After more than three epic years on the IKSURFMAG team, Editor Crystal Veness is stepping down. She kicks off her last issue with the magazine by signing off, sharing a few words on her time with the team, and a look at what's next. Read it here!

This issue, unfortunately, starts with an ending. I'm stepping down as editor of this amazing magazine, handing the reins back to our founder and publisher, Rou Chater, to keep at the mission of collecting, creating, and sharing quality content for free to all of our readers around the world. Our web editor, Jen Tyler, will be working closely with Rou to keep telling the most important stories in the sport. Don't hesitate to reach out to either of them if you have some feedback on what you want to see more of from the magazine, or even share your own adventures with the kiteboarding public! 

I firmly believe that this is the best kite magazine in the biz, with unmatched accessibility to our readers, and next-level technology that allows our supporters and advertisers to understand where their advertising dollars are spent, and how our readers engage with their ads. As much as I love paper, the digital age is undeniable, and IKSURFMAG has been leading the charge since its first issue back in 2006. I'm proud to have been part of the journey! 

I've been with the team for just over three years now, and it has been an absolute pleasure. Our small team is a strong team, and I look forward to remaining close friends with everyone here at the mag - you might even see a few guest appearances from me down the road! I leave with a lot of love and appreciation for the IKSURFMAG crew, and can't sign off without a few much-needed words of appreciation for everyone.

Thank you to Rou for the trust and confidence in letting me run with it the past few years, always ready to bounce ideas or give support if I needed it. Jen, you've always been available to help with interviews, editing, or even just a chat at the drop of a hat; it's so special to have found the perfect work companion! Thanks to Anastasia for taking on the task of brand management and partnerships so I could focus solely on quality content, to Karen for putting up with all my weird ideas and making them work on the graphic design side, often at a moment's notice, and Alex for the top-notch technical support, making the mag interface work brilliantly online, and making sure I always have enough space in my Google Drive! Of course, thanks to the riders and photographers who have worked so hard to share their stories in written word and stunning images, and the brands and marketing teams I've worked with who make the kite world go round; it takes an army, and you're all legends!

Where am I going? Nowhere, really… I've been building my life and business in Cape Town and will continue doing that. It's incredible to live in the mecca of big air kiteboarding where waves and wind are plentiful, and every brand and pro rider ends up at some point, whether it's to test their latest products, showcase them in product shoots, or train and compete in some of the most epic kiting conditions on the planet. I look forward to spending a little more time on the water and staying connected to the industry and to the community of kiters that made me fall in love with this sport. Come and say hi if you ever come to visit South Africa!

Crystal Veness

By IKSURFMAG

Comments