Sushi Roll

Hey, my name is Vetea Boersma. I’m 25 years old and proud to call Hood River, Oregon my home. Growing up in a place that’s considered one of the meccas of wind sports, it was only natural that I found my way into kiteboarding.

A huge influence in my journey has been my dad. He’s a former Olympic silver medalist in windsurfing and someone I’ve always looked up to. He taught me how to kite when I was just eight years old. Back then, I was one of the only groms on the water, but from day one, I was hooked. What started as a way to spend time with my dad quickly turned into a lifelong passion. Having someone with that level of experience and dedication as a mentor made a massive impact on how I approach the sport. He’s always been my biggest inspiration, both on and off the water.

Over the years, I’ve worked hard to develop my own style: powerful, stylish, and full of variety. One of the achievements I’m proudest of is inventing a trick I call the “Sushi Roll”: a clean, clockwise rotation around the kite. When you get it right, it feels smooth, controlled and super satisfying. It’s one of those tricks that looks simple but demands timing, finesse and precision.

Unlike my dad, I’ve never been too focused on competition. What really drives me is the adventure traveling to new places and chasing hardcore conditions. There’s something about big waves, strong wind, and unfamiliar terrain that pushes my riding and brings out the best in me. It’s that raw, unpredictable nature of the sport that keeps me hungry.

But the journey hasn’t always been smooth. Four years ago, I had to undergo a serious hip operation that kept me off the water for nearly two years. It was one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever faced. Being told by doctors that I might never kite at a high level again was devastating. Rebuilding from scratch physically and mentally was humbling. But that recovery process taught me to appreciate every single session more deeply. It reminded me why I love this sport and how lucky I am to be out there. I’ve always believed the harder you work, the sweeter the reward, and that comeback was a big part of my story. If you want something bad enough, y

The latest step on my journey is that I recently joined the Eleveight team. This year’s AWSI in Hood River gave me the chance to meet the whole crew. The event was a highlight for me – the vibes were unreal with good people, epic sessions, testing gear, and, of course, crushing burritos after long windy days. Events like that remind me how strong and supportive our kiteboarding community is, and why Hood River is such a special place to call home.

Looking ahead, my goals are simple: keep progressing, keep creating, and keep riding with style. I want to inspire the next generation the same way I was inspired as a kid. Whether it’s landing a new trick, filming fresh content, or just chasing the wind, I’m here for all of it.

Thanks for reading and see you on the water.

Photographer, Andre Magarao: “I first met Vetea years ago, back when he was attending the World Class Kiteboard Academy in Brazil – around 2017 or 2018. Even then, it was clear he was one of the most promising young riders, and we had the chance to shoot together a few times.

Not long after, I was heartbroken to hear he would need hip surgery. Coming from a tennis family, I know all too well how often that surgery can mark the end of a career in sports. For a young kiteboarder with so much potential, it felt like a crushing setback.

Ever since, I’ve followed his recovery closely, always hoping he’d make it back. That’s why it was such a special moment to reconnect and shoot with him again this year in Hood River. Watching him push into his tricks with confidence and move so comfortably in the water was more than just inspiring – it was a reminder of his resilience and determination.” ■