Kiter.com:Kiter.com: You just won the final King of the Air contest in Maui and beat riders with much more experience and time on the tour (including Robby Naish) How is that possible? Ruben Lenten: I just had my good days and ripped there on Hookipa, and Robby also went huge and charged the biggest waves around. But I did some more technical shit so I won the comp.
How would you describe your riding style?
Just riding really creative and do whatever I want to do but powerful and crazy.
Do you ever get hurt from the high velocity hand pass moves?
Till two weeks ago I never got hurt but I just busted my ribs in Maui so I've to take rest until Brazil now, hope it will be all good.
What new moves have you personally invented and how did you name them?
I didn't really invent something new it's just a combo or something, so it's called the kung-fu front roll grab flat 3 down loop to blind. Pretty cool to do!
What new moves are you working on right now?
Healing the ribs as soon as possible, I don't know just riding and progressing everything.
What is the most stylish trick in kiteboarding?
The most stylish trick in kiteboarding I like the off-axis shizzle.
What was your favorite contest in 2005?
All the PKRA events are always fun, but the Red Bull King of the Air hit the spot it was something different and super cool.
What could be done to improve contests?
More money to organize everything way, way better.
What are your best contest results so far?
Last year was my first year on tour and I ended up 3rd overall which was awesome, and yeah I won three events in a row just now. Canada (pkra), Italy (pkra), Red Bull King of the Air.
How many years will you stay on the pro tour?
As long as I'm not dead and having fun at it.
Do you have any projects in the works or goals for next season?
This winter I'll train my ass off and hope to get a good chance next year for another year at the top. Maybe a first place.
What riders do you draw inspiration from?
My buddy Aaron Hadlow is one of the most perfect riders ever. He just does everything every single time. And yeah all the riders around have something where you can learn from.
How did you pick Noordwijkerhout as you home base and how long have you been there?
I've been born in Noordwijk, that's where I kite all the time, but I went to school in Noordwijkerhout which is one town further so we live there for 5 years or something now. But I'm in Noordwijk everyday so it's all good.
What do you do when you are not kiting?
Listening music, doing interviews and emails, checking my equipment and just chill out big time with my friends and bro's back home.
Who are the most important people in your life?
My parents and brothers for sure…
What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
The craziest thing I've ever done, Hhmm... I don't know there are many things that are pretty crazy but yeah which one is cool.
Ok that was when it was super windy at my home spot and I tripped out and took my 9 meter Fuel on 15 meter lines and just went off for 45 minutes kitelooping the shit out of it and then go back to the beach and forgot how sick it was.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I probably will have a girlfriend and a place where I'm based and just traveling a lot, still competing maybe.
Have you ever tried kiting in the snow or on land boards?
I never tried it in the snow yet but probably I'll try it somewhere next year. And land boarding I was always busy when I was a little kid on the beach with all kind of boards and buggies so that was fun…
Are professional kiteboarders underpaid or over paid?
Just ok it's not too bad; actually most of the pro-kiters are just paid for the travel expense so they're way under paid. But I still make a little bit of money. Hope it will increase sometime…
What is the future of kiting?
The future of kiting is difficult to say because you'll never know what will happen... just hope on the best and the sickest, I'm on it!
Thanks for the interview Ruben. Any parting words for aspiring young kiteboarders?
Stay in school and don't do drugs. Adrenaline Driven is the only way…
