Hooked on the First Jump: Jakub Komarek Has No Plans to Stop

At 15 years old, Jakub Komarek got into kitesurfing the way the best stories usually start: through family. The Prague-born rider felt the pull of Kiting on his very first jump and has not looked back since. We sat down with him to find out what is driving him.

Where are you from?
I am from Prague, Czech Republic.

How did you first get into kitesurfing, and at what point did it start to feel like more than just something you did for fun?
I got into kitesurfing through my family. We all started at the same time and I simply fell in love with it. I knew I would do it more than just for fun when I did my first jump and felt the feeling of flight for the first time. I was hooked.

What discipline do you focus on most, and how do you see that side of your riding developing over time?
I focus on freeride big air the most and I see myself going bigger and bigger as time goes on.

Who has influenced your riding the most, and what is the most important thing they have passed on to you?
Blake Olsen and Oswald Smith have definitely influenced my riding the most. I learn how to be smooth and have good flow from Blake, and the power and extremity from Ossy.

What is your greatest kitesurfing memory to date?
I think my greatest memory is my first ever backroll because I realised I could do something more with the sport and flip around whenever I would like.

Looking at everything you have done so far, what stands out as your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement so far is probably getting sponsored by North and Mystic in April 2024.

How would you describe the way you ride, and where do you think your style is heading?
I think I ride freely and it looks flowy, but at the same time I have extremity and power. I think my style in the future will combine the freeness and power together perfectly.

Is there a place in the world you have not kited yet but really want to, and what draws you to it?
Cape Town, the motherland. An iconic destination in the kitesurfing world that is a must for any big air rider.

What are you working towards over the next few years, and what does success look like to you?
My main goal is to progress in all aspects of the sport as much as humanly possible. Between big air tricks, foiling, wave riding, long distance trips and exploring new places.
The freedom and diversity of kiting will forever keep me driven to explore more. Another goal is to compete in the Redbull King of the Air.