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- [00:00]
A
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Zara Hugenrad announced that she had parted ways with her sponsor, the kite that had carried her to a world championship, a megaloop title, and the podium at the Red Bull King of the Air. In this exclusive, we sit down with her to find out what comes next. I'm here with kiteboarding's latest independent rider, Zara Hugenrad.
- [00:30]
B
That's a nice way to put it.
- [00:32]
A
Well, we've got to be positive in these moments, Zara, don't we?
- [00:35]
B
Yeah, for sure. Like, I'm just trying to move forward and excited for what's next.
- [00:40]
A
Well, you're looking happy. How have the last few days been?
- [00:43]
B
Yeah, the last few days have been a bit tough. Like, obviously I didn't see all of this coming. CORE decided to go through some internal changes and that came with ending our partnership. So it was a bit of a surprise for me. Like, I didn't see it coming at all. So it has been some emotional days, but I'm just trying to focus on what's next and ready for my next chapter.
- [01:08]
A
It's crazy because, you know, after the Yannick accident and you know, CORE went through those sort of dark days in big air, you and Jasmine were the only people holding the flag for CORE and pushing CORE in competitions. I mean, it feels like a really said into a partnership.
- [01:23]
B
I think that's also why comes with a most a lot of emotion for me. Like CORE has such been a big part of my whole journey. Like we've been through everything together since 2021 when I started kite surfing, my kite surfing career. Let's say I've been with them from the very beginning doing my first kite loop on a core kite by becoming world champion in 2024, winning Mega Loop in 2025. So it has been a big journey and I think that's why it comes with so much emotion for me. It's also like the whole people behind the brand, everyone that has been there for me from the start, like, they have literally always been supporting me. So I'm really grateful for that. And they just had to go through some changes and the only thing I can do is respect that.
- [02:08]
A
How were those conversations with core? That must have been pretty tough.
- [02:13]
B
Very tough. Yeah. I had a conversation with my team manager last. Not last Friday, but the Friday before, and I could see in his face the emotion. And yeah, obviously he has also been here my whole journey. So it was a very emotional talk. And then I had a phone call with the CEO last week, which Was also a very emotional talk. Yeah. The only thing I can do is just be very grateful for it and, let's say, understand their decision.
- [02:43]
A
I think you're right. I say, I think sometimes you just have to accept it, even if it doesn't seem like the right move. I mean, for me, the thing that stands out is just the timing of it. For you to go through this in April, late April.
- [02:56]
B
Yeah, that's what makes it very. Yeah, that makes. Makes it very tough. Like, I didn't see it coming. So I've never been talking to other brands. Like, I've always been very loyal to the brand. I think that's really how I am as a person and something I will also, also never change. But it makes it a little bit difficult now because, yeah, there's so much stuff I have to think about now. But actually the most important thing, like I heard it's now almost one and a half week ago that I got the news and I needed some days to, like, process everything. And then I spoke with my team manager and we decided to post a reel that I post today that also came with so many great support from my whole community, which I'm really grateful for. I'm really happy with everything I've built on my Social media and other people have been really nice. But for me, the most important thing right now is to just find the best kite. For me that's going to fit me, that's going to fit my style, going to fit my riding that I feel like I can win competitions with. And then I will be talking to brands to see what are the possibilities. But I don't want to compete on a kite. That doesn't make me happy. So I really need to find a perfect kite first.
- [04:13]
A
I mean, it's kind of exciting, right? I mean, when you think about it like that, I mean, if you take out all the sort of business relationships and take all that part out, it's kind of exciting journey, you know, to. To be like what Jamie's done. Go out there and get the kite that works best for you and we can speak about the board because I think that's important as well. I can see a lot of positives. I know that it's tough right now, but there is. There's light at the end of this tunnel, right?
- [04:37]
B
Yeah, that's for sure. Like, the exciting part is to try new kites. Like, I've always been riding core kites for five years. I think the only time I ride a different kite was maybe when I tried Fuse Ocean Rodeo kite. So I have no clue what other kites feel like, you know. So the trying new kite part is very excited also to know how the other riders are performing and to understand what they are feeling with different kites. I think the more difficult part is obviously the financial situation. I think a lot of people always have questions like how a sponsorship works and for me personally, like, obviously it really depends on the rider, but for me personally, it didn't only come with gear. It also came with travel support and financial support to make it able for me to travel to all the competitions, train wherever I needed to train and invest a lot of time into, yeah, being the best possible athlete on and off the water. And the rest of the time I tried to put in my social media to support the brand in the best possible way. So that's the, the financial part is like the most difficult thing in the middle of the year.
