, very deep, good questions. I like it. I, I actually question myself this all the time because I have been traveling non stop for the last, like, I don't know how many years and I haven't gotten really sick at all. Like, not that I can remember, which is at least a few years back. Not like sick sick. Yeah. Try to eat as healthy as I can, wherever I am. Very simple foods, not too much processed stuff. And like today we're spearfishing. We'll be eating that fish probably later. Like really try to like eat healthy and clean. Yeah. Work out, drink enough water, get enough sleep. It's like, it's real simple. But if you do that consistently, then the only thing that sometimes kind of fucks with the rhythm a bit is the jet legs, which can make it a bit harder to straight get into things. But then I've realized that if I do too much, like too much work, like physical work, like kiting or going to the gym the day of traveling, that never really works. So I try to always sort of keep a little gap in between when I'm flying. So the Day after, when I get home, I have to really rest first. And the day before I fly, I really try to rest. So it's like all these little things that add up. And, yeah, it's been working out. And I think also because all these trips are so amazing, like, I'm always in a good headspace, which really helps. Like, always super happy and. Yeah, I mean, life can't really get any better at the moment, so I think that really helps too.
- [29:55]
Interviewer
Have you thought about doing a trip with your old mate Cohen? Because you were like, you know, it was. Cohen and Stig were sort of like one of the original dynamic duos back in the day. Have you ever thought about doing a trick with. With Cohen? I know he's still pushing it at the competition level, you know, still making big podiums. Has there any been any chat of you guys doing. Doing anything?
- [30:15]
Stig Hushnagar
I really want to. I really want to. We were flying back on the same flight from Mykonos back to Amsterdam, and then we spoke about this, actually. But there hasn't been made a real plan yet. But who knows? I would love to, like, either get involved in some Red Bull project or, I don't know, it can be anything. Um, but that could be really cool. Or to do maybe something at home in the Netherlands itself. That could be real cool. Um, no, I'd love to. So go on, if you're listening. Where do we go?
- [30:54]
Interviewer
I want in as well.
- [30:54]
Stig Hushnagar
When do we go?
- [30:56]
Interviewer
Yeah, when, When? I mean, it's kind of crazy. Like, you know, it's. It's interesting speaking to Cohen and Mykonos and, you know, he's like, man, I used to be the young guy in these events. Now I'm like one of the oldest guys riding it. And it's. It's. The careers are so much shorter now. Stiggy, I think probably you got out at the right time. You know, after 20, 21, it was, you know, Andre Lorenzo and those guys just, you know, started cranking up the heat, and now there's just younger and younger guys coming who are so skillful. Maxwell Dahls, the Finn Flugels. I mean, Leonardo Casadi. I mean, it's kind of crazy. And it's interesting to speak to Colin because he's like, you know, it's tough.
- [31:32]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, yeah, It's a real shitty situation because, like, if you would have asked me this same question last year, like, who is going to be your favorite to win King of the Air? I would probably have said Cohen. You know, like, he was really, like, when I was Riding with him in Cape Town, he was. Wow. It was really insane to watch. Like, he was so in control, like, everything, every session. Also, like, it's not just having one good day. It was just always, like, killing it, basically. And then. Yeah. Changes so quickly. Right. It's like. I mean, he's still better than he was back then, but just that the other kids are even better than, you know, like.
- [32:14]
Interviewer
Yeah, they just learn faster. But, yeah, I mean, Cohen is still. Man. He still wants to do the comps, man. And I think he's so good on camera, too. It'd be super sick to see you guys do something.
- [32:24]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah. He always feels a bit like. Like my little brother. Like, we. We know each other for such a long time. Like, I think it was like 2015 or 16 when we were both sponsored by Nash in the Dutch team, and then we'll be doing these demo events together. And he was kind of always this kid that was just super full of energy and super happy and couldn't really stop doing anything, really, to becoming a very mature, very.
- [32:57]
Podcast Host
Yeah.
