AGAINST ALL ODDS // ACL Injury Kiteboarding Progression

So, it has already been my #2 year since i started kiteboarding. i never knew kiteboarding would have had so much impact on my life. It started out as just loving to watch kiteboarders fly in the craziest conditions. Couple years later i decided i wanted to do it myself as a bucketlist thing.

This year started out as one of my best years ever. I came second in my first competition, my 1 year progression video did really well and i even became a teamrider just before 2022.

2 months later it came all crashing down. i made a dumb mistake and improvised which led to me falling 3-4m on my board with my legs straight. normally we can ride away like it is nothing but i knew something was wrong as i felt my leg going nub in a split second.

few months later i needed to get under the blade and get it fixed. i felt terrible and just smiled the pain away thru the time i wasn't able to get on the water. it was my outlet and where i could feel at my best. not having that and being stuck in crutches sucked.

once i got back on the water i was more motivated then ever and couldn't stop. i fell in love with the sport all over in all its glory. the progression thru this short period speaks for itself.

hope you enjoy and get inspired! if you have any questions regarding kitesurfing, ACL injury or my recovery. you can comment down below or dm me privatly on instagram :)

Iiked the video? consider liking or subscribing!

instgram:
  / stijnbrandt_  
@Stijnbrandt_

Gear i use:
https://www.eleveightkites.com/
XS V3 8/9M
RS V6 14M
CS VARY C+ L bar 22m
Master C+ 136

0:00 intro
0:17 1st year
0:45 ACL injury
1:43 The Reset
1:53 Recovery
2:33 The Comeback
2:48 Training
6:17 Moment of truth
6:47 All In