It’s sweet being 16 for Jesse Richman who makes a living roaming the world playing in the wind and water.
School, teachers and nagging parents are miles away and flicker into life on the road as emails.
But there is no temptation with all that freedom to file those messages into the trash icon on his desktop.
The Hawaiian, who miraculously debuted and became the youngest kiter to have won the 2008 Kiteboard Pro World Tour freestyle division, says kiting is not forever.
``An education is important,’’ says the sandy haired small framed 16 year old during his Melbourne visit last December.
``Go on,’’ I replied while I recovered from the shock of what this kid at the top of the kiting world just revealed.
“I definitely want to go to university.
“Kiting is only going to last for so long, so I am going to do what I can.
“Every day I realise how lucky I am to be doing what people dream to do.''
Richman became famous overnight on YouTube for remaining airborne for 22 seconds after a 30m jump in San Francisco in 2007.
Internet fame has shaped Richman into a champion, a refreshing change from stories we hear every week of teens achieving internet fame by being obnoxious or public nuisances.
But what’s more promising about this rising star is that he has a game plan and it is now activated to help keep him at the top of the KPWT tables.
He is also considering switching to compete in the higher profile PKRA competition.
“I beat some incredible riders and I am in awe that I was able to do as good as I did,” he said.
“Most other riders are only good at one or two disciplines whereas I look to be strong in all three, freestyle, waves and racing.
“I’m looking at having a good time and helping sponsors push the sport in the right direction.
“So far I have been travelling the world and getting paid to do what I love.”
Maui, the motherland of kiteboarding has helped shape Richman into the rider he is.
“Looking at the top pros four or five years ago has helped, I remember watching Lou Wainman try tricks that were ridiculous at the time,” he said.
“It is cool how it is evolving.
“It is branching out in so many directions
“I get bored doing one after a while so I love doing a mix of them.
“It is really cool because I love the variety of it and if it means taking four or five different boards in the bag, then that is what it takes.” |
