Hanglos meets Kevin Langeree


The last hanglos meets is with Kevin Langeree. The 2009 World Champion who due to an injury couldn't complete this season.
Kevin's knee was not able to hold on to his skills, but we hope he recovers as soon as possible to see him back ripping on the water!
Will we see him back next year? Read his story here!

So Kevin, this season wasn't the best one for you.. You got an injury which didn't allow you to complete the season. As we already could see on some short movies you are training a lot to get fit as soon as possible. Can you tell us when we'll see you rocking again on the water?

Well I started off the season pretty good and I was leading till I got injured. It’s a pretty long process, but it looks like I will be back on the water by April and back on the tour by June. That is my plan now, but all that depends on how my knee feels.

So now you're training a lot in the gym, are there other things that keeps you busy these times?

Yea the gym keeps me pretty busy. Lately I started mountainbiking again and that’s great. I love doing outdoor sports. I can't ride my bike every day because some days there is too much snow or it’s too cold…

Will you be able to do some competition next year, or is that something that the doctor will decide later on?

I spoke with my doctor a week ago and we made a little plan. It looks like I’ll be back on the tour in June and again that will all depend on how my knee feels. And what the doctor and the physio think.

It have always be close between you, Andy, Alex and Youri, but for you, who really is the biggest rival? Can you tell me why?

They are all great riders and they are all really hungry for that world title.I was the one that they wanted to hunt down, and I could really feel that when I was out there. All 3 riders where hard to beat.

What do you think about next season, do you expect Aaron to come back, if yes, what do you expect of him?

Would be cool when he will be back on tour. The rivalry we had the last few years was awesome and it kept me on my game and I’m sure it kept Aaron on it as well.

I can imagine that a rider has a lot of stress during competition, on what moment is stress really hitting you, and what do you do about it?

Yea there is always some stress, but I don’t want to think about it too much. I just wanna go out there and have fun that’s the most important for me. I always get in the mood when I listen to some music so that really helps.

Are you superstitious?

No not really. Aai maybe a little bit. I always attach my red line first. haha

Do you ever get tired of competition?

Yea some times. The thing is when you really love something and you do it too much. It can get boring. So you got to find a way to keep yourself motivated. And I think that’s one of the hardest things of being a pro athlete. For me setting goals really helps.

The holiday of a pro kiteboarder, how does it look like? Is there a 'not kite' holiday?

I can’t go on a trip without bringing my kite or surf gear, but if I would I don't have a clue what to do all day. Sunbathing is not manned for me, I can’t sit still.


Being a pro kiteboarder looks really nice, but every coin has another side.. You probably had to give up a lot of things, what is the thing you regret the most that you had to give up?

There are some things you miss, but there’s lot’s of cool thinks you get back. Getting home after a lot of traveling and riding with some friends is always great!

On Hanglos there came a question about how a pro kiteboarder lives financially. Is it possible to live from it, or does all the money goes to traveling?

Just bought myself a new Porsche. Hahah just kidding! It’s possible to live from it, but we don’t get paid like a pro soccer player.

About the future, what do you see yourself doing in 10 years? Do you follow any studies and is it possible to do both kiteboarding and studying?

I really see myself do the same thing that I’m doing now. I love what I’m doing and I hope I’ll be able to do this many more years. Studying is not really my thing, but for sure it’s possible to combinate those two. There are some guy’s that do it on tour.

Is there something you want to say to young talents that are heading for a pro career?

Train hard and try to enjoy every session as much as you can!

As you probably know the sport is having a hard time in some countries. For example in Belgium they want to make a kite certificate with an exam, what is your opinion on that?

I think that’s a pretty good idea. Kiteboarding is starting to get super popular and some people have no clue how much power the kite has. At my home spot it’s pretty buys not only with kiteboarders but also people that enjoy the beach. So to prevent any accidents we ask new members if they are able to ride upwind and no how to kite safely. This system works pretty good.


Next to that there is also the discussion to become Olympic, do you see that happen, and if yes, will you do course racing if that will be Olympic?

I get this question quite a lot. And if kiteboarding will become part of the Olympic it will be a great boost for the sport. But I’m a little scared that people in an office are going to decide what we have to do, and I don’t really like that. We will see how it goes.

How do you see the sport in 5 years?

I see that it is getting more mainstream and that’s a good thing. I hope more and more big companies are going to invest in the sport so we can give the people on the beach and online a great show in great conditions.

Answer in a few words what comes in your head when you read:

Wave: straps or strapless: depends on the conditions
Single or girl/boyfriend: Single
Most expensive ticket: €1500 + €100 for my bags. Ow and paid €500 for a 30kg boardbag twice.
Megaloops: If the wind is on its pretty cool
Sliders and kickers: not my thing, I rather hit some waves.
Best spot ever: home
Favorite music: Reggae


Kevin is sponsored by Naish, O'neill, USA Vision Eyewear, Ben & Jerry's, Nilles.nl, Holiday Cars, Dacia and Cillix.nl.
If you check www.kevinlangeree.com you can follow Kevin!


Read the other Hanglos Meets again:
Andy Yates
Gisela Pulido
Bruna Kajiya
Alex Pastor
Karolina Winkowska
Youri Zoon

This was the last Hanglos meets... for this season. I hope you all enjoyed it.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!