Wind Chasers Pt. 4: Nick Jacobsen Jumps From Tatajuba's Biggest Dune

When Nick Jacobsen rolls into Tatajuba, you know things are probably going to get interesting. The 2017 King of the Air champion has built a reputation for pushing the limits both on and off the water, and this trip with the Brazilian Brothers is no exception. Rubens catches up with Nick to talk about the transition from professional stunt rider to brand owner, the future of Jacobsen Kites, and what it's like to keep chasing new challenges. Then the conversation heads out into the dunes, where Nick finds a little more adrenaline than he may have been looking for.

Meet Nick Jacobsen in Tatajuba

Rubens: What's up, guys? It's the Brazilian Brothers with MACkiteboarding. And look who I have next to me. It is Nick Jacobsen, an absolute legend of the sport. We're here in Tatajuba with him, catching up, asking him some questions, and then also going to a secret spot.

From Stunt Rider to Brand Owner

Rubens: It's almost like a transition from where you were doing a lot of stunts. I mean, we've seen some of the craziest ones... jumping off of shipwrecks, jumping off of buildings in Dubai, obviously also being a pro athlete and competing at King of the Air and winning. And then you've transitioned to actually become a business owner and creating your own brand, right? Jacobsen Kites. How was that transition?

Nick: Going from having limited obligations every day and doing whatever I pleased, to actually trying to build something. I believe that all the athletes have their own business in a way, their own brand to maintain and take care of.

But at some point, you get older, you know? And then you have Lorenzo and these kids just kicking your butt all the time. You've got to realize that you need to do something different if you want to stay relevant in the sport. And I always wanted to create my own thing. I just didn't know that it was a brand that I wanted to create. So, I would say after many years, I've realized that this is the thing that I want to do where I could give back to the youth, the next generation.

So if I can convert all this and then help the next gen to pursue some of my achievements, that'll be great. And I think you can do that a bit easier if you have your own brand. So that's definitely the main factor.

Jacobsen YES Kite and Accessible Pricing

Rubens: That's amazing. So now you've got the Yes kite, you have boards, you have a bar, you have a whole quiver, which, by the way, we've done reviews and we love the kites.

I think that not only are they good products, but they're accessibly priced. In a day and age where there's $3,500 kites, you give people an opportunity to actually buy really good gear at a very decent price.

What's Next for Jacobsen Kites?

Rubens: What do you think in terms of the future? What are some of the things that you want Jacobsen Kites to move towards?

Nick: Well, right now we have the three-strut, which is the all-around, fun kite to go out on, and you can jump on it. You can ride big boards, do a downwind foil. And that's what I wanted to build in the beginning—the kite that does it all. Like any other brand, we wanted to do that. And I think we achieved that in some way.

And now we have a five-strut coming out, to be announced soon, and we've got some wings. So, I like to do a lot of disciplines and expand our product portfolio. So yeah, it's exciting times.

Rubens: I think that's the right approach. One step at a time. Three-strut do-it-all: the Yes kite. So you've heard it here first: five-strut coming out soon, and wings and stuff. That's really, really exciting.

And here we are sitting in this restaurant, but the wind is absolutely cranking.

Loading the 4x4 for the Secret Spot

Rubens: So I'm actually really looking forward to getting out because you're someone we've always looked up to as really stylish, just having fun in the water, not caring what anyone thinks. And we've got the 4x4 loaded up. We're going to take Nick out to the back here of Tatajuba. And I cannot wait to show you guys what we are going to be able to accomplish in this beautiful afternoon in Brazil.

Thank you so much, Nick. Let's get it, man.

Secret Spot in Tatajuba

Rubens: All right, we drove a little bit and it is absolutely cranking. We're getting our legs blasted with sand because the wind is nuclear, and we are at this secret spot. There's these nice little water channels.

So, what's the plan, Nick? What kite are you pumping up?

Nick: Well, yesterday we rode the 10m and it was pretty windy yesterday, but today it feels like it's double. I think I might go on a 9m and then cruise downwind. If we see a cool spot, I'll stop. If there's any donkeys or pigs or anything, let's try and jump them.

Rubens: Sick. I'm stoked. I mean, take a look at this scenery. It is like we're in the Sahara Desert. I can't wait to see this guy out there. So stylish and always so creative. I'm interested to see what he's going to be able to pull off in this epic scenery here in Brazil. Let's get it.

Hunting for the Biggest Dune... and Getting Stuck

Nick cruised the channels but wasn't done yet. The dunes in the back had sparked something within him. Let's just say he was missing some adrenaline, just like in the old days. Now our mission is to find the biggest dune we can in Tatajuba so Nick can do one of his crazy stunts.

But then... we got stuck in the sand. Everyone pitched in to help dig, and the 4x4 was finally free to continue its climb.

Scouting a Dune to Jump

Rubens: It's been an adventure so far. Look where we made it up to. We're on top of a huge dune. It's like the Sahara Desert over here. The wind is cranking. There's so much freaking sand moving. What's the plan, Nick? What are we doing?

Nick: Well, the plan was to go to that dune over there, but we realized there's no water in the pond. So, right now, we're just scouting which dune to jump from. And I think we've got to go that way.

Rubens: All right, we'll go that way. See what we can do. But this guy's about to jump from a freaking dune, and I can't wait. Let's do it.

Nick Sets Up on Top of the Dune

Rubens: We made it to the top of the dune. It is massive. The wind is cranking. There's so much sand blasting. And Nick Jacobsen is scouting out the area and getting ready to jump 40 meters off this thing.

I am freaking out right now. But I cannot wait to see this legend go back to his roots and pull off another amazing stunt over here in Brazil. Let's go.

The Dune Jump

Nick: Okay, just let me know when I can jump! Ready? 3, 2, 1... See ya!!

Nick Reacts After the Jump

Rubens: That was insane, Nick! I mean, it was so gusty. At one point, I didn't think you were going to clear the dune. How does it feel to go back to doing crazy stuff like this?

Nick: Well, I wouldn't say this is too crazy, but as soon as I launched off the dune, I kind of dropped pretty quick, and then I realized I needed to really do a big kiteloop just to get away from the dune. It was a little scary, I must say. But it felt good.

Rubens: It was nice to watch. I mean, you've got the new gear, and the Yes kite got you over the dune nice and safe. Amazing to watch.

It was so good to hang out with you and get to experience in person the emotion of just doing crazy stuff like this. Thanks so much, Nick!

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