The Creators – Harlem

What an achievement for Harlem – a triple podium at King of the Air 2025 – how does it feel?!

It’s incredible. Lorenzo winning KOTA and completing the Trilogy, Leo finishing second at only 16 in his debut, and Lana taking third in the Women’s division… it’s unreal. It’s something you dream about. For us as a brand, it’s the confirmation that we’re doing things the right way. It shows what’s possible when you combine world-class riders, the right mindset, and the best performing gear.

Let’s go back to the beginning. You grew up around the mountains of Austria. When did kitesurfing first grab you?

My first real spark was in New Zealand. I saw a kiter blasting across a bay in Wellington and thought, I have to try this. Together with Mike, a friend of mine, I bought a kite from a shop – no lessons, just the manual… It was reckless. I got dragged across rocks, almost hit a boat… But once I achieved my first few meters on the board, that was it. That feeling of flying changed everything for me. It meant freedom and gave me a sense of limitless movement on and off the water. You can reach places you’d never get to otherwise.

And then when did the idea of starting a brand begin to form?

After years of teaching, selling, repairing and riding existing kites, it became clear that we could build kites that performed better and lasted longer. Durability, sustainability and performance were the first principles. Hans Lieben and I launched Harlem in 2016. We kept it simple: make gear that doesn’t fall apart after a season, make it accessible, and build a community around progression and fun. People connected with that immediately.

How did the name Harlem come about?

It started in Haarlem, Netherlands, where the first prototypes were designed and tested. So the name came naturally. But we also loved the historical link – in the 17th century, Dutch sailors crossed the Atlantic and founded what became Harlem, New York. Adventure, exploration, breaking new ground – that spirit matched exactly what we wanted the brand to represent – a brand that wasn’t following trends, but creating its own path.

So Harlem is more than just about kites for you. What makes the community so important?

Because kitesurfing is an individual sport, but the journey isn’t. If you experience your biggest moments alone, they lose meaning. Harlem became a family because people supported each other – on the beach, on trips, during competitions, through tough years like Covid. They share a mindset: have fun, push limits, stay humble, help others progress.

And that family showed up in force during King of the Air!

Absolutely. You could feel it on the beach. The Harlem crew – riders, partners, team, friends – all there, supporting Lorenzo, Leo, Lana and Stino. It was raw energy, unity and focus. Not loud for the sake of being loud, but present, committed, and believing in what we do. That kind of support makes a difference on days like that.