- [05:53]
A
You know, I guess to people out there who don't know the industry, it works like anywhere else. All the budgets are done around sort of that October, November situation. You have your meetings with your team manager, you decide for next year and then you start planning. So to get news now is, is. Is a tough one. Have you started testing any kites already?
- [06:13]
B
Yeah, I started testing some kites. Was funny because I also posted a story or I explained a bit about the bad news and about my reel and then a lot of people were commenting like, yeah, I can already see your kite in the back. Like, I will not mention the brand. But also I said in the story, obviously I'm going to be testing new kites. So you're gonna see me on different kites. You know, I need to test kites so there's gonna be different brands in my car all the time. I've been trying a couple of brands here which I really like. So far, like, I haven't tried a kite I didn't like yet. But I need to find a kite that's going to fit me and my riding style. And I've been also riding a kite that I think is a very, very good kite. It just, I'm just not sure it's going to be my kite. It's going to take a bit more time to, to test and different conditions. Like I've been riding one kite for three or four days in a row and the first day it was like super easy to loop it and the second day it got like so much pool because the wind was way different. So that's why I need to be riding different kite in different wind conditions because one day it can feel way different than the other day.
- [07:27]
A
If you waiting riding the xr, right? It's been your kite of choice now, the XR Pro. It's actually not a kite that a lot of other females are riding, especially that sort of, you know, the, the higher aspect kite. Are you looking forward to getting on different kites and, and kites that your fellow competitors have been riding on?
- [07:44]
B
Yeah, I'm looking forward to that. I really developed a specific style by riding the xr. To explain a bit, my style, it's a lot about high power and extremity. I would like to go as high as possible with the kite and then showcase my tricks in the most extreme and powerful way. I feel like that's really how my style developed. So I'm also looking for a kite that fits that style and then kind of evolve that style on a different kite. And maybe even riding a different kite is going to open new doors for me. Like I've been always been riding the same kite, so I really don't know how it's going to feel to ride a different kite.
- [08:24]
A
Are you going to stick with Alula because it's a, it's a material that you know, or are you going to look at Brainchild kites as well? Because I mean, it's a, it's a valid question, you know, I mean, I was speaking to Jeremy about that and he's like, no, no, I don't want to go that way. I like Alula.
- [08:39]
B
I also really like Alula, but I haven't been riding Brainchild kite. So I feel like I can only decide by trying as many kites as possible and then I can find the best fit for me. So I can say now like, no, I'm only going to stick with Alula because that's what I've been used to. Like for me to try new kites, I try to stick with my most with the setup I'm used to most. So I'm riding a 136 centimeter board. That's what I would like to try to ride. Now I didn't know there was different sizes of bars. Like there's so many different sizes. So I'm trying to stick with the size I was riding on a core bar, mostly riding hard settings. So that was more like this extremity that came alive in, in my loops, 22 meter lines. So this is what I try to keep as close to what I'm used to as possible. And then once I start to get used to the kite. I can slowly adapt some things, like changing sizes of bars and this kind of stuff. Like, I think I would stick with a 136 centimeter board because I'm pretty tall and it works good for me.
- [09:47]
A
Are you going to look at riding different boards? Because you have been riding the car board for some time. There is a lot of options out there when it comes to boards. Is that something that you're going to dive into as well and, and, and, and try as many boards as you can? Because you don't have to ride the brand now right at the moment in your position, you are going to get a kite you like and you're going to get a board you like. Almost like what Jamie's doing.
- [10:08]
B
Yeah, exactly. Yeah. I've also been talking to Jamie because I think he's the perfect example of riding whatever is the best. Like, I just want to ride what makes me able to perform at my best. And if that's a different kite and a different board, then maybe I should go for that. But I feel like the kite is the most important thing for me. Like, I've. I always say also to feel like it's just the board. And he's like, no, it's not just the board. Like, it can make a lot of difference. So now I also hear, like, if it's a stiff board or more like with more flex in this kind of stuff. So as long as my knees and my body do not start to hurt and I feel like I can perform well on the board, that's also important, of course. But for me, the kite is what. What's the most important for now, maybe when I'm testing, I'm like, new doors open, like so many different boards. But I've always been riding the Imperator, which I was really happy with. So, yeah, definitely also need to try some different boards.
