Interview with Kris Suterhland, the unknown kite surfer
In this section we will interview an unknown kite surfer, wherever in the world. This week it’s Kris Sutherland from Belgium’s turn!
1. Where are you from?
I live in Stabroek, which is a municipality in the north of Antwerp (Belgium) close to the Dutch border.
2. How unknown are you?
Among the Belgian and Dutch Kiters, I am a very unknown person. When I look at my homespot I am perhaps a fairly well-known person in view of the many years that I have been there and because of the lessons I give there. This “fame” is especially among the regular kiters who have been coming for years because in the last 2 years you are starting to see more and more new faces on the spot.
3. How did you get involved with kite surfing?
It all started in 2000 on a vacation in Spain. I met someone who had a power kite. I was hooked immediately and I bought one when I got home. After 2 years of power kiting, I went to a Flexifoil test day with a friend.
This inspired us to make our own boards in wood and polyester (later in foam plate and epoxy) and then try our power kites on the water. This was not always handy and a year later in 2003 we bought our first tube-kite. From then on it was done with power kiting and we went kitesurfing.
4. What do your parents think of this addiction?
When I was still living at home, my parents thought it was a fun and healthy activity that I had. Now I am married and have 3 children, usually they know when I am home or not 😊.
They certainly have no problem with my addiction but unfortunately they do not practice it themselves. Sometimes kiting comes first to much.
5. What is your favorite kite surfing spot? Why?
My homespot Oesterdam. Close by and nice and flat water (although it can also be a lump tray). Ideal place to give my lessons.
6. What is the first thing you do after your kite session?
Taking a good warm shower together with my board, bar, suit and armor 😊
7. Where do you buy your kitegear and why?
I buy all my gear at Surfinstyle. The service is great and I also teach for their school.
8. What is your favorite beach bar? Why?
I don’t really have one, there is no beach bar on my homespot.
9. What do you do next to kite surfing?
I like to do film editing and this is my 2nd (expensive addiction). I have several gopros, a backpack full of accessories, drone, film camera, …
When it comes to sport, I’ve been riding the racing bike to my work every day for 20 years.
10. What is your kitesurf guilty pleasure?
That is a difficult question to which I do not immediately know an answer.
I am very freaky on my material and treat this with an incredible amount of care, but that is not a guilty pleasure of course.
11. Who do you recommend for the next interview with the unknown kite surfer?
Henri Conings: someone I learned in kite surfing in 2017 and has a taste like no other. This guy has made a very good progression in the last 2 years and I really am addicted to the sport.
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