- [32:58]
Stig Hushnagar
Good friend, like, close friend where you can just talk about things. And, like, he's progressed so much, like, as a. As a person, and then to. To sort of see that whole. Yeah. Change in, like, in how he's developed himself in the kiting world is just super cool. So I would. Yeah, I would love to. I know he's making a really, really inspiring documentary with Red Bull. He showed me the trailer the other day, and I had a tiny little tear in my eye. I was like, wow. Yeah, that's good.
- [33:28]
Interviewer
Stig, we need to get Nash Team Europe back up in action. I'm not saying it's like the. The junior team to the Nash International, but it pretty much was, right? I mean, how many great writers come out of that? I mean, it's crazy, right? It's you, Timo Cohen. I mean, it's just unbelievable talent came out of that. Out of that team.
- [33:45]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, yeah. Clement was in there.
- [33:47]
Interviewer
Clement as well.
- [33:48]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, yeah. Long, long before that. Yeah. Is it. Good question. I think it's a matter of getting the right resources in terms of Nash is like. Yeah. After Covid, like, everything was, like, up and down quite fast in terms of revenue and money. And I think they've been a bit more cautious when it comes to spending money, especially now, these last few years. And I know that it's high on their bucket list because it's like, yeah, that's what we do, right? We support young talent to hopefully make it and be very good. And big for the brand, but I think just the amount of resources we just don't have enough of at the moment to really support that in a good way or the way I would like to do it, which is, yeah, concentrated and focused on doing trips together, learning, and not just on the water, but also off the water, where we. Yeah. Talk about things that we're talking about now and. Yeah. How. How you want to see yourself in the industry and how you can be useful for a brand and all these things.
- [35:04]
Interviewer
Do you or do you have aspirations to do any mentorship and work with young riders coming through the NASH system? I mean, I know you're super busy and you don't have a lot of time, but, you know, you can't always create content.
- [35:16]
Podcast Host
Right.
- [35:16]
Interviewer
Can't always travel. Is that something that you'd like to do? Because I think sticky. You've got so much experience, whether it's competition or content, and those are the sort of two angles that you can go now, you know?
- [35:30]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah. I mean, it's really that we don't really have anyone, but I was. I was like.
- [35:37]
Interviewer
But you can.
- [35:38]
Stig Hushnagar
That's 20, 19. What? Yeah. Yeah.
- [35:41]
Interviewer
You could easily get 10, 15 kids or 5 to 10 kids who are desperate and would just lap it up, you know?
- [35:47]
Stig Hushnagar
Yeah, yeah. So I was going to say that, like, when Kevin was doing the Nash Team Europe, when he left, I kind of took that over a few years later when we. When we started it up again. And I would really love, like, I really enjoyed these times. Right. Because they, like, we just have fun activities planned for the day and we just go and do things and learn and learn from each other and. Yeah, it's just super interesting and, like, rewarding to see that your knowledge has been taken on and that they learn from that. I think that's quite a rewarding thing to be doing. So, yeah, I would love to do that more, for sure. I don't know if I'm the best coach when it comes to tricks and. Really. Yeah. Making people progress. Like, I've been a kite instructor for a long time, so I'm like, kind of have knowledge about it, but I'm not. Like, for example, when I kite with Cohen and he gives me tips, I'm like, holy shit, dude, you're born to do this. Right? And I'm like, not as good in that part, but I think, like you said, the content and the strategies and how you approach certain sponsors and what they want from you, that this is definitely a part where I would like to help people Get a better understanding on how they can manage that on their own for sure.
- [37:04]
Interviewer
I mean, I don't even think it's about coaching these days anymore. You know, like Andrea said to me one time, I said, it's just so much more difficult to be someone who's, you know, creating tricks and someone's following, you know, now people can look on Instagram on the other side of the world, break down the trick into, you know, to all the pieces and learn it, but someone has to create it. So I don't think you have to worry about coaching Sticky. I think it's more your experience and you know, in the industry, a, as a competitor, as a, as a major podium getter, you know, to creating content and, you know, targeting brands. I, I, I think you could give so much back, man. I really, I really do believe, you know, and I think you'd be awesome at it.