- [11:09]
A
How long do you test for? Because Mykonos is around the corner. What kite are we going to see you on there? Are you. I. I assume you're not going to ride CORE at Mykonos at all, right?
- [11:19]
B
No, I said goodbye to core. So I will also sell all my gear and looking for. For a different brand. So I don't think I'm going to ride those kites. For me, the most important competitions will be Mega Loop and Queen of the Air. Like, my biggest dream is still to win Queen of the Air, of course. So that's, that's going to be the full focus for this year. But if I find something before Mykonos, I will definitely also compete in that competition. Just, I don't want to put so much pressure on myself. Like, I feel the guys, they adapt very easy and fast to new kites. Like, if I see some of the guys trying new kites, they straightaway do all their tricks and I feel like I need some to first gain some confidence. Like, first time I was riding a new kite a couple of days ago, the XR is obviously a kite that responds way slower than most, Kai. So every time I took off, the kite was already past 12, so it was missing all the lift every time, all over again because it was so used to steer the kite in a specific way. I also feel that if I switch, for example, from 7 to a 12 in one day, I also need to adapt a lot. But now it was like every time I took off, I'm like, I'm missing all the lifts. So it took me almost a day to get used to the takeoffs already. And then the next day I was like, okay, now I can push some tricks because now I feel like I get good height with the kite. So, yeah, it takes me way longer than most of the guys. But I think also more people can relate to that. Like, I feel like you can compare me more to, let's say, like a random writer than top, top level guys.
- [13:06]
A
You know, I'm actually looking this as a really good opportunity. You know, sometimes, sometimes you need to kick up the button and things don't go your way for that next stage of, of your career. And I, and you, as you said, you know, you got such a great online social media. You know, you felt the love today. Everyone's been messaging, even on our Discord group. It's just the whole Discord group is full of love for you, so it's awesome to see those people turn out. Are you going to compete in Mykonos or are you just really going through the motions in that?
- [13:36]
B
I don't want to say yes and I don't want to say no yet. After the last competition in France, I felt a bit off because there's been now two years in a row that it has been really, really windy in that competition. And I get super scared and anxious in a good kind of way. Like, I, I know I like to compete in strong wind and I like to push myself in strong wind, but also makes me scared because if you injure yourself, it's way more. It can get way worse than when it's just 25 knots. But I feel like I perform my best in strong wind. So I Have these butterflies in my stomach. I'm having a hard time to sleep. And now, two years in a row, when I enter the water, the wind drops. And I know nobody can do anything about that. It's just the spot and just me being unlucky. And I know I also have to perform in light wind, and I know they have to keep the competition growing, but I'm just not enjoying competing in light wind so much because it doesn't give me that feeling that when I land the trick and in the loop, I get a lot of yank. And then I landed and I'm like, oh, this is so sick. And I don't have that. When I just land a boogie on, let's say 8 or 9 meters high, like, I don't get that exciting feeling. And that's the reason why I compete. But except for heels loss heat in. In the King of the Air, the Red Bull competitions for me have always been in really in conditions I've. I've been really enjoying together competing. So Mega Loop is for sure always in strong winds and King of the Air, mostly also.
- [15:13]
A
You still want to compete, right? I mean, this is still the goal. You're not. You're not going to move away from competition. I don't want to say that you're one of the oldest ladies out there competing, but, I mean, at some stage you need to think about what's next for your career. Have you thought about that as well? And where you're going to take kiteboarding moving forward? Because you are one of the big faces when it comes to the female division.
- [15:35]
B
Yeah, for sure. I've been thinking a lot about that because obviously I'm not going to be able to compete for 10 more years. So it's going to end at some point. That's why also, I was maybe feeling a bit off after the competition in Lord of Tram, because I thought, like, was this maybe my last GKA competition? Do I still want to push this kind of competitions, or do I just want to focus on the big competitions that give me a lot of pleasure. Pleasure like Mega Loop and King of the Air. And then the news from Core came after that. So it has been a bit of a. Yeah, I've been a bit like, lost, feeling lost and disconnected from myself for the past weeks. But also it gives me some fuel and fire now to move forward. And I definitely still want to compete because still on my biggest goal, number one dream in my list, in my book, is still to win Queen of the Air. So.
