Why I'll STOP riding Red Bull King of the Air

I've competed in 6 editions, got a podium finish in 2014.
Red Bull King of the Air has been a total blast, but everything must come to an end.
For a more detailed story about why I quit riding competitively and a fun side story on Red Bull KOTA, check out the podcast I did with Kitesurf365 and Colin Colin Carroll.
kitesurf365.com/top-5-kota-mom...
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Filming: Leon Nobels, Jop Heemskerk and Koen van Herk
Thumbnail: José Denis-Robichaud
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Book a lesson: stevenakkersdijk.com/sa-maste...
The gear I ride: corekites.com/us/team/athlete...
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Website: stevenakkersdijk.com/
Supported by:
CORE Kiteboarding

[@wingsurfcamp8240]

That's really cool for you to give your spot to the next generation after so many years, and spend more time making Master Class lesson to share your knowledge. I hope you do some Wing Foil lessons too.

[@stevenakkersdijk]

That's also in the plans. Looking forward to mix it up a little with the SA Masterclass

[@gBayCanada]

You are a waterspouts legend. The video you produced recently showcasing your mastery of all disciplines was unmatched. Truly remarkable. King of the Air gets riders noticed. We know who you are and love your content. Looks like you are still on Canada's West coast. Hope to see some new footage of your adventures there. And yes, more masterclasses please. They are so well done and helpful. Enjoy the next chapter.

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks so much for the kind words Mike! I just arrived back in Europe before my next flight to Capetown. Will be releasing a Canada video before the end of the year and think you'll enjoy that as well. Thanks for the support!

[@philounoname8909]

All the respect to you. Your SA Masterclass videos are phenomenal 🙏🙏🙏

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thank you!

[@alphubel1000]

It was always awesome watching you there - one of the BEST but definitly the most sympathetic rider in the yearly setup. I think it's a great decision and wish you great new paths and interesting things in this awesome sport and of course beyond! I am looking forward to more masterclasses! Best wishes actually from Langeoog, catching a bit of the stormy north sea ;) Daniel

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks for the kind words Daniel. 🙏 I'm also looking forward to continue the SA masterclass series and make it even better and more informative. Hope you catch some good wind on the Northsea!

[@sheilasovereign4805]

you were my fav redbull rider to watch but also so excited to watch you foil/surf/teach etc. All the best Steven!

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks Sheila! 🙌 Also very excited to work on new things including tutorials for the surfboard. Hope you had an awesome first week in Mexico full of wind, and many more to come.

[@dpwild328]

Class act! Keep the SA Masterclass Videos coming 🤙🏼

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks! Will do!

[@casparguo7300]

Respect my frd！it's always been a tremendous pleasure watching ur sa master class! A fan from China looking forward to seeing more videos from u！good luck man！

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks Caspar! Very happy to hear that you enjoy the channel, I'll do my best to keep it fun and educating to watch 🤙

[@tsipporah87]

Love love love the tutorials. Super stylish !!

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks so much 😊

[@KiteboardingInUruguay]

Dude, you were excellent on the KiteSurf 365 podcast. I think Adrian and Colin should get you on regularly to give "the pro's view" on different topics.

[@AdrianKerr]

Right!!!

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks man! I'll talk to the guys and see if we can make it happen. 🤙

[@KiteboardingInUruguay]

@@stevenakkersdijk talk to the reliable one. 😂😂😂😂

[@stevenakkersdijk]

@@KiteboardingInUruguay 😂😂😂

[@Mike-ms6he]

Best of luck with whatever you do. You are a true ambassador for our sport and will remain a legend for long. ++

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks for the kind words Mike!

[@nx9537]

Keep growing the SA Masterclass brand ....... huge potential to move into so many directions..... The Masterclass tutorials are next level!! Ever thought of running some wave, boosting or foil clinics?

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks! That's the plan for sure. I do some private coaching but haven't done a lot of clinics yet. Most likely I'll organize something in Capetown this season though

[@a.lame.username.]

Yes! SA Masterclass could well become something very special😎

[@jakke1975]

Good for you dude. Live *your* life and get the most out of it. Too many people keep doing it just because others excpect you to, for the money or some other reason that doesn't necessarily make you happy. Respect!

