Crafting the Future of Kitesurfing

The week began with two young riders earning the prestigious "Golden Ticket," granting them access to join the group of 8 international athletes. The event kicked off with an inspirational talk from Edgar Ulrich—once a Young Blood himself, now a seasoned pro on the world tour and a regular face in Duotone's photoshoots. Edgar’s journey from hopeful rider to global star was proof that this camp could open doors to greatness, but it was clear this path demanded more than just talent.

Next the riders were introduced to Cooky, a relentless trainer who taught the riders the importance of training and one who will push the riders to their limits. The following we set off on an early morning drive to Bacares, where we were greeted with a solid 30-40 knots, the riders unleashed their best on the water. It was a high-octane start to a week.

For the third day Porsche brought in their mental coach, a specialist known for working with elite athletes, to guide the riders through performance-enhancing mental strategies. With competition stress and performance pressure always looming, this session was pivotal. The goal? To ensure that when the stakes are high, these riders can perform at their peak.

Influencers Ben Ortega and Oscar Bakke led a workshop focused on building a personal brand in the digital age. In today’s world, being a champion on the water is only part of the equation. Connecting with fans and crafting a relatable persona through social media is essential. The riders quickly learned that showcasing their personality is just as important as their competitive results.

To put these sessions into action the riders were split into teams and tasked with producing a one-minute video to be judged by Duotone's Instagram followers. With pro team riders Rita Arnaus and Liam Whaley leading the charge, the young athletes dove headfirst into the challenge, combining their kiteboarding skills with visual storytelling—an increasingly important skill in today’s media-driven world.

While the week was jam-packed with intense training and mental challenges, there was also time for fun. A windless day on Edgar's family boat saw the group relaxing with foil boarding, wakeboarding, and simply soaking in the camaraderie. These moments off the water were just as crucial in fostering the sense of team spirit and unity that defines the Porsche Young Blood experience.

The wind returned for the final two days, offering perfect freestyle conditions where the riders could put all their new knowledge into action. Every lesson, every challenge from the week culminated in these sessions as they showcased their progression with confidence and style.

With personalized welcome packs from Duotone and Porsche and an experience tailored to develop the whole athlete, these young riders left with more than just medals—they left with the tools to become the future icons of kitesurfing.