- [37:42]
Stig Hushnagar
Well, thank you. Appreciate that. Let's see. It's, it's always, it's, it's in the back of my mind. I just, at the moment I really haven't had time to process the thought, especially with my sponsors because like, if I, if I do such thing, it will, it will most likely be with Prolimit and Nash in this sense because yeah, I think that makes the most sense because they get something out of it as well. Who knows?
- [38:12]
Interviewer
How is the transition? I know we're, we're a few years into the Kubus years of Nash now. Have you noticed a distinct change in Nash? It was led out of the US to, to now where it's been led out of Europe. I mean you've gone from a family brand to more of a corporate brand. Have you, have you noticed a distinct change and do you like the direction that Nash is going in?
- [38:34]
Stig Hushnagar
Yes. I mean it's different. I wouldn't say I like this is a different way of liking the brand, I suppose, where yeah was very family based, like everyone knew each other, like everyone was sort of a friend of the, of the brand where now everything is a lot more monitored and I have to put in a lot more reports on what I do and where I go and why and all these things. And I was always doing that for myself anyways, just to keep track. And I think for some team riders that was like a learning curve because they weren't really doing it and they were just getting their new contract the next year and yeah, based on what, I don't know. So I think it's good in terms of. Yeah, for the brand definitely because it's just. Yeah, we put this much money in and we get this out of it. Like, it's very transparent. Yeah. Yeah. And, yeah, it's a hard question to answer, to be honest. I don't. I don't really know. I know for a fact that the products are so much better, like, compared to what it was, just because that whole process is being cleaned up. Like, if you go from testing prototypes to making things into the factory and so on, if that whole process is just super transparent and clean, you'll put out products faster and better. And there's. Yeah, it's just monitored in a better way. So. Yeah, in terms of gear, most definitely. But for me, as a writer, I always kind of did my thing, so, like, it didn't affect me so much. But I think in terms of, like, the structure of the gear and the brand and, like, I don't know, this is as simple as going from, like, what kind of twin tips do we have in the lineup? Is there anything that's overlapping each other? Like, what kind of kites do we have in the lineup? Like, are there things that are pretty much the same or very close to each other? Like, why do we have them? Like, just start asking a lot more questions, I suppose.
- [40:41]
Interviewer
Two questions. Do you ever hear back from Ewan Jasmine about the designs and what is your favorite kite to ride in the lineup?
- [40:50]
Stig Hushnagar
I am going to the US by the end of August to go and do some kite testing with Ewan. This will be for the new Pivot Envision, so I'll be busy with that, which is super exciting because he's super excited about it. So that makes me super excited about it because I love riding good kites, obviously. And then Jason has been doing the same thing with the Psycho Envision, which is our big air kite, and he's in the US at the moment in Hood river. And I was riding that kite in Cape Town this year, and it's a. It's a beast. Like, it's so good. So that makes me. And now that was. That was like half a year ago, so can only imagine how good it is now. I believe they're going to try and come and release that soon. Probably by the start of the autumn, like, September, October, I believe. Don't hold onto this date, but somewhere around there, and that's a really, really good kite. And it's going to help him with competitions and help so many other people just jump higher and better. And it's just easier if you have a good kite. We're going to try and do the same thing with the pivot. I always write the pivot for the second question, so I'd love to see that kite be even better because I kind of go anywhere and I do get myself into locations and places where I don't know what to expect. Like, it's not Cape Town or Brazil where I know exactly what I'm going to get every day. So then I want a kite that's as versatile as possible, where I can bring it out foiling, or I can take it into the waves or I can unhook with it, or I can do some big air tricks with. Does all that really well. So, yeah, pivot most definitely.
- [42:33]
Interviewer
Thank you very much for coming on the show, buddy. It's always a pleasure to speak to you. I'm looking forward to seeing this New Zealand and Cook Islands edit. Obviously, the ice and one you've been talking about to me for. For a month or so now. So I'm excited to see that, mate. Glad. I'm glad.
