Ruben Lenten is one of the superstars of our sport, but his career has been peppered with setbacks, from injuries at 16, through to life-changing cancer and his terrible crash in Barcelona last year. We catch up with him and ask him how he manages to remain so positive in the face of so much adversity.

An icon in the kiteboarding industry, Ruben Lenten started kiteboarding at the age of 12 and turned pro at the age of 16. Later on, he shifted towards the more extreme side of the sport which involved riding in storm conditions with intense winds and big waves. Ruben is known for pushing the limits in the sport and helping to organise some of the gnarliest events, including the Megaloop Challenge and the Red Bull King of the Air. In August 2015, Ruben was up against a challenge; a tumour pressing on Ruben's heart. Ruben has had his ups and downs, after getting back to full fitness following his cancer he then had a hideous crash in Barcelona last year and broke his leg, he’s still off the water and recovering. Somehow though he has always managed to come out stronger on the other side. Find out more, right here!

Ruben, how have you been? We hope you've been staying safe and sane during the lockdown! How have you've been spending your days?

Hi Jen, I hope all is well with you and your family, thanks for getting in touch! Things are pretty good here, despite not being able to kiteboard nor travel the world, as usual, I feel like we're in a perfect place during COVID-19 times.

The whole world is upside down and going through a process of some serious changes, while everyone has their own struggles, Nikki, and I are definitely both keeping busy with work, yoga, and now we've got a little one on the way, due 25th of November, so that's very exciting! We're moving to a new house soon, and I've got to go in for an ankle arthrodesis surgery on the 9th of June. So, there's quite a bit going on!

You've been kiteboarding since you were 12 years old and continue to leave your mark on the kiteboarding scene. What's next?

Wow, time flies when you're having fun, 20 years of kiteboarding already. What’s next? I'm focusing on getting my ankle to a point where I can stand on my kiteboard again. In the meantime, I'm working on sharing my knowledge with the next generation and other kiters through a masterclass or team rider membership so they can make the most of their careers and sessions. Currently, it's an unsupported journey for the next generation. We've inspired them to become pro-kiteboarders, but what does that even mean and how does it work? That's something I'd like to share and give them the knowledge on how to proceed to achieve their dreams.

If you go could back in time, and relive a moment, what would it be?

Going back in time is dangerous, haha! The most memorable moments for me would have to be my wedding day, riding storms, jumping piers and the cliff in Norway. Yup, more of that, please!

Can you tell us a little bit about the LEN10 Experience? How has the pandemic affected your business? Have you been able to persuade clients to reschedule rather than cancel?

I can't wait to go back to Brazil for another LEN10 Experience; it's always a blast bringing people from all over the world together for a week of kiteboarding, dining, partying, and adventure. Throughout the week, we make sure we kite at the best spots while making sure everyone feels safe, comfortable and supported during their sessions. During the theoretical lessons and coaching, it's rewarding to see people fully comprehend what they might be doing wrong and how to progress.

We run the events in Brazil and Cape Town, and for now, we've decided to reschedule this year's events to 2021, as it's still too uncertain to plan anything for now. Also, with the baby and surgery coming up and people are hesitant to travel, I don't want to add stress to our lives. I look forward to next year when we're in the groove again!

A year ago, almost to the day, you had a pretty horrific accident in Barcelona, can you tell us what happened?

Ah, what a day! On the 19th of April 2019, Day 1 of my 6-month road trip with a camera crew, I accidentally hit my quick release with my hand causing me to free-fall 8 meters and land on my board which caused my ankle to shatter in 20 pieces. Luckily, I had an outstanding trauma surgeon, Dr Christian Wilchess, which was able to fix me up with Stryker plates and screws. It was a gnarly fracture, and most of my cartilage had smashed off, and now 13 months later, I'm still in pain, as it's bone on bone in my ankle. I'm booked in for another surgery to fuse my ankle together. Unfortunately, I will be unable to move my foot up and down, but hopefully, there will be no more pain.

How has the road to recovery been, and what sort of challenges you have been facing?

The moment I crashed, I knew I smashed my ankle, and as it's not my first rodeo, I learned to keep calm, keep happy, and look on the bright side. That's what's keeping me sane and positive.

I'm not going to lie; it's been a tough journey. I had hoped for the pain to subside, and actually thought I'd be riding by now, but with a rough joint line and no cartilage, I'm still limping. The biggest challenge is trying to stay optimistic instead of frustrated. When I think back about all the things, I had planned that year, I get upset, which is pointless! Everything happens for a reason, and I'm making the most of my time, with the things I can do. I'm working with Ozone on custom gear which has been amazing; many people got involved in the competition and adding their graphics and logos to their kite and board.