- [16:28]
A
And. And the way you won the 24 world championship with the. The boogie double was crazy. And the Mega Loop and the. The. I'm going to call it the Queen of the Air. What the hell? I'm going to say queen of every now. And to top that off would be. Would be amazing. I want to come back to the ladies division a second. Just how hard is it to find exterior sponsors that are outside of the kitesurfing industry? Because for a lot of people out there, they always say to me, how come they don't have Ford, how come they don't have Mitsubishi or whatever and these other brands? But how difficult is someone who's prepared to put money into riders and into the sport that's not involved in kiteboarding?
- [17:05]
B
Apparently it's pretty difficult because otherwise a lot of riders would have it, you know, But I feel like, yeah, I think a lot of people only look at result, but being a top rider, it's so much more than just result. Like you're representing the brand everywhere you go, on the beach and at events, through your content to social media. Yeah, I think it's very difficult, like I said, because otherwise, obviously a lot of people would have had it already.
- [17:36]
A
Who do you think's doing that well with sponsors that are not kite surfing brands or accessories in the industry?
- [17:44]
B
I didn't dive too much into it before, but now that I'm in a situation that I don't have a main sponsor behind me, I saw that Gisela, she also staying or lives here in Tarifa, she has a lot of sponsors outside of kite surfing. I don't know exactly what kind of sponsors, but. And I think Lorenzo also has a lot of sponsors outside of kitesurfing. I didn't get too specifically into the details or into the sponsors they have, but it's definitely something I have to look into also. But for me, just the main focus is now to find a kite. And if I found that kite, then I feel like I can put my focus more into that because I know for myself that everything where I put my energy into it grows. So if I put all my energy into finding the perfect kite right now, I'm going to find it and then the energy can shift and I can find a sponsor.
- [18:42]
A
You're still with mystic and Surfer?
- [18:43]
B
Yeah. Yeah. I'm also pretty picky with the sponsors I. I pick. Like, I feel like if I work together with a brand, we have to strengthen each other and we have to grow with each other. And after that, I left Right Engine. I went to try different kind of Harnesses and stuff. But mystic was the best fit for me. I always adored the brand already for since I started kite surfing. I think they have such nice wetsuits, cool harnesses, super nice clothes. So I went with them but they didn't have any space in the team rider. Yeah, like they, they didn't, couldn't include me into the team riders because they didn't have any budget. And then I was just trying to show myself from my best side. And for me it comes very natural. When I believe in the brand and I really like a brand, it goes naturally to promote that brand because I just love the brand so much. So everything comes naturally for me and I think that's also what they saw. So eventually they include me into their team, which I'm really happy still about. And yeah, the same with Surfer. I remember in 2021 I was with Gil on the beach in, in Brazil and we met Herbert, the owner of Server, for the first time. He was trying out the Surfer app. And through the years we've been trying the surfer app with comparing it with different apps. But I feel like Surfer is most accurate and I really, really believe into in their product and the team behind it. So that's why I also work together with Surfer. And now I need to find a kai brand that I have the same connection with and that I can also grow with because that's really important for me. I really need to be on one on the same page.
- [20:31]
A
Let's talk about something positive for a while. I mean, you have been, you've been one of the major driving people behind the rise of the female. Big air side. Where do you see the state of female beer at the moment? Because I feel like you girls are rising, but it's a slower pace compared to the guys. I feel like the guys is like a, a tap that's been opened up fully and there's just all these young kids coming in. On the ladies side we've got young Aya Casabova who's coming in at 15. She, I think she rode last year at 14. But we don't have lot of younger girls filling up that space. How can we get more of those girls involved?
- [21:08]
B
Yeah, I'm also surprised that there's so many more young kids like guys coming into the scene than girls. But I've seen a kiting here in Tarifa, like she was landing the other day, a back row contra board of Tik Tok, I think. So she's been really pushing it and it's super cool to see Also at her age, to see her pushing the sport so much, and I'm sure she's going to be the future future of Big Air. So that's really cool to see. I think also especially we're competing in very strong competitions. There's this certain kind of fear, especially from girls, that maybe can keep holding them back. But for sure, the sport is growing. Like, I can see it on my Instagram. Also, like, the amount of messages I get from girls is so cool to see. And I always try to reply to every single messages to. I just really love the community and I want to grow the community as well on my Instagram as well in the sport. I want to get more girls involved into kite surfing because it's such a nice and beautiful sport and you're so disconnected from everything that's happening because you can't have your phone there. So such a beautiful sport. I think not many sports that you can do while not having the phone.
