In this episode of Beyond the Waves we take a leap into a sport we have not covered before: kitesurfing. With more than 2 million practitioners worldwide, today we have with us a young British athlete representing his sport: Jeremiasz Kuczma.
Born into a family of kitesurfing enthusiasts, Jeremiasz managed to win gold in the Big Air category at the British Championship in 2023. His path to success was not easy and his parents have played a key role in his achievements. Moreover, Kitesurfing is not the only sport he practices at a high level... Do you want to know what sport is and how it helps improve his Kitesurfing technique? We invite you to continue reading.
Q1. How and when did you discover your passion for kitesurfing?
"I started kitesurfing by my parents. As they started getting into it with huge passion. They were encouraging me from the age of about 6. This went on for a long time until I was 9 and got up on a board for the first time and then I have not stopped since. Kitesurfing is my whole life, I spent as many hours on water as much I sleep. Being so confident kitesurfer I m reaching podiums in the competitions, and have the pleasure to work with many amazing brands like KGUARD, Eleveight,ION,Revival or Vivida Lifestyle."
Q2. What has been your most memorable experience so far in your sporting career?
"My most memorable experience in my sporting career must be when I came first in the British Championships in Portland. I put in a lot of work for me to be at the top of that podium and made me want to have more. It made me greedy to achieve more podiums and push over limits. It's actually very inspiring to compete with the best people in the sport."
Q3. What is your next challenge? What motivates you most about this new challenge?
"My goal right now is to work very hard throughout the winter to come back even stronger next year for the upcoming events and competitions. In September, I returned to competitive swimming as I stopped because I got into kitesurfing passion so much and wanted to get out as much as possible. Swimming will allow me to have more endurance and have more strength in my body to do better and bigger tricks on the water."
Q4. Who have been your biggest influences or mentors throughout your career?
"My biggest influences and mentors have been my parents. They have helped me through all of my tricks and helped with me mentally teaching me how I can do my tricks better if I just don’t overthink what I do. My dad always supports me and always gives me tips to gain confidence and get better. My mum is constatly working on my exposure channels, social media, new sponsor contracts and much more. She most deffinately keeps me fit and healthy."
Q5. What habits have helped you stay at the highest level in your sport?
"I have stayed consistent and I always try my hardest and go out on every opportunity I have. This allows me to practice in every type of condition and gives me an advantage over others. Also being able to use the best gear for the sport is importan: it gives me confidence and stress free sessions."
Q6. How do you handle the pressure when you are facing an important competition?
"From when I used to do competitive swimming on a high level I don’t get as nervous anymore. I stay calm and do my own thing. This makes me have time to do tricks in competitions and not to rush with it: if I rush, I will try do everything too quick and won’t land my tricks, and that is crucial."
Q7. What advice would you give to someone who is starting out in the world of kitesurfing?
"Even if things get hard, like learning something new, don’t give up. This just means you need to give it more time and effort. and if you give up you won’t go anywhere in the sport. Stay focused."
Q8. What are the essential items that are never missing from your equipment when you train or compete?
"For both competing and training I always use the KGUARD bag for getting changed in, or putting wet clothes in, or keeping things dry such as a change of clothes. Recently KGUARD Soft Cube goes with me to the pool! I use it to carry all my swimming gear which is always wet."
Q9. What do you think of KGUARD Premium Waterproof Designs products and brand?
"KGUARD Premium Waterproof Designs are very special and you won’t get this quality anywhere else. I have had my gear for near a year by now and I have not had a problem with not a single bit of equipment. Nothing has broken, leaked, disappointed me or anything. I think that sums up how good of a brand KGUARD is. KGUARD IS GREAT!!"
Q10. What is your favorite KGUARD product? Why?
"KGUARD Soft Cube is a must have item. Anywhere I go, to the beach or any kitesurfing event, the Soft Sube goes with me. The size of it is perfect to fit all my gear. The removable bottom allows me to get changed anywhere without getting anything dirty and sandy. And what’s really important for me is that the cube stays in its shape even in strong winds and makes it more comfortable to get changed in any sort of condition. I also use the XL phone pouch to take my phone with me on the water to measure the height of my jumps using the surfr app."
Starting out at a young age and having the good fortune to share your passion with your parents helps a lot to have a good sporting career, but Jeremiasz shows that that is not everything: you need dedication, to practice constantly and in different weather conditions, practice other sports that complement your performance and have a good equipment that relieves you from stress while you are in the water. Thank you, Jeremiasz!