In this episode, we catch up with kiteboarding legend Tom Court, a UK-based pioneer whose 20-year career has shaped the sport from its wild early days to its modern mainstream appeal. From riding two-line kites in Maui to producing viral vlogs and representing Duotone, Tom shares his journey of chasing wind, creativity, and freedom across the globe. With stories of competing on the world tour, kiting with sharks in Honduras, and advocating for sustainability, this episode dives into the heart of kiteboarding’s transformative power.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Early Days in Maui: How Tom’s childhood trip to Maui in 1998 sparked his love for kiteboarding, watching pioneers like Robbie Naish and Flash Austin experiment with the first inflatable kites.
- Sport Evolution: The rapid progression of kiteboarding from dangerous two-line setups to a dynamic sport with freestyle, big air, and foiling disciplines, driven by a community of innovators.
- Vlogging Journey: Tom’s shift from cinematic films like The Freeride Project to his weekly Caught in the Act vlog series, balancing spontaneous storytelling with action-packed adventures.
- Global Adventures: Highlights from kiting in Honduras with nurse sharks, tow-foiling through crocodile-filled mangroves, and downwinding 500km across the Western Sahara with his 67-year-old dad.
- Mainstream Moments: The thrill of introducing kiteboarding to UK audiences on Good Morning Britain and pushing for its recognition as a lifestyle that boosts mental and physical health.
- Sustainability Push: Insights into Duotone’s Concept Blue initiative, using eco-friendly materials like bio-based bladders and recycled plastics to reduce kiteboarding’s environmental impact.
- Wing Foiling Transition: Tom’s love-hate journey learning wing foiling, rediscovering the joy of progression, and his thoughts on the sport’s untapped potential and the rise of “para-wings.”
- Advice for Young Riders: Tom’s wisdom for aspiring water sports athletes—embrace the learning process, prioritize fun over pressure, and stay true to what fuels your passion for longevity in the sport.
Follow Tom’s adventures on Instagram at @courtintheact and catch his weekly vlogs on YouTube at Tom Court Kite.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
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