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks Jakke, for sure planning to draw my own lines.

[@AdrianKerr]

Awesome work mate!!! See you on the water.

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks Adrian! Also got some really good comments on the Podcast. Let's make some more happen 🤙

[@AdrianKerr]

@@stevenakkersdijk definitely mate

[@lasse_hofi]

🚀🚀🚀 keen to see more of the new stuff

[@stevenakkersdijk]

You will for sure!

[@keaninwelgemoed2966]

Will miss the action bro! Wish you all the best for your new ventures 😁

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks! Will be a really cool adventure that I'll try and share as much as possible with all of you.

[@danielspiess3486]

I'm with you. Switched form being obsessed with boosting new personal Woo records to have simply fun again by progressing a lot on the surfboard and foil in light wind. More joy again for me and less worries about possible injuries too.

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Sounds exactly like my line of thought. Enjoy the fun sessions and progression!

[@abacaxifamily]

Respect to your attitude, 👍🏽 keep the stoke and enjoy riding

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks! Definitely keeping the stoke like this!

[@user-rc2gq6ek1b]

Goeie keuze! Ik doe ook alle stylen door elkaar freestyle, strapless freestyle, strapless foilen en daar haal ik veel meer plezier uit dan enkel mijn hoofd discipline te trainen. Ik vind het juist vet dat jij al die stylen doet en daar innoverend in ben. Ga zo door man!

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks Tim, leuk om te lezen. Zal lekker door blijven spelen

[@joostessenburg]

Goeie keus maat. Je blijft een topper met alles wat je doet! Zie je snel weer!

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks Joost! Ga ik je in Kaapstad zien dit jaar?

[@joostessenburg]

@@stevenakkersdijk wie weet ✌️

[@cefirmeza]

Much respect. Still the most stylish KOTA rider in my opinion. Would love to see you transfering yours foil skills to winging.

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks! I will be working on exactly that this winter season. So exciting times

[@kryszczuk]

Too bad Steven, you've been one of the highlights of KOTA. But I hear you, any competitive sport can suck lots of fun out of it. You don't need KOTA to remain a great ambassador of kiting. See you in SA

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Totally agree, having to ride to someone else there rules is just something I don't feel like doing any more. Super excited to bring on some new things in my own way 🚀

[@ravenraf]

Legend! Fair play🤙

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks!

[@erbartlett]

Sad to see you go, but change is usually a good thing!

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I also have mixed feelings about it. But I'm sure it's a good choice. And if I miss KOTA too much I can always return 😉

[@erbartlett]

@@stevenakkersdijk haha, pretty sure if you came back, you'd come with a whole new perspective anyway... so it'll be worth it

[@andresgutierrez3167]

#respect

[@JeanPaulRais]

Respect!!! But you will be missed in the comps

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I know, but this also allows me to make more content and try out new things that not have to score that high in the competitions 😏Will be a fun time!

[@stuartcollins8447]

Top chap

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks

[@keanamrazek3745]

We will miss watching you at KOTO

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I'll miss the KOTA vibe as well 🙈

[@robinoudshoorn3666]

Begrijpelijke keuze maar zeker een gemis voor Kota. Technisch één van de betere op het water! Zie je in Kaapstad!

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Thanks Robin. Is zeker jammer, maar ben wel blij met de keuze, zat er al wat langer aan te komen. Ik vlieg donderdag, dus zie je daar!

[@stijnbrandtkitesurfing]

😔👏 SA Masterclass on late backs 🤔?

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I do think that one is long due right 😉

[@natashasentias9729]

You do not lose anything this year the king of the air did not score well the riders (especially the new ones), their event organization has been good but they have been very unprofessional with the reservations and with the data, very bad experience for the new riders live it in competitions ... A shame!

[@stevenakkersdijk]

Unfortunately there is always good and bad parts of a competition.

[@claudiobertadeazevedo4669]

Let's be honest, the addiction to foiling may take anyone out of his family, friends and other sports

[@stevenakkersdijk]

😂 Totally

[@samueldacricketer]

WHY do I care if you STOP riding?

[@stevenakkersdijk]

I'll only stop riding in competitions, but I'll continue with videos and fun session.