Kitesoul Magazine #17 English Edition

130 Athletes
Erik Volpe: kitesurfing makes us better people
Some riders in the water are like animals, beasts
launched to the victory capable of bringing out a drive,
bravery and competitive strength out of the ordinary
just to perform at their best and beat their opponents.
However once they get that number off their back, those
same riders lose that warrior-rolling halo and return to
be normal people even with a surprising shyness, humility
and generosity. See, this subtle balance between
being a fighter in a competition and an outspoken and
down to earth person in every day life belongs mainly to
true champions.
Kitesurfing is still a genuine sport, light years away from
the billionaire splendour of other disciplines such as
football or Formula 1, there are many champions, and
one of them is surely Erik Volpe. This boy from Puglia,
now 25 years old, has already gone a long way. Competitions,
international titles, prestigious teams, Freestyle
and Big Air victories, he certainly did not fall short of
anything. Also, some serious accidents that weaned and
fortified him. Above all, Erik travelled around the world
driven by his enormous passion for kitesurfing and he
still spends his life training, competing, visiting new
spots and living adventurously.
We got in touch with him in Venezuela where he has
just returned after a long stay in South Africa. His 2017
agenda looks full of engagements, which he faces with
his usual enthusiasm.