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Harlem Kitesurfing: Beneath the Surface

Harlem Kitesurfing

In just a few years, Harlem Kitesurfing has grown from an ambitious challenger into a trailblazing force within the sport.

Beneath the Surface is the official podcast from Harlem Kitesurfing, hosted by Lewis Crathern. Through honest conversations with the founders, designers, riders and innovators behind the brand, we uncover the thinking, bold decisions and product breakthroughs that are positioning Harlem at the forefront of the sport and driving the next chapter of kitesurfing.

https://www.harlemkitesurfing.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/harlemkitesurfing

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  • 15 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 42 min
  • English

Episodes 15

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  • S1 · E15
    Thursday · 35 min

    Scott Barendsen - Beyond the Water

    Scott Barendsen is a professional kitesurfer who has found a creative way to take his career beyond the water. Based in Tarifa, Scott is a Big Air rider, coach, judge and model, and has found a unique way to combine his passion for kitesurfing with the world of marketing. We explore the concept of custom kites and how Scott uses Harlem’s custom kite capabilities to turn kites into flying billboards for brands outside the sport. As Harlem’s first-ever paid team rider, he also shares his journey with the brand and what it takes to build a sustainable career in professional kitesurfing. From sponsorship and coaching to modelling and creative brand partnerships, Scott offers an honest insight into the business behind the lifestyle, and why thinking outside the box can make all the difference.

  • S1 · E14
    September 30 · 54 min

    Renato Casati - DADICATION

    Renato Casati is the father and coach behind two of the biggest names in kiteboarding, Lorenzo Casati and Leonardo Casati. With both brothers now World Champions, Renato has a unique view of what it takes to reach the top of the sport. We talk about what it is like raising two competitive athletes, why family values matter and how he reshaped his life to be the most dedicated father possible. Our conversation turns to the much-talked-about in heat communication Renato has with both sons during competition before Renato shares his perspective on joining Harlem Kitesurfing, the role of the Peak kite in the boys' progression, and the reality of travelling the world as a family.

  • S1 · E13
    September 15 · 36 min

    Andrea Zust becomes 3X World Champion

    Andrea Zust has done it again. In Sylt, Germany, the Swiss rider successfully defended her Hydrofoil World Championship title, making it three consecutive World Championships. But it’s never been straightforward. Just three years ago in the hydrofoil big air discipline, women were still competing directly against the men. Andrea talks about her journey, what it means to be part of the amazing Harlem team, and the reality of balancing professional kitesurfing with her other life as a full-time ER doctor working shifts. And then, to make things even more interesting, we bring in her boyfriend and coach, Peer Schnyder, who is also part of the Harlem international team. The three of us have a lot of fun discussing what it’s like to have your partner as your coach and teammate, the challenges, the pressure, and the positives of being a professional couple both on and off the water. #ChangeTheTide #HarlemKitesurfing

  • S1 · E12
    August 27 · 37 min

    Harlem's Game-changing Thrive V2 and Launch V2

    Ralf Groesel and Aaron Hadlow join us to discuss the game-changing new Thrive V2 kite and Launch V2 Kiteboard. We go beneath the surface of what has changed, why it has changed, and how those changes translate onto the water. Ralf takes us through the design and development of the Thrive V2, while Aaron shares his experience testing and overcoming the challenges of improving the already successful Thrive V1. We talk vertical lift, hang time, control, versatility and the updated 8-point bridle, before looking at the Launch V2 and the changes that give it more grip and stability while maintaining its smooth, comfortable ride. Two new products, two years in the making, the thinking behind them, and what riders can expect on the water.

  • S10 · E11
    August 13 · 52 min

    Victor Looijestijn - Harlem Team Manager

    Victor Looijestijn has been part of the Harlem Kitesurfing story since the very beginning and has worked in almost every department. From his early days as one of the brand's original team riders to becoming Harlem's Team Manager, Victor has been involved in everything from team development and community building to product development, design, and shaping the direction of the brand. Based at Harlem HQ, Victor shares the story behind Harlem's growth, his own personal journey, the philosophy driving one of kitesurfing's most progressive brands, and, of course, what makes Victor, Victor.

