Ozonated Waters

Jesse Richman has been around since the very beginning, but his latest move to Ozone surprised a few people, we get the low down from the man himself on why he moved…

We often say no to almost everything else to honestly say yes to our deepest desires. This 'deeper yes' drives us, defines our passions, and is worth risking it all for. Many of us recognise this but become overwhelmed by lesser commitments, losing the chance to give our deeper yes the energy it deserves. Sometimes, significant sacrifice and embracing uncomfortable change are necessary to achieve something truly great.

Change has always been a mixed bag for me. Mostly, it's exhilarating, but occasionally, it feels wrong to depart from long-established routines. Letting go of competing at King of the Air was a difficult change. For years, KOTA defined my life; I was determined to win, preceding many parties, fun adventures, and downtime to stay focused on training. I wanted to be the best and did everything possible to prepare for the war that KOTA is. After my victory in 2020, I knew I had accomplished what I had set out to do, and my heart was set on new adventures. But that didn’t make it easy to step back and watch new talent emerge with innovative tricks, fresh energy, and unfathomable fearlessness.

Ozone | View in Mag

Flysurfer | View in Mag

Post-KOTA, I began exploring the combination of freestyle and wave riding, experimenting with strapped kitesurfing. This new passion quickly developed into a profound drive to redefine the limits of wave riding with a kite, seeing potential from head-high waves to monumental 100-foot waves. This shift helped alleviate my FOMO from stepping back from KOTA and growing as I embarked on a mission to push my boundaries and the sport itself. In this new phase, I’ve connected with incredible people. I’ve enjoyed several years with O’Neill and recently re-signed with them, continuing my dream job with this behemoth of a surf brand committed to creating the planet's best apparel and wetsuits that are out of this world. 

This year, I also had the privilege of joining Ozone, a brand unlike any other kite company I’ve known. The reasons are clear: the people are exceptionally kind, humble, and hardworking, creating a unique team spirit; their gear is simply revolutionary, offering unmatched quality and performance; and their ethos—focused on sustainability and ethical business practices—sets them apart from industry norms. To elaborate a bit:

People: At Ozone, I've learned that while a good idea is the start, successful execution by a dedicated team makes it a reality. I am immensely confident in the capabilities of the Ozone team.

Gear: There’s much to say about the gear itself, but it’s meticulously refined and crafted to perfection. I’m thrilled to be using the finest equipment I've ever experienced.

Ethos: Ozone’s philosophy is simple but powerful—build the best, not the most. This is evident in everything from customer service to managing production.

Duotone | View in Mag

FacePlant | View in Mag

Ozone controls every aspect of its manufacturing, running a factory that produces only ozone products. This ensures the highest quality control and the flexibility to move away from unhealthy industry norms like overproduction and unnecessary yearly updates. The current market is suffering from supply chain issues, compounded by a surge in demand during COVID, leading to overproduction. Many shops now need help to purchase new stock as they still need to sell existing inventories. This situation is detrimental to brands, retailers, and riders, and even impacts the value of second-hand gear.

Wouldn’t a more sustainable model be better? One that avoids needless yearly updates and focuses on real improvements? Once I understood Ozone’s approach, I was hooked. They spend extensive time testing and refining products, ensuring that new models offer real advancements before their release. Owning their factory means they can produce on demand, avoiding excess inventory. This lean system also allows for customisation in colour and graphics, fulfilling orders efficiently (this is something that I freaking love, there is nothing like looking up at your custom kite).

I’ve joined the Ozone team as a rider and part of their marketing and R&D divisions. This role enables me to leverage content to forge stronger connections within the kiteboarding community, bringing enthusiasts closer to the brand and vice versa. I’m so motivated to be in a new position with more freedom and responsibilities. I'm excited to use every tool available to connect with kiteboarders as they pursue their passions and achieve their deeper yes, whatever that may be.