Ruben Lenten in Interview

The KitePunk justifies itself

Ruben Lenten is 21 years old and a professional Kitesurfer. He lives in the Netherlands (city of green gold) at the moment and he prefers a live on the edge. His Style to Kite is radical and has a huge recognition value. During an exclusive interview he tells us where he spends the winter months, what pushes him forward and what his plans for the next season look like. Furthermore he talks about his love life.

Kiteboarding.eu: Hello Ruben, how are you doing and where are you at the moment?
Ruben Lenten: Hey, how’s it...I’m doing pretty well, thanks!
I just got to Cape Town, South Africa.

Kb.eu: What are you doing during the winter period? Are you chilling at home with your family and friends, do you train in South Africa or do you go Snowkiten?
Ruben: In the winter, like every year I try to balance my travel out by staying in one place for 3months. It’s summer in Cape Town at the moment, and it’s a very windy place so I’ll be here chilling and riding hard.

Kb.eu: I met you in St. Peter Ording at the PKRA Tourstop, but you were just helping and supporting your buddy Aaron Hadlow and not took part in the competition, why?
Ruben: I’ve competed on the PKRA quite a bit in the past few years, but since a year or two I just don’t like the vibe anymore and my focus has gone elsewhere. I don’t want to get involved in the tour, some politics and decisions I can’t deal with…And I’d rather be freeriding, filming and pushing the sport the way I enjoy it.

Kb.eu: There was one moment at the competition when you also was on the water and crossing the competition area. What were you thinking in that moment?
Ruben: Oh yeah that’s right, the wind came in pretty strong that event and my two mates Aaron Hadlow and Lewis Crathern were in a heat together. As we always ride together I thought it was funny to ride with them. So I just went out there and enjoyed a bit of show with them.

Kb.eu: What do you think about Kevin Langeree as the new PKRA world champion?
Ruben: Kevin is my cousin and we grew up on the same beach. We totally kite different and he’s working/training really hard to get where he wants to be. So I’m happy for him that he’s stoked. But for me, riding wise…There’s definitely other riders I enjoy more and I think are pushing the sport in a better direction. Also this year there has been only four events with the points being different, I thought that was a bit of a joke and not so fair…But what do I care, hahaha…I’m cruising and enjoying!!

Kb.eu: Did Aaron talk to you? Is he disappointed or motivated to train harder after being the second?
Ruben: No Aaron doesn’t talk to me anymore… ;) Haha just kidding, we’ve been travelling together for the past month and I don’t think he cares too much about being second. He knows what he’s doing and where he’s at. For sure that he will be really motivated to show his skills to the world but maybe in a different way. We won’t sit still that’s for sure…

Kb.eu: How does a normal day of Ruben Lenten look like?
Ruben: A normal day, never have a normal day…Everyday is a new day and brings something to enjoy or learn from. But what I do in a day most of the times is eating healthy, going to the gym, dj some tracks, go kiteboarding, deal with some internet, drink some beer, have some laughs and fun. That sounds about right… J

Kb.eu: What are your plans for future?
Ruben: I’ll focus on my ankle injury for now but also keep strongly involved with all the gear that comes out from my sponsors and LEN10. So developing products and shooting film and photo is what you’ll be seeing from my side. Ontheloose.tv is where you’ll be able to see more.

Kb.eu: What`s with you and the girls? Do you have a girlfriend?
Ruben: Me and the girls, that’s just gonna be epic!! ;) Don’t you worry, I’m happy.

Kb.eu: If yes, how do you handle your lots of travelling with a relationship?
Ruben: Take it or leave it…

Kb.eu: On which tourstops can we find you, next season? Or what are your plans for next season?
Ruben: For next seasons I don’t think you’ll find me at any tour stop. I’ll be doing my own trips and create some nice footage for everyone to check out. I’ll definitely hit the Triple-S in America. Really looking forward to that…

Kb.eu: Is there a place you ever wanted to Kite an never been there?
Ruben: The world is small but there’s definitely some places I haven’t been and really want to visit. Tahiti is one of the places I still would like to spend some time.

Kb.eu: What is your favorite place to Kite in your Hometown?
Ruben: In Holland my favorite spot to kite is my hometown Noordwijk. I’ve learned kiteboarding there and there’s just so many memories. J It’s great!

Kb.eu: What are your top riding tips?
Ruben: Speed is important for everything whether it’s taking off, spinning or landing. When doing a kiteloop tense up your stomach muscles and pull in your knees to absorb the pull and keep on pulling till you can spot the landing. Don’t be scared and go for it, feel comfortable.

Kb.eu: One question you would like to be asked? Your Chance ;-)!
Ruben: Sorry this just doesn’t work out, only dirty stuff comes to my mind!! Out of focus…

Short Cuts:
What do you like at Kitesurfing the most?
It’s non-stop action and you can handle it all by yourself so you can let go all your energy and feelings.

Something crazy you did for a reason of love?
I bought a pretty sweet sex swing which gets pretty crazy

Whom you wanne like to thank and why?
I want to thank my parents for always believing in me and supporting me by giving me the freedom to do what I love. Also my manager Nikki Fogden for her support with her knowledge and aim.
My sponsors for giving me room to progress and develop. But also for marketing and promoting me.

Your favourite trick?
The Megaloop frontroll just feels epic or hitting a rail at full speed.

Your worst characteristic?
No patience

Own description in five words:
Adventurous, energetic, spontaneous, outgoing, living on the edge.

Your Style to Kite?
As hard as possible, high-wind freestyle riding.