Pilgrimage

Every year, the RRD annual photoshoot in South Africa is more than just a photo or video production – it’s a full-on outdoor lab where athletes, designers and testers push the limits of kite technology. This year, two riders stood out for their unique contributions: Carl Ferreira and Adriaan Louw.

Carl, a seasoned South African wave rider, had been away for months working aboard a mega yacht. Returning to Cape Town for the shoot felt like coming home. His deep knowledge of local breaks and natural instincts in the waves made him an invaluable reference during every session. Riding with the team again, Carl brought both experience and precision to the waves, sharing his insights with younger riders and pushing the limits of what the team could capture on camera.

Adriaan, on the other hand, represents a new wave of riders: a Big Air specialist exceling in short-line competitions, where every second, every kite adjustment counts. On this trip, Adriaan didn’t just showcase his explosive style, he was actively involved in testing and fine-tuning the new kites, providing critical technical feedback that will shape the next generation of RRD gear.

The shoot is not just about content; it’s an intense period of testing and development. Both Carl and Adriaan worked closely with the RRD technical team, including designer Werther Castelletti and official tester Pier Biaggi. Every session on the water became an opportunity to discuss kite trim, bar pressure, stability and performance in extreme maneuvers.

South Africa itself is a paradise for both wind and waves, but it’s also wild. Driving between spots, you never know which animals you might encounter along the way, from curious antelopes to playful monkeys. The team covered over 3,000 kilometers in vans, scouting the best conditions for kite, wing and windsurf sessions.

Days started at dawn, chasing perfect wind and waves, and ended with debriefs where every rider shared observations and ideas. This constant dialogue between athletes, designers and testers is what turns each shoot into a true innovation lab, where feedback directly influences the evolution of RRD gear.

For Carl, it was a chance to reconnect with his homeland’s waves and share his expertise with the team. For Adriaan, it was an incredible learning experience, contributing to the technical refinement of the kites he rides at the world’s most demanding competitions.

In a backdrop of stunning landscapes, consistent wind, perfect waves, and unexpected wildlife encounters, the South Africa shoot becomes more than a production; it’s a journey into the heart of RRD innovation, where style, skill and technical insight merge to push performance higher than ever.