- [22:25]
A
In the Red Bull events, we've had only six ladies. In the GKA, we have 12. What's the right number there? Is 12 the right number? I feel like six is too small.
- [22:35]
B
Yeah, I've had a call with organizers from Megalop to maybe have a maybe like eight or maybe even 10 girls, but they need to change the heat ladder and they need to see if it all fits into the competition. I think Megaloop was the first time we had a women's division last year, so the best was to try six. Also. It's very, very tough conditions. Like in the waves with the current, I was really struggling with just already landing my basic tricks. So, yeah, that says a lot, I think. But for sure, we will have eight women that could definitely compete in those conditions. So I could. I just told the organizers what I think is my opinion and the same for King of the Air. For sure, we can have eight, maybe even 10 women to be able to compete in those conditions. So, yeah, it's definitely going to happen. But I think it also. There's a lot of things happening behind the scenes that we are not aware of that also need to be taken in consideration.
- [23:37]
A
Also, I'm a big believer of you've actually got to give ladies opportunities. You know, like going back to when Mike did the big air kite league and had the girls riding at the time, I think actually during some of those, you know, the full power tr, I think they had the biggest fleets of ladies we've ever seen. They had huge fleets of ladies. You know, it was. It was awesome. But also the level wasn't there. You had, you know, very, very high level to, to girls, I think, you know, I always give, I always tease Jasmine about that event in Tata Jub all those years ago, and Jasmine couldn't pull a loop. And I think it was you, Pippa, Jasmine and Andrea Princip's mother, you know, but we've come.
- [24:13]
B
Exactly.
- [24:14]
A
But we've come a long way from that since that time and we actually have legitimate high level competition. You know, Alyssa Minch winning last week, a new winner. You know, we sometimes we've gotten to a stage, we had the same winners. So we're starting to see getting mixed up a little bit and I want to see more of that because it's exciting.
- [24:31]
B
Yeah, it's really exciting. I'm also. It also makes me super exciting. I think what's with the rebel Red Bull competition is there's such a big live stream, like so many people are watching. So they also really care about making a show, you know, so that's why they really want to make sure that the level is there for the girls to compete. And they don't want like every girl to crash or to even injure themselves with a big live stream. I don't know how many people are watching a live stream, but I know it's. It's one of the most watched kite surf competitions in the world as well. Megaloop as Red Bull, King of the air. So I think there's a lot of things that like, for example, to put on a big show that they want to make sure that the level is there. Also, if we have girls that are getting injured, for example, and they are getting going out of the competition. Like I think with the Mega Loop, we had a list of 6 female riders and at the end, Pippa was out, Lana was out. So there was already two women that came from the reserve list. So that's why you need to make sure that you have definitely enough. Like with the men we have so many, but with the women, we need to have enough women that are able to ride in those conditions because it's really tough. It's so different to ride in the waves in 40, maybe sometimes gusts of 50 knots current than to ride on flat water, which you only have to take the wind in consideration. And now there's so many more factors like current, big waves.
- [26:01]
A
I do believe that the ladies are much better and more resilient than they were, you know, before we grew a lot.
- [26:09]
B
Yeah.
- [26:09]
A
Back in the old days, it's like, oh, it's Too light wind. Send out the ladies. But now they don't do that. I do remember those days. It was crazy. It's like, yeah, it's only 16 knots. All right, let's get ladies round one. Ready? But now it's like, hey, I remember there's some times in Buckeras when the ladies were going and I was thinking,
- [26:25]
B
this year again, this year again, they had to cancel the heat. It was the. The semi final before my semi final, and they had to cancel it because it was just too strong. Was I think gust of 50 to 60 knots or something. And at some point, Alessa, she lost her board and she couldn't body drag back up when she was going almost into the cable park. And then it's a matter of, like, safety that comes and that's more important. So then they just decided to cancel the heat.
- [26:56]
A
Why are they doing cuts? Are you. You allowed to talk about that?
- [26:58]
B
I don't want to get into too much details because I'm not sure what I'm allowed to say, and I don't want to get myself or the brand in. In trouble. Yeah, that's just the only thing.
- [27:09]
A
I wait till that last paycheck cashes and then, then, then text me.
