Kitesurf365 Podcast — Stijn Mul ("Stino") | Episode #403

Host: Adrian Kerr
Date: August 25, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers on Stijn Mul—better known as Stino—and his major move from Cabrinha to Haarlem Kiteboarding. Host Adrian Kerr explores Stijn's reasons for making the jump, his ongoing competitive form, gear transitions, and team dynamics at Haarlem. The conversation also touches on training for major events, technical gear advances, the evolving landscape of Big Air kiteboarding, and the future of Stijn’s SpaceX crew.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Move to Haarlem Kiteboarding

• Big Decision to Switch
  Stijn shares the personal and professional weight of moving from Cabrinha after three successful years to Haarlem, highlighting existing relationships and local ties.
  Quote:
  “Leaving Cabrinha after three years was quite a big step to take... I was looking for a bit more even. So that’s why [the move] happened.”—Stijn (00:49)

• Local Connection
  Being from Bloemendaal (near Haarlem), Stijn knew the team and owner. There was a natural rapport, making the transition smoother.
  Quote:
  “We've been always kiting together and I know the owner, so we've been always chatting about like, hey, it would be nice to ride together or do something together... maybe put those promises into actions and that's what happened.”—Stijn (01:12)

2. Performance, Gear, and Adaptation

• Consistency Despite Change
  Adrian points out Stijn’s notable results—multiple finals in major comps—signaling his strong connection with previous gear.
  Quote:
  “That doesn’t sound like a guy who's not connected to his gear.”—Adrian (02:01)

• Gear Transition Details
  Stijn details his experience working on the 8m Aluula Moto X with Cabrinha, his favorite size, and how Haarlem offers diverse options for competition strategies.
  Quote:
  “Now with Haarlem, there's way more opportunities to learn new tricks, do better with all sort of different kites in one comp.”—Stijn (02:48)

• Learning Curve Moving to Haarlem Kites
  Stijn discusses differences between three-strut (Cabrinha) and five-strut (Haarlem Peak) kites—timing and technique adjustments were required, especially in variable conditions.
  Quote:
  “I had to change a few things like timing before the takeoff or timing before you loop. But... after a few very nice sessions in Denmark, I really felt warmed up on the new gear.”—Stijn (05:53, 06:37)

3. Riding Style & Competitive Strategy

• Signature Move and Style
  Known for powered single loops and "board off kite loop from the fin," Stijn plans to maintain his signature style and adapt it to new gear.
  Quote:
  "My style will be the same because I really like to do those tricks... My strategy will now be depending on the wind and the wind strength mostly.”—Stijn (03:53)

• Expanding Double Loop Game
  Stijn's goals include innovating with double loops (e.g., fin board off double loop), facilitated by the new range of kites.
  Quote:
  “My new goal is to do the same kind of tricks but then with the double loop...”—Stijn (05:29)

• Competition Focus & Pressure
  Despite recent expectations, Stijn remains grounded, emphasizing fun, holistic contributions to brands (content, development), and not being driven by external pressure.
  Quote:
  “For me, still competing is for me to have fun... there are some much more things going on than only the competition.”—Stijn (08:35)

4. Haarlem Team Dynamic & Culture

• Team Structure
  Regular team calls, direct communication, and mutual motivation set Haarlem apart as an energetic, family-like atmosphere.
  Quote:
  “Every Monday we have a team call with all the riders, with Aaron, with the marketing lady. So there's actually a bit of structure inside of the brand.”—Stijn (10:00)

• Contrast With Former Sponsors
  Haarlem feels more “family” due to local proximity and shared language.
  Quote:
  “With Haarlem, it even feels more like a family…everyone is almost Dutch. The headquarters of Haarlem is 20 minutes away from my house.”—Stijn (19:11)

• Product Development Role
  While eager, Stijn isn't the lead tester at Haarlem—Aaron and Ralph fulfill that. He will contribute feedback when possible, but focuses on riding and content creation.
  Quote:
  “For me is like I want to ride good gear, create good videos and do well in competitions. And also... it’s nice to just focus on my own riding for now.”—Stijn (11:40)

5. SpaceX Crew and Brand Partnerships

• SpaceX’s Future & Harlem
  Ambition to integrate SpaceX riders and co-branded gear under Haarlem is ongoing, though some have existing commitments elsewhere. New branded products are in development.
  Quote:
  “That is one of the goals of course… I will be working on getting the whole team to Haarlem side of course.”—Stijn (12:12)

