In this episode of Beyond the Waves , we learn the story of Lukasz Kulisa. Originally from Kraków, Poland, Lukasz is a passionate rider who found in kitesurfing his own version of snowboarding in the UK. Did you know they have things in common?
Read on to find out more!
Q1. How and when did you discover your passion for kitesurfing?
"My passion for kitesurfing started about 15 years ago. I used to ride a snowboard back in my country, but unfortunately, in the UK, we don’t get much snow. One day, I saw a guy kitesurfing on the water, and I immediately thought: This is it! This is my equivalent of snowboarding in the UK!"
Q2. What has been your most memorable experience so far in your sporting career?
"Definitely the day when I became an Eleveight UK team rider, everything changed. It went from just having fun on the water with friends to training new tricks and pushing one’s limits to become a better rider."
Q3. What is your next challenge? What motivates you most about this new challenge?
"The goals are to advance to higher divisions in the competition. The motivation is the pleasure of competing with the best riders in the UK and possibly beyond."
Q4. Who have been your biggest influences or mentors throughout your career?
"I think the biggest impact has always come from my friends and mates on the water. At the same time, when we’re having fun kiting, we watch each other and give each other tips and advice."
Q5. What habits have helped you stay at the top level in your sport?
"Trying to stretch as much as I can and of course stay fit."
Q6. How do you handle the pressure when you are facing an important competition?
"I treat it like a normal practice session with friends and just have fun."
Q7. What advice would you give to someone who is starting out in the world of kitesurfing?
"Try to be consistent and spend as much time on the water as you can, and then you will see quick progression."
Q8. What are the essential items that are never missing from your equipment when you train or compete?
"Definitely good hydration, warm wetsuit, and safety equipment. Need to try listening to music."
Q9. What do you think of KGUARD Premium Waterproof Designs products and brand?
"All the products design is very cool and, at the same time, are practical, as I experienced at my last competition. The KGUARD soft cube kept all my stuff dry during the rain all day."
Q10. What is your favorite KGUARD product? Why?
"It has to be soft cube and bamboo soft brush for cleaning my bord from sand and to open some refreshments after all day on water."
A competitive spirit, not to mention friendship and collective feeling, combined with perseverance, has allowed Lukasz to go from trying kitesurfing as an alternative to snowboarding, to becoming part of the Eleveight UK team and competing at an international level. Thank you, Lukasz!