  • S1 · E10
    July 28 · 38 min

    Sarah Sadek - "Fear is a Switch"

    Sarah Sadek is Harlem's highest-ranked female team rider and one of the world's top five Big Air athletes. From her home in Egypt to competing on the biggest stages in the sport, Sarah discusses how she harnesses her fear control switch, the mindset behind her success, and her approach to competition at the highest level. Growing up in Dahab, Sarah explains how the destination shaped her journey, why Harlem has always felt like a natural fit, and what continues to drive her to push the limits of Big Air.

  • S1 · E9
    July 16 · 30 min

    Martin Rahnel - Estonian National Team Rider

    Martin Rahnel is already making his mark on the world of kiteboarding. An Estonian national team rider for Harlem Kitesurfing, youth sailing world champion and multiple national champion, Martin has already competed at some of the sport's biggest events, including Lords of Tram and Full Power Tarifa. In this episode, Martin joins us to discuss his competitive goals and aspirations, the story behind Nordic Kite Fest and it’s bold ambitions, his role working alongside Harlem Estonia dealer Arno, and his passion for inspiring the next generation into the sport. And as a bonus, we catch up with Arno live from the beach at Nordic Kite Fest to get his perspective as a national Harlem dealer. 00:45 – Estonia + Nordic Kite Festival 09:05 – Youth Sailing World Champion 12:10 – NKF Big Air Competition 17:00 – Arno Raadom / Harlem Estonia 22:50 - Martin and Harlem 24:38 - Goals, dreams and hobbies 28:44 - Advice for Youth https://harlemkitesurfing.com/ https://nordickitefest.eu/en-gb https://kiteloop.ee #ChangeTheTide

  • S1 · E8
    June 30 · 26 min

    Leonardo Casati - 2026 Big Air World Champion

    At just 17 years old, Leonardo Casati has reached the pinnacle of Big Air kitesurfing, securing the 2026 GKA Big Air World Championship after a commanding performance at the final stop in Mykonos. Fresh from the biggest win of his career, Leo joins us to explain how it feels to be a world champion, what makes the Casati family such a force in kiteboarding, how Harlem Kitesurfing has supported his progression and the goals he's already setting for the future… 01:00 – Casati : World Champion 12:46 – Leo & Harlem 18:30 – What’s next? 24:44 – For those that dream https://harlemkitesurfing.com/ #ChangeTheTide

  • S1 · E7
    June 11 · 30 min

    Baptiste Bourdoulous - Harlem International Team Rider

    Baptiste Bourdoulous has carved out a unique career in kiteboarding through his distinctive riding style, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to growing the sport in Greece. As the driving force behind the upcoming GKA Big Air Kite World Tour Finals in Mykonos, Baptiste is helping bring one of the sport’s biggest events to one of its most iconic destinations. We explore his connection to Mykonos, the influences that shaped his signature style, the challenges and opportunities of organising a world-class event, and his vision for the future of kiteboarding in Greece. 01:00 – GKA Big Air Kite World Cup Greece 11:30 – Kite Mykonos / Baptiste Style 19:03 – Harlem 24:55 – Behind the Rider https://harlemkitesurfing.com/ #ChangeTheTide

  • S1 · E6
    May 28 · 43 min

    Behind the Thrive LiteX & Rise board

    Harlem Kitesurfing’s product design team, Ralf Groesel and Aaron Hadlow, return to Beneath the Surface to break down the latest additions to the Harlem lineup - the Thrive LiteX kite and the all-new Rise board. We explore how Harlem is pushing ultra-low-end performance to the next level, the design philosophy behind both products, the challenges faced during development, and how these innovations ultimately provide more time on the water. From materials and construction to real-world testing, this episode gives you an inside look at what it really takes to create gear designed to move the boundaries of light wind kitesurfing. https://harlemkitesurfing.com/products/thrive-litex https://harlemkitesurfing.com/products/rise ⁠https://harlemkitesurfing.com/⁠ #ChangeTheTide