- [42:47]
Stig Hushnagar
I'll send you the trailer and then you'll understand.
- [42:49]
Interviewer
Oh, yeah, yeah, do that, do that. I'm glad the southern hemisphere has looked after you. And. And when do you leave the Cook Islands? When. When do you go back?
- [42:55]
Stig Hushnagar
We're flying out tomorrow. We've been so lucky, actually. Like, we arrived the first day was not so much wind and then we had just clear blue skies and 20 knots, like, throughout the whole time that we're here. And then the one day we want to go wheel watching and like, spearfish and do some other things, there's just like another breath of wind. It's just butterfl. So, yeah, we couldn't been. Been. We couldn't have been any luckier than that, I'd say. And we're leaving tomorrow, so, yeah, with a very good feeling.
- [43:30]
Interviewer
Straight back to Europe or you are stopping in New Zealand for a few days.
- [43:33]
Stig Hushnagar
I'll go to. Yeah, I'll go to New Zealand for like one or two days and then I fly to. To Europe. I really want to stay at home for at least like, a few weeks because I've been on the move since October last year or September. October last year. And I would get home for like, days. A few days. A small week if I'm lucky. So I kind of want to, yeah, stay home for a little bit because I have to go by the end of August again. So. Yeah, gives me a few weeks to edit process everything. All these amazing memories and things and. Because that's also the thing, right. Like, this was a dream trip to do and then to. If I would go straight into the next thing, I couldn't even, don't even have time to process this.
- [44:23]
Interviewer
You've got to always take time to enjoy what you're doing, right? Can't always be about work. And I think I need to learn that too. Sometimes I go on these trips, man, I come home from these trips, I'm just broken.
- [44:32]
Stig Hushnagar
There's a, there's a fine dynamic because like the first two day, like the first few days, I'm exactly like that. Because I'm like, fuck, I've made it this far. Put all this money and effort in and what if, you know, what if it doesn't work out? Like, I have to try every single moment of the day. I have to be trying, you know, and if you. I kind of hold on to that mindset for the entire trip, but then towards halfway, when I have, when I know I have a lot of good footage already, then I can sort of start to really enjoy it more. Where I say, like, okay, I'm still going to try super hard to make all these shots even better. But I know I already have some stuff, so worst case, if it doesn't work out, I already have some stuff. So that makes the enjoying part of it a lot, a lot nicer, let's say.
- [45:20]
Interviewer
Well, let's think. You're a legend, brother. Thank you for coming on the show, mate. I look forward to seeing you soon. And mate, I can't wait to see these videos, man.
- [45:28]
Stig Hushnagar
Thank you. Was a pleasure speaking to you again. And yeah, all the best. You're in Thailand, right?
- [45:34]
Interviewer
So I'm in Thailand, bro. You stop, you stopping on the way past. We'll have a night out in Bangkok. We'll put that, we'll put that in the next video. We'll do a capital trip to Bangkok.
- [45:47]
Stig Hushnagar
I'm scared for that.
- [45:48]
Interviewer
All right, brother. See you, man.
- [45:49]
Stig Hushnagar
All right, cheers. Bye bye.
- [45:51]
Podcast Host
Hey, guys, I hope you enjoyed that episode. Don't forget, if you want to support the show, the easiest way is to do it for free. Rate me on Spotify. I'm loving those five star reviews, guys. Keep them coming in, share them in your local WhatsApp or kite surfing groups, or just simply tell your mates. If you want to support us more regularly, head over to portraitkite.com and check out all the madness there. Portrait is an independent media company trying to tell the stories of kiteboarding the way we believe they should. These projects are funded by people just like you. If you believe in what we do and want to support us more, head over to portraitkite.com guys, the podcast will always be free. You don't need to worry about that. But if you want to find more episodes just like this one, you use the search button at Kaitsu 365 to search your favorite writer or topic. And we'll be back this Thursday for the Megapod.