Profile: Rafael Montero

How did you first get into kiting?

I remember kitesurfing for as long as I can remember life. My father introduced me to the sport when I was very young, and I was lucky that he had a school and could teach me. I clearly remember the first time I used a kite – I was only three years old. From that moment, I knew this was my sport.

What else do you do other than kite?

I’ve always been a kid who loved outdoor sports, especially extreme ones. By the age of four, I was already surfing and snowboarding. Then there is school of course – as far as my studies are concerned, I’ve always managed to balance them well. In fact, I’d even say kiting helps me with school, as it’s my way of relieving academic stress!

Why did you end up focusing on freestyle when you’re so close to Tarifa, the Mecca for Big Air?

Yes, Tarifa is known as the Mecca of Big Air, but it’s worth mentioning that it also offers great conditions for freestyle, especially with the Poniente wind. That said, I don’t actually live in Tarifa – I live in Estepona, about an hour away by car. At my home spot, I get a lot of Levante wind throughout the year. It’s much lighter here, and I’ve got rivers that offer great freestyle conditions. However, the wind direction isn’t usually ideal for them, so I end up training in choppy water most of the time.

What was your motivation to start competing?

When I first started kiting, I never thought about competing. But my friend Keanu, who was already taking part in the Spanish championships, introduced me to that world and encouraged me to enter my first competition in 2019. I loved the experience, so I kept competing year after year, and in 2021 I decided to take it seriously and won my first Junior Freestyle World Championship.

What other competitions have you done? Tell us about your podium achievements. 

As just mentioned, I won my first Freestyle World Championship in the Under-16 category. I should also add that in 2020 I won my first

national title, which was held via video due to the pandemic. After 2021, I went through a rough patch for two years, finishing third and second in the Junior World Championship. But in 2024, I reclaimed the title under extremely tough conditions. That same year, I also became the Spanish and Andalusian champion in the senior category. And in 2023, I finished third in the Spanish Championship – right behind two legends: Álex Pastor and Liam Whaley. It was a true honor to share the podium with them.

How did the youth comps compare to the senior ones? Which pro riders inspired you?

Junior championships are a completely different world from the senior ones. They’re more about learning how to compete, going up against riders at a similar level so we can be ready for the senior category later on. The level in senior competitions is just insane. My inspiration comes from three riders: Gianmaria Coccoluto, Carlos Mario, and Arthur Guillebert. From Coccoluto, I take the style and landings; from Arthur, the power and creativity; and Carlos Mario – what can I say – he had the highest freestyle level in history. If I had to pick one today, it would be Arthur. I think he’s the most complete rider out there.

And like him, do you have your eye set on becoming World Champion?

For sure my goal in kiting is to win a World Championship – and the more, the better. Above all, I want to leave my mark on the history of this amazing sport by becoming one of the most talented riders of all time.

Do you like the traveling side of competing?

I love to travel – it’s one of the best parts of being a kiter. Meeting riders from all over the world not only inspires me but also helps me grow as an athlete and as a person. In the last few years, I’ve had amazing sessions in Brazil and Greece. Brazil is unbeatable for freestyle, and Greece surprised me with its consistent wind and great atmosphere.

When did you join Eleveight and what do you like about being part of their team?

This is my third year as an Eleveight rider, and over these years, I’ve realized how much the brand – especially their freestyle kite, the FS – has contributed to my progression. The boost it’s given my level has been incredible. Honestly, I don’t think I would’ve reached this point with any other brand, so I’m really proud to be part of this team. What makes it even better is the amazing atmosphere within the Eleveight family – riders from all over the world, and above all, great people.