  • S1 · E5
    May 18 · 46 min

    Stijn Mul - Harlem International Team Rider

    Stijn Mul is one of the rising stars of Big Air kiteboarding and a key rider on Harlem’s international pro team. From becoming Dutch Champion to landing podiums at some of the biggest events in the world, Stijn has built a reputation for powerful riding and total commitment to progression. We discuss his journey through competitive kitesurfing, the mindset needed to perform at the highest level, why he joined Harlem Kitesurfing, his partnerships with WindGames and SpaceX, and what drives him to keep pushing the limits of the sport. 01:00 – Who is Stino? 10:00 – The Harlem Chapter 16:45 – Performance, Fear and Big Moments 30:00 – SpaceX + WindGames 39:37 – Community Questions 44:00 – Rapid Fire 45:12 – Beneath the Surface Question https://harlemkitesurfing.com/ #ChangeTheTide

  • April 30 · 57 min

    Behind the Flow with Ralf Groesel & Aaron Hadlow

    Harlem Kitesurfing’s product design team, Ralf Groesel and Aaron Hadlow, take us inside the making of the new Harlem Flow - A high-performance wave and freeride kite built to push limits across disciplines. We break down the full journey from concept to release, where this kite sits in the lineup, the design challenges they faced, and why you should go with the Flow. 01:00 - 36:27 : Ralf Groesel 36:35 - 57:21 : Aaron Hadlow https://harlemkitesurfing.com/products/harlem-flow https://harlemkitesurfing.com/ #ChangeTheTide

  • S1 · E3
    April 9 · 31 min

    Lana Herman - Harlem International Team Rider

    Featuring Lana Herman from Slovenia who rides for Harlem on the International team. Renowned for her powerful riding Lana is fast becoming a household name in Big air Kiteboarding most recently achieving yet another podium on the big stage at the GKA Lords of Tram event in France. We talk about her outlook on life, competition riding, family, her home in Slovenia and what it takes to be a professional Kitesurfer. 01:05 – LOTR / Competition Riding 09:25 – Injuries and what it takes to be a professional Kitesurfer 17:30 – Home, Family and Slovenia 22:04 – What’s Next for Lana 26:05 – Questions from the Pro Team 28:30 – Rapid Fire 29:18 – Beneath the Surface Question https://harlemkitesurfing.com/ #ChangeTheTide

  • S1 · E2
    March 19 · 47 min

    Aaron Hadlow - Harlem Product Manager

    Episode 2 welcomes Aaron Hadlow, one of the pioneers of Kitesurfing, multiple world champion and now key figure at Harlem Kitesurfing. We break down his role inside Harlem, what drew him to the brand in the first place, and where he sees kitesurfing heading next. He also drops a few hints about what’s coming next with Harlem… 00:55 – Your role at Harlem 16:50 – What’s next at Harlem? 30:30 – Where is Kitesurfing going? 40:00 – Community questions 43:40 – Rapid Fire 46:10 – Beneath the Surface Question https://harlemkitesurfing.com/ #ChangeTheTide

  • S1 · E1
    March 2 · 1 hr 9 min

    Alex Morgenstern Founder & CEO of Harlem

    On today’s episode, we’re joined by the man behind it all - Alex Morgenstern, CEO and founder of Harlem Kitesurfing. We go back to the start - the vision, the risks, the challenges and explore the journey that’s shaped Harlem into a driving force in the progression of kiteboarding. 00:50 - The Beginning 21:19 - Why Harlem? 27:04 - The Harlem Way
 42:08 - Performance Products 49:25 - Leadership & Pressure 56:35 - The Industry, the bigger picture 01:06:25 - Rapid Fire Questions + BTS question https://harlemkitesurfing.com/ #ChangeTheTide

Showing 1–15 of 15 episodes