- [27:13]
B
Also a lot of questions on Instagram I got, like, why, why, why? And I think the only thing I can say is they're just going through some changes and that's the. The reason why they decided to end our partnership. And yeah, obviously it makes me really sad, but the only thing I can do is just move forward and understand their decision because it's a. At the end of the day, it's a business and it all comes down to numbers. So I also did an economic study, so I understand that it comes down to numbers, and I don't have to take it personal, but it's just because of the whole journey we've been through together that makes me emotional because it's like ending a chapter, you know, like, also all the people behind the brand, all the relationship I built with those people, and everything I went through with the brand, and we achieved everything together. Like, it's like a relationship. Exactly. I grew so much as an athlete, but also as a person, not only like, as an athlete. Like, I put all my time and energy and invest everything in myself, like on and off the water mindset, training, nutrition, and that was. That's what allowed me to perform the way I did for the past five years. But core has been a very big part of that. So, yeah, it's sad that that Ends, but also a new chapter begins.
- [28:35]
A
And that's the way I'm looking at it. Like, you know, honestly, I like the core guys. I. I mean, I don't know what's happening there, but I. They always were so welcoming and so great and so great to deal with. So. Yeah, look, I think the best way to look at this, Zara, is it's. It's an opportunity for something new. Jamie, springboard off this baby sharks come back and. And you know, you're not the first person to go through this, and you won't be the last, but I. I love the way you're handling it. I love the open and honesty and. And just feel that love, you know, feel the love from your community. You know, you said to me, I've got this great, you know, social media presence, and it is awesome. And. And it's nice to feel that love. And, yeah, I really see this as an amazing opportunity. And I think 20, 24 world champion, 25 mega loop champion, let's hit a home run and let's knock this 26 Queen of the Air out of the water.
- [29:22]
B
That's me and my biggest dream still. Yeah, that would be so cool. Now. Yeah, you were talking about the core team also, that they. They are all amazing. Every single one of them. Like those competitions, we had two Queen of the Airs or less, King of the Air, women's division, whatever you want to call it, we had it now, and they were there on the beach. Like, the whole core team is there. You can feel the love and support. So this is something I'm really going to miss. And that's something also what makes the competition so much more exciting, you know, like, you can feel all of their support behind you, and that's not only in competition, but that has been with them my whole journey. And I can only be very thankful for that and look back at all the positive things we've been together, but also the lows, of course, make me the person I am today. And the pressure and the growth, everything.
- [30:20]
A
Oh, look, Zara, you can feel the love, you know, you can feel the love from everyone. It's not just that team. It's not your previous team. It's the whole community. And I've known you for many years now, and I've been. We've spoken about those highs and those lows. And I remember back in the big Air Kite League days, you were like, man, I'm just not getting the wind. You know, now that's changed, and you've got the wind and now you don't want the wind, but. No, but it's just. It's just awesome to. It's been awesome for me to see your growth in the industry. And honestly, I'm so impressed by the way you handled this and the way you've done it. And, you know, you haven't left bitter. You've just owned it, accepted it like a true professional. And that's something that we don't see a lot, actually. I mean, I know lots of people, when they get cut, they go on the war path, but, you know, you're. You're handling this the right way, and I think that's a real testament to you as a person as well.
- [31:07]
B
Yeah, I think also. I've been also thinking about that, and I think I handle it because of everything I've been through my whole career. Like, I've worked so hard on the mindset I have today. Like, five years of investing so much. Because I didn't have this mindset the other day. I went for a run, like, in six years. I went for a run in the first time in six years, and I did, like, three kilometers, and I was planning to do one. And while I was running, I was thinking, like, if I would have the mindset I had six years ago, I would have given up after 500 meters because I just. I was just really likely to give up on things. And I had to train my mind to keep on going and to keep on pushing, because otherwise you're not gonna achieve stuff you want and keep on this. When I got disappointed, I was always, like, really getting into myself. And I start talking with a physical therapist, with a psychologist, just because I was struggling with some things, and I didn't really know where it came from. And then she told me that it came from my past, and she gave me tools so I could work on myself and be able to be the person I am today. So, of course, I'm not always sunshine, rainbows, and positive thoughts, but I just got the tools through my whole journey to turn my negative thoughts into something positive. And it doesn't work like that every day, but in general, I work very hard to be where I am right now and to keep this mindset. And I think that's also what makes me moving forward.
