Can you make a career out of kitesurfing?

The growing kitesurfing industry

With a bit of motivation and a keep-going mentality, you can turn kitesurfing into a career—even without rich parents. The kitesurfing industry grows every year. More and more people are starting their kitesurfing journey, and brands are releasing new and better gear at insane prices. So, there's a lot of money circulating in the industry. Yet, professional kitesurfers and those working in the industry often don't make much money.

The reality for professional kitesurfers

Professional kitesurfers, for instance, rely on sponsorships, partnerships, brand deals, and often side jobs. They constantly juggle finances, time at the top of the sport, injury risks, and future plans. It's no wonder many kiters prefer living in the moment over long-term planning.

Being business-savvy, having financially supportive parents, or maintaining a low standard of living can make a kitesurfing career more comfortable both now and in the future.

Diverse career paths in kitesurfing

But "making a career out of kitesurfing" is a broad concept. What kind of career are we talking about? Setting up a kitesurf shop, working as a kite instructor, being a kitesurf developer at a kite brand, going pro as an athlete, joining as many competitions as possible, or becoming a digital creator/influencer with kitesurfing as your niche? There are various paths to a kitesurfing career.

Let’s focus on the career path where you get paid to kitesurf. Many kitesurfers would love to turn their passion into their job, becoming either a professional kitesurfer or a kitesurf influencer.

Becoming a professional kitesurfer

Starting that career might be easy, but succeeding is hard. To become a professional kitesurfer, you need to be good enough to join competitions. That requires time, energy, and money. You need to chase the wind to train as much as possible, which costs money. Then there's the gear, and possibly coaches or other support.

Once you're good enough, you can enter competitions. Hopefully, brands will notice you and offer a contract. If you're lucky, it will boost your professional kitesurfing career. But if you're not the best of the best, the boost might be minimal. So, the professional path is filled with uncertainties. But hey, if you don't try, you'll never know.

Becoming a kitesurfing influencer

If going pro isn't an option—maybe because you're not good enough, you're too old, or for another reason—you can consider becoming an influencer. If you're attractive, you'll have a head start. Growing your audience and following is crucial for brand deals. This career path also requires money, time, and effort. It can take months or years to earn decent money. How will you support yourself in the meantime? You'll need to invest in your career and work hard to achieve your goals.

Supplementary income sources

It's common to have another income source while pursuing a professional or digital kitesurfing career. Many in the kitesurf scene have jobs on the side, like kitesurf instructing or working at a kitesurf shop. These jobs are low effort and keep you in your field of passion. Often, they provide gear you can use for free. You might also find a remote job that allows you to work from anywhere in the world, giving you the time and money to train or create content.

Maximizing opportunities

So, consider other ways to make money to support your journey. Find ways to achieve your goals. Look for sponsorships, brand deals, and money opportunities. Start small. What about your local kitesurf shop or a brand outside the kitesurf scene? Be bold. Don’t take no for an answer.

Shoot for the stars, and maybe you'll end up even better. Or have rich parents.

xox Berit