Duotone DRIVEN Magazine No.04

Kiteboarding is extreme. As are the forces that a kiteboarder’s body endures with every jump and landing, with every cutback on the wave, with every crash. Each time you go out on the water, you rely on your body to perform at the highest level. Even more so as a professional athlete. That is why it is so important to train the right way and to be aware of correct nutrition. As a brand, we feel a deep responsibility toward our athletes. We want to help them acquire knowledge about nutrition, the science of training, injury prevention, and much more. That’s why we launched our High Athlete Development Program in collaboration with doctors, physiotherapists, and nutrition specialists. Once a year , James Carew, Mika Sol, Pippa van Iersel, and Rita Arnaus meet in Vienna, Austria for a couple days for their annual checkup at Sports Medic. Dr. Lukas Brandner, Christian Slechta-Pleterski, Bsc. and their team check the riders from head to toe, including blood, mobility, strength, and physical load tests (ECG). “The checkup is a great way to keep on track during the year and have that peace of mind that your body is ready to go,” James Carew says. “For me, the last time confirmed that my ankles and knees where in 100% condition. To hear from a professional that they can take the stress without problem helps me push even harder.” As sports scientists, the professionals at Sports Medic check all relevant parameters and based on this, create individual training methods for each athlete. This way, it is possible to focus on the individual “weak spots” of each rider and to help them develop so their body and mind can perform on the highest level. Above all, this also helps prevent injuries. MEDICAL CHECKS “When I was there last time, I wasn’t as fit as I thought. It was really good to get this professional evaluation. I definitely gained a better understanding of my body.” Mikaili Sol says. “As a result, I changed my training but also adapted my nutrition.” Once injuries occur, they are diagnosed early and can be treated directly, so the time an athlete needs to get back to their sport is minimized. “Being injured can be a big part of being an athlete, so to be 100% supported and have medical care provided is key. This not only helps the physical well-being but also the mental as it ensures even if something happens, you can keep pushing and get back on track,” James says. Pippa recounts, “I got injured in May 2022. Ruptured my ACL. After surgery, I checked with Lukas where I needed to improve: Mobility exercises and strength. I train completely differently now, doing a way more efficient training for my legs. My eating patterns have also changed. I added a lot more protein. I’ve never had a serious injury before, so to be in the best possible hands straight away was very nice.” Each year the tests are repeated, values are compared, and training is adapted. “Like this, we see where the athlete has developed as well as where there might be a regression in performance. It enables us to prepare the athletes for the exact demands and requirements of their sport, not in general, but exactly aligned to their current condition and fitness level,” says Dr. Lukas Brandner. “Every athlete is different, requirements change from riding waves to doing Big Air, and then the overall condition of everyone differs as well. This accounts for everyone, not just professional athletes. In the end, it is very important for every sports person, professional or recreational, to know their body and to keep fit to be able to enjoy the sport to the fullest and for the longest time possible.” Photos  Manuel Grafenauer Copy  Laura Alexy T H E T E A M 1 04 D R I V E N D R I V E N 1 05