I’ve never kitesurfed myself, but I’ve seen what it does to people. Kitesurfers often describe it like this:


The moment you’re out on the water, pulled by the wind, and nothing else matters but you, your board, and the raw power of nature.


For Knoll Kitesurfboards, that feeling is the driving force behind every design. This day at KSN Surfclub Noordwijk wasn’t about taking spectacular photos. It was about capturing what kitesurfing is really about: freedom, craftsmanship, and respect for the ocean.

A Day at KSN Surfclub Noordwijk


For this shoot, KSN Surfclub Noordwijk became my stage for a day of speed and passion. Founded in the late 1970s by a group of windsurfing enthusiasts, KSN has grown from a small initiative to prevent conflicts between surfers and swimmers into a vibrant community hub for water sports lovers. It’s a place where generations of surfers, kiters, and ocean enthusiasts have come together to share their passion for the sea.


For me, photography is about understanding the people, the place, and the purpose behind every shot. I’ve always believed that the best photographs are those that evoke emotion and tell a story. Whether it’s the raw energy of a kitesurfer cutting through the waves or the quiet determination of a craftsman perfecting his board, my goal is to capture the essence of the moment.


This shoot was about connecting with the surfers, understanding their passion, and translating that into images that resonate.

The Riders: Dick, Rogier, and Dylan


For this shoot, we were joined by three remarkable kitesurfers, each bringing their own energy and story to the water:


  • Dick: The most experienced surfer and a legend at KSN. His opinion on the boards carries extra weight: when Dick approves, you know you’ve got something special.


  • Rogier: The ideal Knoll rider. A highly skilled surfer who values quality and has an eye for sustainability (and photography, too).


  • Dylan: A pro rider who travels to diverse spots like Kenya, Brazil, Guadeloupe, and Bonaire. Today, he was here with us in his hometown Noordwijk, bringing his global expertise to the local waves.


The dynamic shots of Dick, Rogier, and Dylan kitesurfing embody the spirit of Knoll—adventure, sustainability, and a deep connection with the ocean. Lennard’s enthusiasm for the images, especially those with seagulls, underscored the brand’s commitment to harmony with nature.

Knoll Kitesurfboards is a new brand of specialized equipment, created by Lennard Knol. Born from a desire to build something that lasts longer than any trend, Knoll is committed to local craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation.


Lennard’s boards use a 3D-printed core made from a bioplastic derived from corn and sugarcane, wrapped in a fiber that’s stronger and stiffer than the standard E-glass used in most boards. This results in a board that resists dents, lasts longer, and delivers the flex every kiter is looking for, all while minimizing environmental impact.


For Lennard, it’s about more than just performance. It’s about connection with the natural elements. The images from this shoot tell a story of freedom, innovation, and respect for nature. Each photo captures not just a surfer in action, but a piece of Knoll’s vision: #RideTheFuture.

The Challenges of Shooting Motion


My role was clear: capture the dynamic action on the water. I used my Fujifilm XT5 and 150-600mm lens to focus solely on the movement and energy of the kitesurfers. This setup allowed me to isolate the surfers against the waves, emphasizing the speed, power, and grace of their jumps and turns.


Challenges of Shooting Motion


Shooting dynamic action on the water came with its own set of challenges:


Focus and Movement: kitesurfers move fast, and the waves don’t make it any easier. I had to constantly adjust to keep them in focus, especially when they disappeared behind a wave.


Equipment Limitations: I lost my go-to tripod, so I had to use an old replacement. It was stable, but the legs often got in the way when I needed to pan quickly.


Environmental Factors: the wind was relentless, blowing sand and debris onto my lens. I had to stay vigilant to keep my shots clean and sharp.


Timing: Kitesurfing is fast-paced, and the action doesn’t stop. There were moments I missed a spectacular jump because I was changing an SD card or adjusting settings.

Collaboration and Reflection


Meanwhile, Meriam (Solis Vidi Photography) focused on capturing portraits and candid moments on the beach, while Sebas (SDM Fotografie) filmed a promotional video for Knoll, including drone footage.


After the shoot, we gathered in the clubhouse to review the day’s work. Over drinks, we discussed the images, the challenges, and the highlights. There was a shared sense of accomplishment, and excitement for future collaborations.


We toasted to a successful shoot and the potential for more projects together.

 

Looking back, this shoot was more than just a job. It was another step in my journey of capturing people in motion on the sea. After the Red Bull Megaloop in 2025, I was able to refine my approach even further: fine-tuning my timing, anticipating movements better, and adapting to the unpredictable nature of the ocean.


I’m grateful for the new connections I’ve made with passionate kitesurfers, photographers, and entrepreneurs. These collaborations inspire me to keep pushing my boundaries.


I’m already looking forward to more shoots like this in the future, bringing the vibrant kitesurfing scene in Noordwijk into the spotlight. There’s something special about this community, and I can’t wait to capture more of its energy, passion, and stories.


And yes, I was exhausted by the end of the day, my skin red from the sun. But I had a blast. Sharing my passion for photography with people who share theirs—whether it’s kitesurfing, craftsmanship, or simply the love of the ocean.

What Makes Knoll Kitesurfboards Special?


Most directional kiteboards are built around a foam core. It’s light, cheap, and has been the industry standard for decades. But foam dents, delaminates, and harms the ocean we all love.


Lennard is changing the game. His boards feature a 3D-printed core made from PLA bioplastic, derived from renewable materials like corn and sugarcane. The inside of the board has a printed structure of ribs and stringers that support the deck from within. It’s then laminated with S-glass and epoxy, creating a board that’s stronger, lighter, and built to last—with minimal environmental impact.