Thorben Jasper - GKA Kite-Surf World Tour
Photo: David Varekamp / SurfKitePhoto

Thorben Jasper moved down to Fuerteventura from Germany to live in his van and give himself over fully to the sport. Quiet and unassuming, he lets his riding do the talking and was impressive last year at the GKA Sotavento tour stop with some smooth strapless freestyle displays in all of his heats. He didn’t qualify for the main event in Mauritius, his first time riding there, but got to the final rounds of a huge qualifying stage in the heaving barrels and savage close-outs of One Eye!

Age:
27
Nationality:
German
Sponsors:
CORE Kiteboarding, Ride Engine Canarias
Home spot:
Fuerteventura
Years riding:
10
Years competing:
2
Best results:
9th GKA Sotavento 2016, 9th GKA Sotavento 2017
Specialist discipline:
Strapless freestyle
Favourite spot:
North Shore Fuerteventura
Favourite trick:
Double front roll
Favourite thing about competing on tour?:
I like that you meet the best riders from around the world all in the same time and place. You can compare yourself with others and exchange experiences, which helps a lot to improve your own riding as well.
Standout moment 2017:
Yes, that I missed the main event in Mauritius just by one heat. I went there without any expectations because I never ride in One Eye before my first heat. So I was pretty stoked about reaching the last round of the qualifiers.
Favourite competitors to ride against and watch:
I always try to watch as much as possible to compare the unique style of every rider.
2018 goals:
In 2016 I started just with one tour stop, 2017 I managed to take part in two events. So my goal for 2018 is to take part in more then two events!
How do you train?:
I just try to get on the water as much as possible besides work and drink one or two beers afterwards to get rid of the salt water taste!