We’re proud to welcome Lewis Crathern to the Harlem Family.
A four-time British Champion, Red Bull Megaloop Challenge winner, and long-time King of the Air contender, Lewis is one of the most respected voices in kitesurfing — both on and off the water. Beyond his achievements as an athlete, he’s a natural storyteller, broadcaster, coach, mentor, and advocate for positive change in the sport.
Stepping into a broader role at Harlem, Lewis will help bring the brand to life through in-depth storytelling, podcasts, coaching content, and behind-the-scenes access to the people, products, and values driving Harlem forward, while also playing a key role in growing the community, especially in the UK. This is the start of an exciting new chapter, and just the beginning of what we’ll be building together.
We caught up with Lewis to talk about his journey, his new role at Harlem, and what’s coming next. Dive into the interview below.
Name: Lewis Crathern
Discipline: Big Air, Freestyle
Date of birth: 28.04.1985
Where are you from? Worthing, West Sussex, UK
And where are you based now? Worthing, West Sussex, UK
How/when did you get into kiting?
I got into Kitesurfing in 2002 when I first saw it taking off on the southern shores of the UK in my hometown of Worthing. At the end of my road was the sea so I spent a lot of time there, originally learning to windsurf for a few years then craving the height that kitesurfing could give you.
What do you consider your biggest achievements in kiting so far?
I think it’s natural to look at my competition results… some of my best include being 4X British Champion, winning the first Red Bull Megaloop Challenge in Cape Town in 2012, competing at the King of the Air 9 years in a row and achieving a podium in 2018. Jumping over Brighton Pier in 2010 was a powerful moment, it taught me a lot about what I can achieve if I put my mind to it. One achievement stands out more then all of them - that is to maintain a healthy balance between kitesurfing as my job and my passion.
Why joining Harlem? What excites you about joining the Harlem Family?
Well, a lot actually! It’s been impossible not to notice the impact Harlem has had on the industry over the past few years, and that naturally sparked my curiosity. What was really going on there? When Aaron Hadlow, a good friend of mine, joined the brand, every time he spoke about working with the team he was in such a positive place, and that really stood out to me.
It’s been a long time since I have had a change, and I felt now was the right time for a new challenge.
Once we started talking, it quickly became clear that there was a role for me at Harlem and that I could truly reach my potential with the brand. The team culture, dedication, and work ethic are incredibly infectious, and I love how connected I now feel with everyone across the team.
And the gear? What can I say, I honestly feel like I’m the one with the advantage now!
You’re stepping into a broader role at Harlem — can you tell us more about what that role will involve?
Since stepping away from competition, I’ve moved heavily into broadcasting, coaching, and working with the younger generation. Harlem immediately recognised the value I bring outside the competition zone, and one of my key roles is helping tell the story of how, and why the brand has grown so successfully in such a short space of time.
Alongside my marketing and rider role, I’m also excited to help accelerate Harlem’s growth in the UK, working as an agent with Aaron. I love demo days and getting out with local communities, and this feels like the perfect moment in my career to really lean into that side of the sport.
Are there any projects or ideas you’re especially keen to bring to life?
I can’t wait to kick off the podcast series. What excites me most is that I’m also discovering how the brand really ticks and what truly makes Harlem special. It’s a completely different angle from anything I’ve done before, and I think that authenticity and curiosity will really come through in the interviews.
People still talk to me about the coaching series I created years ago, and it’s been on my mind for a long time to create something new. I’ve learned many new coaching techniques since then and it's almost like a sense of relief that I can get it out of my head and into the kitesurfing world.
I’m a big believer in destiny and a big part of my work is within the Wind Energy industry with the support of my sponsor Global Wind Energy Council. Seeing the wind turbine icon woven through the Harlem brand made it feel like this was always meant to be.
“Change The Tide” is what Harlem lives by — what does it mean to you personally?
For me it means to not be afraid to go in a new direction. To believe in yourself and fully trust your instincts. It also reflects the new direction my kitesurfing career is taking, one where I’m pushing myself further rather than continuing to do the same things.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future, both on and off the water?
I just want to make a difference. Kitesurfing has given me so much, and it’s an incredible tool for breaking down barriers, raising awareness around issues that really matter, and connecting people across the world. My biggest hope is to keep finding meaningful ways to make an impact through the sport I love.
On the water, it’s simple. Stay healthy, and never lose that love for kitesurfing. If I can keep learning and growing along the way, that means everything to me.
What’s you gear set-up and what do you like about it?
I’m currently riding both the Thrive and the Peak in all sizes. I’m loving the boosting and looping potential of the Peak. It’s a kite that’s truly proven itself in this area, from the highest jump ever recorded on a twin tip to the continued success of our Big Air team.
The Thrive has really taken me by surprise. I especially love the 10m and 12m, which are incredibly versatile and turn super fast, allowing me to cover multiple disciplines with one model. The Ascent board fits my style perfectly, giving me a strong sense of grip and control, and the pads and straps work exceptionally well.
The Lead bar is unreal! Super comfortable, clean, and straightforward. The extra- wide center opening gives you serious leverage on the bar, which is absolutely essential for kite looping. The range just keeps getting better and more dialed, and even my travel gear is fully on point now and looks great.
Favourite spot in the world: Worthing UK, closely followed by Cape Town. For me, it's always been very difficult to replace my home spot where I learnt so much. It’s provided me with a passion for kiteboarding, my life… Riding the storms on my home beach is the most exhilarating feeling I know.
Who or what inspires you — within or outside the kitesurfing world? I’ve always felt incredibly lucky to have grown up alongside such a strong generation of UK kitesurfers. Being able to look up to people like Sam Light, Tom Court, Hannah Whiteley, Aaron Hadlow, and James Boulding was incredibly inspiring. Observing the different paths they took, and the level they reached, showed me what was possible. Knowing they were all from the UK made it feel real and achievable, it helped me believe that I could do it too.
There are so many other influential riders the world, too many to name them all but one Dutch rider who invented the megaloop stands out. The generosity he showed me at such an early stage of my career had an everlasting impact.
Outside of kitesurfing? Didier Drogba and Paul Scholes
When not on the water, where can we find you? On the Golf Course
Describe yourself with 3 words: Calm. Until necessary
Any fun / curious fact about you that no one knows yet: I love landscape gardening.
An exciting new chapter is underway, and there’s plenty more to come. Stay tuned.
Follow Lewis on Instagram here.
