Interview with Stig: Big Air, Naish Loyalty & Life Beyond Kiting

Rubens: What's up, guys? It's the Brazilian Bros from MACkiteboarding, and today we've got a very special guest: Stig, fresh off the water on a super windy day here in Brazil.

For anyone who's been living under a rock, Stig is a big air legend who's podiumed at King of the Air, and he's also an incredible cinematographer. If you haven't checked out his YouTube channel, you definitely should. So Stig, tell us... how did you first get into kitesurfing?

How Stig Got Started in Kitesurfing

Stig: It started about 12 or 13 years ago as a hobby. I just loved the feeling of using the wind to go anywhere, fast, with total freedom. You could jump, explore... it was addictive.

Pretty quickly, I realized I had a knack for tricks, so I started entering local competitions. I did well, picked up sponsors, and it just grew from there. I also worked as a kite instructor to fund travel to competitions. And now, for the past five or six years, I've basically been living my childhood dream.

Landing the Podium at King of the Air

Rubens: That's amazing. One of the biggest moments we saw was your debut at King of the Air, where you actually podiumed. What was that experience like?

Stig: Just getting there is an honor for any big air rider. That's the stage to show what you can do.

Going in, my goal was just to make it a few rounds and be proud of that. I even said in a podcast beforehand that maybe, if everything went perfectly, I could land on the podium. And somehow, it all came together. It was definitely the best competitive experience of my life.

A Decade with Naish: How It All Began

Rubens: I remember how high you were going! Super powered, really aggressive riding. That's something that stands out about your style. Another thing I really respect is your loyalty to Naish. You've been with them for a long time. How did that partnership start?

Stig: It's been over 10 years now. And honestly, it started by coincidence. When I first began kiting, I rode at a spot near my house where it wasn't fully legal. There was one other guy there. He was much older than me, but we looked out for each other on the water.

I told him about competing locally, and after my first year I placed fourth at the Dutch Nationals. When I shared that with him, it turned out he was the Naish importer for Europe. I had no idea! He helped connect me with the brand, and from there, it just felt right. The gear suits my style, I like how they think, and I've never felt the need to leave.

Naish Pivot Aluula: Who Is It For?

Rubens: We saw you riding the new Naish Pivot with the Aluula frame. How is it, and who's it for?

Stig: I've ridden the Pivot since it first came out. This is the second Aluula version, and it's seriously impressive. The first time I tried it, in Brazil, actually, I landed a few tricks in one session that I'd been working on for months. That was a big moment.

It's perfect for riders who want that extra bit of performance, especially in lighter wind, gusty conditions, or choppy water. It just gives you more.

Pivot vs Psycho: Which Kite Should You Choose?

Rubens: And how does it compare to the Psycho, Naish's newer big air kite?

Stig: The Pivot is my do-it-all kite. If I'm traveling somewhere new and don't know what to expect, whether that's freeride, waves, freestyle, or big air, it handles everything really well. I like to adapt to the conditions: big air in strong wind, freestyle in lighter wind, waves when they're good. The Pivot fits that philosophy perfectly.

The Psycho, though... that's for extreme conditions. When I'm in Cape Town with 40 knots and big waves, it goes higher, feels smoother, and gives that extra edge. But for me, that's maybe 10-20% of sessions. So overall, I stick with the Pivot.

Stig's Board Setup: Why He Rides a 138

Rubens: Love that approach. Let's talk boards. What are you riding?

Stig: I'm on the Naish Drive, 138. It's a bit bigger than what most big air riders use, but I like to mix in unhooked tricks, so I need the extra control for landings. With the speed and power I come in with, that extra size really helps. It's light, maneuverable, and forgiving on the knees.

In super strong conditions, like Cape Town, I'll go smaller, around 134, but the 138 is my go-to. It's just a really solid all-around freeride board. I know it inside and out.

Beyond Kiting: Filmmaking and Brand Partnerships

Rubens: Beyond competing, you've also built an awesome presence with your video work, and now you've got sponsors like Jeep and Insta360. How's that side of things been?

Stig: It's been really exciting. I've been working with Insta360 for a couple of years. Their cameras are perfect for what we do: durable, water-ready, and reliable.

Jeep is another great fit. Their whole "go anywhere, do anything" mindset aligns perfectly with kiting and exploring new locations.

I choose my partnerships carefully; it has to make sense. And I feel really lucky that these brands are as excited about what I do as the kite community is. Going forward, I'd love to keep expanding outside the kite industry and show a broader audience how incredible this sport is.

Rubens: That's awesome, and definitely something we're aiming for too.

Thanks so much, Stig. You were absolutely sending it out there today in some serious wind. And thank you guys for watching- hope you enjoyed the interview. See you soon!

Stig: Cheers. Thanks for having me.

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