Hendrick Lopes

How did you get into kiteboarding?

Growing up in Cape Verde watching kitesurf legends such as Mitu and my uncle Airton. It was only a matter of time before I began myself. Both my parents kitesurf and my dad was manager of a kite school in Egypt. I’ve learnt with him in Egypt, and never stopped since!

What is your favorite trick?

Carving a beautiful wall of water.

What motivated you to become a professional athlete?

I was born on a small island surrounded by water, with perfect waves and a simple lifestyle. At 10 years old, my family decided to move to Switzerland for a better education. This was quite difficult at the time, our lives became more of a routine which I didn’t enjoy as much. I remember in school, while teachers helped kids find their future dream jobs. All I could picture was kitesurfing  and traveling around the world. Being a kid and seeing my uncle Airton Cozzolino win his first world title, I knew that was exactly what I wanted. I took every opportunity I could to improve. Every Christmas holidays, our family would travel back to Cape Verde with one goal: progress. By the end of the trip id go back to Switzerland happy and successful.

What is #LiveFreeRideFree for you?

#livefreeridefree to me, this means smile and don’t take life to seriously, enjoy every single moment.

Your motto?

Riding waves is like riding my own life, never knowing how it’s going to end but focused in what I wish to accomplish.

Social media:

Instagram:   @_hendricklopes

Facebook:  @hendricklopespage