The Interview: Santiago Cisneros

In this issue, Jen Tyler sits down with Santiago Cisneros, whose journey began far from the usual coastal hotspots. Growing up in Tucumán, Argentina, Santi’s love for kiteboarding was sparked on a family vacation and quickly became an all-consuming obsession. From crafting homemade kites as a child to becoming the Argentine Freestyle Champion, his story is one of dedication, community support, and an unstoppable drive to push the sport forward! Dive in and get inspired by Santi’s incredible journey here.

Santi, it’s lovely to meet you! We’re curious to know how your family tradition of kitesurfing has influenced your passion for the sport.

Hi Jen, it’s great to be here! I was born in a small town in northern Argentina called Tucumán, far from any major water sports scene. Everything changed for me when I was seven years old. During a family vacation in Brazil, my father discovered kitesurfing, and from that moment on, I became obsessed with the sport. I spent all my time thinking about kiteboarding, making my own kites from old T-shirts, and imagining myself riding the wind.

On my eighth birthday, my father gave me my first real kite, which marked a turning point in my life. I began travelling two to three hours to the nearest lake to ride, always with a clear goal: to make a living from this sport, travel, and compete—the dream of every kiter!

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What were the challenges of becoming a competitive kiteboarder in a smaller region like Tucumán?

Growing up in Tucumán, I was lucky to have two lakes nearby. The local kiteboarding community embraced me as one of their own, picking me up from school when my father couldn’t and taking me to the kite spot. This support was crucial in shaping my journey as a competitive athlete.

How have organised local championships in Tafí del Valle impacted the kitesurfing scene in northern Argentina?

When I first started kiting in Tucumán, the sport was on the verge of disappearing. My father and I decided to open a kite school and help it grow, which worked incredibly well. The same happened with competitions—Argentina has very few kiteboarding events, and the ones we do have are usually organised by the riders. Last year, I created my kite event, which was a complete success. Now, kitesurfing in my hometown is booming. Everyone knows about it and wants to learn. My goal is to keep growing the sport year after year.

What was the first kiteboarding trick you ever landed, and how did it feel?

I was drawn to freestyle from the beginning, inspired by tutorials by legends like Aaron Hadlow, Sam Light, and Ewan Jaspan. Like most kiters, my first trick was a simple jump, but I vividly remember the first time I landed a raley. My passion for the sport led me to explore different disciplines.

Are there any kiteboarders who inspire your style or push you to improve?

Over the years, I’ve found inspiration from a mix of people both internationally and nationally. Christophe Tack impresses me on the global scene with his unique style and manoeuvres. Then there’s Noé Font, who not only sails with style but also nails it when sharing that vibe in his videos. On the local front, I’ve always looked up to Lisandro (Turtle) Fasce and Ramiro Gallart for their skills and talent.

You also got into racing and won the 2019 Argentine KiteFoil Race Championship. Can you share the story behind this achievement?

After a few years of kiting, I had the opportunity to train in kite foil racing. Two friends, Ezequiel Balbarey and Federico Aguilar, took me under their wing and brought me to Paraná, where they provided me with gear and training. After a year, I became the Argentine Race Champion in my category, but despite my love for foiling, it wasn’t my true passion.

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Ozone | View in Mag

You later on made your mark in the freestyle world! What made your victory as the Argentine Freestyle Champion in 2023 particularly special?

Winning the Argentine Freestyle Championship in 2023 was a dream come true. Freestyle has been in my blood since the beginning, and that victory reaffirmed that I was on the right path.

What was it like competing in the Red Bull Qualifier (King of the Air) in Cuesta del Viento? How do you mentally prepare for a competition like that?!

Competing in the Red Bull Qualifier (King of the Air) at Cuesta del Viento was another eye-opening experience. It was my first event with international kiters, and it made me realise that I could do more than just freestyle. In all my competitions, I stay relaxed and focus on a solid strategy rather than putting too much pressure on myself to win. Of course, victory is the goal, but being overly anxious can block your mind. Instead, I aim to enjoy the session and perform at my best.

You’ve been riding for Ozone since 2020; what has been the most unforgettable part of your experience so far?

One of my most unforgettable experiences was my first international team trip with Ozone, shooting the AMP V2 in Greece. That trip was organised just a few weeks before, and I had never been to Europe. Suddenly, I was flying to Greece with my idol and team manager, David Tonijuan, alongside some of the best photographers and filmmakers, like Same Cardenas and Edgar Puyol. I was only 18 years old, filled with excitement, and surrounded by the pros I had always looked up to—it was a dream come true.

Since 2015, I have had the privilege of working with Ozone Kites. Ozone Argentina (Windtoys) has played a crucial role in my development as a kitesurfer. Lisandro Fasce, the owner, taught me everything about professional kiteboarding and welcomed me into the Ozone family. Beyond producing incredible gear, Ozone operates like a close-knit family with a passion and dedication that inspires me daily.

What has been your favourite kiteboarding spot outside of Argentina?

I’ve been lucky to kite in many incredible places worldwide, but if I had to choose one favourite spot outside Argentina, it would be Tarifa. That place has something special—the wind, the vibe, the people. It’s a place that breathes kitesurfing.

Core Kiteboarding | View in Mag

Ozone | View in Mag

What made you join the Ride Engine team, and how has the experience been so far?

Joining the Ride Engine team has also been an exciting step in my career. I’m still new, but their harness with the Hyper Lock system has blown my mind. The fit is perfect, and it never comes loose. I think it’s something unique that works flawlessly, and combined with their wetsuits, there’s no better combo to be ready for any conditions. Their tech robe is probably the best thing I’ve ever owned!

What’s your favourite gear from Ozone or Ride Engine, and why?

As a multidisciplinary rider, I appreciate Ozone’s wide range of kites and boards, but if I had to choose just one, the Enduro V5 would be my go-to—it truly does it all!

What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve had as a kitesurf instructor?

As an instructor, I’ve taught in many places and love it. I feel like I experience the sport in a unique way and try to pass on that passion to my students. Every kite instructor will say that the most rewarding moment is seeing the smile on a student’s face after their first proper ride—it’s an unforgettable feeling. A big hug, pure joy, and the best day of their life!

How do you balance being an instructor, competitor, and content creator?

Balancing my roles as an instructor, competitor, and content creator is challenging, and I’m still working on finding the right balance. Teaching is rewarding, but if you want to be a professional, you need to dedicate a lot of time to training—time that could otherwise be spent on the water or in the gym. Right now, I’m focusing on creating as much content for my brand while riding as much as possible while aiming to strike a balance between work and kiteboarding.

Do you have a favourite video or project you’ve worked on?

I have many ideas in mind, but one of my proudest projects is my welcome video for Ride Engine, released a few weeks ago. It was the first major project I worked on entirely alone, and I’m really happy with the result.

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Eleveight Kites | View in Mag

What are your goals for 2025 in competitions and personal progression?

If everything goes well, my main goal for 2025 is to compete more in Argentina and Europe. At the same time, I want to focus on progressing in my kite content and getting more involved in kite testing and development. 

Are there any new projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?

There are also some exciting projects and collaborations coming up this year—although I can’t share much yet, I’m sure they’ll be amazing!