INSANE Big Air Kiting Innovation | ft. Ruben Lenten

Big Air Kiting has gotten absolutely ridiculous! We wanted to find out how on earth it got so extreme, so we sat down with Ruben Lenten to learn about 20 years of innovation in this thrilling sport! Be sure to subscribe to Big Air Kite League and let us know what you think about the video in the comments!
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[@colincolincarroll]

this is sick, good depth and research/archive. Good job BAKL

[@bigairkiteleague]

Thanks Colin! Means the world from you

[@strat0blastah]

Great video! Big respect also for the other legends that I think came a bit short here. Kevin Langeree, Aron Headlow, Jesse Richman

[@dejo333]

I think the biggest mistake all kite brands are making in terms of development of the sport is pushing the big air discipline as the key marketing message, especially the "extreme" pro rider segment. 90% of kiters will never be able to pull the tricks and stunts which are promoted all the time, and this is the audience that understands more or less how the tricks are performed. Now imagine a non kiter, which would love to learn the sport and sees this as the main driver message...the first assumption in his mind will be: "this looks extremely dangerous, i could die". But the reallity is that the sport is in terms of gear the safest it has ever been. And with this kind of messaging, this beautiful sport will never gain mass appeal, regardless u have excellent conditions to make it so. This is why Lenten talks about the golden days when the earnings were huge, when the sport was rapidly expanding. But on the long run it could not be sustainable because it stopped gaining new kiters or maybe even more precise, the retention rate (people learning how to kite and sticking around permanently) probably dropped like crazy. This is one of the main reasons some brands went bust, such as Best. Dont get me wrong, i love big air, been kiting for 12 years and always want to improve, but i think the sport and its further development is in danger on the long run. Especially if market consolidation continues to develop in current matter; the prices of kites, boards etc are getting immoraly expensive. Mostly cause of the market status and greedflation. I know some people gettin out of the sport cause it is getting unsustainable. Take this with the messaging i mentioned in the equation and u get a murky future.

[@ventparits3463]

I think you explain "the thing" very very well, and maybe why wing foiling solve the problem of this "gap" for someones... but nothing can stop kiteboarding I believe, the point is that in stormy days with a mess of waves, only jumps and TT can save the session, compare with other disciplines... you don't need to jam 10 meters or "send" nothing, but jum very good and properly to 5 or 6 meters make the diference to pass some too big brake waves and conserve the board attached to our foot and dont lost half day searching for it... this is fun like nothing

[@giu.kitesurf]

Epic, We are living Greating moments. tks all

[@bronzafox]

Mike! This video is Outstanding. Hearing you and Ruben dive into some big air history felt really special and the riders are privileged to have you. Much love brother!🤙🏻

[@bigairkiteleague]

Thanks for your support brother! 🫶

[@camdynkellett6782]

Great video guys, really cool to see your version of the history of big air! It’s awesome having good quality videos that people can enjoy. A bit bummed to not see short lines at all? But that’s how we remember it right!

[@bigairkiteleague]

Thanks Camdyn! For sure short lines and some strapless could have been included. Let's see if there's a good opportunity to share those stories in future videos ⚡

[@camdynkellett6782]

@@bigairkiteleague I'm super excited to see! This is a solid first step and I really think this part of the kiting world (it's history) is so rich and something we all take for granted. I really appreciate you guys puttin in so much effort into really high quality videos like this where we can focus on and recognise people's achievements that together have shaped kiting into what it is today. With Mikes energy and the BAKL has pushed kiting into a realm we thought we'd only see in another decade and it's given so many people, including myself, such incrediable opportunities in the kiting world! BAKL has really gone above and beyond in the world of big air and I couldn't be more stoked that you guys are leading the charge. Sure there have been some growing pains, but it's like that in any industry and what matters the most is that in a little bit of time we'll have an organization that was created by riders for the riders that works without being a money pit and everyone is stoked!! What you guys have achieved in the last few years is incredible and I'm excited for the future! peace out guys ✌🤙

[@soulkiteaustralia1773]

Amazing stuff , what BAKL has done for the sport is MIND BLOWING !! And acknowledging Ruben for his pioneering / commitment and dedication to what , is for most of us , the true core of Kiting ..... BigAir !! , epitomizes the humble and true core spirit , that shows through with BAKL . It's an amazing thing you guys have done and you deserve the full respect/backing and following of the global kiteboarding community 💪👊🤟🤘🤙

[@Drawthemoral]

This is awesome! One note: if there was a woman pulling cool tricks in 1999, I think that's 100% worth finding out about and putting her name out there as an innovator. Felt like that didn't get enough attention.

[@Phenix1111]

Happy you put Len10 as a commentator. Back then in the Netherlands we followed his insane Stormsjees vids. Credits to Ruben for having them big cohonas and progressing the mega airs.

[@martinna6838]

Do you guys think janek will be able to be on top again? Even when he will probably never have the same sesibility on his toes

[@ugocdf7706]

If you want to pay respect,then the name of Franz should be mentioned at the beginning

[@AdamHolewa-y7z]

The Police had my norths☠️ kurwa ich Balla den bald nen 🤛paar🤜/ 🦵roundhousekick🦶!!jk

[@t.r.3669]

What's going on with Janek? A interview with him would be great. Will he ride again?

[@bigairkiteleague]

Janek video dropping in the next few days! Stay tuned ⚡ and yes the legend will ride again!

[@kredospl29]

Hi. Is the Fight for Flight online?

[@kredospl29]

?

[@Surf_Life]

Awesome summary of our kitesurfing innovations. Big respect to Ruben and all other big innovators🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾😎

[@kitecast]

💥💥💥Super good video but I was expecting to see some #strapples, which you also need a different level to make great flights. Awesome video!💥💥💥

[@thetripleblue]

@ruben ! love the comment on vision, manifestation and picking one definite objective ! Some vibes of "Think and Grow Rich" in there :D

[@fuelbasti]

Holy...I started kiting in 2000 and can remember all this stuff. 🤣 My first kite had stil a hand leash. Crazy what riders could do at this time but today is nuts

[@roaldarts7641]

Love what you are doing for the sport and can't wait to see fight for flight

[@jasonofmontreal]

Great history lesson, an awesome video!

[@theedztv]

Whoever edited Giel's GoPro shot at 21:24 is a genius!

[@jwgeut]

This video is awesome - keep up the good work!

[@willhurd8283]

Who was the name you bleeped. Was Lou or flash getting 100k? Haha no way.

[@bigairkiteleague]

Haha neither of these guys! Top secret 🤐

[@stokakrishna]

Great video!!!

[@oKiwiiii]

Sick video 🔥 + commenting for referencement

[@bigairkiteleague]

Thanks Theophile!