Elsien Zijlstra joins the Harlem Family

Our Big Air team is getting even bigger! We're stoked to announce that Elsien Zijlstra has joined the Harlem Family.

Elsien lives and breathes the salty lifestyle. Inspired by the power of the ocean and the feeling of freedom and adrenaline it provides, Elsien moved away from her professional acrobatic careers to pursue her passion for kitesurfing.

Devoted to the most extreme kitesurfing discipline, Elsien travels the world to train and compete in some of the best kiting locations in the world – from the chilly waters of her home spot in the Netherlands to the sunny shores of Brazil. Last year she was crowned Dutch Big Air champion, as well as Full Power Tarifa Vice Champion. 

We caught up with Elsien and asked her to tell us more about her journey and what excited her about joining the Family.

Elsien Zijlstra

Discipline: Big Air

Date of birth: 8 February 1995

Where are you from? Damwoude, The Netherlands

And where are you based now? Leeuwarden, The Netherlands

How did you get into kiting? I lived in Aruba for two years and that’s where I learned how to kitesurf. I was completely stoked from the first moment. As a former professional acrobat, I found that the same tricks I loved performing indoors could now be done in nature! I fell completely in love with the combination of acrobatics and nature. 

What are your biggest achievements in kiting so far? Last year I won the Dutch Big Air Championships and became second in Full Power Tarifa. 

What excites you about joining the Harlem Family? I am super thrilled to join the Harlem Family. I have always been drawn to synergies, 1 + 1 = 3. This is what Harlem does, making an extremely good kite using innovative technology and a kite that is better for the environment. 

Gear set-up: Harlem Force, Lead bar 

What do you like about the gear set-up? What I love about my gear set-up is that it empowers me to perform at my best. And apart from that, the colors are amazing, right?!

What are your goals and aspirations for the future? What I love so much about this sport is that it brings me to a mental space where I find complete focus. Especially during competitions I experience this flow state where everything else disappears. This is where I am able to push my limits further and further! 

Favourite spot in the world: Cape Town and Tarifa

Who inspires you? I am inspired by Sam Harris. His deep understanding of meditation inspires me and enriches my life with regular practice.

Describe yourself with 3 words: Determined, Loving, Enthusiastic  

Can you tell us a curious fact about you that no one knows yet? I left my job as a neuropsychologist to see how far I could push myself in kitesurfing. But oooh, the human brain is so fascinating!! 

Follow Elsien on Instagram here.