- [32:47]
A
It's been an amazing journey, and I just. It's not over. That's. That's the cool thing for me. You know, it's. It's, you know, the ladies division, and I don't mean this to sound wrong. It's not. There's not enough depth in there at the moment for, you know, for people to be pushed out. You know, it's not like the guys where there's a four or five young 15 year olds turning up every competition and putting people under pressure. So I, you know, I see your value in this industry and I know that all of us, you know, want to see you in those comps and we want to see you smiling and doing well. The 2024 win riding heels board with the big foot and the foot pads. Yeah, you know, I mean, look, every time you faced adversity, you've come out of it. I mean, yeah, to do a boogie double on heels board with the legs 400ft wide, those massive, big, huge feet he has and you stuck that landing to win. Hey, it's the same again. It's, it's just different.
- [33:40]
B
Like, it's funny that you name this example, but there's so many more examples in my life with things that I prove to myself that if I believe I can do something and I can do it and I can achieve it and I have that kind of proof to myself. You know, I have the proof because after everything that happened, I became world champion and then I had a back injury in 2025, in the beginning of the year and I worked really hard to get back on my old level and then I, I won Mega loop, you know, so it's also. Yeah, for me I have a, like a list here on my phone, like a back background. It still has the cork guide though. But I write down because sometimes I also struggle with myself and with my thoughts. But I wrote down, always believe in yourself. Follow your heart. The fire comes from what you love. Built to shine. Going all in is my superpower. And I already have done what once felt impossible. So if I start doubling myself or if I feel really shit, I try to look at those things and then I have the proof to myself that I can do it.
- [34:49]
A
I want to end on one more super positive story. When you and Heel won Full power Tree for the day after good friend of all of ours, Jannik broke both his ankles really badly. Terrible preparation for you and Heel to be going to the hospital and then going out and winning it and giving those trophies to Jannik. Again, this is.
- [35:12]
B
But again this is also because of everything I've been through. I think I had that night, maybe four hours of sleep and then the night before Lord of Tram, I had very bad night of sleep. But I just say to myself, yeah, but the day when you want full power, you Also had four hours of sleep, so of course you can do it. So that's what I mean, the proof to myself that I can do it even in those kind of situations. And then sometimes I stress out, but I try to look for things that I convince my. Can convince myself that I can do something. But yeah, that moment was. Was insane. Like, especially to win a competition together was like, I'm not sure if that's gonna happen again, but it's something I'm grateful for. And we still have the trophies in our new house, so.
- [35:59]
A
Oh, he gave me. I thought you gifted them to Yannick.
- [36:02]
B
Yeah, we gave them. And then the organizers of Full Power, they saw that we gave them, so they made two new ones for us. So we also have them. So that's really cool.
- [36:13]
A
It's great to see you smiling. We started off a little bit morbid. We're finished on a high note and I really think this is the trajectory for you. You know, I. Look, you're going to be back. I believe in you. We all believe in you. The industry believes in you. As I said, you're one of the big faces in female kite boarding. Actually, you're one of the big faces in kiteboarding in general. And. And look, we're all excited to see what's next. I hope you can find a kite that you can turn up in Mykonos because it would be awesome to see you compete there and, and just sort journey towards those Red Bull events. And look, thanks for your time. Zara. I know it's. I know it's been tough times, but it can only go up from here, literally.
- [36:49]
B
Exactly. Everybody keeps on telling me, wonder closes, another one opens, or many more open. So I think the scary thing is that now it looks so uncertain. Like, I don't. The only plan I have is that I'm going to test kites. And the rest I don't know yet, you know, so. But I just trust my gut and I trust that everything I've built throughout the years will be enough to grow further into. Into my career.
- [37:16]
A
And I think you have to go back to enjoying kite boarding again, you know?
- [37:20]
B
Exactly.
- [37:20]
A
I want to enjoy kite boarding. Look, there's nothing better for the mind, for the body, for the soul, than to get on the water. I. I've called it many times. It's like movement. It's like movement meditation. You know, if you don't even have to be jumping, just cruising along over the water. That's what I love about kiteboarding. It's for everyone. It's a beautiful sport. It makes you feel great.
- [37:43]
B
Sometimes that's really hard because it's your job, it's your passion. So sometimes you really need to find that balance, like going leading towards a competition. There's obviously a lot of pressure because you want to win, you want to perform at your best. And then sometimes the enjoyment can fade a little bit to the background. But then after those competitions, it's really important to find back that enjoyment and to always keep in the back of your head that we do this because it's our passion, because we love it so much, you know, and we love you, Zara. Thank you.