I'm looking forward to the next surgery, and with 'nurse' Nikki by my side, I'm sure I can face whatever challenges are thrown at me!

Nikki has always been there during the ups and downs, which can equally be a rollercoaster ride! How has that helped you on your journey?

What goes up, must come down and what goes down, must come up! Nikki has been the best partner I could wish for, I never thought I'd get married, but then it hit me, and I knew she was the one! Such a pure and kind energy; I love her! We make a good team, and all these challenges make us stronger as individuals, but also together. It could've easily driven us apart, but instead, it has brought us much more understanding of who we are, and what we love about life. We challenge and support each other, and that's how we keep growing.

2015 was undeniably the most challenging year for you, how did battling cancer change your perspective towards life?

Oh, Absolutely. Having 30 litres of the heaviest chemo pumped through my body was the toughest thing I've ever been through. Yet, it has given me the most perspective, so for that, I'm grateful. In the hospital, I quickly learned that it could always be worse and that I'm very thankful and have tremendous respect for doctors and nurses. I got a 2nd chance at life, and I'm living it my way.

You've had your fair share of ups and downs, but yet you grab any situation by the horns, and emit positivity and strength, how do you do that?

I've had the time to dive into a personal and spiritual development journey during my recovery. A very dear friend of mine invited me to his course called IDiscover360, a deep study in human behaviour. I learned a lot about myself, others, life and nature. Every obstacle or challenge you face in life has similar drawbacks and benefits; "every cloud has a silver lining."

Whenever you face a challenge, try to turn it into an opportunity. It's a never-ending practice, and a lot easier said, than done, but when you get it right, it really does save you a lot of heartaches.

What would be your career highlight?

My career highlight is that by believing in myself and following my heart, I've been able to create a life that I love. Sustaining a career in kiteboarding isn't easy. It's a reasonably small industry, and working with sponsors can be challenging, but it's made me creative and able to develop my brand, LEN10.

I'm looking forward to seeing how things will unfold over time.

You're an ambassador for Sustainable Surf, could you tell us about the project?

Yes, I've been working with Sustainable Surf for a few years now. They're a non-profit organisation which helps companies rethink and restructure the way they create and reuse waste. For example, in Kelly Slater's Wavepool, they've used the waste from surfboard shapers to press tiles on the floor. That's just one example, but they're phenomenal at helping companies making a switch to new, eco-friendly materials.

You've got a passion for music and have been spotted on the decks many times. What is it about DJ'ing that you enjoy most?

Music has always been a part of my life. I've always loved electronic music, and it's continuously made me feel home wherever I travel in the world. I love how music sets the vibe for when people are enjoying the moment together. I enjoy listening, browsing, and sorting music daily!

How many years have you been with Mystic, and what role do you play in the R&D?

I've been with Mystic for over 15 years, and it's incredible to see where they are now. I'm very proud of the team for always pushing things to the next level, whether it's product development, branding, exposure, or teamwork. I've had my signature LEN10 line there since 2008 and worked together with the team on many other products. The R&D team is very professional, and I only give input for the features and graphics but mostly just testing their newest technologies and inventions.

What is your Ozone set up of choice? Have you gotten involved with their R&D over the past year?

I initially got in touch with Ozone for the first time because I wanted to have my sponsor logos on my kite and as they own their own factory, they could produce those kites for me. I rode the C4 for a bit, which was OK but was lacking some power and direct feel, for me. Then they developed the Amp V1 before I started actually working with them, and this kite blew my mind! It did everything I wanted, and I couldn't believe it was so good without me even getting involved! I added the LEN10 settings, so you get some more power and direct feel out of it and been loving it ever since. Board wise, the Torque V1 has been my favourite board for riding hard and flying high. It's been great getting involved with the team as they're so passionate about creating the perfect products for a variety of disciplines and riding styles. They're the only kite company that owns their own factory which allows them to be in full control.

Are there any exciting plans you'd like to share with us?

Keep an eye out for a LEN10 Masterclass, if you want to learn more on how to make the most of kiting and fulfilling your dreams. With the surgery, house move, and baby coming up, there's lots of excitement to share with you guys. Make sure you get in touch on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube - much love!

Thank you, Ruben! It's been a pleasure!

Videos

Ozone AMP v1 - Progression to the people
My most painful kiteboarding accident (shattered my ankle)
By Jen Tyler
Italian/Egyptian Jen Tyler grew up on the sandy beaches of the Red Sea and has been on the IKSURFMAG & Tonic Mag team since 2017.

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