One-to-one with Scott Barendsen

From chasing winds at age 9 to shaping custom kite campaigns for global brands, Scott is carving his own path in the world of kkiting and beyond. We caught up with him to talk passion, creativity, and his journey with the Harlem family.

Name: Scott Barendsen
 
Discipline: Big Air
 
Date of birth: 21/10/1999
 
Where are you from? The Netherlands
 
And where are you based now? Tarifa, Spain

 
How did you get into kiting?

I got into kiting when I was 9 years old. I saw people doing it when I was 5, but it was only when I turned 9 and weighted enough to have my first lesson in Tarifa. 
 
What are your biggest achievements in kiting so far?

I think becoming a professional kitesurfer by training hard every day in and outside of the water, eating healthy and surrounding myself with the right people is my biggest achievement. This gave me the possibility to travel around the world, compete in international competitions and meet beautiful people along the way.

Other than that, switching my career from competing to a more marketing side of kiting, combining my passion for kiting and my creativity doing custom kite projects for big companies, and using these kites as billboards made me realize that this is what truly makes me happy, and i see being happy as a huge achievement.
 
 What excites you about being part of the Harlem Family?

When I first spoke with Alex and Victor, I was amazed by their enthusiasm and when they explained me everything about the brand and the way they work I could see that the company had a very bright future. Also we share the same values and I think this is super important when you start working together. Nowadays what most stood out for me and with what I am most involved with is the possibility of creating custom kites and using them as a marketing tool.

Learn more about custom kites here. 
 
What’s your gear set-up currently and what do you like about it? 

I ride 7m and 9m Peak, 13m Thrive and the Ascent board 135cm. 

 
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?

My goal for this years is to get sponsored by a car brand, riding custom kites with their logo on it and being able to produce amazing content such as TV commercials. 

Favourite spot in the world: Balneario, Tarifa
 
Who inspires you?

Giel Vlugt is someone that inspired me from the beginning, other than that the love for the sport, the nature, the beautiful colors and the endless possibilities inspire me a lot!

 
Describe yourself with 3 words:

Empathetic, driven, charming
 
Any curious fact about you that no one knows yet:

I’m the first every paid team rider of the Harlem team! 

Follow Scott on Instagram here.