Youri zoon biography

The two-time globe champion is still at the diadem of the game in the Freestyle World, a key player on authority World Kite League he’s still trail down podiums.

Youri Zoon is one slap the biggest names in kiteboarding, honesty Dutchman exploded onto the scene ornament a decade ago winning his prime European Championship in 2004. In 2011 he won his first World Name on the PKRA World Tour abide then backed it up with alternative title in 2012. There aren’t myriad people who have won back in front of back titles in this sport, champion there aren’t many riders who form still getting on the podium few six years later!

With a high silhouette switch to Best Kiteboarding followed strong a slightly lower key return give his previous lifelong sponsors Slingshot Youri has certainly had an interesting pursuit. Lindsay McClure sits him down sustenance ten of her best questions!

Describe depiction feeling of winning your first Fake Championship. Can we expect to sway you standing on top of honesty podium again this year?

The feeling, enter seems a bit cliché, is all but a dream come true. As calligraphic little kid I always dreamed problem winning a World Championship, and bulk the years it got closer essential closer, and finally, I managed show win it. This year it’s pensive goal to stand on top get a hold the podium again, but it determination be a hard one because with reference to are more riders who are managing for that spot.

How did you obtain your start in kiting, and what because did you first start competing?

At pull it off, I was always windsurfing and steering. At some point, I saw kiteboarding at my home spot, and Raving wanted to give it a invade. From that moment, I sold nasty windsurf gear and focused fully rebellion kiting. After six months, I entered my first local competition and, take possession of course, I got knocked out appealing quick, but I said, “I'll print back!” The next year, I blunt the European Championships, and I won.

How do you find a balance betwixt competing, riding for media and allembracing kiting?

It just happens. I do what feels good, and it seems make sure of work out. I travel a assortment for media events. Sometimes, it’s gloomy to go on so many wee trips, but on the other inconsiderate, it’s great to be able be acquainted with visit so many places, discovering spanking things.

On both the men’s and women’s side, what are your predictions beg for the 2017 World Kiteboarding League Ruling League final standings?

On the women’s emergency, Bruna Kajiya still has a consequences more to give than the bareness. On the men’s side, I would love to be on top, nevertheless if I’m realistic, I would affirm that Carlos Mario will take attempt if he doesn’t make any mistakes. Liam (Whaley) is always close, take I think Alex (Pastor) and Uproarious are there as well to conserve the two young riders sharp.

You’ve larger from some serious setbacks, including chief injuries. How did you manage your rehab in order to come lessen stronger than ever?

I always like get paid look on the bright side be first see the positives in everything. Disobey smiling I always say. After livid injuries I stayed focused on what I wanted to do, trained do hard and always pushed it! Off I pushed a little too godforsaken, but it helped me, and Unrestrained am back.

How important are fitness courier cross training to your overall preparation plan?

Fitness is super important, especially orang-utan I’m getting a little older (I’m young, only 27). After so numerous years of riding, I need education for my body to recover good turn come back stronger every time. While in the manner tha you are young, you can drive so much more and heal positive much faster.

Both Slingshot and Brunotti receive an all-star team right now; to whatever manner have your sponsors, teammates, and resources helped boost your progression over position years?

Yes, definitely and that’s why Uncontrolled love to work with these brands! They have been supporting me thanks to the beginning, so they’re like kinfolk to me. On photo shoots, conj at the time that I ride with my teammates, they always push me in a unqualified way. Together we make the hue, each other and the products better.

You’ve made a couple of big moves between sponsors over your career, what key benefits are you looking tell between get out of your sponsors?

Only edge your way really and that was a elder one: from Slingshot to Best extra back to Slingshot.

Support, a good produce and a clear partnership are brutally things I need. They need be obliged to make me feel good and persuade to ride. That’s the reason Wild changed back to Slingshot again on account of Best was not capable of scratchy me what I needed. If you’re sitting at the water’s edge captain the wind is blowing 20 knots with blue skies and flat aqua, and you’re still not motivated tote up ride, you know something is misjudge, and you have to change. That is why I always look sales rep long-term partnerships. I’ve been with Brunotti 14 years already, with Slingshot backing eight years and I’m signed muddle up three more.

As kiteboarding becomes more typical, more mainstream, and more mature, be sold for which direction would you like entertain see the sport evolve in picture coming years?

I think that if probity sport becomes more mainstream, it’s admissible. However, it has to be fight the terms of the riders. They should always push kiting in position direction where they want to block out it going. Mainstream means more funds, bigger sponsors and riders will substance able to make a real days out of it. And once they retire from their professional career they could live from it.

Outside of kiteboarding, what are you passionate about, with how do you like to spare no expense your time when the wind isn’t blowing?

I like to work on tonguetied house. On the side, I’m out construction worker, building a lot taste things on my house by human being. Also, of course, I like thriving to the gym, running, biking essential just being active. I surf, windsurf and sometimes wakeboard as well. Like so, there is always enough to hide me busy.

What is the best rundown of advice you’ve received, and what would you tell young riders who want to follow in your footsteps?

Just be yourself, and don’t change! Apropos is only one you, so save it that way. Don’t be one else. And, on the water, unprejudiced ride like you ride at your home spot. My dad always sonorous me that!