James Carew: Back in Full Force

He’s back! After months of physical and mental battles, James Carew has returned to the sport he loves with renewed strength and a sense of purpose, reclaiming his spot at the top. Catch the full interview with Jen Tyler in the latest issue of IKSURFMAG!

In June 2023, the GKA Big Air Strapless World Title was within reach, and James Carew was determined to land on the podium after a tough loss the previous year. “I felt unstoppable,” he recalls. And he was. James stormed through the competition, snagging his first Big Air World Title. But just as quickly as the celebration began, things took an unexpected turn.

“I wanted to change kites for a double loop right after the win. Me being me, I went for it full speed,” James says. During the second loop, three kite lines snapped, sending him plunging 10 meters into the water. “I hit the water like a meteor,” he says. As soon as he hit, James knew something was seriously wrong. "It felt familiar—I’d had a similar injury as a kid."

Flysurfer | View in Mag

Duotone | View in Mag

Initial tests showed a broken tibia, a bruised knee, and hip injuries. “Three months off didn’t seem too bad,” he thought. But further scans uncovered a torn meniscus, ACL, and other complications that required surgery and a much longer recovery. The new diagnosis hit hard. “Knowing I’d be off the water for six months, maybe a year, before I’d be 100%, was tough. I had a lot of doubts about whether I could come back,” James admits. “Whether I was still the athlete I thought I was. But you have to block those thoughts and tell yourself you’ll make it—even if you don’t believe it.”

While the mental side of recovery was challenging, James found peace in the ocean—even though he couldn’t surf or kite. “Not being able to surf was harder than not kiting,” he says. He started swimming in small waves early on, “The first day I swam in a one-foot wave, I felt like a kid again.”

The physical rehab was just as intense. “I had a very clear vision of my goal,” James says. With that in mind, he dedicated himself to his routine: six days a week of physiotherapy followed by gym sessions focused on slow, deliberate training to prevent over-exertion. “I listened to my body, giving it time to heal and slowing down when needed.”

Recovery wasn’t just about rebuilding strength. His afternoons were spent unwinding—time in the sauna, relaxing at the beach, and using ice or heat therapy. Despite setbacks like a failed surgery, James pressed on, hitting his milestones ahead of schedule, thanks to a solid rehab plan and his discipline.

But James didn’t do it alone. His girlfriend Bruna, who had overcome her own knee injuries, was a huge source of inspiration, and his sponsors were beside him every step of the way. “Bruna was definitely one of my motivators,” he says. Her resilience during her recovery gave him strength during his hardest moments. Everything I do is for the people who believe in me.”

Flysurfer | View in Mag

Core Kiteboarding | View in Mag

“All of my sponsors at the time were very supportive. They all helped me through this process and some of them helped me cover some big costs of the recovery process. I was very fortunate to have such awesome people around me at the time.”

When James finally returned to the water, he was nervous. “I thought I’d feel like a kook,” he laughs. But to his surprise, everything clicked. That first smooth session was a result of all the careful preparation, and soon, he was back, ready for competition.

Back on the competitive scene, James felt better than ever. “Honestly, I feel stronger now,” he says. The injury forced him to pay closer attention to the finer points of his training, and it made a difference. “Sending it like a madman is still my way, but now I focus on the details first.”

Standing on the podium after his comeback wasn’t just about the trophy. “It symbolised that all those small, deliberate steps during rehab were what mattered most in the end,” he says. His journey back to the top proved that consistent, intelligent work is the key to achieving your goals.

Now, James is focused on maintaining his body and avoiding further injuries. “Training is how I stay healthy,” he says. His advice to anyone going through recovery? “Figure out who you are, and then show up every day as the best version of that person.”

Core Kiteboarding | View in Mag

Naish Kiteboarding | View in Mag

Welcome back, James!