De Duitser Mario Rodwald keert na jaren terug naar het merk waar het allemaal begon voor hem: Gaastra 

This is one of the biggest decisions of my life, maybe the biggest. I am very happy to announce that from now on I will be working together with Gaastra Kiteboarding!

First of all a huge thanks to North Kiteboarding and ION for supporting me the past six years. It was an amazing time and I am proud and thankful for what we created together. There are many trips, comps and shoots and a team that I will keep in very good memory. Looking forward to ride with you again and I wish you a bright future. 

After riding foil kites in the beginning of my kitebaording career the first tube kite I tried was the Gaastra GXR - still remember that first session and the excitement I felt. For the two years to come I was a member of the Gaastra team. My first Mobes and Slims were nailed hanging on a Gaastra bar. Nevertheless after being market leader with the GXR the past years were not the brightest for the kiteboarding division of the company. But there is true potential. For sure this is not a short term step and I thought about it even before my injury last year. A very important part of this project is my family as they mean a lot to mean and will support in many ways. Dad retired from his job after being employed for 40 years in the same company and will be a major part of the R&D team. Not only is he one of the most ambitious kiteboarders I know he also seems to be a very wise man after 30 years of windsurfing, paragliding and kiting. I truly belief there is a lot of potential in this company and so far I feel a lot of momentum in the team. My main goal right now is to come back stronger after my injury and become the fittest I can be. There is still a fair amount of tricks in my head I haven´t landed yet. You all know this feeling and the motivation it brings to life. Right now I am very happy with the progress and I feel I will be back riding my first tacks soon. Despite pushing myself on the water I will be working on my own pro models and also have a very big insight into marketing, sales and the production. These are very exciting times and I want to thank GA for the incredible welcome and again a big thanks to NKB for the great past. Looking forward to hit the water!