Mark Cafero
/
Turks & Caicos
FOLLOW ME
www.annabelvanwesterop.com
Date of birth:
1994.02.21
Hometown:
Aruba
Sponsors:
Cabrinha,
NP Surf,
Saba Rock Resort,
Hobbies:
Yoga, horseback riding
Favourite athletes:
Rachel Brathen
BIO
I was born and grew up in the Netherlands. My parents, when I was eleven years old, decided to move to the beautiful island of Aruba. During the first few years I was mostly into Paso Fino horseback riding. I even joined the world championships in Colombia and returned with a silver medal.
Not much later, I got to know kite boarding and was immediately hooked. After four years of practicing, I finished high school and immediately started my career as a professional kite boarder. At the moment I am living the dream. I now travel all over the world competing in the PKRA World Tour of freestyle and visiting as many events as possible. I was ranked 3rd in 2013 and looking forward to another great season!
INTERVIEW
What are you looking for to accomplish?
I’m training hard to become the world champion one day!
What would be your greatest achievement?
Getting 3rd place in the world tour last year! :)
What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?
I’m always super afraid of knee and shoulder injuries which are very common in kiteboarding. I had a minor knee injury this year and am working very hard to keep my body as strong as possible.
What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?
I love the adrenaline rush when landing big tricks!
Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?
When I’m travelling I’ll do my workouts wherever I can find space. In my bedroom, the garden, hallways…
What do you do during your training which is key to your success?
My warm-up is super important. It doesn’t feel good to go on the water with cold muscles. Once I’m on the water I focus on just one or two tricks at a time, and make sure I get them perfect!
What are you most nervous about when competing?
I need to land my tricks!! The first trick is always most nerve wrecking because a good start makes the rest so much easier.
Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?
A young girl named Mikki de Man from Bonaire. She is super stoked on kiteboarding, makes sure she’s riding the same gear as me (which really is the best!) and I can totally see her growing up to be a pro too!
What is the best piece of advice you have been ever given?
If you really believe, anything is possible.
What are your future plans?
I am currently training in Brazil for the upcoming 2015 season. I’m definitely going to be competing for a couple of years and after maybe go study? Endless possibilities… :)
What are your tips for those who begin now?
Don’t give up. The beginning is tough but once you get through that you’re going to love it so much that you’ll never want to stop!
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