6. Training and the Big Air Landscape

• Short Line Evolution—Mega Loop Event
  Discusses the impact and challenge of 18m (and shorter) lines on competition and jump mechanics; sees it as a positive extreme for mega loop events.
  Quote:
  “The shorter your lines are, the more extreme the kite's gonna fly... I feel like for the Megaloop, this is a great move.”—Stijn (13:14)

• Line Length & Event Choices
  Details competition strategy, line length setups, and the need for multiple customized bars for efficient training.
  Quote:
  “All riders... have to order, for example, new line sets. Because 18 meter is not something a regular bar has. So we all have to make sort of custom bars.”—Stijn (15:52)

• Coaching & Experience in Short Line Events
  Experience in past short line competitions helped him adapt quickly and perform under pressure, in contrast to some riskier efforts by less experienced riders.
  Quote:
  “Cohen and I have experience inside the competition. So we, for example, know. Okay, land three tricks first and then push it.”—Stijn (18:10)

7. Gear Choices & Technical Insights

• Mixing Kite Models (Peak & Thrive) Explains his strategy for choosing between Haarlem’s Thrive (for doubles) and Peak (for singles), and how different kites suit specific technical tricks and wind strengths.
  Quote:
  “I have the six and the seventh thrive for the double loops... Then I have another 7 of the peak and another... 7, 8, 9 peak for the single loops.”—Stijn (20:25)

• Double Versus Single Loop Evolution
  Notes that double loops appear less dramatic, but advances in gear let riders pull off bigger tricks even with smaller kites.
  Quote:
  “The double loops are looking like less powered, for example. Not there aren’t less powered, but it looks like it from, from the side. So that's maybe also why the scores are a bit lower.”—Stijn (22:02)

• Takeoff & Kite Pumping Preferences
  Timing and gear stiffness affect takeoff—he prefers high PSI for optimum performance; discusses hand pump vs. electronic options.
  Quote:
  "If you have the timing right, all of the kites will have a vertical takeoff. But it will be easier with the three strut kite than with the five stroke guide because it's just faster to position in the sky."—Stijn (23:19)
  “The meter says 12, so that's, that's hard. I don't know if that's recommended but... the more strong it is the, the better.”—Stijn (24:02)

Notable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)

• On switching brands:
  “Leaving Cabrinha after three years was quite a big step to take... I was looking for a bit more even.”—Stijn (00:49)

• About strategy and dealing with new equipment:
  “But I feel like that I'm not like really stressing about that. The 8 is still my favorite size. Still my go to size.”—Stijn (02:48)

• On team spirit at Haarlem:
  “I can really feel the motivation that the whole company has. So the owner, but also all of the other riders... I can really feel that they're hungry to grow.”—Stijn (10:00)

• On event pressure:
  “Maybe there's more pressure on Harlem than on me, to be honest.”—Stijn (09:37)

• Competitions and new setups:
  “For the Megaloop, I feel like this is a great move. All the riders are going to be pushed into a new lane to practice their tricks on a new setting.”—Stijn (13:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:49 — Stijn on leaving Cabrinha and joining Haarlem
• 02:02 — Recent results and connection with previous gear
• 03:14 — Stijn’s unique riding style and gear considerations
• 05:53 — Adjusting to Haarlem kites, learning curve in new conditions
• 07:18 — Denmark trip and pre-Cold Hawaii preparation
• 08:35 — Pressure, competition focus, and balancing priorities
• 10:00 — Haarlem team dynamics and regular meetings
• 11:06 — Stijn’s role in product development at Haarlem
• 12:12 — Integrating SpaceX crew and product collaboration
• 13:14 — Mega Loop event, short line excitement
• 15:52 — Managing bar setups and training routines
• 18:10 — Experience in adapting to short line comp pressure
• 19:11 — Haarlem family culture vs. Cabrinha
• 20:25 — Technical choices between Harlem Peak and Thrive
• 22:02 — Public perception and competition scoring on double loops
• 23:19 — Kite timing, takeoff, and pump preferences

Memorable Moment

• Unplanned Boat Sighting
  (“Wait, I have to show you this. There's coming both. You have to see it, man. Look, it's a tiny boat, dude.”) Stijn interrupts the technical chat for a lighthearted observation, adding to the episode’s relaxed, authentic tone. (03:53-04:47)

Conclusion

This episode delivers an in-depth look at a pivotal moment in Stijn Mul's career: his switch from Cabrinha to Haarlem, ongoing technical progression, and how he maintains top-level performance amid change. Through candid technical discussion, team insights, and competitive philosophy, listeners gain a unique understanding of the evolving Big Air kiteboarding scene and Stijn's role within it.